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Category Archives: Discipleship
Baptists, Sacrifices, & Mark Twain
A man was robbing a train and came to the seat of a preacher. The robber shoved his gun into the preacher’s chest and said, “Gimme your money.” The preacher said, “But you wouldn’t rob a preacher, would you?” The … Continue reading
“Yes, We Know That Man”
A missionary assigned to a foreign land zealously embraced his new ministry by promptly telling a crowd of natives about Jesus. He spoke of Christ’s love, compassion, and power to heal. As he spoke, he was surprised to see the … Continue reading
Forgiveness, But Not Change
I live in a small, rural county in the so-called “Bible belt.” It’s the kind of place where there is a church on every corner, down every sideroad, and up every holler. Consequently, it can be hard to find someone … Continue reading
Posted in Adultery, Alcohol, Backsliding, Change, Church Attendance, Discipleship, Disobedience, Drugs, Forgiveness, Hypocrisy, Personal, Personal Holiness, Rebellion, Salvation, Sanctification, Sin
Tagged Change, Christians who don't repent, forgiveness without change, Repentance, salvation without change
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A Description of Prayer
Christian, have you prayed today? If you have, what motivation did you have for praying? I hope you’re not like the little boy who was asked, “Do you pray every day?” He answered, “No, some days I don’t want anything.” … Continue reading
Posted in Discipleship, God's Love, Prayer, Prayer Requests
Tagged a description of prayer, how should I pray?, how to pray, Prayer, prayer as a dialogue
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Wise as Serpents, Harmless as Doves
In Matthew chapter 10, we find Matthew’s account of Christ’s commissioning of His chosen twelve. It’s a marvelous chapter to study in terms of basic ministry, bold evangelism, and preaching for a decision. With that said, I’d like to draw … Continue reading
Posted in Adversity, Anger, Attitude, Balance, Character, Discernment, Discipleship, Evangelism, God's Work, Ministry, Missions, Revenge, Service, Witnessing
Tagged Charles Spurgeon quote about missionaries, Evangelism, Luke 9:51-56, Matthew 10:16, missions, soul-winning, wise as serpents harmless as doves
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The Spirit Is Willing, But the Flesh Is Weak
Let’s say that a man makes a weekly habit of taking a walk in the woods on Sunday rather than attending church. One Sunday he sees an angry bear running toward him. He says, “God, if you will keep me … Continue reading
Life’s Army Barracks
“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives light to all … Continue reading
Posted in Adversity, Bible Study, Character, Courage, Discipleship, Doing Good, Faithfulness, God's Will, God's Word, Influence, Obedience, Persecution, Personal Holiness, Scripture, Witnessing, Work, Youth
Tagged Harry Rimmer, influencing your surroundings for Jesus, letting your light shine, living for Christ at your school, living for Christ in your workplace, serving Jesus in the army, taking a stand for Christ, young Christian soldier reading his Bible
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Church Attendance in the Summer
Memorial Day in America has long been called “the unofficial beginning of summer.” With that in mind, I’d like to talk to you about the “summer slump” most churches experience in regards to attendance in June, July, and August. I … Continue reading
Posted in Balance, Choices, Church, Church Attendance, Commitment, Discipleship, Faithfulness, God's Will, Memorial Day, Pastors, Personal, Priorities, Sports, Worship
Tagged Hebrews 10:24-25, legitimate reasons for missing church, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, pastors and the summer slump, summer church attendance, summer slump
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The Importance of Speaking Up
In the summer of 2011, Tonya and I loaded the boys into the Dodge Caravan and headed down to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, for a vacation. Ryan was fourteen years old at the time and Royce was ten. One experience … Continue reading
Posted in Church Discipline, Commitment, Discernment, Discipleship, Doing Good, Faithfulness, Fear, God's Will, God's Work, Honesty, Influence, Ministry, Obedience, Persecution, Personal, Problems, Reward, Sanctification, Service, Sin, The Tongue, Truth, Witnessing
Tagged being salt and light, Christian salt and light, correcting error, fixing a problem, Myrtle Beach, rebuking error, righting a wrong, speaking up
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In Training to Be Used Mightily
A budding young soloist went to a great Italian musician for voice training. The master handed him a piece of music and said, “Practice this for one full year and then return here.” The request seemed a bit strange, but … Continue reading
Posted in Adversity, Choices, Commitment, Disappointment, Discipleship, Doing Good, Faith, Faithfulness, God's Timing, God's Omniscience, God's Will, Impatience, Ministry, Music, Obedience, Patience, Perseverance, Rebellion, Reward, Submission, Teaching, Temptation, Trusting In God
Tagged God's training, how God prepares us for service, how God trains His servants, preparation for Christian service
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