How to Be a Godly Rebel

December 10, 2006

Here’s the latest sermon in the series “The Transformed Life” from Romans 12-16:How to Be a Godly Rebel (Romans 13:1-7)

What’s a Shout Out?

December 9, 2006

Last night Duane Follman asked me to explain a “shout out.” It’s means to shout out “hello” to a friend. It’s like when you’re walking down a crowded street and see a friend on the other side so you raise your voice and shout out, “Hello!” to him. A shout out is a heartfelt Hello! to friends across the dis …

It’s Beginning to Feel a Lot Like Chicago

December 7, 2006

After wrapping up the conference at Word of Life yesterday morning, we made our way to the Albany airport. From there we flew to New York and then on to Chicago. Our plane came in over Lake Michigan after sundown, giving us a spectacular view of the lights of downtown Chicago. The whole region is blanketed with six inches o …

Apple Butter in Heaven

December 5, 2006

I am writing this note from Word of Life Inn in Schroon Lake, New York. Marlene and I have been here since Friday night for the Local Church Ministries Annual Staff Conference. I’ve spoken twice, Marlene spoke to the ladies, and we did a Q&A together. Later today I speak to the men. After I give my final message t …

Shirley Banta RIP

December 4, 2006

I received word from a friend that Shirley Banta died late Saturday night. A year after Shirley’s husband, a Southern Baptist preacher, died in 1968, she moved to Oak Park to become church secretary at Calvary Memorial Church under the leadership of Pastor Bob Gray. Shirley served through the remainder of Pastor Gray& …

Who is the Most Influential Pastor in America?

December 3, 2006

I have been pondering this question ever since my meeting with four pastors in Birmingham last Sunday night. Although this topic didn’t come up specifically, something was said that made me start wondering who is the most influential pastor in America. It’s a fun exercise if you are into that sort of thing (and …

Just Do It

“Nothing would be done at all if a man waited until he could do it so well that no one could find fault with it.” Cardinal John Henry Newman

Unexpected Fruit

December 2, 2006

Last night I encountered a bit of divine serendipity. After the opening session of the conference at Word of Life, a young man came up to me and thanked for a sermon I preached a few years ago on John 9, the story of Jesus and the man born blind. When he heard the sermon, he said to himself, “That’s my story.” In the …

Christmas Survey in Stroudsburg, PA

Between now and December 25, Berean Bible Fellowship Church of Stroudsburg, PA will conduct a simple “Christmas Survey” as a means of engaging others in spiritual discussions. Pastor Davis Duggins says, During the Christmas season, many people are more open to spiritual issues. We want to respond to their openness by distri …

Baby, It’s Cold Outside

December 1, 2006

At the moment we are sitting in the Tupelo airport, getting ready to fly to Atlanta and then to Albany, NY. We’re on our way to a conference at Word of Life in Schroon Lake, high in the Adirondack Mountains. We’ll be there today through Wednesday, then it’s on to Chicago for some KBM home meetings. What gr …