In any family, conflict is unavoidable, but, in the family of God, it must be dealt with, or else the church will suffer. Paul singles out two disagreeing church members and instructs us all how to reconcile when conflict comes. Personal conflict must be addressed, or else the entire church will suffer. Philippians 4:1-3 4:1 Therefore, my brothers, whom I …
As a culture walking through the uncharted territory of an international pandemic, we know that we have to begin the process of reopening businesses, parks, restaurants, schools, and even churches. While plenty of measures have been taken to flatten the curve of the COVID-19, we all acknowledge that, at some point, we have to reverse operational trends, yet we must …
Your schedule has probably simplified in recent weeks. In fact, you probably have more margin now than ever to be able to read the Bible, but have you taken advantage of it? If you are not careful, you can waste this present opportunity and let the time slip away. It’s time to go the 2nd mile in developing a reasonable …
I would have pulled out my notebook from seminary on how to lead a church through an international pandemic, but, like everyone else, I didn’t have that class. I am making it up as we go along. You are too. I have benefitted from hearing ideas from other places, and I thought maybe this list could help you. As a …
As we study the New Testament, we must unpack the reasoning, audience, and direction of the 4 Gospels. Download Handout – 05 – The 4 Gospels Video Audio
As we live our lives on the earth, we are never to forget that our citizenship is in heaven. Ultimately, we belong to another King and another Kingdom. Philippians 3:17-21 17 Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. 18 For many, of whom I have often told you and now tell you even …
King Solomon wrote that life is full of differing seasons. A time to be born and a time to die. A time to weep and a time to laugh. A time for war and a time for peace. Life provides the opportunity to walk through all of these polarized experiences. Like life, the ministry has differing seasons. In the ebb …
As you develop your budget and try to live financially responsible, it can be overwhelming in all the areas you need to address. How do you know what should be your priority? How do you know what you should tackle next? Maybe you need some practical guidance to start. It’s time to go the 2nd mile in developing money milestones.
You want your family to follow Jesus. I’m right there with you. But each person has unique challenges to getting an adequate view. As you think about your family today, what greatest hindrances block their connection to Jesus? Doubt – Maybe your family member has intellectual blockades that oppose the idea that God is with him or her. Guilt – …
The New Testament is 27 books that tell 1 story. Learn how the New Testament was compiled and organized in order to observe the impact it has made. Download Handout – 04 – New Testament Overview Video Audio
Christian maturity is a matter of progression instead of perfection. As we follow Jesus, we gradually grow closer to Him in our personal discipleship. None of us are so spiritually mature that we can afford to coast the rest of the way. Philippians 3:12-16 12 Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it …
God often provides examples for us to follow. He does things not because they are necessary for him, but because he knows they will be essential for us. When God rested on the seventh day of Creation (Gen. 2:2-3), he was not exhausted (Isa. 40:28) but knew that we would be. He rested as an example so that we would …
You know that budgeting is important, so what is keeping you from working on one? Maybe you don’t want to face reality, but if you don’t address your financial situation, reality will interrupt you at the most inconvenient time. It’s time to go the 2nd mile in developing a budget.
In this Resurrection Sunday edition of Ask Pastor Trav, we engage one simple question: Can God be trusted during difficult times? To answer this question, Pastor Travis reads a writing he compiled called Jesus’ resume to remind us of his power, concern, and willingness. VIDEO AUDIO
Paul had plenty of room to boast in religious, familial, and personal accomplishments, but it was nothing compared to knowing Jesus. The opportunity to know the resurrected Christ is greater than anything else this world offers. Philippians 3:1-11 3 Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you. …
In Psalm 22, David wrote a worship song that also served as a remarkably comprehensive prophecy of Jesus’ death upon the cross. While the precision to detail is astounding, God’s commitment to our salvation is even more remarkable. Psalm 22 22 My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?2 O …
Maybe you know about Jesus, but have you ever studied what the Bible says about the week leading up to his death and resurrection? Holy Week is remembered as the days when Jesus changed the world. Spanning from Palm Sunday to Resurrection Sunday, here are the events and passages describing the days leading up to Jesus’ death and the moments …
A financial crisis has a way of waking us up to reality. Whether it is a national recession on the horizon or a personal consequence based on a decision, we each know how money can affect us in numerous ways. The way we handle our money says a lot about us. It’s time to go the 2nd mile in financial …
I teach a large group Bible study on Sunday nights at my church called Equip. The intended goal is to “equip the saints for the work of the ministry” (Eph. 4:12). We have a plethora of ages and backgrounds that come to this gathering every week. For a solid hour, I teach on the topic at hand. It might be …
This week’s edition of Ask Pastor Trav prepares us to answer questions regarding Jesus’ death and resurrection. 5 Questions 1. Did Jesus have a substitute on the cross?2. Did Jesus actually die?3. Do the Gospels agree about the resurrection details?4. Is the tomb really empty?5. Did the disciples lie about the resurrection? And if Christ has not been raised, then …
Since Paul couldn’t personally gather with the church of Philippi, he planned on sending two individuals who epitomized reliable, gospel companions. We need to have good gospel friends, and we need to be good gospel friends to others. Philippians 2:19-30 We have unfortunately reduced Christianity to a one-time decision rather than a lifelong journey. Life requires companions more than content. …
God often uses unexpected situations to teach us needed truths. As the world continues to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of the COVID-19 pandemic, we are all adjusting daily to make sense of it all, protect our neighbors, and grasp the new normal. Until it changes again in another 5 minutes. As a pastor, I want to provide care, direction, …
As we each grasp with learning how to function during an international pandemic, we have to innovate among restrictions. We all have stuff we still have to do, and we want to be used in a purposeful way, but everything is different now. If you want to faithfully productive, we must go the 2nd mile while working at home.
