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,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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,…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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;…
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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…
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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…
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Today we begin the annual gathering of the Southwide Baptist Fellowship in Raleigh, NC. We are very grateful that friends from around the country are coming to be with us for this time of preaching, prayer, and encouragement. Beautiful music will be given and Bible messages will be preached. A host of exhibitors will make…
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I stood at the hotel window looking at the sun that had just risen. The light. The heat. There is something truly amazing about the power of that ball of fire God has suspended in the heavens! Later that same morning I heard a man say, “Thank God for the sun shining today.” Wherever you…
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It was many years ago when I heard a preacher, who was also a faithful personal witness, say, “I know I’m going to enjoy the destination, but I believe God wants me to enjoy the journey!” Indeed He does. And only Christ makes that possible. Enjoying the Journey is the emphasis we have placed through…
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Decay is a terrible thing, and it is all around us. We live in a world that is getting worse every day through the effects of sin. “For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now” (Romans 8:22). In a sin-deteriorating world nothing gets better on its own! If…
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Each week I stand on some platform to speak to people. A platform is a place that is elevated for the purpose of being seen and heard. It allows everyone to observe what is being emphasized. There are many platforms in our generation, and they are not all physical. Social media is a platform. There…
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Two weeks from today we will begin the 2021 Southwide Baptist Fellowship in Raleigh, NC. I am honored to serve as the moderator for this year’s gathering and would like to personally invite you to join us Monday-Wednesday, October 11-13. Pastor Tim Rabon and the Beacon Baptist Church family are excited about hosting us for…
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This afternoon a memorial service will be conducted for a man who was used of God to encourage me greatly. Pastor Dave McCoy served for forty years at the People’s Baptist Church in McDonough, GA. Just a few days ago I recorded a video greeting for his anniversary Sunday, not knowing that just a few…
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Today is actually not the beginning of the week…yesterday was. Sunday is the first day of the week! Like all of life each week is to begin with worship. I certainly hope you were able to be with God’s people on the Lord’s day. This priority was actually true from the beginning. Adam and Eve…
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A hint of fall is in the air and leaves are beginning to turn. This week I watched the first leaves falling from some trees near our house. Most of the leaves still look green and vibrant, but some fall early. Over the past few months we have all had friends who have been called…
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It was a beautiful, sunny morning. As I made my way from one building to another on our campus a co-worker came running out onto the sidewalk. I still remember his words: “A commercial airliner has just flown into the World Trade Center in New York City.” It was just before 9 am. Moments later…
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The following article was published in a God Bless America magazine that was mailed to 52,000 residences in southern West Virginia over the last few weeks. Tonight we begin the 3 night gospel rally. Please pray that many will come to know the hope found only in Christ, and join us for the livestream broadcast…
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Can you believe it has been 20 years? I remember where I was standing on 9/11 when someone said, “A commercial airliner just crashed into the World Trade Center in New York!” It was just the beginning of a terrible, national nightmare. The days that followed brought some spiritual awakening across our land… But that…
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Labor Day came about in the midst of the turmoil of the Industrial Revolution. From the beginning it was a holiday for working people. In our day we cannot fathom the condition that so many of those laborers endured. In fact, this generation has more holidays from work that almost any in history! However, this…
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What Is Missing In Our Churches? Frequently I am asked what trends I see in churches as I travel. The tendency is to generalize and lump all churches together. Yet, each local church is unique. Every body of believers has its strengths and weaknesses and only the Lord Jesus Christ who truly knows His own…
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There are days in life that change you. God in His providence causes certain days to stand out in our memory as turning points. The day you are married is one of those days. It was a Friday, the 13th for me (not an unlucky day)! The day you hold your newborn child in your…
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The meeting had concluded and I was making my way out of the church facility. As I came out a side door toward the parking lot I found myself behind an older lady who was walking to her car. She did not know I was behind her…and then I heard her. She was singing! No…
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This week I celebrated my 45th birthday. At this point in life, I can honestly say there is nothing I really want. God has been good to meet every need, and just the joy of being with family was enough. Still, it is always enjoyable to open gifts from those you love. We had a…
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Tammy and I have been looking forward to traveling through Israel and studying God’s Word with a group of friends. As you may know, this trip was originally planned for last year and was postponed due to the pandemic shut down. It was our hope that by the end of this year international travel would…
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When I was in high school my dad came into my room early one morning and announced, “I have something for you!” My teenage mind hoped that perhaps it was money or some other much desired item. He walked to my mirror and placed something on it. Groggily I got out of bed, wiped the…
