Author: Todd Engstrom
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Good Friday – Isaiah 53
Isaiah 53 53:1 Who has believed what he has heard from us? [1] And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 2 For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty…
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Without the Gospel | Challies Dot Com
The following quote is from John Calvin, via Without the Gospel | Challies Dot Com. It is some really great stuff, and very much encouraged me yesterday. Without the gospel everything is useless and vain; without the gospel we are not Christians; without the gospel all riches is poverty, all wisdom folly before God; strength…
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Current Reads
I’m currently digging into a few new books, compliments of the best Christmas present ever, an shiny new Amazon Kindle 2: The Church and the Surprising Offense of God’s Love by Jonathan Leeman Deep Church by Jim Belcher Untamed by Alan Hirsch Out of the Silent Planet, Perelandra, and That Hideous Strength by CS Lewis…
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Adoption and Redemption
Reflecting on Ephesians 1:1-14 the other day, God struck me with a profound truth about the very nature of salvation: In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption…
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Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas! I pray that the simple, yet miraculous truth that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” rests profoundly on you during these few weeks!
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2009 Top Posts – Ethereal Thought Train
I’ve pretty much let Ethereal Thought Train go stale in the last two months, but I figured to close out 2009 I’d throw out your favorite posts of the year. Without further adieu, here they are: The 5 Big Issues in Campus Ministry | Missiology 1 Summary of College Ministry | Gentrified Discipleship and Ministry…
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American Charitable Giving | mint.com
I thought the image below from the Mint.com blog was fascinating. It’s long, but worth a look. budget planner – Mint.com
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Giving Thanks
I’m sitting in the passenger seat on my way to the inlaws’ family thanksgiving and dwelling on this great American holiday, so I figured I’d jot down some thoughts. In no particular order: Most of the country is taking the weekend off to celebrate WHAT they are thankful for. What an incredible opportunity to show…
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Lessons from a Razor
As many of you know, I was in a South Asian country with two other pastors from The Austin Stone, and we had an unfortunate incident with some youth. My friend who was attacked has written his reflections, and I highly encourage you to read them. Here is a short snippet: Unexpectedly, one of these…
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Home on the Range
After flying ~15,000 miles in the past 6 days, and sleeping for ~16 hours over that span, I’m officially home with my family. I am grateful to God for the time I was able to spend with new friends, thankful for the power of Jesus to keep me and my team safe, and dependent on…
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A Mighty Fortress is Our God
Psalm 59:16-17 16 But I will sing of your strength; I will sing aloud of your steadfast love in the morning. For you have been to me a fortress and a refuge in the day of my distress. 17 O my Strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress,…
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Being a Pastor – Fun Sunday Questions
Here’s a rundown of some of the questions I was asked today from a variety of different people: Are you a young earth or old earth creationist? Can you tell me where the bathroom is? Can you find some people to pass the offering baskets? Why did God require a sacrifice for sin? What role…