by Bret Capranica | May 10, 2012 | Marriage and Family, Pastoral Ministry, Preaching
Carefully Think Read through the following passages and list everything you find that Scripture emphasizes as a woman’s and/or a mother’s priorities: Titus 2:1-5, 1 Timothy 5:14; 1 Peter 3:1-6; Ephesians 5:18-24; Proverbs 31:10-31; 1 Timothy 2:8-15 For every item you listed as a priority, list what you find to be modern challenges to these priorities. Prayerfully Meditate How should a husband see these priorities and serve his wife in helping her achieve them? How could a single man use these priorities when praying about who to date/court/marry? How could a single woman without children use these priorities to serve other women, pray about her own situation, challenge her own heart’s desires? If your mother was not driven by these priorities, how could they assist you now in thinking biblically about motherhood? How could they help you in praying for and helping other mothers around you within the church? For those who are mothers, which one appears most critical for you to apply now? For those whose children are grown, how could you use these priorities in helping younger mothers or women before marriage and children? Intentionally Act Were any sinful tendencies revealed to you about your involvement in your home that you need to confess to God? For mothers, list out the actions that would be most appropriate for you to take in bringing your life in line with Scripture. Use this list for prayer. Use it in conversation with a godly older mother for input on how to apply them. Begin taking steps not to implement this list in your life. For those who are not mothers...
by Bret Capranica | Jul 27, 2011 | Biblical Studies, Pastoral Ministry, Preaching, Video
Make Leviticus practical. In Leviticus last week we said it covered 5 ways we live with God – or that He lives with us: sacrifice, mediation, purity, atonement, and holiness. Jesus fulfills all of those. The sacrificial system made atonement very practical, vivid, and constant for the Jewish people. How can it be for us. CJ Mahaney’s book, The Cross-Centered Life, suggests a few ways to preach the gospel to yourself regularly: Memorize the gospel Pray the gospel Sing the gospel Review the effects of the gospel Study the Gospel Books recommended in the video: The Discipline of Grace, Jerry Bridges The Cross-Centered Life, C.J. Mahaney The Cross of Christ, John R. W....
by Bret Capranica | May 27, 2011 | Biblical Studies, Featured Articles, Pastoral Ministry, Preaching
This week’s message will be the first of a 2 part series entitled, “Gospel-Centered Living” from Romans 12:9-13. Carefully Think Read Romans 12:9-13. Make a list of what the different characteristics you find here. After listing each one, try and write down a short definition of what each of them means. Can you think of any other Scriptures that would help you define them? What is the connection between these verses and the ones preceding them? Prayerfully Meditate How could you practically and consciously give attention to so many different gospel-driven characteristics? Which ones seem to be most practical to you in your life at the current moment? Why? What sin should you confess? Any relationships that need attention? How grateful should you be for the characteristics you do see in your life? Spend a few moments in prayerful reflection, confession, and thanksgiving. Intentionally Act Circle the characteristic that needs the most attention in your life. List the top 3 actions you can begin to take, by God”™s enabling grace, to strengthen this characteristic in your own life? Have you seen any of these characteristics uniquely demonstrated in the someone else”™s life? Who? How? Write them a note expressing how grateful you are to see God”™s grace being expressed in them. Or take a minute to have a personal conversation with them and express how you have seen God”™s grace uniquely displayed in their character. Encourage them. Pray for those who will be involved in this week”™s worship gathering Pray that they will all demonstrate these characteristics and help the congregation to focus together on God”™s Word. Pray for...
by Bret Capranica | Mar 29, 2009 | Christian Living, Interviews
Watch as Cindy Winters shares about the centrality of Jesus Christ through the tragic slaying of her husband. Fred Winters was shot and killed while on the platform during a Sunday service just four weeks ago. HT: @Ed...
