The Anxiety of Ministry
Caring for souls within a local church can cause anxiety for its leaders. Rely on God’s power to change your church, and don’t settle for what you can do.
Wisdom About Sex
Powerful day of gospel-centered worship, testimonies of the church on the move, and an incredible warning concerning adultery. So thankful for such a committed team that works so hard! Service Order May the Peoples Praise You – Keith and Kristyn Getty Reading – 1 Cor. 15:55-58 Christ the Lord Is Risen Today/Hallelujah Chorus – North Side Worship Everyday Church – …
Timber
On night 3 of Fuge 2016, I preached a sermon entitled, “Timber.” The passage was from Romans 1:1-6 before venturing into a narrative of the entire biblical story regarding how the cross is the centerpiece and not a later addition. In the “Unashamed” theme, it was a way to encourage listeners to get lost in the big story of which Jesus is …
Saying It Well
It was a joy to read through Chuck Swindoll’s SAYING IT WELL: Touching Others With Your Words. A friend referenced the book concerning a discussion we had regarding calling, ministry, and communication. While the book is about speaking to others (not only preachers), the first three chapters regarding calling are exceptionally helpful. It also reminded me of the great benefit of reading …
Live It (7 Sons of Sceva)
At Fuge 2016, I preached a morning mini-message on “Live It” pertaining to how we are supposed to live out the gospel. It was day 3 in the “Unashamed” theme. We studied the seven sons of Sceva from Acts 19:11-20 and talked about a life that annoys the devil because it is so busy for the Kingdom. Sermon Audio
Wisdom About Work
Go to the ant, O sluggard; consider her ways, and be wise. -Proverbs 6:6 We focused on the “Wisdom About Work” in our “Proverbs” series today. Loved worshiping with the North Side family. One of my highlights was praying over these missionaries being sent out this week. I love watching our church become a praying church! It was also great …
May the Peoples Praise You
We are introducing this great song from Psalm 67 this morning at North Side. As we prepare to send out another mission team, we want to maintain a global awareness as we worship. This song by Keith and Kristyn Getty is so complete in its theology and musicality. It’s great. It is on the fantastic album. “Facing a Task Unfinished.” …
Broken Bones
In the “Unashamed” Fuge 2016 series, I preached a message entitled “Broken Bones” on Night 2. The sermon comes from 2 Samuel 11 & Psalm 51. It speaks of David’s rampant sin being confronted and the brokenness that followed. Main Points Sin can start with being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Sin can only be covered temporarily …
I Hated Reading
The best ideas I have come from the best books I read. When I think back over the last year, I can’t communicate that enough. The best ideas that have changed my walk with Jesus, my marriage, my fathering, my vocation, my habits, and my worldview have come from the best books I have read. And that is huge for …
The Magician’s Nephew
I finished Tony Reinke’s book, Lit, last week and was challenged at the lack of variety concerning my reading. I mainly ministry-based books. That’s good since I am a pastor, but I lack other genres. I decided to change my order around due to his prodding. He encouraged the need to read fiction and fantasy to get us to imagine a …
Wikigod
Day 1’s sermon at Fuge 2016 was from Matthew 16:13-28 and entitled “Wikigod.” The concept is that we are prone to try and change the identity of God. We don’t like what we find out about him, so we change him to meet our preferences. This was the first full sermon from the “Unashamed” theme. Sermon Audio Main Points “In …
I Love Your Church
I woke up with a heavy heart this morning. After reading about the removal of Perry Noble as pastor of Newspring Church, I was simply heartbroken. I am heartbroken for him, for his family, for his church, and for all those close to him. Besides meeting with Perry once, I really don’t know him. We have mutual friends and what …
Wisdom About Marriage
Great day watching people be the church today! Our focus was on “Wisdom About Marriage” in our Proverbs Series. Due to the cultural climate, I changed some things up this morning for our services. I love that our church is willing to get into prayer groups in our worship services and get after it! It is my favorite sound to …
Know It
The Fuge theme for this summer was “Unashamed.” Day 1’s focus was “Know It.” The day was all about knowing the gospel. This morning mini-sermon was from Romans 10:1-4. In this sermon, I tried to address the issue that many people have a zeal for the Lord but not according to knowledge. A lot of people are sincere, but you can …
Where Racism Leads
