Paul Chappell's Blog

If one picture is worth a thousand words, then I have enough words to fill a book with memories of Dr. Don Sisk.

As I’ve looked through hundreds of pictures this week since Dr. Don Sisk’s Homegoing, I’ve been filled with gratitude for his friendship over the past thirty-five years. (Tap through the carousel below to see more pictures.)

On the 2011 WCBC Alaska CruiseDr. Sisk and Dr. Bobby Roberson at the WCBC alumni luncheon at Spiritual Leadership Conference 2017Dr. Sisk showing Dr. Bobby Roberson how to use an iPhone, Spiritual Leadership Conference 2017Dr. Sisk showing Dr. Bobby Roberson how to take a selfie, Spiritual Leadership Conference 2017Dr. Sisk and Virginia with Terrie, Kristine, and Matthew in 2007At Virginia’s Homegoing service in 2017Dr. Sisk giving my granddaughter, Quinn, a ride across the porchWith some of our Lancaster Baptist Church staff on our church’s 35th anniversary Sunday, 2021With my grandsons, Camden and Chandler, 2022Left to right: Gary Keck, missionary to Papua New Guinea; Jack Baskin, missionary to Korea then Vice President of Pacific Coast Baptist Bible College; me Dr. Sisk; David Snyder, current president of BIMIWith Dr. Daniel Kim, his wife Young Soon, and (opposite) Dr. Kim’s daughter Grace and son-in-law Enoch

I thank God for his steadfastness in the Word, his compassion for the lost, his faithful encouragement to our church family, his investment in West Coast Baptist College students, and his genuine love for me and my family. It has been one of the great privileges of my life to call him my friend and to serve as his pastor.

While we already miss him greatly, his influence continues through the missionaries he encouraged, the pastors he mentored, the students he trained, and the souls reached through churches planted around the world as a direct result of his ministry. His race is finished, but the eternal fruit of his life will continue until Christ returns.

Dr. Sisk’s Memorial Service will be held Monday, July 13, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. I am honored to officiate it. 

Calvary Baptist Church Red Bank
5201 Dayton Boulevard
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37415

The service will be live-streamed at www.calvaryredbank.org/watch-live. 

You can read Dr. Sisk’s obituary here: https://paulchappell.com/2026/07/07/dr-don-sisk-memorial-service-details/. The family has asked that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions be made to the Don Sisk Scholarship Fund of West Coast Baptist College, 4010 E. Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, CA 93535.

You can also read my previous tribute to Dr. Sisk here: https://paulchappell.com/2026/07/06/well-done-remembering-dr-don-sisk/

Thank you, Dr. Sisk, for a life faithfully lived for the glory of God.

Dr. Don Sisk was a faithful servant of Christ, a devoted missionary statesman, and a dear friend and mentor to countless servants of the Lord. His life and ministry touched people around the world, and we thank God for the enduring legacy of faith, missions, and gospel witness he leaves behind. You can read my personal tribute to Dr. Sisk here: Well Done: Remembering Dr. Don Sisk.

Please continue praying for the Sisk family, as well as for the thousands of West Coast Baptist College graduates and BIMI missionaries around the world whose lives and ministries were shaped by his faithful example.

The Memorial Service will be held Monday, July 13, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.
Calvary Baptist Church Red Bank
5201 Dayton Boulevard
Chattanooga, Tennessee 37415

The service will be live-streamed at www.calvaryredbank.org/watch-live

Donald Ray Sisk Obituary

May 30, 1933–July 6, 2026

Donald Ray Sisk, age 93, of Harrison, Tennessee, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 6, 2026.

Don was born on May 30, 1933, in Nortonville, Kentucky, to Earl and Beulah Sisk. His life was marked, above all else, by his unwavering faith in Jesus Christ, his passion for proclaiming the gospel, and his lifelong commitment to missionary service. For 65 years, until her passing on July 8, 2017, he was the devoted husband of Virginia Ruth Carlton Sisk, his faithful partner in life and in ministry.

Don began serving with Baptist International Missions, Inc. (BIMI) in 1964 and continued in that service until his death—more than six decades dedicated to spreading the gospel around the world. He served as a missionary in Japan and went on to hold leadership positions within BIMI, shaping the organization’s mission work and mentoring generations of missionaries. He was also a beloved member of Lancaster Baptist Church in Lancaster, California.

Don is survived by his children, Angela Renee Sisk Border (Tom) and Timothy R. Sisk (Donna); his grandchildren, Rebecca Border Sietman (Daniel), Cassandra Border Brotbeck (Brad), D. Blake Sisk (Kate), Katie Sisk, Mallory Sisk Bope (Jeffrey), and Gabriela Sisk Lisitza (Zachary); and his great-grandchildren, Nathaniel Sietman, Alicia Sietman, Zachary Sietman, Emmalina Brotbeck, Cooper Sisk, Otto Sisk, Leo Sisk, Jay Bope, Virginia Bope, Mark Bope, Helena Bope, and Darcy Bope.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Beulah Sisk, and his beloved wife of 65 years, Virginia Ruth Carlton Sisk.

Don’s legacy is one of faithful obedience to God’s call, a lifetime spent telling others about Jesus Christ, and a deep devotion to his wife that never wavered. He will be remembered as a faithful servant, a devoted husband, and a mentor and friend to countless missionaries and believers around the world.

A Memorial Service will be held on Monday, July 13, 2026, at 1:00 PM at Calvary Baptist Church, 5201 Dayton Blvd, Red Bank, TN 37415.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Don Sisk Scholarship Fund of West Coast Baptist College, 4010 E. Lancaster Blvd, Lancaster, CA 93535.

It is with both deep sadness and profound gratitude that I share our dear friend, Dr. Don Sisk, went Home to be with the Lord today.

