Focal Passage: Psalm 23:1-6 Many of us grew up quoting the opening of Psalm 23 as, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” Modern translations help us understand that David wrote of not being in want, or, as the CSB translates the end of verse one, “I have what I need.” In a world consumed by more wants than it has ever known, the psalmist’s words remind us
Focal Passage: Philippians 2:1-11 Humility is one of those characteristics that you are not supposed to know you have, but everyone else should know you have it. If you know you have it, you don’t. Yet, few people consider the nature and scope of humility. Just what is this necessary but elusive characteristic of the mature Christian? It may be best to begin by defining humility by what it is
Focal Passage: Psalm 32:1-11 Church discipline virtually disappeared from Southern Baptist churches for several generations and wasn’t emphasized in theological discussions until the dawn of the twenty-first century. While there were probably multiple contributing factors that brought about such a large-scale absence of accountability, the misuse of discipline was likely a major reason. Many of our churches have nineteenth-century records of removing members found guilty of offenses like drinking, dancing,
Focal Passage: I Timothy 4:6-16 The Point: A godly life points others to Christ. Good character is one thing, but godly character is of another kind. While there may be many “good” people in this world, though ultimately there is none good, not one (Romans 3:9-18), rare is the person who is godly in such a way that their life points others to faith in Jesus Christ. Godliness can be
Focal Passage: Psalm 38:1-8, 18-22 A 1963 episode of The Andy Griffith Show included a scene where the visiting preacher from New York City, Dr. Breen, preached a “sermon” (although he had no Bible and no biblical content!) on slowing down in life. As a few of the main characters exited the service, they met the visiting preacher and began to brag on his sermon. Barney, who had been
Focal Passage: II Peter 1:1-11 The Point: God equips with Christlike character I grew up in a small town filled with ‘characters,’ colorful, wonderful people who were not bland or the same. Like the man in our church who wanted a red pick-up truck, so he went down to the store, bought a gallon of red paint, a paint brush and painted his old farm truck red. He was as
Focal Passage: Psalm 105:1-11, 42-45 Many of us have spent so many years seeing Psalms as the big book that marks the middle of the Book, that we fail to remember that it is like a hymnal in the middle of the Bible. The Psalms were meant to be sung, and some churches still sing from them every Sunday. Psalm 105 begins with a call to worship. I grew up
Focal Passage: Hebrews 6:1-12 The Point: A true relationship with Christ is seen in our perseverance. Can a true believer walk away from the faith? The answer is an unequivocal NO. Yet, thousands walk away from Jesus every day. What’s going on? Answer: It is entirely possible to confess what you do not possess. Yes, we are commanded to confess Christ as Lord and Savoir based on His atoning death
Focal Passage: Psalm 18:16-29 Psalm 18 begins with David’s declaration of love for the Lord whom he described as his strength, rock, fortress, deliverer, refuge, shield, horn of salvation, and stronghold. Did you notice the military significance of most of those words? As an experienced warrior, David knew that without God’s power he was as helpless as an unarmed man exposed in battle! A couple of centuries later, the prophet
Focal Passage: John 10:7-14, 26-30 The Point: God keeps His children securely in His hands. Terms like “once saved always saved” or “the security of the believer” or “you can’t lose your salvation” are often tossed around the Church, but without doctrinal foundation. We know these phrases are true, but why are they true? In part John 10 enables us to understand the great truth of the believer’s security. John
Focal Passage: Psalm 23:1-6 Many of us grew up quoting the opening of Psalm 23 as, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
Focal Passage: Philippians 2:1-11 Humility is one of those characteristics that you are not supposed to know you have, but everyone else should know you
Focal Passage: Psalm 32:1-11 Church discipline virtually disappeared from Southern Baptist churches for several generations and wasn’t emphasized in theological discussions until the dawn of
Focal Passage: I Timothy 4:6-16 The Point: A godly life points others to Christ. Good character is one thing, but godly character is of another
Focal Passage: Psalm 38:1-8, 18-22 A 1963 episode of The Andy Griffith Show included a scene where the visiting preacher from New York City, Dr.
Focal Passage: II Peter 1:1-11 The Point: God equips with Christlike character I grew up in a small town filled with ‘characters,’ colorful, wonderful people
Focal Passage: Psalm 105:1-11, 42-45 Many of us have spent so many years seeing Psalms as the big book that marks the middle of the
Focal Passage: Hebrews 6:1-12 The Point: A true relationship with Christ is seen in our perseverance. Can a true believer walk away from the faith?
Focal Passage: Psalm 18:16-29 Psalm 18 begins with David’s declaration of love for the Lord whom he described as his strength, rock, fortress, deliverer, refuge,
Focal Passage: John 10:7-14, 26-30 The Point: God keeps His children securely in His hands. Terms like “once saved always saved” or “the security of
