I believe in checklists. Actually, I believe in lists, period. They help me keep focused on completing projects, and they keep me from forgetting important details.
In Philippians 2, we have a checklist of a different sort—qualities of a productive Christian servant. The first several verses of this chapter describe a servant leader as they reveal the mind of Christ and His humility.
But then Paul turns a corner and gives a series of personal admonishments. In these verses, we see five characteristics of a Christian servant: (more…)
If you think it’s difficult to read through biblical genealogies, try preaching through one!
My text for this Sunday morning’s message is Luke 3:23–38—a full sixteen verses listing the genealogy of Jesus. If it weren’t for the fact that when I began the Journey with Jesus preaching series I promised our church that we would cover every verse, I think I would have skipped these verses!
But before dismissing them (or tagging them on to the honorable mention end of last Sunday’s sermon), I began to study them. I was amazed at the truths the Holy Spirit drew from this list of names. (more…)
I’ve seen it more times than I want to remember, and it’s the most tragic aspect of my labor for the Lord.
A spiritual leader goes from having a growing walk with the Lord and a healthy ministry to a seemingly sudden state of decline. Before you know it, his life is in pieces. He’s out of the ministry, his family is wounded and sometimes fragmented, and he is spiritually shipwrecked.
A Christian goes from spiritual growth and faithful service to a seemingly sudden apathy or antagonism toward the things of God. Soon, his family is divided, and his life is shattered.
How does it happen? How can a spiritual leader move from a strong and solid walk with God to a state of destruction?
As with almost any calamity, there are multiple aspects to consider. But in the Sunday morning message of our Winter Revival, Dr. John Goetsch so clearly drew the path we follow to this destruction. The steps he outlined resonated so strongly in my heart as what I have observed so many times, that I’m sharing them with you—as the warning that they are to all of us. (more…)
If there is one word that describes a new year, it is opportunity. Here at the beginning of January, we look forward to a year of unused days to fill for God’s glory.
And yet, if there is one word that describes the landscape in America right now, it is hostility. Our culture is not only promoting and legalizing lifestyles that are explicitly forbidden in Scripture; but it is doing its best to silence anyone who raises scriptural truth.
So what are we to do with the golden opportunity of a new year when we face it in a culture hostile toward Christianity?
In this growth points video, I share three thoughts regarding how to use the opportunity before us to God’s glory.
(If you cannot see this video in your RSS reader or email, you can watch it here.)
