How to Find Joy in Knowing Christ (1 John 1:1-4)
Sermon Resources: Sermon Manuscript in a Word Document Sermon Slides New Years and New Series Are New Starts New beginnings. We’ve all had them at least a time or two. Things like… New baby New job New semester New teacher New pencil New toy New rule New sibling New roommate New House New neighbors New jacket New teeth New Bible New in-law New friend New computer New shoes New car New year New pastor We’ve all had the experience with “new.” If we are honest,...
What is Prayer Anyway?
Prayer is the means by which we interact with God. It is how a person chooses to involve him or herself with worshiping the creator, confessing sin, asking for provision, and expressing thanksgiving and dependence. We are invited to pour out our prayers to God as if we are conversing with our Father. There is no amount of request, desire...
What Are You Willing To Do For Your Kids?
Recently, I spent a day on the slopes with my son. Even though I don't ski, it was one of the greatest days of my winter. Here is one thing I know for sure: all of us want to be great parents to our kids. None of us wake up and say, I really hope that mess my kid up today. No,...
The Deeper Life: An Obtainable Goal and A Must Read
I want to tell you a story about the first time I heard about “The Deeper life.” It was an average day at the church where I worked and Daniel was often gracing us all with His presence. I was on staff as the Discipleship pastor and Daniel Henderson was the Prayer Pastor. He was sitting in the hallway that day...
The Apostle John: Beloved By God to Love Others
Sermon Resources: Sermon Manuscript Word Document My Sermon Slides The Message: Meet John – Who was he and why does it matter? I want to introduce you to a friend…well, probably, more like an acquaintance, but someone that I love and appreciate very much. He is not here today, but if he were, I am sure you would love him and he would...
Meet John, Son of Zebedee—The Disciple Jesus Loved.
I want to introduce you to a friend…well, probably, more like an acquaintance, but someone that I love and appreciate very much. He is not here today, but if he were, I am sure you would love him and he would love you. He is an average looking man, has a manly beard, and wears the rugged outdoorsman-look very well...
Pastor’s Kids Need Prayer and so do yours!
Raising kids is the hardest thing I've ever done. If you have kids, you know what I am talking about. It takes a level of energy, intentionality and selflessness like nothing else. Yet, there is nothing more rewarding than investing in the souls of the kids God has entrusted to you. Through the last few months, I've grown so aware of...
Get Control of Your Time When Others Demand It
You want to make today great... at least better than yesterday. But you know that it will probably full of the same old chaos. You dread driving home with disappointment. You hate the feeling of being out of control of your own life. What if this could change? What would it look like for this day to be more productive...
Five Under Five, December 11, 2015
Five links to five things that are under five dollars or five minutes of your time. 1. John MacArthur's “Anxious for Nothing: God's Cure for the Cares of Your Soul.” Anxiety is something that plagues us all from time-to-time. Here is a great those who battle anxiety or know someone who does. It is only .99 cents now on Kindle. This...
Interview with the Author of “Supernatural,” Dr. Michael Heiser
Who is Dr. Michael Heiser anyway? Scholar - taught in 7 or more collegiate and university settings Writer - Many articles and several books, one of which we are talking about today. Historian - most of your teaching and study has dealt with biblical history. Linguist - knows the semantic languages very well, part of your Doctoral work. What is a linguist? “Scholar in...
From One Pastor to Another: A note to Davey Blackburn
Today is my sermon prep day, but I can't seem to get my notes done. My heart hurts for a fellow pastor. Allow me to explain... I was taking a casual stroll down my Facebook stream last night before going to bed. I noticed a post one of my college friends made about a close friend of hers who had died....
Can Christianity Go Extinct in Iraq?
People in America are upset because Starbucks seems to have wiped Christmas away by not decorating their holiday cup with ornaments. This seems to be the talk of the town, yet no one is raising the voice to express concern over a country that is about to wipe Christianity out from within their boundaries. Fox News had a headline this...