Author Archives: davidsteele1966

EVANGELISM – J. Mack Stiles (2014)

The word, “evangelism” strikes fear in the hearts of many Christ-followers.  But nothing could be more backwards, for the people of God possess the greatest news in the universe.  A holy God sent his Son, the Lord Jesus to die in the place of every person who would ever believe.  Sinners may receive the hopeContinue reading “EVANGELISM – J. Mack Stiles (2014)”

TRUE GRACE, DISTINGUISHED FROM THE EXPERIENCE OF DEVILS – Jonathan Edwards (1752)

On September 28, 1752, Jonathan Edwards was invited to preach a sermon before the Presbyterian Synod of New York.  His son-in-law, Aaron Burr (who had recently married his daughter Esther) was the president of the College of New Jersey and undoubtedly had an influence in the invitation that Edwards received. James 2:19 is the textContinue reading “TRUE GRACE, DISTINGUISHED FROM THE EXPERIENCE OF DEVILS – Jonathan Edwards (1752)”

HERE I STAND: A LIFE OF MARTIN LUTHER – Roland Bainton (1950)

My copy of Here I Stand: A Life of Martin Luther is falling apart.  I first read this classic back in 1998.  At that time, Luther’s life and legacy were still very new to me.  Now over fifteen years later, the story is no less exciting.  In fact, it just keeps getting better. Bainton’s work is clearlyContinue reading “HERE I STAND: A LIFE OF MARTIN LUTHER – Roland Bainton (1950)”

ESSENTIALISM: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less – Greg McKeown (2014)

In the late 80’s I read Seven Habits of Highly Effective People.  That was a profound experience as Covey revealed areas of weakness that needed to be excavated in my life.  A similar thing happened as I poured over the pages of Essentialism by Greg McKeown. McKeown sets forth his basic proposal at the beginning ofContinue reading “ESSENTIALISM: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less – Greg McKeown (2014)”

GOD’S USE OF AFFLICTION – Jonathan Edwards (1753)

Jonathan Edwards sets out in this sermon to exposit a passage in the book of Job: ““Behold, blessed is the one whom God reproves;  therefore despise not the discipline of the Almighty.” (Job 5:17, ESV) Doctrine Three doctrinal propositions mark this very short sermon which was contextualized to reach the Stockbridge Indians with power andContinue reading “GOD’S USE OF AFFLICTION – Jonathan Edwards (1753)”

Center Church – Tim Keller (2012)

I have been reading books about the church for almost thirty years now.  Most of the best material is being churned out by Mark Dever and the boys at 9Marks.  Tim Keller’s, Center Church is a welcome guest in the growing list of books on ecclesiology. Keller sets out to communicate one central message whichContinue reading “Center Church – Tim Keller (2012)”

TURNING ADVERSITY INTO OPPORTUNITY – James Kouzes and Barry Posner (2014)

James Kouzes and Barry Posner have been offering help to leaders for years now.  Their seminal works, The Leadership Challenge, Credibility, and the Truth About Leadership have helped me immensely as I grow personally and pastorally as a leader.  Indeed, thousands of leaders have gained great insight from the works of Kouzes and Posner. TheContinue reading “TURNING ADVERSITY INTO OPPORTUNITY – James Kouzes and Barry Posner (2014)”

GRACE WORKS – Douglas Bond (2014)

Several months ago, I titled a sermon  Grace Works, based on Titus 2:11-14.   Verse 11  reminds us that grace has appeared in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ.  This grace has saved us.  This grace has transported every believer from death to life.    This grace saves us, sanctifies us, and secures our future with Christ.  Indeed, grace works!  SoContinue reading “GRACE WORKS – Douglas Bond (2014)”

THE MAN WITHOUT A FACE: The Unlikely Rise of Vladamir Putin (2012)

Masha Gessen has a story to tell.  This Russian journalist draws the lines clearly and writes in terms that are understandable and inspiring.  Gessen tells the story of the ascension of President Putin in The Man Without a Face: The Unlikely Rise of Vladamir Putin. Gessen writes, “And with this, the transformation of Russia back intoContinue reading “THE MAN WITHOUT A FACE: The Unlikely Rise of Vladamir Putin (2012)”