The Resurrection Chapter & Resurrection Sunday

1 Corinthians 15 is one of the most famous chapters in the Bible. It is commonly referred to as the “Resurrection Chapter” not because it tells the story of Jesus’ resurrection but because it speaks of the necessity of it and how it applies to our lives today. As we approach Easter Sunday 2024, IContinue reading “The Resurrection Chapter & Resurrection Sunday”

Why Reaching New People Must Always Be at the Forefront for the Church

“Pastor, you talk about reaching new people all the time, but what about the members we already have?  Shouldn’t we take care of them?  Don’t we care?”  Those words were spoken to me years ago when I was the pastor of another church. We had been experiencing a good season of growth. I was excitedContinue reading “Why Reaching New People Must Always Be at the Forefront for the Church”

Incredible Week in Brazil

Last week was one of the most impactful weeks I have had in some time.  I was part of a team that traveled to Brasilia, the capital city of Brazil, for a week of ministry.  Our team left on Saturday, May 25th with ten folks from Lakeside, five from Valleydale Baptist and four from McElwainContinue reading “Incredible Week in Brazil”

UPDATED 2022: The best study Bible

Frequently, I am asked which study Bible I recommend.  If you want to dig into the Word, then a good study Bible is the best investment you can make. The best study Bibles are like a commentary on the entire Bible, along with informative maps, charts, and articles.  In a good study Bible, the crossContinue reading “UPDATED 2022: The best study Bible”

Lord, take over a worship service again.

Once a church reaches a certain point, the services must be planned and prepared for in a greater way.  In order to have a quality choir and orchestra, the music they share in worship must be planned and prepared ahead of time. In order to have the audio-visual elements that are now standard in manyContinue reading “Lord, take over a worship service again.”

The Inerrancy & Authority of the Bible

It seems like the issues just keep coming. In 2015 the issue was marriage; now in 2016 the issue is bathrooms. I shutter to even think of what the 2017 issue could be.  There is pressure to compromise on every side.  Increasingly, leaders in many areas of our culture insist that all must get onContinue reading “The Inerrancy & Authority of the Bible”

Good reasons to be Southern Baptist

Particularly in the last decade, new models of “doing church” and churches working together (networks rather than denominations) have arisen.  This is not necessarily a bad thing. Many of these churches and networks are preaching the gospel of Christ, seeing people come to faith, and taking the gospel to the world. Much has been writtenContinue reading “Good reasons to be Southern Baptist”

Why I have a picture of Spurgeon in my office

Not long ago, a pastor friend of mine was surprised to see a portrait of the great English pastor Charles Haddon Spurgeon on the wall of my office near my desk. “You’re not a Calvinist, why do you have a picture of Spurgeon?”  It was a good question. It was also my joy to explainContinue reading “Why I have a picture of Spurgeon in my office”

One pastor’s thoughts on the International Mission Board situation

In recent days, I have had a number of people both inside and outside the church I serve who asked me my thoughts on the well-publicized financial issues at the International Mission Board. I decided to share them here in hopes that it will encourage people to become more informed and prayerful. First of all,Continue reading “One pastor’s thoughts on the International Mission Board situation”