Contributing Bloggers

November 2024 OUR PROVIDER Dear Friend in Christ: A key to life is having a proper perspective on what’s going on and knowing Who is in control. There are many pressures that we face as we prepare to enter 2025. But we’ve learned that God is not only Holy, Almighty,. [...]

Dear Friend in Christ: Have you ever been betrayed by someone close to you? Most people would answer, “yes.” A much harder question would be, “Have you ever betrayed someone close to you?” The tragic truth is most people have but would never admit it. Certainly, most of us can. [...]

HEARING GOD’s VOICE Dear Friend in Christ: September is a volatile weather month in North America as seasons begin to change between Summer and Autumn. Some will see snow while others will face tropical storms and hurricanes. Here in Mobile, we live in what is consistently ranked as “the rainiest. [...]

August 2024     LEARN TO DISCERN   Dear Friend in Christ:   A few years ago, a slick mobster from New York was running a counterfeit money operation. However, when the money came back from the printer, the mobster was horrified to see that almost $1 million had been. [...]

THE BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD — PART TWO Dear Friend in Christ: Happy July! This month, we’re continuing our journey through 2 Chronicles 20 on the theme, “The Battle Belongs to the Lord.” Last month, we were reminded that anytime we try to do the right thing, our spiritual. [...]

June 2024 THE BATTLE BELONGS TO THE LORD Dear Friend in Christ: One of my favorite stories is found in Second Chronicles 20, and it involves young King Jehoshaphat, who became ruler in Judah when he was 35. Jehoshaphat was a seeker and a worshipper of the Lord, he detested. [...]

May 2024 THE PROMISED LAND Dear Friend in Christ: On behalf of our Simpson family and the Charles Simpson Ministries CSM Publishing family, I want to thank you for your continued prayers and financial support for us as we move through this season of grief and transition following the death. [...]

April 2024 THE SECRET PLACE Dear Friend in Christ: Our family and ministry team send love and gratitude to you. We deeply appreciate your love, prayer, and support for us in these days as we grieve the passing of my father, Pastor Charles Simpson. Your very kind calls, texts, messages,. [...]

March 2024 Remembering Charles Simpson Dear Friend in Christ: As many of you know, my father, Pastor Charles Simpson, passed away on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2024. He has joined my mother, Carolyn, and Jesus in eternity. Our family and the CSM Team want to thank all of you for. [...]

THE NEXT THING Dear Friend in Christ: It’s hard to believe we’re already more than a full month into 2024.  You’ve been in our hearts and prayers. What I’d like to do this month is to follow up on some thoughts we were developing in last month’s Pastoral Letter, “The One. [...]

Dear Friend in Christ: Happy New Year!  If you’re like me, it’s taking some time to get used to writing “2024” on your documents. The Latin phrase “Tempus Fugit” is often translated into English as “time flies,” but literally means, “time escapes.” The older I get, the faster time seems to. [...]

December 2023 Prince of Peace Dear Friend in Christ: Grace and peace to you in the name of the Lord! Yes, grace and peace, even in days of turmoil, strife, and confusion; in fact, especially in these days. We just witnessed the memorial service for former First Lady of the. [...]

Dear Friend in Christ: Grace and peace to you. These blessings seem all the more precious to us in these days. There is no need for me to give a recitation of the grim news headlines, but if there was ever a time in my lifetime where we need a. [...]

Dear Friend in Christ: This month, I want to open Scripture and my heart about unconditional love and presence. To do so, I want to talk a little bit about our family dog, Sparty, who sadly passed away a few days ago at age 13 after a wonderful life. Can. [...]

Dear Friend in Christ: Recently, I had breakfast with my good friends Ronnie Head and Pastor Terry Ragsdale (Grand Bay Community Church, Grand Bay, Alabama). Ron is the founder of Head’s Heating and Air Conditioning and is considered a “guru” of heating and air in our part of the world.. [...]

THIS IS MY STORY Dear Friend in Christ: I pray this letter finds you and yours well—and staying cool! Mobile in August is like a steamy hot sauna. I try to remind myself that some folks pay good money to experience what we get for free! This month, I am. [...]

Dear Friend in Christ: When facing sickness or disease, how serious is proper and early diagnosis? For many people in many cases, it is matter of life or death. My dear and beautiful wife passed away due to a faulty diagnosis. The true diagnosis came too late at stage 4. [...]

Dear Friend in Christ: My purpose in this letter is to share with you what the Lord has placed on my heart. I was recently sitting with four pastors and two of them were pastoring churches begun by their fathers. One of the pastors had recently lost his father. One. [...]

Dear Friend in Christ: Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ!  My Grandpa Simpson used to tell a funny story about an old country veterinarian who was called out to a farm to tend to a sick horse.  He decided the horse needed a. [...]

Dear Friend in Christ: I trust you and your loved ones are doing well. You are often in our prayers here at CSM.  Here in Alabama, Spring has come, with all of its beauty, and also storms. It’s a good time for re-evaluating priorities, cleaning up, and preparing for the. [...]

Dear Friend in Christ: In recent weeks, we’ve been receiving thrilling reports of a genuine move of the Holy Spirit happening on the campus of Asbury University in Kentucky, and spreading across many other college campuses.  Our response at CSM has been to rejoice and re-commit to praying for these. [...]

Dear Friend in Christ: John, the beloved friend and disciple of Jesus, had faithfully preached the Gospel for many years after Jesus ascended into heaven. He was finally exiled to the small Mediterranean island of Patmos. While John is there in prayer, the Lord Jesus appears to John in a. [...]

Dear Friend in Christ: I pray that you have a very blessed New Year! As we begin 2023, I want to share some personal testimonies and insights with you, which I trust will encourage you in the season ahead. Battles and blessings do not appear to belong in the same. [...]

Dear Friend in Christ: What makes this time truly wonderful is not really all of the lights and decorations and parties … it is that each of us has the renewed opportunity to receive Jesus and His miraculous gifts of salvation, acceptance, and joy. In my life, I’ve been blessed. [...]

Dear Friend in Christ: In my September 2022 Pastoral Letter, I shared with you a miracle that happened when I visited Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus in the former Soviet Union in late 1991. On that mission journey, the Holy Spirit profoundly wrote these words of Jesus upon my heart: “Then. [...]

Dear Friend in Christ: Wisdom is a matter of life or death. I’m so thankful for parents, grandparents, pastors, and mentors who not only modeled wisdom, but taught me from an early age to pursue wisdom. Their foundation for wisdom was God’s Word and His Holy Spirit. Look at just. [...]

Dear Friend in Christ: “I was overwhelmed by the needs I saw, almost to the point of despair. And then, a miracle happened.” In November of 1991, I made the first of two mission trips to Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus. The people in each place found a place deep within. [...]

Dear Friend in Christ: Recently, I was having lunch with a close Pastor friend in another city. We were talking about another brother in the Lord, and what a tremendous blessing that brother is to so many people. This pastor friend shared how, more than 25 years ago, the Lord. [...]

Dear Friend in Christ: Thank you for taking the time to read this letter. I seek to unfold what I believe the Lord is saying to me now as it is very consequential to know how we respond to our current culture. Ephesians 4:15 teaches us that we grow up. [...]

June 2022 BACK TO BETHEL Dear Friend in Christ: God can deal with our sin, but what He will not accept is us being dishonest about our sin. My purpose in this letter is to point out from the scripture how God has dealt with sin and sinners, even after. [...]

Dear Friend in Christ: I pray you are doing well. Soon, Christians worldwide will be celebrating the fulfillment of the promise of Jesus Christ to send His Holy Spirit to His followers. Pentecost occurs 50 days after the Resurrection of Jesus. The number 50 represents “Jubilee,” a time when captives. [...]

