I grew up in Appalachia. Southeastern Kentucky. Corbin, home to Knox, Whitley, and Laurel counties. Home of the first KFC. It was a blessing to come from an area where, among churches, there was a love for Jesus, passion for evangelism, and high view of the Word of God. Throughout […]
What if the unreached people groups in our communities helped determine the international locations of some of our future short-term and long-term teams? A brother recently told me about a friendship developed in Birmingham with a man from Nepal. He shared the gospel with this man and their relationship continued […]
Your Bridge to the World may be in Your Backyard
Spurgeon rightly warned his students, “Brethren, if you are not theologians you are in your pastorates just nothing at all” (Lectures to My Students, 74). Well said, brother. Well said. While I completely agree, I am compelled to revise these timeless words to include: “Brethren, if you are not theologians […]
The Theological Skew in the Pulpit
The Christian faith is a monotheistic faith. Though Jehovah’s Witnesses and Muslims tell me I am a polytheist, such is not the case. I am always quick to begin our conversations with the words of Isaiah: “Before me no god was formed, nor shall there be any after me. I, […]
Monotheism of Mission
It is that time of the year again. I am about to sign off of the blog for about a month. What is going on with the Payne tribe during this time? Family festivities. Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day worship gatherings. I am also scheduled to teach […]
Changing Perspective for God’s Glory
Happy Thanksgiving to my US readers! Before you take off on that long road trip to grandma’s house for the holiday, I want to share some recent resources that may be helpful during the drive. Season two of Strike the Match ended recently. There are now 43 podcast episodes for […]