“God with us” is not just a Christmas message; it is the heart of God and the golden thread woven throughout all of Scripture. However, the emphasis at this time of year brings us face to face with the miracle of mercy: God desires to be with man. The high, holy God of eternity wants…
Read More
Each year Tammy and I are privileged to spend time with couples across the country in a variety of retreats and conferences. After 25 years of marriage we are more in love than ever and more convinced that the spiritual battle for our nation is being fought on the battlefield of the home. Satan always…
Read More
God Came. In many ways, these two words summarize the message of the whole Bible! They encapsulate the love and mercy of our God. We could never come to Him – so He came to us. When things are at their worst, God comes. This is the message of creation. The earth was full of…
Read More
This week we will walk where Jesus walked. My first immersion into Bible geography came during a three day stop in Egypt soon after I graduated from college. Standing at the Pyramids and floating down the Nile caused the stories of Joseph, Moses, and the children of Israel to come alive. Twenty years ago I…
Read More
The Lord has a way of connecting co-laborers. More than a quarter of a century ago God allowed me to get acquainted with a young man from New Jersey named Stephen Troell. He had just come to Crown College and, in the providence of God, he was placed in my dormitory. Over the years that…
Read More
When I was a child Christmas was my favorite holiday. As I have grown older, Thanksgiving has moved into that place. I love the time of year, the emphasis, the quiet, the moments with family, and yes, I love the food! Yet there is something greater than a week of Thanksgiving, and that is a…
Read More
This year has been a year of loss. In God’s economy, loss is so often gain if we are ready to receive it. Somewhere in the midst of loss there is grace that God will give and wisdom He wants to teach. When we are forced to look at death, we must reflect on the…
Read More
The world calls it addiction; the Word calls it bondage. Sin always makes men slaves, and only Christ can give liberty. This is very important to realize: enslaving sin is Satan’s cheap substitute for what only the Good Master can provide. What leads to addiction? We seek relief. We seek release. We seek refuge. All…
Read More
My memory is still vivid of the first time I heard the Hallelujah Chorus given in a pubic meeting. I remember watching that vast crowd of people stand in honor of the One who was being praised. Every time I hear the chorus it brings a flood of thoughts and emotions to my heart as I imagine…
Read More
8 Signs of a Healthy Church Tammy and I sat in a service recently and listened to believers in a local church give spontaneous testimonies. It was evident from what the people said that they had been shepherded. Their pastor had taught them to love Christ and the Word of God. My heart was so…
Read More
Seeing God in Every Scripture The preacher speaks about the necessity of all Scripture and people politely nod their heads. We read, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable…” and everyone gives a hearty “Amen!” Yet, when it comes to our actual attention to the Word of God the scope is…
Read More
The latest trend in social media is a new platform known as “Be Real.” Its niche is notifying users once each day to capture and share a post within two minutes. Oh yes, and it has to “be real.” No staging. No filters. No special lights. In fact, it actually shares two pictures – one…
Read More
Western culture is far removed from the ancient culture of Bible times. Sadly, in the midst of so much modern “progress” there are many eternal values that have been lost. One of those is revealed in our attitude toward the aged. Contemporary culture, driven by media perception, places a premium on youth. Yet in Scripture…
Read More
Just a few days ago we shared a helpful article on using gospel tracts. That post was written by Pastor Tom Sexton of the Gulf Coast Baptist Church in Cape Coral, FL. Soon after that resource was made available Hurricane Ian made landfall in the place where he ministers. Their church sustained damage and Pastor…
Read More
Truth and the Danger of Overcorrection All of us who have driven for any length of time have experienced or witnessed the danger of overcorrecting. A slight distraction, a sudden movement by another driver, or an unexpected object in the road can cause an overcorrection that leads to disaster. This is true in all of…
Read More
It is a great privilege to serve Christ in any way. The highest calling on earth is not the calling to be a preacher, but to simply be a follower of Jesus (Mark 3:14)! Out of that call the Lord makes clear to every minister his own calling from God. I am very grateful that…
Read More
Over time believers tend to reduce their Christian lives to a list of things “to do.” This was the error of the Pharisees and is a mark of empty religion in every generation. Busyness, conformity, and externals too easily become the measurement of spirituality. Perhaps this temptation is because it seems simpler to just give…
