An Overview of Daniel
Have you ever desired to understand the Book of Daniel? Learn some insights into the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. Daniel’s account motivates God’s people to remain faithful despite exilic times.
Theology
Just Because We Are Unreliable Doesn’t Mean That God Is
Along the way, we make God pay for the mistakes of others. For all the people who have proven to be unreliable, we associate their nature with God’s nature. We stare at the promises of God and demand that we receive a deadline of when they will come to pass.
Trusting Fully When You Can’t See Clearly
So, you can’t see the future? Neither can I. But I trust that God can. If you can’t see the future clearly, trust the one who knows it fully.
Crucifixion
While Jesus’ death seemed like a shocking defeat to his followers, the crucifixion of Christ was God’s plan all along. By studying the context of the event, we can understand what Jesus truly accomplished.
My COVID-19 Test Results
When I heard they were testing for the COVID-19 antibodies at the Blood Connection, my curiosity was killing me. You see, I thought I had “the Rona” back in February. I was shocked by the results.
Associations
Jesus’ ministry was framed around his association with two critical groups of people: sinners and self-righteous. To understand these complex dynamics reveals the nature of Jesus’ approach. Download Handout – 10 – Associations Video Audio The Sinners Jesus was the easiest on the sinners and the toughest on the self-righteous. Jesus was often criticized for his association with sinners. While …
Disciples
Jesus’ calling of the disciples displayed the attribute of grace. When you look at this unique group of men he chose, there isn’t anything special about them. They weren’t obvious choices, and yet, they were Jesus’ choices. Due to that reason, they would develop into what Christ had called them to be. DOWNLOAD HANDOUT – 09 – Disciples Video Audio …
Psalms [Vol. 2] – Series Overview
I cannot wait to begin our summer series on June 7th – Psalms [Vol. 2]. Here is the rundown of the series. Reasoning The psalms teach us how to speak to God. We all need help learning how to do that better. Psalms cover every range of human emotions. During these days, we have a lot of emotions we need to process. This …
Ministry
Jesus’ ministry only lasted three years, but the effect of it has completely changed history. In studying the critical components of his ministry, we can better ascertain the purpose for which he came. Download Handout – 08 – Ministry Video Audio The Revelation of the Christ Teaching with Authority Jesus started his teaching ministry when he came to his hometown …
Jesus Isn’t Hindered By Your Past
If you open your Bible to John 4, you will read a story that tells us much about the ministry and method of Jesus. In this narrative, we read how Jesus intentionally encountered a woman at a well with a scandalous past. As you read, notice the different ways Jesus interacted with her. If you have time, read John 4:1-30. …
Preparation
Between the birth of Jesus and the beginning of his ministry, little is known about his life. The gospel authors reported very sparse details, but what we do know provides great insight into his preparation for the ministry. Download Handout – 07 – Preparation Video Audio Notes Jesus’ Lost Years Jesus’ family flees to Egypt and later returns to Nazareth …
Don’t Make God Pay for Others’ Mistakes
Come, see the works of the LORD… (Ps. 46:8a). We have got to let God off the hook for everyone else’s mistakes. Let’s face it: each of us has been let down by people too often to count. So many people live in a constant state of disappointment. With each disillusionment, we grow ever more hesitant to trust another again. …
Incarnation
The New Testament begins with the incarnation of Jesus Christ. God came in the flesh to rescue us. Video Audio Notes Download Handout – 06 – Incarnation Incarnate comes from Latin and means “in the flesh” (in – in, carnis – flesh). Prophecy Jeremiah 23:5 – Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will raise up for …
The 4 Gospels
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
New Testament Overview
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
What Jesus Taught Us as a Middle Schooler
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 …
Ask Pastor Trav [Episode 4]
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
The Timeline of Holy Week
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 …
Ask Pastor Trav [Episode 3]
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 …
Ask Pastor Trav [Episode 2]
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 …
Ask Pastor Trav [Episode 1]
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 …
Taking My Eyes Off the COVID-19
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 Story of the Bible
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 …
What Are the Top 10 Psalms?
