I am a pastor, writer, and teacher. I want to help you dig deep into the life of Jesus, uncovering who he truly was, in order to find the spiritual strength to live a strong, confident life and make a lasting impact on the world.
If you are a Christian, or just curious about Jesus this is a place where you can explore the multi-faceted, nuanced, and often unexpected life and teachings of Jesus. This is a place where you can take what Jesus said and did, and uncover timeless principles that will give you strength, direction, and purpose in life.
WHY READ THIS BLOG?
I have advanced degrees in Biblical Studies. I have written Bible Study curriculum. I have preached more than 1400 sermons. But more important than that – I have sat with people in hospital waiting rooms and funeral parlors. I have walked with people through divorce and depression. I have talked a few out of suicide, and I have watched a few die a slow suicide through addiction. I have been “Pastor Ellis” to more than 4000 people and I have celebrated with them in the best moments of life, and have grieved with them in the worst.
Through it all, I have realized that knowing and understanding Jesus is a life-long journey. I’m still working at it. For the last twenty-five years I have been paid to study the life and times of Jesus. Now, I want you to know the Jesus I’ve uncovered – what he was like – what he thought, said, and did – and what that means for your life today. I want you to discover the real Jesus, close-up, and unexpected. I want you to know the Jesus who is always there … just five feet away.
BRIEF BIO
Since June 2009, I have been the Senior Pastor of the First Baptist Church of Richardson, Texas.
I was born and raised in Houston, Texas. I graduated from Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas with a degree in Mechanical Engineering before going on to earn a Master of Divinity from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas and a Doctor of Ministry from George W. Truett Theological Seminary of Baylor University in Waco, Texas. I served two churches before coming to First Baptist Richardson – Corpus Christi Baptist Church in Corpus Christi, Texas, from 1993 to 1999, and Calvary Baptist Church in McAllen, Texas, from 1999 to 2009.
Along the way, I have served on numerous committees for Texas Baptists, including chair of the Christian Life Commission. I have served as a board member for Rio Grande Valley Baptist Hospital and Buckner International. I am currently on the Board of Directors for Baylor, Scott and White Hospital in Dallas, Texas.
I have preached at many events across the country and have participated in mission trips around the world. During my time at school in Fort Worth, I met and married Priscilla. Priscilla is a graduate of Baylor University with a Bachelor of Science in Education. She is a public school teacher in Richardson. We have three children – Gabriel (and his wife, Andrea), Michael and Celeste, and three Granddaughters – Savanah, Kelani, and Eden.
Click HERE if for some strange reason you want a complete biography and resume!
GETTING STARTED
Here are a few suggestions for you to get started!
• Read “What’s in a Name?” to get more details on what my blog is all about.
• Read “How to Live a Balanced Life” to get an idea of how my blog is organized.
• Read “How to Interpret the Bible” to learn how I approach the Scriptures.
• Read “Seven Rules for Conversation” to know how to properly join the conversation.
• Download my FREE E-BOOK, “The Twenty-Five Best Books to Better Know Jesus.”
• Finally, let’s have a conversation! Spiritual growth comes from living in community. Leave comments on blog articles that interest you. Let me know what you are struggling with or what else you want to learn about Jesus. Share any insights you have from reading this Blog. Let’s learn from each other!