Genesis

Trading the Ultimate for the Immediate

by

 

At Passion 2011, Andy Stanley gave a great message concerning temptation.  One of the lines he repeated over and over is that temptation is the act of “trading the ultimate for the immediate.”

The ultimate is faithfulness to your spouse, the immediate is the temporary meeting of a desire.

The ultimate is a godly legacy engraved in your children, the immediate might be another round of golf.

The ultimate is heaven’s rewards, the immediate is the passing riches of this world.

When we encounter temptation, one verse helps me more than any other verse in the Bible:

READ MORE

Be Fruitful and Multiply (And Boy, Did We Ever!)

by

I want to show you two pictures.  The first was taken in the Summer of 2007 when four couples went on a beach trip together.  At that time, there was one baby in the group.

The next picture was taken in December 2010.  Same four couples, nine more children than the photo taken 3 and a half years earlier.

READ MORE

The Pretender: Judah

by

Another wonderful Sunday at North Side as we continued in our “Ancestors” series through key figures in Genesis.  I had planned a service based on Jeff preaching from Genesis 37 with Joseph and Potipher’s wife.  Instead, he felt led to go in a different direction:

For the sake of comfort, most people pass over Genesis 38, but Judah’s story is too similiar to situations today.  Many people are living for the moment without a thought concerning responsibility.  No matter how hard we try, our sin will find us out just like it did Judah.

I’ll be honest, when I saw what direction he was going, I just started praying that it would connect and not keep people’s mind in the gutters when he went to that passage.

READ MORE

The Pilgrim: Abraham

by

We started a new series called “Ancestors” today focusing on the second half of Genesis and looking at our spiritual heritage to learn from the mistakes and failures of those gone before us. From the very beginning, our spiritual family was rooted in faith in God.  Before the Law was introduced, Abraham proved to be a prototype for us to live …

READ MORE

The Coalition

by

At the Tower of Babel, a coalition formed in an attempt to reach God.  More than a historical architectural attempt, this event reveals the pride in mankind’s heart.  We think we can reach God on our own terms.  God often has to remind us that he is still God and we are not. What a great day at North Side …

READ MORE

Good News from the Garden

by

Satan’s tactics in the Garden of Eden are the same he uses today.  His attempt was successful at luring Adam and Eve away from God’s Word, and his goal with us is the same.  But even in the garden, there is hope and there is a promise. My friend and mentor, Dr. Chuck Lawless came and preached for us this …

READ MORE

The Origin of Marriage

by

What a great day @ North Side!  We started a new series called Origins as we study through Genesis 1-11. Today, we worshiped to: God of Wonders – City on a Hill How Great Thou Art – Paul Baloche Worthy – Travis Agnew The Stand – Hillsong It was great to be able to lead the new song, “Worthy” today. …

READ MORE

Genesis FAQ’s

by

Genesis.  The first book in the Bible.  What Jews and Christians claim as the authority on creation, origin of mankind, etc.  I’d say it’s a pretty important book concerning the history of our world. In September-October, North Side’s life focus will be on two series walking through the Book of Genesis (Origins: Genesis 1-11, Ancestors: Genesis 12-50).  While the sermons …

READ MORE

Marrying a Spouse, Inheriting In-Laws

by

Scripture: (Gen. 2:23-25) 23 And the man said: This one, at last, is bone of my bone, and flesh of my flesh; this one will be called woman, for she was taken from man. 24 This is why a man leaves his father and mother and bonds with his wife, and they become one flesh. 25 Both the man and …

READ MORE

Sow Your Wild Oats

by

Gen 2:21-22 21 So the LORD God caused a deep sleep to come over the man, and he slept. God took one of his ribs and closed the flesh at that place. 22 Then the LORD God made the rib He had taken from the man into a woman and brought her to the man. You’ve heard the expression, “they …

READ MORE

Is Your Spouse a Good “Helper?”

by

7 Then the LORD God formed the man out of the dust from the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being. 15 The LORD God took the man and placed him in the garden of Eden to work it and watch over it. 16 And the LORD God commanded the …

READ MORE

Does God Care How Many Children I Have?

by

A few Sundays ago, I shared a message called “Generational Hand-Me Downs.”  In it, I talked about God’s call to be fruitful and multiply.  I knew this would raise a couple of eyebrows.  I did get one email question concerning that comment.  I thought I would share with you my response. As far as the message goes, I was worried …

READ MORE

How to Fix Your Wife

by

Today was week 3 in the Marriage by the Book series entitled, “How to Fix Your Wife.”  Since I was gone to seminary last week, it was great just to sit back on the keys and the mandolin, and let Kennerly, Eric, and the rest of the gang lead.  I am so honored to lead beside men and women that …

READ MORE

Book of the Week: Genesis

by

This week’s book of the week is the Book of Genesis.  I received a new ESV study Bible this week, and started rereading Genesis even though I read it once this month.  Since I am reading through the Bible in a new plan, I wanted to go through it in this Bible so I wouldn’t just jump in at a …

READ MORE

The Epic Shack

by

Sunday is going to be a pretty stupendous day for North Side. First, this is the Sunday before school starts which normally means that everyone comes off of summer vacation and comes to church all on the same day.  Normally, this is the largest day attendance wise next to Easter all year.  So, we look forward to seeing everyone together …

READ MORE

+ MORE POSTS