7 Reasons for Adversity Part 1
Without hesitation, I can say that God has done His greatest works in my life through seasons of adversity. Sometimes, however, in moments of introspection we wonder, Why all the suffering? I truly believe that God does far more through suffering than we see at first...
How to Develop Faith
Growth and victory in the Christian life is the fruit of faith. Hebrews 11 records many of the heroes of the Old Testament, and it reminds us that all of these exploits for God were accomplished “by faith.” Faith is what enables us to live in the victorious reality of...
5 Ways to Develop a Spirit of Grace in Your Church
One of the greatest enemies to a spirit of grace in a church is criticism—from within or without. Our carnal nature is easily drawn into defending and taking sides, but doing so breeds a spirit of defensiveness and cynicism within a church. As a young pastor, I...
Questions to Ask When Criticized
Constructive criticism is an incredible asset. Proverbs 27:6 says, “Faithful are the wounds of a friend….” Some of the most helpful advice and counsel I have ever received has come in the form of such “wounds.” Yet, destructive criticism can be incredibly damaging to...
New Publications Available from Striving Together
I’m excited about the new resources from Striving Together Publications. It is a privilege to partner with pastors and churches around the world in making biblical and Christ-honoring resources for Christian growth available. We’ve had several new resources released...
A Concerning Compromise
The United Methodist Church strayed many years ago from the fundamentals of the faith and has long been ecumenical in affiliations. But a recent tragedy (reported in the Los Angeles Times) is a $40 million gift designated and being used by a United Methodist seminary...
How to Maintain a Walk with God through the Summer
Perhaps it was ingrained into our minds during elementary school, but there is something about summertime that seems to change people’s thinking. Even adults seem to develop a kind of “recess mentality” that focuses on self and lets responsibility slide. As a pastor,...
A Look Ahead—the Next 25 Years
Over the past few weeks, as we’ve celebrated our church’s 25th anniversary, a few people have asked me, “What will the next twenty-five years be like?” I think they understand our philosophy of ministry enough to know that the basics—biblical preaching, soulwinning,...
A Glimpse of God’s Goodness
Spiritual Leadership Conference has already held so many blessings. My heart has been stirred through the preaching, sharpened through the fellowship, and touched through the testimonies of others. But the watershed moment for me happened yesterday afternoon when I...
Focus
Learn to identify distractions, realign priorities, cultivate Christ-centered habits, and press forward with joy in Christ.
Pastor Paul Chappell
Dr. Paul Chappell is the senior pastor of the Lancaster Baptist Church and president of West Coast Baptist College in Lancaster, California. His biblical vision has led the church to become one of the most dynamic independent Baptist churches in the nation. He has been married to his wife, Terrie, for over forty years and is the father of four married children all serving in Christian ministry.
"He that goeth forth and weepeth, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him." (Psalm 126:6)