Josh Hunt's blog

Jesus taught we are changed more by what we say than what we hear: He went on: "What comes out of a man is what makes him 'unclean.' Mark 7:20 (NIV) That is why the Bible makes such a big deal about what we confess. That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved. Romans 10:9-10 (NIV) It is not enough to believe. We must confess. The implication is we don't really believe it until we say it. We are changed more by what we say than what we hear. This is why Jesus asked Peter, "Who do you say that I am?" It is not like Jesus did not know. He knew that when Peter said, "You are the Christ" he would believe--really believe--and be changed by that message. This is why I believe so...

All Jesus did that day was tell stories—a long storytelling afternoon. Matthew 13:34 (MSG) Jesus always used stories and illustrations like these when speaking to the crowds. In fact, he never spoke to them without using such parables. Matthew 13:34 (NLT) Again Jesus used stories as illustrations when he spoke to them. He said, Matthew 22:1 (GW) Where to find good stories I try to spend about half the time I spend in preparation in formal preparation--reading commentaries and what not. The other half I try to spend in reading trade books. I try to read story-rich authors--people like John Ortberg, John Maxwell and John Ortberg. Did I mention John Ortberg? I really like him. I used to listen to a lot of cassettes, back in the day. Then, CDs, now podcasts. Great thing about podcasts: they are free! Who doesn't like free? I have listened to every sermon John Ortberg and Andy Stanley have preached in the last five years. All free, ...