TEXT: Romans 1:1-7 “Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an Apostle ………..to all those in Rome who are loved by God and called to be saints: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” (ESV)

INTRODUCTION:

The Apostle Paul’s Epistle to the Romans is devoted to presenting and defending the gospel of God. The word for “gospel” itself is used three times in the first seventeen verses as Paul begins this letter. But Paul is not simply defending his gospel, he is defending his gospel in the light of his plan to travel to Rome and to preach there (1:10-15). Furthermore, the Apostle is seeking the help of the believers in Rome as he intends to take the gospel all the way to Spain after his visit (15:23-24).  

As Paul opens his letter (1:1-7), he introduces himself as a messenger of the gospel, he then summarizes the message of the gospel, and within these same verses, he describes the ministry of...

The Need to Focus in Order to Finish

TEXT: “And say to Archippus, ‘See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.’” (Colossians 4:17 ESV)

INTRODUCTION:

As important as “getting started” is, it is just as important to finish. The Apostle Paul was a great encourager and exhorter, especially when faithfulness was needed. In this short text at the end of the glorious Letter to the Colossians, the Apostle is seeking to do just that, exhort. As we view this text, consider it an illustration of the need for faithfulness in doing the will of the Lord. Observe first of all:

1. The Need for Exhortation (“And say to Archippus…..”)

This exhortation is to be addressed to Archippus, who was probably a church leader. He may in fact be the same Archippus referred to in Paul’s letter to Philemon (vs. 2). But, let’s pause to consider who was supposed to “say” this to Archippus. The directive is in...

Devotional Reflections on a Key Event in the Life of Abraham

Genesis 22:1-19 (Read the whole account)

Genesis 22:1 “…….. God tested Abraham……..”

This passage of Scripture, like a smooth stone thrown into a calm body of water, causes ripples throughout the “waters” of the Scriptures. The account is emotionally gripping. At times it is mentally perplexing. It certainly is personally challenging. And as Scripture, it is spiritually edifying. Ultimately, this account in Genesis points us to great Biblical truths concerning God’s provision of our perfect substitute, sacrifice, and savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. Abraham himself becomes a wonderful example of faith (Hebrews 11:17-19) and a faith that works (James 2:21-23). Abraham indeed passed the test that he was given by God!!

I want us to move through various sections of this account and consider different personal aspects of the challenge that Abraham faced. This test was a...

Text: “And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed” (Deuteronomy 31:8 NKJV).

OPENING COMMENT:

Maybe you need some encouragement today! Maybe we all need to be reminded of God’s promises to us even as Joshua needed assurance from the Lord. The challenges that Joshua was about to face were immense. Our challenges this very day may be or may seem to be immense as well. This text is not unique in the Scriptures. It is an example of God’s promised presence and helps as we seek to live for Him and serve Him as His people in Christ Jesus. 

INTRODUCTION:

Moses’ days as a leader are coming to an end. Now Joshua is God’s chosen one to take the people into the Promised Land. Moses has addressed the people, and now he addresses Joshua “in the sight of all Israel.” It is Joshua who is to take the people into occupied territory, lead...

READING: Philippians 1:12-26

KEY TEXTS: “……. It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain” (Phil. 1:20-21 ESV)

OPENING COMMENT: The brief message below is based on Paul’s testimony in Philippians chapter 1. The truths are relevant for all times. But, all truths need to be viewed within the whole counsel of God. I say this because I am fully aware of the pain and the grief that people face and endure as they respond to end of life issues. So, I do not share these truths to be insensitive to those who are experiencing the sorrow related to these same issues. As believers, we are to rejoice with those who are rejoicing and we are to weep with those who are weeping (Romans 12:15). But, for those of us who are sensing the uncertainties of our day, I believe that we...

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, all residential courses are postponed until further notice.

For more information about the courses listed below and registration for our residential programs click here.

Essentials of Expository Preaching and Teaching - 2020

Practical Preaching Workshop

Essentials of Biblical Leadership

 Expository Preaching and Spiritual Growth

For more information about the courses listed below and registration for our residential programs click here.

Register at: https://stephenolford.org/

The Olford Ministries International is an exciting project initiated by the Olford family in 1988  to preserve and extend the powerful preaching and teaching ministry of Dr. Stephen F. Olford. 

It is important to clarify the distinctive calling and the commitments that drive what we do. For many years the primary activity of Olford Ministries International, Inc. has been to preach and teach the Word of God and to teach others to do likewise. 

The mission of O.M.I., Inc., especially since 1988, has been “to encourage and equip pastors and lay leaders in the art of expository preaching and exemplary living in the power of the Holy Spirit to the end that the church will be revived and the world will be reached with the saving Word of Christ.” This is still our mission today.

The slogan that has described O.M.I, Inc. is “Preaching the Word, Reaching the World.”

As a ministry, we see ourselves as having an important role in promoting the...

OLFORD MINISTRIES INTERNATIONAL, INC.

THE CERTIFICATE AND FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

THE INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR BIBLICAL PREACHING    

2019-2020

INTRODUCTION

The Scriptures, the 66 books of the Holy Bible, are indeed God’s written inerrant special revelation to mankind. These books together are God’s special self-revelation to us; a revelation that is purposeful, powerful and profitable. These “words” lead to salvation, sanctification and service. These “words” reveal God’s glorious plan of redemption and provide everything we need to know in order to have a vital and eternal relationship with the One True God.

These “words” are to be read, believed, obeyed, taught and proclaimed. Indeed the preaching and teaching of the gospel and the Scriptures themselves are both necessary and critical aspects of the Great Commission and the outworking of God’s plan of building the Church of our Lord Jesus Christ in...

From the Plenary Panel Discussion, "Men of God Share Their Personal Heart-Cries for Revival." -- Heart-Cry for Revival Conference 1998

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