Family Devotions and Spiritual Awakenings
"I will get married in a few months. What advice do you have for me?" Working with hundreds of college students, these are words I have heard many times. As...
God’s Big Work in Small Towns
God’s Big Work in Small Towns As I write these words, I am sitting in one of the small towns of our country. The wonderful church where I am preaching...
Why the Church Assembles
Why Should Believers Assemble with the Church? In our day the church is being minimized and marginalized by society. Satan and his minions are on the attack. Many Christians have...
The Ministry of Friendship
The best friends are praying friends…friends who tell you what you need to hear…friends who want you to have a good day when you stand before the Lord. Yes, a...
What Happened to Evening Church Meetings?
What Happened to Evening Church Meetings? Sunday evening and midweek meetings of the local church have fallen on hard times. In many places, they are comprised of a few people...
5 Things to Do When Others Fall
Sin brings heartbreak to lives, families, and churches. All of us grieve over the fall of people we have loved, and even some whom we have followed. Our response to...
Yes, Doctrine Matters!
Yes, Doctrine Matters! “We have found a new church and it is wonderful! Everyone has a great time, and they don’t talk about doctrine.” I cannot tell you how often...
Partnering with Local Churches for a Gospel Advance
Gospel work is the work of local churches and, as an evangelist, it is a great privilege to partner with pastors and churches for the advancement of the gospel. The...
A Personal Word About My Dad and Our Home Church
For the last thirty-three years my dad has faithfully served as the pastor of Cranberry Baptist Church in Beckley, West Virginia. He and my mother have labored tirelessly to reach...
7 Reminders for Ministry Workers
Do you remember why you first got into the Lord's work? In the early days of our Christian service there was a beautiful humility and sincerity about serving Christ. It...
How Christians Should Deal with Racial Issues
Recently I was on a flight next to a fine Christian man. When people find out at 30,000 feet that I am a minister they usually have one of two...
Welcome to the Family!
Welcome to the Family of God! Recently I have had the privilege of saying to several new believers: "Welcome to the family!" The joy of seeing others come into the...
Do You Want to See More People Saved in Your Church Meetings?
Do You Want to See More People Saved in Your Church Meetings? All of us would like to see more souls come to Christ in the regular meetings of our...
This Is War!
Ask any veteran who has seen conflict - wartime is serious business. When people are engaged in conflict, some things don’t matter, and a few things become increasingly important. Selfishness...
8 Signs of a Healthy Church
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...
A Word About This Year’s Southwide Baptist Fellowship
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...
5 Lessons I’ve Learned
(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...
No Substitute for Faithfulness
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...
Questions About the Evangelist (Part 2)
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...
Questions About the Evangelist (Part 1)
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...
An Open Letter from My Friend…
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,...
5 Ways You Can Help Your Pastor On Sunday
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...
Filling America with the Gospel – An Easter Week Challenge
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...
Preachers Need Preaching Too!
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...
7 Suggestions for Church Audio/Video Technicians
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...
The 3-2-1 of the Great Commission
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...
What is the Great Commission?
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...
Dear Pastor – An Open Letter to Faithful Shepherds
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...
7 Ways Listeners Can Make the Most of a Church Meeting
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...
7 Ways Leaders Can Make the Most of a Church Meeting
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....
Messages from Southwide
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....
Serving Together While We Are Apart
Paul 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...
Repent.
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...
The Danger of Low Expectations
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...
What Is a Fellowship & Why Should I Come?
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...
Thank God for Laborers!
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...
What Is Missing In Our Churches?
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,...
How Business People Make A Difference In The Work of the Lord
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...
“They Strengthened Their Hands for This Good Work.”
Weariness 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...
Encouragement for Evangelists
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...
An Open Letter To Our Friends
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...
3 Ways You Can Touch This Generation for God
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...
4 Marks of a Good Song Leader
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...
7 Keys to A Great Summer Camp
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...
Rest Is More Than A Conference
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...
Needed: Heart Preaching
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...
3 Things Your Pastor Needs Now
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...
Prime Time for Churches
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...
5 Ways to Stand Apart In A Cruel World
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...
What Is An Evangelist?
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...
Progressives and Pragmatists
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...
My Favorite Revival Hymn
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...
The Leader’s Most Sacred Work
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....
3 Things Every Preacher Must Remember
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...
What the “Cancel Culture” Can’t Touch
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...
The State of the Church
Typically in February the President of the United States addresses a joint session of Congress and delivers the traditional “State of the Union.” This year's address was much different. In...
The Gospel Answer to Racial Prejudice
Born in the 1970's, I just missed the civil rights movement of the previous decade. My friends and I read about the injustices and racial tensions in our history books...
Preachers Need Preaching Too!
It was only after I went into full time evangelism that I began to appreciate how much good preaching I had been privileged to listen to…and how much I still...
God’s Word and Work – A Look Ahead
Every year that I can remember my dad has conducted a special meeting at the beginning of the year for those who labor in our home church. For the last...
4 Stages In A Prayer Meeting
Recently I saw where a prominent Christian leader suggested that perhaps this would be a good time for churches to begin having prayer meetings again. The real question is: why...
CONTINUE!
Everyone’s favorite verse to quote in recent times has been, “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived” (2 Timothy 3:13). While this is...
The Last Few Days and the Days Ahead
My heart is full of the goodness of the Lord to us! Over the last few days it was a privilege to gather with so many pastors and Christian workers...
Regathering the Flock
Sometimes God scatters His people. This is seen in the early church when believers were scattered because of persecution (Acts 8:4). But there is a huge difference between the scattering...
