In this week's episode, I wanted to recommend Mark Dever's book on the Great Commission. In this short, helpful book Dever helps readers understand the Great Commission in light of God's design in fulfilling it - the local church. Listen in on how the Scriptures and this resource reveal "the local church is God's plan for evangelism, discipleship, and the Great Commission."

This past December, I had the joy and privilege to preach the opening message of the Advent season at my home church, Ocean Park Baptist Church (Jax, FL). We opened the series with a direct focus and emphasis on the Light, who is Jesus Christ in John 1, and the holiness of God, both in His Person and in His Purity. We also look at how the Light exposes what is in the darkness and points us to God’s Holiness, Truth, and Life.

What a joy and privilege it was to catch up with my old friend, Caleb Crittendon, and to talk about two important roles of the Church, missions and discipleship and specifically how Hope Point Church in Spartanburg, SC puts these roles into practice, both locally and globally.

In the final episode of season 2, I would love to praise and give thanks to the Lord for His goodness and grace during the most overwhelming and uncertain season of my entire life and to encourage you, and your local church, with how to not only be honest about your struggles and your needs, but also how to accept help and support from those who offer it. I hope and pray that this story of God's grace and the church's support brings you much comfort, encouragement, and joy.

On this week's episode, I have another book recommendation for you! "How Can I Serve My Church?" by Matthew Emadi.

"Believers display the greatness of God’s kingdom to a hostile world when. We selflessly serve each other and those around us. In this short booklet, Matthew Emadi explains the vital roles we play within the church. Through acts of service including hospitality, ministry, and evangelism, we bless our communities and long to hear Jesus one day say, 'Well done, good and faithful servant'."

On this weeks episode, Will Broadus, out of Greenville, SC, shares his passion and love for the transformative power of the gospel in the lives of his congregants and the people in his community. We also take a brief look at Hebrews 10:24-25 and discuss the importance of Christian's regularly gathering together.

It was so much fun being able to talk with the first retired pastor of the podcast and to gain so much wisdom from someone who faithfully served the Lord through pastoring for 45 years! Listen in as we discuss how pastors can connect with their congregation, what pastors tend to under/over estimate about pastoring, and the importance of diligently working on your marriage while also leading a congregation.

This week, I would like to share my sermon from Sunday, March 23rd. I pray that the Lord blesses you through His Word as we look at 1 John 3:11-4:21 and learn what love really is according to how God has revealed Himself in His Word.