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

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

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

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

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

What do you know about Apollos? If you have some familiarity with God’s word you may recognize the name, but the Bible doesn’t go into his life in great detail like other leaders in the early church. In Acts 18:24 we read, “Now a Jew named Apollos, a native of Alexandria, came to Ephesus. He was an eloquent man, competent in the Scriptures.” We know that Apollos preached the word and led in the early church, but if we keep reading in Acts 18, we see what led him to leadership

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Scripture Romans 10:13–15, 17 For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. How then will they call on Him in whom they...

I’ve heard a lot of people over the years use the terms “discipleship” and “mentorship” interchangeably. I’ve experienced both, as well...

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For a few weeks, I’ve had several conversations regarding a statement from our Lead Pastor, John Richardson. Perhaps you remember this...

Harry S. Truman once said, “Not all readers are leaders, but all leaders are readers.” I heard this quote shared just a few days after moving into my role as Campus Pastor at a small Christian college and seminary. To that point, I did not take the time to read. But that quote crashed a cymbal in my mind that continues to echo to this day. Not everyone is called to lead. And for those who are called to lead, not all come from reading backgrounds (like me). We can firm those t