In 3 John, the Apostle John commends Gaius for his faithful hospitality to those traveling for the sake of the gospel. This powerful reminder challenges us to live faithfully for "the sake of the Name."

Reflecting on my own journey, I’m grateful for churches like First Baptist Atlanta, the church that sent my family and me out, and others that have welcomed us so graciously. Their hospitality reminds me of Charles Stanley’s words during my ordination charge: “You owe it to us to faithfully follow through with your calling.”

This legacy of love and truth inspires me to ask: How can we open our hearts to others and live faithfully for Jesus today? Read more about this in my latest blog post.

As we embrace the theme of Intentional in 2025, I am committing to greater intentionality in my preaching. This includes ensuring every sermon is rooted in Scripture, centered on the gospel, clear in communication, focused on transformation, practical in application, relationally connected, Spirit-led, and guided by an eternal perspective. I invite you to join me in prayer and accountability as we strive together to glorify God and fulfill His Great Commission.

Moving at the speed of obedience isn't about striving or struggling. It's about surrendering to God's timing and purposes. It's about being so in tune with His heart that when He says "go," we go; when He says "speak," we speak; and when He says "wait," we wait.

Christ is making the difference in our hearts at First Baptist Starkville. The Spirit is stirring our affections, leaving us with a desire for more and more of him. Let's continue to plead for his presence. We have yet to see how far he wants to take us or how deep he wants us to go.

March 22, 2024, marks 15 years since my ordination at First Baptist Atlanta. This special occasion marks my first ordination without having my ordaining pastor, the late Charles Stanley, who died in April of 2023. As far as I know, I stand last in a long line of men ordained into the gospel ministry under Dr. Charles Stanley's time at First Baptist.

As strange as it sounds to speak,

Christians say there is an eighth day of the week.

Of course we know our calendar has seven,

But Christians say eight to suggest there is a heaven.

The first day of the week refers to the beginning of something new

But when Christians say eighth we are looking ahead to all that God will do.

Jesus was dead as dead, but that is not all that was said,

We wait to hear the amen, for tomorrow he rises again!

On Friday Jesus took the cross.

His hour had come,

The world would see,

What it means for God to love you and me.

Realizing our dependence does not mean we have moved beyond ourselves and towards a true heart of worship. Asking God can be turned inward. Our passions are stubborn and not so easily defeated.

Though London Bridge has fallen, the materials to build what lasts are there for us. Will we be wise enough to follow her example and give our lives in service to the incorruptible Crown?