B. Johnson Bent nearly double under the weight of a huge cross, a man, guarded by soldiers and followed by a yelling, mocking mob, struggles up a hill. Sweat and blood are mingled on His white, pain-drawn face, for a crown of sharp thorns has been pressed upon His head with such force that it is piercing the flesh deeply. One needle-like dart is sticking just above one eye, and the blood is running down and partially obscuring His vision. His hands are bound tightly behind His back which, with...

Curtis Going Several years ago, a pastor who was inviting a man to visit his church was told, “I don’t go to church. Everyone in church is a hypocrite.” The pastor’s response? “You’re right. We’re all hypocrites...and I’m one too.” He went on to explain: “My life is such a contradiction sometimes. My behavior often contradicts my values, occasionally my actions contradict my beliefs, and sometimes my life contradicts my ‘position’ in the church.” His conclusion? “Hi! I’m Bill, and I’m a...

Rick Jones Weaving my way through five lanes of highway traffic around St Louis I wondered out loud, “Where are all of these people going?” Ahead of me a sea of red taillights, brake lights, and flashing turn signals are speeding down the interstate. On the other side of the median thousands of white headlights emerge over a rise in the road, and then disappear into the night.  Some drivers were impatient. Others were relaxed. Some were paying attention. Others were distracted. Everyone was...

Richard S. Taylor A pastor should seek to accomplish by his pulpit ministry some very definite things. Clarity of doctrine is absolutely essential. I never tire of pointing to Paul’s words to Timothy in I Timothy 4:16: “Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.” Doctrine is here equal in importance to the life lived by the preacher. This is true because the validity of one’s spiritual life hangs on...

Joel Byer “…That in all things He might have the preeminence.” Colossians 1:18b It’s Sunday morning. The people trickle into the pews. The week has been hectic. Many are tired. The news of the nation has been bleak. Controversies abound, both within and without the walls of the church. As the pastor strides to the pulpit, he again thinks about all the issues that have been swirling around in his mind. He is tempted to take his sermon in a “million and one” different directions to address all...

Lonnie Witt Think of the people of your acquaintance who you would deem successful. It is nearly impossible to separate the individual from his or her vocation or mission. We find that especially true when we think of Jesus. From the scriptures we learn who He is and that His whole life was shaped around His mission. Let’s consider three things that defined His mission.  Jesus came to demonstrate God. In John 14:8 Philip asked Jesus to show the disciples the Father. Likely Philip desired a...