Monthly Archives: June 2014

June 30, 2014 · 7:06 am

Word of the Week: Unity

“In matters of faith, unity; in matters of opinion liberty; in all things, charity.”

These words were drafted by Thomas Campbell in his Declaration and Address before the Christian Association of Washington in 1809. Campbell, a Presbyterian minister, migrated to America from Ireland in 1807. He came to this country believing the American frontier presented a new life and a new opportunity for Christianity. He sought to promote, as he put it, “simple evangelical Christianity, free from all mixture of human opinion and inventions of men.” Campbell was seen by many in his denomination as unorthodox. Continue reading →

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June 27, 2014 · 6:37 am

IT’S FRIDAY. BUT SUNDAY’S COMING! The Man Who Won’t Go Away

“On the day after Jesus’ death, it looked as if whatever small mark he left on the world would rapidly disappear. Instead, his impact on human history has been unparalleled.”

These are the opening words by John Ortberg in his book “Who is this Man?” This was a father’s day present from my daughter and son-in-law. It’s going to be a good one! Continue reading →

The Gospel in a Nutshell

The Protestant reformer Martin Luther called it “the gospel in miniature.”

Biblical Commentator William Barclay wrote that it is “the very essence of the Gospel.”

Comedian Jeff Foxworthy stated, “This is the promise that bears hope for the hopeless.”

Gospel preacher, Robert Jackson, entitled it “The greatest sentence ever written.”　 Continue reading →

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Tagged as Gospel, Love, Salvation

June 25, 2014 · 6:02 am

Persecuted For Righteousness’ Sake

“I am a Christian,” Meriam Ibrahim told the judge at her sentencing hearing in May, “and I will remain a Christian.”

The case of the 27-year-old Sudanese woman sparked international outrage when she was sentenced to die by hanging for refusing to renounce her Christian faith. At the time she was eight months pregnant and has since given birth to a baby girl. Continue reading →

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Tagged as Islam, Meriam Ibrahim, Muslims, Persecution

June 24, 2014 · 6:28 am

The Power of Encouragement

Living in the inner city of Detroit was tough enough on 8-year-old Ben, but it got even worse when his father walked out on the family.

Ben’s mother, Sonya, was determined to fight through the heartbreak, fear and financial struggle. Although she only had a third-grade education, she insisted Ben and his brother get an education. However, Ben was ridiculed in school and was nick-named “Dummy” by the other fifth graders. Continue reading →

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June 23, 2014 · 6:25 am

Word of the Week: Equip

“There is no more noble occupation in the world than to assist another human being–to help someone succeed,” wrote author Alan Loy McGinnis.

Leadership guru, John Maxwell, was even more emphatic when he said, “There is no success without a successor!”

The ability to mobilize members of Christ’s Body for ministry is an important task. It’s a necessary job if we are to achieve the potential for which we have been created. Paul said “we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Eph 2:10). The only way for this goal to be realized is to equip Christians for ministry. Continue reading →

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June 20, 2014 · 3:08 am

IT’S FRIDAY. BUT SUNDAY’S COMING! Overcoming Evil

ThePreachersWord

Evil. It was in abundance on that Friday in Jerusalem. Evil hearts that killed Christ. Think about it.

The Pharisees and religious leaders hearts were filled with envy. Pilate knew it. He said so. Evil plotting. Evil planning. Evil purposes. These men were outwardly religious. But inside they were corrupt. “ Whitewashed tombs,” Jesus called them. Evil.

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Love Without Measure

It’s early Thursday morning. The darkness has given way to dawn here in Wainfleet, Ontario, Canada. Coffee is brewing. It’s going to be another great day!

However, there’s a bit of sadness setting in. Today is our last day before returning home. While it’s always good to get home, this trip has been special. It has been a week of firsts. Our first trip to Niagara Falls. My first meeting with a church in Canada. The first time we’ve spent the week in a 5^th wheel RV. And the first time we’ve eaten French Fries with gravy!

But more importantly it has been an opportunity to share the gospel and enjoy fellowship with the Wellandport brethren. They’ve been gracious. Giving. And Generous. In their encouragement. Kindness. And support. And none more so than our hosts for the week, Michael and Sherry Stephens. Continue reading →

Three Barriers to Discipleship

“When I was a boy, my father, a baker, introduced me to the wonders of song,” tenor Luciano Pavarotti relates. “He urged me to work very hard to develop my voice. Arrigo Pola, a professional tenor in my hometown of Modena, Italy, took me as a pupil. I also enrolled in a teachers college. On graduating, I asked my father, ‘Shall I be a teacher or a singer?’ Continue reading →

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Tagged as Commitment, Discipleship

June 17, 2014 · 6:25 am