Olive Trees
The Significance of Olive Trees “And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots” (Isaiah 11:1). “For...
The Crucified Life
The Crucified Life As a boy, I came to faith in Jesus Christ, and as a young man, I began serving the Lord. Yet in those early years, I often...
Nazareth
Nazareth “And all they in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, And rose up, and thrust him out of the city, and led him unto...
Emmaus
Emmaus In The New Testament “And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs.” Luke 24:13 Jesus liked...
The Samaritan Temple
The Samaritan Temple “Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and ye say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Jesus saith unto her, Woman, believe me,...
Millstones in Capernaum
“At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him...
A Resource for You and Your Sweetheart
"And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are...
Hymn History: Jesus, I Am Resting, Resting
Hymn History: Jesus I Am Resting, Resting "Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising...
Hymn History: Angels From the Realms of Glory
One of the most charming and beautiful Christmas carols is undoubtedly “Angels From the Realms of Glory.” This beloved carol has been published in over 700 hymnbooks! Few, however, know...
Jesus’ Last Gift
Enjoying the Journey has many friends in the ministry who help and encourage us along the way. John Buckner is a real student of God's Word. He has spent the last several...
Hymn History: Go Tell It on the Mountain
Hymn History: Go Tell It on the Mountain The Christmas season can be one of the most joyful and heartwarming times of the year. Families meet together, gifts are exchanged,...
New Series: GOD CAME.
God Came. In many ways, these two words summarize the message of the whole Bible! They encapsulate the love and mercy of our God. We could never come to Him...
Hymn History: Silent Night
"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night." - Luke 2:8 We have been thrilled to share a series...
Hymn History: I Gave My Life for Thee
Hymn History: I Gave My Life for Thee Francis Ridley Havergal was a famous hymn-writer and singer. Raised in a preacher's home, her talent was recognized very early in life....
Hymn History: Great Is Thy Faithfulness
“It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness. The Lord is my portion,...
Hymn History: Holy, Holy, Holy
"...and they rest not day and night, saying, Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, which was, and is, and is to come." - Revelation 4:8 Reginald Heber was a man...
Hymn History: My Savior First of All
"As for me, I will behold thy face in righteousness: I shall be satisfied, when I awake, with thy likeness." - Psalm 17:15 We are thrilled to share a series of...
Hymn History: Jesus Savior Pilot Me
"For this God is our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide even unto death." - Psalm 48:14 We are thrilled to share a series of brief...
Hymn History: Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us
"To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out." - John 10:3 We are thrilled to...
Hymn History: Abide With Me
"But they constrained him, saying, Abide with us: for it is toward evening, and the day is far spent. And he went in to tarry with them.” – Luke 24:29...
Hymn History: The Ninety and Nine
How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains,...
Hymn History: Jesus Is the Sweetest Name I Know
“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:“ – Philippians 2:9 We are thrilled to share a series of brief accounts of...
Hymn History: He Lives
"And he saith unto them, Be not affrighted: Ye seek Jesus of Nazareth, which was crucified: he is risen; he is not here: behold the place where they laid him."...
Hymn History: Saved By Grace
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.“ – Ephesians 2:8-9 We...
Hymn History: Let the Lower Lights Be Burning
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven" – Matthew 5:16 We are thrilled to share a...
Hymn History: Hold the Fort
“ And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” – Revelation 22:12 We are thrilled to share a...
Hymn History: He Keeps Me Singing
"Though he slay me, yet will I trust in him: but I will maintain mine own ways before him." - Job 13:15 We are thrilled to share a series of...
Hymn History: Jesus Paid It All
"Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious...
Hymn History: Have I Done My Best For Jesus?
"Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God." - 1 Corinthians 10:31 We are thrilled to share a series of brief...
“My Lord and My God”
Many of you have been journeying with us through the Miracles of Jesus on our ETJ Broadcast. It is always wonderful to be reminded that Christ is enough, and we...
Hymn History: Blessed Assurance
" Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water." - Hebrews...
Hymn History: All The Way My Savior Leads Me
"He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake." Psalm 23:3 We are thrilled to be sharing several brief accounts of how some...
The Miracles of Christ | Study Guide
The Miracles of Christ | Study Guide In difficult days and facing dire circumstances, it is always good to remind ourselves that God is greater than all! Scripture records over...
Beyond Bethlehem
I do love Christmas. While there are so many enjoyable aspects to this time of year, we must never forget that, for a Christian, every holiday should be a holy...
THE NAME
There is no name like the name of our great God! The apostles said of the name of Jesus, "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none...
Big Picture Evangelism
In "Christian" America you would imagine that you could walk up to anyone and begin to talk about Jesus Christ and everyone would have some context. Perhaps at one time...
5 Books To Read About Jesus (And One Bonus)
For at least one day this week people thought of Christ. We have just come through Easter and much of the world has considered the story of Jesus and the...