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Students are starting back to schools and colleges across the nation. Parents and educators alike are hopeful that this year will be the greatest year our young people have ever had academically, athletically, and socially. But the most important part of this year for every student is their spiritual growth. The only description of the…
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In youth we sometimes imagine that we must comment on every world event, but through experience we learn that no one needs our opinion on everything! There is both a time to speak and a time to be silent (Ecclesiastes 3:7). One of the chief things we all can do when we hear bad news…
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Earlier this week it was our privilege to spend some time with a group of business leaders in preparation for an upcoming gospel crusade. Too often those who are working in business have been neglected when it comes to the work of the Lord. I love the fact that the Apostle Paul did not just…
Read MoreWeariness is a part of life and certainly a reality for those who are intent on working for the Lord. Even Jesus grew weary on His journey (John 4:6). Yet as you read the rest of the story in John 4 you discover that He knew how to get Himself refreshed and in the midst…
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Depression is rampant and suicide is on the rise. One of the factors feeding this tragedy is that so many people are very alone. We are the most technologically connected and the most personally disconnected generation in the history of the world! All too often when we face disappointment or discouragement we all have the…
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Recently I had the privilege to talk and pray with a kind Christian lady where I was speaking. This sincere believer wondered if one decision in her past would prevent her from ever knowing God’s blessing. What a joy came over her countenance as we spoke about the God who rules the good and overrules…
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Some time back I heard an individual talking about a certain group of Christians and they described them with these sad words: “They never smile.” Now, to be fair, I’m sure those people smile sometimes! And, the truth is that all of us have days when the pressures of life weigh us down. But the…
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This week our dear brother, Evangelist Tom Farrell, will be buried. He was a faithful preacher of Christ and a kind friend to me. I am preaching at the Wilds right now and thinking about so many weeks where he stood in this place and spoke God’s truth to another generation. Now He is with…
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Our son has just passed his driver’s test and is now officially taking our prayer life to new heights! It is hard to believe that all of our children are now driving. (I am personally indebted to Tammy for her patience in helping each of them…and me.) As we have discussed and practiced certain basic…
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As a child it always seemed important to have a “best friend.” I don’t know all of the reasons, but there is in all of us a desire for closeness and connection with someone. God made us to be social and relational beings. Sin, on the other hand, perverts that in so many ways and…
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Dear Friend, These are challenging and exciting days to be serving the Lord Jesus. The need of our world is great and Christ is coming soon! We are praying that this year’s Southwide Baptist Fellowship will encourage and equip God’s servants to press on with even greater intensity. Our theme for 2021 comes from Hebrews 10:25, “…and…
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Our global world talks more and more about “world citizenship” – the idea that we belong to something bigger than our own country because we are a part of humanity. On the other end of this spectrum there are those who hold to strong nationalist ideas, loving their own nation to the point of ignoring…
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It has been a great joy to meet so many people across the country who are listening each day to the broadcast and Enjoying the Journey with us through God’s Word. I am alone in my study when the episodes are recorded so it is a special blessing to put faces (and stories) to the…
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God works in every generation. His truth transcends time, and His power supersedes spiritual opposition. My hope for revival in our day is not rooted in men – it is rooted in who I believe God to be and what I believe He can do! Through the years, I have spent a great deal of…
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Oswald J. Smith, the great missionary pastor, identified in his book The Passion for Souls several reasons why the church has failed to evangelize the world. One of them was an improper emphasis on education. He wrote, Today we worship diplomas, we glory in degrees…It is not what a man has in his head, but…
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People frequently refer to Wednesday as “hump day” with the idea that they have made it “over the hump” – halfway through another week. The truth is that the mid-way point of anything is a critical time. More people quit in the second half than the first half. So many marriages fail in the middle…
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There is a great deal of debate in our world about what is commonly called “equal opportunity.” The term is generally accepted as meaning that people are to be treated without discrimination. For the record, I believe that both men and women are created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27), and that all people…
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Let me begin by saying that I am no song leader! However, I am in meetings every week with people who lead singing and have learned so many things from watching them. As a preacher I can tell you that strong, evangelistic singing is such a help to any meeting, and the greatest singing is…
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There is no message like the gospel and no time like now to share it with someone! All of us are called to be witnesses for Jesus Christ and every person you see is a candidate for the gospel. My pastor used to say, “You cannot witness to the wrong person.” God loves all people…
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What Will You Do With Your Summer? Summer is now in full swing and people are taking advantage of it! These months provide the opportunity for many people to “get away.” This can be a very good thing…or it can become a sad detour. I have seen so many people in these seasons go into…
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Citizens can love their country and not love Christ, but if you truly love Christ you should love your country as Christ does. In our beloved America there is an inherent danger in conflating patriotism and Christianity. They are not the same. The faith of Christ is never national; it is always personal. Yet we…
