The Best Devotional Book I’ve Ever Read

I am often asked about a devotional book for someone who wants to grow.  I have read many devotionals and, in fact, I have written many devotionals for people.  In the past, I had a couple of books that I would recommend. In recent years, I have had a complete turnaround in this department.  Without hesitation, there is one devotional …

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End Bible Poverty for the Mushere People

My 7-year-old son, Obadiah, and I have been talking a lot about the Bible these days.  I told him that there are people around the world who have never been able to read it because it has never been translated in their language.  This fact overwhelmed him.  It truly shook him up. We decided to do something about it.  We …

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What Birthday Present I Am Hoping For

So, today is my Birthday.  I am so grateful for another year of life! I know you are embarrassed because you haven’t gotten me anything yet.  It’s OK.  I will tell you exactly what I am hoping for on my birthday. My 7-year-old son, Obadiah, and I have been talking a lot about the Bible these days.  I told him …

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Washing by the Water of the Word

Last year, we celebrated my birthday at Family Camp and this year, Amanda gets the honors!  We get to celebrate the love of my life today who deserves celebrating every day of every year! I love the picture above because it describes us right now.  Making sure we have those moments to connect and enjoy one another even while a …

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3-Year Bible Study Plan

Here is an additional Family Ministry update for your viewing pleasure.  We are excited to announce that one of the ways we are going to equip parents is by providing a 3-year Bible study plan for the entire family!

3-Year Plan

This plan will include:

  1. All ages on the same passage every week (except for Christmas and Easter where children will focus primarily on those significant events due to their importance at reclaiming those holidays).
  2. No more different ages in different places.  This effort is to fight against isolationist Christian growth and get back to what the Bible teaches concerning the centrality of the home (Mal. 4:6; Deut. 6:4-9).
  3. 3-Year plan going chronologically through the Scriptures so that you can see the grand narrative of the Bible instead of isolated stories and events.
  4. 18 months in the Old Testament and 18 months in the New Testament will allow a great coverage.
  5. If a family member promotes up to next age classing, they don’t miss a beat because we are all covering the same passages (preschool up to children, children up to students, etc.).
  6. Family discipleship can take place much easier because you will know what your children are learning without having to dig.
  7. Ages 1 to 100+ will all be together as well.  This means that grandparents and aunts and uncles and all family members (family unit and church unit) can share what they are learning through God’s Word!
  8. While our relaunch of Family Ministry happens in August 16, this curriculum will launch 3 weeks later on September 6th.  We want the system to be running well before new curriculum.
  9. If you aren’t in a discipleship group yet, now is the time to join one because this effort will help draw yourself and your family together around the Word like never before!

Gospel Project Chronological Promo

Description of the 16 Songs at “The Word”

If you haven’t missed 1 Sunday in the last year, you have already heard 11 of the 16 songs we will be leading at “The Word.”  As we went through different studies at the church, we have introduced these songs along the way.  Hopefully, that will translate into you singing out tonight and Saturday! That also means that you have …

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You Really Do Have Enough Time to Read the Bible

As believers, we need to dedicate ourselves to the study of the Bible. When I actually started studying and memorizing Scripture in college, everything changed.  One of the most foundational verses of Scripture for me was Joshua 1:8: This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you …

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Bible Memory Starter Set

I get asked often: “What are some good Bible verses to memorize?” If you are just starting to memorize Scripture or trying to go even further with this wonderful spiritual discipline, I would love to help. Here is advice I regularly give: Establish Fighter Verses – Acknowledge the weak areas in your life right now.  Establish how the Devil is attacking …

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Doers of the Word

We always desire to make the Word the center of our services, but it is especially helpful when the text leading us today focuses on the Word! 19 This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear,slow to speak and slow to anger; 20 for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore, putting …

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“The Word” Song Listing

“The Word” is getting closer by the day. As we attempt to tell the grand narrative of the Bible, we set out to compose songs that communicate those truths and worship Jesus at every stop. Our team has never studied more, prayed more, and analyzed more.  We have spent an untold number of hours nitpicking lyrics because of our commitment to …

