The Roman government exiled the apostle John to the aisle of Patmos, because of the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. He was not there alone. On the Lord's Day, John was filled with the Holy Spirit. The glorified Christ revealed himself to John. In Revelation 1:19, Jesus commands, "Write therefore the things you have seen, those that are and those that are to take place after this." John wrote what we call the Revelation or Apocalypse. It is predominantly about things to come in the last days. It begins with the things that are. Chapters 2...

A man was given a tour of heaven in a dream. As the tour ended, he noted a particular building was skipped over. The angel warned that he did not want to see that building. This only heightened the man's curiosity. The angel showed him. It was a building filled with beautifully wrapped presents. When the man asked what these were, the angel answered these were gifts God had prepared for his children that were never claimed in prayer. If a building in heaven houses unclaimed gifts, many boxes would contain the unwanted gift of wisdom. When facing trials, we...

Welcome to The On Preaching Podcast, the podcast dedicated to helping you preach faithfully, clearly, and better. Some years ago, I started a list of things I have learned over the years of my life and ministry. These are practical tips, lessons, and principles. I posted this list on my blog. Later, I published the list in a chapter of my book, "On Preaching." I want to share and comment on some of these things I learned along the way, particularly some that relate to the work of preaching. (God willing, I will share further tips from this list in...

Timothy was left in Ephesus to lead the church in Paul's absence. It was apparently a temporary assignment. But no one knew when or if Paul would return. In 1 Timothy 3:14-15, Paul writes, "I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth." 1 Timothy gives practical instruction to lead the church to be the church. But this letter is more...

It's Black History Month! In this episode, I want to introduce you to several faithful Black pastors and preachers you should know about and learn from. The men on this list are all blessed memories, who have moved from labor to reward. But their life and labor continue to impact lives for Christ. This is not "10 Ten" or "Best of" list. There are many important names that are not on this list (More material for future episodes!). And the names listed here are in no particular order. This is a personal list. But I hope you find it helpful....

Canute the Great was King of Denmark, England, and Norway. He was praised as a great monarch. But he feared his people thought too highly of him. On one occasion, Canute ordered his servants to place his royal chair by the seashore. Sitting on this throne, he demanded the waves to recede. Waiting for the waters to obey his command, he got wet as the waters splashed around him. Finally, Canute stood and rebuked her servants, claiming that only the Lord who created the heavens and earth is worthy of praise. Psalm 93 calls us to put our seats by...

Welcome to The On Preaching Podcast, the podcast dedicated to helping you preach faithfully, clearly, and better. I am a student of expositional preaching. I do not think, however, expository preaching is just another style of preaching. I believe expository preaching is the most faithful way to preach the word of God. In this episode, I want to offer you ten reasons why I practice and promote expository preaching. Why expository preaching? Divine Inspiration Proper Interpretation Biblical Illiteracy Ministerial Example Personal Sanctification Pulpit Authority Christian Worldview Church Health Pastoral Longevity Time Management Which of these reasons for expository preaching do...

Jesus wept. – John 11:35 John 11 records the miracle of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. John tells the story in a series of conversations. The passage begins with a conversation Jesus has with his disciples about the sickness and death of Lazarus. When he finally arrived in Bethany, Lazarus’ sister Marth confronted him. In the ensuing conversation, Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25). Then Jesus talked with Lazarus’ other sister, Mary. Mary fell at the feet of Jesus, consumed with grief. Unlike his encounter at Jairus’ house, Jesus does not question the mourning...

You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is not good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. - Matthew 5:13 Salt gets bad press. it is tied to hypertension, obesity, heart disease, and other ailments. The need for salt is questioned. The use of salt is discouraged. The presence of salt on many tables is more decorative than anything else. However, this was not the case when Jesus announced to his disciples, "You are the salt of the earth." In New...

You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. - Psalm 23:5 Psalm 23:5 envisions a great banquet. David is not just an invited guest. He is the guest of honor. As David enjoyed the delicacies at the table, his mortal enemies stand around the table looking on. David did not fear the evil in the valley because of his shepherd. And David did not fear the presence of his enemies because of his host. David was not a delegate who negotiated his way to the table. He...

Welcome to The On Preaching Podcast, the podcast dedicated to helping you preach faithfully, clearly, and better. In this episode, I want to offer you several ideas to consider as you plan your preaching calendar for 2021. Pastors are busy people. Sermon preparation is hard work. Preaching through COVID-19 is burdensome. The new year is a golden opportunity. Effective preachers are good stewards of their limited time. One way to be a steward of your opportunities to prepare and preach is to have a sermon plan. It may be a few a month or the entire year. You may do...

The preacher should live as a preacher, watching his life and doctrine. The preacher should also labor as a preacher, giving himself to the hard work of prayer and the ministry of the word. And the preacher should lead as a preacher. The pastor is often judged by the work he does outside of the pulpit more than the work he does in it. Yet there is no biblical dichotomy between the pastor as a preacher and the pastor as a leader. Preaching is leadership! First and foremost, the pastor-teacher is charged to preach the word (2 Timothy 4:1-2). His...