Everybody Loves a Good Story!
Life is a story. Moses said, "We spend our years as a tale that is told." Perhaps that is why people around the world love to hear a good story...
Living in the Age of the Gospel
This past Lord's Day we commemorated the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. True believers celebrate this every Sunday! In fact, we celebrate our living Savior every day because He...
5 Reflections on Life and Death
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...
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...
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...
Help for Your Family This Summer
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...
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...
What God Says 5 Times…
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...
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...
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
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...
7 Ways You Can Help Your Pastor
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...
Get the Newly Released Gospel Tract!
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...
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...
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...
The Danger of Isolation
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...
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...
Education and Evangelism
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...
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...
HELP WANTED
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...
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?
“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...
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....
His Resurrection – Our Response & Responsibility
Early 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...
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...
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...
The King Is Coming!
What are you expecting to happen next in our world? Every day brings new challenges and changing circumstances. I cannot tell you what the government will do, how the economy...
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...
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...
5 Books To Read On Church Ministry
In a previous post I shared some recommended reading on preaching, but all of us who have been in the Lord's work for any period of time know that there...
Today Is The Day!
I am not discouraged. Yes, I have watched the news in recent days and have been saddened by the state of affairs in our nation. But God's people should not...
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...
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...
Your Christmas Prayer List
Is your Christmas shopping list complete? Christmas card lists, grocery lists, gift lists...tis the season for written reminders! What about your Christmas prayer list? At this time of year it...
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...
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....
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....
Guest Post: “Something To Nibble On Later”
Dr. Charles Keen has been a faithful pastor and missionary statesman for many years. At this stage in his life and ministry he is giving his energy to helping get...
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? The church was meeting for...
Help Us Pray!
This afternoon I am helping to conduct a prayer rally in the Akron-Canton, Ohio area. This meeting with churches from around the region is for one purpose: to set ourselves...
Help Us Spread the Gospel
I love the gospel. It was the good news of Jesus Christ that changed my life and my eternal destiny! Every good thing in my life grows out of the...
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...
GUEST POST: “The Pastor Is Not Supposed To Cry”
Pastors have their own hurts as they seek to help hurting people. A minister who cannot grieve does not have the heart of the Chief Shepherd. I thank the Lord...
Giving Tuesday
Across the U.S. the Tuesday after Thanksgiving has come to be known as "giving Tuesday," an opportunity to help the needy and invest in charitable causes. There are many ministries...
It’s Family!
Family was God's idea. It is the perfect expression of the Heavenly Father's heart. "God setteth the solitary in families" (Psalm 68:6). From the beginning He knew that it was...
Thank God For Christian Education
The last two days I have been speaking in Michigan at a wonderful Christian Educator's Convention. It has been a privilege to spend time with men and women who are...
Cliques & Fraternities In The Church
One of the great stumbling blocks to the gospel and road blocks to revival is the party spirit that exists among many of God's people. This is more than human...
Thank God For Faithful Church Members
American culture has invaded American churches. The desire for novelty, the tendency to boredom, the love for entertainment - all are now very prominent in the average local church. One...
An Epidemic Of Loneliness
Recently NBC aired a special news report on the increase of loneliness in people around the world. The British government has now instituted a "minister for loneliness." This new undersecretary...
An Encouragement For Assistant Pastors
It was my privilege to serve as an assistant to a wonderful pastor for many years. Eighteen years were spent helping someone else fulfill the work God had put in...
Praise God For Preachers
Thank the Lord for faithful preachers of God's Word. We need them more than ever and we need more of them! As I travel my appreciation for the Lord's servants...
How To Make This The Greatest Summer Of Your Life
Today is the official beginning of summer. Students will tell you that summer begins the moment they are out of school. For adults, summer doesn’t seem to begin until you...
“Reconsidering The Hymnal” by Dr. Johnny Pope
Dr. Johnny Pope is the pastor of Christchurch Baptist Fellowship in Houston, Texas. His Spirit-filled preaching has always been a tremendous help to me. It is full of Scriptural substance...
“Music, The Soundtrack Of Our Lives” by Dr. Johnny Pope
Dr. Johnny Pope is the pastor of Christchurch Baptist Fellowship in Houston, Texas. His Spirit-filled preaching has always been a tremendous help to me. It is full of Scriptural substance...