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Money Matters

Spending temptations are everywhere.  With the click of a “Buy” button, you can easily get all your favorite music on iTunes and simultaneously run up a bill of a hundred dollars.  Ultimately we spend and borrow, and we begin to develop a method of spending that is self-destructive.   Unwise financial decisions will cost you more than what you ever …

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The Word [100 Day Chronological Bible Reading Plan]

I searched for a chronological plan that would highlight key passages, and while there are many good ones out there, I chose to develop our own at North Side.  While I think it is best to read the entirety of God’s Word, this plan is a good introductory plan for some of you or a good reminder of what you …

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Don’t Evaluate What You Do – Evaluate How You Do It

When I look at my work week, so much of how I do things came from time spent evaluating how I have done things. I have found so many wiser ways of doing things and that process has allowed me to be a part of more Kingdom-focused projects as a result. Don’t evaluate what you do. Evaluate how you do it.

Why I Don’t Drink Alcohol (Even Though I Probably Could)

One of the most debated issues in Christianity concerning freedom is that of social drinking.  Denominations differ.  Backgrounds divide.  Experiences direct.  When most pastors communicate to students concerning the sins to abstain from in America, the list normally starts with premarital sex, drinking, and smoking. These are areas which the Bible actually does address, but few ministers ever mention the …

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Did Jesus Really Say That?

I have this desire to help educate people concerning what Jesus actually said while he was on earth. That brings us to the following quiz. Read the following statements without the help of a Bible and decide whether or not Jesus actually said them.  The answers will be below. Let the dead bury their own dead. Anyone who says, “You fool!” …

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Bible-Driven Sermon vs. Sermon-Driven Bible

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 …

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We Take the Bible…

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.

Family in the Word

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!

Biblically Complacent

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 …

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Church Sign: God Bless…

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

Testimonies from Bible Reading Plan

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 …

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Tips Concerning How to Catch Up on Bible Reading

The last couple of weeks have been super busy.  As I am leading a group of folks through our 100 Day Bible Reading Plan, I have to confess something: I got behind. A few days behind. During ministry, early morning camp schedules, family stuff going on, I got more and more behind in my Bible reading plan.  I also got …

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The Word

We started today’s services by singing “Overcome,” and “Forever.”  I love how God gets certain things across.  I had a plan for today’s services a long time ago, but some circumstances caused me to change some songs.  It wasn’t even until in the middle of the first service how God had woven all these songs and elements together (overcome, perseverance, …

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The Word

The Bible is not a collection of individual stories and treasured sayings.  It is the one overarching narrative of how Jesus is reconciling a people unto himself.

Don’t Read the Bible Like Your Yearbook

It’s always an exciting time of the year when students get their yearbooks.  Anticipation rises for so many as they hope to receive endearing messages that they can keep forever. When you receive a yearbook, you know where to turn first – the back.  By flipping to the index, you feverishly search for one word on a particular page – your …

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My Right-Hand 6-Year-Old

It’s hard to imagine that it has been six years since you were born.  While I wasn’t physically by your side at that moment, God was, and he had been preparing your forever family for a long time. This morning I tried to imagine the setting of your birthdate.  I tried to visualize the rough conditions and the unsure health status of …

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The 100-Day Bible Reading Plan

I made an announcement at “Knowing Jesus” this year from which I got a lot of feedback.  I told everyone that next Good Friday, we would not do the same program we have done the last 2 years.  Instead of doing a night of worship and teaching from Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, we were going to do a worship …

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The Bible According to Hollywood

I have heard mixed reviews over the weekend concerning the Son of God movie that was released.  The work of Mark Burnett and Roma Downey has been anticipated by many following the History Channel’s The Bible series which was very successful.  I have heard three camps of thought concerning the movie: “It’s the most incredible thing I have ever seen.” …

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The Value of Memorizing Scripture

As I prepared to speak in chapel at North Greenville University today, I decided to preach from John 15 about abiding in Christ.  In my prayer time for this sermon, I felt the need to address the consumerism that is infecting the Church today concerning Christians attaching themselves to churches, groups, personalities, or resources instead of the true Vine – …

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Is Snake-Handling Biblical?

