You may remember the popular TV show that ran from the 1950s to the 1980s called Name That Tune. Obviously, given its prolific span of running time, the show was a great success. I can understand why, too, because it was one of those game shows that people could play along with from their own living […]
OUTLINE: Gen 8:21bThe imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth. We invent ways to distract ourselves, then we imagine it’s OK with God! Jer 17:9“The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it? Gen 8:21b”The imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth.” Jer 17:9“The heart
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OUTLINE: Gen 8:21bThe imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth. The truth is the easiest of all things to understand. “Against You, You alone…”David’s humility oozed simplicity. He didn’t try to dodge the truth about himself. He owned it, confessed it, repented from it, to God’s glory. (cp. Ac 13:22) David’s HumilityHe reckoned himself
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OUTLINE: True humility says, “God’s will be done!” Your Will Be DoneWe must find our peace from within, from Christ, the only one whose promise is true (Jn 14:27). Sin will lie to us…proposing that we might find peace somewhere else, or with someone else (e.g., opposite sex, friends, bosses, etc.). To believe such a lie is
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OUTINE: No Pity PartiesMay we never suggest that the Lord isn’t with us and doesn’t give grace to the humble (Jas 4:6). The Influence of SinIf you’ve turned inward, focusing on self (goals, aspirations, desires, relationships, etc.) then sin has gained on you. Whenever our “undistracted devotion” (1Co 7:35) is interrupted, it is a telltale sign that
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Every year, my congregation and I celebrate our Lord’s birth with a special Christmas message. Over the years, it has varied quite a bit. Thinking back, I can remember messages that were focused on the supreme nature of the One who became a man to die for our sins. I also remember deeply heartfelt messages
I like to play a little game with people called, “Watch this!” This may sound evil for a pastor like myself to do, but maybe I just have an odd sense of humor? In any case, it’s fun because all parties usually end up laughing at the outcome. I help ensure this by only targeting
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And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up; and as was His custom, He entered the synagogue on the Sabbath, and stood up to read. And the book of the prophet Isaiah was handed to Him. And He opened the book and found the place where it was written, “THE SPIRIT OF
“Don’t judge me!”Have you ever noticed when a person is caught in a sin, they often respond this way? When on the receiving end of such an exclamation, you often find yourself with your hands in the stick-‘em-up position, saying something like, “Whoa, don’t kill the messenger!” A sinner’s conscience prompts a multitude of defenses
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I think it’s easy sometimes to demonize entire groups of people as opposed to recognizing the individuality of each member in said groups. I suppose it’s less mental work in some ways, but it’s obviously a grave error. For example, in the Bible, given the multitude of conflicts Jesus and His apostles had with the