O Is For Outline
Ask the average preacher what he does all week and he will probably reply, “I work on my sermon outline.” When we are not being interrupted by other demands on our time, we study the Word, meditate on it and pray for the Lord to give us the message (or messages) we need for the
If We Were a Business
The church is the most unique institution on the face of the earth. It is a physical organization and a spiritual organism. It is the Body of Christ, not buildings, and budgets. There are times we try to make the church something that God never intended. Throughout history, man has tried to secularize the divine
The Church: Trampled Or Triumphant?
It was my privilege in May of 2003 to host the first ‘Bridge Builder’s’ Pastor’s Conference here at Sherwood. Dr. Warren Wiersbe and I spent the day with nearly sixty pastors talking about change, ministry and pastoring in the 21st century. It was a rich time and I believe all who were involved were blessed.
Follow Me
The following is an excerpt from Dr. Vance Havner’s Reflections on the Gospels. May 5, 1935 The call of the fishermen disciples by the sea (Mt. 4:18-22; Mk. 1:16-20) was really a second call, a call to service. Peter, Andrew and John were already disciples, having followed Christ as recorded in John 1:35-51. Notice that
Intercession: Caring And Praying
Loneliness is becoming a real problem today in spite of the population explosion and in spite of all the media available. Loneliness is that feeling deep down inside that nobody thinks about you or cares about you. Loneliness is not the same as solitude. Solitude is good for us; it helps to build us up.
Lessons Learned In A Building Program (Part 2)
In the last issue, we covered twelve lessons I’ve learned in going through a 10 million dollar building program. In addition, we’ve purchased over a dozen homes around the church and had two major renovations. What follows will be the final seven lessons. There are more, but I’m too tired from building and raising money
The Preaching Of The Cross
No doubt you have your preaching well in hand for the Easter season. If not, here are some suggestions you might consider, even at this late date. Easter is April 20, which means that a Lenten series could begin as early as March 2, if you want seven messages before Palm Sunday; or on March
Gods And Generals
I’m sure you know that I’m a Civil War buff. I minored in history in college with an emphasis in Civil War history. More than the battles, I’m fascinated by the people – their character, commitment to a cause (on both sides), their faith and their leadership skills. I probably own over one hundred books
Predestination: God’s Plan for His Own
God has made this universe to operate a day at a time. And you and I are supposed to live a day at a time. God’s promise is “As thy days, so shall thy strength be” (Deut. 33:25). You and I are able to live a day at a time because of the fact that
Lessons Learned In A Building Program (Part 1)
Two years ago last month, we completed a 10.6 million dollar building program at Sherwood. It was exhausting but a positive experience. Most pastors leave right after a building program. I’m not sure why, but I understand it. Going through the process, you spend a lot of time and energy. Unfortunately, you don’t always get
Doublemindedness and a Whole Heart
Written by: Joe McKeever In his book “Not the Way it’s Supposed to Be,” Cornelius Plantinga, Jr., tells of a Wall Street Journal editorial from December 12, 1991, recounting a number of public sex scandals: Anita Hill’s charges of sexual abuse from Supreme Court nominee Clarence Thomas, Magic Johnson’s admission that his HIV infection was
The Power of Bible Words
In 1924 Adolf Hitler started writing his book Mein Kampf, which means “My Struggle.” Some people ignored the book, and some laughed at it, but for every word in Mein Kampf, 125 people died in World War II. Never underestimate the power of words. A judge speaks, and a man is condemned or set free.