InFocus

Biblical Options for the Emotionally Abused

28 January, 2015 | Joy Harris(1) Comment

What should a wife do when her husband has a pattern of abusing her emotionally and verbally (but not physically)? Definition Abuse is not the occasional burst of anger, selfishness or criticism. Genuine abuse equals the Biblical term “oppression”. Abuse is a pattern of toxic behaviour (see chart) intended to maintain control over the woman whom he vowed before God and witnesses to love, cherish and protect. Our post defining emotional abuse further clarifies. A husband-wife relationship is “a covenant of mutual commitment that is designed to survive normal and even serious marital conflicts. . . however, verbal and physical abuse do to a marriage what murder and rape do to a life.”1 Leslie Vernick has an eye-opening article listing 5 indicators to determine from the Bible if a husband h ...

“The Trellis and the Vine” by Colin Marshall

26 January, 2015 | Jason Harris(0) Comments

Marshall, Colin & Payne, Tony. The Trellis and the Vine: The Ministry Mind-Shift That Changes Everything. NSW, Australia: Matthias Media, 2009. 196 pages. This Australian publication has made an impact across the globe, and rightly so. It is simple in its premise: The church involves both trellis and vine; structure and living organism. We must, therefore, do both trellis work and vine work. Failure to give proper attention to either will damage the other. This simple premise is worked out into practical ministry contexts through simple, direct chapter discussions. As I read the implications of this ministry paradigm and what this has looked like in the ministries of the authors, I was struck by the simplicity of it all. It felt so first century. Reaching people. Building them up for p ...

“The Supremacy of God in Preaching” by John Piper

19 January, 2015 | Jason Harris(0) Comments

Piper, John. The Supremacy of God in Preaching. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books, 1990. 105 pages. This is one of Piper’s early works. It is concise (at 105 pages) and focused. It’s focus is not on the details of homiletic approach, but the philosophy of homiletics. The goal and means. Piper makes his case that God is the centre of everything and therefore should be the centre of preaching. He then looks at the life and ministry of Jonathan Edwards to illustrate God-centred preaching. Piper’s arguments are brief and simple, profound and sweet. If you preach, I believe you will benefit from this book. Grace to you. ...

“The Doctrines of Grace” by James Montgomery Boice

12 January, 2015 | Jason Harris(0) Comments

Boice, James Montgomery & Ryken, Philip Graham. The Doctrines of Grace: Rediscovering the Evangelical Gospel. Illinois: Crossway Books. 240 pages. This is the first book I’ve ever read on Calvinism. I believe it would be beneficial for the non-Calvinist who wants to understand what Calvinism is according to a Calvinist. I think it would also be beneficial to the person who is connected with a Calvinist church but isn’t clear on exactly what the doctrines of grace are and what it means to be a Calvinist; in other words, you’re not sure you’re a Calvinist. For those who love the doctrines of grace, this book will be a refreshing, devotional reminder of the gospel you cherish. For those who do not, you may find your understanding of the gospel challenged fundamentally. This is all the mor ...

FREE! New ebook! Resolution

31 December, 2014 | Jason Harris(0) Comments

Resolution: making your resolutions & making them happen is Jason Harris' brand new ebook and it is now available! Even better, you can get it right now right here for free! You get one life. Just one. You live it. You use it up. And then it’s gone. This is the reality that energises Jason's latest project, Resolution, making your resolutions & making them happen. The new year is the ideal time to assess your life to see if you're accomplishing what you're here to do. Jason gives clear step-by-step guidance in developing your resolutions and seeing them through. Resolution is designed for believers who take their obligations seriously and want their lives to count for eternity. Get your free copy of this new ebook now! PDF ebook: Resolution (Jason Harris) ...