I’ve been asked where we were going after the Titus series at Rocky Creek. As of right now, I’ve got a plan for the rest of the year – series by series, week by week. While I am open to change, I believe that through the time in the Word and prayer, I am really excited about what is coming up. …
Talking about money in the church always makes people uncomfortable. In reality, some people have taught unbiblical principles that makes people gun-shy. Some preachers use guilt tactics relentlessly. And some listeners have money as their idol and resent anyone teaching how they should use it. As a pastor, I have heard people pushback regarding tithing by citing that it is an …
I am so grateful for the time we have spent in the Book of Titus. On Sunday, I will preach the 8th sermon in the series from this book. I do pray that it has helped you grow in knowledge, faith, and godliness. It has done a work on me! As we prepare for Sunday, I want to encourage you to …
There is a major difference between an inspired book and an inspiring book. Scripture is the only book inspired (literally, breathed out) by God (2 Tim. 3:16). While other books may be inspiring, they are not inspired. One is written by God and the others are written by men and women. In the same way, there are inspiring speeches, music, …
Ministry has gotten comfortably uncomfortable. One of my greatest prayers and passions as a Christian is to be salt and light within a community (Matt. 5:13-16). While many churches either do missions very well locally or very well globally, I have always believed that a church should be involved both here and there. At our church, we have an Acts …
For those of us blessed enough to have heard the name of Jesus, we all have an opinion of him. For many, he is nothing more than a moral teacher or a revolutionary upstart, but for others he is the center of life and God in the flesh. C.S. Lewis wrote the trilemma argument as an apologist approach to affirming …
My standard will be inside me, beside me, behind me, or above me. Each of us have a standard. It is the basis for which we make ethical decisions. It is the benchmark by which we determine where and how far to jump. But where does the standard come from? Our standard for morality will come from 1 of 4 …
I have been told that everyone is either coming out of a storm, walking through a storm, or about to enter a storm. I think it is a pretty accurate statement. What I have always struggled with is the origin of the storm. Who is responsible for it? Who sent it my way? In my mind, there are really 4 options for …
In the Book of Ezra, a group of Israelites return home after being in exile. While this joyous occasion gave them hopes and dreams about a lot of things, 70 years in a pagan culture at least taught them an important lesson. The reason they went into exile was because of their idolatry and sinful ways, and so, the first …
Let’s put some things into perspective. Check out these pictures below: The Grand Canyon of in Arizona is a chasm 277 miles long and up to 18 miles wide. Below Yavapai point is 2,400 feet above sea level, about 4,500 feet below the South Rim and 5,400 feet below the North Rim for an average depth of about one mile. Formed …
Last words can be a pivotal way to remember someone. Lying on their death beds, people have given life-changing words of blessing or shocking confessions. In the four Gospels, we gather seven audible phrases that Jesus said while he was on the cross. Right before he died for crimes he did not commit, he was intentional to say certain things. …
Did you know that you have a prayer partner? His name is Jesus. Therefore, He is always able to save those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them. -Heb. 7:25 Part of your progress has been due to the diligent prayers that he has prayed on your behalf. And, guess what? I have …
Fear not – God still has a plan. If you are like me, you probably have believed at some point that God did have a plan for your life, but along the way, you honestly begin to wonder if he is just making it up as he goes along. Have you ever felt like someone made plans that began well, full of …
We enrolled the boys into a flag football league this year for the first time. My reservations were confirmed when I was given a code of conduct, not for the players, but for the parents! We were entering into uncharted waters, but the boys were thrilled about starting. We have enjoyed watching the Bengals give their all each week. While their record …
Have you ever wondered how long it takes to read through each book? There are 66 books in the Bible. They vary in length. While the Bible is a big book, you can read it in book-sized pieces.
