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Dangerous Calling Email – Chapter 2

February 6, 2013 by Phil Auxier

Here’s an email I wrote to our church leadership about Tripp’s Dangerous Calling.  I entitled this one “Losing Focus.”

I don’t know if you take many pictures, but I find myself taking pics all the time on my phone.  Just this week, I snapped one to use in a document only to find that once I transferred it, the picture ended up being blurry.  Evidently, my desire to take pics isn’t matched by a steady hand.  In chapter 2 of Dangerous Calling, entitled, “Again and Again,” Tripp helps shine light on why so many can lose their way (read focus) in ministry.  Here’s the nine points he makes:
1) Ignore clear evidence of problems.
2) Be blind to issues of his own heart.
3) Lack of devotion.
4) Not preaching the Gospel to himself.
5) Not listening to those closest to him.
6) Ministry became burdensome.
7) Begin to live in silence.
8) Begin to question calling.
9) Give away to fantasies of another life.
Here’s the concluding charge:  “No, not all of these characteristics are in the lives of each of the men I have talked with, but in all of them many of these things are operating.  And not only are they operating, but they are operating outside of the motivating, encouraging, empowering, transforming, and delivering truths of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  I write this because I am concerned for me and I am concerned for you.  And I am concerned for the culture in our churches that allows this to happen unchecked.”
So, gentlemen, let’s take a look at our hearts today.  Let’s check them so that we can freshly apply the Gospel to them and grow in our fellowship to God and one another. 
Have a great week.

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Filed Under: leadership, ministry, Paul Tripp

From One Degree To Another?

Yeah, that's right. My one, consuming passion is Jesus Christ, my Lord. I'm totally gripped by one message: the Gospel - the good news that God came after me when I was far from Him. So, the life I live, I live by faith in Him: He loved me and gave Himself for me.

From One Degree To Another is the change that He's accomplishing in me by grace. Growing downward in humility, upward into Him, outward toward others, and inward with renewal characterize my existence.

This site is where I flesh all of these types of things out, including my life as a slave to Jesus, husband, father, coffee-enjoyer, and pastor. I hope it encourages you.

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