It is impossible to put into words what Dr. Sisk has meant to me. For thirty-five years, he has been one of my dearest friends, most trusted mentors, and greatest examples of Christian faithfulness I have ever known. For the past twenty-three years, it has been my privilege to be his pastor. Today, he is rejoicing in the presence of the Savior he loved, served, and proclaimed for a lifetime. And after nine years apart, he has been reunited with his beloved Virginia, following their sixty-five years of marriage.

I first met Dr. Sisk in 1991 at a pastors’ meeting in Atlanta, Georgia. It was not an especially enjoyable conference. The atmosphere had become centered on issues and controversies rather than on Christ, and before long I found myself sitting alone on the back row, wondering why I had even come. A few minutes later, a white-haired man with a warm smile sat down beside me, introduced himself as Don Sisk, and handed me a copy of his little book, Joyful Giving.

Over the years, Dr. Sisk and I often laughed about that meeting. Neither of us particularly enjoyed the conference, but we both eventually realized God had brought us there for one simple reason—to introduce us to one another. What began with a conversation on the back row grew into one of the greatest friendships of my life.

As I reflect on Dr. Sisk’s life, four qualities immediately come to mind.

Passion for the Lost

Everything about Dr. Sisk was bent toward reaching the lost with the gospel. From sharing the gospel through personal soulwinning to preaching in missions conferences, his great passion was for those who were without Christ, and especially those who had never heard the gospel. 

As a pastor in Kentucky and Illinois, missionary in Japan, director of Baptist International Missions, Inc., and head of the missions department at West Coast Baptist College, his life was poured out as an offering to the Lord for the sake of the gospel. God used him to plant churches in Japan, challenge churches across America, encourage missionaries around the world, and inspire countless Christians to give and go. For many years, our students at West Coast Baptist College had the privilege of learning missions from someone who had not merely studied it but had lived it. His burden for souls was contagious. Today there are graduates from West Coast Baptist College serving in over fifty countries around the world, all of whom were taught and influenced under Don Sisk.

Even after moving to a care home in Ohio, he would often tell me about the people he was witnessing to there. Several months ago, Terrie and I visited him, and as we walked in, I saw him handing a gospel tract to another resident.

Only eternity will reveal how many people have come to Christ through his witness or his passionate preaching, urging others to both send and carry the gospel to the lost.

Genuine Love for People

Dr. Sisk never viewed people as projects or statistics. He loved them. And they knew it. 

One of my favorite photos of Dr. Sisk is from Spiritual Leadership Conference 2023 in Manila (center in the collage above). He had just preached to 10,000 people, challenging us to carry the gospel of Christ willingly. After the service, he was surrounded by pastors and Christian workers eager to greet him. The smile on his face says everything. He wasn’t simply greeting people; he was loving them.

Wherever he went, people gathered around him. They knew he cared about them. He listened, encouraged, prayed with them, and rejoiced in what God was doing in their lives. His love crossed every cultural barrier because it was rooted in the love of Christ.

People never felt as though they were interrupting Dr. Sisk. Whether he was speaking to a veteran missionary or a first-time conference attendee, he had a way of making each person feel seen, valued, and loved. 

Investment in Younger Servants of God

Few men have been as generous with their time, wisdom, and encouragement as Dr. Sisk. I was one of many who benefited from his counsel. Throughout the years, I sought his advice on ministry decisions, missions, leadership, and life. He always listened carefully, pointed me to Scripture, and encouraged me to trust the Lord.

Thousands of pastors and missionaries around the world could tell similar stories. Whether it was a discouraged missionary serving on a distant field, a West Coast Baptist College student seeking direction for the future, or a pastor carrying the burdens of ministry, Dr. Sisk always made time to encourage, counsel, and strengthen others. His influence was never confined to the pulpit. It was multiplied through personal investment in people.

Though he faithfully served the Lord into his nineties, Dr. Sisk never lost the ability to connect with younger generations. Bible college students sought him out. Young pastors welcomed his counsel. Missionaries valued his friendship. His love for people kept him approachable, and the love of Christ in him made his influence timeless.

Fullness of the Holy Spirit

It is impossible to remember Dr. Sisk without remembering his joy. He was a genuinely happy man, and his joy was contagious. It wasn’t a put-on or a personality trait. It was the fruit of a life surrendered to the Holy Spirit. 

Just a few days ago, I enjoyed sharing with Dr. Sisk on the phone from a book I am reading about the deeper experiences with God from the lives of great Christians in the past. Immediately he said, “I remember that experience in my life as if it were yesterday. I heard Dr. John R. Rice preach on the fullness of the Holy Spirit.” Though his memory was fading, he remembered that touch from God like it was yesterday. In this restless age, with all its new terminology and methodology, there is no greater need for a Christian than to be wholly yielded to the Spirit of God. I saw that yieldedness in Dr. Sisk to the very end.

Over the years, I watched him respond to criticism with kindness, to personal trials with joy, and to opportunities for recognition with humility. Those qualities do not develop overnight. They are the fruit of a lifetime spent walking with the Lord and yielding to His Spirit. Even in these later years of his life, there was no trace of cynicism or self-promotion—only a spirit that was joyful, gracious, and full of faith. 

Well Done

Each year at our Spiritual Leadership Conference, we have the privilege of recognizing faithful servants of God, and through the years Dr. Sisk received several of those recognitions. I remember one year when our team was discussing who to honor, and my son Larry spoke up: “Dad, you want to give Dr. Sisk one every year.” Larry wasn’t wrong—and I’m glad we did.

But no certificate, plaque, or expression of gratitude we could offer compares to the rewards at the judgment seat of Christ. I can only imagine the crowns he will receive there to cast at Christ’s feet in grateful worship. 