At the Agnew Academy (the name I gave our homeschool), I get to teach our kids on Friday and at other opportunities. I look forward to this part of the week so much! I love spending intentional, formative times with my children. One of the curriculums we use is a writing program called Bible Heroes. “In these lessons, you will learn …
At the Agnew Academy (the name I gave our homeschool), I get to teach our kids on Friday and at other opportunities. I look forward to this part of the week so much! I love spending intentional, formative times with my children. One of the curriculums we use is a writing program called Bible Heroes. “In these lessons, you will …
Have you ever felt inadequate for something you felt called to do? Have you ever been overwhelmed at the task at hand? God doesn’t call the equipped, he equips the called. Jeremiah began his work as a prophet during the time that King Josiah reigned (Jer. 1:2). King Josiah had started a religious reform in the nation (2 Kings 22), …
Why do bad things happen to good people? People ask this question all the time. While it is a good question, there is one key word that significantly flaws it. The word “good” is a problem in relation to people. No person is good (Rom. 3:10; Ps. 14:3; Lk. 18:19). The only person who was good was Jesus Christ. He …
I grew up thinking that the fish that swallowed Jonah was evidence of God’s anger. In reality, it was evidence of his mercy. A fish named Grace swallowed up a drowning prophet who was unwilling to show grace. Jonah was a prophet. While the book with his name made him famous, the dreaded Ninevites were not his first assignment. Before …
The Book of Hosea is the account of when God asked a preacher to marry a prostitute to illustrate how he loves his people. We should not be amazed at what Hosea the preacher did for Gomer the prostitute – we should be amazed that God did that for us. God revealed that not only had Gomer been a prostitute, …
Humanity is obsessed with the glamorous. Mankind naturally gravitates towards the attractive, popular individuals. Notable men are tall, dark, and handsome. Memorable women are head-turners. While we naturally follow certain types of people, it is very intriguing regarding how God looked physically when he showed up on earth in the flesh. Jesus could have come into the world looking any …
Christians love talking about the day when we met Jesus or when we will see Jesus, but what about every other day when we are supposed to become like Jesus? Let me give you 3 theological terms that you need to learn: Justification – the declaration of holiness Sanctification – the process of holiness Glorification – the completion of holiness …
I often hear people ask, “Who is Jesus to you?” The insinuation is that it is one thing to know the identity of Jesus and it is another thing to embrace it. I agree with that, but it also can lead to an unhealthy idea that our interpretation of Jesus is the correct one. When people ask that question, they …
Discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness. -1 Timothy 4:7 If anything other than godliness is your purpose for spiritual disciplines, you will lose momentum. Spiritual disciplines are not to earn God’s love, increase his favor for you, or to help him by supplying something lacking in him. God doesn’t need you to spend time with him. If you don’t spend …
In the final hours before Jesus’ crucifixion, every detail recorded in the Gospels is paramount. While the overarching story is known by many, there are also key statements and actions recorded that bring greater depth to what is transpiring. One of those key moments is seen at the Last Supper in comments given by the disciples. In Matthew 26:20-25, Jesus …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
I’ve had the privilege to officiate many weddings. I tried to count the other day, and I have led almost 40 weddings so far. With those weddings, I have also counseled about 40 couples as they embark upon marriage. One of the greatest sources of conflict in marriage is finances. It doesn’t matter concerning family backgrounds, experiences, or amount of …
When studying God’s attributes, one must ask the question, “In light of this truth, how now should I think. What am I to do?” When our humanity intersects with his divinity, what damage is left from the collision? In the case of God’s independence, this truth needs no one to impact. In fact, none of God’s attributes actually need human …
The following sermon I recorded for university athletic team on the road. I love Matthew 25:14-30 and the parable of the talents. Jesus’ words still change me today! Notes Not everyone receives the same amount of competency, but all are to show the same amount of faithfulness (Matt. 25:15). No distinctions between these two regarding the degrees of faithfulness. Slothful …
The Book of Ruth is a link between the time of the judges and the time of the kings. In this book, we see a unique story of how God brings about provision for two widows. Through this story, God is showing that his promise to reach all nations (Gen. 12:3) is being fulfilled. Here is a great summary of …
We tend to imagine God to be as petty as we are. Assuming he holds grudges due to previous mistakes, sometimes our prayers are stifled because we believe he doesn’t want to hear from us. While our Father is diligent to discipline us, he is also eager to pardon us. He loves to show compassion to his children. Do you …
The issue of women leading in the Church is always a stumbling block for many. Too often, we swing that pendulum too far in the opposite direction of a dangerous trend. We either make women completely the same as men, or we say they can’t do anything that a man does. Both are incorrect. Women are equal to men, but …
Last week, our entire church started studying through Judges. As I picked up my boys from Gospel Groups, I was approached with information concerning Obadiah’s comments during large group discussion. In order to tell Amanda accurate information, I texted for clarification. I asked Obadiah where he had heard that, and he said, “You told us, remember?” Such a great laugh …
The Book of Judges is one of the most depressing books in the Bible. As indicated in the graphic above, the people are in a continual cycle of sin, suffering, supplication, and salvation. The people would sin. God would bring about suffering in their lives for punishment. They would pray for deliverance. God would use a judge to bring about …
Joshua 24:14 “Now therefore fear the LORD and serve him in sincerity and in faithfulness. Put away the gods that your fathers served beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the LORD. 15 And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the LORD, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond …
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