Stirrings In The City
This week I am preaching at the historic Sixth Avenue Bible Baptist Church in Brooklyn, NY. This beautiful 150-year old church is the continuing fruit of a faithful man. Robert...
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...
The Miracle Continues
Around this time of year it is not uncommon to hear someone refer to "a Christmas miracle." A miracle is something that cannot be explained by natural wisdom or human...
Your Favorite Christmas Song?
They have been playing in our home for nearly a month now... You know the ones! Songs of the season. Christmas carols. It seems the whole world begins to sing...
3 Times Jesus Wept And What We Learn From His Tears
Several months ago, I preached a message on the tears of Jesus. Our Savior was a "man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief" (Isaiah 53:5). This is more than mere...
40 Days Of Prayer
Every day should be a day of prayer, but it is a good thing to set aside specific seasons to give yourself to concentrated prayer. Extended periods of prayer help...
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...
Do You Have A Favorite Book Of The Bible?
As many of you know, my favorite book of the Bible is the New Testament book of Philippians. But, like one of my college professors, I too would have to...
The Greatest Giver
As a boy my dad taught me that there are two types of people in the world: takers and givers. Our world is full of takers, but givers are 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...
“Lord, Teach Us To Pray!”
These words from Luke 11:1 are the prayer that opens the understanding to more prayer. How often we go through the motions and mechanics of prayer but fail to truly...
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...
A Goal for 2018
How are you doing with your goals for the new year? It is just the first week but how quickly we can forget and fail in the very areas we...
Christmas Miracles
Even among unbelievers Christmas is viewed as a season for miracles. (Think Miracle on 34th Street!) But for those of us who know Christ it is more than that - it...
Tuesday’s Thanksgiving Thought: “God’s Greatest Provision”
Over the last few days we have been building a list in our home. We live by lists! Grocery lists, to do lists, special event lists. This one is different....
My Morning Meditation
Christ's greatest work was not done in a Temple or a synagogue. It was not accomplished through discussion with religious leaders or debate with skeptics. His work was done outside...
I Only Have One Message
Dr. Tom Malone used to joke about having five sermons and five hundred titles. My pastor challenged me years ago to work constantly at preparing new Bible messages. That counsel...
Missing Messiah
While preaching recently in the beautiful state of Connecticut I was driven through several old cemeteries. Very old. It was fascinating to see markers going back to the 1600's! It...
3 Christmas Traditions
We all have them. At times they must be adjusted, but always they live in our memory. Traditions held with family and friends. Fixed reference points in a world that...
A Christmas Letter from the Writer of Amazing Grace
You will be tempted not to finish reading this post. Could I ask you now to read to the very end? I have just completed a wonderful biography on the...
3 Truths to Remember When You Are Disappointed
Life in a fallen world is full of disappointments. Situations don't always turn out the way you hope. The best people let you down. Your own intentions fail to become...
Medals and Crowns
Like many people around the world I have watched with great interest the Olympic Games in Rio. Particularly the medal count! It is the talk everywhere I go...Which nation has...
His Name Is Not A Swear Word!
Have you noticed it? I heard it sitting in a restaurant last week. It was muttered by someone who passed me in an airport recently. Yesterday it was spoken across...
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...
Dealing with Disappointment – Part 2
Have you faced any disappointment in the last week? The last 24 hours? The last 10 minutes? It is inevitable. Disappointments come. In the last post I shared with you...
Our Daily Bread
This week a fine young man sent me a message asking how to keep his mind fixed on Christ while surrounded by so many distractions. It is not an easy...
Traveling
Another trip. I am sitting in a hotel room in Fort Worth, Texas tonight. Tomorrow we host an Open House at Crown Southwest and begin a Regional Youth Congress. I...
Kind People in a Mean World
There once was a school that had but one rule. (Oh, what a wonderful place that would be!) It is now known as Washington and Lee University and Robert E....
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...
We Don’t Need A Hero!
On Friday, January 24, 2014 the USA Today ran an article on a Texas politician. It opened with these words: "We don't need a hero." Perhaps. But there is something...
The Biggest Birthday Celebration in the World
We are only days away from the biggest birthday celebration in the world! No birthday on earth has more celebration or more misunderstanding. A recent Pew survey suggests that half...
Top of the List: Why Was Jesus Thankful?
Like most of you, I try to make a list each Thanksgiving of reasons for which I am grateful to God. Obviously, it is never complete because the blessings never...
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...
A Word for Young People About Parents
Like most children, when I was very young, I memorized the Ten Commandments. The fifth commandment says, “Honour thy father and thy mother.” It is repeated eight times in the...
Christianity is a Crutch
Recently I was in Vancouver, British Columbia for a meeting. On Saturday night I had a little time alone at the hotel and decided to do the Christian (and Canadian)...
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. ...
3 Days I Never Want to Forget
Every day is a precious gift from God. Even difficult days are reminders of God's mercy and grace. I have enjoyed some wonderful days along the journey. June 13, 1997...
