Are you going THROUGH something right now? Are you in the midst of something uncomfortable… uneasy… undesirable… and perhaps downright unimaginable…. That has hit you emotionally, mentally, physically, financially, or relationally? And though…
AND LEAD US NOT INTO TEMPTATION, BUT DELIVER US FROM THE EVIL ONE MATTHEW 6:13 S-1540 What tempts you? The Seven Deadly Sins Perhaps? SLIDE #1: Ice Cream Sundae? Timed–Drugs…
Authenticity is vital to having a healthy relationship with your teen. No teen is perfect, and neither is any parent! Until your child is able to know and share in…
On August 22nd, 1851, the New York Yacht Club won the inaugural America’s Cup. It was a 53-mile regatta around the Isle of Wright. That New York Yacht club successfully…
It’s true that far too many Bible believers are in effect anti-supernatural. Some Christians argue against the miraculous with the same scorn of atheists and agnostics. The irony is stunning,…
WHAT KIND OF SIN DOES THE WORLD TOLERATE TODAY? GIVE EXAMPLES. WHAT KIND OF SIN DOES THE CHURCH TOLERATE TODAY? (12) “And to the angel of the church in Pergamum…
I hate to admit it, but I’ve been around people whose prayers annoy me. Have you ever had that experience? Perhaps their prayers seem flippant, or they have verbal tics,…
The Resurrection of Christ Matthew 28:1-10,16-17 HAVE YOU EVER HAD DOUBTS ABOUT SOMETHING IN THE BIBLE OR IN YOUR FAITH? HAVE YOU EVER DOUBTED OR WONDERED ABOUT THE TRUTHFULNESS OF…
Throughout the Bible there are many stories of people who were gifted by God with special authority, power, or responsibilities. Those who were truly close to God were given the…
Under God’s direction, angels serve us on Earth (Hebrews 1:14). Michael the archangel serves under God, and the other angels, in various positions, serve under Michael (Daniel 10:13; Revelation 12:7). In…
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.Hebrews 6:19 There was a man who was abruptly awakened by a bright light in his room. The…
The genius of Jesus was storytellng. The genius of Jesus was turning water into wine. The genius of Jesus was rewriting the rules. Finally, the genius of Jesus is the…
We live in an apology-averse culture. We are allergic to repentance and forgiveness alike. Think about it. When was the last time someone repented to you? I mean, truly repented?…
HAVE YOU EVER BEEN BROKEN-HEARTED? WHAT WAS IT LIKE? Revelation 2:1-7 “To the angel of the church in Ephesus write: ‘The words of him who holds the seven stars in…
God is longing for an intimate relationship with us: We know we receive from Him—and He longs to receive from us. Jesus is looking for people whose hearts feel what…
Hebrews 12:1-3 S-1685 The book of Hebrews was written to some Christians who were suffering for their faith. They had not yet shed blood—but it was getting close. Don’t know…
Broken relationships are painful. Is there any chance God might change His mind and break up with you? Is there any chance you might do something that would cause God…
Dr. Randy Carlson of Intentional Living brings great insight to parents who have adult children challenges. “More than ever, adult children are moving back home with Mom and Dad. Many…
It’s none of my business what atheists teach their children, I know. And I have enough to do rearing my own five sons. But occasionally one will hear advice so…
What have you worried about today? Chances are, the list is pretty long. Jesus promises that we don’t have to worry, but how is that possible? Understanding His promise can…
If what you’re being taught isn’t moving you to be centered in Christ and living out love then it’s not God. Keep testing what you hear against what John teaches…
Matthew 7:15-20 What is a prophet? What does a prophet do? How do you know if I am a true teacher of the gospel or someone who is false, teaching or…
I respect my sister and brother-in-law for many reasons. One of those reasons is their wise financial stewardship. With eight kids (you can read the story of why they have…
This compelling message reassures us that God’s goodness will pursue us relentlessly throughout our lives. Psalm 139 said He has every day formed in advance. It is His sovereignty and…
Dear Roger and Brie, It seems like the world is falling apart. I’m scared. My friends and I talk about what is happening to the global economy and I just…
Jim Abernethy, a well-known diver and underwater photographer, works primarily with sharks. Years ago in the Bahamas, Jim encountered a large tiger shark he named Emma. Unlike most tiger sharks,…
Most people pray. Many of those don’t even consider themselves Christians. In a recent survey, 61% of Americans said they pray. If your prayers were recorded and played back…
Today we often think of family as parents and children. Yet, in Bible times, God refers to family in terms of generations. Grandparents were powerful role models. Isaac and Rebekah,…
Matthew 7:24-29 WHAT ARE SOME OF THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A WISE MAN AND A FOOLISH MAN? “‘Everyone then who hears these words of mine and does them will be like…
(Brie): It has been just over a year now since my beloved father, Dr. Roger Barrier, went to be with the Lord. My friends and readers, grief is hard. It’s…
Matthew 10:16-31 Why Does God Allow Persecution? New and obscure ideas started spreading more quickly in the world when the printing press was created in 1439. Before this invention books…
Dear Roger and Brie, I can hardly check the news, go to the grocery store, or get a tank of gas without hugeanxiety. My family and I are barely making…
Genesis chapter 4 is a story of two worshippers who happen to be brothers, Cain and Abel. And one’s sacrifice, or offering, was accepted by God. But the other one…
One of the most important things we do every day is make decisions. Some are small, like what we’re going to eat for breakfast, and others are life-changing—decisions about our…
Surviving adolescence is more challenging today because the transition between adolescence has has lengthened. Greater challenges face young adults as they seek to get established.
Under God’s direction, angels serve us on Earth (Hebrews 1:14). Michael the archangel serves under God, and the other angels, in various positions, serve under Michael (Daniel 10:13; Revelation 12:7). In…
IS THERE EVER A TIME WHEN ITS APPROPRIATE TO JUDGE OR CONDEMN SOMEONE? “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged,…
God wouldn’t hold it against me if I don’t believe in him?, would he? Given the complexities of our world, how could he? Is unbelief a sin? Surely not! Culturally,…
I wondered if you too have ever said… But Lord, I CAN’T… Something I have learned through the years is the “I CAN’T…” mentality always has an inward focus, looking solely at…
Dr. David Ferguson, respected author and conference leader, has much to say about loving people. This list should go on your refrigerator! Top Ten Intimacy Needs What Love Looks Like …
“The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance [to the full, till it overflows]”…
Matthew 6:5-14 WHEN YOU PRAY DO YOU FEEL LIKE YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING? DOES GOD ANSWER YOUR PRAYERS? WHY DO YOU FEEL THAT WAY? WHEN YOU PRAY, DO…
Who is your favorite celebrity? Your favorite political pundit? Your favorite politician? Why are you drawn to these individuals? Maybe it is their personality. Perhaps it is because you respect…
God makes it clear that we cannot have the glory without the groan. The hardships are worth the wait when we are secure in Christ. The indwelling Holy Spirit is…
Dear Roger and Brie, How many times should I pray for someone to be healed? Especially when I see that healing just isn’t happening? I have friends who ask me…
Happy 2025 to you! I hope you have had a blessed Advent season and are preparing for the year ahead. I enjoy this time of year. New Year’s resolutions…
One of the greatest losses we experience when reading our Bible in translation only is the meaning of the Hebrew names. Translations and adaptations don’t simply change the original meaning,…
often talk about living intentionally because I believe that how we choose to live each day, the decisions we make, and the way we respond to others significantly impacts our…
In the early 90s, researchers embarked on a landmark study of over 17,000 individuals and asked them about negative experiences in childhood and their current physical and mental health. They…
Don’t listen to your feelings; remember what Jesus did for you!” “Don’t be guided by your feelings; listen to what God commands you to do!” In just the past week,…
Learn to live with less, and be generous to others. God will Bless your living and your life. Be like Jesus; Don’t just look down the ladder, Climb down! Dr.…
LOOKING INTO THE HEART OF GOD LUKE 15 S-1720 A small boy was writing a letter to God about the Christmas presents he badly wanted. “I’ve been good for six…
Was the star of Bethlehem a miraculous astronomical phenomenon — a brilliant light hanging just above the stable where Jesus was born? Perhaps This popular image is what most people…
Isaiah 9:6-7 Have you ever had a song get stuck in your head like an ear worm? A song you can’t stop singing or hearing even if no sound is…
1096s Jesus and the Tortilla A few years ago the Chicago Tribune reported the story of a New Mexico woman who was frying TORTILLAS when she noticed that the skillet…
So we would love to have you… no matter where you are out in the globe, to relocate your life to beautiful northwest Montana and take part in what God…
Jesus humbled Himself. He went from commanding angels to sleeping in the straw. From holding stars to clutching Mary’s finger. The Palm that held the universe took the nail of…
WHAT TIME IS IT? Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 (Ecclesiastes #3) S-1403 ·SLIDE #1: How many of you are wearing a watch? Or you have a pocket watch or clock of some kind…
Genesis 37:18-24 They saw him from afar, and before he came near to them they conspired against him to kill him. 19 They said to one another, “Here comes this dreamer. 20 Come now, let us…
R1-1623 ●SLIDE # [hurricane pix and words]: Today I want to talk to you about what to do when the storms of life are raging. When your spouse says, “I…
Intercession: An Invitation to the Banqueting Table “For through Him we both have our access in one Spirit to the Father.”Ephesians 2:18 When’s the last time you heard a good…
The Loneliness Epidemic Did you know that loneliness is one of the leading causes of death in our world today? Isolation is no joke. Loneliness actually increases the risk for premature mortality…
The Prodigal Son: A Story of Grace UNPLUGGED S-1809 Andy and Me: Picture of Grace Mrs. Crosley got me in. My performance wasn’t good enough. My performance doesn’t get me…
The will of God is a lot less circumstantial and a lot more attitudinal than we imagine. The circumstances we are asking God to change may be the circumstances God…
“I’m sure no one has ever told you this.” “It’s so bad. You are going to think terrible things about me.” “Everyone would hate me if they knew what I…
One day, a squirrel dropped from a branch onto a leaf-cushioned woodland floor and hurried to gather as many acorns as possible before the settling-in of winter.Scampering over, he paused,…
Enoch’s Faith; Or, How to Mezuzah Your Life Soul Structuring—Hebrews 11 Series #5 Hebrews 11:5 S-1505 Anthropologists have known for years that primitive peoples spend 30-40% of their time interacting…
ASK ROGER and BRIE Dear Roger and Brie, I wake up all the time with my heart pounding and my mind racing in a thousand directions. It even feels hard…
In 2003, Bart Millard still mourning his father’s recent death, penned the lyrics for “I Can Only Imagine,” a song that would go on to be the most-played song in…
An hour of meditative psalms narrated by Roger Barrier and accompanied by Julie Barrier on piano.
HOW OFTEN DO YOU BREAK YOUR WORD? HOW DOES KEEPING YOUR WORD IMPACT YOUR RELATIONSHIPS? “Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not…
Abel Able, or Making a Good First And Lasting Impression On God Hebrews 11:4 Soul Structuring Arts—Hebrews 11 Series #4 1504 Hebrews 11 delineates the soul Structuring Lifestyle Arts that…
Levi Lusko shares how we can get to know God’s plan for us by understanding the things that Satan hates and fears. By keeping our attention on Christ and worshipping…
Two critical aspects of the Christian life are remembering on the one hand and forgetting on the other. What do I mean? When I was in high school football, we had this thing called…
I sit with a young woman. She exhales and looks at her shoes. “My grandfather molested me when I was six. My father first raped me when I was eleven.…
An unhealthy person can infect your team like toxins infect the human body. After some exposure, everyone feels sick. The optimist in you and me hopes that toxic people will…
In 2023, 46 horror movies were released. 75 million tickets were sold, and the industry made $798 million in domestic revenue alone.[i] It’s been argued that horror movies remain a…
Tom Terry shares Biblical truths on successful relationships and sexual purity on Ask Roger and Friends this week. Dear Tom, Why does lust destroy marriage? Sincerely, Devon Dear Devon, Here…
Is a Fetus Really a Person? Scientific Facts from a Christian Neurosurgeon At the young age of 35, Dr. Timothy Cheves is a force of nature. He’s earned multiple doctoral…
Trading Faces excerpt Marriage Written by Angel Beeson as part of Trading Faces with pastor John Beeson Jack’s aching was palpable. “I don’t know who I am now that she’s…
WHY DO YOU TRY AND KEEP THE TEN COMMANDMENTS? WHY DON’T WE KEEP THE SACRIFICIAL LAWS OF THE OT ANYMORE? SHOULD WE BASE OUR NATION’S LAWS ON THE OT? Matthew…
Living in the Waiting Room – part 2 Jeremiah 29:4-14 After my husband Gary’s cancer diagnoses, we were open to trying anything the doctors suggested. One of the things they…
WHAT HAPPENS to the CHRISTIANS? Jesus’ Olivet Discourse #3 Matthew 24:26-41 S-1745 Pray for Julie and me as we go to the Middle East to minister to missionaries there. We…
Can we choose our identity? Daniel Day Lewis is known as one of the most committed method actors of our time. When he takes on a role, he embodies the…
Matthew 5:1-12 Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:“Blessed…
I never dreamed how many sermons my husband would preach in a bullet-proof vest (36 in all). I never dreamed I would have to wear one myself. My missionary friends…
How Can I Know God Exists? Dear Roger and Julie, I have wrestled with questions about God for as long as I can remember. How do I know for sure…
AT THE FEET OF JESUS Luke 10: 38-39; John 11:32; John 12:3 S-1759 ·BACKGROUND SLIDE #1: Turn to Luke 10 ·SLIDE #2: Apologize for dog and cat comments from last…
Drs. Chet Weld and Roger Barrier discuss how to avoid destructive alliances that will destroy unity. A conflict intensity scale is described, and ways to deflect conflict are discussed.
