One of the most special times between a mother and child is when they spend time reading a book together. I always loved it when one of my kids would crawl up in my lap and ask me to read a story. Now, I especially love it when one of my grandkids asks me to read a story!

The word steward in the New Testament speaks of one who is given the administration of a master’s household. A steward oversees the property and affairs of another person.

Fulfilling. Consuming. Exciting. Challenging. Parenting is all of this, and more. And it is one of the greatest privileges of my life.

Sermon outline: This is an abbreviated outline with the complete sermon downloadable at the bottom of the post. Acts 9 is a testimony of the miracle of salvation, the ministry of serving, and the manifestation of a sovereign God!

With the rise of interest in real, scriptural revival has come concern in some quarters that seeking and preaching revival might do us harm. Some voices express the fear that a revival emphasis will bring disappointment that will hurt faith.

A common challenge that every church planter will be faced with is the challenge of making “mountains out of mole hills.” I am not talking about blowing a given issue out of proportion, rather, I am speaking of providing majestic mountains on mole hill resources.

Have you ever found yourself thinking: “I wish I had more time?” When flying back home from the East Coast, I have sometimes had the ridiculous notion—“This is going to be an awesome day! I gain three hours flying home. I have twenty-seven hours today to get everything done.”

At Lancaster Baptist Church, we give “Christmas gifts to Jesus.” It’s an opportunity for us as a church to tangibly give to the Lord whose birthday we celebrate, and it’s a great way for children to be reminded of the real purpose of Christmas.

Christmas will be difficult for many this year. Perhaps the death of loved ones is becoming incredibly real all over again, or maybe financial hardships have brought a family to the breaking point. I hurt deeply for those who are struggling, suffering, or sorrowing this Christmas.

Great potential can come out of nowhere, and nowhere is this more evident than in the Christmas narrative. Jesus is the greatest and most impacting Man to have ever walked the face of this planet, because He was God that came as man as stated in John one and Philippians two.