The “Butchered Bible Verse” series continues today with a very popular verse that is often heard in sermons around July 4th in America.  As we approach the study of Scripture, we must be cautious to rightly handle God’s Word.  As we read, study, apply, and preach the Word, we must always remember that the Bible is God’s Word – not the word of man.  We have no right to mishandle it, misquote it, misinterpret...

The series, “Butchered Bible Verses” continues today (Friday) although it’s a Thursday series!  Yesterday was extremely busy and I was unable to post this until today.  As we have discussed throughout this series, the Bible is not open for private interpretations that fit our personal agenda, doctrinal positions, or other practical issues of life.  It is our duty as Christians to read, study, and interpret the Bible in the...

For those who love to listen to other gifted pastors talk about ministry, theology, and important issues facing the church – you will love this interview with John MacArthur.  In this interview, John MacArthur discusses many different topics from women pastors, multi-campus churches, Reformed theology, rock-star pastors, expository preaching, and more.  This interview took place at Grace Church during the Truth Matters...

The series, “Butchered Bible Verses” continues today with a section of verses from John 14.  As we consider the importance of teaching and preaching Scripture, we must make sure we are always approaching the Word of God in the proper context rather than chopping it up and ripping it out as a proof text for our own “personal interpretation.”  As we study the Bible, we should always be reminded that each text of...

I wrote this article a while back, but I was reminded about the need for this discussion as we had our pastoral staff Q&A with our church family last night. . . . . . . . . . . . . . What happens to a person who never hears the gospel when they die?  Do they go to Heaven?  Do they go to Hell?  That question is being discussed in our Sunday School classes, pulpits, and in the local coffee shop more often than we may realize.  The...

The Thursday series titled, “Butchered Bible Verses” continues today with a popular verse that is often abused and misused in the life of the church and secular community.  I have tried to emphasize the importance of proper interpretation of Scripture through this series, and I pray that God will help us become Bereans as we approach the sacred text of Scripture rather than simply ripping out random Bible verses and using them...

We have a newsletter that is mailed out to our members and I often write a letter about a text of Scripture that has impacted my life or something related to events in our church surrounding missions or other relevant happenings.  This morning as I sat down to write the letter, I was thinking about our church and how blessed I am to pastor a 170 year old SBC church (yes, we are older than the SBC).  One of those benefits is the great age...