Discontentment. Is it something you brought on yourself, or is it something which God has brought into your life? Maybe God is using discontentment to help you bring about change…
Job 42:10-17 Job Series #16 S-1599 Explain Job series. All these painful days, now Job broken and friends restored because of mercy. READ JOB 42:10-17. Restored twofold. So – boils…
Dear Tom, Why do you think prosperity gospel is wrong? It’s so popular and there are so many popular pastors who preach that if we believe God, He will bless…
Are you encouraged or discouraged about teens? If you’re a teen, what is your perception of your peers? Are you hopeful? Or pessimistic? Not long ago, One Hope released a…
Surviving the Waiting Room of Life– part 1-Jeremiah 29:4-14 Nine months before Covid hit our big world, my husband Gary was diagnosed with a brain tumor. While he never got…
Imagine four people on four different street corners who simultaneously witness the same automobile accident. We know that their descriptions will not match, because each one saw from a different…
King David knew that he had sinned against the Lord, but he hadn’t completely dealt with the ramifications of broken lives that surrounded his choice. One aspect of repentance is…
Our harried, hurried lives prevent us from knowing God, enjoying life and loving others well. We must learn to slow our pace to experience genuine joy. S-1790 Julie breast…
Chances are that if you’re a Christian, your desire is to be more like Christ. That’s great. But are you?How would you know? A Barna study done a few years ago…
18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon…
The Sealed and the Unsealed Let’s start with the beautiful words from Revelation 5:1-9, where all three components of our title are present: 1 And I saw in the right hand of Him who…
What do you do when your husband is giving the kids whatever they want and leaving you to be the disciplinarian? Dr. Leman gives practical tips and advice on this…
This Ask Roger was penned by Tom Terry, the president of the Preach It, Teach It Board of Directors. Dear Tom, I have always heard of the “sin that leads…
The Lord Is My Shepherd PSALM 23 November 5, 2006 S-746 Psalm 23 is often referred to as the “Shepherd’s Psalm”. This Psalm is used more often in hospitals, prison…
Have you ever begun reading a passage in the Bible and started anticipating where it was going, and then it took a left-hand turn? I recently had one of those…
Roger and Scott GO sermon #2 Matthew 28:19-20 S-1752 SLIDE #1: background passport slide ROGER SLIDE #2: Introduce video #1 of Roger and Julie teaching in Mongolia We have the…
tHE END TIMES FRAMEWORK: “LET THE READER UNDERSTAND” Jesus’ Olivet Discourse #2 Matthew 24:15-29 S-1744 TITLE SLIDE #1: Today we continue a four-Sunday emphasis on Jesus discussion concerning future events…
GOD WILL USE SEVEN PRINCIPLES OF JUDGMENT AT THE GREAT WHITE THRONE. GOD WILL JUDGE: 1. With Truth (Romans 2:2) 2. According To His Kindness (Romans 2:4) 3. On The…
GOD’S WILL AND GRACE Romans 1:24-32 S-1699 ●SLIDE: Will and Grace is a television sitcom glorifying the homosexual lifestyle. According to Romans 1, God is not nearly so impressed with…
Paul sent numerous greetings to the Christians at Rome as he concluded his letter. No doubt behind each of these names is a story of romance with Christ. The number…
The Victorious Christian Life Part 1 Joshua 1:1-9 S-1570 Have you noticed the all too often disturbing difference between what the Bible says Christians are—and what they really are? Maybe…
This study is the culmination of kingdom living, which is the future kingdom itself. There are four distinct experiences that sum up the announcement and inauguration of the coming future…
Is the church biblically sound? Do its leaders bear a faithful witness with their personal lives? Is the theology sound? Does the worship honor Christ? Is there programming that helps…
Overall, Gen Z in the U.S.—both teens (13–17) and young adults (18–22) have a positive view of who Jesus is. Most often, U.S. teens believe he offers hope to people,…
Jesus’ perplexing story of the dishonest manager teaches us that non-Christians are often more diligent and wise in preparing for their futures than Christians. We must use earthly wealth to…
Dear Roger and Julie, My sister and I were talking about how people fall in love. I think that there are numerous choices we can make and still have a…
Christine Caine shares powerful insights from her book in an article published by www.propelwomen.org. She writes with relevance and power: “None of us will ever forget the last four years,…
FINDING foundationS FOR CONTENTMENT AND joy Romans 5:1-11 S-1706 Turn to Romans 5 and Philippians. This morning we are talking about rejoicing from Romans 5. Paul mentions several reasons to…
Jesus’ perplexing story of the dishonest manager teaches us that non-Christians are often more diligent and wise in preparing for their futures than Christians. We must use earthly wealth to build…
People have all sorts of opinions about heaven and hell and what happens when we die. Some children were asked to share their ideas of what happened after we die.…
“In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. And the earth was a formless and desolate emptiness, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the…
HOW DO YOU HEAL A WOUNDED BODY? 2 CORINTHIANS 2:5-11 S-1290 ●SLIDE: HOW DO YOU HEAL A WOUNDED BODY? It depends. Injured in war? Broken leg in car…
Are you progressive or conservative? It seems like a simple enough question, but let me complicate it for you. The terms are both tethered to time. The term progressive looks…
One-on-one time is critical to building any relationship. But what about when the other person avoids you at all costs? In this article, I’ll help parents figure out why their…
ASK ROGER and BRIE What does prostitution have to do with God’s love? Dear Roger and Brie, So, God told Hosea to marry a prostitute? WHAT?!? How is that supposed…
Esther’s story is a powerful glimpse of how God used a poor Jewish teenager turned queen to save the Jewish nation. From her life we can learn many things-to whom…
Condemnation engineering” usually goes hand in hand with another we often use to manage the lives of others. That is the practice of pushing or nuggets of wisdom and advice…
Matthew4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13 S-1735 SLIDE # Read Luke 4:1-13 from The Message. OK. There was this overweight man who was so serious about his new diet that he even changed…
Jesus teaches how to evaluate where you are in your spiritual walk. Soils testing MATTHEW 13:1-9, 18-23; MARK 4:1-8, 14-20; LUKE 8:4-8, 12-15 S-1739 In Matthew 13 (teaching sections in…
Author Randy Alcorn pays tribute to a true hero-Olympian and missionary Eric Liddell. This is the 100th anniversary of Eric Liddell winning the gold medal in the men’s 400m. He won…
“The biggest problem in our marriage is our communication.” It’s perhaps the most frequent issue that is brought to the table when Angel (my wife and counselor) and I meet…
Andy Stanley discusses how our behavior will eventually reflect the condition of our hearts. Hey, growing up in our home, and I bet your home was similar, there were certain…
WHAT TIME IS IT? Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 (Ecclesiastes #3) S-1403 ·SLIDE #1: How many of you are wearing a watch? Or you have a pocket watch or clock of some kind…
I Chronicles 28:9-10 “Solomon my son, know the God of your father and serve him with a whole heart and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands every plan and thought. If you seek him, he will…
Learning to renew your spiritual life and relax are critical to the emotional and physical health of ministers everywhere.
God might exist. And He might not. There might be a Judgment Day. And there might not. Oh well. If that sums up your creed, you just might be part…
Divorce is difficult for everyone involved, especially the kids. Listen in for Dr. Leman’s advice on maintaining respect from your kids on this episode of the Have a New Kid…
In Luke 19:11-27, we find a parable Jesus taught to a crowd as they went up to Jerusalem for the Passover. It’s a familiar one, where a departing nobleman entrusted…
Romans, chapter 13. We have really, or at least I can speak for myself, really enjoyed the ability to go verse by verse through this incredible book of Romans. It’s…
Our guest post is contributed by Tom Terry, PITI Chairman: 16 “If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who…
One does not have to do an exhaustive search to become aware of the spirit of strife that is rampant in our world. Our world is just as Jesus forewarned,…
How should we pray for our children? Deborah Haddix provides this thoughtful, thorough guide for Moms and Dads who need practical help for how to pray for their children. Just…
Drs. Roger and Julie Barrier teach on the dilemma of dealing with fear and Satanic intimidation instead of trusting in God. WHEN FEARS COME TRUE S-1729 ROGER ·SLIDE #: Turn…
Pastor Levi Lusko shares how we can get to know God’s plan for us by understanding the things that Satan hates and fears. By keeping our attention on Christ and…
When I was 20, my childhood church changed leadership. Soon after, the leadership changed the vision statement. I was a junior in college, across the country studying Bible and theology,…
Pastors Roger Barrier and Scott Brendan recount healings from leprosy, appearances of jesus and powerful stories from around the globe as ordinary people from Casaas Church surrendered to mission work…
Q: Does God permit or condone revenge? “Then Samson called to the LORD and said, “O Lord GOD, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once, O God,…
Have You Answered The Ultimate Question? No matter who we are we must find an answer to the ultimate question of life: “Who is Jesus?” Why is this the ultimate…
Sometimes an option we’re considering creates tension inside of us. When that happens, it can be tempting to ignore the discomfort or brush by it. But instead of doing that,…
In Luke 24 two of Jesus disciples were walking along a road depressed about the events surrounding Jesus’ death, not yet believing that he had risen from the dead. Jesus…
We can pray to God using His many names: God, mighty and majestic, God our Helper, God our Righteousness, God our Sanctifier, God our Peace and Indwelling Presence, God our…
Let’s examine some Biblical principles to keep in mind during a bear market (a recession; “lean financial times”). The Bible carefully lays out a financial plan of money management that…
Spiritual gifts are given by God to build up the church and impact the Kingdom of God. The Holy Spirit empowers each believer with distinctive gifts and ministries. Before Christ…
We don’t have to be confused about signs of the times. The prophet Daniel outlines the kingdoms of the world in his vision of the multi-metallic man and the seventy…
Paul learns how to survive in the darkest circumstances not only by the “grace power” of God, but by the support system of saints around him. When times get really…
Hosea was asked by God to marry an unfaithful woman and love her unconditionally. In doing so, he demonstrated the kind of amazing love God has for his children. THE…
If these are the Endtimes, We need encouragement and direction. What should a Christian do? Read the Book of Revelation. Receive a blessing. Consider God’s perspective on materialism. Handle your…
ACCEPTANCE S-1717 I want to tell you a story of a lonely woman who needed awakening. She was drawing water alone from a deserted well in a valley in Palestine.…
No matter how lost you may be, No matter how disoriented life has left you, No matter how long you’ve been wandering in the wilderness, despairing of ever finding your…
The Roots and Rise of Antisemitism – Revelation 12:1-12 – Skip Heitzig [MUSIC PLAYING] Turn in your Bibles, please, to Revelation, chapter 12, the book of Revelation, chapter 12. I…
Solomon heard these words from his father: “Fear God and keep His commandments.” Godly reverence and obedience are the keys to success and happiness!
Paul thanks God for the power of unified Christians on a mission to evangelize the world. He believes in them, prays positively for them and continually shows his gratitude for…
Worried about your son or daughter but not sure how to know how bad it really is? Answer the questions below and add up the score to see the results.…
Dear Roger, Who were the mysterious “Sons of God” that made God want to destroy the earth? Were they angels, demons, or just godless men? A Curious Bible Student Dear…
1 CORINTHIANS 12:1-11 1195 Always be prepared when you want to take a road trip! Don’t embark on your spiritual journey without your tools! Illustration for the journey. Get picture…
Read: II Samuel 21:1-14 EXAMINATION Background Understanding this episode in David’s life requires us to know something about the Gibeonites. Verse 1 says, “There is bloodguilt on Saul and his house, because…
Talking with teens has always been tricky for parents. But the age of social media has changed the dynamic of communication––they may talk more with their thumbs, and less with…
Keep doing what you done, you’ll keep getting what you got. And if you want something new, we’re going to need to try something different. I say, we think different.…
Christians have been accused of being so heavenly minded that they’re no earthly good. But I’ve found people who are so earthly minded that they’re no heavenly good. So how…
Intrusive thoughts come unbidden into our minds in a variety of ways. They can be innocuous: “Stack those books on your desk” to disturbing: “You are going to die soon.”…
You have a secret you’ve never shared with anybody: You’ve always felt like an imposter at church. At praise and worship services, you’d stand when you were expected to stand,…
THE NEW HEAVEN Revelation 21-22 Revelation #22 Today we move from time into eternity—from the old creation to the new creation. We are going to talk about the new Heaven.…
This question, in a variety of forms, has perplexed human beings for centuries. Many people have expressed it this way; “If God is so good, why is there so much…
I John 3:19-4:4 By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure our heart before him; 20 for whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our…
Years ago, I observed that if left undirected, many conversations among groups of people are awkward, trivial, and unbalanced. This first became clear to me when I met with a…
We have lots of questions for God, like: · “Why do bad things happen?” · “Why is there only one way to heaven?” · “Why are some people who follow…
ASK ROGER AND FRIENDS How Should I Respond to a Transgender Person? Dear Roger, I have met several individuals that identify as “transgender.” I am appalled at the thought that…
If you are in Christ, God will not allow you to enter his reign with a kingdom-grasping pride. You will be stripped of every haughty look, every personal empire, in…
In 1931, America was in the depths of the Great Depression. A businessman by the name of Conrad Hilton was staring foreclosure in the face because people weren’t traveling and…
So… you’ve been dating for a while, and you’re thinking: “Yeah, this is the one.” That’s great, but are you ignoring any red flags, those important things you can’t accept?…
Dear Roger and Julie, I have had so many pastors give me more questions than answers about what Jesus wrote in the sand when the adulterous woman was about to…
Would you turn in your Bibles, please, to the book of 1 Samuel chapter 1, 1 Samuel chapter 1. It’s in the Old Testament. If you’re at Genesis, keep going.…
Dear Roger, I have so many people telling me that their way to God is the right way. I’ve been a Christian for a long time, but I have very…
ASK ROGER AND BRIE Dear Roger and Brie, I think God’s calling me to go into full-time ministry. I feel it in my gut. When I pray, it comes to…
Read I Samuel 16:1-13. EXAMINATION (V.1) “How long will you grieve over Saul?” The Hebrew word for “grieve” in this passage is usually denotes mourning over a death. Samuel’s grief over Saul is deep…
As you see what’s happening in the world today, you see what’s happening in the Middle East, for example. You see what’s happening among people who are longing for their…
Ask Roger and Julie I suspect my teenage daughter is using drugs. Her behavior has changed drastically. She is unmotivated, rebellious, and secretive. How can I know for sure, and…
How God sees you. God never calls you to earn his love. He gives you lavishly his love. And then in telling you who you are in Christ, he calls…
Jesus invites you to follow him into a whole new life, a new path. That’s what you do when you follow someone. You don’t go down your path anymore, but…
The Bible contains many commands to pray for our leaders—national and local, secular and religious. Paul wrote in 1 Timothy 2:1–4, “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession…
The aged prophet Isaiah showed up at the bedside of the middle-aged king. Hezekiah was only about 39 years old and terminally ill. But the prophet was not bringing good…
Jeff Jones and Carey Nieuwhof talk about what the community really thinks about your church, and what church leaders can learn from Domino’s Pizza and other re-branding campaigns. www.careynieuwhof.com.
