I'm finalizing some new messages that I have been preparing to preach at Campus Church at Liberty University this semester and I noticed something this morning that I want to challenge you with today. "I tell you, NOW is the time of God's favor.  NOW is the day of salvation."  2 Corinthians 6:2 I almost didn't read that this morning because I almost slept an extra 30 minutes, but something told me to get up NOW and spend time in the word.  Isn't it odd how there is a resistance inside of us to doing things NOW?  We always want … read more

As a preacher, I meet and talk to lots of preachers: pastors, youth ministers, seminarians, evangelists, sunday school teachers, etc.  They have lots of questions for me, but one of the most common things they want to know is how I study for sermons and what my outlines look like.  I talked with a para-curch ministry leader just this week who wanted me to send him some of my outlines just so he could see what I actually preach from on paper. So in an effort to help those of you who do stand and proclaim the Word of God to audiences of 10 to 10,000, I submit to you … read more

As I drove through the gigantic campus at the University of Florida in Gainesville yesterday, I noticed a young lady, on a bike, pedalling through heavy traffic, one arm on the handlebars of her 10 speed and the other hand busily texting on her phone (she could have been Tweeting or Facebooking, or looking for directions to her next class).  I was struck by the absurdity, and the danger, of what she was doing.  She could have easily been killed. I then began to notice, among the hundreds of students walking everywhere on campus (I was told enrollment now tops … read more

When I was a little boy in church, we sang an old hymn called "Count Your Blessings."  I think that is a good way to start your week on a Monday when it is tough to get out of bed, to find motivation, or to recover from the hangover you got as a result of preaching or serving this weekend at church.  God has given each of us innumerable gifts.  We did not earn them.  He freely gave them as an overflow of His love and grace.  Consider just a few of the wonderful things He has lavished on us: 1.  Health - If you can walk, talk, see, … read more

I face some grueling challenges in my line of work.  Evangelism is my calling, my gifting, and my passion.  This calling requires me to spend days at a time away from my family, home and community.  And yes, the miles and the wear and tear can take their toll.  But there are also amazing days where I see God really move in a person's life, where I have genuine conversations with folks who are striving to serve The Lord and know Him daily.  And, I love seeing people repent of their sin and begin a relationship with Christ.  Nothing excites me … read more

"Who perceives his unintentional sins?  Cleanse me from my hidden faults."  Psalm 19:12 If you're like me, there are aspects of life that you are totally oblivious to.  For me, this would include dirty dishes in the sink and clothes in the dryer that need to be folded.  I just don't "see" certain things as well as others.  In these areas, I am not that perceptive.  However, I always notice boredom in an audience, tension in a married couple, or smiles on the faces of happy kids.  I am perceptive when it comes to … read more

The following is a review of my most recent book, Dying To Live, from Trevin Wax, a pastor who also writes and reviews books for Christianity Today. Traveling evangelists are quietly disappearing. I’ve listed some reasons for the decline, but I believe there may still be a future for vocational evangelism. Clayton King is the type of evangelist I hope we see more of in the coming years. His evangelistic ministry is church-based and Christ-centered. Though he is young, he is already mentoring those coming up behind him. What I like most about Clayton is … read more

I just spent 8 wonderful days with my family in the state of Alaska.  This was my third trip to America's playground and we enjoyed every single minute of the adventure.  Now that I am home and catching my breath for a few minutes, I wanted to give you my random Top 10 of Alaska.  And if you were at Fusion, let me know what you think about this!   10.  Giving my children Dramamine for the 7 hour flight there.  Taking Dramamine myself for the red-eye flight home.  It works.  9.  The temperature never got higher than 65 … read more

*I posted this on www.edstetzer.com in response to a great conversation about the role of the evangelist. You should read it.* In the evangelical church, when someone says the word "evangelist" very few know what that means, and the ones who do think of: 1. Billy Graham 2. Old school revivalists who preach in predominantly rural areas in mostly Pentecostal, Independent, or Baptist churches 3. TV preachers on TBN It's unfortunate that this is the extent of exposure or understanding. But it's also understandable that some pastors and parishioners view … read more

*The following is an excerpt from my new book Dying To Live.                 The crazy, backwards way that God does things is meant to make no sense. It’s not supposed to be predictable. So the more unlikely you are to be able to fix your problem, the more likely that God will come visit you in your darkness and save the day. It seems like He specializes in waiting on us to learn to wait on Him, because we really don’t have a choice. I mean, if God delays, we sort of have to wait. … read more