Expectant Exiles
When Babylon conquered Judah, the pagan king gathered a group of exiles to alter their worldview in order to reconstruct the whole nation. A small group heeded the biblical command regarding exile expectations and remained expectant of how God could use them during that time.
Daniel Series Trailer
Remember all those hopes you had on December 31, 2019? We were all going to have a “2020” vision for the future. This year was going to be the year.
Lead Like Jesus (7 Essential Characteristics)
Are you a leader? Have you always wanted to be a leader? If so, you should learn from the greatest leader this world ever witnessed. Here are 7 essential leadership characteristics from the life of Jesus.
The New Church Normal
Now that we have made it through the first half of 2020, people are constantly asking – when will we get back to normal? I hate to break it to you, but I don’t think we are going to return to it, but that doesn’t have to be a bad thing for your life, family, or church.
Critical Advice for College Students
The first 2 weeks will make or break your college experience. Depending upon the relationships you build in the first 2 weeks will determine how you finish.
An Overview of Daniel
Have you ever desired to understand the Book of Daniel? Learn some insights into the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. Daniel’s account motivates God’s people to remain faithful despite exilic times.
Think Church Rebuild – Not Church Restart
All church leaders have been imagining what it will be like when we restart and everything returns to normal. That isn’t happening. We need to think about a church rebuild – not a church restart.
Daniel [Series Overview]
Daniel learned how to stay faithful to God in a culture that was hostile toward his faith. Navigating through promised persecution, prideful politicians, and petrifying predictions, Daniel and his friends maintained their commitment regardless of the outcome.
Controlling Comparison
The 10th commandment warns against coveting. While this sin may be last on the list, it is one of the most prevalent in our hearts. In fact, our casual acceptance of it reveals that we don’t take it that seriously. Deep down, this is as serious of a sin as they come. It’s time to go the 2nd mile on controlling comparison.
Love Your Kids By Prioritizing Your Spouse
As you lovingly teach your children that your spouse comes first, you are modeling healthy marriage for them, maintaining emotional security for them, and maturing your own marriage before them. Never neglect the task of shepherding your children in the ways of the Lord (Prov. 22:6; Eph. 6:4), but never forget that one of the main ways you can do that is by loving their other parent.
Down But Not Out
The people of God know what it is like to be down but not out. No matter the opposition we encounter, our God continues to hold us steadfast.
Are You Praying With Wrong Motives?
James warns believers that certain prayers will not be answered by God. Regardless of how eloquent the words that are used or how passionate the pleas may be, God has promised not to give what has been requested from Him. Those prayers that are spoken out of wrong motives will not be granted.
Dangerous Desires
There is great danger when we look for ways to disobey our God. There are dangerous desires of which we must be aware.
Highlighting Honesty
You can tell our culture doesn’t see lying as that big of a sin when we always categorize our deceit as just “a little white lie.” Bearing false witness speaks clearly about our character and teaches others that we are untrustworthy. It’s not just about avoiding lies, but about being trusted to say the truth.
How to Make Distinctive Disciples
I love watching how God works through David Sons and the folks at Lake Murray Baptist Church in Lexington, SC. I had a great time recording this podcast with him regarding discipleship in the local church. You can check it out here! Episode Description Dr. Travis Agnew is the pastor of Rocky Creek Baptist Church in Greenville, SC. In this episode, David and …
10 Bible Verses for Combatting Lust
Looking for Bible verses to study or memorize on a particular area? One of the best ways to fight for holiness and combat against sin is by memorizing Scripture. Here are 10 verses for combatting lust.
Redefining Robbery
The 8th commandment warns against stealing. Most of us think of theft as something that only criminals and children struggle doing. We almost feel impervious to such temptation. But are we? How frequent do we justify our subtle possession of things that do not belong to us?
How You Finish Is More Important Than How You Started
Just because David had walked with integrity in the past did not guarantee that he would in the future. Walking with God is a continual commitment to pursuing biblical obedience.
