Concentrating on Christ at Christmas
Christmas as it is celebrated today is badly in need of a radical reformation. What was at first a spontaneous expression of an innocent pleasure has been carried to inordinate excess.
O Come, All You Unfaithful
I have loved this new Christmas song. “O Come, All You Unfaithful” by Sovereign Grace Music might be the surprising encouragement that you need this year.
Why Your Pastor Might Be Ready to Quit
Every year, many pastors burn out and quit. Why is that such a common reality? Discover ten things that might be discouraging your pastor, and how to help him address it.
The Biggest Misunderstanding of the Old Testament
The biggest misunderstanding of the Old Testament is thinking that God ever expected people to work for their salvation. It has always been grace through faith, and it always will be.
Meaningful Mourning
What causes you to be emotional? Is it sappy music or heart-stirring films? Do you get weepy at moving stories or happy reunions? Maybe you rarely feel emotions at all. What if I were to tell you that following Jesus should incorporate emotions?
Making a Spiritual Growth Plan for 2021
You will not grow by accident. To have the blessed life that Jesus spoke about in the Sermon on the Mount, we must follow Him on the path of discipleship. We must keep growing.
How to Be Truly Happy
As Jesus began the most quoted sermon in history, he explained what the blessed or happy life looks like. Living according to the principles of the kingdom is a pivotal yet promising paradigm shift.
Sermon on the Mount
Matthew 5-7 archives the greatest sermon in the history of the world. As Jesus gathered His growing followers together, He taught a simple yet thorough overview of how Kingdom citizens should live. Christianity is more than a mere association of rules, but it is a complete dedication to a countercultural lifestyle.
12 Goals for Our Church in 2021
While we know there are uncertainties around 2021, we also know that our mandate hasn’t changed. We are called to make disciples. Here are some of our goals to see that happen.
Spiritual Bankruptcy
We are taught to be strong. We are taught to have it all together. And if we are deficient, act like you are not. It’s the way we’ve always been taught, and it’s killing us. The strength we need is often in admitting our weakness. It’s time to go the second mile in acknowledging your spiritual bankruptcy.
Sermon on the Mount [Series Overview]
Jesus’ sermon on the mount recorded in Matthew 5-7 provided the standard for countercultural living for Kingdom citizens. Here is the overview of the sermon series as we study Jesus’ life changing words.
Intro to the Sermon on the Mount
The Sermon on the Mount is the greatest sermon in the history of the world. It has been translated and quoted and treasured more than any other. Before starting a thorough study, here is some information that will help you grasp the truth contained within the sermon.
What We Know for Sure About the End
While we may be uncertain regarding the timing of the end, God is clear regarding the testing leading up to that end. Daniel’s final vision provides a vague progression of events accompanied by a clear expectation for His followers.
How to Have a Peaceful Family Gathering
We are on the verge of one of my favorite times of year – it is the Thanksgiving long weekend. Regardless of your specific traditions, these days are often characterized by food, family, and football, but for many of us, it’s also known for frustration. It’s time to go the second mile in having a peaceful family gathering.
2021 Sermon Series
As I prayerfully considered where we are spiritually as a church, I felt the need to address certain issues with biblical truth. I am so excited to have God’s Word intersect our lives in these specific ways as we go forward.
Expectant
Amid an uncertain 2020, God did incredible things through our church. We are expectant of what he will do in 2021.
Even the Antichrist Has a Term Limit
Daniel foresaw a clear progression of prideful rulers culminating in the reign of the Antichrist. For all the power amassed by God’s opponents throughout history, their end will be sudden and sure.
Your Marriage Doesn’t Have to Be Over
I know it’s hard. I get that you’ve grown apart. I am sure there is a great amount of backlogged pain, but it doesn’t have to be over. There is still hope for your marriage.
Focus on What You Can Control
We often obsess over things of which are not within our control. The concerns that occupy our minds are normally situations we can’t even influence. We can’t make changes regarding political policy, pandemic protocols, or worldwide worries. What can we do? It’s time to go the second mile focusing on what you can control.
Pastoral Reflection on 2020
As I look back over 2020, I’m more overwhelmed at what God did than what we endured. Yes, this year had its fair share of challenges, but it didn’t hinder God’s work.