Today, Dr. Sisk is in the presence of the Savior he loved and served so faithfully. And I have no doubt that he heard the words of Matthew 25:21 as he entered Heaven: “Well done, thou good and faithful servant…enter thou into the joy of thy lord.”

Please join me in praying for the Sisk family in the days ahead—for his daughter and son-in-law, Renee and Tom Border, and for his son and daughter-in-law, Tim and Donna Sisk, and for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Please also pray for the thousands of West Coast Baptist College graduates and the missionaries of the BIMI family around the world who were shaped by his life and ministry.

I will update with details of Dr. Sisk’s memorial service as they are available. 

In September of 1776, a young schoolteacher named Nathan Hale stood on the edge of eternity. Captured by the British as a spy during the early days of the Revolutionary War, he knew his fate was sealed. At just twenty-one years old, he was about to give his life for a country that was even younger than he was.

His final words have echoed through American history: “I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.”

Those words reflect a kind of patriotism that is both rare and noble. Nathan Hale believed preserving liberty for others was worth his own life. 

And Hale was not alone. America has a long heritage of men and women who have been willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice for our country and to preserve the freedoms we hold dear.

From the earliest days of our nation, liberty has been purchased at great cost. There were those who left everything behind in search of religious liberty. There were those who pledged their lives, their fortunes, and their sacred honor to establish a new nation. And there have been countless men and women since who have given what Lincoln called “the last full measure of devotion” to preserve our freedom. 

These were real people with real families, real hopes, and real futures. They did not sacrifice in the abstract. They laid down their lives so others might live in freedom.

That sacrifice demands our gratitude. And it demands our stewardship. 

We have inherited freedoms that were purchased at great cost. But freedom is not sustained by indifference, nor is it preserved by convenience. The liberties we enjoy today were entrusted to us by those who valued them enough to suffer and sacrifice for them.

As Christians, we should recognize that the freedoms we enjoy are trusts to steward for the glory of God. 

We steward our freedom when we remember its cost.

Memorial Day is more than a holiday weekend. It is a summons to gratitude. We should teach our children that freedom was not created in comfort and is not preserved by ease. A people who forget sacrifice will eventually take liberty for granted.

A people who forget sacrifice will eventually take liberty for granted.
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We steward our freedom when we pray for our nation.

America’s deepest needs are not merely political or economic; they are spiritual. We should pray for revival, for wisdom for our leaders, for courage among believers, and for a renewed national turning to God. God promises, “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:14).

We steward our freedom when we proclaim the gospel.

The freedom to preach Christ is one of the greatest liberties we possess. We should not waste it. 

Jesus came to give a freedom greater than political liberty—freedom from sin, guilt, and eternal separation from God. “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:36). The best use of our national freedom is to proclaim eternal freedom in Christ.

The best use of our national freedom is to proclaim eternal freedom in Christ.
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We steward our freedom when we live as faithful witnesses.

Christians should be known for integrity, compassion, moral courage, strong families, faithful churches, and love for their neighbors. Our lives should demonstrate that the gospel we proclaim is true and transforming. We should live as people who are “without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15).

We steward our freedom when we train the next generation.

Ronald Reagan famously warned, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it on to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.” 

Nothing precious is automatic. Truth is not passed on by accident. Neither is gratitude. If we do not teach our children the cost of liberty, the historical foundations of our nation, and the truth of God’s Word, someone else will teach them a different story. We must intentionally pass on both biblical conviction and a grateful understanding of the heritage we have received.

If we do not teach our children the cost of liberty, the historical foundations of our nation, and the truth of God’s Word, someone else will teach them a different story.
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We steward our freedom when we stand without compromise.

There will always be pressure to soften truth, remain silent, or conform to the spirit of the age. But freedom must be used with courage. When culture or government conflicts with God’s Word, our answer must be the answer of the apostles: “We ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

Freedom Isn’t Free

We may never be called to give our lives as Nathan Hale did. But we are called to recognize the cost of what we have received and to live in a way that honors it.

As American citizens, we are called to value freedom, protect it, and use it for what is right.

And above all, we are called to steward the freedoms God has allowed us to enjoy for the advancement of the gospel.

Additional Note: The story of Nathan Hale is included in my new book, Founded on Faith. In a time when many are rewriting the past and questioning the principles that made our nation strong, this short, inspiring read tells the true story of America’s founding, highlights the biblical foundations that shaped this country, and encourages us to stand for freedom in our day. I hope you’ll read it and share it throughout this summer, as we celebrate America’s 250th birthday.

For forty years, the Lord has allowed me the privilege of serving as pastor of Lancaster Baptist Church. Through every season, my desire has been simple—to faithfully preach the gospel, strengthen the local church, and help shine the light of Christ from this place to our community and around the world.

As I have entered my mid-sixties, the Lord has burdened my heart with the stewardship of ministry and the future of this work. Ministry is never something we own; it is something we are entrusted to steward. We are undershepherds serving under the Chief Shepherd, the Lord Jesus Christ. The church belongs to Him. As a pastor, my role is to oversee and feed His flock, “which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28).

Ministry is never something we own; it is something we are entrusted to steward.
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Because of that, local church leadership must always be approached with a stewardship mentality. A pastor must not only ask, “How do I serve faithfully today?” but also, “How do I ensure this work remains strong for the next generation?”

With stewardship as a mindset, I have, over the past months, been working together with our deacons and church family to establish a co-pastor role at Lancaster Baptist Church. Having a co-pastor will allow me to intentionally share responsibilities and train another for the future leadership here at Lancaster Baptist. This, of course, will take time, but will ultimately lead to pastoral succession, at which time I will continue to lead West Coast Baptist College as president.