Read More
It has been a great joy living with Joseph for the last few months. Just think – we will spend eternity with all of these godly Bible characters! The more I have grown to know Joseph the more I have grown to love the God who was faithful to him at every season. He is…
Read More
It is a pleasure to walk through God’s Word with so many of you on our daily podcast. The paths of Scripture are full of adventure and spiritual refreshment! Thank you for being a fellow traveler as we seek to follow our tour guide, the Holy Spirit. The Lord Jesus said of the Holy Spirit,…
Read More
It was my privilege to moderate last year’s Southwide Baptist Fellowship in Raleigh, NC. God gave us a very special meeting and real encouragement from His Word. (You may watch the 2021 messages here.) Now, we are just over 10 weeks away from the 2022 meeting! Pastor Tim Rabon is serving as this year’s moderator,…
Read More
A few week’s ago I asked friends who follow us on social media if they would help me pray for a mountain that needed to be moved. Since that time I have had numbers of kind, praying people ask me if the Lord has moved our mountain yet. It has been humbling to hear many…
Read More
Dreams. Opportunity. Favor. Power. Blessings. Purpose. Jealousy. Conflict. Betrayal. Temptation. Prison. Difficulty. All of this and much more is found in the story of Joseph. His is a representative life in so many ways–an example for us all. Follow the adventures of Joseph and you will see both the positive and negative experiences of life.…
Read More
(The following article is by Chase Whitten. He is now serving as an associate evangelist with ETJ and assisting with a number of gospel projects. You may read more about his evangelistic work here and reach him at ch***@****************ey.org.) Over the past fifteen years we have had great gospel opportunities in a variety of ministries,…
Read More
Do you have a favorite psalm? The psalm I hear most often referred to is Psalm 23. Unfortunately, it has become so associated with funerals that we easily forget that the powerful words were not written for death, but for life! Psalm 23 is given to help sheep know their Good Shepherd. His presence brings…
Read More
This week I have been speaking in a church in south Georgia. (Let me say that I am grateful it is not an outdoor meeting – it is hot!) In each place where God allows me to minister I am always looking for the message He has for me, not just the ones I am…
Read More
Several years ago I heard the story of Australian, Arthur Stace. During a visit to Sydney I was able to verify the legitimacy of the account. The story of this man, who became known as Mr. Eternity, so affected me that I began to share it across the country. Recently some friends reminded me of…
Read More
One of the divine designs in ministry is that we are to labor alongside one another. God gave Moses a Joshua and Elijah an Elisha. The Lord Jesus Christ sent His disciples out two by two on their mission. Paul took fellow laborers with him on each of his gospel journeys. There are many reasons…
Read More
Have you noticed? It seems the whole world is “out of sync” and people everywhere have gone crazy! At times like these people reveal what is really in their hearts. At times like these the Lord’s people need to view our world through the lens of Scripture. Anxious, searching souls are looking for answers, and…
Read MoreThe greatest heroes often work behind the scenes. They labor where others cannot see and carry burdens when no one else knows. I am increasingly convinced that at the judgment seat of Christ many very public people will have to step aside as the real servants are brought to the forefront to receive their crowns.…
Read More
Have you ever been so weak, so weary, so wounded that your legs gave out? You did not even have strength to stand up! Occasionally, I have heard people use the expression “weak in the knees.” It is just another way of stating what all of us experience at some point: we cannot stand on…
Read More
The only way that we can truly know what another person is thinking is through their words. Words are an expression of the mind. In the words of Jesus, “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” (Matthew 12:34). But, have you ever considered what Jesus Himself was thinking about on the cross?…
Read More
Days are longer, schedules are different, and young people have more free time. Summer is the perfect season to give extra attention to your family. Over the next couple of weeks we have intentionally kept our travel schedule lighter, in order to give some time to our family before the summer marathon of meetings begins.…
Read More
7 Things Christians Must Remember in Financial Crisis History does repeat itself. The most prosperous nations on earth have eventually and repeatedly faced their economic downturns. All of us who have lived a little while can echo the sentiment of the Bible writer that, at some point, “riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away…
Read More
