Call 9-1-1!
While in Bible College, I was introduced through books to the works of many preachers and teachers, many of whom I've long forgotten. But that's not the case with the sermons and writings of a great English Methodist, Samuel Chadwick (1860-1932). As a young preacher, I easily identified with Chadwick as he shared his passion for revival and a move of God's Spirit. This week, I want to share a few of Chadwick's quotes that I believe will impact you as they did me so many years ago. And, I want to do something a little different. Rather than providing the quotes from his The Way to Pentecost...
He’s in the Show and Tell Business!
One of the highlights of the school day for most Kindergarten and first-grade children is the Show and Tell activity. I’m sure that you can recall your excitement as a child when, in Show and Tell, you stood in front of the classroom with an item brought from home, showed it to your classmates, and then told about it. While recently preparing for a sermon, I read a New Testament account of the Holy Spirit participating in a Show and Tell situation. While it wasn't in an elementary school classroom before a group of young children, it was 100% a Show and Tell demonstration. In the city of...
How Real is the Holy Spirit to You?
In growing up in West Columbia, Texas and attending the Christian Center, I often heard Pastor B.B. Hankins say, “I wouldn’t cross the street without the Holy Ghost.” This is so simple and yet so powerful. I recognize now that his statement was merely an updated version of Jesus’ statement. But Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, the Son can do nothing alone.” John 5:19 (New Century Version) Such a dependency happens when the realness factor of the Holy Spirit kicks in. I love how Kathryn Kuhlman expressed it. “He is more real to me than you are.” This Person that Jesus introduced to His...
Unpacking Parakletos
It’s true confession time—I hate to clean out my clothes closet. I know that it should be an annual event, but it usually becomes a dreaded undertaking that is only accomplished when I can finally muster up the courage. Why? While doing this job, I have to come to terms with reality. I hate, hate, hate to part with a favorite shirt that is too faded, has too many holes, or rips. Then there’s also the ultimate “oh-no” factor. I have to try on clothes to see if they “shrunk” while hanging in my closet. This cleaning out the closet process forces me to admit that I can’t squeeze my body into a ...
Dealing With the What-Ifs
One question I often hear as we travel and minister in our Holy Spirit Rallies concerns the altar calls and the people's response to them. Pastors frequently ask, “How did you do what you did today at the altar?” They usually follow with, “You made it look so easy.” I always reply that I make it look easy because it is! I’m finding that many pastors today are reluctant to minister on the subject of the Baptism in the Holy Spirit because they are fearful that people won’t respond to the altar call, and those that do might not receive the infilling of the Holy Spirit with the evidence of...
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