Prayer is often misunderstood and tragically neglected. While most Christians would affirm a foundational belief in the power of prayer, the lack of its practice in many of our lives would beg to differ. If God compiled a list of the top 5 prayers he hears, what do you think would make the list? Most likely, the list would …
Today is going to be an exciting and intensive day. I am going to be on the campus of North Greenville University for a pivotal time of meetings concerning the next president of the school. I have written previously on my newfound role as a trustee of the school and how I am more confident than ever in the fact that …
I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, -Isaiah 61:10 Wonderful services as we walked through Isaiah 61. Powerful time together! We had 1 worship team over at Connie Maxwell and many college students serving in …
You have to be devoted to something before you can become proficient in something. Below is a recording of this week’s prayer course. Here are a few key notes from the session entitled, “Devoted to Prayer.” We all have stories of answered prayers. Prayer doesn’t need more proof, it needs more practice. You have to be devoted to something before …
The story of Achan in Joshua 7 reveals a sobering picture of how one man’s sin can affect those around him. Joshua leads the people to invade the city of Ai fresh after the victory of Jericho. Without consulting God concerning the plan of attack, the people pridefully devise a strategy. After being defeated, God reveals that there is sin …
This sermon was recorded for two groups: 1) traveling university team, and 2) wrap-up message for Liberty DNOW for their Sunday morning groups. Sometimes you have to work smarter. At the DNOW gathering, we walked through John 10 in four sermons in a study called “Follower.” Here is the concluding challenge I gave on Jesus as the saving shepherd.
James Dobson wrote Dare to Discipline in 1971. A lot has changed since then. Regarding parenthood, principles remain. Four decades later, he decided to update this classic on parenthood (The New Dare to Discipline), and much of the content remained untouched. Some elements were added or updated, but this book is a comprehensive look at the reasoning and methodology of …
Single mothers have a unique set of challenges, but the church is made up of a unique set of gifts.
I’ve written before on “12 Reasons Why Prayer Doesn’t Work.” Many can become frustrated when they don’t see any success in their prayers. As believers, we must investigate to see if we are living in such a way that our prayers can be heard. In our disobedience, it may not be that God disagrees with our prayers, he may simply not …
We focused on Isaiah 58 today and it was an incredible time about talking about a true fast. Not an opportunity to get God’s attention, but a chance to be his hands and feet in the world. The band led so well today. I am just honored I get to be in the band. Scott Hill, our Mission Pastor, preached …
This weekend, I get the privilege to speaking at a DNOW event for a group of churches. We are doing a study called “Follower.” They gathered together and asked me to do an intro video for the time together. In this mini-sermon, I preached from John 6 on that wonderful statement of Peter, “To Whom Else Shall We Go?”
Joshua and Jericho is a familiar story, but there is so much gospel goodness in this story! Joshua had to trust God’s unusual plan for salvation. The people had to trust the leader and all act in faith towards God’s plan. The victory came only in a way that God could get the credit. Among the story, there is a …
Last year, I preached at a weekend event for pastors and their wives. I remember it to be an incredible time in God’s Word and prayer with those gathered. Before one of the services, Amanda and I were going through some details when a lady approached me to tell me something. “You don’t know me, but I pray for you every Tuesday.” …
I have seen his ways, but I will heal him. -Is. 57:18 Today’s services focused on Isaiah 57 and it was an incredible time together! I let the band have a week-off from practice due to all the work they did during Easter week, and they came together prepared and spot on. So amazed that I get to lead with …
In the Book of James, the author teaches on the slippery slope concerning temptation and sin. At the end of that section, he reminds believers about the greater nature of gifts given by God compared to the lesser value of offerings given by the world. Read James 1:17 and look for key words or phrases. Every generous act and every perfect …
So many people work so hard preparing for the wedding and neglect preparing for the marriage. For those who are considering engagement or marriage, you can’t take this preparation time seriously enough! For couples getting married, I believe it is best for the officiating minister to also do pre-marital counseling. Sometimes the situation is unique where that doesn’t work out …
Many letdowns in marriage happen when our expectations set our spouses up for failure. What exactly are we supposed to help one another do? This Genesis 2 message is from North Side’s Marriage Conference 2016. Sermon Points Unrealistic expectations in marriage can lead to unforgiving spouses. It is easier to criticize your spouse’s failures that it is to address your …
This weekend was incredible. We had 2 great nights of worship that we called “The Old Rugged Cross” followed by 2 incredible Sunday morning worship gatherings. As we prayed and thought through what we wanted to do on Good Friday and Saturday, we decided to do an Easter hymn-sing. The last few years we have done something very different. We …