Have you ever stood in your mind at Calvary on the day that Jesus died? Use your sanctified imagination and stand quietly with Mary and John on that sad hill. There must have been an overload of the senses that afternoon. Not only in what they saw, but in what they heard… Listen to the…
Read More
Questions About the Evangelist (Part 2) The gift of the evangelist has been sorely (and sadly) neglected in many places. This is to the detriment of the church and its work in this world. If ever there was a time that we needed a strong emphasis on calling both believers and unbelievers to repentance and…
Read More
Questions About the Evangelist (Part 1) A few months ago, I answered a number of questions that had been given to me related to the work of the evangelist. Many of these same questions come up regularly in conversation and I thought that perhaps it would be helpful to share the answers with a wider…
Read More
Dear friends, In 2018, Scott Pauley and I hosted the first Rest Conference at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Hickory, NC. Our friend, Shane Lewis, who is now with the Lord, was our guest speaker. More than one hundred of our fellow laborers and friends, along with their wives, joined us for a special time of…
Read More
Last night was a very special night for me and Tammy. For more than twenty years we had the privilege of being a part of the work of God at Crown College. We participated in a host of graduation ceremonies, but it is different when it is your own children. Morgan, our oldest daughter, has…
Read More
Recently I was sharing with a friend some of what God is teaching me through Psalm 119 this year. (Read more here.) It has been a joy to study it both personally and on our podcast and every visit to that diamond mine yields new treasures! In passing, I mentioned that all but a handful…
Read More
These are days for the advancement of the gospel! People need the message of hope that is found only in the Lord Jesus. This is not the time to mumble and moan about how bad everything is; this is the time to speak clearly about the good news of salvation in Christ. This is not…
Read More
Are you a life-long learner? We are all supposed to be life-long students of Scripture. It is impossible to exhaust God’s infinite truth! You can search the Scriptures but you never find it all. For me, one of the greatest joys is seeing someone who has been a student of Scripture becoming a teacher of…
Read More
5 Ways You Can Help Your Pastor On Sunday For those who know Jesus every Lord’s day is a celebration of the risen Christ. We are all aware that Easter Sunday is one of the Sundays that more unchurched people attend. Preachers of the gospel around the world are diligently preparing to preach the message…
Read More
Several people have reached out to let us know that our studies on the Bible App have been helpful to them devotionally. We are happy to provide these short series on that platform and pray that the Lord will continue to use them to help others get into God’s Word. Today a new 10 day…
Read More
By 7 am, a tremendous group of pastors had identified themselves as being on the call. It was my privilege to share a brief thought from Scripture and pray with these faithful shepherds from across the state of Michigan. Since COVID these men have been connecting each morning, seven days a week, to pray for…
Read More
Years ago I used to hear some people refer to “praying through” as a metaphor for praying until you breakthrough to Heaven. I understand what many of these sincere people meant, but always believed that the expression was in many ways misplaced. The length and intensity of our prayers is not what “gets through.” The…
Read More
“After the War We Shall Go to Jerusalem.” The life and legacy of Abraham Lincoln have always been of special interest to me. He has been one of my favorite Presidents. A few months ago, I read something about his final night at Ford’s Theatre that I had never come across. As Lincoln sat with…
Read More
When my dad was in his 30’s God called him to be a preacher. I have heard him tell the story of seeking counsel from his older brother James who had already been in the ministry for many years. James challenged my father to read and listen to sermons every week – to put himself…
Read More
Each Saturday on “The Weekend Pulpit” we share a full-length Bible message from a recent meeting. Currently we are posting messages that I gave at the Wilds youth camp last summer. These messages deal with a variety of Scripture passages: The morning messages came from selected Psalms and each dealt with a particular aspect of…
Read More
Behavioral scientists have suggested that it takes 21 days to create a habit. I don’t know about that but I do know that in three weeks time much can be set in motion for the Lord. At the beginning of January I took Psalm 119 as my Scripture for the year. You may know that…
Read More
Men often fail in their strengths, and too often, those of us who are called and gifted to communicate God’s Word fail in that very area. It is not always that we intend to say something wrong or to leave something unsaid. In the words of Proverbs 10:19, “In the multitude of words there wanteth…
