The Main Thing | Known Everywhere
A good friend and I used to eat at Chili’s once or twice a month. A couple years ago I noticed the restaurant’s effort to reduce the menu options by 40%. The CFO stated, “While we were chasing new platforms, we were losing our credibility on what built us, our burgers, ribs, and fajitas.” Chasing but losing; that sounds exhausting. The restaurant forgot what one leader has said, “The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.” As a church, and a follower of Jesus, keeping the main thing the main thing can sometimes be a challenge.
Contagious Faith | Known Everywhere
It’s around this time of year when students of all ages receive their school yearbook. Looking at my kids’ yearbook this year reminded me of my own yearbooks. My yearbooks are like an open window for my kids to catch a glimpse of my younger days (and just maybe I’ll share a few of my throwback pictures on Sunday). In a similar way, the New Testament book of 1 Thessalonians is an open window to one of the first churches ever begun, and what a church it was! Imagine the faith of TBC being so contagious that it spread and became known beyond Parker County. Well, that’s the story of the church of the Thessalonians, so make plans to join us for a new sermon series – Known Everywhere.
All Rise | Faith in the Dark
Apparently, you and I have a thing for justice. According to Nielsen, the self-proclaimed “arbiter of truth” of the media industry, 9 of the 10 most popular television shows involve bringing people to justice (think NCIS) or people being judged (think The Voice). But as we have seen in the book of Habakkuk, we are not alone when it comes to our desire for justice. How God will judge the godless Chaldeans, oh and us, too!
Trust, Don’t Turn | Faith in the Dark
If you saw the name “Habakkuk” you might think it’s a word to unscramble or a character from Star Wars. But, actually, Habakkuk is a prophet who wrote a small, often overlooked book in the Old Testament that bears his name. Shockingly, Habakkuk begins his book questioning God, and wondering where He is during a dark time in Israel’s history. Although small and overlooked, Habakkuk is a timely picture of what faith in the dark looks like for God’s people. So, if you’ve questioned God, doubted God, been frustrated with God, then you don’t want to miss out as we begin our study in Habakkuk.
The Man Born Blind | SIGNS: So You May Believe
Jesus Walks on Water | SIGNS: So You May Believe
We are in the midst of a storm that is unique to what most of us have experienced in our lifetime. It reminds me of a particular storm the disciples experienced on the Sea of Galilee. Although the disciples had just witnessed Jesus feed thousands with just a few loaves of bread and a couple fish, I find it interesting that instead of trusting Him in the middle of this deadly storm they reach for their oars to fight against the wind and the waves. How about you? Do you, like me, find yourself in the middle of this storm reaching for something, trusting in someone other than Jesus? Let’s learn together to put down our oars and trust in Jesus.
Healing of the Official’s Son | SIGNS: So You May Believe
I cherish being a parent! However, sometimes it feels like you are simply a means to an end. You’re the driver to your kiddos events, the banker for their extra-curricular activities, and the short-order cook for their ever-growing appetites. Sound familiar?!?! This is how many saw Jesus in his day. He was a miracle worker able to fix their problems, better their circumstances, and give them what they wanted. He was viewed as a means to an end. However, today we meet one person who discovered Jesus was much more. I’m looking forward to sharing this story with you as we continue our study on the seven signs in John’s Gospel!
We Have Hope | A Sojourner’s Guide
Walking through this book together over the past twenty-one weeks has been both challenging and encouraging. Even though Peter’s words were written long ago, they are equally timely for us today as sojourners in this world. As we arrive at our last passage, Peter sounds the alarm on the danger we will face, but reminds us that even in the midst of that danger, we have Hope! We will unpack these final verses in 1 Peter in order to press on as sojourners.
Love In Color | A Sojourner’s Guide
Do you remember in The Wizard of Oz when the movie transitions from black and white to Technicolor? Ok, here goes my best play-by-play of this iconic scene: The house spins through the sky and falls hard to the ground. Dorothy gets up from the bed and with a concerned look on her face carries Toto, her dog, through the house. When she gets to the front door and opens it, the viewer suddenly witnesses this iconic moment when the picture changes from black and white to Technicolor. This classic scene illustrates to me the difference Christ-like love can make. We will continue our study in 1 Peter to discover the difference this kind of love makes in our lives and those around us.
Why Live For God And Not The Lusts Of Men? | A Sojourner’s Guide
“Unite my heart to fear Your name.” I can so relate to this particular prayer of King David. I want a united heart that is committed to the Lord, but despite my desire, at times, I find myself with a heart that is divided – torn between living for the world and for God. Praise God – this is where 1 Peter steps in to give me hope. Today we look at a scripture that give us as believers not only the motivation, but also practical steps to help us live for God.
