Using ChatGPT in Sermon Preparation

February 11, 2023 By Jim Erwin

Using ChatGPT in Sermon Preparation As a pastor, crafting a sermon that captivates and inspires is a critical aspect of your ministry. ChatGPT is a cutting-edge language model developed by OpenAI. It offers a unique chance to harness the power of AI and machine learning to streamline your sermon preparation. Here are concrete examples of how ChatGPT can support pastors in their journey towards delivering an impactful sermon. Biblical Study and Exploration One of the fundamental elements of sermon preparation... Read more

Five Challenges Postmodernism Presents for the Church

February 3, 2023 By Jim Erwin

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Five Challenges Postmodernism Presents for the Church Postmodernism is a philosophical and cultural movement that emerged in the mid- to late-20th century. The movement challenged and continues to challenge many of the foundational assumptions of modernism. At the same time, the movement has introduced a new way of thinking about truth, reality, and knowledge. The church, as an institution that is deeply rooted in the modern era, has faced a number of challenges in adapting to this new way of... Read more

Resilient by Rick Hanson

January 27, 2023 By Jim Erwin

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Resilient by Rick Hanson Resilient: How to Grow an Unshakable Core of Calm, Strength, and Happiness by Rick Hanson is a must-read for anyone looking to improve their emotional well-being and build resilience in the face of life’s challenges. Hansen has packed this book with practical tools and techniques for building emotional strength and resilience. Hanson, a neuropsychologist and New York Times best-selling author, shares his expertise on how to develop emotional resilience and find inner peace and happiness. Helpfully,... Read more

Postmodernism and Christian Thought

December 17, 2022 By Jim Erwin

Postmodernism and Christian Thought Postmodernism is a philosophical movement that emerged in the mid-20th century and has had a significant influence on a variety of fields, including literature, art, and politics. It is characterized by a skepticism towards grand narratives and metanarratives, a rejection of objective truth, and a focus on the individual subjectivity and personal experience. Impact of Postmodernism on Christian Thought Postmodernism has also had an impact on Christian thought, as it has challenged traditional Christian beliefs and... Read more

How to ENDURE Through the Holidays

October 30, 2022 By Jim Erwin

How to ENDURE Through the Holidays How to ENDURE Through the Holidays from James 1:16-21 is part two in the series of sermons on “How to Care for Myself During the Holidays.” I see this section as a progression. In James 1, we see that the Christian life is about personal growth. First, we grow through trials. Then we grow through overcoming temptation. Then there are stages of growth relate to the Word of God, the Bible.[1] The section begins... Read more

The Challenge of Self-Care

October 23, 2022 By Jim Erwin

The Challenge of Self-Care The Challenge of Self-Care from Mark 6:30-34 is part one in a sermon series entitled “How to Care for Myself During the Holidays.” We have entered that new three-month holiday season: “Hallowthanksmas.” I saw this cartoon years ago and thought it was a great joke. Since that time, I have now seen people promote the idea of the three-month long holiday season. This period of the year can be exhausting for people. You are going everywhere,... Read more

Was Queen Elizabeth II a Christian?

September 8, 2022 By Jim Erwin

Was Queen Elizabeth II a Christian? “Was Queen Elizabeth II a Christian?” is a question that many people have asked as a result of the death of the longest-serving British monarch in history. As queen, she has influenced British and world history. As queen, she is head of the Church of England. Yet, the role is reflective of her position as a monarch. Some will wonder: Was her faith authentic? Did she say that she followed Jesus Christ? How important... Read more

Can I Ask You a Question by Preston Condra and Kelly Condra

August 16, 2022 By Jim Erwin

Can I Ask You a Question by Preston Condra and Kelly Condra Can I Ask You a Question by Preston Condra and Kelly Condra is an excellent resource for the Christian who wants to engage with other people about their faith in Jesus Christ. The authors share a variety of elements that can help a Christian have confidence in sharing their faith. These elements can help a person share Christ effectively with caring, clarity, and confidence. FEARS ABOUT SHARING THE... Read more

What Is the Difference Between Fundamentalist Christianity and Evangelical Christianity?

July 7, 2022 By Jim Erwin

What Is the Difference Between Fundamentalist Christianity and Evangelical Christianity? When people hear about a Fundamentalist Christianity and Evangelical Christianity, many think they are the same thing. Yet, Christianity is on a spectrum. Christianity is like the political spectrum. In politics, you move from right to left, you go from conservative, to moderate, to liberal. Democrats are on the left (with the Democrat Socialists being on the far left). Republicans are on the right. There are moderate Republicans. Yet, as... Read more

How to Respond to My Former Church-Going Friends

June 26, 2022 By Jim Erwin

How to Respond to My Former Church-Going Friends How to Respond to My Former Church-Going Friends (1 John 2:18-29) is the fourth sermon in a series about “Engaging with My Spiritual Friends.” Introduction In the latest Gallup Poll,[1] belief in God dipped to 81%, down 6 percentage points from 2017, and the lowest since Gallup first asked the question in 1944. “Belief is typically the last thing to go,” said Ryan Burge, assistant professor of political science at Eastern Illinois University.... Read more