Two Upcoming Guest Posts
Many of you faithfully read our Enjoying The Journey blog. Thank you for taking time to read, comment, and share the resources. This year we have had a guest author to post...
“Tell Me About The Great Churches!”
The First Baptist Church in America, Providence, RI It is something I hear often. People are interested in the “great churches” in our generation. What are...
“Thank You For Loving Our Country With Me”
As you read this post I am ministering in another country. No matter where I travel in this world, I can boldly proclaim that God loves all people and Christ...
Don’t Forget These Things On Your Christmas List!
Everyone is busy this week. Shopping. Eating. Cooking. Eating. Traveling. Eating. Wrapping. Eating. It is easy to forget the things that truly matter in the hurry and haste. Perhaps you...
The Tale of Two Churches
We were in a meeting in a large city, a city known for sizable churches and well known preachers. One afternoon I had the privilege to visit two churches that...
How to Make Winter the Most Fruitful Season of the Year
Winter is not often thought of as fruitful. In many parts of the country short days and cold weather begin to limit the activities of the church. Depressed moods can...
A New Song – An Eternal Message
Frequently in my sermons I tell the story of some great Christian hymn. The background to a song often opens up the message in a more meaningful way. I am...
The Most Important Lessons I Learned in My College Years
A few days ago I had the joy of addressing a group of college students in a local church. There were freshmen and upperclassmen, full of hope and excitement as...
How To Keep the Next Generation
A fellow preacher and personal friend asked me recently how I believed we could do a better job of retaining young people in our churches. It is a problem of...
How to Use Hymns and Why You Should
On a recent flight a lady commented to me that she loved the hymns but found it very difficult to find a church now that would sing them. This is...
Some Thoughts On Our Recent Campaign
It is a joy to be home for a couple of days after a busy season of meetings. Just a few days ago we conducted a Go Reach America Campaign...
The Power of A Small Church
Our generation is mesmerized by mega churches. As I have had the privilege to be in churches of all sizes, the words of my mentor, Pastor Clarence Sexton, have become...
How to Keep Yourself Stirred
One of the hardest things in serving the Lord is keeping your own heart stirred about the work you have been given to do. We all struggle with it. It...
The Kindest Thing You Can Do for Your Preacher
Recently someone asked me what the kindest thing was that had been done for me as I traveled from church to church. That was easy. Pastors and people have been...
The Best Thing In Your Town
As I travel week after week it is always fascinating to see the buildings and attractions that make each area unique. Large cities and rural communities all have something of...
Daily Fellowship (Daily Living – Part 9)
Recently as I was caring for some personal business the Lord reminded me of a wonderful principle. God's people should be helping God's people. The verse that the Holy Spirit...
Why Carry a Bible to Church?
My pastor always begins his Bible messages the same way: "Take the Word of God with me please and turn to..." It is a beautiful sight to see hundreds of...
Getting More Out of This Sunday’s Sermon
Over the last few days I have been in numerous meetings where someone was preaching the Bible. The messages were delivered by different men with varied styles, but in each...
Thank God for My Pastor
For the last two decades I have had the joy of being under the same faithful pastor. Recently I spent some time reflecting on what a joy it is just...
Joy in the Midst of Conflict
Lester Roloff used to sing an old gospel song that said, "It's a battlefield brother, not a recreation room. It's a fight and not a game! So run if you...
When Young People Ask Hard Questions
Questions are opportunities to teach. God gave explicit instructions to Israel about what to say when your children ask (Deuteronomy 6:20-25). And ask they will! All of us who have...
Why I Believe in Local Church Youth Ministry
For the last twenty years I have had the joy to be involved in youth ministry in some way. It is the passion of my life to point another generation...
Pop Culture and Pop Christianity
Pop culture has received a great deal of attention in recent years. Television and the Internet gave it momentum and the proliferation of social media has only increased its influence. ...
How to Pray for a Special Meeting
Today we begin our annual Baptist Friends Conference at Temple Baptist Church and Crown College. Pastor Sexton and our precious people love hosting this meeting and seeking to encourage hundreds...
Don’t Quit!
Napoleon said that in every major conflict there is a ten to fifteen minute period when the battle is won or lost. It is the critical time. Conquer it and...
Aquila and Priscilla: A Biblical Marriage
God’s design is for families to serve Christ together in a New Testament church. As we find our place in the Lord’s work, every member of the family is blessed...
