I have often told people the reason they don't see the gospel as a message of love is that they love themselves more than they love God. I was wrong. Evangelista, Semper Reformada "Preacher [or 'evangelist'], Always Reforming." That's the English translation of the Latin phrase Evangelista, Semper Reformada. I have now proclaimed the gospel on the streets and have preached … [Read more...]
Listening to Sermons: Student; Preacher; Evangelist; Son
I have been listening to sermons for 32 years. During that time, I've listened as a student, a preacher, and evangelist, and a son. Blessed by Expository Preaching I've been blessed all my Christian life (going on 32 years) to sit under expository preaching. Every pastor of every church to which I have been granted membership has been an expository preacher. Every one of them … [Read more...]
God’s Word: Peace
"The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance[c] upon you and give you peace" (Numbers 6:24-26). "In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety" (Psalm 4:8). "May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace" … [Read more...]
Coronavirus: 6079 Reasons to Grieve the Loss of Life in Italy
The Coronavirus is on everyone's mind and in the bodies of no less than 536,374 people. This morning I have at least 6079 reasons to grieve the loss of life in Italy. Coronavirus Statistics As of the writing of this article, there are 536,374 confirmed Coronavirus cases, worldwide. Of those, 80,589 are in Italy. Sadly, 8,215 Italians have died. That's 1/3 of all the current … [Read more...]
The Errant Theology of “You’re Pushing People Away from Jesus”
A common objection to most forms of public/street evangelism, especially open-air preaching--an objection made by professing Christians--is the notion of "pushing people away from Jesus." The argument goes like this: "If you do [blank], then unbelievers will be pushed away from Jesus." As I will show in this article, there is no biblical support for this claim. A Request from … [Read more...]
God’s Word: More Precious than Gold and Sweeter than Honey
King David, the psalmist, loved God's Word. He likened Scripture to fine gold and sweet honey. In Psalm 19, he uses six terms, descriptions, and effects to make his point. In doing so, David produced one of the most beautiful stanzas ever written about the inerrant, infallible, God-breathed Scriptures. The Text "The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the … [Read more...]
Wisdom of Dead Guys: Biting and Devouring One Another
My hope is that "Wisdom of Dead Guys" will be a reoccurring feature on this blog. This article represents the launch of this blog feature. The Theology of Dead Guys Doesn't Change Jeff Pollard is the pastor of Mount Zion Bible Church in Pensacola, FL. In addition to overseeing the various ministries of the church, Pastor Jeff also oversees Chapel Library. I was introduced … [Read more...]