I was a teenager when I felt called to the ministry. Right away, I was given opportunities to speak at different functions. I am so very thankful that most of those horrific “sermons” were not recorded. I had no training. No one had yet discipled me concerning how to proclaim God’s Word, yet I was given pulpits and microphones, and I …
In my time as a pastor, I have been asked many different questions. Without a doubt, one of the most frequently asked questions is this: So how far is too far? In most contexts, people are asking it in relation towards dating and what is allowed physically in a relationship. The problem with that question is that it is a self-referentially …
After a long day of ministry yesterday, I sat down in my recliner to eat a late supper of Bojangles chicken and rice bowl (an excellent choice by the way), and I received a message from a church member who stated: Thanks for leading worship this morning. That was probably one of the top 2 worship experiences I’ve ever had …
This has been a great declaration of worship at our church in recent months. It is a unique thing for such an upbeat, energetic song to be such a moving declaration of worship.
We focused on the sixth commandment today, and I was simply overwhelmed at the presence of God among us today. The sixth commandment commands us not to murder but also implies that we should give life. Jesus reveals the heart nature of the issue and leaves us all in need of evaluation. We started our time together by singing “Lay …
I’m often asked what is the biblical method to become married. Is it through dating, courting, or something else. Honestly, it’s arranged marriages. I’m actually in favor of those. If that concept frightens you, then depend on God to arrange your marriage. Let him set the rules, the boundaries, and the timing. If you have determined that you think you …
This week’s church sign states: AMAZING GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH BEER IS ALRIGHT IN ITS PLACE. BUT IT’S PLACE IS IN HELL. Well… Actually, regardless of whether you stand concerning the social drinking argument and the discussion concerning moderation, can we all agree on one thing: I doubt there will be beer in hell. I think there will be fire, fire, …
This is one of the most honest songs that our church sings. So thankful for these words.
It was more obvious back in the day when another god had a family’s allegiance due to the shiny statue in the living room. Nowadays, idolatry might not be as blatant but that does not mean it is absent. The lures of this world have many homes within their grasps vying for every ounce of devotion a family can muster. Fathers …
The first commandment with a promise attached to it is “Honor your father and your mother.” This message will examine what such honor looks like and how it is to be carried out today. Such a great joy to start our services with baptism again! Loved hearing the stories of how God is changing lives. Even while today’s message was …
This week’s church sign reads: We take the Bible seriously not literally. Well, at least they are honest with you upfront. That’s a plus.
In my new role as Family Pastor, I am putting together some steps to help families grow in Christ. One of our first shots at this is something we are calling Family Night. We will meet together on Saturday, Sept. 27th from 6-8 in North Side’s Family Life Center. Bring your family to join with other families for North Side’s …
September is usually the most challenging and rewarding month of the year for me. With programs blowing and going at the church, Lander classes starting up, college group at our house, events, programs, weddings, classes, etc., it is one of the most sleep-deprived times of my year. This year has been exceptionally busy yet exceptionally fruitful. Especially in the area …
We sang this song in today’s services and it summarized them well as we focused on the Sabbath rest. This was written by Audrey Assad and Matt Maher. Audrey’s songwriting and singing is a gift to the Church. Hope you enjoy.
Jesus taught that man was not made for the Sabbath, but that the Sabbath was made for man. This message will examine not only the fourth commandment, but the great blessing that comes from keeping it. Today was a great day as we focused on the faithfulness of our God. We started our services with baptism. I love watching fathers …
This week’s church sign: Without the Bread of Life You’re Toast This one is my jam! Sorry, couldn’t help it. I don’t want it to be cheesy…
God’s plan for your family is not complex. We make it that way, but it really is not. This is the plan – God wants to reconcile the world to himself and he plans on doing that through Christ-following parents teaching their children to follow Christ and it multiplies from there. Abraham’s Job Let me show you how this began …
When Victoria Osteen’s comments concerning worshiping God came out days ago, I was shocked like many of you. I refrained from posting any comments because I really wanted to take it in and process it all. If you are one of the few that have not seen it, the clip below is her comments during a worship service a couple …
This is what our playroom looks like on Wednesday nights. It is covered with college students whom we consider family getting into the Word together. Special time!