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One year ago we released the first book from Enjoying the Journey, a simple study of Ezra 9 called Revival Praying. The publisher just sent me a report this week that we now have over 7,600 copies of Revival Praying in circulation. To God be the glory! I have been praying this verse in recent…
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Life’s Training Wheels Summer is a wonderful season to invest in young people. Over the last few days I have had the opportunity to spend substantial time with several hundred teenagers. In that group were our two youngest children and I was reminded how quickly this season of life passes. In a very short time our…
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Some people live their entire life in an apologetic tone. The words “I’m sorry” are necessary and helpful, but they cannot become your identity. Yes, there is a time for sorrow and a time to say it (James 4:9). Solomon tells us that there is “a time to weep” (Ecclesiastes 3:4), but that is only…
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For many years summer camp was an institution for young people across the country. In recent years the proliferation of so many other events have often substituted for a week of camp, but I still believe it is one of the best means of communicating God’s truth in a concentrated way to children and teens.…
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Today we conclude our study of “The Twelve” with a final word to all would-be followers of Jesus. I hope you will listen to this important application for every believer. If you missed any of the study you can find it in the ETJ archives. (Click here for more.) On Monday we will begin a…
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Rest was built into the creation week for a reason. Have you ever considered that the first day man ever lived on this planet was a day of rest? Adam and Eve were created on the sixth day and the very next day God declared a day of rest! Modern culture says work until you…
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“Have you ever thought about doing a podcast?” The young lady who first asked me this question was a missionary in China and interested in one thing – being able to access Bible content anywhere, anytime. She was used of God to plant the seed in my own mind. (At the time, I did not…
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In a world marred by sin and marked by suffering God’s people must constantly be reminded of the admonition: “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2). The thought life of a Christian should be Godward. There is always a temptation to become consumed with the ruin around us…
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When I was a young man in Bible College I remember Pastor Sexton telling us that as we grew we must always work to bring our families along with us. This principle is true both in life and ministry. Influence begins at home and the impact on our own families cannot be underestimated. Personal choices…
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There are all types of preachers and a variety of delivery styles. For years I told young men in homiletics that the important thing was that they become a Bible preacher, and I believe that more now than ever before. The power in in the Word. Yet I see a grave danger in our preaching…
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There are some meetings that stand out in your memory, not because of what God did in others but because of what God did in your own life. It was one of those nights. I stood in the pulpit during the invitation as people prayed. God was at work…and I was a spectator. You see,…
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I love preserves…grape, strawberry, blueberry, blackberry…yes, I like them all! The preservative principle is that some substance is used to prevent something whole and fresh from decaying. God provides divine preservatives for life. They are woven throughout the fabric of Scripture and must be built into the lives of sincere followers of Christ. God wisely…
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Monday is a special day of remembrance across our nation as we reflect on those who have given their lives to protect our liberty. For a Christian, every celebration should be a rededication. We must not only enjoy the blessings that have come to us, we must seek the Lord for ourselves and our generation.…
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Most communities at this time report that local businesses are experiencing a shortage of workers. Ask owners and managers and you will find that many are hiring. The signs are everywhere! HELP WANTED. What is currently true in our economy has always been true in God’s economy. Our Master, the Lord Jesus Christ, said it…
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Every week I speak with pastors who are trying to keep their local church moving forward in the face of intense opposition. Pastors are called on to feed and lead God’s flock both when things seem calm and also during times of spiritual conflict. In the words of Scripture, “in season, out of season” (2 Timothy…
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Don’t Lose Your Laughter! This week the Lord reminded me of a simple and yet profound truth. Tammy was taking me to the airport and we were talking about a number of things. Throughout the conversation she laughed several times and her laughter was God’s messenger to me. I am grateful to have a wife…
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“The Lord gave the word: great was the company of those that published it” (Psalm 68:11). Technology and media platforms have provided amazing ways of multiplying the preaching and teaching of God’s Word. Media can at times be overpowering, and it can certainly be used for evil. However, I am convinced that we can and…
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This is not the worst time to be alive and serving God – this is the best time! Never before have people been more hopeless and searching. Never before has the coming of Christ been closer. Never before has the church been more relevant. We have truth that everyone needs. Haggai 2:7 says of the…
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My heart has been helped studying through the Revelation of Jesus Christ over the last several months. Christians have no reason to dread and every reason to hope! The King is Coming! We have heard from so many listeners who have been strengthened through our time in the last book of Scripture. There is a…
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These are crisis days in our country. What can we do about it? In “The Need of Our Nation” we examine two Old Testament passages and two New Testament passages that help us to see what God’s people are to do in every generation. Times change. Trends change. Truth never does. This new 50 page…
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In a generation deteriorating because of sin we must always guard against allowing our own spirits to deteriorate. Sad days must not become sad Christians! Many are sad because of circumstances in our world. Look again…all around is the goodness of God! Every breath, every ray of sunshine, every bird singing, every new day. The world…
