Enjoying the Journey
Posts Tagged ‘gospel’
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 MoreThe Gospel Answer to Racial Prejudice
Born in the 1970’s, I just missed the civil rights movement of the previous decade. My friends and I read about the injustices and racial tensions in our history books but, gratefully saw little of it in the area where we were raised. I thank God that my parents and those who influenced me modeled a love and respect for all people. Now, as my son is approaching adulthood, it seems that the racial divide has become prominent again in so many places. Our world is full of a hatred that could only be fueled by the devil who came to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). And only the love of God can cut through that hatred. When Jesus…
Read MoreA Gift for Giving Tuesday
Yesterday was the day that Americans spent all of their money online and today is the day they are encouraged to give whatever they have left over to worthy causes! All joking aside, I think Giving Tuesday is a good thing. God’s people are taught the principles of giving throughout the Word of God and, for believers, they are in effect every day. It has always been my conviction that no charitable giving should take away from the tithe and offering that believers should give through their local churches. The work of the Lord through your church needs your faithful involvement more now than ever. As I have read the life and ministry of D.L. Moody it has been encouraging…
Read MoreRecent Reads & Recommendations
A few nights ago I had the privilege after a meeting to spend some time with a group of young preachers. We had a wonderful conversation on a range of subjects. Near the end of the evening one of the young men asked how I chose what I was going to read. My answer was that I primarily relied on good recommendations from people I trust. It is impossible to read everything – and probably not wise! I enjoy reading widely and appreciate the helpful recommendations from trusted people. Recently I have been asked to review three books that were written by friends. It was my privilege to do so and I am happy to recommend them to you. They…
Read MoreA Moment for The Gospel
Earlier this week I posted 5 Books to Read on Witnessing. In this season of “social distancing” and health fears it is possible that we could all lose sight of the greatest danger – souls being eternally lost. It would be a tragedy if, while we give attention to physical things, we neglect spiritual realities. People are dying every day in their sins and God’s people have the cure. A few days ago I was preaching in another state. The pastor and a couple of ministry interns said that they were going out to speak to people door to door about the Lord. They were, of course, using every precaution and speaking to people only on the front steps of…
Read MoreAn Update On This Year’s God Bless America Rally
As many of you know we have been praying and working for some time toward a regional God Bless America Rally in our “Jerusalem” of southern West Virginia. 33 churches are laboring together for this gospel effort and there is a real expectancy about what the Lord will do! This is a pivotal time in our nation and people are searching. With the COVID-19 concerns large gatherings have become impossible for a period of time. The very people we want to reach – the unchurched and unevangelized – will be hesitant to come to any mass meeting for the next few weeks. Our door to door effort leading up to the crusade would also be very difficult. God has led…
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 MoreHelp Us Reach A Major City With The Gospel…
Just a few days ago it was my privilege to be back in our nation’s capitol. Washington D.C. is more than the seat of government for our country – it is a city with millions of eternal souls. Sometimes in the frustration with politics it is easy to forget that souls are at stake. National monuments and memorials will not last forever, but people will. Pastor Mike Creed and a number of others are burdened to get the gospel to this great urban area. They are concentrating on the D.C. Metro system which has 626,000 riders every day. They are launching the Metro Bible Project this year with a goal of getting a half a million New Testaments into the…
Read More3 Positive Ways To Use Your Social Media
There is a lot of negative talk in this world. Social media has only amplified it. Sadly, many believers use their social media just like those who do not know God. Disagreements are aired for the world to see. Accusations are thrown flippantly. Complaining is the norm. “My brethren, these things ought not so to be” (James 3:10). Social media is not going away. For sure there are checks and balances that we all should place on the amount of time we give to it and the type of content we post on it. Perhaps the greatest thing we can do is learn to use it for good and for God. When social media platforms are engaged in things that…
Read MoreA Special Prayer Event This Saturday
God is at work in our nation. He is working in individual hearts and homes. The awakening of a country always begins with the awakening of God’s people. As I travel across our land I am encouraged by the burden many now have to pray and seek the Lord. In our own region like-minded churches are working and praying together now. This week I have spoken with a number of business people who want to see something happen for the cause of Christ. There is an increasing passion to get the gospel to the lost. This Saturday, February 8, 2020 a second God Bless America Rally Prayer Meeting will be held in southern West Virginia. More than 400 assembled at…
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