I remember in high school, when I really did not enjoy learning, almost failing a book report. It was my senior year, last semester of school, graduation in full view. I was working 30-40 hours a week on the side, which wrecked my motivation and free time. Therefore, I did what any irresponsible person would do…I read the covers, the start of the chapters and the last page. Then I fashioned together the vaguest book report given in the history of the world. My teacher knew th

Click on the button below to access the Sermon Slides for January 4, 2026: The "Blessed Life" Matthew 5:1-6

Click on the button below to access the Sermon Slides for December 28, 2025: Meeting Jesus Leads to Worship Luke 1:39-56

This is the longest section of teaching from Jesus that is recorded in the Bible. John concludes that the works of Jesus could fill all the world’s volumes and yet here we have just a small glimpse into the preaching/teaching of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. Why would it be helpful to take a deep dive into Matthew 5–7? We could go on and on, but let me narrow it down to four reasons. The Teaching Is Astonishingly Authoritative At the conclusion of Jesus’ sermon in Matthew

We are just days away from the opportunity to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. Some are spending more time away from work and around family. Others are busy preparing for the crash of family gatherings and an infinite supply of destroyed wrapping paper. It is my hope that some are found with a good book in hand, as the Lord continues to transform our minds. Here is another selection of readings that have really challenged my heart and revealed things I had pre

Click on the button below to access the Sermon Slides for December 21, 2025: Nothing is Impossible Luke 1:26-38

Hopefully you have been able to read the previous blog here: ( found here ). But if not, each December I enjoy doing something that causes me to slow down…reading. In an attempt to read 12 books throughout the Christmas season, I’ve really enjoyed some of the titles listed below. Maybe my short write up will cause you to pick up a copy or reach out for a copy. Third Corporate Worship by Matt Merker Corporate Worship is a wonderful book that explores the gathered church and

Click on the button below to access the Sermon Slides for December 14, 2025: His Name Is John Luke 1:1-25

Our family has lots of Christmas Traditions. I’m sure yours does too. We go to the parades, have parties with friends, go to Christmas productions, do the advent calendars, eat lots of food, and watch all the Christmas movies. We enjoy so many Christmas movies that, on any free night, it inevitably led to a debate over which one to watch. Being a youth pastor at the time, I had a fun digital prize wheel that I added all our favorite Christmas movies to. So, whenever we were f

After grumbling in my spirit over our ridiculously full social schedule for this first week of December, I felt like a total hypocrite. I had just done a podcast with a friend the day before, encouraging families in our church to keep their celebrations Christ-focused and to streamline their calendars and plans when necessary in order to honor Christ in every detail of this busy season. To be honest, it’s a fight. No matter what season of life we are in, keeping our celebrati

Click on the button below to access the Sermon Slides for December 7, 2025: Turning Hearts Malachi 4

What a gift for a pastor--12 books. Well, I’m certain some pastors would prefer gift cards or free babysitters, but I would always take the books. Now, like every book lover, I have more books than I have time to read. Additionally, that fact will not stop me from buying more books in the days ahead. Reading is a great way to see how others have worshiped God and put their ideas out to encourage people to worship with them. Every December I feel the reflection of “I wish I ha

Click on the button below to access the Sermon Slides for November 30, 2025: Justice & Worship Malachi 3:13-18

Click on the button below to access the Sermon Slides for November 23, 2025: Is God Greedy? Malachi 3:8-12

Click on the button below to access the Sermon Slides for November 16, 2025: Asleep at the Wheel Malachi 2:17-3:7

Click on the button below to access the Sermon Slides for November 9, 2025: Faithless Living Malachi 2:10-16

Click on the button below to access the Sermon Slides for November 2, 2025: Honoring Our Great King Malachi 1:6-2:9

Click on the button below to access the Sermon Slides for October 26, 2025: A Word About God's Love Malachi 1:1-5

As a worship pastor, it is a great desire for me to see our congregation grow and flourish as Christ leads His church. If we want to see passionate worship in the hearts and lives of our people, we must first be growing daily in our walk with the Lord. “Spiritual growth” is a phrase that can be used a lot and, to be honest, is very vague. I would guess that it is something we all would want but might not know how to do. I hope to give and explain three things needed for every

Click on the button below to access the Sermon Slides for October 19, 2025: Disputed Worship Malachi Overview