When I first got started in ministry, I was at a church that was adding a contemporary service. Since it was new, we didn’t expect many people to attend. So, to help shrink the size of our sanctuary, the pastor bought nice ropes to section off some pews and encourage everyone to sit in a certain area of the sanctuary.…
Every week Pastor Chuck puts together a study guide for his sermon that includes discussion and reflection questions at the bottom. One of the questions for this week is: “Where in your life are you most tempted to compromise your convictions in order to avoid pressure, conflict, or discomfort?” This week’s sermon is on integrity, and Pastor Chuck will be…
When I was interviewing for the Youth Director position at First Baptist, I was asked a question that made me stumble. Having served in church ministry for a number of years, I felt I could pretty well predict what questions would come my way. But then they asked one I didn’t see coming: “Where do you see yourself in five…
This week’s sermon focuses on the story of Adam and Eve in Genesis 2:18–3:20—the moment when sin enters the world through their disobedience. Each week, as part of his sermon, Pastor Chuck shares a “big idea” for his sermon, this week’s is especially fitting for a week where we learn about sin and celebrate communion. The big idea: “When we…
Scripture References: Matthew 7:24, Jeremiah 36:1-3, 5-6, 8, 19-20, 22-24, 2 Kings 22:8-11, Joel 2:12-13a, 1 John 1:9 Introduction: What is our response to sin? What is our response to the Word of God? I’ve been reflecting on these questions a lot lately. Whether it is reflection during communion or my own personal prayer time, these questions get down to…
There is a common saying you might have heard: “Every scar tells a story.” For example, I have a scar on my thigh from when I was a kid. I tried to do a wheelie on my bike, but I was unsuccessful and landed on my handlebars. I have a scar on my knee from when I had knee surgery—a…
I was listening to a Tim Keller post-Easter message this week. In that sermon, he said, “The resurrection didn’t just change history—it’s supposed to change us.” I think change is something we all struggle with. We encounter these big events in our lives, but the change we desire to see doesn’t always come. Yet other times, we’ll encounter a situation…
Scripture References: 2 Timothy 3:16, Amos 2:6, 16, Mark 14:51-52, 15:46, 16:4-8, Galatians 2:20 Introduction: “If it’s weird, it’s probably important” This quote is one of my favorites when it comes to studying the Bible. I first heard this from the late Dr. Michael Heiser, who was an Old Testament professor and Scholar-in-residence at Logos Bible Software. What he meant…
In my personal study, I’ve been spending time in the book of Luke. Once Jesus begins His ministry, there are constant questions about who He is and what He’s about. These questions are often accompanied in the narrative by an act that reveals truth—both to the people at the time and to us—about who Jesus is. My favorite of these…
Scripture References: Matthew 4:12-20, Jeremiah 16:10-18, 2 Kings 15:29, Isaiah 9:1 Introduction: 18 While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 Immediately they left…