By Tom Shanklin I threw away my old black sweater last night. It’s been around a long time. In recent years, no one has seen me wear it, other than my family members. It was what you call “threadbare.” It had some holes, but mostly the fabric was worn thin by the multitude of washings. The pull tab on … Read more>>>
Have you ever wished that your ministry could be more successful, that you could reach more people, see more miracles, and help others to see Jesus more clearly? I have. In fact, it’s the cry of my heart. I’m not only talking about reaching the multitudes in Africa or building a big church in America. I’m also talking about ministry … Read more>>>
In the above video, Billy Graham shares the story that is mentioned in this article along with some other powerful truths about preaching the Gospel. Take eight minutes and listen. You will be blessed! By Tom Shanklin I have heard many great sermons, but often I find that one thing is missing. It’s a very simple thing really–the preaching … Read more>>>
In August, I shared a message by Skype with a church in Secunderabad, India based on the story of the church at Ephesus from Acts 19:1-20 called “Finding the Purpose for Your Church.” I thought you might enjoy the audio from the meeting with translation into Telugu, one of the 122 major languages of India. I was preaching here … Read more>>>
When we travel to countries like India or Nepal, we often encounter people who have never heard a clear presentation of the Gospel. I love that ministry—reaching into the hearts and minds of the unsaved with the glorious Gospel of Christ. But when it comes to ministering in the United States or the United Kingdom, the mission is slightly different. … Read more>>>
By Tom Shanklin And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. … Read more>>>
By Tom Shanklin Evangelists arise! The hour demands it. It’s time for those who have received the sacred call to sound the herald message of salvation, to shout it from the roof tops. Evangelists arise! Toss aside every excuse and begin to face the call of God on your life. Preach the Good News. Call sinners to repentance. Call … Read more>>>
When a local church is in synch with the Lord, it becomes like a soul-winning, disciple-making machine made up of many different parts. Each unique part contributes to the fulfillment of the Great Commission. I would like to share with you some simple principles on how to become an evangelistic church. 1. Preach the Gospel. Make sure your messages are … Read more>>>
All of us need mercy … including preachers. Mercy is required because we all have missed God, failed, fallen, and broken His commandments. When we recognize our failure, we can easily become discouraged. We may think: I’ll never be good enough. I’ll never measure up. We look at our failures and wonder, “How can God ever use me?” But what … Read more>>>
For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, [you are] God’s building. (1Corinthians 3:9, NKJV) Learning to work together is one of the greatest keys to success in any venture. Whether it be staff members of a large business, church, or ministry, or the Body of Christ at large, we must learn to coordinate our efforts to accomplish … Read more>>>
By Tom Shanklin “He said to them, “Go into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15, MEV) When Jesus gave His final instructions to His followers, He told them to go into ALL the world and preach the Gospel to EVERY creature. He did not limit His mission of love to a particular nation or … Read more>>>
By Tom Shanklin “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the sons of God.” (Matthew 5:9, MEV) We are called to be peacemakers. That is what is needed in the world today. We need to decide if we are going to be a part of the solution or part of the problem. When we see someone pressing their knee … Read more>>>
By Tom Shanklin “Oh my friends, we are loaded with countless church activities, while the real work of the church, that of evangelizing and winning the lost is almost entirely neglected.” (Oswald J. Smith) There are many wonderful quotes attributed to Oswald J. Smith, but the one above encapsulates the great deficiency of the Church, then and now. It serves … Read more>>>
By Tom Shanklin Several months ago, while I was in prayer, I had a very peculiar vision. It was not an open vision, just an impression on my heart. I saw a treasure chest full of valuables. But the odd thing was that the bottom of a toilet was attached to one side of the treasure chest. The obvious inference … Read more>>>
By Tom Shanklin I get excited when I see churches that are fulfilling the Great Commission and accomplishing great and mighty things through the power of the Holy Spirit. The story of the church at Antioch in the book of Acts provides a model for building a church that can change the world. Whether your church is just starting or … Read more>>>
By Tom Shanklin If the foundations be destroyed, what can the righteous do? (Psalms 11:3, KJV). Back in my hippie days before I knew the Lord, I built a house on poles. It was an amazing project in some ways. Built without power tools at the cost of $500, the 16 by 24 foot structure was constructed from recycled timbers … Read more>>>
By Tom Shanklin This message was preached as a part of series on the book of Nehemiah at Two Rivers Vineyard Church in Mankato, Minnesota. Nehemiah called the people to build up the walls of Jerusalem. Today, we, too, are involved in a great work—building up the Jesus’ Church. Let us rise up and build the Church, in Jesus’ name. … Read more>>>
By Tom Shanklin Cross pollination is an important part of crop production. Hybrids are produced by intentionally cross pollinating two varieties of plants. The resulting seed is more powerful, more fruitful, more resistant to disease and pests. We have learned on our little farm that apple trees require cross pollination to even produce a crop. Two different varieties are required … Read more>>>
Teamwork makes the dream work in world evangelism! It’s not a new revelation, but this truth was so impressed on my heart during our mission to Benin in February of 2018. Two ministries from the United States and all our supporters, a group of fellow workers from Benin, and 60 churches from Lalo, Benin all worked together to reach a … Read more>>>
The first step for your local church to touch the world is to believe that it can. Faith is the key that unlocks all the blessings on God, including success in ministry. God has a bigger vision for your church that you do! He sent Jesus to open the door to reach the nations through you! He has plans that … Read more>>>
