King James Bible facts:

• The King James Version is the most popular Bible translation; an estimated 1 billion or more copies have been published. A recent USA Today article reported that of the 89% of adult Americans who own a Bible, 67% own a King James.
• The translation was authorized by King James I of England upon the request of Puritans who wanted an English version authorized. It was first published in 1611 A.D. (some believe between May 2–May 5).
• At least 169 original 1611 King James Bibles are in existence today.
• The original book was very large—approximately 17″ tall, 30″ wide when opened, and it weighed up to 30 pounds.
• A committee of approximately 54 translators worked for 7 years to complete the King James translation.

The first week of May marks the 400^th anniversary of the first publication of the King James Version. We’re celebrating it at Lancaster Baptist Church and West Coast Baptist College in two primary ways: (more…)

Thoughts for Independent Baptists

Over the past several years, there has been an increase of internet dialog and major network reporting on various types of scandals and abuse in religion. A recent television program carried a story on such occurrences in some independent Baptist churches.

Although I disagree with the media’s approach at casting aspersion on thousands of pastors and about two and a half million good Christians (stats according to Church Still Works, pp. 14, 15) because of the sin of a few, there can be a good result to this criticism—if we respond properly.

The Bible says, “A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches” (Proverbs 22:1). Although I have given much of my life to strengthening pastors and churches within the independent Baptist ranks, I have, along with many others, been burdened for the testimony of our biblical heritage because of the actions and attitudes of some. (more…)

What a joy it was to be back in the pulpit this past Sunday! Although I am still not quite in full swing and have a ways to go in regaining strength, I’m so thankful to be back home and with my church family. Two of the greatest privileges of my life are preaching the Word of God and pastoring Lancaster Baptist Church.

During my Sunday night message, I shared many of the truths that the Lord has been reinforcing in my heart over these past weeks. Especially, He has been teaching me about our position “in Christ” and the sufficiency of His grace.

Galatians 2:20 says, “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave himself for me.” (more…)

The resurrection of Christ is the distinguishing event of Christianity and the critical point in our salvation (1 Corinthians 15:17–19). The Great Commission is the critical command in spreading the Gospel (Matthew 28:19–20), and our obedience to this command is the distinguishing mark of a growing church.

Not only are we specifically commanded by Christ to carry the message of the Gospel, but we are constrained by the love of Christ to tell the world of our Saviour and His gift of eternal life (2 Corinthians 5:14–15).

The celebration of Resurrection Sunday presents a golden opportunity for obeying Christ’s command and making the offer of salvation known to our community. (more…)

I’m thanking the Lord for the wonderful way that He blessed at the West Coast Baptist College Youth Conference this week. Several teenagers were saved, and hundreds of others made decisions for the Lord.

This was the first time ever that I have not been able to be present at Youth Conference. I greatly missed preaching and fellowshipping with the students, and I prayed for their hearts to be tender to the Lord.

The theme for the conference was “Step into the Cause.” From the drama performed by WCBC students on Wednesday night to each of the songs and sermons, teens were challenged to definitively yield their lives to the highest cause. (more…)