What is your favorite story from the life of David? What stands out to you as the most significant thing in David’s life? I think one of the most significant…
Whether you’re aware of it or not, your job as a parent just became a little more difficult on January 1, 2014. If you’re drawing a blank, perhaps the mere…
I remember even being at school, I was the little ethnic kid. You know, my parents came from Egypt into Australia after the overflow of king Farouk. And there was…
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” (Matt. 5:8). There are basically only two kinds of religion in the world: those based on human achievement and those…
Are you married? Do you have opposite sex friends? Maybe you think it’s OK, but what does your spouse think? So, if you’re in the midst of an opposite sex…
Andy Stanley discusses how our behavior will eventually reflect the condition of our hearts. Hey, growing up in our home, and I bet your home was similar, there were certain…
Hover you mouse over the scripture reference to read I Samuel 16:1-13. EXAMINATION (V.1) “How long will you grieve over Saul?” The Hebrew word for “grieve” in this passage is usually denotes mourning over…
In this message, we learn that the depth of our relationship with God determines the depth of our endurance and faith when facing difficult situations where it feels like our…
Encourage More Jack Schull 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13 Apostle Paul wrote to a church he planted in Thessaloniki. In these works, he inspires a people that are living in uncertainty, to…
Did you like your siblings when you were growing up? Do your kids like each other? Every parent wants their children to be friends. One of the best gifts…
Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe.Hebrews 12:28 How is your awe? Right now?…
Solomon observes that there are two sides to wealth: God-blessed abundance and the insatiable grasping for riches. God has laid out a solid plan to manage our resources. Tithe the…
Spiritual Discernment – 1 John 4:1-6 In this short, yet powerful book written by the the disciple John, we can prepare to be challenged to live out our faith in…
As Westerners, we have a unique view of reality through which we filter most of our experiences. We have what is called a “guilt-righteousness” point of view. This means that…
I know what you are afraid of. I’ve been there myself. I understand what it means to have spiritual fear. Maybe you’e never heard it put that way before, but…
Turn in your Bibles please to the book of Acts; the second chapter of the book of Acts. So a Sunday school teacher was telling her third graders about the…
God is positioning me. Say, “I’m positioned for a miracle”. And that means that we have to learn how to see in our spirit what we cannot sense. And this…
Laodicea was a rich church as the community was a financial center in Asia Minor. Some scholars note that it was the financial capital of the region, with a wealthy…
Dear Roger, My question is where did Jesus go for the 3 days and 3 nights? Did He in fact go to hell and take my sins. I shudder…
We learn in the Psalms that it is alright to be honest with God and to express our doubts openly. As we commune with Him, He will give us peace…
On Good Friday, and on Easter Sunday, we consider events that occurred while on the road. As Jesus approached the city of Jerusalem for His atoning death and glorious resurrection, He…
How do we know the resurrection of Jesus is true? How do we know the disciples didn’t lie about the resurrection of Jesus? Tom Terry, chairman of our board of…
Have you ever been sucked into a shame spiral? Nasty stuff. Shame is a fear-based state accompanied by feelings of being unworthy and unlovable. You may feel powerless, abandoned, worthless.…
God has the power to fix the world, and He does care the suffering. He is working out an eternal plan to redeem and restore it all. Genesis describes how…
S1788 Hope and Memory Memory is strong. Hope is stronger. Take away people’s memories and they become anxious. Take away people’s hope and they become terrified. Live for the future.…
Dear Roger, What are the key truths that guide your life? What words define you as a husband, Christian and pastor? Love, Rachel Dear Rachel, These are the words that…
Thy Kingdom Come – Matthew 6:10 – Skip Heitzig Welcome to Calvary Church with Skip Heitzig. We’re so glad you joined us today. As people of God, we are part…
Dear Roger, I am getting married, but I know so many couples who get bored and frustrated with each other when the “honeymoon” wears off. My own parents have been…
Matthew 3:13-4:11 Have you ever wanted to read a biography of someone you admired, a person you were curious about? After her death I found Roselyn Carter’s life fascinating. I…
Shame is a story you tell yourself about yourself. Like a news ticker thatruns in the background of our minds, we have shame scripts that say: “I am unworthy, I…
Dear Roger, I struggle with fear all the time. I wake up with my stomach in knots. I can’t shake the feeling that something horrible is going to happen. Can…
How many times have we struggled with being “stuck” in a particular holding pattern of thinking, reacting, and living? And maybe as we say here in the great state of…
What are you looking for in a religion? By involving yourself in religious belief or an organization, what do you hope to gain? My experience with people from all over…
Confession: I have a terrible problem of talking, and sometimes walking, in my sleep. It’s an old family trait that I’m carrying on, much to my family’s sometimes dismay. Last…
How can I know if I am a narcissist? In the ancient myth, the hunter Narcissus was acclaimed for his beauty. Many sought Narcissus romantically, but he spurned them all.…
In order to preserve civilization, decisive action against terror organizations is not an option. Can we forgive our enemies, as Jesus mandated, and crush them at the same time? Can…
Dear Roger, Is it possible that God already has His two witnesses (from Revelation) here on the earth, proclaiming the return of Christ before they show up in Jerusalem? I…
Dear Roger, I can’t go on like this. The suffering is too great. I am learning how to cope. Would you give me some advice? Sincerely, Hurting. Dear Hurting, I…
We believe whoever finds God, finds life. Because of You, more people are experiencing the love, hope, and healing only found in Him. Let’s celebrate what God has done and…
She sits in my office, tears running down her face. Two years ago her mother died in hospice while she lay asleep at home. She was trying to get a…
Hello Roger, You have mentioned you lost a child. I am a 42 year old wife of four years. My now husband lost his daughter in a car accident…
My daughter, Brianna Barrier Wetherbee, has suffered more than most people can imagine. Even through serious chronic illness, past abuse and trauma, and great heartbreak, I’ve watched her persevere with…
Dear Roger, What do I really know about Israel? Are they really God’s chosen people? Sincerely, Tina Dear Tina, Jews are, biblically speaking, the “chosen people of God” and dearly…
Grief hits different people different ways. One of the worst things about grief for me besides the intensity of missing my loved one is dealing with all the business…
“We seem to lurch from tragedy to tragedy, shooting to shooting, bombing to bombing. The kids didn’t deserve such a death. Their parents don’t deserve such grief. And we received…
Fear has its cause. It also has its consequences. If we left fear there, we’d be with little hope. Praise God, we don’t have to! The Christian has hope amidst fear. The…
My beloved readers, of course, I wrote this post a few weeks before the war (it feels like an eternity ago), and even in the worst nightmare nobody could then…
We are experience one event of mayhem after another. It feels as though every institution is failing, every norm is collapsing. Many of you, from what you’re telling me, are…
Make Jesus Christ Your Living Hope You can lose a lot of things and still have hope. Hope is the last thing ever lost. You can lose a marriage, your health or…
Our hearts are broken for the people of Israel who have endured such great atrocities inflicted upon women and children and the elderly, slaughtered mercilessly. I also pray for those…
Roger, My heart is so burdened for the people of Israel. I wish I could go over there and fight! What can I do now, today, to intervene for God’s…
“From What If To What Is,” Pastor Steven Furtick encourages us to stop worrying about what could be and start trusting who God is.
The best predictor of success in life, in love, and in leadership is your proficiency at please, sorry, and thanks. Those three words are the foundation of all healthy relationships…
Dear Roger, It has been a rough year. We’ve struggled through problems and sufferings and trials and troubles and sickness and disappointments. I wonder why God won’t reduce the pressure.…
“Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt you.” Have you ever heard something so ridiculous? Anyone who has ever been crushed under the weight of…
“All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable . . . that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work” (2 Tim. 3:16-17). Scripture equips you…
Ecclesiastes chapter three is a good commentary on time. The first sentence is: There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens. Then it…
The Bible is God’s precious gift given to all. And on it, He placed no age restrictions. Accordingly, it is vital that we understand one very important thing. The Spiritual Discipline…
How do you handle criticism? How does one protect himself from the “scourge of the tongue” (Job 5:21)? If you are going to be successful in the Lord’s work, you…
How do we best use the Internet to share our faith and make disciples for Jesus? With the increasing use of online communities, more and more churches are desiring to reach…
There was a time when going to church is what respectable people did. Church was a place not just of worship, but, for the worldly-minded, of upward mobility. My childhood…
The Good Father Luke 15:11-32 After my husband died, I was struggling to fall asleep at night and I was struggling to stay asleep. I had tried singing praise songs…
Dear Roger, I was just commissioned as a pastor here in Nigeria. I want to become a better leader for my congregation. What should a church leader be like? Thank…
Who is your enemy? Perhaps you think of Satan or a political leader. Yet, it could be a family member, ex-spouse, neighbor or the person who just cut you off…
So, who are you? Many respond to that question by sharing their roles: “I am a mom.” “I am a dad.” “I am a sister.” “I am a wife.” “I…
The ancient city of Jericho was a hotbed of wicked Amorite culture. It was heavily fortified with imposing walls. It was also Israel’s entry point into the Promised Land. Conquest…
Following Jesus as an act of resistance to our cultural push toward hurry, hustle, distraction and shallowness. Most of our greatest mistakes tend to come when we’re in a hurry.…
We do these practices like (slowing, simplicity, silence, solitude, sabbath and more) in order to grow the fruit of the Spirit within us and cultivate compassion like Christ within our…
Beating Fear Drew Anderson Fear has its cause. It also has its consequences. If we left fear there, we’d be with little hope. Praise God, we don’t have to! The Christian…
What is your fear? Fear may be driving down the interstate during rush hour traffic, speaking publicly, confronting a difficult person, seeing a spider, or walking into a large room…
Have you ever sent off an email or a text with the jab of an angry finger? Have you ever slammed a door or punched a wall? Have you ever…
YOU WERE DEAD IN YOUR TRESPASSES AND SINS, IN WHICH YOU FORMERLY WALKED ACCORDING TO THE COURSE OF THIS WORLD, ACCORDING TO THE PRINCE OF THE POWER OF THE AIR.…
Question from a reader: If we are all co-heirs with Christ, then who are we going to be ruling over on the New Earth? Otherwise wouldn’t we all just be…
“Yet you have forsaken Me and served other gods; therefore I will no longer deliver you. Go and cry out to the gods which you have chosen; let them deliver…
1 Corinthians 6 – Skip Heitzig Calvary Church is dedicated to doctrine, and we want you to experience the life change that comes from knowing God’s word and applying it…
The High Holidays are upon us, and my upcoming posts will be dedicated to the Fall Feasts. This month, however, I can still indulge myself with my favourite topic: showing…
Today, we will speak about one of the most overlooked chapters in the book of Genesis – Chapter 16. This is the chapter when Sarah’s Egyptian slave Hagar became pregnant…
Here are the nine habits of an intentional parent: I will not do for my child what he needs to do for himself—when I do, I disrespect him. I will…
Do you ever wonder why you make certain choices? Maybe you wanted to make a change in your life but just couldn’t stick to it. In this message, we’re getting…
Have you heard from Heaven a calling for your marriage? It’s not a one-size-fits-all. God has a plan cut out just for you! With principles from the Marriage Devotional and…
In the Garden of Eden, Satan first appealed to the lust of the flesh. The fruit looked good to Eve, so why not have a bite? “Did God really say,…
The dream was perfect. I was at a party and as I moved through the crowd I was really enjoying some sweet revenge by telling stories about someone who…
Today we’re launching into a brand new message series. It’s called “The Grudge.” We’re talking all about forgiveness for the next few weeks. And let me just tell you kinda…
We often define our lives by the big moments. But most of our lives consist of ordinary chapters. They may not feel significant, but ultimately end up changing everything. In…
Dear Roger, Please tell me about the power that comes from praying through the names of God. Sincerely, Danny Dear Danny, I would be delighted. Listening to Christ pray…
The book of Psalms is a collection of songs by human writers who poured out their hearts – and their emotions – into expressing their joy, pain, and praise.…
The heart, in biblical terms, is not part of who we are, but rather the center and core of who we are. So when it comes to Jesus describing who…
George Mueller once said something like this (not verbatim, but this is its essence): “I read Scripture until I come to a verse that can bear my whole weight, and…
The illicit thirst for power, destructive in its ramifications, brings about fitting retribution from God. Of all the narratives in the book of Judges, Yahweh’s presence is felt the least…
Rebellious disdain of one’s divine calling, expressed in uncontrolled lusts and vengeful actions, can lead to destruction. At some unspecified time in the recent past, Samson, in a rage, had…
Godless leadership leads to godlessness in society that invites the discipline of God. Othniel is the perfect model of a judge; Ehud is deceptive; Barak is fearful; Gideon is skeptical…
Almost everyone in the world of American religion has spent the last couple of weeks thinking through what Gallup just revealed: that, for the first time since they’ve been surveying the…
Do ghosts exist? Do we have access to the spirit world? If so, what does that mean for our spiritual life? Not long ago I was asked by a congregant…
Dear Roger, I was just commissioned as a pastor here in Nigeria. I want to become a better leader for my congregation. What should a church leader be like? Thank…
“War in Heaven Brings Wrath on Earth!” That could be the headline of Revelation 12. The ongoing battle of the ages that began in heaven and has played out…
God alone is the author and definer of human sexuality and the context in which sexual intimacy is to occur. Sex, sexual identity, and sexuality were created for His purpose…
In Peace of Mind, we will look at how some familiar names in scripture dealt with many of the same struggles we face today. We’ll learn how they overcame those struggles…
Why Are the Egyptian Plagues and the Tribulation Plagues so Similar? The ten plagues of Exodus and the Tribulation are eerily alike. Consider the parallels between the two. Why…
Dear Reader, I receive many emails asking questions about how to live a victorious Christian life. While many experiences, choices, and actions come together for our maturity, others can be…
Our God is the God of many generations. Scripture makes that clear. It’s even found in one of the names He uses for Himself: “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” Exodus 3:6 God loves…
“Then Darius the king wrote to all the peoples, nations, and men of every language who were living in all the land: ‘May your peace abound! I make a decree…
“Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar? You see that faith was working with his works, and as a…
I talk about something fun and mentally challenging you can do with your children this summer: letter writing! This is part of my summer series on brain-building activities you can…
Sex as God intended—in marriage, between a man and a woman—is a pleasure to be celebrated (see Proverbs 5:15-19). Sex outside of marriage brings serious negative consequences—emotional, physical, and spiritual. Promising…
Our guest this week is Jonathan VerSchneider. He’s a college student at Villanova University, studying chemical engineering. Jonathan grew up surrounded by Christianity—his parents were Christians, he attended church regularly,…
When John and I were first married, things proved far more difficult than either of us had imagined. In our youthful naiveté, we thought that because we were in love…
Electric vehicles have become more popular in recent years. There are many kinds of electric cars, but only three major types: hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all-electric. Plug-in hybrid and all-electric…
The ultimate goal of the Christian life is to become just like Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29). John the Apostle referred to those who had become like Christ as spiritual…
“Death Is Certain…but God” Psalm 49 Introduction As humans, we all have to face our own mortality The most basic truth about life is death The theme of Psalm 49…
Can you imagine what could happen if we gave control of our life to God? It’s scary, but the benefits are world-altering. The story of Elisha challenges your congregation to answer…
“Consumerism and the Church: Reclaiming the Gospel From Our Most Powerful Religion” is written by Joe Terrell, content manager at CareyNieuwhof.com. Joe’s writings for Medium, Relevant, Carey Nieuwhof, and his personal…
Dear Roger, My wife and I are helping some dear friends through problems in their marriage. But after finding out about some of the issues they’re facing, I’m not sure their…
The Darkness of a Broken Family – 1 Samuel 24 – Skip Heitzig Good morning. How are you today? This just makes me miss film photography every time I see…
We are each building a life. We’re building on a foundation. We each get to choose what that foundation is and at the end of the Sermon on the Mount,…
Angel and I have a nineteen-year-old and a seventeen-year-old. On the precipice of empty-nesting, I’ve been reflecting upon what has worked and what hasn’t worked as I have tried to…
For better or worse, our words function as self-fulfilling prophecies and create worlds. If you want to change the world, change your words. Just as ships are steered with a…
The fact that Jesus loved women and encouraged them is a very personal truth to me. From childhood I have felt the Holy Spirit stirring in my heart toward…
Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding In all your ways acknowledge him, and He will make your paths…
“God’s dwelling place will be among His people, and He will be with them” (Revelation 21:3). Let me share with you a few takeaways from the book of Revelation. Everyone…
Dear Roger, My wife and I were discussing Jesus and his earthly father. Joseph did a tremendous job of parenting Jesus during his most formative years. What do you think?…
Ben has decided that he wants to die. This son of mine, who lives with a trust I aspire to….he believes in heaven, and can’t wait to get there. Why…
Emmeline Wetherbee shares what she loves about her godly father, Brad Wetherbee in this humorous yet compelling interview..