The Power of Humility
When it comes to governmental leadership, we often believe that most is accomplished through some type of conquering force. Jesus was a different type of King and setup a different kind of Kingdom.
The Spiritual Warfare All Around Us
God sent messengers to Daniel to reveal how earthly conflicts are connected to spiritual warfare. If we don’t acknowledge that we are in a war, we will most definitely experience significant defeat.
Jesus Isn’t Looking for a Crowd
Many people claim to follow Christ, but they are actually only associating with the crowd. Discipleship is different. Following Jesus means you forsake the conveniences of this fleeting world to obtain the joys of this Kingdom’s lifestyle.
Praying for National Leaders
Over a week after the election for President of the United States, much of the country still feels in limbo. With one side claiming victory and the other side refusing to concede, this process may continue for quite some time. Don’t feel helpless or hopeless. It’s time to go the second mile in praying for national leaders.
Hypnotized Christians
Have you become hypnotized? Are you trying to live for God apart from God? Don’t put unnecessary pressure on yourself for your spiritual condition.
The Ending of Hostility
As the United States continues to further the philosophical divide, the greatest point of conflict has to do with how all citizens respond to God. As all nations rage against God, He has a sovereign plan to deal with every single one.
When the Future Seems Unclear
In Daniel’s concern about the future, the angel Gabriel provided a needed amount of clarity yet permitted some level of confusion. While the details may be debated, the vision is clear – Christ is coming at an appointed time for a specific outcome.
4 Questions for Long-Term Sermon Planning
One of the most helpful ways to preach faithfully to a local congregation is to have a long-term plan. It doesn’t limit the Holy Spirit, but I think the process connects you even more to Him in your preparation and delivery.
Waiting for the Election Results
If you stayed up late last night hoping to learn the status of the presidential election, you woke up with two realizations: you’re tired and we still don’t know anything. With tensions high now and people on alert, how should Christians respond?
A Call for Repentance Within the American Church
Christians long for a change in the United States, but it’s not more present because we have fallen down on the job. Revival cannot begin in our country until repentance starts in the church.
The Changing of Majority
While the standard of morality within the United States continues to drift, Christians are left facing a different spiritual landscape. With the changing of the majority’s beliefs, we must adapt to ensure biblical faithfulness in rebellious times.
When God’s People Turn Aside
As Daniel studied the scriptures, he was dismayed at how far the people had drifted from God. His prayer of corporate repentance provides a helpful guide as we seek a needed wake-up call from God.
The American Need for Both Compassion and Conviction
With every passing year, American citizens become more polarized on an ever-increasing list of divisive issues. Is there a way back toward unity?
Identifying the Government’s Role
The United States of America is less than one week away from the polls closing on the 2020 election. Depending upon who wins, the administration will go in one of two very polarized directions. To what level should a Christian expect or desire?
The Parental Pendulum
Unfortunately, instead of finding a healthy, biblical balance of parents disciplining their children in love, I often see parents swinging to one of the far sides of the parent pendulum. Most parents tend to be either too harsh or too lenient in disciplining their children.
The Slide of Morality
Our culture changes the standard of what is acceptable by the year. As our culture moves further from biblical morality, the church must clarify the ideal and define our approach.
Throwing Truth to the Ground
In Daniel’s remarkably detailed vision of two coming kingdoms, God’s enemies are described as those who throw truth to the ground. No matter how powerful they may seem, God’s truth will endure, and He will ultimately defeat every remaining opposition.
North Greenville University’s Letters of Recommendation
How can you prove the effectiveness of what North Greenville is doing right now? It’s simple really. Look at our letters of recommendation. Get to know the caliber of our students who are changing the world.
Determining Your Presidential Vote
How should a Christian determine the direction of his or her presidential vote? While no person has to know who you support, God will, so make sure you feel confident before him regarding your decision.
Your Spouse’s Pride Is Hurting Your Marriage
Do you believe that your spouse’s pride might be hurting your marriage? Could that be said of you as well? It’s always easier to spot pride in your spouse’s life than it is to acknowledge it in your own life.