This past Sunday evening, after the unanimous recommendation of our deacons, our church family voted overwhelmingly to call our Executive Pastor, Larry Chappell, to serve as co-pastor of this church. I appreciate Larry’s convictions for truth, his love for our church, and his compassion for souls. I will continue serving as Senior Pastor, while this new role allows us to strengthen leadership and prepare wisely for the future of this ministry. (To learn more about this process and see some of the candid conversations leading up to it, visit lancasterbaptist.org/co-pastor-process.)

Throughout Scripture, we see a pattern of stewarding leaders preparing for the future by training others and sharing ministry. Moses invested in Joshua. Paul invested in Timothy.

Leadership is always a stewardship, and Christian leaders in any context—especially in the local church—should look beyond their immediate responsibilities to invest in the next generation.

So how do godly leaders steward their responsibility to train others well? What does stewardship-minded leadership look like?

I believe stewarding leaders serve in five important ways:

Stewarding Leaders Serve with Humility

Humility is an essential trait for Christian growth. But it’s especially vital for leaders to cultivate. Leadership is not about position, control, or personal ambition. It is about faithfully serving under Christ’s authority.

Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. (1 Peter 5:2–3)

Seasons of leadership development or transition should be marked by humility, prayer, and dependence on the Lord. We are not building our own kingdom; we are serving His.

Stewarding Leaders Invest in the Next Generation

There is no success without a successor. Biblical leadership always looks beyond itself.

There is no success without a successor.
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Moses prepared Joshua. Elijah prepared Elisha. Paul prepared Timothy. A faithful leader does not simply carry the work; he helps prepare others to carry it forward.

And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also. (2 Timothy 2:2)

One of the blessings of ministry is the opportunity to invest in younger leaders and to help them grow in conviction, wisdom, and practical ministry leadership. Stewarding leaders think in terms of creating opportunities for intentional mentoring, shared leadership, and hands-on preparation for the future.

Stewarding Leaders Plan Before Crisis Comes

Wise leaders do not wait for uncertainty to force decisions. They prepare prayerfully, deliberately, and transparently.

Too many churches wait until a moment of crisis to think about leadership transition. By then, uncertainty can create confusion and instability. Faithful stewardship involves planning ahead—not because change is immediate, but because preparation is wise.

A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished. (Proverbs 22:3)

In our case, this co-pastor process has developed over years through prayer, counsel, and conversations with our deacons and church family. It is not a reaction to pressure; it is an effort to strengthen the church for the years ahead.

The goal is not speed. The goal is clarity, unity, and readiness.

Stewarding Leaders Protect the Mission

Leadership planning is never about organizational preservation alone. It is about gospel continuation.

Leadership planning is never about organizational preservation alone. It is about gospel continuation.
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The mission of Lancaster Baptist Church remains unchanged: preach the gospel, disciple believers, support missionaries, and fulfill the Great Commission. Everything else serves that purpose.

Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:19–20)

In every season of ministry, the main work remains the same. Souls still need Christ. Believers still need discipleship. Missionaries still need support. The church must continue moving forward.

Stewarding Leaders Strengthen Commitment

Moments of leadership development should not loosen our stakes; they should deepen them.

Thirty-five years ago, in 1991, our church’s annual theme was “Stake Your Claim.” We challenged our people to lengthen the cords and strengthen the stakes—to put their roots deeply into the work God had called us to do together.

Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes; (Isaiah 54:2)

All of us have a natural tendency to drift in our devotion to the Lord and in our commitment to His work. Stewardship-minded leaders recognize that tendency and encourage God’s people to remain steadfast—not in loyalty to a single leader, but in faithfulness to Christ through every season, including seasons of transition. In our case, that faithfulness also includes a renewed commitment to our local church, Lancaster Baptist Church.

The Heart of Stewardship

Faithful, stewarding leaders serve with humility, invest in others, plan wisely, protect the mission, and strengthen commitment. They understand that ministry is not measured only by what is built in one season, but by what is strengthened for the next.

Ministry is not measured only by what is built in one season, but by what is strengthened for the next.
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I thank the Lord for what He has done at Lancaster Baptist Church over these forty years, and I am grateful for the opportunity to continue serving in this season of ministry. My prayer is that the gospel would continue to go forward, that strong leaders would be raised up for the next generation, and that the work of Christ would remain strong for generations to come, or until Christ returns. Please pray for Pastor Larry Chappell and our entire leadership team as we reach forward in this season.

Five hundred years ago this spring, printed copies of the first English New Testament translated from Greek reached English soil. Hidden in sacks of flour, bales of cloth, and barrels of oil, they passed quietly up the River Thames. Carried ashore by faithful merchants and Lollard believers, they soon flooded London. 

It was 1526, and England would never be the same. What arrived on those ships was more than ink on paper. It was the powerful Word of God.

The story traces back to one man—courageous, brilliant, and unshakably convinced that the Bible should speak in the language of the people.

William Tyndale was born in Gloucestershire around 1494. Educated at Oxford and Cambridge, Tyndale mastered Greek and became fluent in eight languages—so fluent that John Foxe wrote, “Whichever he spake, you would suppose it his native language.”

Through reading the Greek New Testament, Tyndale discovered and believed the simple gospel of salvation by grace through faith in Christ. As he studied Scripture, he became convinced that the spiritual darkness of England could only be lifted by giving people the Bible in their own tongue.

In sixteenth-century England, ordinary people had almost no access to Scripture. The Catholic Church held copies of the Bible in Latin, but translating it into English was forbidden by law.

When a clergyman argued that it would be better to go without God’s Word than to oppose the Pope, Tyndale famously replied, “I defy the Pope and all his laws. If God spare my life, ere many years, I will cause a boy that driveth the plow to know more of the Scripture than thou dost.”

Refused permission to translate, Tyndale fled England in 1524 and began his work in exile. Two years later, his completed New Testament was printed in Worms, Germany, and secretly shipped to England. 

