Decades ago, while pastoring a previous church, some interesting things happened. A few weeks after starting at the church, I was there alone and decided to snoop around. There I was looking through closets and other storage areas. Everything was what you would expect stored inside a church. A lot of seasonal decorations, costumes, and … Continue reading What About The Children?
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The Fruits of Saving Faith
When a person places faith in the blood sacrifice of Jesus Christ as their only means of salvation, they are saved (John 3:14-19, 36; Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 3:28; Romans 4:5; Galatians 2:16; John 5:24; Acts 16:30-31; Titus 3:5). At the moment of salvation, a person receives the Holy Spirit (Ephesians 1:13-14; Romans 8:9; Titus 3:5-6; … Continue reading The Fruits of Saving Faith
Signs of Backsliding
The story of the Prodigal Son is the go-to story of a backslider in the Bible. The man demands his inheritance early. Dad gives it to him, and he is off to the party life. Wine, woman, and song become the norm. Eventually, the money runs out, and the fellow finds himself working on a … Continue reading Signs of Backsliding
The Fulfilling of Prophecy
I love having conversations with people. I love talking to people about what they believe; not just about God and religion, but what they believe about any subject, which team will win the World Series, who they are going to vote for, what their dream car is, their favorite meal, and so on. Regardless of … Continue reading The Fulfilling of Prophecy
Peter’s Conversion
The most significant thing Peter did during his three years being discipled by Jesus was not walking on water, it was a statement he made. One day, Jesus asked the Apostles about who other people thought He was. They responded that some people thought he was John the Baptist risen from the dead or one … Continue reading Peter’s Conversion
Church
Countryside Baptist celebrated its forty-first anniversary yesterday. The church started on the first Sunday of May 1985. Bill Howard was the original Pastor, and I came along ten years later. It was a wonderful day! We had a slideshow with pictures going all the way back to the beginning, presented gifts to the congregation, and … Continue reading Church
Why Do Things Work Out For Good?
“All things work together for good” is a phrase many people find comforting. Those words are often spoken to people who are suffering hardships, difficult times, or tragedy. Often, people in these heartbreaking circumstances use these words themselves to find peace amid the storms of life. These words are Biblical words and are only a … Continue reading Why Do Things Work Out For Good?
Yippie! 2026 Is Here!
A new year has dawned. Some people are looking forward to 2026 with anticipation, others with dread, and still others see it as just another day passing on the calendar. I wish I could tell you what is going to happen this year. Who will win the Super Bowl and the World Series? How will … Continue reading Yippie! 2026 Is Here!
How Does God Feel About Israel & The Jews
Antisemitism is on the rise throughout the world, even in Christian circles. Since the Jews have been hated throughout history, at least some of what appears to be an increase is nothing more than hidden feelings finally rising to the surface. As Christians, we should look to God for answers to everything in life. What … Continue reading How Does God Feel About Israel & The Jews
Please Meditate On Christmas
If you ask people why we celebrate Christmas, or about the meaning of Christmas, there are three basic answers. “It’s when we celebrate Jesus’ birthday!” “Christmas is a time of giving, peace, and joy.” “Christmas is a time to spend with family and friends, a time of good food, and gifts.” There is truth in … Continue reading Please Meditate On Christmas
Preacher's Point 