Pretty Much a Wrap 12.25.2025

    My blog publishing day is Thursday. This week Thursday is Christmas Day. Next week Thursday will be…next year. So, in this space this is the last word for the year. If you are a regular reader of this blog, thank you. If you are a regular reader that also indicates, that, for all intents and purposes, I harass you with content. I hope that you benefit from these words. 

    Most of what I write is specifically intended for preachers. There are other issues that come up during the year, but my central purpose is to encourage good habits of study, writing, and review for those who are engaged in the weekly preaching and teaching of Scripture. I think everyone can benefit from the knowledge that there are some of us who take this task seriously enough to encourage others to do it well, to improve, to do the hard work, and to trust God to use our humble words to lift up the risen Christ. 

    I write many words during the course of a week. Sermons, lessons, these blog essays, Newsletter content, and continuing drafting on my next book. Everything I write is an extension of my local preaching ministry at the Grayville First Christian Church. I am a firm believer in the ongoing work of the Body of Christ. The church. We outsource far too much of our preaching, teaching, and other instruction to para-church organizations. This reliance on bodies which are not anchored in local worshipping communities is a part of the broader weakening of the Church—which is local and catholic (universal) by design. Jesus called disciples to literally follow Him, in the flesh, not via Social Media or through external neutral organizations. Jesus whole ministry from the birth we celebrate this week to the cross we will consider at Easter—all of it reminds us that Jesus, literally had skin in the game. 

There is no better job description than what Paul wrote to the Ephesian and Colossian believers:

“To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,” (Ephesians 3:8 ESV)

“Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.” (Colossians 1:28 ESV)

Thank you for letting me minister to you through the written word. If you’re ever in Grayville, we’d be tickled to have you worship with us. You do need to know that whilst you are here, we will just go ahead and treat you like family. That is what the Church does. Jesus didn’t have any enemies—only neighbors. If you are our neighbor—as we must consider you—then you will be loved, accepted, and told the truth. That’s how you treat family. 

    And that’s the point of this ongoing barrage of information. A part of my pastoral task is to help preachers, particularly those who are young, learning, and growing to improve their preaching as they serve in local churches. Again, thank you for allowing me to share with you as I address the issues confronting the contemporary pulpit. And never forget; every believer has some call of ministry on their life. If you are set-apart to preach, the equipment is the call, and it is your responsibility to develop that gift. I will do everything I can to teach, guide, and encourage you in the coming year. But as for 2025? That’s a wrap.