Church authorities responded with fury, burning copies of the book and hunting its translator. But God’s Word is not easily silenced. As Isaiah 55:11 promises, “It shall not return unto me void.” The Bible spread quickly, fueling revival and reformation across England.

Tyndale was eventually captured through betrayal, imprisoned near Brussels, and executed in 1536—only ten years after his work first reached England. During that decade, he persevered in translation. He revised his New Testament twice, translated the Pentateuch and other portions of the Old Testament, and wrote significant works defending the authority of Scripture and salvation by grace. Even under threat of death, he would not cease his labor.

As Tyndale stood at the stake, he prayed aloud, “Lord, open the King of England’s eyes.” This prayer was soon answered. Within a year, an English Bible was authorized for public reading, drawn largely from his work. 

Five centuries later, the Word Tyndale gave his life to translate is still at work.

Tyndale invested—and ultimately gave—his life for one of the greatest needs of humanity: access to the living, powerful Word of God. He understood what many in his day did not—that Scripture is essential to the Christian life and the local church. It is the very instrument through which God saves sinners, comforts sufferers, and equips His church.

Today, you and I have access to Scripture because of Tyndale’s sacrifice. But perhaps we forget just how powerful Scripture is. Hebrews 4:12 tells us, “For the word of God is quick, and powerful….” Indeed, God’s Word is powerful. And when it was unleashed across Europe, it changed the course of history. 

The Word of God Is Powerful to Save

A sometimes overlooked fact is that the spread of the gospel during the Protestant Reformation (1517–1648) advanced alongside the translation of Scripture. Consider the timing. Erasmus published the first printed Greek New Testament in 1516. Soon after, these translations followed:

1522 – German New Testament1525 – Zurich (Swiss) New Testament1526 – English New Testament1526 – Dutch New Testament (translated largely from German)1535 – French Bible (New Testament from Greek, Old Testament from Hebrew)

As the Bible became accessible in German, English, French, and other languages, the gospel became accessible as well. 

In almost every testimony of the men who became Anabaptist leaders or Reformers, we find the same story: a priest or scholar, steeped in the traditions of the state church, came into contact with Scripture—whether in Greek or in his native language—read it carefully, and discovered the simple truth of salvation by grace through faith in Christ. Having trusted Christ as Savior, he began to teach and preach the Word. For this he was persecuted. Yet the gospel itself, carried on the powerful words of Scripture, continued to spread.

As we share the gospel today, we should remember that the Holy Spirit works through His Word to convict hearts and reveal the need for a Savior.

“So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17).

The Word of God Is Powerful to Comfort

Who can measure what it has meant for suffering believers across the millennia to hold Scripture in their hands and read its promises?

We can picture Tyndale himself—cold, hungry, and always knowing he was one step away from arrest and death—translating the Bible by candlelight. Imagine what it meant to him to steep his mind in the words of these passages as he translated them:

“For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18).

“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:7).

The same Word that comforted persecuted saints then still steadies grieving, anxious, heavy hearts today.

The Word of God Is Powerful to Equip

When Scripture spreads, churches grow strong.

From the Waldensians to the Lollards to the Anabaptists, effective ministry followed the availability of God’s Word. The preaching of Scripture trained evangelists, formed disciples, and established churches.

Without the Word of God, we cannot equip believers or disciple the next generation.

“All scripture is given by inspiration of God…that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works” (2 Timothy 3:16–17).

The Power of the Word Endures

Today, five hundred years later, we celebrate the courageous faith and dedicated labor of William Tyndale. But even more, we praise God for His amazing, powerful, and preserved Word that still saves, still comforts, and still equips His church.

“Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it….Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments” (Psalm 119:140, 164).

May we give ourselves to read it, study it, preach it, and share it—especially with those around the world who have not yet heard the gospel or who do not have Scripture in their language. 

The same Word that changed Europe five centuries ago is still changing hearts today.

As part of this year’s Spiritual Leadership Conference September 27–30 and in partnership with Dave Smith and the Museum of the Book in London, we are honored to present a special historic Scripture display with dozens of incredible rare prints of Scripture. Included in this collection is an original 1526 Tyndale New Testament. For more information on this exhibit as well as the conference, visit slconference.com . 

Terrie and I celebrated forty-five years of marriage this past December. For those who are married, it will not come as a surprise to learn that over four and a half decades, we have experienced our share of conflicts and disagreements.

Conflict is an inevitable part of any relationship of real depth, including marriage. Some couples assume that conflict should be avoided at all costs. The real issue, however, is not whether disagreements will arise, but how we respond when they do. The greatest danger comes when conflict is ignored, denied, or left unresolved.

Thankfully, God’s Word provides clear and practical instruction for handling conflict in a way that protects unity, strengthens trust, and honors Christ. When approached God’s way, conflict can become an opportunity for growth rather than a source of division.

When approached God’s way, conflict can become an opportunity for growth rather than a source of division.
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Here are five biblical steps to navigating marital conflict.

Step 1: Acknowledge the Conflict

One of the most common and destructive responses to conflict is denial—pretending that everything is fine when it is not. Ignoring conflict does not make it disappear. Rather, unresolved issues often resurface later in more harmful ways.

Scripture encourages us to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). This means addressing disagreements honestly, but with grace and humility. Avoiding difficult conversations may feel easier in the moment, but over time it often leads to bitterness and emotional distance.

Acknowledging conflict does not mean escalating it. Rather, it means being willing to admit that something is wrong and committing to address it instead of avoiding it. When both spouses are willing to face an issue with a loving spirit, space is created for understanding, repentance, reconciliation, and growth in the relationship.

Step 2: Seek God’s Wisdom

Before engaging in a difficult conversation, pause and seek the Lord. James 1:5 promises wisdom to those who ask God sincerely and humbly: “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

When conflict arises, emotions can easily take control, and reacting too quickly often leads to words we later regret. Prayer slows us down. It allows God to search our hearts, expose pride, and align our responses with His will.

