From John Piper's chapter, "Is There Christian Eloquence? Clear Words and the Wonder of the Cross"
There is a statement that James Denney made over a hundred years ago that haunts me. Whether we are talking about the more high-brow eloquence of oratory or the more low-brow, laid-back, cool eloquence of anti-oratory, Denney's statement cuts through to the ultimate issue. He said, "No man can give the impression that he is clever and that Christ is mighty to save."
...The cross is the place where our sin is seen as most horrible and God's free grace shines most brightly. Both of these mean we deserve nothing. Therefore, the cross undercuts pride and exalts Christ....
...Self-exaltation and Christ-exaltation can't go together.
From Mark Driscoll's chapter, "How Sharp the Edge? Christ, Controversy, and Cutting Words"
For you who are faithful to pray for your shepherd or who in reading this aspire to join the faithful, I encourage you to pray for your shepherd in seven ways.
1) Please pray that God would give your shepherd a discerning mind.
2) Please pray that God would give your shepherd thick skin.
3) Please pray that your shepherd would have a good sense of humor.
4) Please pray that your shepherd would have a tender heart.
5) Please pray that your shepherd would have a humble disposition.
6) Please pray that your shepherd would have a supportive family (and please pray for his wife and children).
7) Please pray that your shepherd would have an evangelistic devotion.
