Reflections on the Home Going of a Spiritual Father
As a 17 year old boy the Lord directed me to Crown College and brought me under the influence of Pastor Clarence Sexton. Little did I know how this relationship...
Christians You Should Know: John Wesley
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life...
Guest Post: Don’t Lose the Essentials
Dr. Charles Keen has served as a faithful pastor, Bible teacher, author, Bible publisher, and missionary statesman. We are happy to call him a friend. This good man has been...
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...
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...
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 Pitfalls in Preaching
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
He Only Lived to 33.
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....
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...
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...
5 Books To Read To Help Young People
Much of my ministry has been connected to young people. It was my privilege to serve for many years as a church youth director. I enjoyed teaching youth ministry at...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Update On Our Travels
These are unusual and exciting days to be serving the Lord. I believe that revival is on the way and whatever God has to rearrange in all of our lives...
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,...
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...
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...
30 Years Ago Tonight
Thirty years ago tonight I surrendered my life to Christ to preach His Word. Thirty years. A few days later, as a twelve-year-old boy, I stood in a cottage prayer...
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 12? Why did the...
My Wife’s Ministry
Our First Valentine’s Day, 1995 My favorite traveling companion is the one that God is allowing me to make this journey through life with. Every place is better with her....
Loving What You Do
“Do you enjoy what you are doing?” I hear this question often. The answer for me is...absolutely! While there are challenges in every work, there is nothing as fulfilling as...
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...
7 Ways To Use The Daily Podcast
Podcasts are a wonderful resource for personal, daily growth. Listening to the faithful teaching of God's Word has often been used to instruct and inspire me along the way. My...
An Open Door To Reach The Colleges And Universities Of America
One of the early gospel efforts Tammy and I were privileged to serve in at Temple Baptist Church was the Christian Volunteers ministry on the campus of the University of...
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...
ALL NATURAL???
In our day of cheap facades, strange additives, and generic substitutes it is appealing when anyone offers something that is completely natural. Entire brands are now built on the idea...
Three Weeks From Today!
Preacher's are engaged in the greatest work in the world. It is a work that will outlive this world! 1 Timothy 5:17 says, "Let the elders that rule well be...
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...
GUEST POST: Virtual Solutions For Local Churches
Gayle Washington was a fellow-worker for many years in the ministry. Her burden is to help pastors and churches and the Lord is using her. She and her husband, Dave,...
What Is The Most Important Lesson You Have Learned?
As I write these words I am sitting in northern Michigan. It is a beautiful summer day at camp. This morning at breakfast I had an engaging conversation with a...
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...
What Is Going On In Our Schools?
This generation needs the good news of Jesus Christ! Young people are growing up in a world of violence and hate. Only the love of God can make the difference....
Preachers Are All Different!
No two people are the same, and no two preachers are either. The gifts and callings of God are unique in the life of every one of His servants. It...
Advice To A Teenage Preacher
Recently a teenage boy wrote to tell me that God had called him to be a preacher. What a joy to see another generation of young people yielding their lives...
Tribute to An Encourager
There are a few men who are admired by believers of all backgrounds. These are special men. Men who make an impact far outside their immediate realm of influence. They...
The Lord’s Love for Little Ones
Recently, I had the joy of spending a few minutes with a group of children who have given and prayed for our upcoming gospel work in India. What an encouragement...
Our October Schedule & A Request for Prayer
Thank you for your continued prayers. A precious lady at a church recently asked me, “What can I pray for specifically?” I love that. Specific prayers bring specific answers. Please...
Now That You Are Called
Several weeks ago I published a short post on how to know when you have been called. (You may read the original post here.) It was encouraging to hear from...
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...
A Tribute to Pastor Sexton on His 50th Ministry Anniversary
With Pastor Sexton in front of his first pastorate, Greenback, TN Along the journey God brings people across your path who will forever affect your life....
“How Do You Know When You Have Been Called?”
When the Lord first began dealing with me about being a preacher I asked my dad, “How do you know when you are called to preach?” He gave what I...
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...
Why You Should Keep A Journal
Recently I encouraged a dear friend who is living through a trial to keep a daily journal of what God is doing in his life. My suggestion grew out of...
Getting the Most Out of a Church Meeting
Boredom seems to be the order of the day. Why go to church anyhow? A Church in Decay Church attendance nationally is on the decline. Even...
A New Season and Our October Itinerary
My favorite season has arrived. Fall is officially here. This year our family is celebrating the changing of the leaves in the beautiful mountains of West Virginia. It is a...
Run Your Race!
About five months ago I did something I have never done - I started running. I should have started years ago. While physically it has helped me, I am amazed...
Still Enjoying the Journey
About four years ago I began blogging. I have been more regular at times than at others, but it has been a good exercise for me. Many friends have been...
An Open Letter to Our Friends
December 18, 2015 The Lord has been very gracious to me and to my family. Twenty-one years ago I came to Powell, Tennessee to attend Crown College. It was here...
The Most Important Work I Have to Do Every Day
If your days are like mine they often resemble a whirlwind of people and tasks. Correspondence. Problems. Phone calls. Appointments. Projects. Meetings. Decisions. Life can become very crowded at times!...
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...
Pass It On
Have you ever wondered why God blesses any of us? One thing is sure. It is not because we deserve it. All of His blessings are mercy. And all of...
An Encouraging Word for Preachers: Preaching out of the Overflow
A fine young man was driving me to the airport in another state recently. We had a pleasant conversation about many things. He is soon to be married and has...
What I Learned at the Dead Sea
My dad and I had the privilege to be part of training several Iraqi pastors a number of years ago. For over a week we taught a group of men...
How to Speak “A Good Word”
Someone once said in my presence, "Be kind to others. Everybody is having a hard time."They were right.We all have our struggles and you may be surprised at the people...
Reflections on our World Mission Conference
We have a lot of conferences and special meetings at Temple Baptist Church and Crown College. Without a doubt, the meeting we have just concluded was one of the richest...
I Am Praying for You!
Some of the most beautiful words I ever hear are: "I am praying for you." (Especially if I know they are more than just words!) My precious wife prays for...
What About Eternity?
A friend and I were enjoying a time of fellowship together just a few days ago. During the conversation I asked about a man who had been a pastor in...
The Power of a Personal Letter
Recently I was sitting in my study at home when my oldest daughter came in and proudly announced, “Dad, I am about to write my first letter.” She is thirteen. ...
My Greatest Need
Every generation requires true men of God who carry on the work of the Lord in the power of the Holy Spirit. An entry in the journal of Henry Martyn...
Working through Your Weariness
This afternoon I had the privilege to spend a few minutes with some of our staff and faculty at Crown Southwest in Fort Worth, Texas. I thank God for Christian...
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...
8 Words That Have Helped Me Get More Done
We all have 1,440 minutes in a day. Try as you might, it is impossible to add time! It is possible, however, to make a wiser investment of the time...
