What first caught my attention last month about the notorious plan to burn the Quran on September 11 was that it would happen in my old stomping grounds of Gainesville, Florida. I spent a quarter of my life in Gainesville: four years as a student at the University of Florida and three more as a [...]
Author Archives: Andrew Lisi
Blow Up Some of Your Memorial Stones
July 22, 2010 – 3:02 PM
I think everyone has a memorial stone or two that's in the wrong place. On the day that I realized this I began praying that God would blow them to pieces. I began praying for their complete destruction, knowing that if they remained they could destroy me. I am the first to admit that those experiences in my life helped shape who I am and I firmly believe in a sovereign God whose guiding hand is present even in the most difficult of circumstances. But unlike the twelve stone memorials in Gilgal, mine are not in places of celebration. When I go back to these spots I do not rejoice in what God has done. These places are real, and they are places to pass through. But they are not places I should stop at.
Which Offering Really Matters?
April 21, 2010 – 11:35 AM
In Leviticus the perfect animal sacrifice is called for. The demand is not for just any animal. It couldn’t be deformed or defected in any way. I can only imagine the “Best in Show” of all animals. This also seems to go against everything our modern minds consider, especially our Darwinian-informed minds. This is a “sacrificing of the fittest.”
How Do You Get From Herman to Heather?
April 2, 2010 – 6:51 AM
I believe the great task of any Christian--from early believer to seasoned theologian or pastor--is to take the unique language of Scripture and theology and make it accessible to those who have not been exposed to any of it without losing the essence of what God is communicating in His Word. I am constantly learning how difficult of a task it really is, especially because I also believe we must retain the clear language of the Bible.
Save Yourself!
March 15, 2010 – 11:35 AM
Three distinct movements. Three different sets of people. Three different mocking accusations. One angry command. One gracious response.
Semester in the Seminary of Suffering
March 8, 2010 – 7:54 AM
As I journey through this semester in the seminary of suffering, I am realizing that I have sought too long to avoid suffering in my life. Furthermore, my eyes are opening to the plain truth that I know too many people--Christians--like me. We do not have a proper theology of suffering. We do not get trained in a proper theology of suffering that incorporates both the mind and the heart. As a result, we do not know how to minister to others in their suffering, providing trite, cliché, theologically and emotionally hollow answers to questions we're unwilling to wrestle with before the Living, Triune God.
I Thought I Was Past That Sin
February 26, 2010 – 6:03 AM
I have heard often from friends and those I've discipled these words uttered in deep disappointment--"I thought I was past that sin." After being told this time and time again, and even after me saying this to myself and to God, I've come to realize that no matter how mature I've grown in Christ I'm never too far from the most disgusting and most "basic" of sins. John Bunyan would agree, as he has been credited with saying "There is enough evil in my best prayer to damn the whole world."
Pastors, Where Are Your Priorities?
February 19, 2010 – 7:06 AM
Professors in all my classes communicate time and time again the devastating effects of pastors who get their priorities all mixed up. They cling to their positions as pastors, finding identity in the power they have instead of it being in Christ. As that lust takes over it permeates into other areas of life, many times leading to cheating on their wives. Then, as if utterly blind, they try to hide their sin instead of confessing it, thinking that their pastoral position is jeopardized by cheating instead of being repentant because their marriage is destroyed by their lust for power.
Without Love, You're Nothing
February 12, 2010 – 8:46 AM
We're approaching Valentine's Day quickly. Gents, I hope you have everything planned out and are ready to pull the trigger when Sunday runs up on you like a desperate car salesman. With the holiday's approach one word is being tossed around a lot more than normally--love.
The Church Planter's Rude, Great Awakening
Matt Sweetman moved to Chicago with his wife and two boys in April 2009 to plant Destination Church. After nearly a year and a half of meeting together as a church, expectations weren't meeting reality. "I expected more growth and higher assimilation," Sweetman told me. "I expected people to bring more people. I didn't expect [...]