From that time many of his disciples went back and walked with Him no more. Then Jesus said to the twelve, "Are you also going to leave?" John 6: 66-67. A couple of months ago the Christian world was stunned when a string of pastors and church leaders made public announcements regarding their intention of... Continue Reading →
I want to be like Harry…you should too!
Take time to read this article concerning the story of Harry, the young slave who gave his own life to save the students of Howard College and secure the future of Samford University!
“As for you, son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel. When you hear a word from my mouth, give them a warning from me.” Ezekiel 33:7
Around midnight on October 15, 1854 the students of Howard College, now Samford University, lay in their beds asleep. No one knows how the fire started but in a matter of minutes the only dorm on campus was engulfed in flames. The first person to notice was a 23 year old slave named Harry. He was employed by the college as a janitor and had a meager room in the 4 story dorm. Without regard for his own safety he rushed upstairs to awaken the sleeping students. As he raced toward the rooms someone grabbed him and told him to leave or he would be overtaken by the flames to which Harry responded, “not before I wake…
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What David Platt Taught Us
On Sunday June 2nd as Pastor David Platt was near the end of the 1:00PM worship service at the McLean Bible Church in Virginia something very unusual took place. He received word that the president of the United States was on his way to the church. With the tragic events of the previous week in... Continue Reading →
Confessions of an Adoptive Parent
This summer marks my ninth year as an adoptive parent. The summer of 2010 was such an exciting time for our family as we boarded a plane heading to the Far East. That trip would change our lives forever but I am unsure that any of us, including our adopted son, understood the challenges that... Continue Reading →
Having a Sustained Joy for the Journey: Being vs. Doing
Being a follower of Christ is a journey and too many followers sit as abandoned cars on the side of the road to heaven simply because they either lost faith or the joy of the journey. As believers in Christ, God has saved us for eternity but has not immediately taken us to our eternal... Continue Reading →
Waiting on the Walls to Fall
Now Jericho was shut up inside and outside because of the people of Israel. None went out, and none came in. And the LORD said to Joshua, “See, I have given Jericho into your hand, with its king and mighty men of valor…” (Joshua 6:2) For years the people of God were strangers and sojourners, living in a foreign... Continue Reading →
The Great Omission
The most often quoted, preached and taught verses anywhere in the New Testament may very well be the section of scripture referred to as “The Great Commission.” Matthew 28:18-20 has been used by thousands of preachers, church and denominational leaders to rally the Christian army to evangelistic fervor. Besides John 3:16 no passage has been... Continue Reading →
Church Health and Pastoral Tenure Longevity
Without a doubt, one of the greatest needs we have in the American church is to turn around declining churches. In June 2017 Thom Rainer released new data which suggests that 65% of Southern Baptist Churches are either in plateau or decline. On one hand this is much better than the often used data of... Continue Reading →
5 Steps to Create Missional Alignment in your Church
About once a year I will notice that my vehicle has a tendency to pull in a certain direction while I am driving. While it is my intent to go straight, it seems that I struggle to keep the wheels from veering to the left or right. When this occurs I know it is time... Continue Reading →
The Importance of Identity
So if you have been raised with Christ, seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear... Continue Reading →