Modern Family “Setting the Tone” Jeff Jones, Senior Pastor 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 For every one of us here, we want to help those we love flourish in life, not hinder…
https://youtu.be/3rXDRl1dQeU?si=mPB_CEP-HpQu4ObP A lie is an enemy of the truth, and Satan is the father of lies. He originated lies, and he has children, since he’s the father, who perpetuate his…
Many people tell me that they want wisdom for decisions, as a lot of people are making really big decisions in life. We’ve all heard of the great resignation, as…
Every day it feels like we read another news report about the mental health crisis among children and youth, as well as how depression, anxiety, and suicide rates are getting…
Years ago, a mundane event turned into one of the more interesting and memorable moments of my life. I was flying from Los Angeles to El Paso, Texas, to speak…
The Australian Coat of Arms depicts a very insightful image—and one that I hold dear since I was born and raised in Australia. There are two animals portrayed holding up…
James 1:2-3: ‘Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy, 3 for when the way is rough, your patience has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow,…
As the ancient Israelite people–suffering under the hands of the Egyptians–lifted their voices to God for help, He heard their cry and surprisingly responded by sending a fugitive, fearful, and…
For as long as I can remember, I have found such great comfort and “faith building” in the Scripture passage of Isaiah 55:8-11. When I came upon these verses in…
We’ve all had moments in our lives where it seemed like all hope was lost. I remember sitting at my desk in high school, staring at an AP Chemistry test…
Then, they said to the king, “Daniel, who is one of the exiles from Judah, pays no attention to you, Your Majesty, or to the decree you put in writing. He still…
Dear Roger, What is the “Book of Life” and how do I know if I’m in it? Sincerely, Paul Dear Paul, The Bible teaches that the Book of Life is…
BEGINNER’S GUIDE: SHARING YOUR FAITH IN JESUS Christianity is known as a missionary religion. This means that a fundamental part of our faith in Christ is to tell others about…
You see there is something so beautiful about His Promise of Divine Protection… something that settles every fear and chases away every doubt. For as long as I can remember…
An encouraging study by Lifeway Research found that two-thirds of churchgoers invited someone to church in the last six months.[i] When was the last time you invited someone to church?…
Michael J. Kruger’s book, Surviving Religion 101: Letters to a Christian Student on Keeping the Faith in College (Crossway, 2021) is a wonderful resource for high school or college students preparing to live…
Dear Roger, I have so many questions about the “millennium”. or “Thousand-Year Reign of Christ.” Can you help me understand what John was describing? Love, Crystal Dear Crystal, I would…
Rebuild your confidence in God and His church. Another day, another pastor or a church in the news headlines. You had your doubts, but now those doubts feel a little…
David and Jonathan, son of King Saul, formed a deep bond of friendship despite the attempts of a raging father to destroy David. Their friendship is legendary. The protection of…
The Good Woman Luke 15:8-10 The fact that Jesus loved women and encouraged them is a very personal truth to me. From childhood I have felt the Holy Spirit…
The other day I read a statement that was peculiar. The statement went something like this, “If an atheist does acts that are kind, loving and generous, (because it is…
Dear Roger, I often wonder if Jesus felt the same way I do about things. I know He did in many ways—like temptation and grief—but I don’t really get how…
Pastor Rick Warren shares his insights on the ups and downs of ministry for his lifelong service to Christ at Saddleback Church with moderator Carey Nieuwhof.. www.careynieuwhof.com.
1 Thes 5:1-11: How to Be Ready For Christ’s Return Main Text: 1 Thes 5:1-11 ESV 1 Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need to…
Why would a perfect God create us with free-will? Surely He would have known we would turn our wills against Him. Wouldn’t it have been easier to make us…
“The Benefit of the Devil” 2 Corinthians 12:7-10 Introduction Whenever a teacher in school gave you a test, they never had much to say during the test. The teacher had…
Dear Roger, I am 62 years old and facing retirement. I’ve tried to carefully manage my funds with Social Security, IRAs, mutual funds, savings, and some investments in the stock…
The secret to self-control is to make decisions against your ego, flesh and second bests in life. Establish goals. An absence of goals is an absence of faith. Establish boundaries…
I love dreaming about and planning for tomorrow. Want to draw up a strategic plan? Count me in. Want to talk about which young basketball or football star will have…
John, the disciple who Jesus loved. Jesus washes the feet of the disciples and gives them a new command. Before Jesus goes to the cross, the disciples sitting at the…
Tests and trials are unavoidable, but the way we respond to them is up to us. Join us for the next talk in our series Far from Perfect as we take a…
The Apostle Paul writes back to a church that he began to encourage them about remaining faithful amidst opposition and persecution. He celebrates what he’s hearing about indicators that mark…
Bob sat on a bench across from the courthouse deep in his thoughts. He was there to find his father. He had never met him, but he had heard many…
Dear Roger, I know God said, “It is not good for man to be alone” (Genesis 2:18). I’ve been thinking a lot about friends—it’s been tough to make time for…
The Millennium-Tony Evans Do you know your answer could be sitting right next to you, but you’ll never know it until God is ready to reveal it? God says,…
When Jesus was crucified, the disciples wondered what was next. The Man they had followed for over three years, the Man they believed would save Israel and the world, had…
The Beauty of Being Forgiven… I wonder what it was like for the woman caught in the very act of sin in John 8:1-12. The overwhelming emotions she must have…
Christianity is a faith of relationships. This means that we were created to be with one another. From the beginning of creation when God saw that the first man,…
Nourish Your Soul: 30 Day Challenge You have a living soul that lasts forever, and it forms the very foundation of who you are. This in itself is absolutely incredible!…
We are involved in a spiritual war with the Evil one. We need all the advice we can get. SLIDE #: “When the pin is pulled, Mr. Grenade is…
It always saddens me to watch church leaders bring reproach on the church of Jesus Christ. What’s perhaps most shocking to me is how frequently Christian leaders sin grossly, then…
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Colossians 3:13 NIV Forgiveness is more than…
THE SMARTPHONE HAS SIGNIFICANTLY RESHAPED SOCIETY. WITH THIS POWERFUL TOOL IN HAND, WE HAVE INSTANT ACCESS TO ALL THINGS DIGITAL: TEXTS, EMAILS, GOOGLE ADS AND SEARCHES, AND SOCIAL MEDIA. BUT…
I often see couples wince in marriage counseling when I bring up Paul’s admonition to wives in Ephesians 5. Paul’s instructions to married couples begin with those fated words, “Wives,…
Dear Roger, I’m really struggling with my church. So many people seem to be hypocritical—they just don’t live out what they say on Sunday during the rest of the week.…
DEFINITION Sexuality refers to God’s anthropological design and pattern for the procreative relationship between male and female and to the experience of erotic desire within that design. Gender refers to…
KNOWING GOD THROUGH PRAYER There is one practice in the Christian life that many Christians struggle with: prayer. Think about it this way: many Christians want to pray to God…
Dear Roger, I’ve been watching the Asbury Revival closely, as well as the other revivals that are breaking out around the world. Part of me is absolutely thrilled to see…
One day I was surprised when a childhood friend said to me, “Oh Jan, you never thought the rules applied to you.” I wasn’t sure what she was referencing,…
In psychology, mental health has a scale from FLOURISHING to DEPRESSION. FLOURISHING is evidenced by things like optimism and empathy and authenticity. DEPRESSION is evidenced by things like hopelessness and…
Feelings of spiritual inadequacy can make us fearful of God, but not in the healthy way. This series explores how knowing the loving, gracious God of Scripture can overcome our…
HOW GOD’S WORD CHANGES US ABIDING Read: John 14:23, 15:10; I 3:24, James 1:22 Becoming a spiritual young man begins by “Abiding” in God’s Word. We abide by: Knowing God’s…
Our thoughts are powerful. They change our perspective, impact our decisions, and influence our habits. But what do we do when we become trapped by our thoughts, unable to escape…
When we study about Rebecca, we see an interesting detail in her story. At the end of Genesis 24, we are told that Isaac loved Rebecca (יֶּאֱהָבֶ֑הָ) – and this…
What was Jesus’ personality like? If our culture were to create Jesus’ personae, it might look like Mr. Rogers’s personality:[i] gentle, unassuming, two-dimensionally meek and mild. In short, a sweet…
GETTING TO KNOW THE HOLY SPIRIT As a new believer in Jesus you have probably heard about God the Father and Jesus the Son. But have you heard of the…
Blood and Thunder is about a recipe for revival. It’s about seeing more of God. In this series, Pastor Levi will show how a move of God takes power from above…
During the earth’s greatest trial and tribulation will also come its greatest opportunity for salvation. Even after the church is raptured off the earth and ensconced in heaven, there will…
Lydia is an example of a woman who was willing to serve others in a unique and powerful way. drdebwaterbury.com.
2 Kings 23:1 “King Josiah sent word and they brought to him all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem. 2 The king went up to the house of the Lord, and with…
This question was sent to me by the editor of crosswalk.com. Although it is an unconventional topic, I agree that it should be addressed. ASK ROGER What about Sex and…
Dear Roger, I’m very concerned about what I just read in Joshua chapter seven. A man named Achan knowingly disobeyed God. Then, God stoned him and his family to death…
KNOWING YOU ARE SAVED Read: John 1:12-13; Romans 8:38-39; I John 5:11-15; We can know we are saved because of the promises in the Bible about our salvation. (Hebrews 10:23)…
Joy. The dictionary defines it as “the emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something exceptionally good or satisfying.” The apostle James tells us to “Consider it pure joy,…
Our main verse… 1 Corinthians 16:13… Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Matthew 24:42… Therefore be on the alert, for you do…
Dear Roger, I have had a very successful career. I have multiple graduate degrees, traveled the world and had a host of admirers. I was famous for my contributions. But…
Let’s begin with a hard thing to reconcile between the Bible and the Constitution. Consider these two statements. From the US Bill of Rights, First Amendment: “Congress shall make…
Dear Roger, We were ending our Bible study when one of the women spoke up. She said, “I hate to bring this up, but I get so tired of my…
What happens when we try to plan our own repentance? God reveals his heart in Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son.
Why should I hope in heaven instead of this dark world? Remember that eternal life starts now. Jesus said in John 17:3: “Now this is eternal life; that they may know You,…
There is something so beautiful about God’s Promise of Divine Protection… something that settles every fear and chases away every doubt. For as long as I can remember I have…
Psalm 95 is a model for approaching God in prayer. It begins with praise and thanksgiving. The Apostle Paul seldom mentioned prayer in the New Testament without an attitude of gratitude.…
Faithful trust in God, without pridefully taking credit for divine action, leads to blessing. After the lofty praises sung to Yahweh in Judges 5, we are brought down to terra firma with…
In our culture today, feelings are often overemphasized and given too much authority. When Christians indulge in this exaltation of emotions, it can affect our spiritual life, especially our worship…
Introduction In today’s world, it is common for people to identify themselves using their “preferred pronouns” to reveal how they want others to address and identify them. The cultural assumption…
Cameron Buettel is an author partnering with Pastor John MacArthur at www.gracetoyou.org. Here are his powerful insights. Parenting is never easy. Nobody in this fallen world has mastered it. And…
Every new year, we make decisions about who we want to be. We make resolutions; we set goals. But often these goals are focused on ourselves. Losing weight, saving money…
Welcome to this first message on the life of David, but we have to warn you that if you grew up just hearing about his stories in Sunday School, then…
Sexual Freedom = Happiness? Gen Z (also known as iGen), are currently between the ages of 6 and 24 years old. These youth have been influenced by society to view…
Not long ago, Pew Research released a survey[i] on why Americans do and do not go to church. While 73% of Americans identify as being Christian[ii], surveys say Americans who…
Why Is Christ’s Imminent Return So Important? Why is it so important to believe that Christ could come at any moment? Because the hope of Christ’s imminent coming has a…
Dear Roger, I have often wondered what you believe about the Bible and how it influenced your life and ministry. Could you give me a short summary of just a…
Dear Roger, My kids are asking all kinds of questions about Santa, including whether or not Santa was a Christian! They’re old enough to understand Santa isn’t real, but I…
Dear Roger, Economists tell us that we are on the verge of a recession. Some say that it’s 50-50 that we will or won’t have one. I’ve noticed that…
Most people get their understanding of Christmas from Christmas cards and not from Scripture. There are some very familiar and accurate understandings. Obviously, Joseph and Mary and the Baby, and the…
I was in Starbucks a few hours ago, getting coffee for the weekend and getting some beans, and I heard something that I guess I didn’t expect. It was busy,…
The Festival of Lights For many people in the diaspora – both Jews celebrating Hanukkah and Gentiles observing this celebration – Hanukkah is all about dreidels and latkes. However, if…
The joy of giving is something we can instill in the hearts of our children and grandchildren from a young age. I learned of a family sponsoring a child whose…
Pandemics and crises feels a little bit like the GRINCH that stole Christmas for some of us, but we made a decision at the beginning of this ADVENT series—CHOOSE HOPE.…
Don’t you? Don’t you need some Peace On Earth and Goodwill to Mankind? Don’t you need some Silent Night, Holy Night? Don’t you need the appearance of angels, the sudden…
Christmas is stressful because we all want to give the perfect gift. But gifts are temporal. A godly home, integrity, love and a good marriage are precious gifts. The gifts…
We need to put on Christ. Holiday apparel will come and go. But the beautiful qualities of gentleness and purity will show to be the most enduring beauty. www.northcoastchurch.org
Dear Roger, The holidays are here! Joy and excitement are everywhere! Well, not everywhere. You and I both know that there are a lot of hurting people at Christmas time. A lot of…
Every Christian loves the story of Christmas. We love to hear about the angels and the shepherds. We love the think about noble Joseph and humble Mary. We love the…
Dear Roger, I have so many questions about Mary. Why is it important that Mary was a virgin when Jesus was born? Why do some people worship Mary? Can you…
The angels must have been stunned to see the second member of the triune God become a human being! The baby of Bethlehem was Creator of the universe, pitching His…
The Advent Season is a time of reflection as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus! This year at Hope, we’ll also have weekly artwork that helps us immerse…
When the time was just right–being fulfilled according to God’s Divine decree–God sent His Son into His created world to become the man the rebellious world always needed, but never…
Imagine how Mary must have felt when she was told by an angel that she would be the parent of the long-awaited Messiah—that she’d be responsible for raising and nurturing…
We are going to be in Philippians chapter 2 today, as we talk about this great story, the Christmas story. You know, normally you think about Matthew. You think about…
Dear Roger, I seldom hear Christmas carols anymore. Lyrics are adjusted to leave out Jesus, manger, even the word “Christmas.” Is it important to teach these songs to our children?…
Dear Roger, I love the story of Jesus’ birth. But how does Jesus’ first coming differ from the Rapture or His Second Coming? Sincerely, Andrea Dear Andrea, Jesus will come…
The Hebrew word for peace is SHALOM. Shalom is RELATIONAL HARMONY and it’s four-dimensional. It’s right relationship with God, Self, Others, and Creation. How do we experience the peace…
Mary, the mother of Jesus, is central to the story of Christmas. Unfortunately, people are greatly divided about her importance and her role. Some magnify her too much, making her…
In this series of advent posts, I will share the words of the eyewitnesses of Jesus’ life and birth. The words that follow are from the gospels and are combined,…
Were you afraid of the dark when you were a child? I was. The chore I dreaded most was taking the trash to the curb. The 25-yard walk down the…
The Coming Glory Romans 8:18-25 The last three years have been some of the most emotionally difficult years we have ever seen. Everyone I encounter seems to be stressed to…
Dear Roger, I love to picture the angels singing at Jesus’ birth. I wonder what the shepherds must have been thinking! But I know that my earthly mind can’t possibly…
Christmas is filled with images of angels atop our trees and lighting our front yards. But very few of us know how amazing and powerful they are. Most people…
A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away.” In 1977 these blue words scrolled across black screens in theaters across America, introducing an unsuspecting audience to the world…
Leave your baggage behind. In a crowded, busy holiday season, it’s common for people to feel weighed down by family relationships, financial pressure, regret, or failure. This series will help…
So, you’ve made it to Thanksgiving, and Christmas is just around the corner. What are the holidays like, when you’re single? Is it family time, or lonely time? What about…
When we first meet Mary in Luke’s gospel, it is on the occasion when an archangel appeared to her suddenly and without fanfare to disclose to her God’s wonderful plan.…
