One of my favorite books is John Piper’s, “Brothers, We Are Not Professionals.” It was one of the most impactful books I read in early ministry development and helped shape my understanding of pastoral ministry. Whether you’re in ministry, pursuing ministry, or simply want to see what pastoral ministry should look like, the book isContinue reading “Ministry is Not a Stepping Stone”
Author Archives: Titus Varney
Homeward Bound
The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. Psalm 23:1 Nearly two weeks ago, I went to the Emergency Room with a blood platelet count of two. Normal platelet count ranges from 140 upwards to 400 and, suffice to say, mine were not normal. After tests and starting treatments, I found out that IContinue reading “Homeward Bound”
My Shepherd in the Unknown
I am bound to live in simple dependence upon God, who sends just enough manna for each day, but no more. If I am in any dilemma, if I am in any difficulty, if I do not know which way I should take, had I not better go and tell my Heavenly Father so, andContinue reading “My Shepherd in the Unknown”
Seven Days of Encouragement in the Unknown
When in the fog-filled forest of suffering, the Lord brings encouragement to His people through a variety of means. Suffering is never meaningless, and we do not suffer alone. Paul tells the Thessalonian church, “ Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing. We ask you, brothers, to respectContinue reading “Seven Days of Encouragement in the Unknown”
Fear of the Unknown
Isn’t it fascinating that our minds aren’t content with what we know to rationalize events but instead focus on the uncertainty and fear of the unknown? Hop onto any self-service medical symptoms checker and ask about that freckle on the heel of your foot and watch as your mind jumps to the most severe ofContinue reading “Fear of the Unknown”
A Stone in the Shoe
The power of an illustration is its relatability with the intended audience. Illustrations about vineyards and wine will not resonate with people who have no understanding of either topic. When a preacher or teacher is adapting illustrations, they must be understood to have any impact. The following illustration is from Charles Spurgeon and the beautyContinue reading “A Stone in the Shoe”
Theological Aggregation–Week of November 8th
Every week, Theological Aggregation will bring content from around the internet for your consideration. The content will include, but not be limited to, impactful blog posts, new books, intriguing videos, sermon links, podcasts, music, and news. Justin Bass writes for The Gospel Coalition (TGC): “Indeed, this would not have been the first time Luke hadContinue reading “Theological Aggregation–Week of November 8th”
Limitless Access, Infinite Responsibility
Imagine you sit down to write a book. The year is “any year” before the internet, simple typing tools like Microsoft Word, and widespread adoption of personal computation devices. You sit down to write your book, you have ink in your pen, a nice beverage, and now you can begin the arduous task of researching.Continue reading “Limitless Access, Infinite Responsibility”
All Things Considered
A Short Historical Background of Acts The eternal struggle of the Christian preacher and teacher is to bring antiquity to contemporary audiences in such a manner that transports these modern hearers into the shoes of the people in the past while simultaneously leaving behind biases, preconceived notions, modern senses of morality and understanding. The contextContinue reading “All Things Considered”
Theocratic Anointing
The Holy Spirit is often overshadowed in the minds of people by the grand displays of deity like the numerous theophanies and Christophanies of the Old Testament and the arrival of Jesus, the perfect manifestation of God, in the New Testament. The reality is that the Holy Spirit is fully deity and his presence orContinue reading “Theocratic Anointing”
Theological Digressions 