I am overwhelmed this morning. This week has been horrifically dividing for race in our country. 2 more black men have been killed by 2 white police officers. 2 more families have a loss to mourn. While details are still forthcoming, what was recorded on video is sufficient enough to know these situations are bad. Are tragic events of racism more …
Unashamed
I preached this “Unashamed” sermon as an opening introduction to the theme at Fuge 2016. The passage was Rom. 1:16-17. Main Points: If people have to ask you if Jesus is the most important relationship in your life, you’ve already answered them. I may be ashamed of my past, progress, and performance, but I am unashamed of the gospel. If …
Lit!: A Christian’s Guide to Reading Books
I have become more disciplined in my book-reading lately. During my schooling, my reading was handed down to me. Now, I get the privilege of reading what I desire. I’ve tried different methods concerning what types of books I am reading, and I am trying to stay on a rhythm of reading at least one book a week right now. …
7 Ways to Pray for Another
We need to discipline ourselves to pray for those we are around on a regular basis. Earlier this week, you probably heard requests from people around you concerning prayer requests. Have you prayed for them yet? Today is a great time to start! You will pass by co-workers or associates numerous times this week. While you might have talked with them, have …
4 Keys to Communication
We all are trying to communicate something. Our passion comes out on our platforms. It is natural. As a preacher, I desire to communicate truths about God from the Bible. I don’t put trust in my communication ability because I believe in the power of God, but that doesn’t mean that I am slack in my approach either. There is …
Wisdom About Possessions
After missing last Sunday, it was great to be back with the church family! Great time focusing on Proverbs 3:5-10 today. Service Order Baptism – 11:00 Have Thine Own Way Lord You Are My Vision – Rend Collective 10,000 Reasons – Matt Redman Commissioning Time for Ben and Christian Hjalmer My Jesus I Love Thee – Darlene Zschech Sermon – …
Only Jesus
I had the privilege to speak for Fuge camps for the last 2 weeks this summer. I edited something I wrote a few years ago for the final sermon for the week. Here is the written format. I am hoping to post the audio later. Pray it encourages you about the one and only Jesus. Only Jesus Transcript Who is …
Why We United Different Worship Styles
Years ago, our church had two different styles of worship. We had a traditional service early in the morning, and we had two contemporary services at the later morning hours. We did both well. Everything was working fine. No complaints, no problems, right? We began to feel a burden to unite our church together greater than the desire to keep …
Wisdom About Friends
I’ve been preaching in Charleston which has been great, but I hate not being with the people of North Side today. I guess I just don’t know how to deal with a Sunday without a Lethco because we went to hear Jeff’s brother preach today. Eric Lethco is the pastor at Old Fort Baptist Church in Summerville, SC. We had a wonderful …
Freshman 15 – 2nd Edition
Seven years ago, I completed a manual for college students who wanted to make much of Jesus. I entitled it Freshman 15. I wrote it because I kept answering the same questions to college students regarding living for Jesus. Book Overview Freshman fifteen is an Americanized concept proposing that when students conclude their freshman year at college, they are approximately …
Country & God
Around this time of year, you often see people talk about celebrating “God & Country.” It is meant to celebrate one’s devotion to God and one’s gratitude towards living in the United States. I have chosen to title this post, “Country & God” instead of “God & Country” because that is where it often leads. In the devotion to God …
Lessons from a Hospital
Last week, the Agnews spent a few days in the hospital. It wasn’t our idea of a fun family outing, but we sure did learn some valuable things from the experience. We were in the middle of a busy week and had some commitments coming up and we were unsure of what we were even dealing with. In short, my …
Step Up
I think family ministry is a big thing. Investing in your home is critically important for their discipleship and for the sake of the Great Commission. I would be remiss though if I did not make an appeal for men and women to step into the lives of some children who are less fortunate. As Paul served as a father figure …
10 Biblical Tips on Productivity and Laziness
Many people neglect reading the Bible due to a false assumption that it doesn’t speak to where a person is in life. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Even as it relates to work, productivity, effort, and laziness, the Bible is very clear regarding how we should live in this world. Here are 10 biblical tips on productivity and …
Does the Devil Know Me By Name?