Seeking God’s wisdom reminds us that the goal is not to win an argument, but to glorify God through how we treat our spouse.

Step 3: Communicate with Grace

The way we speak during conflict has a significant impact on the outcome. Proverbs 15:1 teaches, “A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.” Harsh or accusatory words tend to inflame tension, while gentle and thoughtful responses can help de-escalate a situation.

A helpful guideline is to focus on the problem rather than attacking the person. Using “I” statements instead of placing blame can keep communication constructive. For example, saying, “I felt hurt when…” is often more effective than, “You always…,” because it expresses concern without putting your spouse on the defensive.

Effective communication also involves listening. Scripture reminds us, “Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath” (James 1:19). True communication requires a willingness to hear your spouse’s heart without interrupting or becoming defensive. When both spouses are committed to listening and responding with grace, they create space for resolving conflict rather than escalating it.

Step 4: Choose Forgiveness

Unforgiveness is one of the greatest threats to marital unity. Ephesians 4:32 calls us to “Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” When forgiveness is withheld, bitterness takes root and intimacy suffers.

Forgiveness does not mean minimizing the hurt or pretending the offense never occurred. It is a deliberate decision to release the debt and refuse to hold it against your spouse. In doing so, you free both yourself and your marriage from the weight of resentment.

Forgiveness is not a feeling that comes naturally; it is a choice of obedience. Often, we must choose to forgive before our emotions have caught up. As forgiveness replaces bitterness, healing is allowed to begin.

God calls us to forgive because we ourselves have been forgiven. When we rely on His grace, forgiveness becomes a pathway to restoration rather than a barrier to closeness.

Step 5: Work toward Unity, Not Victory

In moments of conflict, it is tempting to focus on being right or proving a point. But marriage is not about winning arguments; it is about building unity. Genesis 2:24 describes God’s design for marriage: “Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.” When spouses view each other as opponents, both lose.

Unity does not happen automatically. It requires humility and a willingness to prioritize the relationship over personal pride. Instead of seeing your spouse as the opposition, remind yourself that you are on the same team.

When husbands and wives remember that they are striving together—not against one another—conflict can become an opportunity for deeper understanding and stronger unity. Rather than asking, “How can I win this argument?” a better question is, “How can we move forward together in a way that honors the Lord and reflects His grace?”

From Conflict to Growth

Conflict is a normal part of married life, but it does not have to damage your relationship. When conflict is acknowledged, brought before the Lord, addressed with gracious communication, met with forgiveness, and guided toward unity, God can use it to strengthen your marriage.

The next time you face a disagreement, remember these five steps. By choosing to honor God in how you respond, you’ll strengthen your marriage and build a lasting foundation of love and trust.

There’s something about the start of a new year—and the routines that come with it—that feels like a reset. Schedules fill, activities regain momentum, and families settle back into familiar rhythms. Before the pace takes over, however, it’s worth pausing to regain a big-picture focus. For parents, pastors, and educators alike, it’s good to consider what we are really trying to build in the hearts of the young people God has entrusted to us.

After all, repetition is often the key to learning. Yet it’s easy to fall into a rut—faithfully repeating tasks without regularly reexamining the goals toward which we are working. Over time, even necessary repetition can wear us down if we lose sight of its purpose.

If you’re a parent, you may tire of reminding your child to make his bed or eat his broccoli.If you’re a teacher, you may wonder if there will ever be an evening when you don’t have homework to grade.If you’re a pastor, you may battle the frustration that tends to come with continually addressing immature crises in youth or children’s ministries.

Sometimes we need to step back and remember the larger goals we have for our students. Our greatest aspirations for them are far larger and more significant than that they make their beds, eat their vegetables, complete their homework, and listen to their Sunday school teachers.

Ultimately, we want our students to enter adulthood with a heart for God and a surrender to His will. As we equip them with the skills to live a faithful Christian life, it is vital that we keep our eyes on the big picture.

With that big picture in mind, I suggest the following ten qualities as a starting point for what we desire our students to possess:

A heart for God—Nothing is more important. To love God with all the heart, mind, soul, and strength is God’s first commandment (Mark 12:30).Grounding in biblical beliefs and convictions—They need to know more than what we believe; they need to know why we believe it (2 Timothy 2:15).Love for the brethren—Without love for others, Christian ministry is meaningless and fruitless (1 Corinthians 13:1–3).Love for the local, New Testament church—Young people in today’s generation want to change the world. The local church is God’s vehicle to reach the world and effect real change (Mark 16:15, the book of Acts).A heart for their parents—Parents need to intentionally tie heartstrings with their children, and teachers and Christian workers need to help their students keep those heartstrings short (Malachi 4:6; Luke 1:17).A heart for their pastor—As an undershepherd for the Chief Shepherd, a pastor has a vital role in a Christian’s life. Young people need to keep open lines of communication with their pastor (Hebrews 13:17).Patriotism—American young people should know, respect, and express gratefulness toward those who have purchased their freedom. A student with a heart for America will also pray fervently that our nation will return to God (2 Chronicles 7:14).Biblical principles for decision making—When our students enter their teen and adult years, they need an understanding of how to seek wisdom from God’s Word and personally make wise decisions (Psalm 119:105).Love for souls—The most valuable possession we have is our souls. Thus to love others as ourselves is to care for their eternal destiny and point them to Christ (Mark 8:36; 12:31).A heart for worldwide missions—Our fleshly sphere of interest spans no further than what affects us. Spiritually-minded young people develop a larger picture—a heart for world evangelism (Matthew 28:19–20).

This is just a beginning. I’m sure you could think of more qualities to add to this list.

But when you consider how to instill these—or any other—qualities in the hearts of your students, I would remind you that some things are better caught than taught. If you are leading a young person, you’d better practice what you preach.

