So We Speak

Eugene Peterson is best known for the Message, but he should be better known for his pastoral books. In this episode, Cole and Terry discuss two of Peterson's books, Working the Angles and Under the Unpredictable Plant , and the huge impact he's had on them as pastors. 

Did you know that you have to pursue holiness? Jerry Bridges' book The Pursuit of Holiness is one of our impactful books. In it, he summarizes God's requirement that his people be holy and practical ways to work toward putting sin to death and seeing the fruit of the Spirit. 

In the kickoff of a new series, Cole and Terry discuss books that have been influential in their thinking and faith. This week, they discuss The Expulsive Power of a New Affection by Thomas Chalmers and Desiring God by John Piper. 

In the opening chapters of Genesis, things go from bad to worse. The story of Cain and Abel is about a fued between two brothers, but it's also something much more than that. In this episode, Terry and Cole dive into the other aspects of this familiar story and the powerful application for today. 

Listen to Cole's sermon, "Fig Leaves: Cain and Abel." 

Should every sermon have an altar call? Not exactly, but every sermon should have a strong application rooted in the text. That's what O.S. Hawkins and Matt Queen argue in The Gospel Invitation. They lay out the biblical background and practical tips for extending gospel invitations in preaching. 

The opening scenes of Genesis evoke numerous questions, but maybe the most important is: what will you do with your guilt and shame? In a recent sermon, Cole preached on the fig leaves in Genesis 3. Cole and Terry discuss this passage and others in the opening pages of the Bible. 

How will Tim Keller be remembered? In previous episodes, Cole and Terry have discussed Keller's series of articles, "The Decline and Renewal of the American Church." Here, they reflect on the dynamics of renewal in the church and talk about the impact Tim Keller had on their lives and on the church. 

"John Owen was the greatest - and certainly the most formidable - of English Protestant theologians.” So begins Crawford Gribben's book, An Introduction to John Owen, the best introduction to one of the most influential and enduring Christian theologians. But there's more to Owen than his theology. He was a man of the church, served as Vice Chancellor of Oxford, and lived through one of the most turbulent times in English history. In this episode, Cole talks with Dr. Gribben about Owen's life, impact, and legacy today.

Find more of Dr. Crawford Gribben's work at his website Puritan History. 

In this final episode on the book of Revelation, Terry and Cole discuss the following questions:

1. What does it mean that we will be judged by our deeds and how does this square with salvation by faith?

2. Will there be rewards in heaven? 

3. What is your view on Revelation? 

Watch the whole Apocalypse series at Crossings Community Church. 

What makes a great worship set? How does God use the planning, preparation, all the different pieces, and promptings in the moment to meet his people in worship? This week Mars Coleman joins the podcast to talk about leading worship, writing songs, and life as a Christian artist. 

Follow Mars on his website and on Spotify.