Read 1 Timothy 1:12-17

Primary Text:

“This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance,
that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners,
of whom I am chief.” 
[1 Timothy 1:15 NKJV]

At Christmas time, there are many words, greetings, and messages shared. But, there is no message that matches the message of Christmas itself, a message found in these words of Scripture. The Apostle Paul is giving thanks for God’s grace towards him in Christ and for the...

TEXT Acts 8:26-40 ESV about Philip and the Ethiopian Eunuch

INTRODUCTION:

The phrase “Going on Mission with God” seemed to stick to this passage of Scripture that you just read. And it is the title of this message.

You see, God is on a mission in this world, and He gives us the opportunity to be involved specifically as a church and as individuals. In the account in Acts 8 that we have just read, this man, Philip, answered the call of God to a special...

Recently I was asked to answer a few questions related to expository preaching. I have edited the questions and answers to send this to you. My answers are not comprehensive, but they represent my attempt to give a brief answer on important questions.

1. What is ‘our’ approach to expository preaching?

First of all, I do not consider our approach to biblical expository preaching to be unique. My definition of expository preaching is in keeping with my father's definition of...

“O Israel, hope in the Lord;

for with the Lord there is mercy,

and with Him is abundant redemption.”

(Psalm 130:7 NKJV)

THOUGHT:

This Psalm moves from being intensely personal (1-6) to being a call for all of God’s people to hope in the Lord (7-8).

I am viewing this Psalm through the lens of the phrase “there is mercy with the Lord.”

There is mercy with the Lord, and I want us all to know that we can experience the Lord’s mercy. Indeed,...

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....

Before I share a devotional below, I want to encourage you to take advantage of the weekly resources we are making available through this website, The ‘short’ nugget of truth on our YouTube channel that my late father shares, the audio message on our podcast, and a sermon outline are all featured regularly week by week. I hope that one or all of these resources are a blessing to you, along with the many other messages and materials that are archived on this website.

Many...

A Tribute After 20 Years

 Years ago, I was asked to be one of the presenters at a conference on preaching. Near the end of the event one of my fellow presenters, speaking to the whole group, expressed appreciation for the fact that I did not ask people to preach like my father. I believe I know what he meant when he made that statement. I never asked him about it, because it came at the end of the conference. So, my comments here are my own “interpretation” of his words....

"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear." (Ephesians 4:29 ESV)

"Let there be no filthiness nor foolish talk nor crude joking, which are out of place, but instead let there be thanksgiving." (Ephesians 5;4)

“….. speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ,…” (Ephesians 4:15 ESV)

We are living in...

We all stand in need of the Lord. We need His presence in our lives. We need His mercy, we need His salvation, we need His continuous help as we seek to live for Him. The benediction at the end of 2 Corinthians indicates our need and God’s provision (2 Corinthians 13:14). This benediction begins by focusing on grace. We stand in need of grace.

"May the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ….be with us all."

Why does the Apostle start here in his benediction at the end of 2...

Our next Biblical Preaching Institute will take place Wednesday evening, September 4 through Saturday lunchtime, September 7. We are focusing on Evangelistic Expository Preaching. (Please note the change in our starting day.) This Institute views evangelistic preaching within the context of fulfilling the Great Commission and the call to ‘make disciples.’

This Institute features a powerful series of message/lectures by my late father, Dr. Stephen Olford. Other helpful sessions...