Read More
Satan hates prayer and will do anything in his power to stop it. Samuel Chadwick observed, “Satan dreads nothing but prayer. His one concern is to keep the saints from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, he mocks our wisdom, but he trembles when we…
Read More
There is nothing quite like the excitement of being with first generation Christians! They do not use all of the cliches or know the church culture. But neither do they have the coldness that so often seems to creep into the hearts of those who have allowed their faith to become mundane. In some ways,…
Read More
Prayer is a discipline and yet there is a danger in it becoming simply a dutiful routine. How quickly the time of prayer – our communion with the God of the universe! – can turn into mere motions and mechanics. Perhaps you do not have this struggle, but I find that constantly I must work…
Read More
Do you have a favorite preacher? I love anyone who preaches the Bible, but there is a preacher who has profoundly affected my life and ministry from the time that I was a boy. More on that in a moment… Each Saturday we post a full-length Bible message on Enjoying the Journey. The addition of…
Read More
There are varying expressions of love – friendship love, marital love, love for enemies – but there is only one Source of love, and that is the God who “is love” (1 John 4:8, 16). Over this month there has been a great deal of emphasis on romantic love. (As a husband I must confess…
Read More
God gave His Word once and promised to preserve it to every generation (Psalm 12:7). No new truth is being revealed and it is our conviction that God’s last word to man on this side of eternity is found in the final Revelation of Jesus Christ that was given to John. When I speak of…
Read More
Yes, these are dangerous days. Illness, violence, accidents and a host of other unknowns surround us. However, some Christians have forgotten that our lives are not in the hands of men, the devil, or chance circumstance – they are in the all-powerful hands of God! George Whitfield, the great preacher of the Great Awakening, faced…
Read MoreCanada is a beautiful country and home to so many wonderful friends. My family and I love Canada and have enjoyed the time we have spent with our neighbors to the north. The need of Canada, like our own nation, is great. Its greatest need is not what you may see on the news but…
Read More
Last month we made available for the first time a devotional plan on the YouVersion Bible App. “Which Way Do We Go?” is a fifteen day study on discerning the will of God along the journey of life. Thousands of people subscribed to the plan and we have heard so many wonderful reports from people…
Read More
Every Christian worker should desire to render their very best service for the Lord and His church. One of the Bible principles of labor is: “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might…” (1 Corinthians 10:31). If this is God’s will in every arena of work, it is most certainly vital when…
Read More
The 3-2-1 of the Great Commission Over the last few days we have been sharing some simple thoughts about the Great Commission that Jesus gave and the work that we are to be engaged in. Every Christian must find their place in God’s plan. You may want to go back and review the truths we…
Read More
ALL. It is one of God’s favorite words, used 5,606 times in His Word. This little word is a great revelation of the thoroughness of the Lord and a reminder of the completeness of His work. Someone once said, “All means all and that’s all all means!” Never is that more true than when God…
Read More
What is the Great Commission? All of my life I have heard preachers speak of “the great commission.” The term is a reference to the final command that Christ gave to His disciples and to the New Testament church. It is great both because it is given by the authority of the Lord Jesus and…
Read More
Every song has a story. Many times those stories are known only to God, but songs are an expression of the emotions and experiences of the human heart. One beautiful example of this is the Psalms. David’s soul filled with worship on one hand or his troubled mind on the other often found vent in…
Read More
Some “woke” theologians have decided of late to criticize the well-known commentator Matthew Henry. While there are some things I would not fully agree with in his writings, I have found Henry’s devotional commentaries to be a tremendous help personally. George Whitefield carried them in his saddle bags and read through them four times in…
Read More
In the face of physical pain, financial hardship, emotional distress, and spiritual conflict there is one truth that always brings faith and courage: Christ is enough. Christ is more than enough, in fact, for every necessity or any difficulty. Whatever you are dealing with at this time or whoever you are trying to help, remember…
Read More
“Who gives this woman to be married to this man?” I have asked this question as a minister – but today, as a father, I will have to answer it for the first time. It is always different standing on the other side! I have been a little nostalgic and a bit more reflective the…
