Category: Outreach
Because Christ is Building His Church…
Jesus Christ promised, “I will build my church” (Mt 16:18), and the growth of the church throughout history, all over the world, proves that he is keeping his word. If we’re not mindful of the reality of Christ building his church, then we’re missing the most...
So Far as It Depends on You
The words in my title are from the Apostle Paul in Romans 12:18. They are found in between the words “If possible” and “live peaceably with all.” Here’s the full sentence: “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.” This instruction...
Live for Something Important—Be A Gospel Presenter
My grandmother Elliff was a presenter of the gospel. Are you? She looks harmless, but in the small case in this photo was a sawed-off gospel shotgun! One day a tramp came to her screen door asking for food. Grandmother and her pastor husband lived close...
Oh the Deep, Deep Love of Jesus as He was Dying on the Cross
As Luke told the story about the opening moments and early hours that Jesus hung on the cross (Luke 23:32-43), he especially highlighted something about Christ’s character—his love. This trait of Jesus is especially noteworthy when observing that all around the cross, sin was rampant. One...
Repent! (While You Can)
Repentance is, in one sense, simple. In biblical terms it may be likened to a U-turn in one’s heart and life. It involves no complex formula, but is simply to turn away from sin and self and a worldly mindset and life, and turn to God...
Inspiration from a Bible Translator Whose Work Was Offensive
Have you read a good biography or autobiography lately? If not, there are good reasons why you should. Bible teacher and author John Piper testifies: When you are surrounded by a society of emotionally fragile quitters, and when you see a good bit of this ethos...
Fully Known and Fully Accepted
I spent a good part of my life hiding, ashamed of sins I had committed in thought, word, and deed—desperate for people to accept the false identities I fought hard to maintain. Right up to the day of my conversion, one of the most often reviewed...
The Cure for Sin Spots
I recently had an interaction with a young man who was struggling with his obvious need to apologize for a particular pattern of sinning, but was reluctant to say “I’m sorry.” I confronted him with my assessment of the situation and asked him if there was...
What it Takes to See Someone Become a Christian
My greatest desire for my children is for them to become followers of Jesus. I’m sure you feel similarly about your children, other family members, friends, and even those who hate you for your faith in Christ. But what will it take for them to become...
Can These Bones Live?
In his classic book, The Cross and the Switchblade, David Wilkerson remembers his transition from pastoring in rural Pennsylvania to evangelizing the teenage street gangs of 1950s New York City. One gang, the Mau Maus, figures prominently in the book because of its unusual hardness and...