In a previous post, I identified the strategy of Satan. I showed his character and activity through what we see portrayed in God’s Word. We know about Satan. But here’s a question for you: does Satan know about you? Are you even on Satan’s radar? Read Acts 19:11-20: 11 God was performing extraordinary miracles by Paul’s hands, 12 so that even …
North Side Sermons
This is a collection of sermons recorded at North Side Baptist Church in Greenwood, SC.
Wisdom About Words
It was a wonderful privilege to celebrate Jesus as the church gathered today. It was our 2nd week in our “Proverbs” series and we focused on “Wisdom About Words.” We focused on 2 things to celebrate for the Kingdom today. One was the great VBS week and all the great stuff that took place including many kids receiving the gospel! …
Facing a Task Unfinished
I first heard the story and the hymn, “Facing a Task Unfinished,” at a Keith and Kristyn Getty concert at First Baptist Columbia, SC. I wept. The story is incredible and I am so thankful that the Gettys are making it known at a greater level now. We need more missional songs and this song was birthed on the China …
A Family Well-Ordered
Amanda asked me the other night, “What are you reading?” “A 17th century Puritan volume on the home.” “Where did you even find that?” I had heard of Cotton Mather, but I hadn’t heard details concerning A Family Well-Ordered until I read Voddie Baucham’s Family Shepherds. Baucham referenced it enough to perk my curiosity, and I was thankful he did. …
How Do I Report Abuse? [Ministry Mandated Reporting]
Due to having to deal with abusive situations in my years as a pastor, I learned a lot by asking questions of friends who deal with such issues in their professions. I decided to pull together an expert panel who could help churches and ministries navigate through the legal requirements concerning abuse. David Stumbo – Greenwood County Solicitor Charlotte Ehney – Children’s …
Don’t Be THAT Kid in the Lazy River
A few weeks ago, our family got to enjoy a beach vacation before the summer rush. We had planned the trip earlier in May so that it would not be insanely crowded at the beach. My wife and I were hurrying up to get there so we could slow down. At our location, there was a lazy river winding around …
The Armor of God
To be able to fight well in spiritual warfare, we must rely on the teachings of Scripture and on the one who is greater who lives in us (1 John 4:4). Paul teaches that to fight spiritual battles, we must put on the armor of God. The description can be found in Eph. 6:10-17. 10 Finally, be strengthened by the …
The Old Rugged Cross – Album Chords
We have been super encouraged from feedback regarding our latest North Side Worship album entitled, “The Old Rugged Cross.” This collection of 13 hymns was recorded on Easter weekend earlier this year. We have heard incredible stories of people sharing the music with friends and other churches beginning to sing the arrangements. Album Preview You can listen to snippets from …
Role Reversal
We live in a time when parents are using coloring books and children are using day planners. If you don’t get the weight of that statement, let me unpack it. Adult coloring books are becoming a growing phenomenon right now. And I’m not going to throw shade at it. I enjoy coloring with my kids. I love pretending I am …
Wisdom About Wisdom
We officially kicked off summer with our series through Proverbs. So excited to unpack God’s wisdom and apply it in our lives! It was an eager group of worshipers this morning in both services. Great meeting some new guests and praying for God’s wisdom for all of us! Service Order In the Sanctuary – Kurt Carr There Is a Fountain …
Counter Culture
David Platt’s Counter Culture is a great read. In a time when our culture is polarizing over significant topics, Platt gives a thorough chapter to these issues. Biblical and passionate, he handles these topics so well. Out of all the fantastic contributions this book makes, there is none greater than this truth: As a Christian, I am to be concerned …
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