Jesus Teaches Me How to Live My Life
Jesus taught the importance of hearing and obeying God’s Word in a story he taught about two builders. The difference may seem subtle at first, but the outcome is dramatically polarizing from each other.
Jesus Promises to Always Be With Me
In Matthew 28, we read of how Jesus gathered his disciples together after his resurrection. On that day, he provided the Great Commission and assured the disciples of his presence with them as they went out.
Jesus Chose to Die for Me
In Matthew 26:36-46, we read of Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane before his crucifixion. Even though he knew the great cost for our salvation, he was willing to take our place.
Avoiding Adultery
A marriage cannot work with three people in it. Whether you have been guilty, considered it, or believe yourself to be immune to the temptation, it’s time to get real about avoiding adultery.
Jesus Forgives All My Sin
In Acts 26, we read Paul’s story and find him in prison telling his story to King Agrippa. Before Paul became a Christ-follower, he was actually being unkind to Christians. The good news is that on the Road to Damascus, God got his attention with a bright light and Paul turned from his sin. Paul changed the way he lived.
Jesus Chose to Love Me
In Matthew 9:9-13, Jesus chose to call Matthew as his disciple. It also tells us about Matthew choosing to introduce his friends to Jesus because Matthew loved his friends and wanted to introduce them to Jesus.
Investigate Me
God is infinitely responsible and yet intimately involved. Since God knows every detail about every person, we ought to welcome him to investigate the deepest part of our lives.
Our Closest Relationships Determine Our Spiritual Devotion
Many people walk away from the faith not because they aren’t close enough to God but because they are too close to people who neglect God without having the support of those who follow after him. The people closest people to you must be closest to God.
Why Homeschooling Is Different Than Hybrid-Schooling
COVID-19 forced many parents to finish up the school year in a hybrid format. For those who were overwhelmed by that experience, that is not the same as homeschooling.
Addressing Anger
The 6th commandment warns against murder. While we all agree about the serious nature of this sin, not many see it as a real temptation. When Jesus came, he explained that the real danger was in the heart before it was in the hands. You might be more guilty than you realize.
The Gospel, Race, & Justice
Watch a much-needed conversation on race and justice in our nation and how to bring the claims of the gospel to bear on these issues. Josh Powell, Alex Sands, and Will Broadus lead this discussion.
When Depression Deepens
When depression deepens, every person will either draw closer to God or further away from him. When all hope seems to be lost, resolve to hope in God nonetheless.
Just Because We Are Unreliable Doesn’t Mean That God Is
Along the way, we make God pay for the mistakes of others. For all the people who have proven to be unreliable, we associate their nature with God’s nature. We stare at the promises of God and demand that we receive a deadline of when they will come to pass.
It’s Not “Blessed Are the Peacekeepers”
With all the unrest in our culture, I feel as if a lot of people are either troublemakers, peacekeepers, but we rarely find peacemakers.
Prizing Parents
Children who disobey their parents become students who disrespect teachers, employees who disagree with employers, citizens who disregard authorities, church members who discourage their pastors, adults who disvalue God.
The Looming Decision for COVID Education
I have talked with so many parents who are concerned with the unknown situation regarding their children’s education during these anxious times we live in due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are now in July, and most parents are holding their breath awaiting an imminent decision with serious implications.
More Than the Man Upstairs
True worshipers can never perceive God as merely the “man upstairs.” As the Sovereign Maker, he is alone worthy of extravagant worship.
10 Bible Verses for Overcoming Anxiety
One of the best ways to see progress in challenging areas is by memorizing Scripture. Here are 10 verses for overcoming anxiety.
Don’t Be Surprised by the Supreme Court
Over the last few weeks, the Supreme Court has made some decisions that were surprising to many. The apparent conservative majority among the justices was supposed to ensure that significant cases regarding ethical issues would be destined to lean toward conservative conclusions. That has not been the case.
Reclaiming Rhythms
Observing the Sabbath is a fight to admit one critical thought: I am not as important as I think I am.
Someone Near You Needs Jesus
Someone near you needs Jesus, and you can introduce them. Before you panic, I want to help. Let’s figure out who it is before you worry about what to do.