Enjoying the Journey
Christian Witness
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 a symbolic way it reminds us that the state of our union is somewhat uncertain at this moment. There is always plenty of political maneuvering and rhetorical gymnastics associated with such speeches. However, at this time in our nation there exists an increased division and dissension. O how we need a spiritual awakening in our land! My greatest burden is not just for the state of our union politically or economically but for the state of the church spiritually. You see, the condition of the nation is deeply rooted in…
Read More7 Ways to Show Kindness Today
Rush Limbaugh died today. He was one of the most loved and hated men in America, like so many who hold strong positions on anything. As I scrolled through the posts about his passing I was struck, not by the many tributes, but by the vitriolic and even violent comments about his death. When “Satan,” “hell,” and other unprintable words are used about any man’s death it reveals more about their heart than his. I could weep as I read the bitter and vile sentiments. No one who knows the love of God or understand the evil of the Devil could post such things. What has happened to our society that people laugh and joke about things sobering and sad.…
Read MoreBig 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 that was true. We are now living not only in what is “post modern” but in what has been referred to as a “post truth” culture. Divine absolutes are out and self-awareness is in. This is the world we have been called to evangelize. But this is not the first society to have such a spiritual landscape. When Paul spoke to the people of Athens at Mars Hill regarding “THE UNKNOWN GOD” he began this way: “God that made the worlds and all things therein…” (Acts 17:24). This most intelligent…
Read More3 Things to Remember Behind the Mask
It is a strange day. I can’t get use to seeing everyone in masks. The last few days I have been flying frequently and wearing my mandatory mask in airports and planes. The arguments for and against range from medical to political, from governmental to personal. It is not my purpose to stir that debate, but to remind believers of some things the mask must not change… You are not anonymous. Funny, isn’t it? How easily people begin to act like they are “hidden.” Mask or no mask, you are a follower of Jesus Christ and should exemplify His character through every interaction you have with others. We are to be the same in private as we are in public,…
Read MoreSo Much Insanity!
Have you watched the news lately? At times it seems that the whole world has gone crazy. Logic has disappeared and common sense is at an all-time low. Some say it is a sign of the times, and, while I would agree, I would also say it is a sign of sin. There is a miserable insanity to sin. Sin at its core is a rejection of the God of all wisdom. When you reject the God of wisdom it naturally leads to foolishness. This is how Solomon could know so much and still do so much damage. In short – sin is stupid. Reject truth and you believe a lie. Turn from light and you open the door to…
Read MoreThe Greatest Gospel Moment In A Generation
My grandpa remembered where he was when Pearl Harbor was attacked. My dad remembers where he was when JFK was shot. I remember where I was when the planes hit the World Trade Center on 9/11. My children will remember the global pandemic of 2020. There are moments in every generation that fix themselves forever in our memory. Over 100,000 people have now died around the world from COVID-19. Many more have been awakened to their mortality and frailty. We all are thinking more about life and eternity. People are asking questions, reading Bibles, watching church services online, and wondering what the future holds. I believe we are living in the greatest gospel moment in a generation. On this Easter…
Read MoreThe Misconception Of “Mass Evangelism”
There is nothing in this world quite like seeing an eternal soul come to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. I believe that Scripture teaches God’s love for all people and that Christ died for every person (John 3:16). Believers are privileged and responsible to share the good news of salvation with “every creature” (Mark 16:15). We should use every God-honoring means at our disposal to get this message out! One misconception that is common in a world of mass media and mass messaging is that somehow the majority of people will be saved through mass evangelism. Many people have a picture in their minds of a well spoken evangelist blowing through town and preaching dynamic sermons with great crowds…
Read MoreFrom A Fellow Evangelist
I thank God for faithful evangelists. They are a gift to the local church (Ephesians 4:11), and properly used, a help to both pastor and people. It has been a joy at this stage in my life to learn more about evangelism both from personal experience and from the experiences of others. Larry Clayton has been one of the Lord’s faithful evangelists for many years. He lives and labors to win the lost to Christ, start churches, and help stir God’s people. Some time ago he and his precious wife came to a gospel crusade where I was preaching. After one of the services we had a meal together and he was a great encouragement to me personally. Men…
Read MoreTake 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 will be held at the convention center where in July 2020 we will be conducting a gospel crusade. The goal is simple – we want to reach our Jerusalem with the truth of Jesus Christ! If each believer and every local congregation could get a vision for souls in their area what a tremendous impact could be made! The Apostle Paul said to a group of people where he had lived for three and a half years, “And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have…
Read MoreWould You Help Us?
Rarely do I post anything on a Saturday night but this is special. On Tuesday one of my dearest friends and fellow laborers is leaving for Iraq. God has called him and his family to labor in that needy part of our world. I have been challenged by their faith and believe that our Master has divine appointments for them there. Over the last months they have seen definite provision and preparation for the work they have been given to do. In recent days a Christian businessman offered to match gifts up to $20,000 and many others have given sacrificially. God’s people have been wonderful. Tammy and I are honored to have a part and happy to ask others to…
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