If we can learn anything from the first century churches of Asia Minor, it is the propensity of Christians, churches, and spiritual movements toward decline.

Churches today face a host of challenges from both within and without. Between a corrupt culture, biased media, lukewarm leaders, apathy, and hyper-criticism, it is realistic to acknowledge our propensity toward decline.

And yet, though our challenges may have different nuances, they are really no different or greater than the challenges faced in the first century. To such a church, Jesus instructed, “Strengthen the things which remain” (Revelation 3:2).

Regardless of present needs or current trends, the truth will always remain, and the Holy Spirit is always speaking. (more…)

Several weeks ago, I began recording weekly “Growth Points” video blogs. These videos were initially birthed from a desire to stay in touch with our West Coast Baptist College graduates who are now pastoring and in ministry. But they are also a greeting to our pastor friends and Christian servants around the world.

My heart as a pastor and the president of a Bible college is to mentor and train the next generation for the cause of Christ. Specifically, I want to do it on a personal level. The Growth Points videos are brief and often consist of me simply clicking the “record” button on my computer webcam. They are a quick, often unedited, sharing of what is on my mind and heart. (more…)

This lesson speaks to the very heart of local church ministry. Jesus Himself came “to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). But in so many of our churches today, I see pastors fervently reading books and attending conferences, but never really settling in for intentional soulwinning—building the church the way God designed.

If you want to reignite the soulwinning fervor in your church and in your own heart, this lesson is for you. You may not need to read another book or find another conference. You may need to simply take some time with the Lord and ask Him to stir your heart once again with a passion for souls.

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

How would you assess your spiritual health? Is it related to how busy you are for the Lord? How good your intentions are toward your wife? How much outward fruit is evident in your ministry? Although there are outward evidences of a rooted Christian, I don’t believe any of these are the best measuring sticks for spiritual growth.

In 10 Questions to Diagnose Your Spiritual Health, author Donald Whitney suggests convicting and probing questions to help you gauge where you are spiritually.

Every one of these ten questions gripped my heart: (more…)

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Perhaps the subject most near the heart of Christ is that of the local church. He gave His life for the church (Ephesians 5:25) and purchased it with His own blood (Acts 20:28).

So what should be our response when people suggest that religion is void of grace and may be discarded?

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