Pastor to the California State Capitol and Beyond
I enjoyed teaching last sunday at Grace Brethren Church of Chico, California, on the topic of "The Priority and Power of the Gospel." In Acts 25 we find the apostle Paul in Caesarea, called from prison, where he had been held for over two years, to appear before Festus, the new Roman governor of Judea; King Herod Agrippa; and an …
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Mark 6:10-11 “And He said to them, “Wherever you enter a house, stay there until you leave town. Any place that does not receive you or listen to you, as you go out from there, shake the dust off the soles of your feet for a testimony against them.” In first-century Jewish culture, shaking the …
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Mark 6:6b-13 And He was going around the villages teaching. 7 And He *summoned the twelve and began to send them out in pairs, and gave them authority over the unclean spirits; 8 and He instructed them that they should take nothing for their journey, except a mere staff—no bread, no bag, no money in their belt— …
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Mark 6:1-6a Jesus went out from there and *came into His hometown; and His disciples *followed Him. 2 When the Sabbath came, He began to teach in the synagogue; and the many listeners were astonished, saying, “Where did this man get these things, and what is this wisdom given to Him, and such miracles as these …
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I was honored to speak at the California Republican Party Convention’s Prayer Breakfast in San Francisco on Sunday, March 16. You can listen to the audio here. My ministry in the Capitol is non-partisan, so I will gladly speak at the Democratic Convention also if invited! After all, as I explain here, our nation’s greatest problem is not political … it is spiritual! (P.S. The introduction is difficult to hear, but once I begin to speak at about the 4 minute mark the volume greatly increases thanks to my lapel mic.)
Vinnie died on Sunday. He was just a cat, but he meant a lot to our family. He joined us over fifteen years ago. It was mother’s day, and my wife prayed for a pet. To her surprise, Vinnie showed up later that day at the porch, and he has been with us ever since. …
Continue reading "Goodbye to Vinnie: Dealing with Sorrow, Loss, and Regret"
Part-1 of Lance Armstrong's interview with Oprah that aired yesterday provides rare and valuable insight into the way many highly accomplished but self-centered leaders think and operate. Full-length videos of the interview aren't officially released and aren't staying online long, but if the one here still works or you are able to locate it you …
Few things are as confusing and painful as trying to glorify God and help people, but then finding that someone is displeased with your actions. But some people aren't going to be pleased no matter what we do. As Jesus once observed, "John [the Baptist] came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon!’ The …
It’s amazing what one person inflamed by the Spirit of God can accomplish. My wife and I lead a weekly youth outreach in our home. This week we had a guest speaker – a young man named Drew who just returned from six-months of missionary training. Drew is now as on-fire for Jesus as just …
Enemies. You may have had one … or more (whether you call them by that title or not). If you’re an experienced leader, you have likely had your share. They are those distressing people who hurt you or who won’t stop interfering with your goals, pursuits, or dreams. You know who I mean. But, now …
James 3:2 “We all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well." Those of us who speak extensively are often reminded of our imperfection. How many times have you felt like you are doing great, until that …
Too often, we focus on achieving, when we should be paying attention to process. The question is not, “When will things be different?” It is, “What is one thing I can do today to get a bit closer to the difference that God desires for me?” This approach takes the pressure off me (enabling me …
I was feeling sad as I reflected on some of the painful times and memories from my past. I occasionally get like this, and when I do it’s not good. Maybe you get like this sometimes too? Then, I suddenly remembered. I remembered that I have absolutely nothing to worry about because, well, ... I …
A stunningly beautiful wedding for an attractive young couple who for many represent the past strength and the future hope of a once supreme nation. But ... what if everyone paid as much attention to what was said as they did to what her dress looked like? The good: Continual mention of the one true …
Rob Bell's new book is really stirring things up lately. I haven't read it yet, but apparently he therein gives the impression that he is at least open to the possibility of universalism - that all people can be saved apart from faith in Jesus Christ. For me, the theological questions have long since been …
Ever feel lonely? A.W. Tozer said (The Saint Must Walk Alone) that we who follow the Lord should feel alone ... displaced in this world ... increasingly isolated from others as we press closer to Him. In fact, if we don't sometimes feel lonely, maybe we are too in love with this world. I love it when …
It's Christmas and I have done many things fitting for the day that we honor Christ's human birth - I read a few more pages in a classic biography about an incredibly devout pastor (Robert Murray M'Cheyne, by Andrew Bonar), I spent time in the Bible with my wife and kids, and now we're getting ready to watch a biblical movie (The Nativity Story). All …
I am troubled by my observation that many people (dare I say most people?) I have known who developed a strong interest in theology (literally meaning "the knowledge of God") also seemed to become disgustingly arrogant, judgmental, and unloving at the same time. Furthermore, their degree of offense in this regard seemed to grow in …
This blog is about the greatest journey in the world - that of becoming more increasingly like Jesus Christ, to the glory of God. I'm look forward to sharing thoughts about this journey with you.
Frank Erb 