bosalisbury.com Posts

Published September 25, 2014 by

Gospel Goodness: Gospel Coach by Scott Thomas and Tom Wood

9780310494324What does every church leader need in the 21st century? Perhaps you gave the standard Sunday school response: Jesus! Well, that is certainly true. Since we are imbibing some more Gospel Goodness, you may have thought I was going to wrestle you to the ground and pin you until you cried “GOSPEL!” You wouldn’t be far off. Authors Scott Thomas and Tom Wood lead off with this simple and succinct conviction:

Every church leader needs a coach. Every church leader needs to be coaching other leaders.

I’m inclined to agree with them. For church leaders, a relationship with Christ is a given.… Read the rest

Books • Literature Gospel-Centered Leadership Planting

church leadership church planting coach elder Gospel pastor

Published September 19, 2014 by

Gospel Goodness: Gospel Fluency

Gospel Power

For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.” (Romans 1:16–17 ESV)

Because the gospel or good news is the “power of God for salvation to everyone who believes,” it just makes sense that I would want to be able to communicate that good news: I want to be fluent in the language of the gospel. But, more than that I want to gospel myself, remembering that the gospel that saves is the gospel that sanctifies – what Jesus has done for me is at work in me, transforming me into His image.… Read the rest

Gospel-Centered Planting

church leadership church planting Gospel Gospel Fluency Gospel-Centered justification righteousness sanctification

Published September 12, 2014 by

Seven Things to Know About Elders | Via Emmaus

Christ said that he would build his church, but he doesn’t raise up saints from stones. He uses means. And the means by which he strengthens, purifies, and corrects churches are godly elders who preach the gospel, teach the Scriptures, and call out error.

This is what we find instructed by Paul in Titus 1:5 and church history is filled with stories of godly men who have been used by God to bring about reformation and revival! May God be pleased to raise up more of these godly elders and may more elder/pastor/overseers be willing to remain in their churches to see this sort of reformation take place.

… Read the rest

Leadership Planting

Published September 11, 2014 by

Gospel Goodness: The Gospel-Centered Life by Bob Thune

GCLNow that we’re a bit better at gospeling ourselves, thanks to Joe Thorn’s Note to Self (yeah, that’s gospel as a verb), we can look at another standard work on the Gospel-Centered Everything  bookshelf . The Gospel-Centered Life  (GCL) is a nine-lesson small group study and a helpful resource for individuals. There is also a Gospel-Centered Life Leader’s Guide.  These books are authored by Will Walker and blogger/writer, Bob Thune, one of the pastors at Coram Deo Church Community (yeah, you read that church name right and the word order is significant).

I’ve been known to claim GCL is the closest thing to a perfect book I’ve come across in a long time — I’m being mildly hyperbolic.… Read the rest

Books • Literature Gospel-Centered Leadership Missional Communities Planting

books church leadership church planting Gospel Gospel-Centered missional communities small groups

Published September 9, 2014 by

Why Bother With Originality?

Even in literature and art, no man who bothers about originality will ever be original: whereas if you simply try to tell the truth (without caring two-pence how often it has been told before) you will, nine times out of ten, become original without ever having noticed it.

C.S. Lewis

I collect quotes and pithy sayings to share with others, fully realizing their veracity and/or utility vary greatly. Take this one by C.S. Lewis, for instance. How can we know if what he says here is really so? Who is he talking about, what is the truth he would have us tell, and what will it look like, if you or I become original?… Read the rest

Art • Design • Culture Quotes

Published September 5, 2014 by

Do You Know #65?

Do you know who #65 is? If not, isn’t about time? Check out this interview by PopDose.

