And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction. When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.” Matthew 9:35–38
Read MoreGod shows us that we should be praying for our city.
It’s not to be a church in the city, or of the city, or against the city, but to be a church that is for the city.
Read MoreHappy New Year. On behalf of the SBC of Virginia, thank you for your partnership in the Gospel. I’d like to share with you a few thoughts from one of my favorite examples of a leader praying in the Bible. There are a number of exemplary prayers in Scripture, but the one I am referring to is in 2 Chronicles 20, The Prayer of Jehoshaphat.
Read MoreFew Americans today say they know their neighbors' names, and far fewer report interacting with them on a daily basis. Pulling data from the General Social Survey, a recent report found that a third said they've never interacted with their neighbors. And only about 20 percent of Americans spent time regularly with the people living next to them.
Read MoreStorms have been in the news. Even this week, tornadoes touched down in my community. We have watched the effects of Hurricane Florence.
Read MoreIn 1 Samuel 18 we are introduced to what many call one of the most prolific of all Bible friendships - Jonathan and David. Their friendship illustrates the importance of godly friendship as a Christian leader, pastor, missionary.
Read MoreIn 1 Samuel 18 we are introduced to what many call one of the most prolific of all Bible friendships - Jonathan and David. Their friendship illustrates the importance of godly friendship.
Read Moren 1973, Spielberg was hired to make a movie based on Peter Benchley's novel about shark attacks called Jaws. The movie was so scary that even to this day millions of Americans panic when they get wind that a shark might be present in their beach area. A persistent shark phobia keeps people away from the beach.
Read MoreChristmas is probably not on your mind today. With the heat and humidity, with kids out of school and trips to the beach, Christmas seems a long way off. However, SBC of Virginia churches are to celebrate Christ and share His Gospel all year long. Every season, every day is an opportunity to be the hands and feet of Christ in a lost world.
Read More[Note: this is a much longer message than I normally send or post.]
Read MoreRemember the old adage, 'Sticks and stones will break my bones, but words will never harm me'. One of the earliest citations of it is from an American periodical, The Christian Recorder, March 1862. I appreciate the sentiment, but words can do some damage too (in my opinion).
Read MoreToday is the National Day of Prayer in the US. The National Day of Prayer was created in 1952 by a joint resolution of Congress and signed into law by President Harry S. Truman. In 1988, the law was unanimously amended by both the House and the Senate and signed into law by President Ronald Reagan on Thursday, May 5, 1988, designating the first Thursday of May as a day of national prayer. Every president since 1952 has signed a National Day of Prayer proclamation.
Read MoreIn Matthew 5:9, The Lord Jesus tells us that blessed are the peacemakers for they shall be called children of God. Yet, a Harvard study said that in the United States conflict is synonymous with congregation. My guess is that you didn’t need a Harvard study to tell you that conflict is part of church life. Alfred Poirier acknowledges that conflict is a reality in church life and it impacts pastors and their families. “Christ is the reason many enter the pastorate. Conflict is the reason many leave.” How can we respond?
Read More"There are many important tasks for the leader. Planning, vision casting, team building, communicating, and policy making are important responsibilities for an effective leader. But Christian leadership is spiritual work..." - Dave Earley
Read MoreThe word integrity is rooted in the word “integer” – which means whole, complete or undivided. As a Christian, I am to consistently apply biblical principles in character and action.
Read MoreJohn Kotter published Leading Change in 1996. Time Magazine has listed it among the 25 most influential leadership books. Here are his eight steps:
Read MoreBilly Graham once said, “If I were an enemy of Christianity, I would aim right at the resurrection because it is the heart of Christianity.”
Read MoreThis year Easter Sunday is on April 1st. So, you probably also know that many people call April 1st, April Fool’s Day. You may also know that some think preaching about and worshipping Jesus is foolish.
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