Corporateprayer is an expression of Christian fellowship. Therefore, it should be ourgoal that our prayer meetings promote our unity in Christ. Here are tenpractical guidelines that will help us honor the Lord Jesus in our times ofprayer together. 1.    Recognize the appointed leader of the prayermeeting. Look to this person to give direction. 2.    Use prayers that bless, are biblical, and brief(The 3 B’s). A.  Bless: Are others up or torn down? (1 Co. 14:26)B.   Biblical: Does my prayer align itself with theword of God? (John 15:7) C.  Brief: Am I respectful of others who also wantto pray? (Matt. 6:7)3.    Direct prayers Godward. Avoid prayers thatteach,...

I am in Los Angeles.I flew in to attend the annual Prayer Bowl, hosted by Pastor Melvin Wade and the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church of Los Angeles. The Prayer Bowl is a daylong service of preaching – one sermon after another that Mt. Moriah has hosted at the beginning of the year for almost 30 years. I have attended it since I was a boy. And I preached in it every year until I moved to Jacksonville.I am not here to preach. I just want to attend and be preached to. But Pastor Wade warned me that I need to...

O Source of all good, What shall I render to thee for the gift of gifts, Thine own dear Son, begotten, not createdMy Redeemer, proxy, surety, substitute, His self-emptying incomprehensible, His infinity of love beyond the heart’s grasp. Herein is wonder of wonders: he came below to raise me above, was born like me that I might become like him. Herein is love; when I cannot rise to him he draws near on wings of grace, to raise me to himself. Herein is power; when Deity and humanity were infinitely apart he united them in indissoluble unity, the uncreated and...

Tonight at 7 PM, the Shiloh Metropolitan Baptist Church of Jacksonville will host our music department's annual Christmas Concert. Our Worship and Arts Department is under the capable hands of Dr. Roger Sears. Our Mass Choir, Forgiven Ensemble, Children and Youth Choir, and Praise Dance Team will all be performing tonight. It will be a great celebration of the miraculous birth and redemptive work of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. If you live in the Jacksonville area - and your local church does not have a meeting scheduled - joins us for this special time of worship. Or watch...

Happy Birthday Crystal! I am not good at surprises. But I did a pretty good job this weekend. I sent from my niece Harriette, who is very close to Crystal, to visit for the weekend while I am away. I think it is the best birthday gift I have ever given Crystal. I am writing this post from Chicago. I filled in this Sunday for my friend, Romell Williams, at the Lilydale Progressive Baptist Church, as he is recovering from surgery. Romell has bailed me out on many occasions. It was a privilege to return the favor. Romell and his...

Great day of worship at Shiloh today. Grateful for all the guests who were in worship with us today. As usual, our children choir did a great job singing in worship today. Praise God for those who were baptized today. I had the opportunity to chat with several new members today. Very encouraging testimonies. I preached from Psalm 3. I called the message, “It’s Not As Bad As It Seems.” The point of the message: Things are never as bad as they seem, if God is on your side. Outline: I. Bring your complaints to the Lord (3:1-2). A. He...

Thirteen years ago today I was blessed to marry the love of my life, Crystal. Crystal and I met in high school. Los Angeles High School. Go Romans! I was a senior. She was in the tenth grade. We met in Coach Williams World History Class. We sat next to each other. And every day, Crystal would ask me if I had my homework (probably, so she could cheat). Most times, I had not done my homework, either. I would have let he cheat if I did! I thought Crystal was beautiful. How could I not? But I was not...

It was so good to be home with my church family this weekend!Last week, I was in Antigua and Barbuda, speaking for the Eastern Caribbean Baptist Mission led by Dr. Jensworth W.C. Jonas. Crystal joined me on the trip. And we had a great time. I look forward to future Missions partnership with Dr. Jonas and the ECBM. Saturday night, John P. Kee was in concert on our campus. John P. Kee! John Kee did not see “Jesus is Real.” What’s up with that? One of my favorite female Gospel voices – Lejuene Thompson – was singing backup. I wish...

Crystal and I are in Antigua & Barbuda. I am here to preach for the East Caribbean Baptist Mission led by Dr. Hensworth W.C. Jonas. The Central Baptist Church, one of the oldest Baptist congregations here, celebrated its 46th church anniversary this weekend. Tryells Baptist Church and Covenant Baptist Church, which are plants and extensions of Central on different parts of the island, also celebrated almost 20 years of ministry. This is Antigua’s Harvest Celebration, which seems to be similar to our Thanksgiving. It is a time when the people here give thanks to God for his provisions. The various...

I am writing this post from Antigua & Barbuda. Crystal and I arrived Friday evening. I am here to speak for the East Caribbean Baptist Mission led by Dr. Hensworth W.C. Jonas. Dr. Jonas is the pastor of Central Baptist Church, where he has served for 26 years. Under his leadership, the congregation has planted several affiliated churches across the island. It was what we would call “one church in multiple locations.” Central is also the home of one of the leading schools on the island, which is also led by Dr. Jonas. I am here to speak for their...

When the Holidays are not HappyBy H.B. Charles, Jr. The holiday season – Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Years – is a special time for many people. It is a time of celebration. Family and friends come together that may not have seem one another for a while. Wonderful meals are enjoyed. Gifts are shared. Affirming traditions are practiced. No wonder so many people look forward to the year-end holidays all year long. But this is not the case for all. There are also many people who find the holidays to be a time of grief and sorrow. My father was...

There will not be a Midweek Worship Service at Shiloh this evening. We will meet in the morning for a special Thanksgiving Day Service at 9 AM in our Coleman Auditorium. Start your holiday be joining us for corporate worship. God is the source every good gift and perfect gift. And he is worthy to be praised for all of his undeserved benefits toward us. Hope to see you there! “Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 (ESV)