Dear Friend in Christ: Give me liberty ... Or?  I pray you are well.  As I write to you this month, there are some very serious matters I want to prayerfully address in the hopes that together we can find God’s wisdom and courage to face what lies ahead. My. [...]

We Will Remember Dear Friend in Christ: I pray you and your loved ones are well and having a good year so far. Springtime is almost here in Mobile, and we are looking forward to the explosion of colors that come with the blooming azaleas and dogwoods that are so. [...]

Dear Friend in Christ: We deeply appreciate your friendship to this ministry and pray all is well with you. Let’s look together at why worship is an essential part of our lives. We were created by God to worship Him and enjoy fellowship with Him forever (see Westminster Catechism, 1647).. [...]

Dear Friend in Christ: We are facing a New Year and a new opportunity to grow; to have a better life whatever the future holds. I join you in praying for a joyful 2022! Let’s kick off this letter with a quick lesson from the world of football. The year. [...]

Dear Friends, Recently, I was in a store that was displaying new Christmas merchandise. I spotted a large decorative sign for sale that boldly proclaimed, “We Believe!” I smiled, and thought, "How wonderful to see such a strong declaration of faith." As I got closer, I realized that the sign. [...]

Dear Friend in Christ: We live in amazing times and so much of what we encounter is unexpected. Recently, I boarded a plane that would take me back home. The plane was full except for the seat beside me. Then a young woman came and sat in the seat beside. [...]

Dear Friend in Christ: I pray you are having a blessed Autumn. This month, I want to look at a familiar Bible story, and draw some lessons that can encourage us in this season of storms and uncharted waters … uncharted by us, but known well by God. How do. [...]

Dear Friend in Christ: I pray you are well. Oftentimes, we are tested on the message we preach.  And so it has been this month as I have been preparing this message.  I will say, with great gratitude, that God has been faithful to bring us through “many dangers, toils,. [...]

Dear Friend in Christ: You are often in our prayers, and we trust you are finding God’s grace in this season. He is our hope, in times of ease or difficulty. I am struck by the urgency of the hour in which we live. Creation itself is groaning and crying. [...]

Dear Friend in Christ: My two previous pastoral letters were about the Beatitudes—attitudes that bring favor in hard places.  In this letter I want to discuss courage.  Courage is not manifest in easy times; it is revealed in hard places.  Our Lord was courageous, and courage is contagious! He is. [...]

Dear Friend in Christ: My previous letter began a two-part series on the Beatitudes (Beautiful attitudes) from Matthew chapter 5:1-16. In that letter, we examined the poor in spirit, grief over our condition, meekness and hungering for righteousness (see verses 1-6). This letter will give a brief examination of verses. [...]

Dear Friend in Christ: When the Lord leads us to a passage, it is not merely academic; His guidance is always preparatory. Back in February, I tried to cover Matthew 5:1-16 in one letter; I could not. In fact, books could be and have been written, but these are mostly. [...]

Greetings from Mobile, Alabama, the “Azalea City,” where Springtime is upon us, the flowers are blooming, the bees are buzzing, and great clouds of pollen dance merrily upon the morning breezes. We hope all is well with you as you receive this letter. For so many, we know this remains. [...]

