FIRST-PERSON: How much does It cost to follow Jesus?
How much does it cost to know Jesus? Well, it depends.
FIRST-PERSON: How not to respond when people are hurting
Pastors must be prepared to respond to tragedy. It is inevitable in our world.
FIRST-PERSON: The forgotten gifts of Christmas
Most have heard the ancient proverb, “Familiarity breeds contempt.” Some trace the pithy premise back to Aesop’s fable of a fox that lived in such proximity to a lion that he was terribly afraid. Over time, though, the interaction between the animals became more casual. Soon, the fox strolled up to the lion, only to be devoured as a result.
FIRST-PERSON: A thankful heart is a generous heart
As Thanksgiving approaches most of us will have an opportunity to unplug, evaluate, and offer thanks to God for the numerous blessings in our lives without the typical interruptions which accompany our normal routines. Yet, this familiar season of gratitude also exposes the nagging, internal struggle that wreaks havoc in the typical American heart. Though we want to grow in thankfulness, enticements toward greed often overcome us.
FIRST-PERSON: Is it really possible to live forever?
Scripture unapologetically and indiscriminately insists human mortality is a reality for all due to our inherited sin nature (Romans 5:12). Avoiding our end is impossible despite the marvels of modern medicine or the advancements of contemporary technology.
FIRST-PERSON: For the Bible tells me so
“Do you really believe a fish swallowed Jonah?” The question came after I preached a chapel service at a “Christian” college.
FIRST-PERSON: Reading the Bible in context
I once saw the familiar words taped above a weight bench in an athletic facility. Their Scriptural address later appeared on the eye black of a famous athlete set to play in a major SEC showdown. Another time, I heard the same verse recited right after a friend shared an ambitious dream for his future. Chances are you’ve heard it, too.
FIRST-PERSON: Accountability in the body of Christ
No matter the reason for the drastic actions that accountability sometimes requires, repentance and restoration must always be the goal. Measures like these are always meant to help and never hurt. Accountability matters in the local church.
FIRST-PERSON: Preaching hard verses
The Bible accurately predicted a time, which I believe has come, when most would not endure sound doctrine but would accumulate for themselves teachers in accordance with their sinful desires, wanting to have their ears tickled.
