By Kevin Shrum Pastor, Inglewood Baptist Church, Nashville Focal Passage: I Thessalonians 2:1-12     What if you found a treasure that would make you both rich and that would change the world? But it wouldn’t make you rich unless you set free that gift to change the world. This is the gospel (II Corinthians 4:7). The gospel lavishes on us the riches of God’s grace in Jesus Christ, but

By Kevin Shrum Pastor, Inglewood Baptist Church, Nashville Focal Passage: I Thessalonians 1:1-10     Have you ever filled out a job application? More than likely you needed a list of references. You would select those who know you best, trusted people, friends, or co-workers. These references would vouch for your character and work ethic. As the Apostle Paul begins writing 1 Thessalonians, he introduces two of his co-workers, Silvanus

By Kevin Shrum Pastor, Inglewood Baptist Church, Nashville Focal Passage: Daniel 9:4-19 We do not like being honest. Even the most honest person in the world has a difficult time in being honest about their own sinfulness. We are honest with God when we confess our sins and His Lordship over all things (Romans 10:9-13). Put simply, to confess is to agree with God. When we confess our sins, we

By Kevin Shrum Pastor, Inglewood Baptist Church, Nashville Focal Passage: Daniel 7:1-14    Question: If you could know exactly what was going to happen tomorrow, would you want to know?  Some might say, “Yes, I would want to know so that I could better prepare for what is coming my way.” Others might say, “No, I don’t want to know because knowing would increase my anxiety and stymie my faith.”

By Kevin Shrum Pastor, Inglewood Baptist Church, Nashville Focal Passage: Daniel 6:10-24     According to GodTube.com, John H. Sammis was the writer of the Christian hymn Trust and Obey in 1887. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y. in 1846, Sammis died in 1919 in Los Angeles, Calif.  He was a businessman and a preacher for the Presbyterian church. He taught at Biola University. The inspiration for this hymn began in 1886 when the composer of the music,

By Kevin Shrum Pastor, Inglewood Baptist Church, Nashville Focal Passage: Daniel 4:28-37 God hates pride (Proverbs 6:16-19). In fact, James 4:6 notes that God resists the proud. So, let’s be clear. God doesn’t just hate pride; God hates the proud person. This is strong, but biblical language. Pride is not some disembodied sin that someone, somewhere, in another time and place commits. Pride is a sin committed by a person.

By Kevin Shrum Pastor, Inglewood Baptist Church, Nashville Focal Passage: Daniel 3:14-26     The “Pledge of Allegiance” has become a controversial thing in recent years. For some, to pledge allegiance to a nation they feel has been unfair to them is beyond the pale.  For most, however, the pledge to a nation that has given them so much is a “no brainer.” The point is clear — a person

By Kevin Shrum Pastor, Inglewood Baptist Church, Nashville Focal Passage: Daniel 1:8-21 We are amid a massive cultural shift. Things that were once familiar are now strange; truths that were once cherished are no longer applauded. In his book, Reinventing Liberal Christianity, Theo Hobson traces the collapse of Western civilization through three steps: (1) What was universally condemned is now celebrated; (2)  What was universally celebrated is now condemned; (3)

By Kevin Shrum Pastor, Inglewood Baptist Church, Nashville Focal Passage: Ezekiel 16:20-21; 23:36-39; Psalm 139:13-16    Dictionary.com defines the term “value” as: something that is of relative worth, merit, or importance. We apply the term “value” to many things. We value our money, time, families, and friendships. We value life.  But what happens when a person (or an entire culture) stops valuing the right things and starts valuing the wrong

By Kenny Bruce Pastor Emeritus, Leawood East Baptist Church, Memphis Focal Passage: Micah 5:2-5a; Matthew 2:1-6, 9-11   There are some 330 prophecies in the Old Testament concerning Jesus.  The prophecy of Micah (Micah 5:2-5a). The people in Judah were insecure because of the threat of the Assyrians invading their nation. Micah gave them hope by prophesying of a future King who would shepherd them. Micah stated that this King