Our church has been streaming services for years. We make it available for those who are homebound or traveling. We have a pretty good system of keeping our church family informed through online content. So when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, we didn’t have to reinvent ourselves, but we did have to spotlight things we regularly use as supplements. For the …
Since we can’t gather for Equip tonight, Pastor Trav is answering 5 submitted questions in a 30-minute segment called, “Ask Pastor Trav.” Enjoy! 5 Questions Where did Jesus go after he died? Should we obey the government’s gathering guidelines? Should we treat Easter Sunday differently? What could God be teaching the Church during this time? What could God be teaching …
If we want to make a difference in the world, we must avoid sounding just like the world. We are called to rid ourselves of complaining as we follow Jesus. I have been given a perfect Savior, so why should I complain about imperfect stuff? The challenges of the Christian life will lead us to whine or worship. Philippians 2:14-18 …
As we all navigate through challenging and changing scenarios predicated by the COVID-19 pandemic, we are sure of one thing: we really aren’t sure how much this virus will impact our world. We know it is having an immediate impact, but how longstanding will the fallout be? While there are many challenging circumstances affecting our world (health, safety, security, fear, …
Our Rocky Creek Church staff is currently having to meet by Zoom due to the COVID-19 (along with almost every other organization in the world). Our screens kinda reminded us of something the other day… #RCtogether
Last Sunday, people all over the world had to rethink church gatherings due to the COVID-19. Whether you watched online, had a drive-in at your church parking lot, or some other option, worship felt a little bit different. As we adapt to our circumstances, it’s time to go the 2nd mile in being the scattered church.
I don’t remember the pandemic course in seminary. All pastors are learning on the fly in days in like these. We are dependent upon God’s principles contained in Scripture, God’s guidance through His Spirit, and God’s wisdom given through knowledgeable people. My friend, Wayne Bray, has a great heart for the local church. As the pastor of neighboring First Baptist …
Since we can’t gather for Equip tonight, Pastor Trav is answering 5 submitted questions in a 30-minute segment called, “Ask Pastor Trav.” Enjoy! 5 Questions If Jesus died on Friday, then shouldn’t he have come back on Monday? Why would God not listen to my prayers? Can you lose your salvation? Why was Moses not able to go into the …
When it comes to the work of our salvation and sanctification, who is ultimately responsible? Scripture indicates that God works hard through our hard work. How spiritually healthy would your family be if the church doors had to close? The mature Christian must show diligence in personal responsibility and dependence on God’s activity. Philippians 2:12-13 12 Therefore, my beloved, as you have …
Life as we know it as changed just a wee bit. With the rise of the COVID-19 pandemic, our lives are being changed. If you aren’t quarantined, you are at least limited. So, what should you do when your schedule has changed and the world is in fear? It’s time to go the 2nd mile in quarantined discipleship.
With the rise of COVID-19 around the world, it has caused everyone to get creative quickly. In ministry and church settings, we have been asked not to gather for a few weeks, but we are also aware that it could be longer. Many ministry leaders I have spoken with regret not having some things in place currently. They were going …
It’s Monday morning. We have an international pandemic on our hands, and I don’t know what to do. As an individual, husband, dad, pastor, and friend, I feel like many want me to provide answers. Some I have, but others I don’t. I’m an extremely optimistic pastor. I have faith in God. I know he can do the impossible. I’m …
The Bible is not a collection of disconnected, moralistic stories. It is the one overarching story of how the cross of Christ will rescue a fallen people. OLD TESTAMENT SECTIONS Creation– God created the world out of nothing. Fall– Mankind rebelled against God. Flood– God punished sin. Covenant– God made a covenant with Abraham’s family. Placement– God placed Joseph and his …
Jesus never attempted to advance a personally painless agenda but gave of Himself for our benefit. If the magnificent Jesus can humble Himself so much for our sake, what excuse can we reasonably provide? Philippians 2:5-11 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a …
I had the wonderful privilege of preaching at Edwards Road Baptist Church’s DNOW 2020. The theme was “Set Apart.” Here are the notes from our sessions together. Session 1 – Set Apart 1 Peter 1:13-16 If God has provided necessary holiness, we should pursue practical holiness (1:13). One sign that we belong to Jesus is if we are fighting against …
In times of joy or fear, the Book of Psalms is a great place to read, study, memorize, recite, and pray. They help teach us how to speak back to God. Have you ever wondered out of the 150 psalms which ones are the most popular? According to trends provided by Google analytics, these are the top 10 searched psalms: …
If you searched for the 1 book that focuses on marriage out of the 66 books that compose the Bible, you would arrive at the book entitled The Song of Solomon or The Song of Songs. The biblical “expert” on marriage appears to be King Solomon. In his book, he wrote flattering comments about his bride, but none is as …