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 …
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 …
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 – …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
This is a collection of sermons recorded at North Side Baptist Church in Greenwood, SC.
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! …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 was shocked to be educated on certain things. I decided to pull together an expert panel who could help churches and ministries navigate through the legal requirements concerning abuse. …
We finished up our “Everyday Church” series today as we focused on “Everyday Evangelism.” I have loved how this series has started some great conversations and hearing some incredible stories of what God is doing. Service Order Reading – 1 Pet. 3:13-15 Prayer Time Christ Is Risen – Matt Maher Because He Lives – Bill Gaither He Will Hold Me …
I learned a lot in seminary, but there are some things they don’t train you for in seminary. One of those issues is concerning how pastors are to handle situations relating to abuse. Many pastors believe a myth that they don’t have to report something that is shared in a counseling session. That is simply untrue. Some pastors and churches …
The question is not if we have been called. It is where will we be going? Week 4 in our Everyday Church series was powerful. All across the board. It was such a pivotal focus for our church family. Service Order Reading – Luke 9:23-25 I Have Decided to Follow Jesus Build Your Kingdom Here – Rend Collective I Have …
The search for the next president of North Greenville University is underway and gaining serious momentum by the day! Do you know the next NGU president? Do you know someone who you think would do a great job? You might have just the right candidate in mind. If so, I want you to read through the presidential profile that our …
We had our 3rd week in our “Everyday Church” series. Powerful time watching the light bulbs come on in our services. People are starting to get this truth: We don’t come to church – we are the church! Service Order Reading – 1 Peter 2:9-10 You Are Good – Israel Houghton Build Your Kingdom Here – Rend Collective Baptism (9:30) …
My family was able to hit the beach last week. I cannot overstate how needed of a time it was. I told someone that I hadn’t hit the wall, but I sure was bumping up against it. The last few months have been great. Crazy, but great. We finished up services on Mothers’ Day, packed the van, and hit the …
In week 2 of our “Everyday Church” series, we talked about what the biblical community of a church is supposed to look like. Service Order Reading – 1 Peter 1:13-16 Lay Me Down – Chris Tomlin Lord I Need You – Matt Maher Confessional Prayer Time VBS Prayer Time Offertory Prayer Time Reading – John 10:27-29 He Will Hold Me …
This hymn has quickly become one of our team’s favorites as it has been rediscovered. Robert Harkness had an experience at an invitation with a young convert in 1906. The young man was unsure if he could “hold out” following Jesus and worried he would lose his grasp. He wrote to Ada R. Habershon and asked if she could write …
I can’t even begin to put into words what God was up to within our church family today. I felt like an army was receiving a set of instructions to go to battle. The eagerness in the room was noticeable. I cannot wait to see what Jesus does in the next 5 weeks. Service Order Scripture Reading – 1 Peter …
The Agnews have been homeschooling for the last three years, and I really haven’t talked about it much. Besides the video below that I made on the boys’ first day of kindergarten chronicling their long walk to school, I really haven’t opened up about why we chose this path. Homeschooling can be a divisive topic in our society, and so I haven’t made a …
I have been overwhelmed with encouraging words concerning our latest release, “The Old Rugged Cross.” This 13-hymn collection was a live recording Easter weekend. It is incredible sounding! So amazed by the team God has put together with North Side Worship and so thankful for the way the worshipers sang out over the weekend. We have the album available at …
I had the honor of heading over to Chestnut Ridge Baptist Church this morning. I took a team of North Side Worship leaders and we led worship and I got to preach for two services, and I taught a class in the middle. Wonderful day with these wonderful folks! I got the privilege to spend the weekend with their student …
“The Old Rugged Cross” is a 13-hymn live recording from Easter weekend 2016. Track Listing The Old Rugged Cross When I Survey the Wondrous Cross At the Cross Hallelujah! What a Savior There Is Power in the Blood There Is a Fountain Nothing But the Blood Are You Washed in the Blood? Grace Greater Than Our Sin I Stand Amazed Crown …
Today’s services weren’t supposed to happen. Our staff had some planning adjustments for the next few weeks of services. We were supposed to conclude “The LORD Is Salvation” series today with Isaiah 66. Due to some unforeseen dynamics, we needed to stretch it out a week, and so we added a service focused on Isaiah 62 today. I’ve never been …
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 …
Single mothers have a unique set of challenges, but the church is made up of a unique set of gifts.
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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