  As I write to you this month, we continue to see tremendous turmoil around the world. Here in the United States, extreme weather and the persistence of the COVID pandemic have brought misery and death to many. A turbulent social climate and tense divisions have sapped the energies of. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, February 2021 Dear Friend in Christ: Psalm 11 raises an important question: “If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do?” (Psalm 11:3). The verse prior tells us that the righteous are under attack. So, not only are the foundations removed, but those who stand up on. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, January 2021 Happy New Year! From all of us at CSM, we thank you for your love, faithfulness, and prayers in 2020. We pray the Lord will sustain, guide, and refresh you as we enter 2021. Years ago, I learned that we would be tested on what we. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, December 2020 Dear Friend in Christ: Grace and peace to you in the Name of the Lord! We are nearing the end of one of the most tumultuous and challenging years in recent history. Recently, I was thinking about 2020, and I said to myself, “This has been. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, November 2020 Dear Friend in Christ: We can know God through Jesus Christ, but the mystery of God and godliness remains. The new birth is wonderful, but it is only the beginning of our journey to know God. The Gospel of John, chapters 14-16 are among the final. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, October 2020 Dear Friend in Christ, In 1986, our friend Don Moen recorded a beautiful song that was released by Integrity’s Hosanna Music entitled, “Give Thanks.” That song has been heard and appreciated by millions of people worldwide. King David wrote in Psalm 100, “I will enter His. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, September 2020 Dear Friend in Christ: Greetings in the name of our Lord Jesus! Last month, I wrote to you about “Light for Life.” It doesn’t take a prophet to see the darkness, but it does take God’s grace for us to see the light in the midst. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, August 2020 Dear Friend in Christ: In these difficult times, we are praying for you, and continuing to do our best to stay in contact with you and to share what we hear the Lord saying. One thing we continue to hear from Him is that He is. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, July 2020 Dear Friend in Christ: These are indeed serious times that present us with great controversy and too much chaos. How we respond to events in our nation and world is very important. Trusting the Lord for help, I will offer some ways to respond. Remember, spiritual. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, June 2020 Dear Friend in Christ: I pray that this letter finds you well and at peace. No doubt, this year has been filled with challenges for all of us, and we are only now reaching “halftime”. We can face the remainder of 2020 with fear or faith.. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, May 2020 Dear Friend in Christ: I pray you are well and at peace. During this season of global crisis, we all need perspective and guidance; that is what I have been seeking from the Lord. Recently, I listened to a podcast featuring my friend Rex Miller, who. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, April 2020 Dear Friend in Christ: I often open my letters with a greeting: “I pray this letter finds you well.” I mean it sincerely every time, but I wish I could convey the depth of my heart when I say it to you now. Wherever you are. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, March 2020 Dear Friends, We live in a culture of accusation; false charges intended to bring harm and destruction to others.  This problem has existed since the Garden of Eden when the enemy of God and of us accused God to Eve. While it is not new, it. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, February 2020 Dear Friend in Christ: We pray all is well with you and yours thus far in 2020. In this letter, I want to give some insights about how we can be bright lights in a dark world. Some may see our circumstances as daunting, but in. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, January 2020 Dear Friend in Christ: I pray that you have a peaceful and joyful 2020! But please remember that peace and joy are in the Holy Spirit, not in circumstance (see Romans 14:17). This year, like others, will present battles and challenges that will test our resolve.. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, December 2019 Dear Friend in Christ: Let me begin this special pastoral letter with a true story about a man named Henry. In the mid nineteenth century, he lived with his wife, Frances, and their five children, in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Tragedy struck this family in 1861, when an. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, November 2019 Dear Friend in Christ: Listening is vital to this life and eternal life. Because it is so vital, I want to devote some time and space to it, and hope that you will also. First Samuel 3:1-11 records the story of young Samuel, how he learned. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, October 2019 Dear Friend in Christ: I pray you and your loved ones are well! This month, I want to look at some vital questions about how to locate where we are in life and in our walk with the Lord, Who is our source for life. No. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, September 2019 Dear Friend in Christ: I hope you’ve had a wonderful Summer. I want to talk this month about eyes; our eyes, others’ eyes, and even God’s eyes. We all know that eyes give sight, but they also do much more that is vital. I want to. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, August 2019 Dear Friends, I have been privileged to grow up among Christians and to minister in a wide variety of churches, from house churches to megachurches, in numerous denominations and cultures, in the United States and abroad. I have literally traveled millions of miles. No, I am. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, July 2019 Dear Friend in Christ: We must properly face the past in order to have a better future. Too many people are trying to carry the burdens of the past into their future. I have been reminded once again of this principle. After downsizing our office space,. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, June 2019 Dear Friend in Christ: Recently, I had the privilege of receiving communion with a friend from another denomination. I’ve known him, his love and service for Jesus, and for me, for many years. It was the first time that he and I had shared communion. It. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, May 2019 Dear Friend in Christ: My purpose in this letter is to strengthen us against deception.  In the story of Creation and the Garden of Eden, Genesis 3:1 tells us, “Now the serpent was more subtle.”  The serpent was the embodiment of Lucifer, God’s arch-enemy and ours,. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, April 2019 Dear Friend in Christ: When I entered the ministry, the largest churches were downtown, on main streets, or on the city square, central to the culture. Now most large churches are in the suburbs, peripheral to the culture. The migration of churches to the suburbs is. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, March 2019 Dear Friend in Christ: I sincerely pray that you are doing well. This month, we want to pick up where we left off at the end of the February Pastoral Letter. Luke 4 tells us that Jesus, when tempted and accused by Satan in the wilderness,. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, February 2019 Dear Friend in Christ: In these beginning weeks of 2019, the Lord has reminded me of the power of His Word. We hear a lot today about “Fake News”, and there certainly is a lot of that coming at us non-stop from so many different directions.. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, January 2019 Dear Friend in Christ: It is a New Year and I pray that it will be a great one for you! Yesterday is past; the future is not yet here, and today is the transition from yesterday to tomorrow. We are on a journey, sojourners in. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, December 2018 Dear Friend in Christ: This month brings us to the celebration of Jesus’ miraculous birth, “Joy to the World!” It is a joyful season of carols, Christmas trees, giving gifts, family, and wonderful meals. Much of what we will do and the date that we celebrate. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, November 2018 Dear Friend in Christ: This month in America, we celebrate Thanksgiving to honor God’s Providence in the founding of our nation. Thanksgiving has taken on renewed significance for me personally. In 2014, I was facing a severe respiratory infection that wouldn’t go away for many weeks.. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, October 2018 Dear Friend in Christ: I want to share a principle with you that has been very helpful to me and others with whom I have ministered. The principle never fails, though we often we do. The good news is that when we fail, failure need not. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, September 2018 Dear Friend in Christ: I pray you had a wonderful Summer! Thank you so much for your friendship, support, and prayer for this ministry. This month, I want to share something with you that I pray will encourage you during these tumultuous times. Is it possible. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, August 2018 Dear Friend in Christ: I pray you are having a blessed Summer! I believe that life is defined by our response to God, His Word, and His Son, Jesus. We are accountable for that choice. That choice will determine the choices we make throughout life. In. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, July 2018 Dear Friend in Christ: We live in times when it seems that anger and vindictiveness are becoming social norms in many places. Its affecting families, friendships, neighbors, and even churches. Personal peace seems to be more elusive; stress and strife often lurk around the corner. Is. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, June 2018 Dear Friend in Christ: Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ! The Apostle Paul so often began his letters with that same greeting. As I see it, this was Paul’s declaration that everything that was to follow in his epistle. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, May 2018 Dear Friend in Christ: I enjoy tending the shrubbery in our back yard which blooms and brings beauty into our lives. The shrubbery is good and beautiful. But I have noticed that sometimes an evil, thorny vine will grow up right in the middle of a. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, April 2018 Dear Friend in Christ, I pray this letter finds you well and enjoying a blessed Springtime! I believe this Pastoral Letter is especially timely, and trust you will find it inspiring. Let me say that my purpose is not to criticize but to stimulate us to. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, March 2018 Dear Friends, I love the Word of God for so many reasons but primarily because I believe it is the Word of God and therefore it is true. It doesn’t gloss over the “nasty stuff” or deny us the great stuff. It gives us amazing promises,. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, February 2018 Dear Friend in Christ: I began the New Year reading the book of Genesis, the book of “beginnings.” The principles that played out in Genesis run through the entire Bible. Among those principles is God’s purpose for the entire world. One aspect of His purpose is. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, January 2018 Dear Friend in Christ: Happy New Year! I pray that you and your loved ones had a very blessed Christmas. Celebrating the birth of our Lord Jesus reminds us of God’s promises and His faithfulness to keep His Word. How can we best position ourselves to. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter,December 2017 Dear Friend in Christ: A few days ago, I sat with two close friends talking about the things of God, and the subject of light came up. I had been thinking about light as it related to the birth of Jesus. I find this a most intriguing. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter,November 2017 Dear Friend in Christ: Reality is more than we see; it is more than our five senses tell us, much more! If that is true, and I believe it is, we should want to find reality, and where it is. That is the vital issue that I. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter,October 2017 Dear Friend in Christ: I am writing this letter during the heart of Hurricane Season.  The United States and the Caribbean Region have just suffered a series of devastating storms. And, the hurricane season is not yet over.  I have many friends in the regions affected by. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter,September 2017 Dear Friend in Christ: I was in California a few weeks ago and my friend Cynthia Krueger gave me a book entitled Miracles by Eric Metaxas. Cynthia is married to Erik Krueger and she had been my administrator in years past. I was interested in the book. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter,August 2017 Dear Friend in Christ: Several months ago, my friend, author Keith Hueftle, sent me his new book entitled The Hesed Factor. Keith is a very intelligent Bible scholar and retired minister. The book was on the subject of covenant, a subject which interests both of us. In. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter,July 2017 Dear Friend in Christ: A man walks into a pet store and sees the owner with his finger in the aquarium. “What are you doing?” the man asks. The owner replies, “I am using mind control on these fish; see, they are swimming around my finger.” The. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter,June 2017 I pray you are having a great Summer thus far! Whatever time or season we are in, I’m thankful for God’s Sovereign grace and the leadership of His Holy Spirit, and also for your friendship to this ministry. You are unique; the Lord Himself created you with. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter,May 2017 Dear Friend in Christ, I am writing this letter during Easter weekend; of course, you are receiving it a few weeks later. But, as I’ve been meditating on Jesus’ Resurrection, I am struck by how timely these truths always will be. The Cross and the Resurrection are. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter,April 2017 Dear Friend in Christ: A few days ago I attended a funeral; it was my second one that day. The first one I conducted for an 85-year-old woman that I had known since 1957. She had Alzheimer’s and had been prepared for her passing. The second funeral. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter,March 2017 Dear Friend in Christ: I hope this letter finds you well. It’s an honor for me to share with you this month some thoughts regarding vision; that is, to see spiritually, “beyond the obvious”. This is a vital need, especially in these times. The Lord has given. [...]

[Worldview of Christ Part 18] The Greek word mathetes is translated disciple.  It means learner.  But in what sense?  As an adjunct professor, I taught at a university and at the end of the semester, I graded the students and they graded me.  I graded them as to whether they. [...]

The title is intentional radical. I trust you realize that Jesus was radical. He was so radical that he offended his disciples by receiving the devotion of a woman who poured costly perfume on him. While they were upset with her, Jesus said, “Wherever this gospel is preached throughout the. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter,February 2017 Dear Friend in Christ: Many years ago, my father said, “Too often we are reactionary. We wait to see what the enemy does and then react to it.  Instead, we should act upon what the Lord says, then let the enemy react.”  At the time he said. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter,January 2017 Dear Friend in Christ: Happy New Year from all of us at CSM! We pray you had a wonderful Christmas. As we enter 2017, I want to give a word of revelation that I hope will be an encouragement to you in these uncertain times. It starts. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter,December 2016 Dear Friend in Christ: I pray this letter finds you well. This month, it is my honor to write this Pastoral Letter to you on behalf of my father, Charles Simpson, and all of us here at CSM Publishing. I have some very Good News to share. [...]

