Perhaps you remember the first time you read the Bible in its entirety - or, perhaps you are still working on that goal. As a kid, the Bible intimidated me - it seemed so big, so long, too difficult for me to understand... After all, "only preachers could really...
We live in a day where motherhood is not always celebrated. When the institution of marriage is not considered sacred, then the privilege and responsibility of raising children is often not fully understood. It's not uncommon in society today to read of people viewing...
Today, our nation has set aside a time that we call the "National Day of Prayer." Created in 1952 by a joint resolution of Congress and signed by President Truman, the purpose is to invite people to pray for our nation. This calling the citizenship to prayer is...
Tonight, West Coast Baptist College will send its 26th graduating class into the harvest fields. I have been privileged to watch each group head out into the spiritual workforce. That first class only had three graduates: one is in heaven, one is a pastor, and one is...
Growing up in the Baptist tradition, I've heard my fair share of references to the Prince of Preachers, Charles Spurgeon. I've had the privilege to visit the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London and try to take in the impact this church was making 150 years ago. Though...
"Long-lasting victory can never be separated from a long-lasting stand on the foundation of the Cross."Watchman Nee Over the last four months, victory has been a reoccurring theme on this blog. These posts were developed after personally working with John's writing...
In Revelation 12, John described the still-future persecution of tribulation saints. The chapter opens up with a description of a sign in the heavens: a woman prepares to give birth, and a dragon appears to devour the child as soon as it’s born. God intervenes, the...
John wrote to a group of believers who had lived through the difficulties of Claudius, the insanity of Nero, the destruction of Jerusalem, and the trials of Emperor Domitian. They had the privilege of sitting at the feet of the last living connection to the original...
In the previous post, we noticed John's principle for victory of walking in the Spirit's power. I mentioned that we would learn five practical steps to see this in action. Let's take a look! Step One: Focus Your Attention One fact quickly observed from Peter’s ordeal...
John's writings gives us four simple principles to live by as overcomers. In the previous post, we observed the first principle. Today, we learn that not only is the indwelling Word of God important for our victory, we must also recognize the power of indwelling...
In previous posts, we have spent time discussing the concept of spiritual victory. We've taken a two-pronged approach, looking at our position in Christ which makes us overcomers as well as the promises God makes to overcomers. Over the next few posts, we will look at...
In Revelation 21.7, we find these encouraging words: He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be His God, and he shall be my son. Embedded in this summative promise are the truths of inheritance based upon familial relationships. We will inherit as a...
He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.Revelation 21.7 In Revelation 21.7, we find these encouraging words: He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be His God, and he shall be my son. It is...
He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.Revelation 21:7 Today, it’s not uncommon to read or hear about the British Royal family in the news. Who could forget the announcement made by Prince Harry about his family...
For the past few months, I have blogged consistently about the victorious Christian life. I've enjoyed releasing small sections of a new book that will release later this summer. We have been studying the writings of the Apostle John and his emphasis on being an...
During this week, we have tried to understand the background for the city of Laodicea as well as the message given to this final church John addresses. Though this church was known as lukewarm, Jesus Christ still provides a promise to overcomers - a great reminder...
Reserved for the church in Laodicea were some strong rebukes. The Head of the Church, the Bridegroom, identifies Himself in no uncertain terms. He is the “Amen,” the “Faithful and True Witness,” as well as the “Beginning of the Creation of God.” What significance is...
The simple days of childhood Have you ever imagined, or dreamed, what it would be like to be royalty for just one day? As a kid, I loved going to Burger King – just so I could ask for one of the paper crowns to wear. As the roles reversed, and I became the parent, it...
A Promise to Overcomers Do you remember reading about the unstable foundation for this city due to the quakes in this region? In contrast to the city, these believers would be stable, unable to be moved, fixed in place – this is the picture painted by the phrase “a...
Christ's message to this church is rich in doctrine, hope, and promise. Today, let's unpack a little of what we find in Revelation 3. Philadelphia does not receive a rebuke, condemnation of an exhortation to repentance. Instead, this church receives the praise of the...
Unstable, shaky, uncertain… Ever had a time where these feelings were expressed? Have you ever had a moment when you just felt unstable on your feet, or like you were just about ready to pass out? Maybe it was as a kid and an uncle decided to spin you around and...
A Three-Fold Promise In Revelation 3.5, a three-fold promise is pronounced to the believers in Sardis. First, they will receive white garments that are not spotted or soiled. We have this thought embedded into our culture already as a bride walks down the wedding...
Unpacking the Message Sardis: an ancient church that we remember as "dead." Rare is the occasion today where a church planter names his church Sardis Baptist Church. This church has lived in infamy as the church that was dead, but didn't realize it. I'm confident that...
It’s time for a confession: I’m not a shopper. When my wife and I were dating years ago, we went to the mall to Christmas shop together. This is where I first truly understood that different philosophies exist about this. After nearly eight hours, I finally asked my...
26 year together! Twenty-six years ago today, two college sweet-hearts said, "I do," in front of God, family, and friends. I was 22 years old, fresh out of college, and full of zeal with not much wisdom! Jen and I were both brought up in Christian homes, taught to...