Author: Al Wright

I have already reflected here on revivals, particularly the difference between a revival and “revivalism” (Ian Murray’s very helpful term). The first is produced by God; the second is produced by humans. The first is unplanned and unpredictable; the second is planned and often very predictable. The first yields lasting fruit; the latter fruit that…

A really clear and necessary distinction between groups of people became more vivid to me this morning while listening to one of the podcasts that I listen to every day during my workout. It is the distinction between “conservative” and “conservative evangelical.” Clarity came in light of what Donald Trump is saying that is showing…

I love the church of the Lord Jesus Christ. I do not think it is possible for a person to be a Christian and not be connected with and committed to a local church of the Lord Jesus Christ. A Christian professing to know Christ and yet seldom if ever being a participant in the…

The most prevalent and popular form of Christianity in the part of the world in which I live is what I call decisional Christianity. It is Christianity defined by decision. It is usually tied closely to an altar call at the end of a time of worship where people who do not know Jesus are…

Messy Church is a term that was in use some years ago to describe a church gathering where the focus was using fun and games to bring in people who would not ordinarily come to church. I am quite sure although I could be wrong about this that it originated in England. The church for…

The first letter of three that the apostle John wrote to the church ends in what seems at first glance a very strange way. His last words are these, “Little Children, keep yourselves from idols,” 5:21. Got it. Check that box. I have done a thorough search of my home and my heart and have…

One of the leading pastors of our day has said that what God speaks to us in Jonah 2:9 could well be one of the most important verses in the Bible,” . . salvation belongs to the Lord.” It is God who saves sinners. It is God alone who saves sinners. Sinners do not save…

Many of my tribe get hives when they read in the Apostles Creed, “I believe in one holy, catholic church.” They take their refusal to recite these words as a sign of deep devotion to Jesus. They make out as if they have joined the long line of martyrs who refused to make the wrong…

George Verwer died over the weekend. He was small in physical stature, but bigger than a giant in his spiritual influence. If in fact the Kingdom of God is already in the world but not yet in all of its glorious fullness, and that is a fact; then George Verwer was one in whom the…