Skull Rock Nature Trail is a 1.7 mile-loop hike in the middle of Joshua Tree National Park. The terrain is easy overall, though there are some steep steps on the northern half of the hike.
Joshua Tree National Park is one of the hidden gems of California, unrivaled for its wide open spaces, starry nights, and interesting rock formations. If you are planning your own trip, I recommend using the Falcon Guide – Hiking Joshua Tree National Park: 38 Day and Overnight Hikes.
Last month at our church’s 35th Anniversary Banquet, one of our members gave out copies of the book Evangelism: How The Whole Church Speaks of Jesus by Mack Stiles.
Some of you started reading it right away, and a few have even finished it!
Dr. Al Mohler says of the book, “Every reader will be inspired, encouraged, and equipped to be a congregational evangelist. For the sake of the church, the gospel, and the world, this book belongs at the top of your reading list.”
I plan to start reading it next week, and want to invite you to get a copy and read along with me. I will be tackling one chapter per week and writing a summary and reflections on my blog. Then, I encourage you to post your own comments and feedback. This should help us all get more out of the book and consider together what it could mean for the local church.
On Tuesday, Dec. 16, I will write a review of the Preface, Forward, and Introduction (pp. 11-20). Come join the conversation!
“Gather up a group of men and women, young and old, black and white, Asian and African, rich and poor, uneducated and educated, with all the diverse talents and gifts and offerings. Just make sure all of them know they’re sick, sinful, and saved by grace alone. What do you have? You have the makings for a church!”
-Mark Dever, What is a Healthy Church? p. 29
I thought from time to time I would write a Teacher Tip to help our teachers hone our craft. I’ve been blessed to sit under some very gifted teachers over the years, to read books, watch videos, and attend conferences on teaching. I still have a long way to go, but the things I have learned I need to pass along to others.
Our first Teaching Tip is perhaps the most important of all: Stick to One Main Point. Teaching should not just be a running commentary of a Bible passage, like a string of popcorn on the Christmas tree. Every verse must be connected to one central idea.
Most teachers love to study, and we often end up with a ton of material. If we’re not careful, our teaching time becomes a “data dump” on our listeners, packing in as much information as possible within the allotted time. But this can actually be counterproductive. In our zeal to share everything, our students end up remembering nothing. Far better to single in on one “big idea” and connect everything to it.
If your passage seems to contain more than one point, you have a decision to make. It might be that you need to take one step back and look at the bigger picture, or perhaps you need to choose just one idea to focus on and pass over the others this time around.
Here are four strategies for sticking to the main point:
Let’s take one example. If you are teaching on the story of Jesus Feeding the 5,000 (one of my personal favorites), your main point might be “Jesus Meets our Needs.” You might take time to discuss the geography and historical background of Galilee, the compassion of Jesus, the amazing fact that He could feed such a massive crowd with so little, the purpose of miracles to authenticate Jesus as the Christ, how Jesus is the Bread of Life, the blessings of trusting God, plus related cross-references. But ultimately, everything should connect back to your main idea, “Jesus Meets our Needs.”
I hope you will be able to practice this tip in the month ahead.
Question: How do you stick to the main point in your study and teaching? Click here to leave a comment.
Photo credit: P!XELTREE
Tonight I have the privilege of giving the Invocation at our local Town Council meeting. Here’s what I will be praying. Please join me in lifting up our nation and community in prayer…
O God, you are a Father to the fatherless and a Protector of widows.
On this historic election night, we echo the words of the prophet Daniel, who served long ago in the royal palace of Babylon…
“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,
To whom belong wisdom and might.
He changes times and seasons;
He removes kings and sets up kings;
He gives wisdom to the wise
And knowledge to those who have understanding.”
Almighty God, millions have stepped into the polling booth today, casting their vote and exercising their American right.
We thank you for that privilege and eagerly await the results, knowing full well that YOU are the one who removes kings and sets up kings. You are the architect of history, the invisible hand behind every blessing, the powerful one who can always trump our plans.
Now, as we meet here tonight, we ask that this body would conduct its business with dignity, with fairness, and with compassion for all. You promise to give wisdom to the wise, so we claim that promise now, asking that you would pour out wisdom generously upon us tonight.
To you be all glory. Amen.
Photo credit: Diego Villuendas Pellicero
Pinch Of Clay 