Michael Reeves

Evangelical Pharisees
Crossway, 2023
By Michael Reeves

WHO: Michael Reeves, president and pastor of theology at Union School of Theology in Brigend and Oxford. 

HE SAYS: “Pharisaism was—and remains—a primarily theological issue.”

THE BIG IDEA: This book challenges Christians to reject legalism that masquerades as devout religion but hides destructive pride, idolatry and even apostasy. 

THE PROGRESSION: This book is short—only five chapters—but it packs a punch in dealing with the issue of hypocrisy in today’s church by examining the ways the Pharisees were mistaken in their understanding of three essential points of the gospel: the Father’s revelation in the Bible, the Son’s redemption in the gospel, and the spirit’s regeneration in our hearts

“The glory of God in the face of Christ has always been the lodestar or guiding light of reformation and refreshment in the church.”

How Much Tech Do You Actually Need?

Because you cannot do this alone, you are going to have to trust the right individuals who know more about tech than you do. Your calling is to shepherd. Do that.

Gene Appel: Do Less Ministry; Reach More People

None of the programs at our church were bad in and of themselves. The volume of it just prevented us from being focused on building relationships with those who are far from God. So, we had to do less ministry to reach more people. It sounds funny, but people had to be trained in how to do life with nonbelievers or people spiritually disinterested.

When Familiar Becomes Careless

God wants to be in a relationship with his people that’s not marked by fear but love. Not apprehension, but an appreciation of his great grace and compassion.