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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 …

“Now John answered and said, ‘Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and we forbade him because he does not follow us.’  But Jesus said to him, ‘Do not forbid him, for he who is not against us is on our side.’”[1] “Behold, how good and pleasant it is for brethren to …

The best odors my sanctuary has ever had!  On January 2, 2011, I received a very hard call.  A 20 year old female had taken her life the day before.  The family was devastated and they wanted my help.  I assured them we, the church, would do whatever we could do to help them through …

NOTE: I wrote this back in July, 2006 for “Bill’s Musings.” But every time I re-read it, I smile. Oftentimes, I draw on its lessons. So with that as a background, I share this with you today. ________________________ Tonight, I’m in pain. It’s 11:43 PM (7/11/06) as I type this. My left palm is aching, …

“Do you love Me?…Feed my sheep.”[1] – Jesus “…the church exists for the edifying or the building up of the saints; to bring the saints into full maturity so that they might engage in the work of the ministry.”[2] – Chuck Smith “Preach and teach the Word—the very life of the church depends on it! …

My favorite holiday of the year … Thanksgiving Day. I love it for its Christian meaning, as the thankful life is the Spirit-filled life (Ephesians 5:18-20). I love it for its social benefit, as it’s a great time to reconnect with family, and reach out to others. I love it for the food, fun, and …

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…No one has seen God at any time.  The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him.”[1] – John the Baptizer speaking of Jesus   “Ritualism is nothing more than a rut, and the only difference between a rut and …

One of the primary emphases of my teaching ministry as a pastor has stemmed from my own personal need and study to learn about my identity in Christ, and of God’s love for me personally. It’s been quite a journey, indeed. Last year  I had the blessed privilege of sharing this message with the saints …

For many years I’ve been a student of culture. I blame Jeff Jackson. As a 15 year-old I found myself a pupil in a missions class he taught for Calvary Escondido; I’d like to think I’ve never been the same since. Full disclosure (or confession), I remember very little from the class (extend some grace, …

“…You shall be Witnesses to Me…”[1] – Jesus   “If you are a Calvary Chapel pastor or in teaching leadership, chances are you are concerned about the death of biblical truth in our culture and within our churches…As a pastor or teacher, you have the privilege of expositing and expounding God’s truth to your community.”[2] …