God’s greatest gifts are sometimes wrapped in dark packages. We take one look at the package and decide we don’t want the gift. But, in reality, under the dark paper are the gifts we desperately need.

Paul received one of these gifts. He called it “a thorn in the flesh.” And from Paul’s thorn, we learn three gifts God desires to give us through the painful times of life.

Humility

If there was a Christian in the first century who could boast, it was Paul. He had literally been allowed to view the “third heaven”—paradise itself (2 Corinthians 12:2–4). Most Christians, allowed this privilege, would have returned and written a book about it! They would have lined up television interviews and started nation-wide seminars, “How to see Heaven and what to do when you get there”!

Paul could have done all of this. He could have made financial profit—or at least garnered recognition and respect—from his trip to Heaven. But he didn’t. He didn’t even speak of the event except this once over fourteen years after it occurred, and even then he did it in third person. Why? (more…)

Growth Points 001 Pastor Paul Chappell from Lancaster Baptist Church on Vimeo.

This is the time of year that we get caught up in the business of the Christmas season, but we don’t want to lose sight of the priorities that God blesses. I wanted to share with you five things that I try to focus on in December.

How would you finish this sentence: “All I want for Christmas is ________.”

I already have my two front teeth (got them when I was about six), so I’m asking God for something much, much bigger this year.

To know Him.

It’s too easy for Christmas to simply be about Jesus. I want my life to be consumed with Jesus. (more…)

Through the economic challenges our country has faced, churches have needed—more than ever before—to understand biblical principles of faith, stewardship, and compassion.

In this podcast, we discover fourteen principles that should shape our church budgets, stretch our faith, and increase our fruitfulness.

God’s Word is not bound by a tight economy. I pray that this lesson is an encouragement to you to joyfully serve the Lord and see His Word furthered during this tough economic time.

Go get Adobe Flash Player!

Before and after the lesson, I answer the following in-studio questions: (more…)

Christmastime at Lancaster Baptist is encouraging and festive, and I’m looking forward to our upcoming services.

Our special Christmas services will be livestreamed, available at lbclive.tv. Below is a schedule for these events (times given are Pacific Time):

December 10 & 11 at 6:00 p.m.
A Baby Changes Everything Musical—Life changes for everyone when a new baby is born. But the changes are infinitely more dramatic when that Baby is God. Our Christmas musical is a highlight of the year, and I’m praying we will see many people come to Christ both of these evenings through the musical drama and the Bible message afterward. (more…)