The world does not tolerate truth and truth does not tolerate the world.  “The world hates me,” Jesus said, “because I testify of it that its deeds are evil” (John 7:7).  The world and truth have incompatible differences even though the world speaks about tolerance. The world’s talk of tolerance. [...]

I realize the title of this blog runs across the grain of what many say about how we are to relate to the lost.  There’s a misconception of Jesus that says he made friends of sinners.  It sounds cool.  But we need to be clear what we mean when we. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter,November 2016 Dear Friend in Christ: We really do not know ourselves until we are tested, when it is “crunch time”; what we do when the odds are against us and the stakes are high. The sports world applauds a team or individual who is down but does not. [...]

OceanFest on July 4th draws over 100,000 people who visit various booths along the Promenade in Long Branch, NJ. To be sure it is a festival of sorts. People come from the surrounding area as well as from other states to walk the Promenade. There’s food, entertainment, all kinds of. [...]

[Part 13] All of us like to receive compliments especially from those we respect, but Jesus rejected the endorsement of a very respectable leader.  An endorsement rises above a compliment and gives a stamp of approval.  It’s like a seal on a package that endorses the product inside.  The endorsement. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, October 2016 Dear Friend in Christ: I believe in miracles and believe that I have personally witnessed some miracles.  I am taking into account that you probably would say the same; at least I hope so.  Oral Roberts, a  prominent evangelist of the last generation, often said,. [...]

[Part 12] During this political season it’s important to remember that Jesus did not endorse Caesar when he said, “Render therefore to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." (Matthew 22:21).  Supporting the role of secular government does not mean we endorse the. [...]

[Part 11] Pope Francis said this past week that it’s terrible for schools to tell children that they can choose their gender.  The choosing of gender is the logical development of separating gender from sex.  In universities across America, young adults are taught that gender is a social construct; whereas. [...]

[Part 10] We live in a world of values.  People voice their values, vote their values and join churches that reflect their values.  According to Alan Bloom, who wrote The Closing of the American Mind, someone who lives his values is respected for his or her character, and great religious. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, September 2016 Dear Friend in Christ: I cannot think of a more important subject for this time than TRUTH. It is vital for each of us to ask these four questions regarding truth:  Can I be deceived? Have I been deceived? What are the consequences of deception?. [...]

[Part 9] According to the worldview of Jesus, the Scripture is final in authority.  He answered every temptation of Satan with a quote from Scripture.  Three times Jesus said, “It is written” (Matthew 4:4, 7 & 10).  Then, he followed those words with quotes from the book of Deuteronomy (Deuteronomy. [...]

[Part 8] The third and final temptation of Christ in the wilderness was a blatant appeal to self-exaltation.  Satan offered Jesus the kingdoms of the world if Jesus would just worship him.  Jesus replied, “Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and. [...]

[Part 7] Jesus responded to the temptation to prove who He was by saying, “You shall not put the Lord your God to the test?” (Matthew 4:7).  His identity was shaped by His relationship with the Lord His God.  And because of His relationship with God, Jesus was secure in. [...]

[Part 6] Inward view of self has replaced the soul in the postmodern person.  People no longer talk of themselves as souls created in the image of God but as selves seeking fulfillment.  This resulted from the disconnect created by belief in evolution.  Evolution disconnects the world around us and. [...]

[Part 5] Blind spots make us vulnerable.  Cars come with cameras now to show what’s behind you and mirrors have been enlarged to show what’s on your side.  Cameras and mirrors are there to provide sight to blind spots in order to avoid accidents. Unless we see the world through. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, August 2016 Dear Friends, Greetings in the Lord! I want to describe what I believe that the Lord is saying to me and pray that it will be useful to you. Together, let’s look at the contrast between “big” and “small”. Certainly, big enterprises have a lot. [...]

[Part 4] The world sees a two dimensional worldview.  Jesus saw three dimensionally.  Worldview, just like every other view, is affected by the sight of the seer. I am near sighted in one eye and far sighted in the other eye.  This affects how I respond to the world around. [...]

[Part 3] Worldview is the window you’re looking through not just the world you’re looking at.  A Biblical worldview looks at the world through the window of Jesus.  In other words, to have a Biblical worldview is to see things as Jesus saw them. The worldview of Jesus was embedded. [...]

[Part 2] We left our heroes—Luke, Leia, and Han Solo—with the worshiping, childish, primitive, Freudian Ewoks.  Thankfully (a phrase not to be confused with thank God, which implies a personal deity), sophisticated Luke Skywalker knows how to tap into the impersonal force, which just so happens to resemble the teaching. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, July 2016 Dear Friend in Christ: July reminds us that the United States is a nation that was set free from political tyranny by leaders who were willing to give their lives. A total of 56 men signed the Declaration of Independence; later, they were captured, tortured,. [...]

[Part 1] Jesus prayed that God would not take us out of the world, but that He would keep us from “the evil one” (John 17:15).  How does that work when there are so many good movies with an embedded message that contradicts Jesus? In every piece of art there. [...]

Most of us have ideas about what it means to be a pastor.  Even if you’re not a pastor, you probably have some idea about what it means to be a pastor.  But not so many have thought about what it means to be a sheep of a pastor.  As. [...]

My daughter ran hurdles in high school until she face planted on one.  I don’t know if it was her front foot or back foot that got caught.  We weren’t there.  The paramedics called us while the ambulance was on the way to the hospital.  She knocked herself out and. [...]

Here we go again. Sorry, that's a bit of exasperation. I read today about another Christian musician who has given up his faith because he discovered many things he had overlooked. So, here's another round of "I never knew this about Christianity." Shannon Low, frontman of Order of Elijah, a. [...]

    Recently I read that the killer of Kitty Genovese died in prison.  He was 81 years old.  She was 28 years old when he murdered her.  Many of us are not old enough to remember the story, but it made national headlines because neighbors who heard her cries. [...]

  Ouch! These are painful words. They’re some of the most painful words I’ve heard parents say. It is usually at the end of the story about how their teenage son or daughter walked away from the faith. Sometimes there are tears, sometimes anger when this is expressed to me.. [...]

This year’s testimony of Joseph Bondarenko at the Gatlinburg conference reminded me of Peter and John.  As I listened to Bondarenko describe how the KGB paraded him in front of an assembly of his fellow college students and told him to choose between God and a diploma, I thought of. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, June 2016 Dear Friend in Christ: Thank you for praying for our annual CSM Gatlinburg Conference. It was a wonderful time in the Lord focusing on the “Unshakable” reality of Christ’s Kingdom in shaking times. The testimonies we heard were inspiring and instructive. In this letter, I. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, May 2016 Dear Friend in Christ: I grew up with lots of labels; there were racial, religious, political, geographic and all kinds of labels and stereotypes.  It has taken me awhile to grow past trusting labels that have led to a lot of stereotypes.  Early on, I. [...]

According to CNN, at least 69 lives were taken in Lahore, Pakistan this past Easter Sunday after a bomb exploded in a public park. The bomb, intending to kill many Christians, also injured more than 341 men, women and children. This is a tragedy to not only the city of. [...]

Human trafficking is an all too real and prominent issue in today’s society. We tend to have this preconceived notion that human trafficking only exists in third world countries where the citizens are undereducated and underprivileged. This is a grave misconception. Human trafficking is a real problem that occurs right. [...]