I could never go to a snake-handling church because: 1) I am not a fan of the vile creatures, and 2) I am not sure of the practice is biblical. The practice has gotten in the news again because Pastor Jamie Coots, a serpent-handling pastor and co-star of the “Snake Salvation” reality television show, died Feb. 15 after suffering a snakebite …

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God Doesn’t Contradict Himself

We try our best to make Jesus a regular point of conversation in our home. We are not perfect at it.  We miss a lot of opportunities, but we are really stepping up the pace of it these days.  My boys are about to turn 6 in a few months and they are beginning to understand more and more about …

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Do You Have a Bible Reading Plan?

I heard a story about D. L. Moody in college that stuck with me.  He was a great evangelist that had an incredible ministry. As the story goes, one day a lady criticized Moody for his methods of evangelism. Moody’s reply: “I agree with you.  I don’t like the way I do it either.  Tell me, how do you do …

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“If It’s Based On the Word of God…”

Our band got the privilege of leading worship at First Baptist Ware Shoals Sunday night.  We were asked to do the “Knowing Jesus” event and our group always loves getting to go through that music together. The music was composed by our band and it tells the story of Christ through the major events and teaching. Since writing the music …

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Living Stones

We focused today on the “Living Stones” described in 1 Peter.  Built upon the cornerstone of Jesus and solidified by the Word of God. In addition to some worship music focusing on these elements, we also highlighted our partnership with End Bible Poverty.  We are raising the funds to translate 1 Peter for the Mushere people of Nigeria.  The map …

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The Resolution for Men Bible Study

The Resolution for Men – Bible Study includes content for small-group sessions, five personal devotions each week, and leader notes. You’ll also find icebreakers, interactive Bible study, provocative insights, and guided prayer. This men’s group curriculum was inspired by the document featured in the movie COURAGEOUS. The Resolution contained 12 commitments related to characteristics that all men of God want to …

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The Enduring Word of God

This was my Sunday: Soundcheck. Worship. Worship. Surprise Lethcos. Banquet. Clean up. Set up. NSU. Community group. Hopewood Haven awareness night. Drive thru. Recliner. It was great.  I wouldn’t trade anything for it.  It was a full day but it was a great day. The entire time of worship was great.  Surprising Jeff and Sandy was stellar.  The church’s encouraging …

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Noah and the Ark is Not a Children’s Story

I’m teaching the Old Testament at Lander University and I am also teaching it at our church this Fall.  As I prepare, I am noticing many things about the Old Testament that are misunderstood.  One of them is that Noah and the Ark is not a children’s story.  It’s a story for all of us. It’s deeper than rain and animals.  It has to do with the fact that God takes sin seriously.

Adam and Eve sinned and were banished from the Garden.  Their son, Cain, killed their other son, Abel.  After this event, God blesses them with another son.  When Eve births another son, Seth (Gen. 4:25), solemnity is slowing taking over. Seth’s birth gives a subtle indication of deeper things transpiring with Mankind.

While the first people were made in the image of God, Seth is curiously described as a son in Adam’s “own likeness, after his image” (Gen. 5:3). On the external level, this reveals that Seth’s appearance is similar to that of his father’s. This phrase possibly also acknowledges the fact that these following generations are more and more marred by the curse of sin first seen in the father Adam.

This sinful nature and Adamic likeness grows. Sin continues to pervert, distort, and destroy what is good in God’s creation. Evil increases greatly, and God becomes evermore grieved over Mankind. God begins to impose an age limit of 120 years (Gen. 6:3) except for a few unique exceptions (Abraham lives to 175, Gen. 25:7).

Further, God declares that he is going to destroy his Creation which was good before sin corrupted it. “‘I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.’ But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD'” (Gen. 6:7-8). The fact that God feels “sorry” does not indicate that he is now aware of something he didn’t see coming and he wish he would have never done it in the first place. God foreknew all that had transpired and all that would transpire. The actualization of enduring Mankind’s sinfulness produces a different type of grief within God than previously described.

Noah is the exception here. Chosen by God for a specific task, Noah “was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God” (Gen. 6:9). God’s wrath was coming for earth ever so filled with violence and corruption (Gen. 6:11-12). To save himself, his family, and a remnant of animals, God instructed Noah to build an ark that could sustain the coming wrath of God (Gen. 6:14-22).

Noah and the Ark was never intended to be a mere children’s story.

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