I encourage you to write out a summary of the gospel of Jesus Christ.

This summary will contain core truths that people should know to understand the gospel in its Biblical context. There are a number of good gospel “summaries” in the Scriptures. At the same time, the whole “story” of the Bible is the framework for understanding the gospel message.

I have written out a gospel summary below. Maybe this will encourage you to do the same. You may say things differently...

We are living in days that call for great and godly wisdom. This is true as we seek to live our daily lives and as we look at critical social and political issues that surround us. The Scriptures are filled with God’s revealed wisdom for us. There is a passage of Scripture found in the Book of Job that articulates the need to acknowledge God as the source of true wisdom.

“But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding?” (Job 28:12 ESV)

“From...

TEXT: “Beloved, ….. contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints” (Jude v. 3 NKJV).

INTRODUCTION

Terrorism has taken center stage for many years now. Prevention of terrorist activities and protection from terrorist attacks are priority national concerns every day. Jude wrote his little Epistle to confront “spiritual terrorists” or "errorists" in his day. Spiritual terrorists can operate “unnoticed” and can...

Context: Romans 11:32 – 36, 12: 1 – 2

The authentic response to God’s mercy in Christ is:

• Personal Dedication (12:1); and,
• Personal Transformation (12:2)

Text: Romans 12:3-8 Grace Through You

The Apostle Paul now moves to writing about the outworking of “grace” in the lives of Christians and the Christian community. But for “grace” to show itself through our lives:

1. We need humility (in Christ) – Romans 12:3

• “Sober”...

Richard Foster begins his book, Celebration of Discipline, with these challenging and penetrating words:

“Superficiality is the curse of our age. The doctrine of instant satisfaction is a primary spiritual problem. The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people or gifted people, but for deep people (Page 1, Harper & Row, Publishers; San Francisco, 1978).”

It seems that nowadays, we can be pulled in so many directions with responsibilities,...

These were our participants at the Expository Preaching and Spiritual Growth Institute held at Prospect Baptist Church in North Carolina.

The Mission of Jesus Christ is the context for communicating Biblical truth today.

There are different aspects or phases of ministry that are well illustrated in the Book of Acts. I am not thinking of geographical phases of ministry but practical spiritual phases of ministry. One illustration of these phases is found in Paul’s first missionary journey (Acts 13-14). These phases or “specifics” of ministry and mission can be viewed as functional contexts for communicating the...

I have been thinking a lot about endurance these days. This is partly because of the experience we all have had these past years of the pandemic. It certainly gives us a reason and context for endurance. Also, we have seen many wonderful examples of people serving under very stressful conditions and displaying endurance that is worthy of recognition and reward. Likewise, we know that many people are trying to endure as they struggle with the serious impacts that the virus and...

Singing A New Song

Text: Revelation 5:1-14

To get a better handle on our situation on earth, it helps to get a fresh vision of what’s happening in heaven.

We don’t do this to escape our responsibilities, we do this to gain a better perspective, a better of picture of God, and greater courage to face the present challenges of our world. Having only an earth-bound perspective can lead to pessimism and even despair.

Ultimately an “earthbound” perspective is...

I hope that you celebrated Christ’s resurrection joyfully this past Sunday. Resurrection is at the heart of the Christian life and message. If there is any doubt about the reality of Christianity, the resurrection of Jesus Christ needs to be the focus of attention.

The Apostle Paul’s thorough presentation concerning Christ’s resurrection and the resurrection of all Christians was prompted by some in Corinth who denied that there was any resurrection for anyone. So, the...