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I Will: Nine Traits of the Outwardly Focused Christian  by Thom Rainer is the latest in a series of books by the author to help the church by helping the average church member. An Autopsy of a Deceased Church sought to take a look at common traits that lead to the decline and death of churches and encouraged believers to avoid those pitfalls. I Am a Church Member was an effort by Rainer to address the attitudes of church membership and how to be a better church member. I Will takes that a step further by addressing church members' behaviors.  I think I Will does for the average layperson what What Is a Healthy Church Member? by Thabiti M. Anyabwile may do for a more intellectual layperson. In fact, that is one of the things that I have loved about Thom Rainer. One doesn’t need an advanced degree to understand what in the world he is talking about. He speaks in a language people understand, giving important data in a relevant way that they can apply in very practi

In Numbers 13, we have recorded the names of 12 men. Their names are listed there for all to see. Tasked to spy out the land of Canaan ahead of the conquests, these 12 would report back on what they found. Forever, their names are linked with their reports. The majority shrunk back in fear while a vocally strong minority wanted to trust God no matter the obstacles, claiming God's promises that the land was theirs for the taking. You have a name and you are developing a reputation. Is it that you have trusted God or that you shrunk back in fear? Choose wisely how you develop that name and reputation, for others are watching and will follow. Numbers 13:27-33 (NKJV) “We went to the land where you sent us. It truly flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. Nevertheless the people who dwell in the land are strong; the cities are fortified and very large; moreover we saw the descendants of Anak there. The Amalekites dwell in the land of the South; the Hittites, the Jebusit

Counterpoint Series on Sale through September 13 The Counterpoints series provides a forum for comparison and critique of different views on issues important to Christians. Covering diverse topics in the areas of theology, biblical studies, and church life including volumes on the historical Adam, hell, biblical inerrancy, baptism, divine providence, evolution, the rapture, women in ministry, eternal security, the Canaanite genocide, and much more. Featuring contributions by today's most respected scholars and top including Michael F. Bird, Darrell L. Bock, Craig L. Blomberg, Wayne A. Grudem, Michael Horton, Tremper Longman III, Douglas J. Moo, Thomas R. Schreiner, Kevin J. Vanhoozer, John H. Walton, and many more. The Holy Spirit (The Gospel Coalition Booklets) Kindle Edition by Kevin DeYoung Free for a limited time Stronger: Trading Brokenness for Unbreakable Strength by Jim Daly of Focus on the Family Free through Tuesday, Sept. 8, 201

Something that has occurred to me is the number of people who attend church and inevitably someone says something insensitive, hurts them and then they leave, seemingly never to return. Now, don't get me wrong, but to me this seems like one of the Devil's greatest tricks in payoffs. The sheer number of people who give in to this dirty trick is astounding. I've talked with other Christian leaders and they tell me the same thing. So, if this describes you, please know that the church is full of redeemed sinners but they are still sinners. Inevitably, one of them will say something that will sting. In fact, sooner or later, you will say something to your pastor or a fellow believer that will hurt. Stay long enough, and more than likely, I will also say something stupid that may hurt you. This is because I am a sinner as well. Now pick yourself up off the floor. It really isn't that shocking. If I left because someone said something to me that hurt me, I probably w