D. X. La Far was ordained in 1863 and the sources consulted made no mention of his having been previously licensed, but he was likely licensed given the thirteen years of intermittent pulpit supply before he was ordained. His first ordained ministry was supplying the First Presbyterian Church in Anderson, 1863-1864, then he served the... Continue Reading

When Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth,” He is saying, “That’s who you are to be, too. Moving toward wounds and weakness… moving towards brokenness and sickness… so that it doesn’t get worse, and so that it can be restored to its proper health. Yes, the truth will ‘hurt’ or ‘offend’ at... Continue Reading

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice” (Phil. 4:4). This is not to say that the Christian is to rejoice even in his sin. That is the mark of the world. The world actively seeks out sin in its rebellion against God. It advocates for sin. It loves sin and fights for... Continue Reading

O then, friends! Don’t be afraid to obey Him. Don’t be afraid to confess Him here below, for you shall be acknowledged by God at the last day, and get His approbation, and that is of more worth than if you had the applause of angels, and all saints that ever lived or shall live... Continue Reading

In 1 Corinthians 1:18, the apostle Paul begins to unfold his philosophy of ministry, explaining how and why he does the ministry that Christ has called him to perform. This verse is so rich because it contains many elements that are foundational to what we do together as the body of Christ.    The truths that... Continue Reading

As ministry leaders and volunteers, we can be aware of the limitations people with disabilities have, while also making our church environments feel like more than just babysitting people with disabilities during the time their families are being discipled. We can disciple them as well! Doing this well includes creating accessible ministry environments and making... Continue Reading

You may have people asking you to do a lot of things, but you may need to say “no” because you have determined what’s most important. Writing this blog and developing this material meant that I had to relinquish other things; things I was good at and knowledgeable in and enjoyed doing.   You’ve probably... Continue Reading

Why else were individuals created, but that God, loving all infinitely, should love each differently? . . . For doubtless the continually successful, yet never completed, attempt by each soul to communicate its unique vision of God to all others (and that by means whereof earthly art and philosophy are but clumsy imitations) is also... Continue Reading

Simon and Levi left everything and followed Jesus. This is not because either of them was a spiritual giant. But they had seen who Jesus is – and in that moment, they knew things would be different.   1. Jesus calls us to follow him Jesus is calling you to follow him. But if you... Continue Reading

When one of our idols is at the peak of their performance, we speak of their genius, their craft, and their glory, but even these artists, athletes, and other various greats are not the ultimate captains of their fate. Fading begins to uncover that reality ever so slowly, and sometimes quickly. God is not taking... Continue Reading