Reflections 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 “take” on his words.

I certainly took...

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...

TEXT: “But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you: and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8 NKJV).

THOUGHT: The risen Christ has been presenting Himself and teaching His disciples for a period of forty days. The “kingdom of God” was a main theme in Jesus’ instruction even as it was before He was crucified.  As the Apostles are assembled with the risen Jesus,...

Chapter Eleven

Our Little While

On December 15, 1915, a missionary in Portuguese West Africa (Angola) wrote a letter, which he described as a “difficult duty.” A fellow missionary and laborer for the Lord had just died due to black water fever. He left behind his wife, the missionary team and the work. The missionary writing the letter, Frederick Ernest Samuel Olford, described in detail the events leading up to the actual “home going” of Mr. Taylor, this fellow...

Chapter Ten

The True Grace of God (1 Peter 5:12-14)

“By Silvanus, a faithful brother as I regard him, I have written briefly to you, exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God. Stand firm in it. She who is at Babylon, who is likewise chosen, sends you greetings, and so does Mark, my son. Greet one another with the kiss of love.
Peace to all of you who are in Christ.”

The End of the letter is “at hand.” This letter’s conclusion follows standard...

Chapter Eight — The True Grace of God Enables the Suffering Christian to Glorify God - Suffering Revisited (1 Peter 4:12-19)

12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 13 But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. 14 If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory[a] and of...

Chapter Seven – The True Grace of God Calls for Glorifying God Together in These Last Days (1 Peter 4:7-11)

7 The end of all things is at hand; therefore be self-controlled and sober-minded for the sake of your prayers. 8 Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: 11 whoever speaks, as one who...

Chapter Six – The True Grace of God Calls for Honorable Conduct — Suffering According to God’s Will (1 Peter 3:8-4:6)

8 Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. 9 Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. 10 For
“Whoever desires to love life
and see good days,
let him keep his tongue from evil
and...

Chapter Five – The True Grace of God Calls for Honorable Conduct - Submission According to God’s Will

A great story is told by Dr. Ted Rendall about a centipede with arthritis in all 100 legs (and I am paraphrasing). Due to the centipede’s painful problem, the centipede decides to consult with the wise owl. So, the centipede shares his painful situation with the wise owl. The wise owl responds to the inquiring centipede by saying, “Why don’t you learn to...

Chapter Three – The True Grace of God Calls for Priorities as Strangers in this World (1 Peter 2:11-12)

“Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak of you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation” (1 Peter 2:11-12)

A number of specific details indicate that this is a new section. First...