All Posts (Page 2)

All Posts (Page 2)

The Foibles and Fallibility of Christian Leaders

The inconsistencies, unattended weaknesses, eccentricities, normalizations of subtle sinful habits, relational neglectfulness or awkwardness, sometimes grating quirks, phases of tiredness and even laziness, and susceptibility to pride — just to begin the list — illustrate what kinds of things can be found in almost every Christian leader at one time or another. They should remind us that we are all treated mercifully by God and cannot claim that any leadership position or recognition is fully “deserved” but strategically assigned by…

Returning To Your First Love

But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent, and do the works you did at first. If not, I will come to you and remove your lampstand from its place, unless you repent.” Revelation‬ ‭2:4-5‬ ‭ESV‬‬ Are you and those who are with you dangerously close to experiencing this judgment? Is the Light of God’s presence dim, almost imperceptible? Do you have form without power…

Will My Child Be Saved?

We are all concerned for our children and grandchildren. This message at Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary chapel in 2019 may help. https://www.mbts.edu/2019/03/chapel-with-rev-jim-eliff

A Fine Window

A window serves us various ways, but this is its most important work. Let’s learn from that.

From Suicide and the Wheelchair to Christ

The following testimony is from Bill Busshaus, a dear friend of CCW president Jim Elliff. ————— Like most children in the America of my youth, I had some aspect of religion in my upbringing. Although my father showed no interest in spiritual things, my mother was a practicing Catholic, and made sure we participated in the normal functions of the church. I was baptized as an infant, received my first communion, and was confirmed in the Catholic church. I have…

3 Reasons to Prefer a Paper Bible Over a Digital Bible at a Church Meeting

Technology is sometimes incredibly useful. For example, we can have video calls with missionaries almost anywhere in the world. This blessing was not possible until fairly recent technological developments. We should be grateful. But technology is not valuable in every circumstance. I’m thinking particularly about the use of Bible apps. Sure, it’s convenient to utilize a digital Bible in numerous settings like when reading (or listening) just before you fall asleep at night, or when you unexpectedly want to look…

William Cowper’s Mother

William Cowper (pronounced as Cooper) was born in 1731. He was a close friend of John Newton (Amazing Grace), and lived next door. Cowper was considered by many to be the greatest literary figure in England during in his lifetime. Like Newton, he was a poet (God Moves in a Mysterious Way; There is a Fountain Filled with Blood). William lost his mother at six years of age. After her death it appears that he did not live at home…

Shadows of Hell: A Letter From Jim

Dear CCW family, Here is something I wrote many years ago that seems even more poignant today. Please take it to heart: Shadows of Hell: Fear and Emptiness Before Death This poignant note came to a faithful friend of mine who is suffering from life-threatening cancer. It concerns a woman in the nursing home who has been a “good church-goer only.” The note reads: It is sad beyond words to watch mom’s health failing and see her fear and anxiety…

Her Unchanging Place

This poem coveys many memories of our mother and the home she loved outside of Warren, Arkansas. It was written originally for my siblings — Sandy Smith, Tom Elliff and Bill Elliff. She loved that home and either lived there or returned there all her life. We cherished that home as well. Close to the end of her life, while suffering with Alzheimer’s, we took her back. Her sister was there and was able to care for her for a…

Getting John 1:12 Right: Should You Invite Jesus Into Your Heart?

Is it useful to critique any person’s or ministry’s method of evangelism? For one thing, there are not enough people calling on others to follow Christ. Should I attempt to cripple anyone’s efforts in the slightest way, even for the few who might listen to me? I hope I will not. I would rather think that I’m improving our evangelism. And it does need improving. The apparent results of the method of evangelistic appeal built upon the verse in question…

Outlines on The PRESERVATION and PERSEVERANCE of the Saints

Quote from John Bunyan: “To be saved is to be preserved in the faith to the end. ‘He that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved.’ (Mt. 24:13) Not that perseverance is an accident in Christianity, or a thing performed by human industry; they that are saved ‘are kept by the power of God, through faith unto salvation.’ (1 Pet. 1: 3-6) But perseverance is absolutely necessary to the complete saving of the soul….He that goeth to…

The Abiding Life is the True Christian Life

The abiding life is the true Christian life. Jesus said, “If anyone does not abide in Me, he is thrown away as a branch, and dries up; and they gather them, and cast them into the fire, and they are burned.” (John 15:6) John 15 gives us the pattern for spiritual growth and effectiveness as believers. In the passage, we are called branches, Christ is the vine, and the Father is the vinedresser. What are the characteristics of authentic branches?…

Evangelism: What it IS and IS NOT

Evangelism. Some churches have seminars and workshops about it. There are Christian organizations devoted to doing it and training people in it. Evangelists are supposed to be peculiarly gifted in it. All believers should care about it. Many Christians are intimidated by it. But with all that said, what is evangelism?  Depending on our religious background, previous church life, and personal experiences, we carry ideas (for better or worse) of what we think evangelism is and what it should involve.…

Two Angels on a Bloodied Slab

Guest Author: Brian Verrett Peter and John raced to the tomb to look for their Lord (John 20:3–4). Though John won the race, Peter stooped and looked into the tomb seeing only linen cloths, a face cloth, and empty space (vv. 4–7). John then looked, saw the same, and went home with Peter (vv. 8–10). Mary remained outside the tomb weeping (v. 11). When she looked into the tomb, she saw more than empty space. Surprisingly, “she saw two angels…