In 2020, as churches were coming out of Covid-related ministry adjustments and thinking about how ministry might look different moving forward, I remember a pastor friend saying that his church was going to need to raise up “persecution-proof disciples.” He was seeing changes on the cultural horizon and discerned the church might not be ready.Continue reading “Persecution-Proof Disciples “
Tag Archives: prayer
Things That Make Us Pray
What drives you to your knees in prayer? A pastor friend said, as I was listening to him describe a remarkably difficult time in his pastorate, that this event was certainly causing him to pray, and in his words, “anything that makes you pray is a good thing.” While the analogy could be pushed tooContinue reading “Things That Make Us Pray”
We are Together for the Mission in Kentucky
Measuring the full impact of Kentucky Baptist churches working together to reach Kentucky and the world for Christ is impossible. Only heaven itself will reveal the full measure of our cooperative efforts. We do, however, get occasional glimpses of the fruit of churches working together to advance the gospel. Kentucky Baptists have a greatContinue reading “We are Together for the Mission in Kentucky”
Who is God in Your Life?
On a recent Sunday, Connie and I were able to attend our home church together and reconnect with some of our friends. We heard a great sermon from Dr. Andy McDonald, who is serving as our interim pastor while we search for our next pastor. Bro. Andy introduced a sermon series from the Book ofContinue reading “Who is God in Your Life? “
What Happened at the SBC?
You may have heard from some media reports that messengers at Southern Baptist Convention in Indianapolis affirmed that women can serve as pastors. That is absolutely not the case. In fact, the messengers voted overwhelmingly that an historic Baptist church in Alexandria, Virginia, that does affirm women pastors is no longer in friendly cooperation withContinue reading “What Happened at the SBC?”
Will You Visit OBI This Summer?
When your church gives through the Cooperative Program, you are investing in gospel- advancing ministry not only to remote points of the globe, but also right here in Kentucky. Giving through CP allows your church, and you by way of your tithes and offerings, to fund the work of Clear Creek Baptist Bible College,Continue reading “Will You Visit OBI This Summer?”
Teach Me to Preach
When I first started preaching, I had no idea what to do. I had listened to sermons but had no concept of how to prepare one. So I prayed fervently and practiced reverse engineering to figure out biblical exegesis, sermonic structure, sermon content, illustrations, applications, introductions and conclusions. I remember hearing one preacher humorously sayContinue reading “Teach Me to Preach”
A Well-Placed Question
Jesus was known for asking questions. According to Bob Tiede of Biblical Leadership, the four gospels record 339 questions that Jesus asked. Others say the number is a little lower, but all agree that Jesus asked lots of questions. Tiede mentions, “He sometimes answered questions with questions of his own.” Jesus was the master of well-placed questions.Continue reading “A Well-Placed Question”
Bad Eating Habits
I confess — sometimes I eat too much. The Bible calls that gluttony, and gluttony is a sin. It is a sin, like all sins, that believers must take seriously, confess and turn from. Many of us struggle with overeating. I feel like I was born hungry and never really got full. Years ago, IContinue reading “Bad Eating Habits “
Preach to Yourself
Followers of Jesus need preaching. Hearing God’s word preached reminds us of the goodness of our God and His gracious plan for His people. In a typical week, I will listen to the Sunday morning sermon from my home church as well as a couple of other preachers God has used in my life. PreachingContinue reading “Preach to Yourself”
Dr. Todd Gray 