There is nothing like the beginning of a new year for fresh momentum in vital goals. And there is no more vital area of goal-setting than in our walk with God. 

After all, spiritual growth rarely happens by accident. It grows in the direction we intentionally set, supported by daily faithfulness in God’s Word.

Spiritual growth rarely happens by accident. It grows in the direction we intentionally set, supported by daily faithfulness in God’s Word.
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As you look toward growth in your walk with God in this coming year, I’d like to suggest three practical ways to set meaningful spiritual goals and support them with consistent daily habits.

1. Begin with Spiritual Direction, Not Just Discipline

Many believers begin the year by deciding what they will do—read more, pray more, serve more—without first considering what they are pursuing. Scripture consistently places direction before activity.

Jesus said, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).

Spiritual goals should flow from a clear pursuit of God. When our aim is defined—to know Christ, to walk in His ways, and to live for His glory—daily consistency becomes purposeful rather than mechanical.

With clear spiritual direction, daily practices become acts of alignment rather than obligation. We are not merely filling time; we are ordering our lives around eternal priorities.

2. Set Clear Spiritual Goals That Shape Daily Life

As in every other area of goal-setting, spiritual goals should be clearly defined. Vague intentions such as “I want to grow spiritually” are good desires, but they lack direction. 

Clear spiritual goals might be phrased like this: 

Read through the New Testament (or Bible) this year.Complete an in-depth study of the book of James. Develop a prayer list and pray through it daily. Memorize four Bible chapters this year. 

When spiritual goals are clear, daily consistency is part of a larger goal. Each day becomes a step in a purposeful direction.

3. Establish a Daily Plan That Supports Those Goals

Spiritual goals are most effective when they are supported by a realistic daily plan. Good intentions, however sincere, rarely carry us to completion without thoughtful structure.

A workable plan does not need to be complicated. It should be simple, sustainable, and rooted in Scripture. For many believers, this begins with deciding when they will meet with God each day and how they will engage His Word consistently.

For example, if you have a goal to read through the Bible this year, it is helpful to think through a few practical questions:

What reading plan will I follow?What time of day will allow me to engage Scripture consistently?Where will I read so that I can focus without unnecessary distraction?

Similarly, if your goal is to memorize Scripture, it is wise to determine what passages you want to memorize and when and how you will make space for that memorization in your daily routine.

Spiritual goals are sustained through daily nourishment. Jesus said, “Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matthew 4:4). Just as physical strength requires daily food, spiritual strength is cultivated through regular time in God’s truth.

Carrying Spiritual Momentum into the New Year

Even with clear spiritual goals and a workable plan, many believers benefit from a simple way to begin each day grounded in God’s Word. 

Providing a resource to help with that is my heart behind writing Daily in the Word, a free daily devotional sent by email each morning. It is designed to help you start your day focused on Scripture and encouraged in your walk with Christ. 

Each emailed devotion includes:

a Bible passagea brief devotional thoughta concise takeaway to carry with you throughout the daythe full text of Scripture passages to read through the entire Bible—or the New Testament—over the course of the yearAnd all of this is delivered right to your inbox. You can sign up to receive these free daily emails at devo.paulchappell.com.

The beginning of a new year is a gift from God—an opportunity to set spiritual direction and walk forward with purpose. As you establish spiritual goals and support them with daily faithfulness, remember that God uses consistent time in His Word to shape and strengthen your walk with Him. My prayer is that, through simple daily habits, you will grow deeper in your walk with Christ in the year ahead.

Every Christmas, our attention turns to Bethlehem. We sing of angels and shepherds, and of God stepping into human history wrapped in humility and grace. The King of kings was laid in a lowly manger.

Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem was not coincidental. It was the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy (Micah 5:2), and it was central to Gabriel’s announcement to Mary: “the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David” (Luke 1:32).

These were not poetic words meant only to inspire; they were covenant promises rooted in God’s commitments to His people Israel.

But what do those promises mean today, two thousand years after Christ?

In recent months, renewed global focus on Israel has stirred intense discussion among Christians. Alongside political debate and cultural tension, a theological question has resurfaced with new urgency: Does Israel still matter in God’s plan? Or have the promises once given to Israel now been fulfilled by the church?

Two Views

Two broad theological approaches attempt to answer these questions. At the risk of oversimplification, the following definitions describe these positions, recognizing that each includes a wide range of interpretations.

Fulfillment Theology (sometimes called Replacement Theology) teaches that the church has fulfilled the covenants God made to Israel and thus replaced Israel as God’s covenant people. According to this view, the promises once given to Israel are now fulfilled spiritually in the church, and Israel no longer holds a distinct role in God’s redemptive plan. This view has historically been associated with Roman Catholic theology and with many Reformed denominations, though it is held with varying emphases and expressions.

Dispensational Theology teaches that God has distinct purposes for Israel and the church. While salvation has always been by grace through faith, the covenant promises made to Israel—including national and kingdom promises—were never revoked and will be fulfilled literally in God’s time.

I believe Scripture clearly teaches the second view—not because of current events, but because of the nature of God’s promises. Consider three reasons.

1. God’s Covenants Were Never Revoked 

The clearest reason Israel still matters today is this: God’s covenant promises to Israel were never revoked.

Throughout the Old Testament, God established several unconditional covenants with Israel, most notably the Abrahamic, Davidic, and New Covenants. These covenants were not based on Israel’s faithfulness, but on God’s. He bound Himself by promise, not by performance.

God promised Abraham a land, a nation, and a blessing that would extend to all families of the earth (Genesis 12:1–3). He promised David an everlasting throne and kingdom (2 Samuel 7:12–16). And He promised Israel a New Covenant that included both spiritual renewal and national restoration (Jeremiah 31:31–37). Significantly, when God described the permanence of that New Covenant, He tied it to the fixed order of creation itself, declaring that Israel would cease to be a nation only if the sun, moon, and stars failed.

