Author Archives: A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green

What Jesus Didn’t Say

Considering the circumstances they were facing, Jesus’ words to the seven churches in Asia in Revelation 2-3 are surprisingly brief. They obviously deal with the most vital issues facing those communities. But sometimes it can also be instructive to think about what isn’t said. Is there something omitted that we thought would be there? I can think of three thingsContinue reading “What Jesus Didn’t Say”

Swollen Nets and Shattered Hearts

They had been fishing all night and had nothing to show for it. That meant nothing to take to the market and no wages for their long night’s work. That’s the way it is with fishing sometimes— every fisherman knows that. Peter was a little disappointed and more than a little tired. They were washingContinue reading “Swollen Nets and Shattered Hearts”

Mrs. McArthur and the Power of Encouragement

She passed away on March 20, 2010 and I was honored to say a few words at her funeral. She had quite an impact on my life years ago when I was a seedling in life and faith. I guess she was the closest thing I had to a “mother in the faith.” I wasContinue reading “Mrs. McArthur and the Power of Encouragement”

Living Richly

Some context for 1 Timothy 6. Paul has just presented Timothy with a profile of some of the people who will not “agree to the sound instruction of our Lord Jesus Christ and to godly teaching” (1 Timothy 6:3). He tells us they possessed “an unhealthy interest in controversies and quarrels about words” (v. 4). Continue reading “Living Richly”

Thinking About Leadership (1)

I remember seeing a bulletin board many years ago that talked about the different kinds of “ships” the church needed to be healthy. The “ships” were : I thought that was a solid concept.  You certainly can’t have a healthy church without worship—giving God the honor, praise, and glory due Him. Paul speaks in RomansContinue reading “Thinking About Leadership (1)”

Thinking About Leadership (2)

To conclude, I wanted to share some practical words for shepherds, deacons, and ministry leaders that I have learned in my five decades of working with churches. They are applicable to anyone leading anything.  The first word is communication. Men, can we admit that for most of us, this is not a natural inclination or abilityContinue reading “Thinking About Leadership (2)”

Hazardous to Your Health

In late August of last year, the Surgeon General declared that parenting could be hazardous to your health. You read that right. Parenting is now in the same category as smoking, alcohol, and other forms of drug abuse.  According to the report: All this has caused some people to suggest that parenting today is moreContinue reading “Hazardous to Your Health”

Standing Firm

Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, dear friends! (Philippians 4:1) Firmness is a good thing! We don’t want it everywhere, but in some things it is an absolute necessity. Where in the world would we be without firmness in parenting,Continue reading “Standing Firm”