Providing spiritual counsel to the victims of abuse, rape, and incest

Jay

I came across this article last week online and wanted to bring it up for discussion on SharperIron because it seems like a lot of our responses to allegations or cases of abuse / rape are done ‘on the fly’ as we become aware of them. There are a lot of interesting points and tidbits here, so I wanted to share it with you all and see how we can develop a much better and more holistic approach to abuse, especially how we approach the victims of abuse and their families.

Discussion

“As I Ought to Speak” - Biblical Dynamics for Preaching and Teaching (Part 2)

Christopher Cone

(Continued from Part 1.)

Speak with Purity

In Colossians 3:8 believers are told to put aside obscene speech (aischrologion). While there is no such thing as an inherently bad word, the speech of the believer is always to be seasoned as with grace (Col 3:6) to be able to meet the need of the moment.

Some practical implications

  • Deliberately choose words for their impact, avoiding words that would detract or distract.
  • Use questionable or culturally taboo terms only when necessary, especially if the text employs such terms (e.g., Zeph 1:17, Gal 1:8-9).

Discussion

"As I Ought to Speak" - Biblical Dynamics for Preaching and Teaching (Part 1)

Christopher Cone

Just as we seek to discover our hermeneutical method from the pages of Scripture and to apply those principles consistently, we also need to recognize that Scripture has much to say regarding how we should communicate God’s word to others. These principles even go so far as to help us think through the appropriate dynamics of communication.

Keep it as Simple as Possible

In John 16:29 the disciples acknowledged that Jesus was speaking plainly or boldly (parresia), rather than with figures of speech, and they responded, “Now we know…” They were not confused about His message, and understood what He was telling them. While certainly there are appropriate uses of figurative language and illustration, it is generally better to communicate simply and straightforwardly in order to ensure the point is not lost in translation through the use of too many rhetorical devices.

Discussion

It Is Legal In 38 States...

PastorTimDelello

Recently, a Dean of an Independent Fundamental Baptist College posted to his social media page an update regarding the fundraising attempts to hire a lawyer in attempts to lessen a sentence on his incarcerated son serving a long term for sexually molesting an underage girl from the Christian School where he was on staff. The son admitted guilt and the judge gave 48 years plus probation and a sex offender tag.

Discussion

Are There Open Pulpits?

Ron Bean

It’s been about ten years since I last looked for a place to preach and pastor. I had friends looking for churches and availed myself of the placement program from my seminary. The majority of churches that I remember were like these:

— Small but with potential (their description) requiring a bi-vocational pastor

—Had a history of short-tenured pastors (1-3 years)

—Had individual essential distinctives (Bible versions, music, pro or anti Calvinist)

Discussion