Exciting News to Share
One of the great joys of serving the Lord is watching Him work in ways we could never have planned. Yes, we are “laborers together with God” and He has...
Dear Church Member…
What if you received a letter from the Founder of the church? In fact, you have it in your hands each time you hold the Word of God! The Lord...
Update on the Rest Conference
Many of you have asked in recent days about this year's Rest Conference. Pastor Scott Hooks and I, along with our wives, love hosting this meeting each September. It is...
Reigniting The Pioneer Spirit
Churches are beginning to open back up. Pastors are trying to find some rhythm again. It will take some time to get everyone back and schedules fully normal, but it...
4 Things You Can Do To Help Your Pastor At This Time
These are unusual days for everyone and unique days to serve in a church. Over the last few weeks I have spent a great deal of time talking and praying...
What To Do When The Crisis Has Passed
Perhaps like me you are beginning to get impatient or bored with the current state of things in our nation. A little stir crazy? We must remember that, like everything...
Do What You Can Where You Are
We have become a nation of "shut-ins" in many ways. (This should make us more compassionate and caring of those who truly are shut-in and unable to ever leave their...
Revival of The Family Altar
The term has been lost with the passing of time - and so has the use. Few people today think much about a "family altar." Yet in days of revival...
Thank God For The Shepherds!
In crisis hours we are all reminded of what is most important in life, and who truly watches for our souls. We are all living through a season that reminds...
How Is Your Church “Meeting” At This Time?
This week I had the privilege of participating in an extended discussion with a group of pastors. These are unique times for those who are leading churches and feeding God's...
This Is Not The Time To Rob God
First let me say that I am not a pastor. I do not have the responsibility of shepherding one flock and overseeing the needs of a local church. As an...
New Resource For All Christian Workers
One of the great desires that I have is to get helpful resources to those who are laboring faithfully in God’s work. There is no lack of available resources, but...
5 Things Every Church Member Can Do For Their Church Today
I rarely post on the Lord’s day, but this Sunday is an unusual day for many churches and church members. Social media has been filled this week with updates, instructions,...
Stop Blaming The Pastor
We all want someone to blame. When things go wrong in life - and they inevitably do - it is human nature to point the finger at someone else who...
Preachers Can Have Rebel Hearts Too
Long before I was a preacher I was a sinner. We would like to think that this changes over time, but I am still a sinner! One of God’s great...
For Those Who Love Children
"Jesus loves the little children, all the children of the world." The greatest way to impact the future of a nation is to reach another generation of children. More than...
Take Your Town For Christ!
Do you love your hometown? Who will reach your town, your Jerusalem for Jesus? Today we meet with pastors from around our region for a time of prayer. This meeting...
In Honor Of Pastors
This month has been designated as "Pastor Appreciation Month" in many places. I am grateful to God for the faithful pastors who have influenced me. The Lord has used them...
The Hard Thing In Revival
We are in the season of the year that many churches hold revival meetings. I have been in many of them over the last few weeks. Whether they are truly...
Why I Am Doing What I Am Doing
Frequently I am asked if I plan to continue in evangelism, if I want to pastor, or if I miss what I did in the past. They are good questions...
Consumer Christianity
American Christianity (which is a far cry from Acts Christianity) has done much to develop consumerism in the minds of the average church member. People shop for a church today....
Free Pastor’s Luncheon This Week!
I love pastors and thank God for the privilege to labor with so many of them for the gospel. This week it is our privilege to host a special pastor's...
Attn: Preacher’s & Preacher’s Wives!
“And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not” (Galatians 6:9). Weariness is common among workers. You cannot always...
The Lost Art Of Christian Hospitality
Every week I have the privilege of being hosted by wonderful Christians. While there is “no place like home” it is also true that there is “nothing like being with God’s...
An Invitation To Preachers & Their Wives
Tammy and I are very grateful for those who have ministered to us through the years. Ministers need ministered to as well! There are moments that the best thing you...
A New Generation Of Deacons
A few days ago I had the joy of speaking in a local church to a group of deacons and their wives. It was a wonderful meeting of true servants....
7 Things That Are More Important
As we grow older (and hopefully wiser!) we begin to discern more about what is most important, what is more important, what is less important, and what is not important...
Growing, But Not Changing
Growth is essential to life. Throughout the years I have heard countless people say that the only way to grow is to be willing to change. Change has become the...
Your Invitation To The Preacher’s Rest 2019
Rest is not a dirty word. It is, in fact, essential to all good work. God instituted rest before the fall of man. It is hardwired into creation and indispensable...
Questions You Can’t Answer
Questions You Can't Answer Why did Jesus wait until He was 30 years of age to begin His ministry when He was so full of wisdom at the age of...
The True Church Business Meeting
The True Church Business Meeting I arrived a half hour before the evening service was to start. One hundred people were already seated in the auditorium. Why were they early?...
Responding To The Critic
Dr. Mike Edwards served for 37 years as the pastor of the Heritage Baptist Church in Woodbridge, VA. He is a man of wisdom and a great encouragement to those who are serving...
Help For Preachers
Today I have the opportunity to preach to a wonderful group of preachers. My heart is to encourage them. Thank the Lord for faithful ministers! Like their Chief Shepherd they...
The Biggest Need In Every Church
In the world of finance it is referred to as the Pareto Principle. Vilfredo Pareto, an Italian economist, suggested that 20% of a nation's people will control 80% of the...
A Helpful Article And A Truth We All Need
Occasionally I enjoy passing along a resource that has been a blessing to me. My friend Dan Cox from New Smyrna Beach, FL has written a thought-provoking article on the...