A Songwriter’s Story: Bill Mallonee

BILL MALLONEE on August 21, 2014 at 3:40 pm

In a Paste Magazine poll of writers and artists, Bill Mallonee was listed at #65 of the 100 Greatest Living Songwriters. Mallonee is not only an accomplished songwriter, but a prolific one as well. Since the start of his recording career in 1991, Mallonee has released 58 albums. His latest album, Winnowing, is being released today. You can get a CD or digital download here. There’s going to be vinyl too.… Read the rest

Music

Published September 5, 2014 by

Gospel Goodness: Joe Thorn’s “Note To Self”

I thought I’d kick off my regular blogging with a discussion of a few books I’ve found not only insightful but actually helpful over a difficult decade for Denise and myself. After 41 years together, we’ve seen some huge changes, weathered a catastrophic illness, and lost loved ones. But, this was probably the most concentrated season of loss, sadness, and reorientation ever, reaching a crescendo these past three years.

We have been sustained through it all by the Gospel or the Good News: That Jesus died for our sins, according to the Scriptures — that He was buried, rose again the third day, and ascended to the right hand of the Father.… Read the rest

Books • Literature Gospel-Centered

books church planting elders Gospel pastors

Published August 25, 2014 by

Richard Baxter: Reforming and Revitalizing the Ministry

If God would but reform the ministry, and set them on their duties zealously and faithfully, the people would certainly be reformed.

Richard Baxter

Evangelicalism is experiencing a crisis of character in vocational ministry. For example… Well, you’re probably aware of many examples out there in the wider culture, but if you are living out the Gospel in main street America, you know you don’t have to look beyond your own town or neighborhood to find examples of greed, dishonesty, abuse or tussles for power. And, nepotism is often deeply rooted in smaller churches.

Richard Baxter faced these challenges of a rural parish minister, but he also found his way into the power centers of his day, ultimately serving as a chaplain to the king of England.… Read the rest

Leadership Planting

Published August 22, 2014 by

Am I Presentable?

Do you know of a school, church or other organization that may want to hear the harrowing story of how one man was blind-sided by the flesh-eating bacteria and lived to tell about it? I’ve shared our story a number of times, including an annual gig in science classes at our local middle school during “bacteria week.” More than once I was followed the next day by that gripping video drama, Killer Kitchens. Well, I do that sort of thing and, if I speak to your group, I promise to be clean shaven, appropriately dressed, and I’ll bring a version of the tale that is relevant and engaging.… Read the rest

Our Story

Published August 21, 2014 by

Cigar Box Guitar Craze

Evidently, the cigar box guitar (and, bass) craze has swept the land and I’m the last to know. Glenn Kaiser and I go way back, although he wouldn’t know that. He was the front man for the Rez Band, which I saw perform at Calvary Chapel in Costa Mesa over 30 years ago. Glenn is a very good guitarist and blues historian. Check out why he is so passionate about the cigar box guitar over at his blog.… Read the rest

Music

guitar music the blues

Published August 19, 2014 by

What’s Next?

future-sign-Things are coming together much quicker, thanks to some wonderful improvements in WordPress, plugins, themes, and CMS. ((http://wordpress.org, http://updraftplus.com, http://www.competethemes.com/ignite/, http://www.pagelines.com))  Good Mr. Baxter, my short, online  biography of that famous pastor, should be completed this week and I can get to the business of blogging and introducing some fresh, new work. Because my interests and experiences are so varied and seemingly unrelated, the plan right now is to devote a week or so to one subject at a time. So, if something comes up that interests you, just tune in for a while and check out when I’m blogging about boring stuff like Twelver Shi’ism in 19th century Iran.… Read the rest

Uncategorized

Published August 14, 2014 by

Pray For Revival!

Serious Christians long for revival (or reformation) and I have some good news for you, if you find yourself among that number. Consult the history books or, better yet, dig into the Scriptures. As you survey the collapse of Christian power and influence in the west, when you witness the open hostility and intolerance toward those who follow Jesus from both secularist and nominal Christians everywhere, and you see reports of persecution on an Apocalyptic scale around the world, you can be sure that revival is either here or on the doorstep. By the way, reformation and revival appear to be in full swing throughout Africa, Central/South America and Asia.… Read the rest

Quotes

church Jesus Jesus Christ persecution reformation revival Richard Baxter

Published August 13, 2014 by

I Got Religion: I’m a Baha’i!

