Have you ever had a season of life where you felt like God wasn’t hearing your prayers? I can remember one season when my wife and I were praying for wisdom and discernment related to a large decision we had to make. As time went on, I remember feeling more and more overwhelmed because I didn’t feel like I was…
Scripture References: Zephaniah 2:15, 3:8-9, Genesis 11:1-9, Micah 4:1-2, Revelation 7:9-12. Introduction: ‘Delayed answers are not necessarily denied answers’. This is one of our sermon applications for this coming week. I imagine many of us can relate to this statement in our prayer lives. We pray fervently for answers to difficult questions or perhaps for a situation to turn around…
Scripture References: Colossians 1:16-17, Zephaniah 2:13-15, Isaiah 45:5-6, Genesis 1:26, Daniel 4:27, 30-32, 34 Introduction: As we continue our preaching series on prayer this fall, I am reminded of important truths. A life dedicated to prayer is a life which consistently acknowledges that I am a creation, completely dependent on a Creator. When we come to the Lord with a…
When someone you care about is struggling, what is your first response? As I think about the people in the church and in my life who are in need, my first instinct is, “How can I help?” At times, I wish I had the finances to personally bankroll helping support someone’s family while they are unemployed. Or, I wish I…
Scripture References: Genesis 3:8, 5:22-24, 6:9, Exodus 25:8, Leviticus 26:11-12, John 1:14, Revelation 21:3 Introduction: We are beginning a new sermon series this week at FBCA, focusing on prayer. Prayer is an indispensable part of our relationship with Christ and reminds us of the closeness, the intimate relationship that God desires to have with His people. The figure Pastor Chuck…
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…