“Providence” is a word we use frequently in talking about God, but we may not have thought deeply about what it means. Theologian Timothy George defines it as “God’s faithful…
As we shop, look up, seek out or ask for gifts in this season of the year — let’s do ourselves a favor and REMEMBER the GIFT of the Savior…
Dear Roger, How do I know if I really love Jesus? What does that look like in real life? Sincerely, Jordan Dear Jordan, I have…
The Good Shepherd Luke 15:1-7 Psalms 23 was my father’s favorite Psalm. If you were raised in church like me, you can probably quote 75% of it from memory. As…
Rejoicing always in the Lord (see Philippians 4:4) may seem unrealistic at times. But we must remember that this rejoicing is centered not in a passing circumstance but in a constant…
“If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18 AMP One of my most liked posts on social media is:“You were never hard…
Who are you? Have you really thought about that singular question? And I don’t mean in any particularly existential way. I just mean, have you thought about what truly makes…
“He who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him” (Heb. 11:6). All who come to God in faith…
There are two things that can get us down in life: our own sin and the actions of others. This chapter is going to give us a detailed account of…
There is something so beautiful about His Promise of Divine Protection… something that settles every fear and chases away every doubt. For as long as I can remember I have…
Are you in a season of tears? Is the anguish of consequences from misdeeds long ago repented of still lingering? Is the anxiety climbing as you consider future financial prospects…
Most non-Christians aren’t looking for a debate, but they are bombarded by a tidal wave of media that goes against the idea of faith. Non-Christians are plagued by questions like…
Doubt is both a common and shared experience for many of us in the Beloved community. Although doubt can be a disorientating and a confusing experience, Christ walked through a…
What does the Bible say about men and women? There is no quick or easy response to that question. God’s Word blows up our narrowly defined cultural constructs and categories.…
“It’s too late to apologize,” Timbaland sang to his girlfriend who he couldn’t trust any longer. The 2007 song struck a chord. How many of us have people in our…
When anything in our life is in disarray, we are to turn to God’s Word for guidance. When political forces are vying for our vote, we must consult the same…
We learn the danger of pride in the story of Gideon. Preached by Pastors Greg Lavine and John Beeson. www.newlifefellowshiptucson.com
The New Testament is consistent in its anticipation that the return of Christ might occur at any moment. That pervading perspective of imminence prompts three questions. The first question pertains…
God loves you. God is good, God does good, and God is always working all things for our good—even through all the unexpected events (Romans 8:28). He doesn’t cause bad…
Politics and government. We seem to see them as necessary evils, bringing frustration in the present but still giving us hope for the future. Our contradictory attitudes about politics are…
“All Scripture is . . . profitable for . . . reproof” (2 Tim. 3:16). People who aren’t interested in holy living will avoid being exposed to sound doctrine. Paul instructed…
Here is a word I haven’t dared to use when I’ve faced relationship issues or tensions in the past. I’ve avoided it. I’ve been afraid to name it. I’ve ignored…
Discouragement creeps up on the best of us. It’s lurking in the corners of a promotion. It’s hiding in the shadows of being passed over. It’s slinking through the bends…
I have slow feet. One of my favorite sports to play is basketball. I’m a decent player; over time my game has improved. I’m a better shooter, ball handler, and…
Have You Learned to Speak To The Storm? In Mark 4:35-41, Jesus had just finished ministering to the multitudes…and He was about to display to His disciples His authoritative reign over the…
There was a man, many years ago, who was intimately acquainted with Jesus. He and his two sisters were greatly loved by the Lord and fellowshipped with Him often. This…
Dear Roger, The war between the Ukraine and Russia—as well as Vladimir Putin’s threats about using nuclear technology—concerns me greatly. Are nuclear weapons mentioned in the Bible? Sincerely, Adam Dear…
Faithfulness to God manifest in uncompromising godliness and reliance on God brings blessing. Joshua, the one who had begun to lead the Israelites so successfully against the Canaanites, and who…
The Book of Judges closely parallels the times we live in today. We can learn much about our culture from studying this Bible book! Scholar Abraham Kuruvilla introduces us to…
New York Times bestselling author and former NFL quarterback, Tim Tebow, talks about being cut from the NFL, losing your identity, overcoming bitterness, his workout routine, and the joy of…
For the first ten years of my marriage, I struggled with the fear of abandonment. My father and my first pastor had both left their wives for younger women. Because…
This morning I woke up early in Ohio to much cooler weather, and as I looked out of our hotel room window, I was met with the turning of the…
Discouragement creeps up on the best of us. It’s lurking in the corners of a promotion. It’s hiding in the shadows of being passed over. It’s slinking through the bends…
Talking of ants and not being a sluggard …. Good news for those of us who decided—quite reluctantly—that we needed more exercise! Well, we do. But not in the way we…
If you could change one thing about your life, what would it be? Most people want to change something about their physical appearance. Imagine having a body that doesn’t wear…
I have slow feet. One of my favorite sports to play is basketball. I’m a decent player; over time my game has improved. I’m a better shooter, ball handler, and…
Today I wanted to share with you a foundational truth that every person needs to hear and be settled in. In a world that glorifies “self”… “selfies”… portraying allusions through…
I love the early mornings, surrounded by quietness and peace. A time when I can spend some special uninterrupted moments with the Lord. During this time I can always expect…
Intro: Colossians 1:13-14 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness Rescued Greek Erry-Sáto: snatch someone out of danger, child stepping out into the street. and brought us…
Forgiving someone who wronged you can be hard—it might even seem impossible. We’re learning what can happen when we unlock the power of forgiveness. From the latest headline to social…
Paul faced many kinds of trauma throughout his ministry. Here are just a few: Acute: a response from a one-time traumatic event Chronic: a long-term response from prolonged or repeated…
Will you lift your eyes for a moment? You’ve been looking in the wrong places for your joy, for your peace. You didn’t lose it. You just need somebody to…
We saw the storm coming. While it was still days away, the predictions chilled our spines and jolted our complacency. “It’s a monster!” “Disaster is not only at our doorstep,…
Our lives should completely focused on the person of Jesus Christ. He is the central character in everything that’s happened and all that will be. He is the reason we…
Dear Roger, I believe I’m in a spiritual battle right now. What are some things that I need to keep in mind when I’m fighting Satan? Sincerely, Paul Dear Paul,…
“Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt you.” Have you ever heard something so ridiculous? Anyone who has ever been crushed under the weight of…
All of us realize that we live in a broken world that is not getting any better, yet few of us are doing something ahead of time to prepare for…
Week Four of “Substitute Identities.” God’s purposes for us are to have our identity rooted in his calling for us to be saints and to trust our sexual lives to…
“Earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal,” said Thomas Moore. But if that is true, why don’t we think more about heaven? Why do we only think and talk…
Let’s talk about sharing our faith at work. The big point of our series is that our work itself matters to God and is part of his creation and redemption…
My beloved parents believed dancing was a sin, all dancing. And, as I remember it their convictions caused me a little anxiety growing up. As I approached middle school…
Dear Roger, A friend and I were debating about Lot, the nephew of Abraham. Was he a “righteous” man? It seems like he followed God sometimes and also made some…
Recently, my Bible study group came face-to-face with the age-old problem: “Why do the righteous suffer?” After almost an hour of discussion, a member of our group said, “I’ve recently…
BREATH PRAYERS FROM SCRIPTURE Teach your grandchildren a short, easy, simple prayer that can be spoken in a single breath and repeated numerous times throughout the day. Cultivating the habit…
This is the story of my wife, Angel, from her perspective. I am a type A, first born. By the time I was twenty, I had my life planned out.…
“But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men, and because He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself…
For a brief period, Israel was very close to Camelot. A king with a heart after God established its borders and took possession of its capital city, Jerusalem, to display…
Have you ever struggled with not feeling worthy? Maybe you have lived in a shame based identity for years, never feeling like you measure up. Perhaps you have had…
This morning as I woke up and tended to the needs of my precious 12 year old pup whom I simply adore, I was pleasantly welcomed by a hint of…
I always love how the Holy Spirit gently nudges when He has something to share… Upon returning home from the magnificent Southern Rocky Mountains, there was something that resonated deep within…
Dear Roger, Does God ever change His mind? And if He does, how can I change His mind? Sincerely, Samantha Dear Samantha, Yes, of course! One evening in my Bible…
As we begin to talk I would ask you, “At the perfect age you are now, do you have any regrets… any “what ifs”… any “what could have beens”… anything that you…
For a brief period, Israel was very close to Camelot. A king with a heart after God established its borders and took possession of its capital city, Jerusalem, to display…
“There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.” Proverbs 14:12 (KJV) Most Christians set out in their new life…
As I greeted the day with a smile on my face, thinking about His goodness and faithfulness throughout the years, I could not wait to spend some much needed time…
GOD’S PROTECTION! Because of man’s sin and the subsequent curse that poisoned the perfection of God’s creation, the world is often a dangerous place. People suffer every day from natural disasters,…
How will you ever be happy? Content in your own skin? The world tells us we will be happy once we and others accept who we are. And who are…
Dear Roger, My friends and I are wondering if the eagle mentioned in Revelation 12:14 is a reference to the United States? If so, we will see the…
Believe your big risks will be rewarded. Believe what you ask for is possible. If you’re ready to see a spark in your life, pray boldly. Pray daringly. Pray with…
Lessons from the life of King David. Here’s a blueprint for how to survive when we walk through the lowest parts of our lives. www.northcoastchurch.com.
“I in them and you in me—so that they may be brought to complete unity. Then the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as…
Christ’s departure from this planet was not a departure from His church. He promised His disciples before He ascended to heaven, “I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). And in…
We have all heard the famous Benjamin Franklin quip, “In this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Given death’s sure nature, why is it…
Enoch learned to have heaven on earth, so it was an easy transition when God decided to take him right up to heaven. Transitioning to the eternal in death is…
Malcolm Gladwell on His Personal Faith Journey, the Intersection of Church and Politics, and How He Fuels His Curiosity. www.careynieuwhof.com.
Drs. Roger Barrier and Chet Weld discuss why anxiety and stress are produced by misplaced priorities and worldliness. Get back to the basics.
Dear Roger, I’ve been a Christian for quite a while, but I’m not sure how to tell if I’m really growing spiritually. Can you give me some sort of measuring…
The church at Corinth was very tolerant of certain kinds of evil behavior in their midst. And instead of being ashamed over this tolerance of evil, they were actually proud…
When it comes to repairing relationships, no one responds well to being convinced, coerced, convicted or controlled. Yet we try those approaches over and over again. www.northpointcommunitychurch.com.
Are you struggling with fear today? Is it the pandemic, a job, food, something else? Are you seeing the size of your worries and not the size of your Savior?…
I am a planner. A problem-solver. So when I bring my struggles to the Lord in prayer, I also tend to bring my carefully thought-out ideas and suggestions He can choose…
Perhaps the most uncomfortable thing about Christianity is not that God exists, and not that God sent his Son to the earth. It’s not the miracles: did God really make…
THE TRAITS OF A SPIRITUAL CHILD Read: I John 2:12-14 Their sins have been forgiven and they are just coming to know God (I John 2:12-13) The word “know” in…
Almost every spiritual conflict is fought on a specific battlefield. This is because the Enemy, Satan, only has access to a specific area of our lives where we might…
Preparing your kids to spread their wings requires patience, humility, creativity, uniqueness, and parenting with the end in mind. Discover 7 tips that will grow you as a parent while…
Dear Roger, As I study the book of Revelation, I feel that I have a good handle on understanding the four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, the Seals, the…
NYT bestselling author, John Eldredge, returns to the podcast to talk about the collective trauma we’ve been through. He outlines the surprising signs of trauma, including memory loss, why you…
Another day, another pastor or a church in the news headlines. You had your doubts, but now those doubts feel a little more like fractures. You believe God is real,…
Have you ever had a life verse? God can give you a clear direction for your life as you study His Word! I am in a local women’s Bible…
“Sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt you.” Have you ever heard something so ridiculous? Anyone who has ever been crushed under the weight of…
Who is in the driver’s seat? Who is the master of your life? Jesus says you have a driver’s seat. It will shape your decisions and reactions in life. John Ortberg speaks…
Most non-Christians aren’t looking for a debate, but they are bombarded by a tidal wave of media that goes against the idea of faith. Non-Christians are plagued by questions like…
Paul mentions Oneisiphorus in the book of 2 Timothy. He was a loyal man, an encourager to Paul. He was an unsung hero of the Bible who exemplified friendship! www.kevindeyoung.org.
Humility is not thinking less of yourself or having low self-esteem, it is thinking of yourself less, by thinking of others and God more. As the Spirit of God dwells…
Dark Times Are Permitted by God. They enhance the presence of God. They are a pathway for God and include perks from God. skipheitzig.com.
Dear Roger, A friend of mine criticized me for some decisions that I’ve made. I believe it is none of his business. However, he is a really good friend, so…
Luke 15:11-32; Genesis 2-3 Aloneness reaches deep into the inner recesses of the human heart. No one likes to be alone. I was flying recently to Orlando: girl on airplane:…
Many of us enjoy stories about good versus evil. We love to watch the good guy defeat the bad guy. Still, we often underestimate how enticing and persuasive the bad…
When you enter heaven, how much will you know? Will you have all knowledge as it pertains to your life? Perfect knowledge as it pertains to everything? Can we learn…
I’ve missed more annual well-checks to the doctor than I’ve made. It seems like a waste of time to tell the doctor that I’m not experiencing any physical difficulties, have…
Should we pray curses upon our enemies? Psalm 35 As I listened to my friend speak in anguish of her helplessness to stop her husband’s infidelity, my anger began…
People often think of desiring rewards as selfish, but believers know that heavenly rewards are given in recognition of a life lived according to God’s principles. Although these rewards are…
A very wealthy gentleman offered a poor young boy the opportunity to earn some extra money by watching over his home while he and his family went away for a…
Ephesians 6:10-12: “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our…
“In the course of time, Judah arranged for his firstborn son, Er, to marry a young woman named Tamar. But Er was a wicked man in the Lord’s sight, so…
Are you over 40, nearing 40 or on your way to 40, then you are part of the Caleb Generation. Caleb, on the brink of the promise land, at 85…
Dear Roger, I was digging into the book of Hosea, and I don’t understand. Why would God tell him to marry a prostitute? God had called him to…
Dear Roger, Why hasn’t Jesus come back yet? I see so much sorrow and suffering in our world. I see so many people rejecting Him. And when I compare that…
Worship’s Scope “When they saw Him, they worshiped Him” (Matthew 28:17) The scope, or extent of worship can be both wide or narrow. In one sense everything…
What’s In a Name? Global positioning systems-what a boon to those of us who find ourselves directionally-challenged. We all need “GPS” assistance in our lives. Some of us are…
Feasts of the Lord Then never let anyone criticize you for what you eat or drink, or about observance of annual festivals, […]. These are only a shadow of…
Ecclesiastes 2:24-26 “A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work. This too, I see, is from the hand of God,…
Soul-Structuring Arts Enoch’s Faith; Or, How to Mezuzah Your Life Dr. Roger Barrier Hebrews 11:5 God never intended for the sacred to separated from the secular. For two centuries we…
At the end of the day, I want to be famous in my home. Success is when those who know you best respect you most. It starts with the last…
Dear Roger, It’s approaching Father’s Day. Why are there so many bad dads mentioned in the Bible? What do you think are some of the most important things about being…
Luke 15:11-32; Genesis 2-3 •SLIDE #1: (Slide of Prodigal son as soon as offering special concludes and I walk to the pulpit.) •BUILD SLIDE #2A: Most people love Christmas time.…
In this sermon series, “Tell Me What You Want,” we learn that God sees and cares about our brokenness, hurt, and need. He invites us to turn to Him for…
How much do you value eternal treasures. Jesus’ simple parable reveals what’s in our hearts. Can you leave behind the things of this world to find your heavenly rewards? www.newlifetucson.org.
