There’s a natural truth about life that I’ve observed—it happens to all of us: the more we interact with the extraordinary, the less extraordinary it seems. In the 1987 NBA Dunk Contest, Michael Jordan performed what has become one of the most iconic dunks in NBA history. He jumped from the foul line—that’s 15 feet from the hoop—and dunked it.…
Key Verse: Matthew 11:28–30Sermon Key Verses: Psalm 13, Romans 15:13 I love hero movies. It doesn’t matter if it’s a superhero or action hero—so long as there’s a hero with unwavering dedication to a cause and who defies all odds to save the day, I’m in. (It also helps if something blows up!) I think what appeals to me most…
My wife and I have done a lot of work on our house. One of the most beneficial — and also most stressful — projects we took on was removing a load-bearing wall between our kitchen and dining room. The wall served no real purpose (other than carrying some of the weight of the house!) and made two already small…
Scripture references: Psalm 119:105, 2 Chronicles 14:2-4, 9-12, 2 Chronicles 15:1-4, 7-8, 2 Chronicles 16:1-3, 7-11, Proverbs 3:5-8 Introduction: “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path” – Psalm 119:105 ESV This week, we will be starting a new sermon series on the Psalms. What better way to kick things off than by singing directly…
Scripture references: Psalm 115:1, Genesis 4:17, 25-26, Genesis 6:4-8, Genesis 11:4, Genesis 12:7-9 Introduction: Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory, for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness! -Psalm 115:1 ESV I was watching a documentary recently. The documentary featured a well-known professional athlete, and during an interview, he made the comment:…
Celebrating VBS Week Proclaim the Lord’s greatness with me;let us exalt his name together. Psalm 34:3 [CSB] When David wrote Psalm 34, he thanked God for His deliverance and provided instruction for God’s people. This Psalm was used by the people of Israel in times of celebration when they experienced deliverance and it led to exuberant praise. It was a celebration…
Introduction: Standing on the promises that cannot fail!When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,by the living Word of God I shall prevail,standing on the promises of God. -Standing on the promises Russell Kelso Carter reminds us of an important truth. In his hymn: ‘Standing on the Promises’, each verse and refrain points to a hope that we have…
Introduction: Reprimand To A Naïve Deity I will not advertiseThis crazy schemeof Yours God, what a farcethat men should sin and findescape. I mean, of course,not mebut all our mutualantagonists. Dear God, kind God, don’t listenTo their prayers. ~Thomas John Carlisle (You! Jonah!) The poem above is part of a collection from the poet and minister Thomas John Carlisle (1913-1992)…
Not long ago, a decision was made to move from having two very different worship services at First Baptist to having just one. I was tasked with overseeing the transition and the execution of future services. I remember thinking, in the time between the decision and the announced date for the first combined service, “I have no idea how this…
Over the last 2–3 years, I’ve referenced the Shema prayer in Deuteronomy 6:4–5 and its New Testament counterpart in Mark 12:29–30 quite a bit—because I see them as definitions of worship. Deuteronomy 6:4–5 4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.5 You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your…