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 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. [...]
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, 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, 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. [...]
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,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, August 2010 Dear Friend in Christ: I recently had a conversation with a noted professor who said, “Every pastor that I know is discouraged.” I also know discouraged leaders, but I want to address the answer, which is relevant to all of us. Twice in 2 Corinthians. [...]
Publication: Pastoral Letter, October 2009 Dear Friend in Christ: When we cannot see the way ahead, there is The Way. So it was with the disciples in John chapters 14-16. Jesus had told them of unthinkable events that lay ahead, including His own Crucifixion, burial, and Resurrection. Added to that. [...]
by Stephen Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Autumn 2009 REMEMBER GOD’S GRACE, GIVE THANKS, AND TELL SOMEBODY ABOUT IT Back in the olden days, also known as "my childhood," I was very fond of the song, "Count Your Blessings." The opening verse says: When upon life's billows you are tempest tossed, When. [...]
Publication: Pastoral Letter, September 2009 Dear Friend in Christ: As I write to you this month, the phrase that strikes me is, “Blow a trumpet in Zion” (Joel 2:1). God is calling us to awaken His people to the severity of the spiritual battle that faces us - a battle. [...]
by Stephen Simpson Publication: One-to-One, Winter 2009 WHY ENCOURAGEMENT IS CONTAGIOUS I love getting presents, especially surprise presents at surprise times. So imagine my joy on a recent January Sunday when I received a box wrapped festively with an accompanying message that my sermons had been encouraging to one of. [...]