The search for purpose can lead you to some unexpected places. Learn to embrace the moment in time God has placed you in: you’re there for a reason. www.lifechurch.tv/open. Used…
In this message, we’re digging into a subject that hits close to home for many people. In fact, it’s one of the biggest reasons people leave the church. We’re talking…
Last week an atomic bomb hit the Southern Baptist Convention (SBC), the largest Protestant denomination in the United States, with an estimated 14 million members across more than 47,000 churches.…
INTRODUCTION There are many ways to fail in life, but the only way to succeed is to be intentional. We all have things in our lives we want to improve—yet…
There is a difference between a biblical absolute, a spiritual conviction, and a personal opinion. It’s important to know the difference and not misapply them. This chart defines the three…
Forgive Quickly. The Bible speaks of keeping “short accounts.” In other words, don’t hold on to anger. Keep your marriage “current” instead of bottling up past issues, only to release…
In Psalm 63, we read of David’s worship in the hardest of places. He was hunted and hungry. Yet, in these moments, he cried out to God and spoke of…
The Reality of Demons When the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and not finding any, it says, “I will return to…
NEGATIVE FEELINGS RENEW YOUR MIND WITH THE TRUTH Abandoned – Hebrews 13:5; 1 Cor 6:17; Mat 1:23; Psalm 139:7; Acts 17:27-28 Accused – 1 John 2:1; Job 16:19; 23:11; Jer.…
Dear Roger, While I was reading through the “Hall of Faith” in Hebrews 11, the author challenged our faith by describing Moses’ renunciation of the treasures of Egypt in…
Pastors Greg Lavine and John Beeson teach a series on “40-Day-Prayer Challenge.” This week’s teaching is on “lead us not into temptation.” Sermon begins at 21 minutes on the video.…
When you see God Is _____ what comes to mind? How can any of us really know what God’s like? Too often, we view Him from our limited perspective, but it doesn’t…
Recently one of the members of our connection group courageously poured out her heart. She felt disconnected from God and bruised by a challenging season of life. “How can I…
“Who knows, perhaps you have come to your royal position for such a time as this.” Esther 4:14b [Mordecai speaking to Esther] Beloved, absorb this with your whole heart: You are royalty.…
No matter who we are we must find an answer to the ultimate question of life: “Who is Jesus?” Why is this the ultimate question? Because Jesus made some extravagant…
Dear Roger, It’s been almost a year since I took my three children and left my husband. At that time, my daughters were 15 and 13, and my son was…
Big books full of Scripture, theology, and quotations from people long dead don’t normally sell well. Yet to my surprise, and the publisher’s, over a million copies of my 2004…
Carey Nieuhof interviews Andy Stanley in this episode from www.careynieuwhof.com. Andy Stanley outlines the argument he makes in his new book, Irresistible, and coaches leaders on how to have conversations…
Perhaps my favorite nursery rhyme is Humpty Dumpty. Humpty Dumpty sat on the wall. Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. All the king’s horses and all the king’s men couldn’t…
Why do we give? The first hit when you Google “why should I be generous?” is this article which lays out four reasons: 1) Giving frees you from the “burden…
Why do we give? The first hit when you Google “why should I be generous?” is this article which lays out four reasons: 1) Giving frees you from the “burden…
No one argues that miserliness is an admirable character trait. The national convention of Ebeneezer Scrooge urging Americans to be less generous doesn’t exist. Many perceive one of America’s strongest…
Our doorbell rang – an odd occasion –I got up from the dinner table and walked toward the door. My step hitched halfway to the door as I realized it…
As a leader, you probably think your people are the biggest obstacle to change in your church or organization. Ready for a surprise? Sometimes the biggest obstacle to change is you.…
Do you ever wish you knew how to make decisions that would help you reach your goals? What if becoming the person you want to be starts before you make…
Your sins don’t define you, and shame has no power over you. Learn about how your identity is found in Jesus’ sacrifice, not in your failures. Main Scripture: Psalms 34:1-10,…
One of the darkest rooms anyone can enter is dealing with a broken family. To be part of a family that is fragmented and malfunctioning feels bleak and miserable. The…
For the first ten years of my marriage, I struggled with the fear of abandonment. My father and my first pastor had both left their wives for younger women. Because…
At some point every human has thought, “What happens when I die?” It’s one of the most ubiquitous and mysterious aspects of humanity. Where do we go for answers? To the…
Deborah Mitchell, a popular CNN blogger and confirmed atheist, claimed that raising children without God is better than raising children with God. Mrs. Mitchell lists seven reasons why she raises…
Dear Roger, I’m really enjoying spending time with God in praise and worship. But I know there’s more! Can you give me some direction? Sincerely, Dietrich…
You married with the hope of sharing your life with someone who’s as pumped to make the most of it as you are, so how did the two of you…
Many were alarmed and dispirited by footage of raucous cheering in the New York State Senate chamber. The “Happy Days Are Here Again” sort of celebration wasn’t for a bill to…
Our world is talking theology. They probably aren’t aware of it, but theological conversations permeate the air. One such conversation that has persisted over the past several years has been…
Wise choices will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe. (Proverbs 2:11 NLT) Friendship is a wonderful thing and a gift from God to allow us to enjoy the company…
Jesus honored a poor unnamed widow in the Bible because she freely gave all she had to the God she loved. Picture the scene: It’s a very busy day at…
Dear Roger,I see sin and immorality flooding our culture. We’re also facing tragedy after tragedy, from the pandemic to record inflation to war. Is America experiencing the wrath of God?…
Do you know what Jonah’s final recorded words were? Were they words of repentance? Words of gratitude? Words of praise? Nope. They were words of spite. The last words that…
Jonah doesn’t get much right. Not much at all. God called him to arise and go to Nineveh. Nope and nope. Jonah ran the opposite direction. But after God gets…
Jonah was the only prophet called to people out of Israel.[i] That fact makes it easier to sympathize with Jonah’s resistance to God’s call to go to Nineveh. “I didn’t…
Lessons from an Anti-Hero The Anti-Hero isn’t a modern invention, thousands of years ago Jonah was the Anti-Hero of his own story. Jonah’s story is in the Bible to hold…
Lessons from an Anti-Hero: Jonah Jonah was the only prophet called to people out of Israel.[i] That fact makes it easier to sympathize with Jonah’s resistance to God’s call to…
We live at the intersection of two theologies, two realities. The faithfulness of God is pursuing from the past—SO FAR SO GOD. And the sovereignty of God is setting us…
Luke writes a story of Jesus that highlights how Jesus was an outsider who came for outsiders. From the very first chapters of Luke, where Luke shows us a child…
As we have seen in this series, some of the Bible’s greatest heroes had darkroom experiences. They were developed by those painful experiences and used by God to impact their…
Dear Roger, I’ve always struggled to understand the passage where Jesus said that if someone hurts us, we are to turn the other cheek and let them hit…
God wants to bless you beyond your ability to ask or imagine! The very first thing God does, after creating us in His image, is to bless us. Blessing is…
“Now God has us where he wants us, with all the time in this world and the next to shower grace and kindness upon us in Christ Jesus. Saving is…
When you read Genesis in entirety, you see what a master stroke God is doing, very deliberately, to repeat these stories. They tell us something very important, they tell us…
Judges is a book concluding with the words, Judges 21:25: “In those days, Israel had no king. Everyone did what was right in their own eyes.” Gideon was an unlikely…
Dear Roger, I was just reading Romans 12:1-2, where Paul says that total devotion to Jesus Christ is our spiritual worship. I sensed that Paul was talking about a level…
I write about politics very little, so this is rare for me. I read everything from Drudge Report on the right to Huffington Post on the left daily and almost too obsessively. So it…
James tells us that we can find joy in suffering because it causes us to be conformed to the image of Jesus. www.newlifebiblefellowship.org
One recent study has identified 27 emotions.[i] That might not sound like a lot until you try to start naming emotions. What emotions have you felt in the past week?…
Easter is relevant because Jesus was and is who He claimed to be: God in the flesh. No one expected for Jesus to rise from the dead! Until He stepped…
God rescues us when we realize He is our defender and protector against insurmountable odds. debwaterbury.com.
A while back, I received this desperate text from a hurting friend. She had discovered that some ministry leaders she greatly admired and who had played a significant role in…
He is aliiiiive! He is aliiiiive!” It was Easter Sunday morning. My five-year-old nephew was to be baptized that day. “Nana” had flown into town to share in the occasion. As…
Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. 4 Then they can urge the…
With the Global Peace Index the lowest it’s been in a decade and the Misery Index at a high, it’s hard to believe that peace is within reach in today’s…
Happiness happens when we give it away. Be the family member who offers to wash the dishes after dinner. Be the colleague who serves the staff by arriving on time…
One of my favorite authors, Donald Grey Barnhouse, said, “Love that reaches up is adoration. Love that reaches out is affection. But love that stoops is grace.” Philippians 2:5-11 deals…
People can be perturbing. Marriage and family life would be a lot less stressful if husbands and children didn’t sometimes act irresponsibly or disregard our feelings or instructions. Ministry would…
Are you struggling with fear today? Is it the pandemic, a job, food, something else? Are you seeing the size of your worries and not the size of your Savior?…
At some point every human has thought, “What happens when I die?” It’s one of the most ubiquitous and mysterious aspects of humanity. Where do we go for answers? To the…
Amidst all the changes you’ve experienced in the last few weeks, like a ton of leaders and pastors, you are likely trying to master the skill of speaking or preaching…
Dear Roger, When I think of the signs of the End Times, I usually focus on the outward, visible signs. I’m familiar with what the Bible says about what…
Dead air is a period of silence in radio or television in which the broadcast signal is interrupted and there’s no transmission. Throughout history, God has broadcast His truth to…
Dear Roger, Please help me understand God’s purpose for my life. It seems that all of us at one time or another ask the question, “Why am I here?” When…
I remember an old episode of The Andy Griffith Show entitled, “Tom Silby Returns.” In that episode there is a funny exchange between Andy and Tom made so by a…
I love back-stories, the story behind the story. Many years ago, our family watched the hit movie The Blind Side, and we loved it. The film is about a boy…
Almost everyone in the world of American religion has spent the last couple of weeks thinking through what Gallup just revealed: that, for the first time since they’ve been surveying the…
I shared the following notes with a pastor friend who was preparing a message addressing sexual immorality and gender confusion. It’s a different approach, a verse by verse brief commentary…
Augustine said, “By hearing Thee I am happy; because of Thy voice I am happy.” There’s no place we can go to hear God speak authoritatively, to hear His voice…
If we recognize God’s sovereignty even over Satan’s work, it changes our perspective about our lives and suffering. Satan and God intend the same suffering for entirely different purposes, but…
We’re told that we are aliens and strangers in this world, and should be longing for a better country (Hebrews 11:13-16). However, that better country isn’t up in the clouds—it’s…
Every culture ebbs and flows as it marches toward extinction. The great Roman Empire, the Mayan civilization, Bronze Age Greece—every complex society in history has eventually collapsed. Daniel was in…
Queen Esther faced insurmountable odds as she courageously approached King Xerxes to save her people. God gave her favor and freedom for the Jews. Team sermon with Kim Parrish. Sermon…
It can be hard to maintain hope in the middle of chaos. But our hope isn’t anchored to circumstances, theological opinions, or a book. Our hope is anchored to an…
Dear Lots of Readers, I’ve received many requests this week to share my thoughts on the current turmoil abroad. So, I will share a small part of my own opinions…
“Returning to God” 1 Samuel 7:3-4 Introduction From Aaron and the golden calf to Paul and the altar to an unknown God, idolatry is discussed and illustrated as the governing sin…
“Returning to God in Unity” Ephesians 4:1-6 Introduction Many fish species swim together in groups called schools to survive. The school creates a tight formation that moves swiftly in perfect…
“Returning to God Through Prayer” Matthew 6:5-13 Introduction Prayer is like the National Anthem before a football game for many of us. It gets the game started but has no…
“Returning to God” 1 Samuel 7:3-4 Introduction From Aaron and the golden calf to Paul and the altar to an unknown God, idolatry is discussed and illustrated as the governing…
Dear Roger, Please help me understand God’s purpose for my life. It seems that all of us at one time or another ask the question, “Why am I here?”…
Message 3 – Encountering God’s Promise SUGGESTED PASSAGE: Genesis 22:1-18 Now it came about after these things, that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here…
Message 2: Encountering the Power of God SUGGESTED PASSAGE: Exodus 14:1-18 Now the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Tell the sons of Israel to turn back and camp before Pi-hahiroth,…
Message 1: Encountering God’s Person SUGGESTED PASSAGE: EXODUS 3:1-14 Now Moses was pasturing the flock of Jethro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian; and he led the flock to the…
You probably know Jesus was raised in a little town called Nazareth. But did you know that from Nazareth, Jesus had a breathtaking view of the valley of Armageddon?…
When people think about the end times, they tend to think about the Antichrist. And when they think about the Antichrist, they usually think he’s going to be dark…
How many times have you heard someone say you become an angel when you die, or heaven is really boring because you sit on a cloud and play a…
If you know your Old Testament, you probably remember the concept of the kinsman redeemer. If you had to forfeit a piece of land, it could eventually be redeemed…
When it comes to spiritual gifts, some people—even spiritual leaders and pastors—get a little bit nervous. They’ll say, “I’m afraid to open myself up to the gifts of the…
I don’t think it’s any secret that we’re living in the last days. In fact, we’ve been in the last days for 2,000 years. But what is the focus…
Your co-worker has just shared with you that her husband was just diagnosed with cancer. You press in and provide a listening ear. But as the conversation closes, what do…
prophecyThe Book of Revelation has a two-fold purpose. But contrary to what many Christians assume, it’s not a book of riddles and cryptic clues to see who’s smart enough to…
Philippians makes clear that our stories are living expressions of Jesus’ story.” As Christ-followers, we’re called to emulate Jesus by living a life of joy, prayer, and perseverance through hardship.…
To be a conqueror is to rejoice when the battle is over. To be more than a conqueror is to rejoice before the battles start. And that’s Gideon. He goes,…
God uses suffering for his glory and our growth. Sermon begins at 19:00 Preached at New Life Bible Fellowship, Tucson, Arizona. Team sermon by Greg Lavine and John Beeson
Be Angry vs Sin not “Be angry but do not sin; do not let the sun set on your anger.” (Ephesians 4:26). The “Be angry” part of this verse is easy…
Sexual Freedom = Happiness? Gen Z (also known as iGen), are currently between the ages of 6 and 24 years old. These youth have been influenced by society to view…
This comprehensive survey compiled in 2018 will inform how you relate to your children, your students and your church ministry. Don’t miss it! www.josh.org
Dear Roger, I’ve been reading the New Testament and it surprises me how often Jesus referred to money. For example, in Luke 21:1-4, “He commended the widow who did not…
Dear Roger, I am not surprised when I see so many people in our world grasping for riches and money. What breaks my heart is to see Christians doing…
Time is measured in MINUTES, but life is measured in MOMENTS. You don’t FIND TIME, you have to MAKE TIME. How? For starters, curse the barren fig trees. These are…
Do you follow God or run ahead of Him? You may have heard the story of Deborah and Barak, but have you ever stopped and thought about their impact? Where…
It’s been said that our decisions and responses determine our destiny. As we explore the rise of David and the sad demise of King Saul, we’ll see why one of…
It’s God’s pleasure to reconcile people to Himself, but not every human relationship can, will or should be reconciled. Not all friendships will last a lifetime. They can turn sour…
Throughout the Bible, God consistently leads His people in one direction: “Press on…look ahead…forget what lies behind…REACH FORWARD to what lies ahead” (Philippians 3:12-14). Just as the Apostle Paul challenged the…
GOD COMMANDS US TO BE FAITHFUL BECAUSE HE VALUES FAITHFULNESS. Bible Reading of the Day: Read Proverbs 3:1-8. Verse of the Day: “Many will say they are loyal friends, but who…
When you set out with intention to fulfill God’s purpose for your life, you are going to face resistance and encounter roadblocks. They are inevitable. Take Nola Ochs, for example.…
Have you ever wondered exactly what we mean when we invite you to experience hope? A lot of the people tuning in to listen to Intentional Living are at that reset point…
Galatians 5:22 IT’S QUIET. It’s early. My coffee is hot. The sky is still black. The world is still asleep. The day is coming. In a few moments the day…
Dear Roger, I’ve been reading the New Testament and it surprises me how often Jesus referred to money. For example, “He commended the widow who did not have much, but…
“He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.” Psalm 23:3 NKJV A friend organized a Christmas cookie swap for our church office staff. The plan was…
How many of us have any idea the depths of God’s forgiveness? In June of 1983, a young woman named Karla Faye Tucker savagely murdered a couple as they slept. …
Q: Does God permit or condone revenge? “Then Samson called to the LORD and said, “O Lord GOD, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once, O God,…
Bible Reading: Mark 2:23-28 The Sabbath was made to benefit people, and not people to benefit the Sabbath. Mark 2:27 Peter, Andrew, John, and the other disciples were still gnawing…
Playing into Satan’s Strategy The increase in Christians bickering over non-essentials doesn’t seem to be a passing phase. And it injures our witness, inviting eye rolls and mockery from unbelievers…
1 Corinthians 15:50-58 Now I say this, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. Behold, I tell you a…
This analogy from Trevin Wax is absolutely wonderful. May we be like the second dog in his parable, longing to be in our Master’s presence: “As the deer pants for…