Spanning the length of the Tennessee/North Carolina border, the Smoky Mountains are home to some of the most undeniably beautiful sights in the Eastern United States. Nestled in the foothills of the Tennessee Smokies is Gatlinburg, Tennessee. CSM Publishing is fortunate to host an annual leadership conference in Gatlinburg, and. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, April 2016 Dear Friends, Late one cold and icy evening, a woman was driving home with her baby daughter strapped in her car seat. For some reason, the woman missed a bridge and the car tumbled down a slope into the shallow, frigid stream below. The mother. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, March 2016 Dear Friends, I want to address what I believe is the biggest hindrance to a great revival. We see it in chapter 4 of James where the apostle is writing to scattered Jewish believers, and asks a very important question: “Where do wars and fights. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, February 2016 Dear Friend in Christ: What I want to say in this letter is, “Get over it.”  Get over the fence of offense.  If we fail to get over offenses, we will miss the truth that offense conceals. Let’s talk first about offense.  “Offense” in sports. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, January 2016 Dear Friend in Christ: Happy New Year! I pray that you had a wonderful Christmas season and that the presence of God very near to you and yours.  We thank God for you and appreciate your friendship. As we enter 2016, I want to share. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, December 2015 Dear Friends, We thank God for you and pray that you are having a blessed season of Thanksgiving and preparing for Christmas.  This month, I want to share how the birth of Jesus gives us hope and courage for the times in which we live. Matthew. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, November 2015 Dear Friend in Christ: I remember where I was standing on the sidelines as a freshman football player when I heard about Merlin and Billy, who had been my classmates. They were riding to the game not realizing that the tail light on their motor bike. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, October 2015 Dear Friend in Christ, Henry Gilmour wrote a beautiful hymn, “The Haven of Rest.” The first verse says, “My soul in sad exile was out on life’s sea, so burdened with sin a distress, ‘til I heard a sweet voice saying, ‘Make me your choice’, and. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, September 2015 Dear Friend in Christ: The founders of the United States believed that God gave us two books, nature and the Bible, and that those books were in agreement, being written by the same Author. So they used both natural law and Judeo-Christian principles upon which to. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, August 2015 Dear Friend In Christ, I have long believed that I have attention deficit disorder, A.D.D. (among other issues). I am easily distracted. A.D.D. is a common problem that likely carries over into our spiritual lives. And I think that also is an epidemic in our. [...]

The U.S. Department of State has issued their 2015 Trafficking in Persons report.  We encourage you to review this report and get informed about trafficking in your area. Secretary of State, John F. Kerry, issued this statement, "The bottom line is that this is no time for complacency. Right now,. [...]

[fusion_text]Dear Friend in Christ: I pray you and yours are having a blessed and happy Summer thus far! We deeply appreciate your prayers and financial support, and all of the love and friendship that represents. Enclosed is the latest personal update audio message from Charles Simpson, which I believe you. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, July 2015 Dear Friend in Christ: Our annual CSM leadership conference in Gatlinburg was outstanding. The attendance was one of our highest ever, and the times of worshipping the Lord were strong. I was honored for 60 years in ministry by many kind friends, but more importantly,. [...]

by Stephen Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Summer 2015 In 1955, Dwight Eisenhower was still in his first term as President of the United States. Winston Churchill was nearing the end of his final tenure as Prime Minister of the United Kingdom. The Brooklyn Dodgers were the World Series Champions and “The. [...]

by Charles Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Summer 2015 As we celebrate 60 years of ministry, we look ahead to the future! My life has been greatly influenced by my parents, who were missionaries among the French-speaking people in the south Louisiana bayous during the 1930s. What I learned about the Lord,. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, June 2015 Dear Friend in Christ: An “upset” in sports is when the perceived weaker team or individual defeats the stronger.  When the U.S. Olympic Hockey team defeated the Soviet team in 1980 at Lake Placid, New York, it was called the “Miracle on Ice.”  The Soviets. [...]

by Stephen Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Summer 2015 Responding to the worldwide persecution of Christians They were marched forcefully to the water’s edge by masked terrorists. As these prisoners knelt in their distinctive orange jumpsuits, awaiting the savage sword of execution, the last word from their lips was, “Jesus”. This is. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, May 2015 Dear Friends, Last year a couple in California were walking property that they had purchased years before. They had walked their dog on the same path many times, but this time they noticed the rusty edge of a container sticking up above the surface and. [...]

According to a recent Breakpoint Commentary by Eric Metaxas, the answer is yes. One father in China was spotted with his daughter handcuffed to himself due to the threat. An astonishing 70,000 children are kidnapped by gangs every year in China—70,000. This horrific number is fueled by a lack of. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, April 2015 Dear Friend in Christ: I grew up thinking of the church building as the “House of God”. When I was young, it was the place that I often got into trouble and received numerous spankings for misbehavior. Often, I dreaded going to the House of. [...]

by Stephen Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Autumn 2014 ...How to Keep Jesus in the Center of Our Homes   On a Sunday night, more than one billion viewers worldwide huddled around their TV sets and computers to watch highly paid and meticulously pampered Hollywood stars throw their annual Oscar bash to. [...]

by Charles Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Spring 2015 GOD'S PURPOSE AND HOPE COME TO US THROUGH PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP WITH HIM AND ONE ANOTHER I like to be comfortable, don’t you? And familiar people, places, and things make me comfortable. The unfamiliar can make me uncomfortable. But I’ve learned this: if I. [...]

by Stephen Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Spring 2015 In December of 2014, Pastor John Duke, one of my heroes and one of my Dad’s best friends, went home to be with the Lord. He had courageously battled Parkinson’s Disease for the past few years. Even in the midst of great personal. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, March 2015 Dear Friend in Christ: A high school athlete was walking home from school when he noticed a slightly built fellow student walking on the other side of the street carrying a large number of books. He thought about helping but did not. Shortly after, a. [...]

Recently, a family unpacking Halloween decorations discovered a hidden and desperate letter from one of the laborers who had made the decorations at a labor camp in China. The letter detailed the horrible conditions and abuses this prisoner and thousands of others were enduring and begged that the letter to. [...]

Victims of sex trafficking in the United States are growing in number. It's no longer just traffickers bringing women and girls from other countries – it involves recruitment of young women in your local schoolyard, mall, etc. According to a USA Today article, “no national statistics for the number of. [...]

Not all of us are able to physically rescue those being trafficked, but there are things each of us can do in the fight against sex trafficking. Pray Pray for current victims, for their protection and freedom. Pray for survivors of sex trafficking that they would find physical, emotional and. [...]