HE IS RISEN! I love every Sunday, but Easter Sunday is especially rowdy! This year was no different. After a weekend full of “The Old Rugged Cross” services, we had incredible services on Sunday morning as we focused on Isaiah 55 and celebrated the great invitation given to us by God. Services were packed and it was so good to …
God had brought the people to the edge of the Promised Land. He moved Joshua into a position of leadership after Moses died. They were preparing to take the land, but God had to prepare them first. In Joshua 3-4, God shows some important elements concerning expecting God to move. They had to cross the Jordan river to get to …
Every year I am asked, “Is there childcare at your special Easter services?” I’m asked that about all worship services, but especially when we do something different like our upcoming nights of worship. While we will have optional, regular childcare during our Sunday morning services, we are intentional about not providing childcare during our special nights of worship on Good …
This message was recorded for a traveling college sports team. As we enter Passion Week, I pray this sermon will cause you to reflect on the reason Jesus came to earth. Many people approach God in order for him to address many different wants or needs. Mark 2:1-12 shows a time when Jesus revealed what the greatest need that any of us …
Loved celebrating Palm Sunday with the North Side family today. Our services were focused on Isaiah 52:13-53:12 as we kicked off Passion Week. Can I just tell you how the Lord brings so many things together? We are nearing the end of a study through Isaiah, and this week happens to be on possibly the most pivotal prophecy of Jesus …
On a hill far away, stood an old rugged cross. Those iconic words compose the first line of a beloved hymn written by George Bennard in 1912. The words are powerful by themselves, but to know the story behind them takes the song to a deeper level. You see, George was converted by the gospel of Jesus Christ when he …
The story of the bronze serpent in the Bible (Num. 21:4-9) often confuses believers. It appears as if God is instructing idolatry. The power of this scene is what it foreshadows in the person and work of Christ. In the 40th year of their wandering through the wilderness, the people begin to complain again. God does something drastic before they …
The New Testament teaches believers to be devoted to prayer. That sounds noble and all, but what exactly does that mean? We see it used 5 times in the New Testament concerning prayer: Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. -Romans 12:12 Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. -Col. 4:2 All these with one accord were devoting …
Have you ever considered becoming a foster family? Listen to Randy Harling, President of Connie Maxwell Children’s Home, talk about his own experience and an exciting new partnership to help your family serve in this way.
I had the privilege a couple of weekends ago to preach in Kentucky for a DNOW that united 17 churches in the area. After the main events for the group, I also got the privilege to preach at Northside Baptist Church in Elizabethtown, KY. The DNOW weekend focused on the Book of James, so I just decided to finish the …
Powerful day with North Side family as we focused on Isaiah 48! Even on the dreaded Spring Forward Sunday, the church was getting after it this morning! We sang everything from Handel to Gaither this morning! If it is biblical theology, it needs to be sung no matter its age! Four of these songs are from our upcoming Easter services, …
One of the most frequent questions I receive as a pastor is how to reconcile the apparent discrepancy between God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility. For those of us who like to keep theology in organized compartments, this issue can be one of great frustration. King Solomon puts it nicely into perspective: He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, …
God rescued his people from slavery. Through a powerful display, God humbled the Egyptians and set the Israelites free from captivity. He had promised to bring this people to the Promised Land and now they were within reach. Within a year’s time, they reached the Promised Land. They sent 12 spies to check out the land. 10 of them came …
In this 6th post on productivity, I want to talk with you about a tool that can help you if you use it wisely. If you don’t, it can dictate your life! I am talking about the dreaded tool known as email. In his book, Do More Better, Tim Challies, offers a unique perspective on how so many people handle …
Parents can either discipline too harsh or too lenient. Both are dangerous. Enjoy this video? Check out the growing collection of Family Alter videos!
When I was in college, I heard a preacher quote A. W. Tozer and my life had a dramatic change. Here is the quote: What comes into our minds when we think about God is the most important thing about us (1). At first, that statement seemed dramatic, but the longer I thought upon it, the more I agreed with …
Powerful day focusing on Isaiah 45 today! We tried to do some minor tweaking to the service to allow people to prepare to meet with God. It was pretty special seeing people quiet their souls before we began. Today’s service (well, at least the 11:00, we changed some things around on the spot at 9:30): Are You Washed in the …
I recorded this mini-sermon for a university team to watch while they were on the road. I pray it is a blessing to you. James 1:22-25 teaches that we are not to be merely hearers of the Word but doers of the Word.
Nowadays, when one begins to use such dirty words such as “truth,” the crowds begin to cry from the streets: “There is no absolute truth!” Well, is that statement absolutely true? “All truth is relative!” Apparently, all truths are relative except when it comes to that specific phrase. “That might be true for you but not for me.” Can I …
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