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: …
God Has Not Retired
And Jesus said to him, “‘If you can!’ All things are possible for one who believes” (Mark 9:23). Do you really believe that God can fix that broken situation in your life? You know that one that you have tried everything and still run up against the wall? You believe that God used to do those types of miraculous things but …
Intro to the New Testament
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” -Matthew 16:15 The Meaning of the New Testament The Bible is made up of two units – the Old Testament and the New Testament. “Testament” means covenant, so the first section of the Bible describes the Old Covenant, while the second section describes the New Covenant ushered in …
Jesus Has Never Been Surprised by a Storm
I’m often surprised by storms. Whether they are unexpected turns in the weather or unanticipated changes in life, I am often taken aback and unprepared. Jesus has never been surprised by a storm. In fact, he always knows about them and sometimes leads us through them anyway. In Mark 4:35-41, Jesus encourages his disciples to get in a boat after …
How Do Mentally Ill People Get to Heaven?
As a pastor, I have been asked this question numerous times during my time in ministry: how do mentally ill people get to heaven? While it is often worded in different ways, it normally comes from a concerned person who has watched a family member suffer from mental illness. While nearing or following a death, people want relief regarding the …
Reminders About Proverbs
Proverbs is an incredible book in the Bible, but it is unique among them. Out of the 66 books compiling the Old and New Testament, none is exactly like the Book of Proverbs. #1. Proverbs are more scattered than sequential. There are some sections that go together, but the majority of the book is one verse detached from the ones …
The Word Bible Reading Plan
If you want to start reading the Bible, you might be unsure of where to begin. Let me introduce you to a feasible plan that can help you get started.
Stress: The Anxious Disposition
If left unchecked, stress has a way of hindering the essential parts of your life. God’s Word provides powerful yet practical ways to address mounting pressure. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be …
Unforgiveness: The Lingering Bitterness
When wrongs have been done, it is very difficult to move on to a place of healing. Through forgiveness, you can navigate the future by addressing the past. Forgiveness is a defining characteristic of Christianity – we receive it from Christ and offer it to others. God desires for us to become masters of forgiveness and reconciliation. While freedom for …
Narrowing Down a List of Doctrines to Study
How well do you know your Bible? I imagine you know it better than you think you do, but you probably also should know it better than you currently do. If you make the church a priority, study the Bible on your own, or engage with Christian resources, you probably know a considerable amount. Do you know what you should …
You are Entirely Unique
You are entirely unique. God didn’t use a template to form you. Your Creator designed every part of your good desires and every one of your noble opportunities. As you read Psalm 139 below, make a mental note of words or phrases that speak to the uniqueness of how God created you. 13 For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together …
What Is Lacking in Your Faith?
…and we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith (1 Thess. 3:10). Paul traveled to Thessalonica and experienced fruitful ministry very quickly. He saw such success (Acts 17:4) that it caused great hostility from certain locals and forced Paul and his missionary companions to leave the …
10 Bible Verses on Missions
Not only does the Bible contain verses on missions, a major theme of the Bible is God’s mission to redeem a lost people. While there are many verses to study, here are some of the most pivotal 10 verses that summarize missions. Matt. 28:19-20 – Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the …
It’s Not Always What You Believe, But How You Believe It
In counseling married couples, I often attempt to help someone see another’s point of view. It doesn’t always work, but it is necessary for reconciliation. “I don’t know why she is upset by what I said. It’s the truth!” As he hammers his point home, she sets up her defenses. Before the discussion gets more heated, I will often remind …
The Best Way to Fight Temptation
We all face temptation, but how are you fighting against it? If we want to confront our disobedience, there is no better example to imitate than that of Jesus. Not only did he live his entire live devoid of sin, but he also showed us a powerful strategy in combatting Satan. In Matthew 4:1-11, we watch how Jesus defeated Satan …
God Is Better Than Food and Booze
Plenty of things can provide temporal happiness, but only one can bring eternal joy. David had been through so many difficult times in his life; he knew the power of God’s rescuing ability. Whenever he remembered God’s activity in his life, he reoriented his joy was to the proper place. Read Psalm 4:1-8 and notice the progression of David’s delight. …
Depression: The Bleak Perspective
Are you depressed or know someone who is? How can you help someone who struggles with a bleak perspective? Let’s draw strength from God’s Word to help in dark times of the soul. Initial Questions Can you describe how you are feeling? On a scale of 1 to 100 (1 being the most depressed and 100 being the most joyful), …