Hollyhocks, Outhouses and VBS

Summer is here! A few weeks ago we had another wonderful series of graduations at our RTS campuses, and now summer school has started. General Assemblies and Synods are underway or now history, and vacations planned when snow was on the ground are now Continue Reading

Intuition Confirmed: A Report on Summer Orientation at Grove City College and Some Thoughts for Parents in the College Selection Mode

Grove City College Summer Orientation Tour for John Michael and Mom As I attended the 40th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church in America[1] (where my friend and RTS alumnus, Dr. Michael Ross, was elected Moderator and did a tremendous job), my Continue Reading

Christmas Eve Order and Bulletin Sample

Christmas Eve worship is one of the most beautiful and inspiring times in the life of a congregation and in the ministry of a pastor. The service may be seen by the pastor as challenging because everyone knows that you are going to say something about Continue Reading

Don’t Miss Autumn…I mean “Fall”

  Ah, what a magnificent morning! I do love autumn! It is on its way! With George Eliot I would sing, “Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns!”[1] Autumn is Continue Reading

Reaching Up! A Sermon for the New Year

It is interesting to look back. Here is my sermon from last year for the New Year. It has some chronologically specific items in it. Yet I trust that it contains the timeless truths of Scripture which will again speak to us today. I am convalescing with Continue Reading

The Blessings of Being in Seminary

The following message was delivered at New Student Orientation, on August 23, at Reformed Theological Seminary, Charlotte, NC Seminary: A Ministry of Preparation Recently I participated in the ordination of a young man to the Gospel ministry, to pastor a Continue Reading

Why I am a Pentecost(al) Presbyterian

I read the following story this week: “Erasmus, the famous Renaissance scholar, once told a classic story which was designed to emphasize how important it is that we take up the torch of Christ’s ministry with great commitment. In the story, Jesus Continue Reading

Small Things, Big Things Dedication

This month P&R Publishing will release Small Things, Big Things: Inspiring Stories of God's Everyday Grace. The stories are varied. But each story is really a message in itself that seeks to tug at your heart, tap on your head, and awaken you to the Continue Reading

Moody Appearance

I appreciate prayer for upcoming appearances on "Prime Time America" on Moody Radio Network stations across N. America at the following times: Part 1: Wed, 7/22 @ 4:30 PM CST Part 2: Thu, 7/23 @ 4:30 PM CST Listeners can tune in on any Moody radio Continue Reading

Perfect Hatred: An Ash Wednesday Response to Those Not on My Side (Or God’s for that matter)

The Psalmist, David, wrote, in one of the several so-called imprecatory Psalms these words: "Do not I hate them, O Lord, that hate thee? And am not I grieved with those that rise up against thee? I hate them with perfect hatred: I count them mine Continue Reading