What Happens at the Final Judgment?
There is coming a day when Jesus will declare the eternal state for every person. What Jesus will do with us then depends on what we do with Him now.
When We Give Together
Nehemiah 10:1-39 – As the people commit to keeping the covenant, they also agree to fund the temple’s financial requirements. When we give together, we join our generous offerings and stand amazed at what God does through aligned efforts.
The Failure of “My Truth”
A culture that defends its beliefs and behaviors on personal ideations of what feels true to an individual is one that is destined to fail. No matter how much “you do you,” you will ultimately have to make an account before God.
Why Are My Prayers Inconsistent?
If your prayer life consistency is based on how you feel, you will only connect with God when you are desperate. But that’s not healthy. We need something more. We need to have an established connection with God that endures through all times.
The Danger of Sweet-Spot Ministry
We all serve more effectively and efficiently if we are working in line with our giftings and passions. But even if you can’t find the ideal way to help doesn’t mean you should wait to serve in any capacity.
Will Christians Have to Endure Tribulation?
Scripture is clear that a severe period of Tribulation will impact the earth before the end. People disagree on the presence of Christians on the earth during that time.
When Conviction Comes
Nehemiah 9:1-38 – After listening to the Word of God, the people were aware of their sins and repented. When conviction comes, we must humbly approach God with a restorative desire.
Dragging Behind the Wedding Getaway Car
Before you hop into the getaway car at your wedding reception, realize that you will have some unfortunate baggage. We each carry evidence of Eden’s eviction behind us.
Why Am I So Distracted While Praying?
If you’ve ever tried to pray but gotten distracted during it, you are not alone. While we may have different reasons that we get sidetracked, there are some simple changes you can make to your rhythms to help you stay focused during prayer.
Why Pastors Should Post
Pastors can approach social media platforms as available pulpits by which to point others to Jesus. If they are growing personally, they should look for opportunities to share what they are learning.
What Will the Return of Christ Be Like?
Christians believe Christ will return but disagree on how His return will progress. An understanding of the coming millennium is essential to how someone will interpret this concept.
When the Word Is Central
Nehemiah 8:1-18 – As the people gathered together, Ezra, the scribe, read God’s Word to the assembly to obey it. When the Word is central among the people of God, we can better operate the way God intended us to live.
Be Disgusted by Your Sin (Or Be Prepared to Repeat It)
If your sin doesn’t truly upset you, you will continue to allow it in your life. Only when someone gets sick and tired of its presence does he or she actually start fighting it.
Why Do I Have a Pitiful Prayer Life?
Most people claim that prayer is helpful, but our commitment to it says something different. Everyone is busy, but we always find time for what is most important. If you value prayer enough, you will prioritize time to talk with God regularly.
Discipleship Requires Different Directions
While all true Christians will end up in the same place one day, none of us are in the same position currently. If every Christian is in a spiritually unique place surrounded by specific challenges, why do we think that a broad approach will work for every single one of us?
What Must a Church Do?
Jesus expects a local church to do their part in carrying out the Great Commission. Our activities, when we gather together, should originate from His call on our lives.
When Everyone Is Accounted For
Nehemiah 7:1-73 – As the workers prepared to settle into the land, Nehemiah assembled them to ensure all were covered. When everyone is accounted for among the people of God, we can rest knowing that we all have others watching out for us.
When Nature Steals Our Song
While we were made to worship, we often neglect the blessed opportunity. If we look around us, we discover that even nature will sing our song if we refuse to do so.
Grace & Guidance
For every single person, our sin disrupts our relationship with God and others. Without intervention, there is no hope for us, but in the gospel of Jesus Christ, we can find mercy for our transgressions and meaning in our brokenness.
Can You Let God Down?
When we characterize our missteps as letting God down, we imply that we are holding him up in the first place. If God’s well-being is contingent upon our success, we are all in trouble.
What Makes a Church?
Since a local church is a body instead of a building, certain necessary distinctives must be present. To have a biblical church, we cannot ignore biblical requirements.
When We’re Tempted to Slow Progress
Nehemiah 6:1-19 – The people not only experienced organized efforts to slow them, but certain people also conspired against the leadership. When we’re tempted to slow progress, we must discern God’s will among all the competing voices.
Don’t Pursue the Position
In our culture that encourages self-promotion to climb ladders of success, how should Christians seek to advance? While common sense tells us to put ourselves out there, Jesus’ uncommon wisdom tells us to humble ourselves.
Truth & Consequences
When Adam and Eve first sinned, it changed everything for them and us. God counseled them during the event and led them through the fallout. We can’t hide from the reality of what our sin costs nor can we overlook His grace through it.
For Those in Need of Hope
When we look around us at the state of the world, we can easily succumb to fear and anxiety. In the midst of unsettling times, you can turn to God for the hope that you so desperately need.
Who Are the People of God?
We will never understand what the Church should do until we know what the Church actually is. The Church is the people of God united for the purposes of God.
When We Fail to Help Each Other
Nehemiah 5:1-19 – After slowing down the opposition of outsiders, Nehemiah addressed how the rich were wrongfully exploiting the poor among them. When we fail to help each other, we work against that which God has called us to accomplish.
Shame & Blame
You will sin. Your spouse will sin. What will you do when it happens? The first couple paved the way for us to repeat, unfortunately. They immediately hid from God and framed others in the awareness of their guilt.
The Creator Can (Still) Handle His Creation
How can we rest in God’s power when our world seems out of control? We must never forget that the Creator can still handle His creation.
Can You Lose Your Salvation?
The chance of losing salvation depends on whose work it is ultimately. While we could undeniably fumble, God is entirely faithful.
When Forces Oppose God’s Work
The opposition increased as Nehemiah and the people made progress on the wall. When forces oppose God’s work, we must stay faithful to His calling, knowing that He is more powerful than any resistance aligned against us.
Palmetto Collective Fall Retreat
What does it mean to stay on mission in light of endangering distractions intended to take you off course? For those who desire to follow Jesus for the long haul, you must be intentional about what you start doing and stop doing.
The Danger of a God We Could Edit
We want ever so desperately to serve a deity whom we have the freedom and capability to edit. Our altered version of God would run this world into the ground because he would look too much like us.
Commandments & Compromises
Your marriage would be much easier if sin weren’t in the picture. Unfortunately for you and your spouse, it is unavoidable. Your marriage can survive if you work together to navigate temptation, sin, and restoration when it all happens.
When God Gives, He Gives Abundantly
It is easy to think about what we wish we had, but how often do we reflect on what God has already provided? A simple review of your life may reveal that God has already blessed you in abundant ways.
How Do We Reconcile God’s Sovereignty and Man’s Responsibility?
Many people have attempted to reconcile God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility, but the Bible never claims them to be at odds with one another. Discover the biblical approach for salvation regarding God’s part and our involvement.
When We Work Together
Nehemiah 3:1-32 – As the work on the wall began, Nehemiah organized the people into specific groups to accomplish the greater task. When we work together as the people of God, we can marvel at the progress He intentionally makes among us.
2023 Sermon Planning Resource
Would you like a guide to help you prepare long-term sermon planning for next year? Here is a free resource to help you plan where God is leading you to lead your congregation.
Fruitful & Multiply
God’s original command to the first couple was to be fruitful and multiply. It was a call to take what He had given them in order to use it and multiply it to the best of their God-given abilities. God is up to something, and your marriage can be a part of it.
Unreliable Precautions
Tragedy struck when a Chinese policy to quarantine citizens who tested positive for Covid-19 killed 27 people on the midnight bus ride. It serves as a reminder that no matter how many precautions we take, we are never truly invincible.