Reflections from a Debate on Eternal Security
On February 23, 2022, I took part in a debate hosted by Pastor Mark Cowart and Church for All Nations in Colorado Springs—the topic was “Once Saved Always Saved.” … read more
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Moving Beyond “Hold the Fort”
The farther I go in my walk with the Lord, the more I am impressed with our need for focus, diligence, and full engagement with him. As we see the world succumbing more and more to deception and corruption, we need to do more than “not be conformed to this world” (Romans 12:2). … read more
What the Anointing is Not
Duke Ellington, the late jazz musician, composer and renowned band leader, was once asked to provide a definition of rhythm. “If you got it,” he replied, “you don’t need no definition. And if you don’t have it, ain’t no definition gonna help.” I think that same statement could apply to the anointing as well!… read more
Caçadores de Tempestades – Parte 1
Tendo vivido em Oklahoma por mais de três décadas, Lisa e eu passamos por muitas temporadas de tornados ativos. Além dos meteorologistas com seus sistemas de radar de alta tecnologia, algumas das pessoas que recebem atenção significativa durante a temporada de tornados são os caçadores de tempestades.… read more
O Comum e o Extraordinário Trabalhar do Espírito
É bom ter em mente a demarcação que Jonathan Edwards fez. Ele frequentemente fazia diferenciação entre as obras “comuns” do Espírito e Suas obras “extraordinárias”. Se acontecer de você possuir fortes dons em relação às obras “extraordinárias”, ou se for uma época de “sinais” notáveis, isso é maravilhoso.… read more
Conducting a Funeral for an Unsaved Person
Question: What is your purpose, strategy, philosophy, etc. in conducting a funeral for a person who was not necessarily saved?
Storm Chasers – Part 2
In ancient times, physicians who took the Hippocratic Oath pledged to “do no harm.” That’s a good commitment for physicians, and it’s also a good commitment for all who minister to people struggling and fighting their way through the storms of life. … read more
Storm Chasers – Part 1
Having lived in Oklahoma for more than three decades, Lisa and I have been through many active tornado seasons. In addition to the meteorologists with their high-tech radar systems, some of the people who receive significant attention during tornado season are the storm chasers. … read more
Excerpts from In Search of Paul
Here are some excerpts from a few different chapters—this will give you an idea about some of the book’s content. … read more
The Ordinary and the Extraordinary Works of the Spirit
It is good to keep in mind the delineation that Jonathan Edwards made. He frequently differentiated between “ordinary” works of the Spirit and “extraordinary” works of the Spirit. … read more
One Thing
I’m curious if there is a particular theme that God has put on your heart for 2022. Of course, God can impress us at any time and for any period or season of time he deems fit. … read more
No Kenosis, No Christmas
As Christmas approaches, I have been enjoying Dietrich Bonhoeffer’s book, God in the Manger. Bonhoeffer was a leader in Germany’s Confessing Church, believers who stood in opposition to Hitler and his policies. He was eventually imprisoned and was executed mere weeks before the Allied troops overtook and defeated the Nazis to end WWII in Europe. … read more
When Christmas Put a War on Hold
A pastor friend just contacted me and let me know he was going to be sharing some thoughts on a few of the Christmas Carols in their Sunday service and asked if I had any thoughts. My heart was immediately gladdened because many of the songs about Christ’s birth carry such rich and profound meaning. … read more
Who Are “the Lapsed” and Why Do They Matter?
In the early centuries of the church, those who denied their faith in times of persecution were said to have “lapsed.” Those who persevered in their faith and refused to recant or to compromise were called “confessors.” In other words, they truly held fast the confession of their faith despite imprisonment and torture, sometimes unto death. … read more
Prophecies for 2022?
Every time January rolls around, countless prophecies from every corner are given about what God is going to do and about what Christians should expect in the New Year. … read more
Seven Questions Every Potential Servant of God Should Ask
Here are seven questions each of us can ask ourselves to help us begin serving God and working more effectively for Him. … read more
What Child is This?
Of all the people who know that Christmas marks the birthday of Jesus Christ, I wonder how many of them know—I mean, really know—who Jesus actually is. … read more
Medicine and Miracles
This is Andrew’s story… his testimony about his journey through some serious mental health challenges and substance abuse issues. We hear a lot about “mental health” these days, and we are proud of our son for wanting to share his journey. Andrew is preparing to receive training in peer support to better help others struggling with some of life’s great challenges. … read more
Developing a Lay Ministry Team in Your Church
We often hear talk about the need to enlist others for ministry, to raise up leaders, to delegate, etc. I was just at John Nuzzo’s church (Victory Family Church) in Cranberry Township, PA, and saw these principles being implemented tremendously well. … read more
The Real Saint Nicholas
Those in the USA know all about Santa Claus… North Pole, Reindeer, Chimneys, Gifts, Jolly, etc. But way behind all of the myth and lore, there really was a Saint Nicholas. … read more
Do the Seven Churches Represent Seven “Ages” of the Church?
The question I receive most frequently about the Seven Churches of Revelation is this: Do the Seven Churches Represent Seven “Ages” of the Church? If so, what age of the church are we in now? … read more
Visiting D.L. Moody Sites in Massachusetts
I was recently privileged to minister in Seekonk, MA, and Lisa and I were able to visit some of the historic sites in Boston on the Saturday prior (thank you Pastor John and Anita Pfeffer).… read more
Support Resources for Hurting People
I recently attended a breakfast for Tulsa area ministers hosted by a local Psychiatric clinic and hospital. The presentation that morning was done by Tim Peterson, an outstanding brother who has deep Christian roots and excellent professional training. … read more
Four Punctuation Marks and a Funeral
You might think it strange that we would be talking about punctuation marks at a time like this, but the four symbols you see on the screen actually represent the four points of my message today.
Não Sejamos Pedras de Tropeço
Anos atrás, recebi uma ligação de uma enfermeira de uma escola primária local. Ela me pedia ajuda com relação a uma determinada situação. Quando perguntados a respeito do médico que cuidava da família, os pais de um aluno novato preencheram “Doutor Jesus” no formulário. … read more
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