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Do you know what sets people apart in a crowded world? It is not skin color, educational background, ethnicity, language, economic standing, professional title, talent, or even physical appearance. It is how they treat others. Our world has become increasingly crude and rude. The “manners” mom insisted on have become rare. This is what sin…
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What Is An Evangelist? “Did you ever imagine that you would be an evangelist?” This question from a pastor recently was a reminder that for the first half of my life, I never thought that I would be “an evangelist.” No, I had no such plans. That’s the funny thing about God’s will – it…
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The progressive Christianity of our day is nothing new. Those who have studied history will recognize it as a resurgence of theological liberalism. Solomon was right: “The thing that hath been, it is that which shall be; and that which is done is that which shall be done: and there is no new thing under…
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Certain songs have become old standards in most revival meetings. The one I hear sung more than any other is the great hymn “Revive Us Again.” Just this week a friend told me that Harold Sightler would never have a revival meeting without singing “Come Thou Fount.” The truth is that any song that brings…
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“There was a man in the land of Uz, whose name was Job…” So begins the story of a man who knew more about suffering and loss than most people will ever understand. This record, the oldest book in the Bible, articulates the struggle, stress, and strain that godly people endure living in a fallen…
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Solomon said, “Of making many books there is no end; and much study is a weariness of the flesh” (Ecclesiastes 12:12). This is the life verse of every college student! In fact, each year in the United States alone there are between 600,000 and 1 million books published. We all have a long list of…
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Life is a vapor for every man, but for the God-Man it was especially brief. A short thirty-three and a half years was all that He lived on this earth. Theologically we know that He lived before He came because He is the eternal Son of God, and thankfully He continues to live as the…
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Do You Really Believe In The Authority of the Bible? Few want to talk about it today and even fewer understand it. Yet all of life boils down to authority: whose authority will we live under? The world is full of a spirit of rebellion, but even many believers do not seem to understand that…
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Everyone is busy and there are so many things vying for our attention. It is impossible to keep up with it all! Today I would like to ask you to give me about six minutes of your time, and I would like to give you a new Bible study resource that I hope will be…
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The study of leadership is one that is as conflicted as it is popular. There is often more discussion and debate about leadership than there is real demonstration of it. Like every subject, what we believe about the life and influence of a leader should be guided by what God teaches in His Word. Only…
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Early one Sunday morning, I sat in a quiet place and reread the resurrection account in each of the four gospel records. It is amazing how the Holy Spirit continues to open familiar texts again and again to us. I recently heard a friend say that if you want to stay in love with Jesus…
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The Message of the Resurrection The message of the resurrection is not just to be preached to the lost; it is a truth to be repeated, remembered, and reflected on again and again among believers. It is the heart of the Christian message and the greatest revelation of the Christ we serve. All of our…
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The famous line of a poem that dates back to 1610 says, “April showers bring May flowers.” Tomorrow we begin the month of April. While many are expecting April showers associated with this spring season, I am asking God to give us His showers of blessing on the ministry of the Word. Would you help…
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Such a beautiful word: truth. Its substance is much the same as its sound – simple and straightforward. There seems to be a short supply of it in our world today. Who do you believe? How can you know that what you are hearing is accurate? In a world of lies we must always return…
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Pray Your Way Through Social Media! All of life is better when we pray our way through it. Prayer is the means by which we stay in constant contact with God and it enables us to keep a proper perspective on everything else. This principle works in face to face relationships and also in our…
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We are all students when it comes to prayer. Andrew Murray wrote a classic book called With Christ In The School of Prayer. I must confess to you that I feel as if I have not yet graduated from kindergarten when it comes to my prayer life! Indeed, until faith becomes sight we are all…
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It seems so many want to be the “victim” today. To be sure, there are wounded souls who have been victims of horrible abuse and heinous crimes and those hurts are very real. The church of the Lord Jesus Christ must be the place where people can find present help and future hope. But neither…
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There is something very special and deeply spiritual about the moment when we are called to stand before a group of people – any people! anywhere! – and preach the eternal truth of God’s Word. How easy it is for us to lose the awe and humility that characterized early sermons. In the beginning, truly…
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For the last several years we have been publishing devotional articles on our website and sending them to friends who were subscribed to the blog. We have tried to share as much of this as possible through social media links. Each quarter we also send a family update newsletter. The truth is that everyone is…
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The only reason people have to knowingly promote a lie is that, for some reason, they are afraid of the truth. God’s people never have to fear the truth! Truth sets you free (John 8:32). In today’s society it is no longer sufficient to disagree or debate – if you don’t like the person or…
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I will join you in prayer for a spiritual awakening among God's people and the advancement of the gospel.
