By Josh Weidmann on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 8:28 PM

By Josh Weidmann on Wednesday, October 22, 2008 10:43 PM

I have been counting the days for this release…

As you may know, my favorite Bible translation is the English Standard Version. Since my studies at Moody Bible Institute and being on staff at Harvest Bible Chapel, my appreciating for this version is deep. Its readability along with its accuracy is something that is unmatched by other versions.

One of the things that I always wished the ESV had was a study Bible. Wayne Grudem must have seen this as a something missing as well, so he took it upon himself to solve it. This great man and theologian served as the general editor for the ESV study Bible. The other contributors are people I respect immensely and look to for correct interpretation and application of God’s word.

This Study Bible is complete with great articles, illustrations, cross-references, maps and more. It is fantastic!

For sample, pictures and more check out www.esvstudybible.org.

By Josh Weidmann on Monday, October 20, 2008 5:15 PM

While I was at Northpoint Community Church last week, I was able to meet a few guys from the staff. They all had so much wisdom to glean from that could help us here in Denver, but I soon found out that their wisdom is not all they had to offer…

A few of them have dedicated their lives to reaching the souls of Denver and connecting them to a deep relationship with Christ. A met two guys – Jason and Stephen – who are moving their families across the country to plant a church here in Denver. They, and another guy named Norton, have worked for Northpoint for several years. Now they are leaving the staff to fulfill a dream to plant a church… and they are doing it here!

I am excited to see what God does through them. I am sure that their passion, combined with their experience, will create something unmatched in this city. Check out their website at www.NewDenverChurch.org and let them know you’ll be praying for them by dropping them a line.

By Josh Weidmann on Sunday, October 19, 2008 5:08 PM

On Friday morning I meet some church leaders for coffee (and tea).Karen and Colin are people that I respect so much. I’ve known them for many years and love being with them.

Colin and I have a longtime connection – we were both involved with the Continental Singers yeeeeears ago. Colin and I share the same agency for our intenerate ministries. He is part of a comic pair called “Maddog and Englishman,” Colin is the Englishman. (Much to his demise he had to get “Irish Breakfast” tea because the didn’t serve “English breakfast” … it was full moment at the register.)

Karen has a heart of gold. She loves children (Her’s the most). She is passionate for music. And she is Colin’s main support – I am sure this is quite a calling ☺.

One of the things that made me laugh was Colin’s quick-witted back-handed compliments toward my honesty. I am not really great at being diplomatic all the time, and I think I employed that lack of gifting quite well at coffee that morning.  He would ask me how I felt about this-or-that and I would reply with my unfiltered answer… which probably took them by surprise at first.

Honest is something that I greatly value and strive to uphold in my life. In recent months I’ve been accused of being a “liar” and one that “spins” the truth. My prayer is that my entire life will be a no-spin zone. Why would I ever want to live to lives – one is hard enough.

I also believe that honesty is a key to companionship with anyone. Any relationship without authenticity has no promise of intimacy. Even acquaintances or momentary interactions with people are opportunities for them to see me and not just a concocted image of me.

By Josh Weidmann on Saturday, October 18, 2008 4:45 PM

I heard John Ortburg speak this week at Willow Creek’s REVEAL conference.

He was probably by far the best communicator at the event. However, it was not his polished style and delivery that was compelling; he asked a question that has been plaguing my mind ever since I heard him speak.

Are we (church leaders) challenging people to be “Admirers” of Jesus or “Followers” of Him?

Truth be told: I think many of us are just making people into admires of Christ.

We are filling church buildings on Sunday morning full of people that really respect Jesus. They love to hear stories of Him and will gladly ponder His ideas for how to live. BUT, at the core of their being they are following their own goals and plans rather than entirely devoting themselves to Christ likeness.

Surely John is not the first to ask a question like this; even the apostles had to call people on the carpet for their admiration of Christ instead of their reckless abandonment to him. People are quick to add Jesus to their list of people they look-up to but slow to make Him the one they give all to.