As a Baptist pastor of a Baptist church, I believe that each of these distinctives are not only biblical, but they are vital. They are doctrinal. And doctrine matters.

2 Timothy 3:1 states, “In the last days perilous times shall come.” The word perilous means “difficult to deal with.”

I’ll just come right out and say it: I believe America is the greatest nation on earth. I know, I know. In today’s globalist times, nationalism isn’t always revered as a virtue. But there is not an unpatriotic bone in my body, and I unashamedly practice patriotism and believe it should be taught to a younger generation.

Those who serve as spiritual leaders have the joy of investing themselves in the spiritual growth of others. You prepare messages, lessons, and events, preach sermons, teach classes, and give of yourself in all the ways that contribute toward building others in spiritual growth.

There is a quote that I remember hearing repeated frequently during Bible college: “Always make sure to keep the main thing the main thing.” Yet, all across America, and, yes, even on the mission field, the main thing seems to no longer be the main thing. I am sure you have guessed what I am talking about—soulwinning!

Thirteen years ago, Anthony and Angela King sold most of their possessions to move from Hawaii to attend West Coast Baptist College and to serve the Lord. Now, they are serving the Lord as church planters in downtown Honolulu, Hawaii.

Faith is seldom developed in comfortable surroundings. As long as we maintain the familiar, predictable routines of life and ministry, we only maintain our faith. But when we choose to step outside our comfort zone—in obedience to the call of God—God increases our faith. And the further out we step, the more He increases it.

What can be done after a revival to maintain the sense of revival once we are back to our regular routine? If you sense that God did a work in your heart during revival, and you want to keep that place and not regress, here are some suggestions:

In every work of God, there comes a point when a leader must ask, “Am I content to move forward in maintenance mode, or will I continue to build?” In theory, this question sounds simple. Who wouldn’t want to continue building, especially when you are co-laboring with Christ in building that which He has promised to bless?

No building can be erected without tools. In fact, quality work depends largely on the right tools being available and in excellent condition. Several years ago I needed to saw some lumber for a drama set we were building.