As I head in to my fifteenth year as Pastor of Amelia Plantation Chapel, and the fiftieth year of my pulpit ministry I am excited about the privilege of communicating the Gospel of Jesus Christ through preaching, teaching, writing and blogging. The opportunities to share the Gospel are greater than ever with new technology. The needs of the world are great as people are challenged by the stresses of living. This is an age of anxiety and depression, of fear and addiction. It is also an age of great expectations as there appear to be more possibilities available to those who are motivated to try them.

My focus this Fall will be on preaching through the First Letter of John and his message for our day. I will be completing the fourth volume of SOUL FOOD, my daily devotional for the last quarter of the year. All four volumes for the year will become available for Christmas gifts. I am also producing a small booklet entitled, PEACE OF MIND, for you to give to your friends as a simple way to witness to Jesus.

Because there is so much going on in the media and the marketplace that is opposed to the Gospel and downright destructive to human flourishing and God’s will it is imperative that we Christians are assertive in taking the initiative in sharing our faith. Find ways to take an interest in others. Be appreciative of them. Pray for them. Be gracious in your interaction with all people. I love the words of St. Paul in Colossians 4:1-6

“Devote yourselves to  prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ….Pray, that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders, making the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” 

Invite people to join you in worship and Bible study. If they don’t respond the first time you ask them persist. Some people need to know you care enough for them to keep on inviting them.