I wanted to take a moment today to thank our many friends who are praying and trusting God with us regarding the physical needs in our son Larry’s life as well as our spiritual need for God’s sustaining grace and power.

About a week before Thanksgiving, Larry was summoned to the hospital for an emergency surgery. After the initial surgery and further consultations and studies conducted, it was determined that Larry should have a second surgery. This surgery (RPLND) was conducted at Kaiser hospital in Los Angeles, California, in late December. Although Larry had some post-surgery complications with the condition on his ileum, we are thankful that God brought him through the surgery and has blessed him with healing since the surgery. (more…)

In several days the Olympics will begin in Vancouver, British Columbia. Athletes from around the world will compete in various winter sports, each seeking a gold medal.

Throughout Scripture, the Christian life is often compared to athletic events, giving us insights into how we can finish our race with joy. The Apostle Paul wrote, “Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13–14).

Allow me to share a few thoughts with you that I have been pondering this morning about the race the Lord has given me to run:

1. I must continuously look to Jesus as my goal.

In the Christian race, my main objective must never be the approval of men, keeping godly standards, or following a particular creed. While the encouragement of fellow Christians is a blessing, and biblical standards and creeds are needed, these are simply meant to be landmarks guiding me along my way to pleasing Christ. (more…)

In our twenty-one years at Lancaster Baptist Church we have been in a constant state of building. The largest building on our campus, both in size and in cost, is currently being built.

The Young Adult Educational Building is a building dedicated to the faith of Jesus Christ. This building will be the training ground for college students who will become grounded in the faith and prepared for lives of ministry.

One of the dreaded terms in a building program is the term “change order.” Change orders are the result of architectural error, customer request, or in some cases, a fire department regulation. Whatever the cause of the change order, there is always a cost associated with it!

First Ground Breaking

During building programs, I am always thankful for two attributes of my God. First, I thank God for His faithfulness, for with Him there are no change orders!

Secondly, I thank God for His sovereignty. Even though I experience many challenges to my faith and many obstacles during a building program, I always find rest in the fact that God saw them before I ever knew of them and that He has already prepared a way for me to have victory.

I would ask you to take a moment to pray for this project today. Pray that God will provide the finances and that He will provide wisdom as we develop this great building for His honor and glory.

This upcoming Sunday Terrie and I will celebrate our 21st anniversary at Lancaster Baptist Church. As I look back at the great work that God has done through the ministry here, I am so thankful just to be a part. To the glory of God we have seen souls saved, lives changed, and miracles take place here at Lancaster Baptist.

Anniversaries are great times to make resolutions and renew our commitments. Although we have seen much accomplished for the faith in twenty-one short years, the world is moving away from truth just as quickly. And while this Sunday will be a time of reminiscing and celebrating, I stand resolved in my purpose and commitment to continue sharing the faith of the Gospel.

This past Sunday night I preached a message to our church family entitled, “Resolutions for the Faith”. Here are the main thoughts. I hope they will be a challenge to you today.

Resolutions for the Faith
Jude 3

I. Resolve to Stand in the Faith

A. The Faith is Our Foundation ~ I Corinthians 16:13
B. The Faith is Our Defense ~ I Peter 5:8-9

II. Resolve to Be Stabilized in the Faith
A. Some Will Depart ~ 1 Timothy 4:1; 1 Timothy 1:19-20
B. Some Will Drift ~ Ephesians 4:13
C. Some Will Develop ~ Colossians 2:7

III. Resolved to Strive For the Faith
A. Strive with One Spirit ~ Acts 2:46
B. Strive with One Mind ~ Joshua 1:8
C. Strive with One Goal – To Please Him! ~ 2 Timothy 2:4

Have a great day, and pray for the Spiritual Leadership Conference this week at Lancaster Baptist!