If we desire the "hand of God" (i.e., his power) to return to our churches, we should focus less on the personalities and abilities of people, and more on Jesus and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Instead of trying to bring men and women to Christ in the biblical way, we are consumed with the unbiblical concept of "church growth." The Bible does not say we should aim at numbers but rather urges us faithfully to proclaim God's message in the boldness of the Holy Spirit. This will build God's church God's way.

I'm not qualified," I protested. "Me, a minister? I have no idea how to be a pastor." He said, "When God calls someone, that's all that really matters. Don't let yourself be afraid.

When people are intimidated about having their own opinions, oppression is at hand.

Do you want to be safe and good, or do you want to take a chance and be great?

Being bridled, or yielding obediently to restraint, is necessary for our personal growth and progression.

When all fears of a possible worse thing are passed, there is in some sense peace and even glory.

Mars hates those who delay; but if you fear the weight of arms, now then go forth unarmed

I doubt if, after all, I'll ever write anything again worth putting in print.

But I am slow-thinking and full of interior rules that act as brakes on my desires.

The Holy Spirit, so central to New Testament writings as diverse as those of Paul, John, and the author of Acts, inhabits the message and empowers the speaker, so that the proclamation of God's act in Christ is the new occasion of creation, issuing from the Trinitarian power of the originating Word itself.

Resolve is not incompatible with Christian humility.