Who Were Aquila and Priscilla?
Who Were Aquila and Priscilla? There are many famous names in Scripture: Adam and Eve, Noah, Abraham, Deborah, David, Solomon, Esther, Daniel, and others. Yet, few know much about Aquila...
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...
Christians You Should Know: J.C. Ryle
“And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:” – Hebrews 10:24 A Snapshot of the Life of John Charles Ryle: Born: May 10, 1816...
60 Day Prayer Plan by Pastor Steve Rebert
Not long ago, it was my privilege to preach at a revival meeting in Winchester, VA. From the very first service, it was evident that God was at work in...
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...
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...
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...
Don’t Stop Using the Altar!
It was a joy again yesterday to see people on their knees, seeking the Lord. There is something wonderfully refreshing about definite, united prayer among God’s people. In these strange...
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 Music
Let me begin by saying that I am not a musician! The books that I am recommending are not related to the technical aspects of music, but rather to the...
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...
5 Books To Read On Preaching
It is a great privilege to stand and preach God's Word to others. In fact, it is a high and holy calling that should never be taken for granted! Preachers...
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...
4 Suggestions For Preachers
Augustus Toplady, author of the great hymn “Rock Of Ages,” was twenty-eight years old when he spent an afternoon in London with an older preacher whom he admired greatly. The...
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....
Pray For A Preacher
Tammy and I are spending the day with a great group of preachers and their wives at The Preacher's Rest. I thank the Lord for calling me to be a...
Obedient Children
Every father and mother knows that one of the greatest joys in life is seeing your children obey - immediately, cheerfully, and when they don't even know that you are...
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...
Something To Nibble On Later by Dr. Charles Keen
Something To Nibble On Later In Mark 6:43 we read, "And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments..." We all are familiar with the phrase, "Would you like...
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...
“The Pastor Is Not Supposed To Cry” by Mark Fowler
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...
Longevity In The Pastorate by Pastor James Pauley
One of my spiritual fathers is my uncle, James Pauley. He has faithfully pastored the same church for nearly half a century. He is a man of prayer and a...
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...
Do You Have A Favorite Hymn?
We were in the middle of a service several weeks ago when a fine young man leaned over and asked me, "Do you have a favorite hymn?" I did not...
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
How To Make This The Greatest Summer Of Your Life Everyone looks forward to summer. Students will tell you that summer begins the moment they are out of school. For...
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...
The Most Important Characteristic of A Staff Member
For nearly two decades I had the joy of serving on the staff of a wonderful church and college. After the first few years I had the responsibility of not...
A Guest Post And An Exciting Announcement
Pastor Scott Hooks is one of my dearest friends on earth. The work he has been chosen to lead in Hickory, NC is being blessed of the Lord in a wonderful...
“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...
A Bible Teacher
Most Sunday mornings I am asked to address a combined Sunday School class or spend time with a particular Bible study group. This is always something I enjoy doing and...
Cliche Christianity
So much of our Christianity has become trite and cliche. Words often overused and under-appreciated are common place. Do we even think about the things we are saying? I hear...
“Thank You For Loving Our Country With Me”
I wrote this post while ministering in another country. No matter where I travel in this world, I can boldly proclaim that God loves all people and Christ died for...
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
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...
My Advice to Church Staff Members
Over the last few weeks I have had the privilege of spending time with a number of church staff members in the places where I have been preaching. This is...
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...
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...
A Good Resource and A New Song
Several weeks ago I had the privilege of speaking in a pastor's fellowship where Evangelist Byron Foxx was singing. He has been a real encouragement to me through the years...
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?
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...
Getting More Out of This Sunday’s Sermon
Getting More Out of This Sunday's Sermon Over the last few weeks, I have been in numerous meetings where someone was preaching the Bible. The messages were delivered by different...
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...
What to Do When You Have Questions
What to Do When You Have 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...
The Rising Death Toll
I enjoy laughter and love life. I wish that every thought could be a happy one. But that is not the world in which we live. Ours is a day...
Why I Believe in Local Church Youth Ministry
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...
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
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...
A Remedy for Every Fear
Google the word phobia. Fear has reached epidemic proportions. Millions of Americans live in fear every day. Worse, many believers have become content with allowing fear to control their lives. The first mention...
Lessons God Is Teaching Me about My Family – Part 2
Home is the greatest classroom on earth...and not just for the children. Every day there is more to learn, and our failures serve to remind us that we have not...
