Scripture References: Haggai 1:2-6, 9-12, 2:3-4, 9, 1 Kings 17:1, 16:32-33, Deuteronomy 11:13-17, Matthew 12:6, John 2:19, 1 Peter 2:5 Introduction: As we approach Rally Day weekend at First Baptist, we celebrate our transition into fall ministries. This is a time of celebration as a church body…to stop and celebrate what God has done, while looking forward to what God…
First Place in Everything This past Sunday, as part of his sermon, Chad used an object lesson illustrating the point that when things get out of alignment, the things that often suffer are some of the most important things. When we’re too busy chasing less important things, it’s the important things that suffer the most. In his illustration, he said…
As I’m certain I’ve mentioned a time or two in either devotionals or sermons, I like to listen to old Tim Keller sermons when I’m at the gym. The other day, I heard an illustration in one of his sermons that I think serves as a great illustration of our relationship with Christ. Below is my version of the illustration.…
I’m currently in the midst of preparing for a study I’m leading this fall on the topic of worship. When you think of worship, what comes to mind? Odds are, the first thing that comes to mind is Sunday morning church services. The connection is so strong that most churches call their services “Worship Services.” In his book True Worshipers,…
Scripture References: Matthew 22:36-40, Amos 8:4-6, Exodus 5:4-5, Matthew 11:28-30. Introduction: Last week we were in the book of Amos, zooming in on Amos’ image of a plumb line. I encourage you to go back and read that devotional for full context, but let’s summarize what the situation is. Amos is prophesying against the northern kingdom of Israel. They have…
Scripture References: Amos 5:21-24, 3:1-2, 7:2b-3, 5b-6, 7:7-9, Exodus 12:13, 2 Corinthians 5:21 Introduction: Have you ever approached a project with a sense of overconfidence? Picture this – you’re doing a DIY project in your home. You’ve done a few of these before and in the past, you approached the situation carefully. You planned things out, made sure you had…
At one point I heard a quote that, according to the internet, has been attributed to motivational speaker Tony Robbins: “People change when the pain of staying the same is greater than the pain of change.” I don’t know who Tony Robbins is, so I must have heard the quote from someone who was quoting him. Regardless of my knowledge…
Scripture References: 2 Timothy 3:16-17, Leviticus 19:2, Exodus 40:34-35, 10:4-6, 1 Peter 2:9, Leviticus 3:3-5, Ezekiel 21:21, Psalm 51:16-17, Hebrews 10:3-4, 11-14, Revelation 4:8b Introduction: Have you ever come across a passage or book of the Bible and thought to yourself: ‘What on earth am I supposed to do with this?’ The book of Leviticus may feel like one those…
This summer our staff is working through a series of discussions on the topic of trust—the different ways we, as leaders, can either earn or lose the trust of the people in our church. What’s interesting is that, when you study trust, you realize everyone “trusts” differently. You have those who give trust freely until it’s no longer warranted. You…
Scripture References: Hosea 1:2-4, 6-8, 10-11. Jeremiah 3:20, Genesis 22:17-18, Numbers 13:16, Matthew 1:21 Introduction: The Bible is full of ‘spoiler alerts’. I’ve used this analogy in past devotionals, but I just keep seeing it time and time again in my personal study and have grown to love Biblical spoiler alerts. If you’re not familiar, a ‘spoiler alert’ is that…