It’s been a great week. We hosted nearly 350 preachers at Luther Seminary at our annual Celebration of Biblical Preaching. We had a great time, with wonderful guests including Phyllis Tickle, Brian McLaren, Tom Long, and Grace Imathiu. (And you can still catch the video of the conversation...
Luke 11:33-36
posted by DJL
“No one after lighting a lamp puts it in a cellar, but on the lampstand so that those who enter may see the light. Your eye is the lamp of your body. If your eye is healthy, your whole body is full of light; but if it is not healthy, your body is full of darkness. Therefore consider whether...
Good Leaders Make Leaders
posted by DJL
When you watch the following short video, notice what happens to the people who come up to conduct. A little background to put this request into context. This video, produced by ImprovEverywhere, invites people to take a turn at the stand and conduct a Carnegie Hall Orchestra. There’s a group of musicians, a milling crowd, and a music stand with the invitation, “CONDUCT US”. Their expressions are priceless. Often a bit disbelieving at first, as in “you want me to do what?” Then a turn to nervousness or tentativeness, but usually then another turn toward enjoyment, and sometimes delight and passion and confidence to boot. I think...
Luke 11:27-32
posted by DJL
While he was saying this, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, “Blessed is the womb that bore you and the breasts that nursed you!” But he said, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it!” When the crowds were increasing, he began to say, “This...
Malcolm Gladwell on David and Goliath
posted by DJL
Think you know the story of David and Goliath? Think again. In the hands of Malcolm Gladwell, the story of David and Goliath takes on new meaning. Or rather, Gladwell turns our typical interpretation of this classic biblical story on its head. As Gladwell points out, we tend to read the David and Goliath story as the tale of an improbable victory of a relative weakling over a mighty warrior. Indeed, the phrase has been so incorporated into our language that many use it – in describing the underdog victory of one sports team over another, for instance – without even knowing its source. But as Gladwell tells it, the story is really about a...
Luke 11:14-26
posted by DJL
Now he was casting out a demon that was mute; when the demon had gone out, the one who had been mute spoke, and the crowds were amazed. But some of them said, “He casts out demons by Beelzebul, the ruler of the demons.” Others, to test him, kept demanding from him a sign from heaven. But...
On Grit
posted by DJL
Somewhere along the way, most of us bought into the notion that ability is central to success. You know what I mean, “he’s a natural musician,” or “she was born an athlete.” More recently, that assumption has been challenged on numerous grounds. Far more important than ability, it...
Luke 11:5-13
posted by DJL
And he said to them, “Suppose one of you has a friend, and you go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves of bread; for a friend of mine has arrived, and I have nothing to set before him.’ And he answers from within, ‘Do not bother me; the door has already been...
Phyllis Tickle and Brian McLaren Live Tonight
posted by DJL
Tonight I have the distinct privilege of sharing in a conversation with Phyllis Tickle and Brian McLaren on the future of the Church. Given that these two are among the most creative and provocative voices in the church today, I’m really looking forward to our conversation tonight, which begins at 6:30 (CDT). And I’m especially delighted that we are live streaming it for free to anyone who is interested. You can go to the live stream simply by clicking this link which will take you to the YouTube page set up for the event. Both Phyllis and Brian have written many, many worthwhile volumes. Most lately, Phyllis is the author of The...
Luke 11:1-4
posted by DJL
He was praying in a certain place, and after he had finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say: Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. And forgive...
Recent Comments