Read More
5 Pieces of Advice I Was Given In nearly twenty years of serving on a church staff, I sat in hundreds of staff meetings and training sessions. Some were functional, and others were philosophical. One of the last meetings I attended in late October 2015 was a luncheon for young leaders at our annual mission…
Read More
As I sit alone in my study recording daily broadcasts I am always conscious that people I will never see will listen to them. We broadcast in faith. Solomon wrote, “Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days” (Ecclesiastes 11:1). So we keep casting on as many “waters” as…
Read More
Welcome to 2022! Moses wrote that “we spend our years as a tale that is told” and today we have begun another chapter in that story. In that same Scripture, Psalm 90, the emphasis is actually on days. The word is found five times and is a reminder that years are made up of days. If…
Read More
Air travel has become more than a luxury for our mobile society. It has, for many, become a necessity to business and commerce. Like the Roman roads of Paul’s day it also provides a means for the gospel preacher to get to many places in a short period of time. Flying is not as glamorous…
Read More
Selah | Hitting the Pause Button There are moments when we all need to hit the pause button. Life races on and, if we are not intentional and careful, we lose the joy and purpose of it all. Yes, sometimes you just need to pause. There is so much noise. Too many appointments. We overcommit…
Read More
Jesus came. He came to earth. He came to sinful humanity. He came to a people that would reject Him. He came to seek and to save the lost. Yes, Jesus came. But, have you ever considered what Jesus became? He could have come in glory, with pomp and circumstance. He could have come in…
Read More
When people speak about Christ coming to earth, the first time they usually talk about HOW He came. But the great emphasis of Scripture is on WHY He came! In this series, we examine the purpose statements found throughout the gospel records. Each of them helps us to understand more about Jesus. Even the first…
Read More
“I know where I’m going.” Famous last words – just before the embarrassing admission that we have lost our way! Along the journey of life we all need direction. Sometimes it just takes a little while to acknowledge it. Years ago I was on an early morning drive and in desperate need of a cup…
Read More
Do you know your besetting sin? Mine is not yours and yours is not mine, but we all have them. You know the one…the thing that is constantly getting you off course. The sin you confess and forsake only to find yourself needing to repent again. It is what you run to as a refuge…
Read More
It is fitting that at the time of year when we celebrate the birth of Christ there is a renewed discussion on the sacredness and dignity of every child. Herod did not think so and he had millions of Jewish baby boy’s senselessly murdered for his own agenda. Our modern society is just as savage,…
Read More
Dear Pastor, The last two years have been full of challenges that none of us have ever faced and few of us could have imagined. The physical, emotional, and spiritual toll has been great on so many. And our Lord specifically called you to lead and feed His flock during this season. God has used…
Read More
Some seasons are busier than others, but it seems the Christmas season is always full of hurry. Programs and shopping and get togethers and…life! It is easy to just exist, and sadly miss the joy of Jesus during the very holiday that celebrates His birth. If you would like to make the most of the…
Read More
Fear is real, and it is paralyzing. A world in flux has produced a world filled with fear. Frequently, I hear someone quote 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” We know the spirit of fear is not…
Read More
Can you imagine the days leading up to the birth of Christ? No family has ever had thoughts, emotions, and Christmas preparation like that first family! Joseph and Mary, thrilled by the heavenly announcements concerning the birth of their son – God’s Son, began making their way toward Bethlehem. The countdown was on. The days…
Read More
Just a few days after my 13th birthday, I preached the first sermon I ever gave behind a pulpit. On that Sunday afternoon, in August, I spoke on the subject “I Have a Secret.” Now, the secret was not just mine! It is the open secret of true and lasting joy revealed in God’s Word,…
Read More
This week, people across our nation will gather with family and friends to celebrate Thanksgiving. Around tables filled with food, many will pause to say a word of thanks for all of the material and physical blessings we enjoy. But these are not the greatest blessings! God’s greatest gifts are not bought with money. They…
Read More
From time to time I enjoy sharing a recommendation of some helpful resource for families. We are approaching a time of year that is very special for parents and their children and it is my hope that dads and moms will make the most of this season to teach their children more about the things…
