Surprised by Suffering
1 Peter 4:12-19 – While the tendency is to respond to suffering with complaints, Scripture encourages us to rejoice instead. Suffering is unavoidable, but our response is supposed to be unusually hopeful.
Don’t Get on the Enemy’s Payroll
Some people are so defiant about accepting Jesus’ power that they seek to frame His good works as evil deeds. You can say you are against the devil, but if you attempt to thwart the one who came to defeat him, you might have mistakenly changed sides.
Why Giving Tuesday Happens Once We’re Broke
It’s the most wonderful time of the year (if you consider being stressed, busy, and broke as wonderful). While there are so many exciting moments to enjoy, our culture has structured this time of year to hinder our commitment to ministry.
2025 Sermon Series
As we prayerfully considered our church’s spiritual needs, we decided to focus on these sermon series for the upcoming year. We anticipate the Word of God doing a mighty work among the people of God.
Waypoint (November 2024)
Our Fall 2024 Waypoint provided highlights from the past year and plans for the next year. Read through some of the key takeaways.
How to Live in the End Times
1 Peter 4:7-11 – None of us know when Jesus will return, but we know the time is approaching. As it draws near, discover the proactive priorities Christians should keep.
Love God Uniquely
If you love God uniquely, you won’t need a reason for any other command that concerns Him. Since He has no rival, you should have no rival to where your affections focus.
Dream Big
Your hopeful plans for your life, job, or ministry may be immense, but they honestly may not be sized correctly. When we attempt something that God desires to be done, our grandest plans might potentially be undersized.
The Willing and Able Forgiveness of Jesus
Jesus is not hindered by how many sins are in your past, and He is not intimidated by your situation that He can’t help you. He knows all about your sins, and He still offers you forgiveness.
Gospel Friendships
The most effective type of evangelism with people of other faiths is through established friendships. To share the good news, you need to establish a good relationship.
Everybody’s Doing It
1 Peter 4:1-6 – Our culture seems shocked and annoyed if Christians don’t join or support expressions of wild living. It is better to suffer for refusing temptation than it will be for those who embrace defiance.
There’s No Timeout in Heaven
According to the Scriptures, there’s no timeout in heaven. If you have a relationship with Jesus, your punishment has already been taken care of.
Your Child Needs the Home & the Church
We have more ministry programming for the next generation than ever before, but our kids aren’t staying connected to the church. We are expecting programs to do what God expects parents to do.
If You’re Gonna Speak (2024 Pastors Conference)
1 Kings 22:1-18 – Pastors feel pressure from many sides to preach what others want them to say. If you’re gonna speak, keep it to what the LORD wants them to hear.
Three Essential Steps for Evangelism
Knowing about world religions is helpful, but evangelism must take place if that information is to see transformation in the life of another. Consider these three biblical steps to evangelize someone of a different faith.
Beneath the Cleansing Flood
1 Peter 3:18-22 – In one of the most unique biblical passages, Peter explains that the Spirit of Christ has warned generations to repent. Only through Jesus’ sacrifice can we be saved beneath the cleansing flood.
Beyond Curfews
In a world where people do what they want, he calls disciples of Jesus to stay self-controlled. We do not have a free pass to do whatever we want.
Processing Election Results
The United States has survived another election day, but there are plenty of questions still to be answered in the days to come. As citizens of this country, we are called to live according to our heavenly citizenship regardless of the outcome.
Before Zaccheus Saw Jesus
Jesus wants you to get more than a glimpse as He passes by. He desires a relationship with you, even though He knows about all your regrets due to sinful choices and unfortunate circumstances.
Understanding Islam
In Islam, the forgiveness of sins through Christ is not realized since Muhammed is their final prophet. They focus on their efforts, actions, and submission to Allah as their believed path to salvation.
Christian Civility Among Political Insanity
1 Peter 3:13-17 – In a super-charged political society, our confidence is not in parties, platforms, or persons, but our hope is in Jesus. Prioritize your gospel witness in a hostile culture as you keep a clear conscience.
Jesus Is Coming — Look Busy
If you are convinced that Jesus will return, are you busy with the matters He left you on earth to accomplish? The timing of His second coming may come as a surprise but its certainty should not.
Introducing Bike for Bibles
Bike for Bibles is an initiative to raise awareness and support for Bible translation. For each mile you ride and fund, you can translate a verse of Scripture into another language.
Handling Political Frustration
In hostile political times, Christians can get sucked into the vitriol that is consuming the United States of America. Instead of reflecting the words, attitudes, and actions of the culture, the Scriptures provide another path.
Loving Others to Love God
Our love for others validates our love for God. It reveals our genuine spiritual condition. You can express your devotion to God through the songs you sing, the prayers you pray, and the verses you promote, but if you can’t love God’s children, He questions your ability to love Him.
You Won’t Humble Yourself More Than Jesus Did
Jesus humbled Himself to be born as a man, live as a servant, and die as a criminal. If Jesus lowered Himself to the level of the cross, you will never outdo Him.
2025 Sermon Planning Resource
Preparing to preach one sermon is daunting, and planning to preach a year’s worth can feel overwhelming. That’s why I created a simple resource to help you as you pray and plan for 2025.
Fathers, Families, & Politics
With all the ethical battles being waged in our culture, many people remain in a state of political outrage and intense disagreement. While men may speak their minds on the issues, few discuss them biblically in the home.
Jesus Came to Thwart the Enemy
Humanity has an enemy who seeks to keep us from God. Jesus came to earth to push back such dangerous opposition and offer us the freedom we need.
Engaging a Cult
The “religious” practices of cults may seem close to the truth with their similar terminology. However, anything that deviates and twists the truth is a lie.
Who Your Spouse Needs You to Be
1 Peter 3:1-7 – When marital expectations are unmet, we often blame our spouses instead of looking to ourselves for any needed changes. Discover who your spouse needs you to be and make any adjustments necessary for a healthier marriage.
Should We Get Married?
If you are planning on getting married, it is vital that you consider your general and specific reasons. Why do you want to get married in the first place?
The Divided States of America
As we navigate another contentious election season, Christians should be a voice of reason, sensibility, and hope. Instead of being sucked into the outraged culture, disciples of Jesus should prove themselves different.
We Need Roof-Cutting Friendships
When we are weak, we may not be able to get the help we need. That’s why we need the type of relationships that carry us when we can’t go any further.
Identifying a Cult
Cultish communities base their claims on deceit and false teachings. When we know the gospel and how to interpret God’s Word, we avoid aligning with dangerous movements.
Jesus and Our Jobs
1 Peter 2:18-25 – Our jobs will be difficult, but we don’t have to make them extra complex by misaligned behavior. Look to Christ as the guide for responding to challenging work environments.
Barbershop Gospel
God used a simple barbershop encounter in Panama to inspire boldness across multiple generations. Watch as this team reflects on their experiences during a week-long mission trip to Panama, serving the Ngäbe people.
Christ Can’t Be Part of Your Life
Christian college students cannot afford to isolate Jesus into certain components of their lives. If Jesus is Lord, you cannot tell Him to sit out in particular areas.
There’s Always a Reason to Sing
Music is God’s gift for us to express our deepest convictions and emotions in a fitting way. No matter what is going on in your life, there’s always a reason (and a need) to sing.
Judaism
Due to the Old Testament, most Christians know more about Judaism than other religions. Judaism is a religion that believes in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob but denies Jesus as the Messiah.