Preaching
Friday Five – Ron Edmondson
One of the steepest learning curves for a young person is in the area of leadership. Whether you’re in ministry, in management, customer service or any job, inevitably you’re managing people. And while you may have exceptional skills in one particular field, chances are, you can use some wisdom on leadership. At least I know…
Read MoreFour Ways to Move Ahead in 2011
Yesterday at Gages Lake Bible Church, I preached my last sermons of 2010. Like I always do at this time of year, I reflected on the past year, but also urged the congregation (and myself, of course), to move forward. Can’t change a thing about 2010, but we can determine, in many ways, the success…
Read MoreHow I Preach
Two and a half years ago, my wife and I moved to Gages Lake Bible Church, where I was called as the Senior Pastor. This was my first time doing any major preaching, though I had graduated with a degree in pastoral ministry and had spoken in church and in Sunday School and small group…
Read MoreFriday Five Interview – Pete Wilson
Today on the blog I have the privilege to interview popular pastor and author, Pete Wilson. Pete Wilson is the founding and senior pastor of Cross Point Church in Nashville, TN. This is the second church he has planted in the last seven years. His first church, Morgantown Community Church, was planted just weeks after…
Read MoreRod Mattoon on the Sovereignty of God in Salvation
One of my favorite contemporary commentators is Pastor Rod Mattoon. His works are featured in Wordsearch Bible Software. Also on his website: Treasures from the Word. He’s a Baptist preacher in Springfield, IL and his commentaries are among the most well-researched, thorough and organized. He’s also a fabulous writer. Here is a gem from his…
Read MoreMoving: The Way to Your Gifts
I’ve been thinking and speaking a lot of about God’s will, gifts, purpose, God’s calling, etc. And sometimes I think we just make too darn hard what God has made rather simple. Lot of Christians wrestle with questions like, What is it that God wants me to do with my life? How do I know…
Read MoreJesus Endorsement of My Prayer
I’m wrapping up my message for Sunday from John 16:23-28. This is a comfort given by Jesus as he is closing his time with the disciples in the Upper Room. Jesus had just unfolded a ton of truth–Holy Spirit, Heaven, Future, Fruit-bearing–all stuff we look back on and understand because we have the full revealed…
Read MoreFriday Five Intervew: Tony Merida
I’m always excited to meet new authors, especially new authors who are pastors, and especially new authors, who are pastors, who publish with my friends at New Hope, who has published all my books. I was asked a few months ago to consider endorsing a book by Dr. Tony Merida, entitled, Orphanology, to be released…
Read MoreUndone by Jonah
I just finished my third message in a four-part series on the life of Jonah. I can’t say how much this little book had “undone” me. It began by reading Suprised by Grace by Tullian Tchivigian. I thought that perhaps I’d preach this because it had a powerful message for the Church, which it does.…
Read MoreSpare Me the Outrage
Of course the whole world was caught up in this goofy flag-burning story. As of Thursday night, 5 pm Central Time, it seems God has allowed this to be redeemed for His purpose. I hear the pastor is flying to NY and there is some sort of agreement that the mosque in NY will be…
Read MoreFriday Five Interview: Tullian Tchividjian
Its a great privilege to interview Tullian Tchividjian. William Graham Tullian Tchividjian (pronounced cha-vi-jin) is the Senior Pastor of Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Tullian comes from a very famous family. He is the grandson of Billy and Ruth Graham. I first learned about Tullian Tchividjian after reading his terrific book, Unfashionable: Making…
Read MoreResources for Studying John
I’ve been preaching through the gospel of John at Gages Lake Bible Church for two, going on three years. I’m on chapter fifteen at the moment. I’ve been blessed with some incredibly helpful resources for study. I’m a guy who likes to dive in and really soak up what the text is saying. I like…
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