I remember the first time I met sweet Mrs. Jimmie Rose Carver. In a tiny frame, Mrs. Jimmie burst with the joy of the Lord. After the man who was her husband and her pastor for 60 years passed away a few years ago, she decided to visit North Side despite what she had heard from others concerning the worship. …
The Agnews love to be outside. It is always fun sharing adventures together in the fresh air. When we were teaching the boys to throw and kick the ball years ago, something unique happened one evening in the front yard. I attempted to share the ball with the boys, but their favorite thing was not to have the ball themselves. …
One of the greatest treasures God has given us is his name. God’s name is an expression of who he is. How we use God’s name is an expression of what we think of him. Today’s services were so special from the beginning to the end! My heart is so full on what Jesus is doing among us! He is …
To truly let God shape your worldview, you must not only filter the teachings of your culture in order not to be conformed, but also you must be transformed by the renewing of your mind as you study the Word of God (Rom. 12:2). In God’s sovereignty, he inspired human authors to write the pertinent information concerning life, faith, the …
While the first commandment from God tells us who we should worship, the second commandment tells us how we should worship. God expects His people to worship Him alone and in the right way. Worship the right God in the right way. That was the goal of today’s services. We started out our time together with baptism. We then sang …
It has been so good to see our college students rolling back into town and getting back into connecting with the church. Can’t wait to reconnect in the days to come! As a college student, you will begin to understand the necessity of the Waffle House in your life. When you have procrastinated studying so long that you must find refuge …
Well, at least there are no hidden beliefs with this church sign. You can drive by and see what they are passionate about: God Bless America & the KJV Bible
I had the extreme privilege to preach at the Perry Correctional Institute’s church service yesterday. I had visited them a while back and gotten connected with them due to my involvement with the Courageous curriculum. It was great to reconnect with these dear brothers in this level-4 security prison. After leading worship at North Side in what were some really …
The Ten Commandments are a revelation of the very character of God. They reveal His righteousness and His expectations of His people in how those people relate to Him and to each other. The first commandment is the basis that the other nine are built upon. We are to have only one God. Today was such a special day of …
In this edition of Short Sermon Saturday, listen carefully to David Platt for 6 minutes and consider two things: How am I preparing to engage with the church tomorrow? How am I preparing to engage with college football next week?
One of the highlights of Family Camp was taking my children on their very first canoe ride. I had the three children (ages 6, 6, and 2), while Amanda and Tammy were in another canoe. You might think I was brave, but I think it would have more dangerous being in the canoe with Amanda and Tammy with how jumpy and …
Yesterday, we concluded our 100-Day Bible Reading Plan. I have already heard some great comments from those who did it. Some people restarted it today because it helped them so much! In the middle of this process, I have heard great testimonies from people I know closely and those I have never met. I wanted to share it with you to …
The New Testament begins with Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These four books, commonly called “the Gospels” serve as biographies on the life and ministry of Jesus. In New Testament study, the word “gospel” is used frequently. It means “good news.” When speaking of the message of the gospel, it will most often be written with a lowercase “g.” When …
We did Chelsea Moon and the Franz Brothers’ adaptation of “Trust and Obey” in today’s services. Jeff had mentioned the truth of these lines recently as we prepare to discuss the commandments in Exodus. Chelsea Moon’s two volumes of hymns are gifts to the Church! Tracey Sutley did a great job singing it for us today, but if you are wanting …
One gets the impression that when God met with His people at Mt. Sinai, that it was a dangerous time. Out of fear and respect for God, there was a prevailing sense of reverence and awe. The people probably did actually tremble! Does anybody still do that anymore? Do you? We began our time together focusing on living according to …
Moving through a busy week, I have only caught brief glimpses of the news. It seems like it would have been a great week to turn it off altogether because of the overwhelming nature concerning the state of our world. This week, persecution towards Christians and violence has escalated in Iraq, comedian Robin Williams committed suicide, and unarmed teenager Michael …
As I prepare to teach Intro to New Testament at Lander University, there was some confusion about what Bible translation students needed to bring to class. It was assumed by some that the King James Version of the Bible would be the best option. I told them to bring a more accurate translation of the Bible which caught some by …
I can’t say that I really disagree with this church sign. Our congregation is like fudge: sweet with a few nuts.
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