Both testaments of God’s Word emphasize a two-fold focus for the spiritual life that involves loving God and loving one another. This two-fold focus is the emphasis of Paul’s remarks to the Thessalonians in chapter 3 of his first letter to them. So how would you evaluate your love for God and your love for one another? Do you ever wonder if you will be able to continue loving God and continue loving one another up to the end of your earthly...

Did you think about heaven or the Lord’s return this week?  If you did, what sort of thoughts filled your mind and heart?  When the Apostle Paul thought about the return of Jesus Christ he thought about people who were transformed by the gospel.  Specifically, he thought about how the Thessalonians would be a source of joy for him at the appearing of the Lord. During his ministry in Thessalonica, Paul made a major investment in the lives of the...

As I prepare for a weekend of ministry in North Carolina at Colonial Baptist Church, I will have one preaching opportunity that excites me. On a personal level I am looking forward to seeing Colonial and Shepherds Seminary. God has used Stephen Davey to establish and develop the varied ministries of Colonial Baptist. This will also be a special opportunity for me since I spent 14 wonderful years working with Daniel, Stephen’s brother, at...

In my last post, I presented a basic definition of the gospel as a foundation for the culture of a college student life. This post attempts to apply the gospel to the rules and regulations of the campus. Now, let’s consider how gospel-centered truth would impact the student life of a Christian liberal arts college. Foremost, I would affirm that every relationship, family unit, people group, society, and or campus needs order. We all need...

I am enjoying the rich conversation and the helpful publications about the gospel and gospel centrality taking place today. I am encouraged by the theology of the gospel. At the same time, I am challenged as I consider specific applications of it to my life and my ministry. When I interact with friends or ministry colleagues about the gospel, the challenge intensifies. They want a gospel definition. They want to know how commitment to the...

Do you desire to serve the Lord in some kind of ministry of the Word? Perhaps your interest is youth ministry, or maybe you are contemplating pastoral work and a ministry of teaching and preaching, or maybe you want to serve as a missionary. So where do you go to prepare? How do you prepare? What do you need to be prepared? Why not consider a Christian liberal arts college for your preparation? Let me give you my perspective on the benefit of...