An illustration database is a good tool to help gather all source material in one place. Whether you are a Sunday school teacher, a helper in a class, a ministry leader or a senior pastor, having one location for your source material is very beneficial.

The nation bears poverty of flesh and spirit. It is something as much felt as seen, the cumulative weight of every person who cannot provide food for their children and know nothing of salvation through Christ alone. Christians sensitive to the Holy Spirit cannot visit Nicaragua without an intense burden.

Do you take periodic inventory of areas in which you need to grow? This is an important practice for leaders. And equally as important as identifying areas of growth is taking steps to actually see growth take place. If you want to see change in your life, here are seven tips:

Sermon outline: This is an abbreviated outline with the complete sermon downloadable at the bottom of the post. Introduction: Jeremiah and Zephaniah prophesied before the Babylonian captivity; Ezekiel and Daniel during; Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, Zechariah and Malachi afterward.

We have our choice. We may live for self and take good care of our lives (not exposing them to danger, not making sacrifices, looking out for our own interests,) and we may prosper in the world. People will commend our good sense and congratulate us on our success.

The people of Capernaum were clamouring for Jesus to stay with them. Jesus was just beginning His public ministry, and He amazed the people. He taught with authority. He cast out an unclean spirit. He healed Peter’s mother-in-law.

Sermon outline: This is an abbreviated outline with the complete sermon downloadable at the bottom of the post. Introduction: No prophet sacrificed more for his God than Hosea. He married a woman, Gomer, who would later become a harlot. She would dishonor her husband, violate her vows, and break his heart.

About two weeks ago, Terrie and I were in Australia ministering in local churches and at a national pastors’ conference. While there, I received reports of a fallen pastor back home. The disgrace of these situations is always grievous, no matter what the faith or denomination.

Syria’s “Arab Spring” has become much more than an internal political unrest. With other nations taking sides in the conflict, Syria becomes another link between Iran and Russia—a force prophesied to strike against Israel in the last days.

Over the years, I’ve had Christians ask me if Baptists believe in the ministry of the Holy Spirit. I always answer with a resounding “YES!” Not only do we believe in the ministry of the Holy Spirit, but we recognize that no Christian can function properly without the guidance of the Spirit.