Abigail | Hidden Heroes
Some of you know that my daughter is pursuing her PhD in Chemistry (I know, I know… she got her mamma’s brains). She had to take an entire class on how to prevent combustible situations in the lab. It takes knowledge, discernment, and carefulness, and so it is in life as well.
This is exactly what our first hidden hero, Abigail, modeled for us in 1 Samuel 25. She prevented a combustible situation that literally saved lives (as well as the reputation of the future King). I’m excited to share it with you so we can gain a little more wisdom for our own journey.
What Is Your Idol? | ACTS Part II
“The dearest idol I have known,
Whate’er that idol be,
Help me to tear it from thy throne
And worship only Thee.”
Do you resonate with Cowper? I sure do. His words capture the tension I feel between wanting to be fully devoted to God and yet struggle holding on to idols. Well, if there are days you feel the same tension, then make plans to join us as we study Acts 19. This chapter is not only one of the most interesting in entire New Testament, it’s also filled with motivation to guard ourselves from contemporary idols and serve the living God.
Put Into Circulation | ACTS Part II
Many years ago, there was a shortage of silver in England – which meant that they were unable to mint coins. When General and statesman Oliver Cromwell was approached about this, it was explained to him that the only silver available was found in the statues of the saints in the churches. Cromwell then famously said, “Well then, melt down the saints and put them into circulation!”
This Sunday, we’ll look at the story of a young man named Timothy who was “put into circulation.” I’m confident we will all draw strength and inspiration from it, and I look forward to sharing it with you.
Major Turning Points | ACTS Part II
If you’ll think back with me to your high school history class, you’ll remember that the world has experienced several major turning points over the years: the fall of the Roman Empire, the rise of the printing press, the Industrial Revolution, and the Cowboys making the playoffs this year. OK, I added that one. But if we were to look back at the history of the Church in the same way, we’d also find some major turning points – such as the one we’ll examine in Acts 13.
Presence is Greater than Presents | Greater Than
Are you familiar with the metric called the “Total Fertility Rate (TFR)”? Very simply, it is the average number of children a woman would have if she survives all her childbearing years (between 15-49 years old). For a nation to maintain its population, it needs a TFR of 2.0. But in most of the developed world today, that number is below 2.0. Apparently, because of how messed-up our world is, many people are choosing not to have children these days. All I know is… I’m sure glad that when God looked down upon this messed-up world, He still chose to have a child. And this Sunday, we’ll ask and answer the questions about what difference it makes that Jesus was born… God with us.
Giving is Greater than Getting | Greater Than
Have you ever had to move and say goodbye to some close friends? The Apostle Paul did. After spending three years in Ephesus, he developed some close relationships with the people there – particularly with the Elders of the church. So, in Acts 20, it came time for him to say his final goodbye; and, in those parting words, we are reminded of the true spirit of Christmas. I look forward to sharing them with you this Sunday.
Thanksgiving Everyday
I love Thanksgiving! I mean, what’s not to love about it? Faith, family, food, and football. Those are some of my favorite things in life! However, in the Bible, thanksgiving was never relegated to just one day a year. Rather, it’s an every day command. We see this modeled well for us by King David in Psalm 138.
Remain True | ACTS
Have you ever noticed that just about all of the romantic movies coming out of Hollywood are about how couples first get together and fall in love? I guess that’s what sells tickets, but rarely do you see a movie about a couple battling through the challenges of life together in order to remain true to each other. While that might not be the message coming out of Hollywood, it is definitely the spirit of the message coming out of a city called Antioch: “remain true to the Lord” (Acts 11:23).
Opponent Turned Teammate | ACTS
Did you ever have an opponent who became your teammate? I did. His name was Wayne. In Junior High, I played basketball against him, and he was good! But then in high school, our schools merged together and we ended up on the same team. I went from hating that guy to loving him! I think the disciples of Jesus had a similar experience with a man named Saul. His transition from enemy to teammate wasn’t a smooth one, but thankfully there’s a hidden hero in our story: Barnabas.
Standing Up in Excitement | ACTS
Have you noticed that when we get really excited or filled with anticipation, we tend to stand up? We do this all the time at sporting events or concerts (and maybe even at church!). This Sunday we’re going to look at a story in Acts 7 that tells of how Jesus stood up from His throne in excitement and anticipation. What would compel Him to do that?
