Several years ago I asked my friend Neil an important question. He counseled Lynsey and me before we were married and has a good relationship with God and an understanding of secular psychiatry. A friend was resisting my encouragement to turn from some obvious sin on the basis of things that had happened to her. … Continue reading Explanation, Not Excuse
Each of us as Christians are used by God to upbuild His Church and spread His glory to the nations. Our gifts are different from one another, and that is good. It's awesome how God uses us for Himself! However, our gifts can become gremlins. Let me use myself as an example. God has given … Continue reading Gifts or Gremlins
This Sunday, I'll be preaching Mark 14:43-72. Spoiler alert, this text is heartbreaking. In it, Jesus is lied about struck in the face, refuses to defend Himself against lies, then admits to His true identity in a way that essentially seals His death. Meanwhile, Peter, Jesus' top follower and leader of the rest of the … Continue reading Initial Thoughts on Mark 14:53-72
Baptism is something the Spirit of God does in the hearts of people and something people do to communicate what God has done in their hearts. Being baptized is necessarily a public action because it is, in part, a proclamation for people to know what has happened to the heart of a person. And since … Continue reading Baptism Can Be a Little Scary, and That’s Okay
This past Sunday night, you all honored me beyond what I deserved. Thank you for your many gifts in recognition of my completed education. Thank you for coming to show your support. Thank you for letting me be one of your pastors. Thank you, Pastor Adam, for taking the initiative to see that the event … Continue reading Thank You, Lake Hills