GreatestName-Chicago“You’ll be happy to know I got religion: I’m a Baha’i!” My guitar teacher’s enthusiastic annunciation, during another failed attempt to learn that instrument in the mid-80s, launched me on a quest that would change or affect me in ways that I could never imagine. But, more about that later. Under the Interests drop down menu, you will find what represents the fruit of my intense six-year research and immersion into the Baha’i community 30 years ago.

Over time, I hope to reenter the world of Baha’i and will be posting anecdotes and updates to the blog, as well as other pages.… Read the rest

Baha'i

Baha'i

Published August 8, 2014 by

I Just Can’t Seem To Get Out Of Debt

For the sake of each of us he laid down his life – worth no less than the universe. He demands of us in return our lives for the sake of each other.

Clement of Alexandria

What follows is our text from men’s Bible study today, from the pen of Paul (keep in mind that the debt and obligation in these verses come from the same word group – in all cases, something is owed by one to another):

Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law. For the commandments, “You shall not commit adultery, You shall not murder, You shall not steal, You shall not covet,” and any other commandment, are summed up in this word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

… Read the rest

Christianity • Religion Gospel-Centered Quotes

cross debt Gospel Jesus Christ love

Published August 7, 2014 by

Being Human

The Lordship of Christ over the whole of life means that there are no Platonic areas in Christianity, no dichotomy or hierarchy between the body and the soul. God made the body as well as the soul, and redemption is for the whole man.

Francis Schaeffer
I tend to do things backwards. I suppose that’s part of the process in being redeemed. I finally poured the content into the pages that define what this site is about. You can read them here at Passion, which is singular, and over here, at Interests. I have one Passion, but many Interests and this site will explore the interplay between them in the life of a human being, who is being redeemed: me.
… Read the rest

Quotes

Christianity • Religion creation human image of God

Published August 6, 2014 by

A Little More Writer Stifling, Please

In an earlier post, I mentioned Flannery O’Connor and I have to admit I haven’t read nearly enough of her work! What she has to say here stings just a little bit:

Everywhere I go, I’m asked if I think the universities stifle writers. My opinion is that they don’t stifle enough of them. There’s many a best seller that could have been prevented by a good teacher.

Flannery O’Connor
I say a little bit, because I make no pretense of being a writer or best selling author. But, I am putting myself out there and here’s what you can expect to see beyond the quotes.
… Read the rest

Quotes

Baha'i books Flannery O'Connor Richard Baxter

Published August 5, 2014 by

Sentimental Jesus

The death of the Lord Jesus Christ on the Cross on Calvary was not an accident; it was God’s work. It was God who ‘set him forth’ there. How often is the whole glory of the Cross missed when men sentimentalize it away and say, ‘Ah, He was too good for the world, He was too pure. His teaching was too wonderful; and cruel men crucified Him’! The result is that we begin to feel sorry for Him, forgetting that He Himself turned on those ‘daughters of Jerusalem’ that were beginning to feel sorry for Him, and said, ‘Weep not for me but weep for yourselves’.

… Read the rest

Quotes

cross Jesus

Published August 4, 2014 by

Quotes: Lots of Quotes

Have you ever wondered why people who always seem to be involved in conflicts or controversy are the first to cry foul? Richard Baxter made this observation of human nature over 300 years ago and it’s as timely now, as it was during those factious days of the English Civil War:

He that will blow the Coals must not wonder if some Sparks do fly in his face…

Richard Baxter

I have hundreds and hundreds of pithy quotes (and, some longer), which I have collected over the years. I brought them together as a collection in a Hypercard stack, back in the early ’90s.… Read the rest

Quotes

conflict controversy quotes Richard Baxter

Published August 3, 2014 by

Welcome to bosalisbury.com!

