Thoughts From One Never Alone

Founders Journal · Spring 2004 · pp. 25-28
(used by permission Jan. 20, 2010)

by Allen Harrison

There are many passages of Scripture that give counsel and encouragement to those who are involved in the preaching of the gospel. In 2 Corinthians 4 Paul unfolds a variety of truths that apply to this great work of gospel proclamation.

The Privilege (4:1)
Paul writes, “since we have this ministry.” The ministry of the gospel is a gift. We believe in a divine call to preach. It is not a work that one takes up simply as a vocation, at least Read the rest of this entry »

Founders Journal · Winter 2003 · pp. 10-12,16
(used by permission Jan. 20, 2010)

by Allen Harrison

It’s hard to believe I have been involved in the ministry of the gospel for over fifty-one years. What a joy it has been, even with an assortment of difficult times along the way. I only wish I could do it all over again and again. Thank you, Lord, for calling me to preach! What a privilege it Read the rest of this entry »

Just recently I was at a meeting with some pastors and Allen Harrison came up in the conversation. A fellow pastor and I both knew Allen and reflected upon his life and ministry. We both appreciated his theological mind, gentle spirit, biblical wisdom, and pastoral concern. He had a tremendous impact upon both of us and is still greatly missed (Allen died in 2006).

The following is a ‘short list’ of those things Read the rest of this entry »

I can remember my delight upon receiving Keach’s Preaching from the Types and Metaphors of the Bible several years ago. It was intriguing to see the internal relationships that exist within the pages of Scripture. From Adam to the exile, from the tabernacle to the Sabbath we find tremendous examples of the types that are incorporated in Scripture. They not only prove helpful in moving the story of redemptive history along, but also serve as thickening agents of God’s gracious plot (thanks to Steve Rives for this metaphor). However, I’ve encountered instances Read the rest of this entry »

We’re often told “don’t sweat the small stuff.” There’s so much out ‘there’ to occupy our time and energy. Why get bogged down in details? Well, the last three years, for me, reveal the wisdom of doing just the opposite…sweating the small stuff.

There are actually quite a number of examples one could turn to that would prove small stuff can make or break us. Just ask an accountant, soldier, or engineer and you’ll get quite an ear full on the importance of details that most would like to simply rush through. Ministry is no different. Read the rest of this entry »

It’s been two weeks now since the annual meeting of the Missouri Baptist Convention. The dust is settled and I’ve caught up (it’s always a ministerial sprint when returning from convention activities). In the midst of catching up, I’ve given the proceedings a lot of thought. I’ll be praying about the following matters:

**It was good to see that we are continually exploring new relationships and opportunities for mission work. Several partnerships were Read the rest of this entry »

Our corporate experience motivates, informs, and holds accountable our . . .

• Shared identity. We are not saved as individuals to then be left as individuals walking with Jesus one on one. Therefore, we are not free to think of our faith as only a personal or private matter (we are a: flock – Jn. 10:16; temple – Eph. 2:21, 22; household – Eph. 2:19; body – Eph. 1:22-23; church – Matt. 16:18, 1 Tim. 3:15; bride – Rev. 19:7, 21:9; new humanity – Eph. 4:22-24; holy nation – 1 Pet. 2:9; royal priesthood – 1 Pet. 2:9; a chosen people – 1 Pet. 2:9; possession of God – 1 Pet. 2:9).

• Congregational gatherings. In light of what we share and need, we are to gather regularly to stimulate one another to good works to the glory of God (Heb. 10:19-25).

• Evangelistic efforts. Our unity demonstrates that God Read the rest of this entry »

Today, October 14th, at 2:00 pm, Chris Arnzen and I will discuss the numerous implications regarding Corporate Theology. Chris hosts a daily radio program called Iron Sharpens Iron that’s broadcast in NY and CT which is also live streamed on the internet. You can find the link at www.sharpens.org or go to http://www.wnygspiritofny.com.

About the Conference…

Conference Date: October 26th, 2009
Conference Location: FBC Raytown, Raytown, MO
Conference Time: 8:45 AM to 4:45 PM
Conference Speakers: Dr.’s Russell Moore, Alan Tomlinson, Gordon Dutile, & Joe Braden

What comes to mind when you consider the words, “Look to Christ?” For most, these words produce images of lost souls being urged to trust in Christ and His saving work. This ought to be the case. How else is one to avoid eternal wrath? We have the distinct privilege of proclaiming the Gospel to a lost world in need of what only Christ has provided. They must ‘Look to Christ!’

Are there, however, any other thoughts that come to mind as you consider these words? I hope so. You see, the lost are not the only ones who must ‘Look to Christ.’ We too, must ‘Look to Christ’ as we serve as His co-laborers. We are saved by His gracious work. We are His sheep. We are to represent Him. We are to proclaim His truth. We are to worship Him. We are to minister in His name. All that we are, all that we believe, and all that we do is affected by our great and glorious Savior Jesus Christ. We, as ministers of Christ, must continually ‘Look to Christ’ if we are to remain faithful in our service to His church. In each session, we will be brought face-to-face with this reality.

I trust that you will find the conference messages challenging, thought provoking, and most importantly, Christ honoring. May God grant each of us the grace to hear and obey His truth.

On behalf of your Pastors’ Conference officers, thank you for allowing us the honor of serving you.

Your Fellow-Partner,
Doug Richey
President
Missouri Baptist Pastors’ Conference

“Delight yourself in the Lord;
And He will give you the desires of your heart.”
Psalm 37:4

Can you remember what it was like to turn 16? Thoughts of obtaining your driver’s license, freedom, and buying your first set of wheels, all seemed to occupy your thoughts. I don’t know about you but I can certainly remember. For me it was excitement beyond description. I could finally get a real job. I would no longer have to depend on my parents for rides. No more school bus. Why? Mustang!

That’s right, I had purchased a Mustang. Even though my dad made sure it came equipped with a 4-cylinder, it was still a Stang. Look out world.

Life involves several opportunities for similar excitement, but none of these will ever come close to the opportunity we have with God. Why do I say that? You guessed it; God is Read the rest of this entry »