JP Pokluda

Why Do I Do What I Don’t Want to Do?
Baker Books, 2023
By JP Pokluda

WHO: JP Pokluda, lead pastor of Harris Creek Baptist Church in Waco, Texas. 

HE SAYS: “The only way to conquer a bad habit is to replace it with a better one.”

THE BIG IDEA: This book looks at 10 sins that seem to consistently trip us up and the Scriptures that show us how to respond in God-honoring ways to these vices. 

THE PROGRESSION: In Part 1, “The Ancient Battles,” looks at five “classic” sins and their corresponding virtues: pride and humility, anger and forgiveness, green and generosity, apathy and diligence, and lust and self-control. Part 2, “The Modern Wars,” takes on the battles we fight on a daily basis: perception management and authenticity, entitlement and gratitude, busyness and rest, drunkenness and sobriety, and cynicism and optimism.

“The day-to-day grind of fleeing sin and pursuing holiness is difficult. But just because it is difficult does not mean that it isn’t right.”

Love in Motion

Jesus came to us. It is that same incarnational example that moves us to go to our community.

What Does Evangelism Look Like in the Church?

It’s easy for us as church leaders (with good intention and a heart to serve) to get so wrapped up in the design and execution of helpful programs that we lose sight of the big picture.

Jimmy Dodd: A Detour to Marah

It is not wrong to be at Marah. Trips into Marah are a part of life. It is wrong to stay at Marah.