Social psychologist Adam Grant believes that the most powerful thing we can do to improve our thinking is to change the way we approach thinking. In Think Again Grant argues…
What is Hope from a Biblical Perspective? Hope is a word used in the Bible both as a verb and a noun. It has a range of connotations, but mainly…
Reading the Bible can be a daunting task. Practically speaking, when we open our Bible, we can feel like we’ve been dropped in an unfamiliar forest in the middle of…
What are the building blocks that makes a Christian family different? The Christian Family is a Display of: …mutual submission (Eph. 5:21) Since the Bible articulates the Christian’s understanding of…
Caleb and Joshua showed great faith in the midst of “giant” obstacles. When you are in the desert, you let the Devil tempt you to ask the wrong questions. “Who…
Our prayers aren’t meant to be rehearsed, but a reflection of our real life circumstances. Get honest with God with these 7 keys to a powerful prayer life. Preached at…
Dear Roger, Am I right in thinking that the Christian church is sliding farther away from its primary mission of evangelism? Do you know why? And what does that mean…
THE END OF THE MATTER Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 This morning, as we come to the end of the book of Ecclesiastes, I am going to talk about fear—and love. “Now all…
KNOWING GOD FROM THE INSIDE OUT Ephesians 1:15-19; 3:14-19; Colossians 1:9-12 Imagine before we had the Bible, how would we know what God is like. Imagine you lived on…
“Why do so many bad things happen to good people?” Open up to Mark in the New Testament, Mark, chapter 10. As you are doing so, I want to tell…
No one knows more about a creation than its creator. We see this with mothers and children, architects and buildings, and painters and their art. But is it true for miracles too? In…
The second section of James takes a closer look at temptation and will hammer out some vital Biblical principles which will help us face the reality of evil in our…
“TAKE CARE OF THIS FOR ME” The Parable of the Dishonest Manager Luke 16:1-15 If Jesus were here instructing Christians today, He would spend a major portion of His time…
We live in an apology-averse culture. We are allergic to repentance and equally allergic to forgiveness. Think about it? When was the last time someone repented to you? I mean,…
If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life—to those who commit sins that do not lead to death. There is sin…
Dear Roger, I am really enjoyed reading through the book of Proverbs. I was wondering if you could summarize what you consider to be the most practical teaching from the…
“I have fought long and hard for my Lord, and through it all I have kept true to him. And now the time has come for me to stop fighting…
In my troubles I pled with God to help me and he did! Deliver me, O Lord, from liars. O lying tongue, what shall be your fate? You shall be pierced with sharp…
“The Lord is Your keeper. The Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not smite you by day, nor the moon by night.” Psalm 121 Psalm…
Children are a gift from God; they are his reward. 4 Children born to a young man are like sharp arrows to defend him. Happy is the man who has his quiver…
“Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain.” Psalm 127:1b KJV Watchmen were always stationed on the walls of Jerusalem to detect the stealthy approach…
“Unless the Lord builds the house, they that build it labor in vain.” Psalm 127:1 KJV “Unless the Lord builds” is a conditional clause. If God doesn’t lay the foundation,…
Of all the misconceptions we have about Heaven, which is the most destructive? That’s a difficult and important question to tackle. Once, while preaching about the New Earth, I cited…
Your children use complaining because it works! Train Up your child; not Down. Expect more from your kids, and they will rise to the occasion www.birthorderguy.com..
When I say the word “church” what do you think of? Most Americans probably think of a single building that they might attend or drive by on the way to…
How do we reimagine community in the digital age? With everything going electronic and being stored on the cloud, will there be a backlash? A desire to be in a…
Like many other believers, I’ve always sought to have a time of devotion and prayer each morning. And like most other believers, I have found it a struggle to be…
A while back, I received this desperate text from a hurting friend. She had discovered that some ministry leaders she greatly admired and who had played a significant role in…
Dear Roger, I’ve been reading about the judgment seat of Christ where we will receive awards according to how profitable or unprofitable our lives have been on earth. It…
“He is aliiiiive! He is aliiiiive!” It was Easter Sunday morning. My five-year-old nephew was to be baptized that day. “Nana” had flown into town to share in the occasion. As…
People can be perturbing. Marriage and family life would be a lot less stressful if husbands and children didn’t sometimes act irresponsibly or disregard our feelings or instructions. Ministry would…
As a child of God, you have a very special relationship with other Christians. Paul’s letter to the Ephesians pictures this relationship in two different ways. First, every believer is…
Seasons of adversity—economic or otherwise—do not catch God off guard. He knows everything that is going on in our world. He also knows what lies ahead. He is orchestrating all…
“If an individual Christian does not show love toward other true Christians, the world has a right to judge that he or she is not a Christian.” —Francis Schaeffer I…
Have you ever wondered exactly what we mean when we invite you to experience hope? Perhaps you are going through a crisis … A health crisis A financial crisis An issue…
Although last year didn’t exactly usher in the post-pandemic era, it’s more likely that 2022 will. While no one can say exactly what the future holds, here are 12 trends…
What plan do you have for your spiritual life? Where do you want to go spiritually? And how are you going to get there? My hunch is that most of…
When I was a young Christian and didn’t yet understand much about my faith in Christ, I asked a friend who was in prison ministry, “Can a Christian lose his…
Introduction Few people in history had as much to lose as Job had. He was enormously successful, vastly wealthy, blessed with a large family and he was known for his…
Introduction In our culture today, many philosophies and worldviews based on human wisdom compete for our attention. These ideas, however, are marked by deception and the absence of Christ. If…
Introduction Some people have a compulsion to hoard things like collectibles, sentimental items or even garbage. When someone accumulates garbage, that waste attracts insects and rodents, making a bad situation…
Introduction The answers on multiple-choice tests are typically A, B, C or D. Sometimes, however, the true answer lies outside the list of the options offered. When Jesus faced a…
Introduction Whenever a teacher in school gave you a test, they never had much to say during the test. The teacher had nothing to say because the test was designed…
Breath of Heaven, Hold me together Be forever near me, Breath of Heaven Breath of Heaven, Light my darkness Pour over me, your holiness, For you’re holy Breath of Heaven…
The Festival of Lights For many people in the diaspora – both Jews celebrating Hanukkah and Gentiles observing this celebration – Hanukkah is all about dreidels and latkes. However, if…
Christmas is inundated with some rich wonderful holiday music that lends a profound fullness to the holiday season. The messages in this music are far different than most of the…
In this series of advent posts, I will share the words of the eyewitnesses of Jesus’ life and birth. The words that follow are from the gospels and are combined,…
Part 1: The Impossible Light In this series of advent posts, I will share the words of the eyewitnesses of Jesus’ life and birth. The words that follow are from…
What do you do when life gets confusing and hard? Or when things don’t seem to fit into a bigger, better plan? Joseph, the father of Jesus, wrestled with those…
As we continue in the Advent season, we look at John the Baptist preparing the way for Christ to come. We also learn what it means to live in the…
Even when they’ve been on the calendar all year, the holidays can sometimes take us by surprise. In fact, even the first Christmas started with a change of plans. No…
Names matter in the Bible, because names are used descriptively to describe something or somebody, and one name that, we’ll look at other names a little bit later, but…
Dear Roger, From your perspective, what is the real meaning of Christmas? Sincerely, Esther Dear Esther, When I think of the real meaning of Christmas, I always think of…
Dr. Randy Carlson and our friends at Family Life Radio share a message of hope in Jesus. Support their ministry today! www.theintentionallife.com.
When lo! above the earth rang out the angels’ chorus that hailed our Savior’s birth. Go, tell it on the mountain, over the hills and everywhere! Go, tell it on…
Fall on your knees, O hear the angel voices! O night divine, O night when Christ was born! He is a light to reveal GOD to the nations, and he…
O star of wonder, star of night, star with royal beauty bright, westward leading, still proceeding, guide us to thy perfect Light. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart…
“Come they told me, Pa rum pa pum pum A newborn King to see, Pa rum pa pum pum. Our finest gifts to bring, to lay before the king.” The…
“When the new heaven and earth shall own the Prince of Peace, the King, And the whole world send back the song which now the angels sing.” “Look! God’s dwelling…
“Then pealed the bells more loud and deep: “God is not dead, nor doth he sleep; The wrong shall fail, the right prevail, with peace on earth, good will to…
“All flesh is like grass, and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers and the flower falls, but the Word of the Lord will stand forever.” 1…
Lots of people make a lot of fuss about Christmas. Some love this time of year (myself included). Others hate it or are opposed to its celebration. Some couch their…
Advent is a time of expectancy and preparation to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Historically, it is a season rich with meaning and symbolism for Christian believers all over the…
Dear Roger, As I study the Book of Revelation, I keep asking myself why more people don’t come to Christ during the Great Tribulation. I know that God often sends…
As you know, we’ve been in a series in Galatians, and we’ll hold off on that until next Lord’s Day. And this morning, just to think a little bit about…
If you find yourself in a dark place, Pastor Mark shares four helpful hacks:1) It’s always darkest before dawn2) Widen your aperture3) Live in day-tight compartments4) Let your light shine…
“Mild He lays His glory by. Born that man no more may die. Born to raise the sons of earth; Born to give them second birth.” “Praise be to the…
“Said the little lamb to the shepherd boy Do you hear what I hear? Ringing thru the sky, shepherd boy Do you hear what I hear?” He said to them,…
“Away in a manger, no crib for His bed; the little Lord Jesus laid down His sweet head.” While they were there, the time came for the baby to be…
Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel, Shall come to thee, O Israel. “…and they will call him Immanuel,” which means “God with us.” Matthew 1:23 NIV84 O Come, O Come Emmanuel Time after…
“Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy would one day walk on water? Mary, did you know that your Baby Boy would save our sons and daughters? Did you…
“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.” Luke 2:14 KJV Angels We Have Heard On High What gives you awe? What things cause…
Joy to the World, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King. “for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10 NIV Isaac Watts wrote “Joy…
Dear Roger, I’m trying to understand just who the beasts of Revelation 13 are and how they might apply to us today. Can you help? Sincerely, Mackenzie Dear MacKenzie, Let me…
Many Freemasons are unaware of the secret practices of their members, but the demonic implications are significant, and require warfare prayers. These “secret” upper levels are well-documented and should be…
“I want my kids to love me. But I am afraid that if I am too strong they won’t.” If you have ever had this concern, listen to this episode.…
“The anger of the LORD was kindled against Israel, and he sold them into the hand of Cushan-rishathaim king of Mesopotamia. And the people of Israel served Cushan-rishathaim eight…
“Dear Father, please bless this food to our bodies and help us to honor You in all that we say and do today. Amen” This would typically be a sweet…
By now you have discovered that we who are Christians are surrounded! There seems to always be more who are against us than who are for us. We face the…
Our passions and desires are at war within us, and we must fight against them. While pride, boasting and divisiveness mark worldly people, humility, obedience and repentance mark the godly.…
Everyone needs to be encouraged. Sometimes it is easier to give encouragement than to receive it. Ask God to encourage you and to bring people into your life that can…
Have you ever walked into a room and felt out of place; like there was a chasm standing between you and everyone else? Maybe it was the way you dressed,…
One of the greatest gifts God can give us is letting us get to the end of our rope! That’s often when and where and how we discover that there…
Dear Roger, I’ve been studying the book of Revelation, and I think I have a pretty good handle on what the seals and the trumpets mean. However, the bowls of…
As the people of God, we live COUNTERCULTURE. When we love our enemies, heaven invades earth. When we pray for those who persecute us, heaven invades earth. When we bless…
As Jude called his readers to fight for the faith, he wanted them to know that turning from the truth was not new, nor was it novel. The battle for truth…
“The Lord raised up judges, who saved them out of the hand of those who plundered them. Yet they did not listen to their judges, for they whored after other…
“Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died at the age of 110 years…and all that generation also were gathered to their fathers. And there arose another…
“Manasseh did not drive out the inhabitants…Ephraim did not dive out the Canaanites…Zubulun did not drive out the inhabitants…Asher did not drive out the inhabitants…Naphtali did not drive out…
Getting The Lay of The Land “The house of Joseph also went up against Bethel, and the Lord was with them. And the house of Joseph scouted out Bethel…and the…
“And the descendants of the Kenite, Moses’ father-in-law, went up with the people of Judah from the city of palms into the wilderness of Judah, which lies in the Negev…
“[Judah] went against the inhabitants of Debir…And Caleb said, ‘He who attacks Kiribati-shepherd and captures it, I will give him Achsah my daughter for a wife.’ And Othniel the…
“After the death of Joshua, the people of Israel inquired of the Lord, ‘Who shall go up for us against the Canaanites to fight against them?’ The Lord said,…
So, you’ve decided to leave your church: you’re moving, or you’ve come to a doctrinal impasse, or there has been conflict that you’ve tried to navigate, but the church has…
I never would have believed God could use me! I didn’t grow up in church. In fact, I was an atheist as a young man. I stumbled into a midweek…
So… you’ve been dating for a while, and you’re thinking: “Yeah, this is the one.” That’s great, but are you ignoring any red flags, those important things you can’t accept?…
FOR AS IN ADAM ALL DIE, SO IN CHRIST ALL WILL BE MADE ALIVE. 1 CORINTHIANS 15:22 Eve was deceived, but Adam willfully sinned against the Lord. Adam knew what…
SO I SAY, WALK BY THE SPIRIT, AND YOU WILL NOT GRATIFY THE DESIRES OF THE FLESH. GALATIANS 5:16 One of the most dangerous heresies that confronted the Early Church…
JESUS CHRIST IS THE SAME YESTERDAY AND TODAY AND FOREVER. MATTHEW 13:8 The psalmist wrote, “Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand…
ALL THIS IS FROM GOD, WHO RECONCILED US TO HIMSELF THROUGH CHRIST AND GAVE US THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION. 2 CORINTHIANS 5:18 As born-again believers, we are all new creations…
WALK WITH THE WISE AND BECOME WISE, FOR A COMPANION OF FOOLS SUFFERS HARM. PROVERBS 13:20 How much can we accomplish in the kingdom of God when we operate by…
SANCTIFY THEM BY THE TRUTH; YOUR WORD IS TRUTH. JOHN 17:17 Jesus had defeated the work of Satan. He had “disarmed the powers and authorities” and “made a public spectacle…
I ALSO DO MY BEST TO MAINTAIN ALWAYS A BLAMELESS CONSCIENCE BOTH BEFORE GOD AND BEFORE MEN. ACTS 24:16 Folklore advises, “Let your conscience be your guide.” This has serious…
It’s that time of year, when transitions happen: seasons close and new seasons begin. Maybe you’re a student who just headed off to college. Maybe you got a new job.…
Dear Roger, I have been studying the book of Revelation, and I have lots of questions about the seven trumpets. What do they mean? What will happen when…
What is the full effect of steadfastness? That we lack nothing. When we are discontent, we think that we lack something. “If only I had…” James tells us that when…
God has big plans for you. He plants dreams in your heart—and they can bloom when the soil is fertile. Set your sights on what’s ahead and prepare your soul to…
In sixth century BC, Babylon was the preeminent power in the world, and this passage shows how they conquered Israel and deported the professional classes, including artisans, scholars, and government…
The language in the Ten Commandments is countercultural, counterintuitive, offensive, and shocking to anyone who has not embraced the God-centeredness of God. We might summarize the first two commandments like…
Being in any relationship for any length of time with any person is hard. I mean, let’s face it: We all live this life through a lens focused on self,…
One of the reasons we minimize being on the wrong path is we say to ourselves, “It won’t happen to me.” We think, I’m in control. I know better. I’m not…
“Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin” (Psalm 51:2). True confession involves a proper understanding of sin. King David was a man after God’s own…
“How can a young man keep his way pure? By keeping it according to Thy word. . . . Thy word I have treasured in my heart, that I may…
Dear Roger, What will happen to the people who miss the Rapture? Will they still be able to become Christians? Will the pain and suffering during…
Introduction When a child becomes ill with a virus or disease, they cannot see or comprehend what is happening internally on the microscopic level to make them sick. A child…
Introduction Believers should seek to get spiritual clarity through prayer as they listen for God to speak to them. Because of spiritual warfare, we should prioritize our need to hear…
Self-awareness is one of the keys to emotional intelligence. It’s also a key to growth. With that in mind, some recent research by the Barna Group through their Barna Cities initiative shows…
Prayer – It is a gift to us from our loving heavenly Father, a gift that wields mighty power. We know these things. Yet, I have to stop and ask,…
Before I entered full-time “paid” vocational ministry I worked in the financial industry. My job was challenging, and presented problem solving opportunities each week. Our division was situated in the…
Respect is a key factor in creating a loving family. Here are just a few ways you can make your family stronger and kinder! www.deborahhaddix.com
In the family, God calls us to pass on wisdom and receive wisdom. God uses family to help us establish boundaries. God makes the path of family bigger. Team Sermon…
It takes moral courage to STAND AGAINST what is WRONG and STAND FOR what is RIGHT. It takes moral courage to SPEAK TRUTH TO POWER, to SPEAK THE TRUTH IN…
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself.” Matthew 6:34. Why don’t we live in the moment? Lack of faith. The only way you can be…