Read More
7 Ways Listeners Can Make the Most of a Church Meeting Last week, I posted an article on 7 Ways Leaders Can Make the Most of a Church Meeting. It is vital that those who preach the Word and lead in worship are in step with the Holy Spirit. Yet, while this obedience should start…
Read More
Life is busy and days are a blur. We rush from place to place – constantly moving past masses of humanity, people everywhere! But, do we really see them? Jesus did. The One whose all seeing eye peers into the heart of man and sees the end from the beginning, He saw not just the…
Read More
Just because we assemble with God’s people does not necessarily mean that God’s Word is given or that God’s glory is priority. Leading a church meeting is a tremendous responsibility. Everyone involved in the meetings have a responsibility to the Lord (more on that here). Leaders have a responsibility both to the Lord and to…
Read More
We are living in a complex world! Sin complicates everything it touches and only the truth of Christ can return us to simplicity. Today we begin a new study on Enjoying the Journey. This brief series will examine the powerful phrase found often in Scripture: “one thing.” What is the one thing God is trying…
Read More
Have you ever read a portion of God’s Word only to find yourself totally disconnected from what you just read? Your hands held the Bible, your eyes scanned the page, and your mouth voiced the words…but your mind did not process the truth? I have been there. When I approach a portion of Scripture I…
Read More
If you are a home owner you know that there is ALWAYS something that needs to be done! In some ways this physical reality is a picture of its spiritual and relational parallel – family requires work. You never really finish and the labor must not stop. Like the transformative work Christ does in us,…
Read More
Do These 3 Things for Those In the Service Industry In recent months I have seen so much rude and crude treatment of people who are laboring in the service industry. Living on the road I depend every day on those who are involved in these fields. Airlines, restaurants, hotels, stores, and a host of other…
Read More
As we begin the month that culminates with Thanksgiving wouldn’t it be a wonderful thing if we could make the whole month a month of praise? The great Bible word hallelujah means “praise ye the Lord” and it is found throughout Scripture. In fact, the last five Psalms are known as “the Hallelujah chorus.” Psalm…
Read More
Would you like to get more out of your daily Bible reading? We all find ourselves at times going through the motions but missing the meaning. Routines very easily become ruts. Vance Havner used to say that “a rut is just a grave with both ends knocked out of it!” Here are 5 practical ways…
Read More
Satan and sin pervert every good thing given to us by God. At this moment many in our generation have come to believe that “love” between two men or two women must be sexual or romantic in nature. Love has devolved into lust. Little children are being told that if they have feelings for another…
Read More
Some time ago, I heard a Christian man give a powerful testimony. He told of the years he had wasted as a backslidden believer, running from the Lord. He spoke of how the Holy Spirit had brought him to the end of himself and to a new beginning in his walk with Christ. It was…
Read More
One week ago we concluded the 2021 Southwide Baptist Fellowship. The Holy Spirit guided us through the meeting and every message from God’s Word was used to minister to us. I have heard from so many people who were helped through our time together. It was, in every sense of the word, a real fellowship…
Read More
After all of these years and the multitude of technological ways that we receive communication, there is still something exciting about getting a note in the mail from a friend. That’s right…snail mail, hand written…nothing like it! (Read more about the importance of letter writing here.) How much more important that note would be if…
Read MorePaul was often separated from those he loved. Circumstances, geography, providential guidance all serve to keep believers from being with other believers at times. Yet it is beautiful to see how the apostle repeatedly referred to other ministers and workers as fellow laborers (See Romans 16:3, 9, 21; 2 Corinthians 8:23; Philippians 2:25; Colossians 4:11;…
Read More
During the month of October many churches celebrate a pastor appreciation emphasis. Other congregations do this during another time of year such as the pastor’s anniversary or a special day in the life of the church. No doubt there are some churches who never think to honor their pastor. All ministers must remember that the…
Read More
Sin. It is the real issue, the root problem, the reason for every broken heart and home. And the only solution for sin is a Savior. This is the redemptive message of the Bible from start to finish. Sinful men need Jesus. Until the sin problem is addressed there is no lasting help or hope…
Read More
I will join you in prayer for a spiritual awakening among God's people and the advancement of the gospel.
