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With my last post of 2011, I feel compelled to briefly provide an answer to a question that I’ve been asked a number of times in a number of ways over the years.  The summary version is this: “Jackson, why do you filter every aspect of life  and ministry through a “missions” lens….why is “missions” such a …

Bill Waldens’ post of last week (We Played the Flute for You) got me to thinking about the pastoral longevity that is tied to spiritual sanity that is anchored in Biblical vision.  I can’t recall the stats, but it appears that many men are leaving the pastorate and, in addition, there is a sizable number …

It was one of those nights that I will never forget.  I had spent the evening with a wife who had lost her husband to a very extended battle with cancer.  We sat there next to the body of her husband until the mortuary could come pick up his remains.  We prayed, we cried, we …

When I began seriously walking with the Lord in 1973, there was much talk about Jesus coming back. Hal Lindsey’s The Late, Great Planet Earth had been out for a few years by that time, and had created quite a stir among many Bible believing Christians. The signs seemed to be everywhere. Matthew 24 prophecies …

For the last 6 weeks I’ve been teaching a series at Calvary Escondido entitled “The Key to Unlocking Joy.” We’re finishing the series this Sunday, Christmas morning, with a message called “Joy to the World.” My main thesis over the last 6 weeks has been that Jesus has opened the way into fullness of joy, …

As we are almost at the Christmas holiday, I have found myself teaching at a number of different places. I taught a midweek service at Cornerstone Napa (Bill Walden’s church). I taught this past Sunday at Crossroads in Vancouver, WA (Bill Ritchie, and soon to be me). Finally I will teach this Christmas at Calvary …

“Then He called His twelve disciples together and gave them power and authority over all demons, and to cure diseases. He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick.”[1] ­– Luke speaking of Jesus “I also look at the men God gathered around me and I sort of chuckle as …

Hebrews 10:24 “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works,”   And how is that done in us? It’s by that same kind of sacrificial, unconditional, and expecting nothing in return kind of love being exercised towards us personally. CONSIDER, v.t. [L., to consider, to view attentively, to …

Sometimes I read too much from the multitude of burgeoning experts regarding this thing called Church.  I am finding sprinklings of truth emanating from many voices, but the conflicting suggestions and accusations from these analysts sometimes get to me.  It is then that I know that it is time for a course adjustment. I am …

I spaced.  In the midst of the craziness of the ministry here, I completely spaced and forgot this was my day to post. So, I’ll be very brief and share with all of you what I share with my congregation every year at this time. Even non-Christians like to ponder the idea of the “spirit of …