Sam Bratt

“We must recognize that the apologetic force of our preaching isn’t always that our message is more believable than another, but that it’s more desirable. In evangelism, we don’t simply make a logical case, but a doxological one. We aren’t just talking to brains. We’re speaking to hearts that have desires and eyes that look for beauty. We’re not merely trying to convince people that our gospel is true, but that our God is good. Over the years I’ve tried to move away from cold, structured arguments into exultations of praise. From giving evidence for the resurrection to reveling in its glory. From merely explaining why Jesus is needed to showing why he should be wanted. From defending the Bible’s truthfulness to rejoicing in its sweetness. Preaching the gospel requires propositional truths. Believing the gospel requires historical facts. But when we preach, others should see how those facts have changed our lives. They should hear us singing with the Negro slaves, “I’ve found a Savior, and he’s sweet, I know.” They need to feel the weight of glory. That’s because believing the gospel—like preaching it—is worship. Which makes praise integral to our preaching and turns our priestly ministry into delight!”
― Elliot Clark, Evangelism as Exiles: Life on Mission As Strangers In Our Own Land

“The time is coming, and is here now, when the world won’t listen to our gospel simply because they respect us. However, they might listen if we respect them. Because how can we expect homosexuals to believe our concern for God’s created order when we don’t dignify them as people made in his image? How can we call our coworkers to submit to Christ as Lord when they don’t see us gladly and respectfully submitting to our boss? How can we tell of God’s love for the world when we exhibit disdain and revulsion toward our neighbors? How can we demonstrate a Christ-like compassion for our enemies when all they hear from us is concern for our rights and privileges? To honor others is to have a genuine care and concern for them. So this is what we must do—even for those who have no concern for us.”
― Elliot Clark, Evangelism as Exiles: Life on Mission As Strangers In Our Own Land

“In Ephesians 6, within the context of chapter 6 and the whole of Ephesians, the apostle Paul is talking about various relationships such as husband and wives, masters and slaves, and parents and their children. He moves to connect Ephesians 6:10-12 to these relationships to talk about how our battle isn’t against flesh and blood but against spiritual realities. Hence, what we encourage parents to do is see the spiritual war that is going on within themselves first, as they raise and struggle with their teenagers. (Boom!) It’s not their teenagers they’re fighting; their teenagers are not the enemy. They are fighting spiritual battles in their own hearts.”
― Danny Kwon, A Youth Worker’s Field Guide to Parents: Understanding Parents of Teenagers

“This is where biblical lament is transformative. It not only gives voice to the pain you feel but also anchors your heart to truths you believe—or are trying to believe when dark clouds linger.”
― Mark Vroegop, Dark Clouds, Deep Mercy: Discovering the Grace of Lament