It is Tuesday, August 26 at 11:20 a.m., and I just got a phone call from my father as I sit here in my office preparing for the chapel services at International Baptist College. My theme for the year in my preaching is “Character that Lasts.” The Lord has placed many people in my life that have had character that lasted – biblical character that carried them through till God called them home to be with him. They had character that biblically responded to the hard times of life, character that remained faithful even when it was easy, character that remained gracious even in death, character that gave sound advice and exemplified wisdom, character that displayed unconditional love to those around them, and character that was clearly yielded to the Spirit’s control. My heart’s desire as a pastor is to be able to help people develop character that will last and see them through till the day they die. Today we see so many people wandering from God and His Word because they never yielded to Him and developed the character that was necessary for faithfulness. You see, my Dad called me today to let me know that my grandmother has finished the race, she has kept the faith, and there is waiting for her the crown of righteousness. My Grandma Brock exemplified character that lasted. She was gracious, kind, loving, faithful, humble, and Spirit Controlled till the day she died – today. When you lie on your death bed what will your grandson be saying about you three hours later? I hope that he would be able to say that you had character that lasted.

David Brock, M.Div.
College President