BoDeniseBlogWelcome to bosalisbury.com. Today, I’m launching my new site and, so, I did what just about every failed writer or blogger out there does: I reorganized my office and physical files, went through my inspiration files in Evernote, searched my pockets for hastily scribbled notes and quotes, embarked on an archaeological dig through my inbox, took a nap and, finally, checked my email and social media accounts for any breaking news or urgent correspondence that came in over the past couple of hours. In short, I did whatever I could to avoid actually working on content for the site!… Read the rest

Uncategorized

Published June 5, 2014 by

4 Questions to Ask Before Joining a Church

Uncategorized

Published May 23, 2012 by

Surviving A Flesh-eating Disease – CNN.com

There are many strains of bacteria that cause the flesh-eating disease necrotizing fasciitis. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that there are about 9,000 to 11,500 cases of group A streptococcus bacteria, one cause of necrotizing fasciitis, each year. Of them, only 6% to 7% are invasive. More commonly, the bacteria results in infections such as strep throat or a skin infection called impetigo.

The CDC says that about 25% of patients who have necrotizing fasciitis die. Canada has 90 to 200 cases per year, with a fatality rate of 20% to 30%, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada.

… Read the rest

Media Coverage

Published October 21, 2008 by

Football Players Are Dumb?

Yeah, I played some football when I was a kid and really enjoyed it — linebacker, mostly. As I tell my kids, I loved gliding over the bodies, moving down the line and BAM!!! — hitting the runner emerging out of the line. Or, careening into the tight end on a slant: BAM!!! FUMBLE!!!

Anyways, I’ve never been much of a football fan — it’s way more fun to play than watch. I also remember people saying that football players are dumb, but that was never my experience. One of my teammates went on to West Point: There’s a nurse practitioner, a surgeon, one was an officer in the Marine Corps, another the head of the psychiatry department at a major university and one actually became a Postmaster!!!… Read the rest

Humor

Published October 18, 2008 by

Calendar Design • Bauhaus

Reliable CalendarDenise is collecting unique calendars… I get to use this one on my desk. It’s made of brass, it’s heavy-duty and it’s awesome. Every time you turn it over, the next day falls down into place. After the 31st, it reminds to you to change month… then, instructs you to turn slowly and, finally, informs you that this cool calendar is covered by Patent # 241137, 1925.… Read the rest

Art • Design • Culture Vintage • Retro • Kitsch

calendar invention

Published September 21, 2008 by

Please Allow Me to Spin a Tale

This post will take some twists and turns, but hopefully we’ll pass some points of interest for each reader along the way (all 3 of you).

We visited our friend, Joan, who was our next-door neighbor when we lived in the village of Sedgwick way back in ’93. She owns one of the oldest, if not the oldest, homes in town. She was getting her wheel all ready for a spinning demonstration at the Blue Hill Fair. It seemed very appropriate to watch her at work in the parlor of the home, near the great brick fireplace and original paneling.… Read the rest

Art • Design • Culture Family • Friends Film Travel

Blue Hill Fair Brooklin Charlotte's Web Maine Sedgwick

Published September 15, 2008 by

Krazy Kitsch

Denise may be an efficient office manager at LRR, but she’s also a stylish and sassy one! Just check out all the latest gizmos in her home workstation and you’ll know what I’m talkin’ ’bout. If it’s any indication of what she’s got going on at her pro gig… well, then it’s no wonder that she has proven indispensable to her employer.

Let’s see; we have a bill holder, an address/phone contraption, a stand for her eyeglasses, a pen/pencil holder, battery charger, field guides for bird watching, binoculars and, of course, her name plaque from her former employer, AAA.

You may have noticed that I haven’t blogged about Maine for about a week.… Read the rest

Art • Design • Culture Family • Friends Just Plain Fun Technology

bird wathcing Denise kitsch workstation