An article on the Huffington Post focuses on an aspect of fighting sex trafficking -- by holding men and boys accountable for helping end the horrific practice. According to the article, here are three ways men can help end the trafficking of women: 6. END SEX TOURISM Men in the. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, February 2015 Dear Friend in Christ: It would be wonderful if we could see more of the future with greater clarity; that would prevent so many wrong decisions and save us so much trouble. In this letter, we will look at how we can have foresight, as. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, January 2015 Dear Friend in Christ: Happy New Year! I trust you and your family have had a very blessed Christmas season. We deeply appreciate your friendship and support. I have just completed reading Endurance by Alfred Lansing. The book was given to me by Frank Eaton,. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, December 2014 Dear Friend in Christ: As Christmas approaches I am happy to celebrate the greatest event in human history, the entrance of the Son of God into the world. He is the Word made flesh and the fulfillment of the words of the prophets. What does all. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, November 2014 Dear Friend in Christ,I pray this letter finds you well and enjoying the Autumn. This is my favorite time of the year for many reasons, but primarily because we are nearing the celebration of Thanksgiving Day here in the United States. In addition to the deeply. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, October 2014 Dear Friend in Christ: People often ask me to recommend a church in their area. While our magazine, ONE-TO-ONE, lists supporting ministries and churches, I am usually reluctant to recommend a particular church because I am aware that the one in search of A church. [...]

by Stephen Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Autumn 2014 ...A Major Key to Strengthening Relationships Hurricane Frederic blew into Mobile, Alabama, on September 12, 1979, leaving behind millions of felled trees and billions of dollars’ worth of damage in its wake. One of those trees was an ancient oak that toppled over. [...]

by Charles Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Autumn 2014 ...GAINING A FRESH PERSPECTIVE ON JESUS AND EACH OTHER I like to be comfortable, don’t you? And familiar people, places, and things make me comfortable. The unfamiliar can make me uncomfortable. But I’ve learned this: if I get too familiar, I can lose. [...]

by Stephen Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Autumn 2014 Imagine being a 12-year-old boy, and your father is deceased. Your mother is an alcoholic. One day, you are walking with her and she says, “I can’t take it any more.” She tells you to sit on a sidewalk bench and says, “I’ll. [...]

by Jonathan Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Autumn 2014 Weak and Hungry? You’re in good company! Endurance, persistence, and overcoming are biblical themes lived out by real people with real weaknesses, who hungered for much more than sustaining a lifestyle. Our work is intended to be part of God’s unfolding plan, yet. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, September 2014 Dear Friend in Christ: We like to know who is knocking or ringing the doorbell before we open it. That is certainly true now in most neighborhoods. Caution has all but eliminated door to door sales. Nevertheless there remains One who stands at the door and. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, August 2014 Dear Friend in Christ: Blessings to you, and thanks so much for your friendship and support of this ministry! I trust all is well with you and yours. This month, I want to encourage you from the story of Daniel and take a look at. [...]

Publication: Pastoral letter, July 2014 Dear Friend in Christ: Hebrews 13:7 tells us to remember those who spoke the Word of God to us and follow their faith and conduct. What does it mean to speak the Word of God to someone and how can it affect them? One vivid. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, June 2014 Dear Friend in Christ, I am writing to discuss with you how to be prepared for change, and how the Lord uses change to change us. Life is continuous change, hopefully in small increments. Time is the ticking clock that measures the changes in our. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, May 2014 Dear Friend in Christ, It is no newsflash to say that in our world and in our churches, we are in a difficult time in history. Therefore, it is essential that we encourage ourselves and one another in the Lord as David did (see 1. [...]

by Stephen Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Spring 2014 Having Faith Means Sharing Faith Her little hand was raised high, arm waving to get my attention. I was visiting with the Second grade at Covenant Christian School in Mobile, Alabama, as I do each week, and it was time to take prayer. [...]

by Charles Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Spring 2014 ...How to Make Good Decisions in Trying Times How much freedom do we have? One measure of freedom is the ability to choose. The more choices, the more freedom. When choices are narrowed, freedom is lost. We do not fully appreciate our freedom. [...]

by Stephen Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Spring 2014 The legendary singer and producer talks about the amazing story behind his powerfully moving song “This Time”, and some of his experiences with the world’s leading musicians. Recently, my wife, Susanne, and I had the chance to sit down and talk with John. [...]

by Jonathan Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Spring 2014 ...Real World Lessons from Jacob's Journey Jacob was a dealmaker who faced the rewards and consequences of his transactions, as we all must. Gritty and humorous at times, Jacob’s story doesn’t fit neatly in a Sunday sermon. His decisions led him to places. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, April 2014 Dear Friend in Christ, Want to change? Change what you look at. That is the simple, yet profound, truth. This is biblical, historical, and for all of us, personal. For almost 60 years of ministry, and in my personal life, I have witnessed how our. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, March 2014 Dear Friend in Christ: Recently, I traveled to California where I ministered to Armenians and Iranians alongside my dear friend, “Brother Luke”. Luke is the son of a Christian pioneer in Iran, and a brother to siblings who are all in the ministry. He is. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, February 2014 Dear Friend in Christ, This letter is about seeing what the Lord can do when we are unable to meet the sometimes difficult situations that we face, and it is about what we should do when those situations arise. Luke 9 begins with Jesus giving. [...]

Publication: Pastoral letter, January 2014 Dear Friend in Christ, First of all, "Happy New Year!" I pray you had a blessed Christmas! I want to share briefly about what will make the year ahead a happy one. It takes more than a new license plate to make a new car,. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, December 2013 Dear Friend in Christ, We have a lot to celebrate even in the midst of darkness, or I should say especially in the midst of darkness! I want to celebrate the light that still shines and will shine more and more until the perfect day (see. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, November 2013 Dear Friend in Christ, No one wants trouble, but it is often the instrument that brings us to truth and the rediscovery our foundations. That was the case with King David in Scripture, and was the case with me in late 1970. Late 1970 was a. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, October 2013 Dear Friend in Christ: The Apostle Paul told his disciple Timothy to fight the good fight; to wage warfare according to the prophecies previously made concerning him (see 1 Timothy 1:18). The apostle knew about battles, even after the prophetic word had been given. In. [...]

by Stephen Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Autumn 2013 Significant Opportunity Requires Significant Change Bob Hope and Bing Crosby had a famous series of comedic films: “The Road to Singapore”, “The Road to Zanzibar”, “The Road to Utopia”, and many other “Road” movies. I have a series of not-so-famous “Road” stories such. [...]

by Charles Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Autumn 2013 ...How to produce Kingdom leaders for a culture that desperately needs them I was flying home from a ministry trip recently and was seated next to a young African-American man. I had noticed him with an older man prior to boarding the plane.. [...]

by Stephen Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Autumn 2013 Giving and Receiving Autumn is in full swing and that means that Christmas is coming soon! This is my favorite time of year. I love the cooler weather, the wild colors in the trees, and the times to gather with friends and family.. [...]

by Jonathan Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Autumn 2013 ...Following the Greater Guide for the Way Ahead in Business and in Life We like maps. They are comforting because they tell us when and if to change course. Considering our current course, it won’t be long before our cars drive themselves so. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, September 2013 Dear Friends: In this letter, I am happy to announce the release of my new book, Straight Answers to 21 Honest Questions About Prayer, published by Chosen Books. Later in the letter, I will briefly discuss prayer and why we should renew our commitment to. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, August 2013 Dear Friend in Christ, I am writing to you this month to encourage us together to exercise what Christ died to give us: freedom. As Christians and as citizens of the United States, we can boast that we are free, but if we fail to. [...]

