"But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound" (Romans 5:20b).

The biography of John Newton is one of the most well-known in church history. It is the story of how God transformed a blasphemous sailor and slave trader into a godly pastor and influential abolitionist. John Newton is the author of the most famous hymn ever written in the English language - "Amazing Grace." The lyrics tell of a sinner who was once lost, blind, and wretched before being found and rescued through no effort or … Continue Reading ››

It's got to be one of the most unique sporting events in the entire world. It's called the Iditarod, the ultimate sled dog race. Every year, dozens of teams line up for the historic 1,000-mile race from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska. However, it didn't start out as a sporting competition. It began in 1925 when the stakes were much higher than a cash prize. It was the lives of countless children in Nome who had been exposed to the dreaded disease diphtheria. The only serum in … Continue Reading ››

The following is a verbatim quotation from Dr. Charles Stanley, Pastor of First Baptist Church of Atlanta, Georgia. It's about as clear as it gets. "Missions was not an afterthought for Jesus as He talked with the disciples on the mountain prior to His ascension. The missions theme that filters through the pages of the Bible is basic to its very existence. If you stop and think about it, there would be no need for the Bible were it not for the fact that God's heart … Continue Reading ››

Mothers come in all sizes, but usually are never older than thirty. They won't stand for temper tantrums, muddy feet, and loud noises. No matter how old her children are, a mother thinks of them as little babies. A mother is a walking encyclopedia who knows who Hezekiah's grandfather was and how old Methuselah was. Also, she knows the scores of all ballgames for the past ten years and memorizes batting averages. She knows where to find the wet sneakers her child tried to hide and … Continue Reading ››

It has been said that life is what happens when plans fail.  In all seriousness, life has the tendency to become a little too tight.  We constantly feel it’s pressure, much like an ill-fitting shoe.  Time constraints and obligations tend to steal and rob of us peace and joy.  Either we can’t get to sleep or we only get a few hours, waking up in a panic!  This may sound simple, but we need to choose joy.  And there is a reason we can do … Continue Reading ››

"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God" (2 Corinthians 5:20). God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself (v. 19), and Christ is in believers continuing this work of reconciliation. Consider the following thoughts and suggestions which grow out of this subject and text: 1. THE PRESENCE OF CHRIST COMFORTS US Once we receive Christ and confess Him as our Savior and Lord, we are then ready to … Continue Reading ››

by Oswald Chambers

When it pleased God…to reveal His Son in me… —Galatians 1:15-16

The call of God is not a call to serve Him in any particular way. My contact with the nature of God will shape my understanding of His call and will help me realize what I truly desire to do for Him. The call of God is an expression of His nature; the service which results in my life is suited to me and is an expression of my nature. … Continue Reading ››

Well known pastor and author Charles Swindoll wrote the following in his book, Embraced by the Spirit: The Untold Blessings of Intimacy with God:

What It Means to "Be Filled"

I don’t know of a more important verse in the New Testament for the Christian than Ephesians 5:18—honest, no exaggeration. This verse tells the believer how to live an authentic, empowered life: “And do not get drunk with wine, for that is dissipation, but be filled with the Spirit.” It begins with a negative … Continue Reading ››

We preach not ourselves but Christ Jesus the Lord. II Corinthians 4:5

Make Jesus Christ your theme! I have seen preachers espouse causes and champion movements, and when the cause died and the movement collapsed, the preacher vanished too. But the man who glories in Christ never grows stale. Jesus Christ is perennial and he who makes his boast in Him stays forever fresh. He shall bring forth his fruit in his season, his leaf also shall not wither, and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. How long it … Continue Reading ››