None of these covenants were annulled by Israel’s unbelief, nor were they redefined by the birth of the church. Delay in fulfillment does not equal cancellation. “For the gifts and calling of God are without repentance” (Romans 11:29). Scripture consistently presents a God who keeps His promises according to His timetable, not ours. After all, it was “in the fulness of time” that “God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, To redeem them that were under the law” (Galatians 4:4–5). And it will be in His fullness of time that Jesus returns as King of kings. 

2. Jesus Confirmed the Promises

Not only were God’s covenants never revoked, but Jesus Himself confirmed them.

From the beginning of His earthly life, Christ was presented as the fulfillment of Israel’s covenant hope. As just mentioned, Gabriel announced to Mary that Jesus would receive “the throne of his father David” and reign over a kingdom without end (Luke 1:32–33). These words echo God’s promise to David centuries earlier and point forward to a literal, future reign.

Throughout His ministry, Jesus consistently affirmed the reality of the kingdom rather than dismissing it. When He preached, He declared that the kingdom of heaven was “at hand” (Matthew 4:17). When He taught His disciples to pray, He instructed them to ask for the kingdom to come (Matthew 6:10). And after His resurrection—at the very moment when misunderstanding would have been corrected if necessary—the disciples asked, “Lord, wilt thou at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). Jesus did not rebuke the question or spiritualize the promise. Instead, He spoke of timing, not cancellation: “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons, which the Father hath put in his own power” (Acts 1:7).

This distinction is critical. Jesus did not deny Israel’s future restoration; He deferred it according to God’s sovereign timetable. The kingdom was postponed, not replaced.

The New Testament consistently presents Christ as the heir of David’s throne who will yet rule over the nations (Luke 1:32–33; Acts 2:30). His first coming accomplished redemption; His second coming will establish righteous rule (Revelation 19–20). Between those two events, local churches have been given a mission to bear witness to the King.

Far from rendering Israel obsolete, Jesus’ ministry confirms that God’s redemptive plan is still unfolding—exactly as Scripture foretold.

Scripture also teaches that Israel’s future restoration will come through a period of profound testing. The prophets describe a coming time of tribulation—called “the time of Jacob’s trouble” (Jeremiah 30:7)—during which God will both judge the nations and bring Israel to national repentance and faith in her Messiah. This period is not a detour in God’s plan, but a prelude to the establishment of Christ’s millennial reign. Far from abandoning Israel, God will use this time to fulfill His promises, culminating in Israel’s revival and the visible reign of Jesus Christ from David’s throne (Revelation 7:1–8, 20:1–6).

3. The Church’s Role Is Distinct from Israel’s 

The New Testament presents the local church as a unique body—formed after Christ’s resurrection and empowered by the Holy Spirit at Pentecost. Its mission is clear: to proclaim the gospel to every nation and to make disciples of all people. This calling is global and urgent, but it is not identical to the covenant promises God made to Israel.

Jesus made this distinction clear in Acts 1. When the disciples asked whether He would restore the kingdom to Israel, He did not dismiss their expectation. Instead, He redirected their focus: “Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me” (Acts 1:8). The church was given a mission of witness, not a mandate to establish the kingdom.

This distinction guards us from an unnecessary—and unbiblical—competition between Israel and the church. God does not abandon one people to make room for another. He works according to His own timetable, accomplishing multiple purposes without contradiction. Israel’s future restoration and the church’s present mission are complementary, not conflicting.

Understanding this helps preserve the integrity of Scripture. When we allow Israel to remain Israel and the church to remain the church, prophecy remains coherent, God’s promises remain trustworthy, and Christ’s return remains the blessed hope toward which history is moving.

What about Other Passages?

An in-depth discussion of every passage raised in this debate is beyond the scope of this article. It is worth noting, however, that several verses commonly cited in support of Replacement Theology address salvation and spiritual inheritance, not the national or covenantal promises made to Israel.

For example, Galatians 3:16–29 teaches that all who are in Christ—Jew and Gentile alike—share equally in the blessing of justification by faith. This glorious truth affirms unity in Christ and equal access to salvation, but it does not redefine or revoke the specific covenant promises God made to Israel as a nation.

Additionally, Romans 9–11 is sometimes cited in support of Replacement Theology, particularly because of its emphasis on God’s sovereignty and Israel’s unbelief. Yet the overarching purpose of the passage is to defend the faithfulness of God’s covenant promises, not to deny them. Paul explicitly asks whether God has cast away His people and answers emphatically, “God forbid” (Romans 11:1). He presents Israel’s present unbelief as temporary, anticipates a future national turning to Christ, and concludes that “the gifts and calling of God are without repentance” (Romans 11:29). Read as a whole, Romans 9–11 affirms—not replaces—Israel’s ongoing role in God’s redemptive plan.

A Faithful God Who Keeps His Word

From Bethlehem to the Millennium, the Bible tells a unified story of a faithful God who keeps His Word.

Jesus was born in the city of David because He is David’s promised Son. His birth fulfilled prophecy, His life confirmed covenant promises, and His return will complete what God has pledged from the beginning. The church exists today not as a replacement for Israel, but as a testimony to God’s grace—calling people from every nation to faith in Christ until the King returns to reign.

Why does Israel still matter? Because God’s character matters. If His promises to Israel can be redefined or revoked, then no promise in Scripture is truly secure. But if God remains faithful to Israel—even through centuries of unbelief, dispersion, and opposition—then believers can rest confidently in His faithfulness to every promise He has made.

Bethlehem reminds us that God keeps His word. The Millennium will magnify it. And until that day, we proclaim the gospel with confidence, knowing that the God who began His work will finish it—exactly as He said He would.