Jesus’ conclusion to the Sermon on the Mount, spoke of the necessity of a good foundation. A good foundation is significant in anything that matters. To experience healthy church growth, having the right foundation is a requirement. Such growth does...
Keys to Unlocking Disciple-making Let’s consider the keys to unlocking how to be effective at making disciples. Lock and key are apt descriptions. Too often when people are converted the church does not retain them. We need to ask ourselves...
The story of Joseph and his brothers is one of jealousy, betrayal, and deception among siblings. Joseph's older brothers entered into a conspiracy of manipulation that lasted for many years. They seized an opportunity to eliminate the brother they viewed as a...
In this instance, confession must precede suggestion. This is an area where my struggle continues. However, being aware of the problem increases my mindfulness (at times) of how I’m dealing with time. ****************** Six Filters for Time The statement, “I...
God does miracles on the basis of faith’s expectation. You can know about the Lord Jesus Christ, as a character of history, a religious guru, or have some in-depth knowledge similar to that of young Moses. But to know - is not to have experienced. To know the height of the tallest mountain in the world, is not to have experienced that mountain. You can have a fresh dimension in Christ, as you experience Him doing new things in your personal life and in the life of those around you.
Humans have consistently worshipped some deity, even if it is being gods unto themselves. From rain forests to mountains in Asia evidence exists to connect with the gods. Such gods had a specific portfolio. The oft-mentioned Baal was god of...
What happens when a pastor and spouse “age out?” Too often there is no smooth plan to move to another season of service. This blog poses a question without providing an adequate solution. Thought-provoking
Can a Person Read too Much? Even too much of the Bible? It would be folly to make that statement. So I won't. Perhaps the question should be set up better. Imagine this scenario. You, read five chapters today. Done daily,...
I’ve been a pastor for almost 30 years and in ministry for nearly five decades. There have been more ups than downs, but in the down-times, when stress was high, there’s one thing I never did. Quit. Dealing with selfish...
Discouragement is one of Satan's best used tools. And often discouragement comes through the words and behavior of others. (Defeating Discouragement continued - to read Blog #1) But there are other causes. #2 Discouragement - The Way of Life Life...
An old story told of the devil once advertising his tools for sale at public auction. When the buyers assembled, there was one odd shaped tool labeled “Not for Sale”. When asked to explain why this particular tool was not...
The three chapters of Habakkuk are interesting. They contain a discussion between the prophet and the Lord. There is not much in Habakkuk that is prophetic. It is a faithful servant of God having a one-on-one conversation with the Almighty....
Daily Things of Christian Living CarltonCoon.com Review Chapter - Daily Purpose In the late ‘90s, two books took the Christian world by storm. Decades later, The Purpose Driven Church and The Purpose Driven Life, authored by Rick Warren continue selling...
In an earlier blog, discipleship was defined. One who learns and then does. An oft overlooked element: there is no final graduation from Christian discipleship. The followers of Christ set themselves to continually learn and then increase their capability to do...
A disciple is one who learns. In Christian life the knowledge is not abstract information. Instead, a disciple is one who learns and applies. Every saved person is to be a disciple of the Lord Jesus Christ. We are to...
There are days when "thank you" seems appropriate. Whose hand was on the shaping of you? I'd love to hear the names of the unknown and unheralded who made you what you are.
What is it like to be depressed. Obviously that varies from one person to another. But this one chapter from the book Light in a Dark Place - Encountering Depression captures the essence of the experience from several vantage points.
Pastoral Hack #6 – Create a You’re Terrific File & Use It A hack is anything that provides a shortcut toward being effective. Using pastoral hacks is working smart even while you work hard. This pastoral hack may seem self-serving....
Pastor, I appreciate you as my leader. Leading is not fun, nor is it easy. There is too much responsibility. You lead people. Longtime pastor, Ron Mullins' book title captures it: People are a Mess, and We are all People....
Depression is real. Depression destroys. To overcome depression requires deciding to fight. This blog is written from experience. I encourage you to join me in fighting back. Learn to pray the psalms.
There is a Life in Brief version and a second much longer version. Carlton L. Coon Sr. Life in Brief No longer in my 40s. Married to Norma for several decades. Two sons, daughter-in-law, two grandsons, and one granddaughter Preaching...