Articles
First Light Blog
About that Invitation…
The public invitation is a fairly recent development in evangelical history. Charles Finney is credited with the initiation of a public response when he used his new method called "the anxious seat." Finney invited those in his audience who were uncertain (or anxious)...
Christ-Centered Friendships
"Master, we saw one casting out devils in thy name, and he followeth not us: and we forbadE him, because he followeth not us. But Jesus said, Forbid him not..."—Mark 9:38-39 Because of the specific ministry with which I am involved, I have had the opportunity...
Do You See the Need?
My two oldest children helped at a youth rally where Evangelist Matt Downs preached. I was swamped and had a heavy matter weighing on my mind. I chose not to go. After the rally, my son Caleb came back with a picture of a boy that had caught his heart. I...
Mentoring at Camp
Recently, I had the opportunity to attend a state-wide pastor's fellowship focusing on the need to equip and encourage the next generation. It was a helpful and needed focus. To live without giving attention to those who follow us is dangerous and will produce...
Bait the Hook
Do you fish? If you do not, it may be because of this slimy, wiggly thing you have to put on the end of a hook! Baiting the hook may not be the best part about fishing, but it leads you to the best part—catching a fish! As you know, Jesus spent...
Grace vs. Standards
"Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?"—Romans 6:1 "For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world."—Titus...
Unbalanced Parenting
The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left to himself bringeth his mother to shame.—Proverbs 29:15 One frustration that is bound to confront any parent is a child’s complete ignorance of everything. (I mean, come on, how could he know nothing? Right?) As adults...
Prepare the Child, Not the Path
Have you ever taken a hike with one of your children when they were young? If so, you probably dealt with whining, aches and pains, tripping, falling, and scraped knees (and probably in that order)! More than likely it took three times longer than if you had gone...