Publication: Pastor Letter, July 2013 Dear Friend in Christ, This month recalls America's independence as a nation. We remember July 4, 1776, as a special day in our history; it reminds us that our forefathers valued liberty and justice above their very lives and treasure. The value of anything is. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, June 2013 Dear Friend in Christ: We would not consider driving at night without lights. Life without foresight is like that, plunging on into the dark unknown without knowing what lies ahead. There are many prognosticators out there who say that they offer foresight, but often they. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, May 2013 Dear Friend in Christ, We've just concluded our annual CSM Leadership Conference in Gatlinburg, TN, and it was a very encouraging time. I was privileged to minister with Bishop Joseph Garlington around the theme of "Why Do You Do What You Do?" While there, I. [...]

by Stephen Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Spring 2013 ...Finding the way that leads to life, for us and others Jesus was traveling through many cities and villages, meeting people, teaching them about the kingdom of God, and healing their diseases. There were so many people! And so many needs. When Jesus. [...]

by Charles Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Spring 2013 ...How to Discover the Healthiest and Happiest Way to Experience Life Scottish runner Eric Liddell won the gold medal in the 1924 Paris Olympics in the 400 meter race. Next to being a missionary, running was his passion. In the Academy-Award winning film. [...]

by Stephen Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Spring 2013 WHAT ARE WE SHARING WITH OUR KIDS? Years ago, my wife, Susanne, and I attended a class for new parents. We enjoyed going each week, watching a video, and discussing the lessons and testimonies with other young parents. The brownies were very good. [...]

by Jonathan Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Spring 2013 ...AN INTERVIEW WITH VISIONARY KYLE WILSON ON THE MESSAGE OF JIM ROHN, ‘AMERICA’S FOREMOST BUSINESS PHILOSPHER” Who are we influencing and who is influencing us? These were ideas often explored by the late Jim Rohn, who was known as “America’s foremost business philosopher.”. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, April 2013 Dear Friend in Christ, Thank you for giving me the privilege of expressing my heart to you each month. Writing to you helps me examine my own heart, hear the Lord, and try to obey. I do not always expect full agreement for all of the. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, March 2013 Dear Friend in Christ, We have a beautiful dog who was bred to hunt and retrieve but unfortunately he only has a fenced back yard. What has that to do with us? Think about it. I am writing to you about eternal life lived in. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, February 2013 Dear Friend in Christ: This month, I am writing to you on behalf of my father, Charles Simpson. My heart is to give a brief word that I believe will be relevant and encouraging to you, and to share some important news. I want you. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, January 2013 Dear Friend in Christ: If you are struggling with unresolved issues or a seeming lack of faith, then I hope that this letter will be for you as we enter into the new year. Most of us fall into one of those categories. The story. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, December 2012 Dear Friend in Christ: I believe God has a purpose beyond the obvious and we are called to His purpose, not our own. I have thought a lot about our brothers and sisters in Christ who labor in extremely difficult situations and who often demonstrate a. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, November 2012 Dear Friends, I recently met a Minister from Sudan, where genocide has taken place and where black African Christians have been killed by Arab Muslim extremists. The pastor told me about some of those horrors. The killings have moved further South across the continent of Africa. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, October 2012 Dear Friend in Christ: My purpose in this letter is to help us comprehend the enemy's method of short-circuiting our relationship to God and His purpose in our lives, and help us to regain or maintain focus. To understand this principle, I will examine the. [...]

by Stephen Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Autumn 2012 ...HOW TO KEEP OUR VISION SHARP WHEN DAYS SEEM DARK Recently the United States solemnly observed the eleventh anniversary of the horrific September 11, 2001 terror attacks against the nation. Nearly 3,000 people died on that day in New York City, in Washington,. [...]

by Charles Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Autumn 2012 WHAT YOU SEE CAN CHANGE YOU AND CHANGE HISTORY! One of the greatest novels ever is Les Miserables , written in 1862, by Victor Hugo. The novel is about the condition of the poor, imprisoned, and the "wretched" in France during that period.. [...]

by Stephen Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Autumn 2012 ...ONE WAY TO SHAPE YOUR CHILDREN'S WORLDVIEW There are two subjects generally frowned upon in polite dinner conversation: religion and politics. However, I'm about to suggest violating that rule, at least with your own family around your own table. We live in a. [...]

by Jonathan Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Autumn 2012 "Are you creating the climate around you, or are you simply OK with reflecting the culture in which you work? The challenge and opportunity is there for us every day as Christians in the marketplace to be salt and light to the world,. [...]

by Victoria G. Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Autumn 2012 Human Slavery Starts With A Mindset You have probably participated in a form of human slavery. And so have I. We didn't mean to do it. But we are part of a culture which has a way of commodifying the human being. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, September 2012 Dear Friend in Christ: It is decision time; no, not political decisions, but spiritual decisions. It is a time of decision not only for the lost non-believer, but for the Church - those who call themselves Christians. And what is our decision about? It is. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, August 2012 Dear Friend in Christ: We recently celebrated our nation's independence, and I am writing to you to remind us of our foundations and call us to renewal. There is a phrase in the song "America the Beautiful" that says, "Thy liberty in law." This could. [...]

by Stephen Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Summer 2012 What Happens When Believers Come Together? Aesop is credited with first saying, “United we stand, divided we fall.” Of course, he likely said it in Greek and it probably sounded something like this: Ηνωμένες Πολιτείες έχουμε φτάσει, διαιρείται έχουμε πτώση Now that I. [...]

by Charles Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Summer 2012 WHERE ARE WE GOING AND HOW CAN WE HELP EACH OTHER GET THERE? Early in my ministry, I spent a lot of time studying and preaching on prophecy. Lately, I have been called back to the subject by the Holy Spirit. I am. [...]

by Stephen Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Summer 2012 OCTOBER BABY IS A POWERFUL FILM ABOUT HOW MERCY TRIUMPHS OVER JUDGMENT One of the most moving and significant films I’ve ever seen hit theaters across the united States this Spring, sparking deep emotions and conversations, and in many cases, changing lives. This. [...]

by Jonathan Simpson Publication: Ont-to-One, Summer 2012 MAKING THE LIFE IN YOUR BUSINESS…YOUR BUSINESS Everything proceeds out of relationship. Before anything else, there was the Father, Son and Holy Spirit in relationship as One. Following the Lord’s own framework, the underpinnings of our advancement are relationships. The late Dr. Ted. [...]

by Victoria G. Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Summer 2012 BREAKING THE CURSE OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING Mother Teresa once said, “I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love.” Considering the amount of pain that exists in the world, I’ve. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, July 2012 Dear Friend in Christ: I am writing to you about a vital principle and paradox: mercy is revealed in judgment. I'll begin with a story that illustrates that principle: The Lord was angry with Israel because they had resorted back to idolatry while He was giving. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, June 2012 Dear Friend in Christ, The most vital issue for us is where will we place our trust? Trust is confident assurance that the object of our confidence will perform as expected ... will always do the right thing. It is believing that our confidence will. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, May 2012 Dear Friend in Christ: I want to address what I believe is the number one issue now for churches and all followers of Christ: spreading the Gospel through personal testimonies and in personal relationships, which is the biblical way. The model for this statement can. [...]

by Stephen Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Spring 2012 A New Prophetic Wind is Blowing! Have you ever wondered what the apostle Paul meant when he told the Thessalonians, “Do not despise prophecies”? Why would he say such a thing? If the Christians back then were anything like Christians are today—and I. [...]

by Charles Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Spring 2012 ...ESCAPING THE TRAP OF SELF AND LAUNCHING INTO SPIRIT-EMPOWERED MISSION It is a terrible thing to be trapped in a deteriorating situation. On September 11, 2001, many people died because they had no way out of burning buildings. The same thing happened on. [...]

by Stephen Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Spring 2012 DON’T BE A BRIDEZILLA OR A GROOMASAURUS! About marriage, the classic song says, “It’s an institute you can’t disparage!” And yet, the institution of marriage at large, and numerous individual marriages, are indeed under tremendous attack today. Marriage is often mocked as untenable,. [...]

by Angela Hough Publication: One-to-One, Spring 2012 Everyone is a leader in one role or another. You are influencing someone. Why would anyone want to be a servant leader? For true and lasting success. We all have a God-given purpose. As we mature, our parents, teachers and friends can either. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, April 2012 Dear Friend in Christ: Judges chapters 6-8 tells us the story of Gideon, a story that is very relevant to our lives and how we measure God's requirements for victory. Gideon's story contains numerous lessons for us in our struggles and helps us to understand. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, March 2012 Dear Friend in Christ: Cultures are built by virtue and destroyed by vice. So it is with individuals, families, and enterprises. The Bible is the book of virtue; it is about things that are good, beginning with God Himself. Love, truth, justice, honor, compassion, and. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, February 2012 Dear Friend in Christ: The Biggest Loser is a NBC reality show that features very overweight men and women who are interviewed and, if qualified, enter a rigorous fitness and weight-loss program. They go to a ranch and are trained by professionals who confront them with. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, January 2012 Dear Friend in Christ: I pray that you will have a blessed 2012! It will be a critical year and we need to be alert to the Holy Spirit who calls us to be more than conquerors through the One who loves us. It shouldn’t be. [...]

