I was saved in 1972, and since then, I’ve been to more revival services than I can remember. Over the years, I have found there to be a common delineator between the revivals when I sense God’s mighty work in my heart and the revivals when I haven’t. The key? Preparation.

I suggest three ways to prepare before revival services.

Pray

Before the first sermon is preached, earnestly seek God’s face. Sometimes we forget how desperately we need revival. Without even realizing we’re doing it, we excuse away our own carnality and the distance that has grown between us and the Lord. (more…)

One of the side effects of growth is discomfort.

I’m challenging our church this year to be “Rooted in Christ” to experience growth in Him. But I’m also challenging myself. I want 2012 to be a year of growth in every area of my life.

Unfortunately, growth often involves the discomfort of change and the sacrifice of comfort.

It’s always more comfortable to maintain than to build or expand. This is true in any area.

It’s more comfortable to relax in your walk with God than to ask Him to search your heart and uncover your pride.

It’s more comfortable to keep the Rolos in your drawer than to change your diet and take care of your health. (more…)

As Baptists, we know that we stand for separation. But why? And to what extent?

There is the obvious separation from paganism commanded in 2 Corinthians 6:17: “Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you.”

But what instruction does Scripture provide concerning other Christian ministries that are not like us? Are we to separate from them?

Here are some thoughts regarding separation and stewarding the influence God has given us:

The Sunday school is the church organized to fulfill the purpose of the church. Here at Lancaster Baptist Church, we state our purpose in three phrases: loving God, growing together, serving others.

About a week ago, I recorded a video for the Sunday school teachers of our church, encouraging them to serve those in their classes by faithful visitation.

Hebrews 10:24–25 instructs, “And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.”

Sunday school visitation is a tremendous way to provoke—or stimulate—class members to love, good works, and faithful church attendance.

Consider the value of just one visit. A Sunday school visit can accomplish one or more of the following: (more…)

One of the first books I received as a college student was Lectures to My Students by Charles Spurgeon. This was the text for my Pastoral Theology class and has been one of my favorites throughout the years. Although I have probably read Spiritual Leadership by Oswald Sanders more than any other book, Lectures to My Students would be at the top of the list of books to which I often refer.

One of the things I appreciate about Lectures to My Students is how clearly it reveals that many of the pressures and challenges of the pastorate have not changed over the last two hundred years. Much of Spurgeon’s advice to young preachers is as relevant today as the advice of anyone currently writing. There are a few areas here and there that Spurgeon addresses (mainly regarding health or issues with the schedule of ministry) that indicates the limited knowledge of the medical field at the time in which he ministered. But overall, this book has been helpful and a friend to me.

Spurgeon speaks about “the minister’s self watch” and the importance of remaining consistent in our walk with the Lord as we serve His people. (more…)