I am writing this after the close of one of the best Youth Sunday’s we have had at our church.  Recently we have had several of our young men called to the ministry: one on the mission field, one into youth ministry, one into the pastorate, and several surrendered to full-time Christian service.  I praise the Lord that He is still speaking to those who will hear His voice.

Such surrender however, does not come without spiritual investments.

I am thankful for parents who contend with busy calendars, hectic schedules, and multiple obligations. I am thankful that they prioritize church …

We all know it is imperative for leaders to have and maintain a vision.  “The most pathetic person in the world is someone who has sight” said Helen Keller, “but has no vision.”  Vision is what distinguishes the leader from the follower.  It is the one thing that differentiates the average traveler from the informed, observant driver: the ability to see up ahead.

Vision is especially important in pastoral ministry.  As a pastor I am not only preparing for this Sunday, I am preparing for the Sunday 5, 10, 20 years from now.    Mel Lawrenz hits on this notion in …

Text: Galatians 4:1-7

Introduction:

The inheritance of the believer is settled because of his standing in Christ.  As a child of God we are heirs in Jesus Christ through the Spirit of adoption.

1. The Adolescents of God (v1-3)

A. The Standing of the Child– “Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a    servant, though he be lord of all;”

B. The Season of the Child– “But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father.”

C. The Similarity of the Child– “Even …

Over the years I have heard various philosophies and arguments from people who are either for missions or against missions. Even though I have always been associated with the idea of missions I will confess there was a time in my early ministry when I placed little emphasis on supporting missionaries around the world. When I began the ministry I was associated with some people who were skeptical and uninformed about the concept of missions; so therefore they simply avoided the idea of missionary work altogether; regrettably, I did the same.
God however began working in my heart about what …

The Lord wants us to bear fruit. As a matter of fact, this is the natural order of creation. On the third day, God created the vegetative world and ordered it to produce after its kind. He placed within each plant, tree, shrub, bush, and flower a seed to bring forth fruit. Throughout the history of the world this has been the divine order. God has designed creation in such a way to be self-producing. Again, the Lord wants us to bear fruit.

I believe it is safe to assume that rational, well-meaning Christians want to bear fruit as well. …