For many years, I have wanted to write a book on the Christian theology of death. There is so little reliable information available, and people have a great deal of confusion about it. I never have written the book because publishers know people aren’t willing to buy such books. People avoid talking about and even… Continue reading FACING DEATH FEARLESSLY
Category: Insights for Preaching
WHAT MAKES PREACHING EFFECTIVE?
Every week in America, it is estimated that 55 million people listen to more than a billion words in sermons. Billions more words are spoken from pulpits around the world. The number one complaint from the people in most congregations is this: “Sermons are boring and unrelated to my life.” PREACHING IS FOR SPIRITUAL LIFE-CHANGE… Continue reading WHAT MAKES PREACHING EFFECTIVE?
ELIJAH – 5: Prayer that Gets Results
– Charles Finney, the famous evangelist, was overheard praying, “And thou knowest Lord, that in these matters, I am not accustomed to being denied.” – not many of us would dare to make that statement to God – most of us would admit that there is something lacking in the quality and effectiveness of our… Continue reading ELIJAH – 5: Prayer that Gets Results
I PREACH TO FIVE CONGREGATIONS EVERY SUNDAY
One Sunday, I remember looking out at the congregation of more than 1,000 people that I had the privilege of ministering truth to each week. There was John, a recent convert. He was divorced and single. He had come out of a totally secular environment but was eager, inquisitive and loaded questions. He was sorting… Continue reading I PREACH TO FIVE CONGREGATIONS EVERY SUNDAY
MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR WEAKNESS
Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? (2 Corinthians 11:29). We are not called to follow Christ because we are strong. It seems that human weakness is a qualification for serving the Master. And we are all weak. I’ve heard Billy Graham say many times, “If God takes his hands off me, my… Continue reading MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR WEAKNESS
ELIJAH – 4: Standing Alone in Spiritual Conflict
– I have always liked to serve as part of a team and have been part of many great teams – I have always enjoyed being part of a pastoral staff that worked together – I don’t like to work as a loner – There is encouragement, support and help when a team works together… Continue reading ELIJAH – 4: Standing Alone in Spiritual Conflict
ARE YOU A GREAT LOVER?
I once asked a group of young men, “What kind of lover are you?” After some sheepish looks at each other, one of them said, “It depends what girl I am with!” These guys missed the point of the question. I did not ask them about the girls of their dreams; it was a question… Continue reading ARE YOU A GREAT LOVER?
SPIRITUAL MATURITY
When I was small, I made some dumb choices. One Christmas, an aunt gave me my choice of either of two presents. One gift was a rather expensive item that had lasting value. She thought I would choose this gift and tried to persuade me to take it. But I chose a cheap, plastic game… Continue reading SPIRITUAL MATURITY
ELIJAH – 3: Ready For A New Assignment
God’s will is not static; it is progressive. Learning God’s will is not a one-time event; it is an ongoing process. No one can predict what God is going to ask us to do and where he will ask us to go. We may have a general idea of his directions but each new day… Continue reading ELIJAH – 3: Ready For A New Assignment
ISSUING INVITATIONS: What about Altar Calls?
As I have travelled in ministry in recent years, I am amazed at the questions preachers have about “altar calls.” Some well-known preachers are outspoken in their opposition to giving “altar calls.” On the other extreme, some feel that without an altar call, a preacher has denied or at least compromised his calling. The term… Continue reading ISSUING INVITATIONS: What about Altar Calls?