In evangelical churches when I was growing up, a favorite hymn was "Showers of Blessing", written by Daniel Whittle and first published in 1883. He was greatly influenced by D.L. Moody's ministry and became an evangelist. The song was the [...]

Blessed assurance, Jesus is mine, O what a foretaste of glory divine... Perfect submission, all is at rest; I in my Savior am happy and blest! Fanny Crosby, 1873 Fanny Crosby got it right when she wrote that what we [...]

Then Jesus came. His coming was greeted with great gladness above, and great silence below. Above, the stars sent a special messenger to bid Him welcome to the earth they lightened and brightened. Below, the rusty hinges of earth's inn [...]

Many televangelists talk about the Kingdom of God. One this week is offering a product titled "Benefits of Kingdom Living". When I see this emphasis I feel they still have a little way to go. Would you rather be a [...]

I came across a new tag this week that partly describes my theological position. Whenever someone discovers I am a minister of the gospel, they always ask, "What church are you with?" By that they really mean, "Which denomination?" As [...]

"Eye-opener: An enlightening or surprising circumstance." In the hymn book of the first three churches I pastored was a hymn by Clara Scott (1841-1897), "Open my eyes that I might see." You might even sing it in your church. A [...]

Just in case you think I'm the one who invented the principle, I have to disclaim ownership, and gladly so. The Peter Principle was proclaimed by Dr Lawrence Peter, who said that in a hierarchy every employee tends to rise [...]

In our early life as pastors, my wife and I had this thing going every week, usually midweek. I would ask her, "What shall I preach about this Sunday?" and she would give the standard reply... "Preach about God and [...]