Publication:Pastoral Letter, December 2011 Dear Friend in Christ: I recently read about a hunter who was hunting at night and fell into a deep hole; it took several days for him to get out. Meanwhile friends and family thought he was dead. Many people have walked out into the darkness. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, November 2011 Dear Friend in Christ: I have been writing to you about the power of the prophetic word. The first two letters were “Before We Proceed” and “The Womb of the Word.” This letter is about the spirit of prophecy. The Holy Spirit testifies to Jesus;. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, October 2011 Dear Friend in Christ: In my previous letter to you, I wrote about “Before We Proceed” from Isaiah 55. We looked at God’s offer of abundance if we seek Him; He promised to pour out His Word like rain and give “seed to the to. [...]

by Stephen Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Autumn 2011 ...How to Find Unshakable Truth in Times of Shaking It is a familiar question to the people that I pastor—whenever we are meeting or discussing issues, I inevitably ask, “What is God saying to you?” I am one of those weirdoes who believes. [...]

by Charles Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Autumn 2011 WHAT IS OUR MISSION, AND HOW CAN WE CARRY IT FAR BEYOND THE CHURCH WALLS? Jesus Christ is the Lord of all nations, and He has a purpose for “every kindred and every tribe”. I am grateful for the heritage that I have-. [...]

by Stephen Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Autumn 2011 AN UNFORGETABLE LESSON IN HONOR At age 12, I was so much smarter than I am now. Having discovered, at that age, cigarettes, beer, Playboy, and chewing tobacco, I had become a debonair man of the world; a seasoned adventurer with little time. [...]

by Jonathan Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Autumn 2011 Foothills Christian Church, just outside of San Diego, CA, is an unusual church by today's standards. I don't know of many other churches that are so creatively and effectively reaching youth and, indeed, its entire community. How many churches do you know are. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, September 2011 Dear Friend in Christ: Time marches on, but before we march with it, a pause would appropriate, to ask ourselves, “Where are we marching?” Remember the phrase, “The hurrier I go, the behinder I get”? The good news is that we are going fast; the. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, August 2011 Dear Friend in Christ, This month's letter has an unusual title, but I believe the topic is very relevant and timely for us to consider: How is it that evil strikes unsuspecting people when there are those appointed to guard their safety? That is the. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, July 2011 Dear Friend in Christ: I pray all is well with you thus far this summer! This is the third and final letter in the series “Foundations for the Future”. Previously, I have written to you about God’s Covenants and the Glorious Church. This month, we. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, June 2011 Dear Friend in Christ: Previously, I have written to you about God’s covenant faithfulness. This month, I want to look at “The Glorious Church”, and next month’s Pastoral Letter will address the unshakable Kingdom. These three letters comprise the series, “Foundations for the Future”. We. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, May 2011 Dear Friend in Christ: What is it that we have built our lives upon? What are our core values that motivate us regardless of circumstance? Should there be another great harvest, and I believe that there will be, what should new followers of Jesus build. [...]

by Stephen Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Spring 2011 "When you look at the world / What is it that you see People find all kinds of things / That bring them to their knees" - from "When I Look at the World" by U2* We all have a certain way of. [...]

by Charles Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Spring 2011 FOLLOWING JESUS IN OUR DAY REQUIRES FLEXIBILITY AND MOBILITY. ARE YOU READY? Is Christianity a movement? Some of it is. Is it moving where you are? A better questions is, are you moving … are you following Jesus on His continuing journey (see. [...]

by Stephen Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Spring 2011 WHAT WE SAY TO OUR CHILDREN IS A LIFE AND DEATH MATTER Every night for the past few weeks, I have sat clown and written a love note to my daughter, Gracie, who is studying in Italy this semester. By the time she. [...]

by Jonathan Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Spring 2011 Recently, as a frustrated consumer trying to get information, I found a customer service representative who wore a shirt that read: “Just ask.” “Great!” I thought. My source for answers are right here, clearly identified. But my question was met with a look. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter,April 2011 Dear Friend in Christ: A few weeks ago I had the privilege of installing a new pastor, Scott Lloyd, at the Worship Center in Jonesboro, Arkansas. The following week, I was honored to join in celebrating the 10th anniversary of Larry Grainger as Senior Pastor at. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, March 2011 Dear Friend in Christ: I ask you to please take the time to read this entire letter and join me in rededication to Spiritual Liberty in Jesus Christ. 2 Corinthians 3:17-18 makes it crystal clear that liberty comes from beholding the glory of God. Beholding. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, February 2011 Dear Friend in Christ: It doesn’t make any sense to complain about the product and ignore the factory that produces it. It is like throwing time and money at symptoms and ignoring the disease. Our culture has a very serious and eventually fatal disease, and. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, January 2011 Dear Friend in Christ: Happy New Year! I was recently in West Virginia visiting with friends, Jim Legg and Stewart Farley; we were talking about spiritual issues. Stewart spoke about how God was speaking to him about listening, and it struck home with me. I. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, December 2010 Dear Friends, It is with a certain degree of both excitement and trepidation that I write this letter to you. I am excited because I believe in angelic intervention but have trepidation because I know very little about angels. I have never knowingly seen one. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, November 2010 Dear Friend in Christ: John Adams said, "The moment the idea is admitted into society that property is not as sacred the laws of God, and that there is not a force of law and public justice to protect it, anarchy and tyranny commence." History. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, October 2010 Dear Friend in Christ, Jesus came into the world, but He was not of it. That is, He came from eternity into time. He represented Heaven and the Heavenly kingdom. Jesus told Pilate, “My Kingdom is not of this world.” As followers of Jesus, we. [...]

by Stephen Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Autumn 2010 HOW HUNGER FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS IS BIRTHING A NEW REVOLUTION I have often heard my father teach that a "Theology produces culture," and it has been amply demonstrated throughout history, both ancient and modern, across the globe. The beliefs and perspectives of a people. [...]

by Charles Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Autumn 2010 WHEN DOES TWISTING THE TRUTH PRODUCE A LIE? SOMEONE SAID, "A HALF-TRUTH IS A WHOLE LIE, THE ENEMY OF OUR SOUL HATES THE TRUTH, AND FROM THE BEGINNING HAS SOUGHT TO REVISE IT INTO A LIE PALATABLE TO THE NAÏVE. Satan began this. [...]

by Stephen Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Autumn 2010 RELEASING THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS IN YOUR HOME When our daughter, Gracie, was around three years old, I heard my Dad talking about how John and Charles Wesley learned to pray "The Lord's Prayer" as soon as they could talk. Their mother, Susanna,. [...]

by Jonathan Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Autumn 2010 Milton Berle once said, "If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door." Opportunities and fresh perspectives tend to coincide. More than fresh perspectives, however, we need a glimpse from the eternal. Opportunity, Inc. is a portal between the church wall, the market wall, and. [...]

Publication: Pastoral Letter, September 2010 Dear Friend in Christ: Life is not always smooth sailing. What do we do then? How do we handle adversity that is beyond our control? There is an old song that says, "When the storms of life are raging, stand by me." There are many. [...]