12 Different ways by which we discover intimacy with God in David’s psalms. Psalm 63. www.debwaterbury.com.
Disciples commissioned by the divinely powerful Jesus are themselves divinely empowered by him to meet any need. “You yourselves give them to eat!” Mark 6:37 The crowds gathered are like…
Disciples’ commission from Jesus, that attracts the world’s opposition, is enabled by God’s provision. And He [Jesus] said to them [his disciples], “Come away by yourselves to a secluded place…
Jesus’ care, and his power over disease and death, evokes disciples’ fearless, efficacious faith. “Do not be afraid, only believe.” Mark 5:36:41 Mark 5:21–24 and 5:35–43 form the two halves…
Disciples’ faith in Jesus’ person and power enables them to fearlessly face natural and supernatural calamities. “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?” Mark…
God’s sovereign action produces fruit in a receptive disciple. “… the good soil[s], who hear the word and accept [it] and bear fruit—one thirtyfold, and one sixtyfold, and one hundredfold.”…
Disciples—insiders with Jesus—are those who do the will of God. For whoever does the will of God, he is My brother and sister and mother. Mark 3:35 This pericope opens…
Following Jesus is not a self-serving enterprise, but one of selfless service. And He came and raised her up, holding her hand; and the fever left her, and she served…
The life-journey of discipleship, the beginning of the establishment of God’s kingdom, involves suffering. And passing by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew, the brother of Simon,…
Let’s do a little Bible study together through I John 3:19-4:4. First, let’s look at our passage. By this we shall know that we are of the truth and reassure…
Do you ever wonder if you’re praying the right way? Maybe you keep praying, but it feels like your prayers aren’t effective. In this message, we’re learning how to unlock…
As the Church, we must not say of abortion, “This is murder,” without saying to pregnant women, “We will serve you.” If we’re doing the former without the latter, we…
We think forwards, but God is working backwards. God begins with the end in mind. Occasionally, he pulls back the curtain of time and reveals His plans and His purposes…
We all have struggles: fear, self-image, managing money, addiction, loneliness – the list goes on and on. What if there was a new way to walk through our struggles? God…
The Oxford Dictionary defines apathy as “lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.” It’s the state of being indifferent to something that should otherwise arouse, provoke, or motivate you. It has been noted…
Dear Roger, There is so much talk and discussion these days about the antichrist, the Second Coming, the mark of the beast, and so many other end times subjects. I’ve…
Grief is an emotion that can overwhelm you. Grief can take many forms from denial, anger, fatigue and depression. Here are a few tips on identifying grief in your life…
HOW TO RECOGNIZE A FALSE PROPHET Matthew 7:15-20 – S-1057 After giving the invitation to “enter by the narrow gate”, to come to God by the only way He has…
Hurting someone because they hurt you doesn’t end the cycle. It perpetuates it. And it makes you look like the person you dislike. www.sermons.love. www.northpointchurch.com.
Because sin grows best when it’s left unaddressed. And when we’ll address it, we won’t be lethargic. We will be hungry. We won’t be lenient. We will be disciplined. When…
People have been going to war for centuries. Conflicts and clashes are part of our history both as a civilization and as a nation. But there are three wars that…
Let’s do a little Bible study together in I John 2:3-11, and I John 2:15-17 And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep…
Let me guess. You keep thinking it’s going to get better, only to discover…it hasn’t. As I’ve been catching up personally with leaders over the last while, I sense a…
The days of being buried in the church where you were baptized and married are long gone for most. Ours is the age of the McChurch. There are realities embedded…
Stand for Truth, a wonderful Christian news organization in the Philippines compiled these quotes. EVERY PERSON should read these chilling words: 1. CAESAR BORGIA—Italian nobleman, politician, and cardinal: “While I…
I have a besetting sin. A big one. I am angry. I have serious lung issues and I am immunocompromised. Long before COVID, I lived in fear of lugging an…
To call someone a fool is serious business. Jesus warned against it in the Sermon on the Mount: “Whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire” (Matthew…
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.” Proverbs 13:12 (ESV) Have you ever struggled because you know God can do anything, but…
I stood on the edge of the pool. I looked over at my sister who was maybe 4 or 5 years old at the time. She was splashing on the…
“Take up the full armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm” (Eph. 6:13). Spiritual warfare isn’t…
We saw the storm coming. While it was still days away, the predictions chilled our spines and jolted our complacency. “It’s a monster!” “Disaster is not only at our doorstep,…
Sometimes life happens faster than we can run our race. We can’t control everything that happens to us or around us. We can’t control the decisions others make that deeply affect…
I love to run—with friends, alone, on a trail, anytime, anywhere. I love the challenge and the press of reaching new milestones and levels of exertion, so I know what…
Introduction On a football team, there is a kicker and that kicker has one aim — to kick the football perfectly between the two goalposts and to score points that…
Introduction The concept of “cancel culture” has contaminated our society. Many people think they can cancel whatever person, community or ideal that does not agree with their version of reality…
At the age of thirteen, I deceitfully hid her desert saga inside my textbook during class, trying to steal any precious reading time I could find. I was tempted to…
The vineyards stretching before us seemed to glow in the early morning dew. After rounding a deep curve on a winding road, a quaint monastery suddenly appeared in the verdant…
June is a brutal month to live in Tucson. With our triple digit temperatures soaring to 115 or worse, the prickly pear cactus pads grow as thin as paper. Everything…
Will the earth we know be destroyed or will it be renewed? Dr. Deb talks about how the bible describes the new earth and the new Jerusalem. www.debwaterbury.com.
It’s been a turbulent season. What has caused some to stay anchored during the storms and stresses of life, while others have lost their bearings under the same conditions? It…
You’ve probably heard me refer to the book of Jude as the Acts of the Apostates. Apostasy is turning away from Christ by leaning on the rationale of worldly philosophy…
Dear Roger, With so much fear and uncertainty these days, I’ve decided to study the book of Revelation. I’d like to get a feel for what’s going on in the…
“O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 1 Corinthians 15:55 (ESV) Losing someone you love can cut into your heart so viciously that it forever…
Proverbs 16 says, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall” (v. 18). Put another way, be humble or you’ll stumble. Pride is the oldest sin in…
God’s truth must quicken your heart, be obeyed and take root in every part of your life. www.tonyevans.org.
We must view all of life through the lens of God’s truth in His Word. www.tonyevans.org.
It’s easy to forget that even people like Paul the apostle needed—and indeed had—friends. In the book of Philippians, he named several of them, including Timothy. This man added enormous…
How do we prepare ourselves to be ready for the return of Christ? Jesus teaches us how in Matthew 24. Preached at Casas Church. Used by permission.
Let’s do a short study through I John 1:5-2:2 about the importance of deception and confession. “This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is…
I was crushed when I read the letter. The homeowner’s association had the audacity to call them weeds. The first tiny sprouts had promised me red tubular flowers set against…
Epaphroditus kind of sounds like a disease, doesn’t it? It’s an unusual name. But in the Bible, Epaphroditus was a dear friend and servant of Paul the apostle. His name shows…
Many news outlets report the increasing military strength of the Taliban and a repeat of the terrorist attack that shocked America. John MacArthur gives advice on how to respond to…
“Be strong in the Lord, and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God” (Eph. 6:10-11). Spiritual victory is not passive; it involves the discipline of…
When you think about coming to church, what aspect do you look forward to the most? For the sake of this discussion, let’s assume your answer is something spiritually noble—nothing…
In the midst of the swirling fears of this world, God invites us to release the fear of the world and fear him. Fear doesn’t just change our actions, it…
James teaches us we need to examine the purity of our hearts and behaviors. Here’s why…
Dear Roger, I am really angry! I’m angry with what’s happening in our world. I’m angry with what’s happening to our nation. I’m angry with what’s happening to my friends…
Church shopping is weird. It seems normal today. But it’s a very strange idea, when you think about it. The notion of “church shopping” first became a possibility in 20th…
What do you do when you feel like you’re slipping? Discover four handles for when what you are holding feels too heavy and how to carry on when what you…
I shared the following notes with a pastor friend who was preparing a message addressing sexual immorality and gender confusion. It’s a different approach, a verse by verse brief commentary…
Paul writes that we should refrain from quenching the Holy Spirit as He works to make us look more like Jesus. Preached at the Village Church.
Life is infinitely uncertain and God is infinitely complex. The net result? Doubt. We think of doubt in negative terms, but it’s a key catalyst when it comes to faith.…
Dear Roger, I’m thinking about getting married to my boyfriend. Can you give me some guidelines that may help me know that I am marrying the right guy? Sincerely, Kate Dear…
Here we are explicitly told what the walk of believers entails: the walk “in love,” the imitation of God and of Christ, who loved with a love beyond compare. Having…
Believers, increasingly conformed to Christ in faith by the Spirit, and comprehending, in community, the immensity of Christ’s love, glorify God who dwells in them. Ephesians 3:14-21 This pericope is…
Paul’s divinely empowered role in the administration of God’s plan forms a paradigm for the ministry of all believers, as God is made known to the cosmos through the church.…
All (believing) humanity has been united in one body, the work of Christ removing the condemnation of the law for sin, winning access to God, and building believers together into…
Believers, once in dire straits, but now sharing Christ’s exaltation, demonstrate to the universe God’s mercy, love, grace, and kindness as they undertake good works. Ephesians 2:1-10 Prior to regeneration,…
As the fullness and body of Christ, the church manifests God’s incomparable power against supernatural foes. Ephesians 1:15-23 This section is essentially a prayer by Paul. He asks that the…
God who blesses his people, redeeming them for his grand plan to consummate all things in Christ, is worthy of being blessed. Ephesians 1:1-14 This opening section of the book…
Dr. Leman discusses practical ways a parent can teach a child to be grateful instead of griping. www.birthorderguy.com
I live in Arizona, and since moving here some 23 years ago, I’ve learned to look to the horizon at sunset and sunrise. They are simply spectacular here, and I…
It is estimated that around one in twelve children struggle with depression at some point between the ages 9 and 16, with girls more likely to be affected than boys. Unfortunately, depression…
Joy. It’s not getting what you want. It’s appreciating what you have. Joy isn’t always the easiest choice or the obvious choice, but joy is a choice. The Apostle Paul…
If you have ever tried to walk straight while aboard a ship being tossed by the ocean’s waves, you know how hard that is. The motion around you challenges the…
Wise speech is the right word spoken at the right time with the right intentions in the right to the right person from the right person. Team sermon preached by…
The book of Proverbs provides us with great advice about the importance of family and the responsibility to pass on wisdom, good character and integrity to the next generation. God…
Yellowed and shriveled up, the sight before me was inconceivable. The cactus looked dead but was flush with flowers. Gently and carefully my coworker moved around the thorns to pick…
The instructions were simple, but I was struggling to actually believe them. “Make sure you transplant the cactus and succulents with dry soil.” Really? These directions confused me because before…
The chilly morning was full of promise. Listening to a bubbling creek, I watched curious ground squirrels scampering near my seat. When a single red-tailed hawk began making lazy circles…
Nestled slyly in Queen Creek Canyon, under a canopy of towering trees, lies one of the oldest arboretums in the western United States, Boyce Thompson Arboretum. Hiking trails, carefully designed…
The blast felt like a furnace. Opening the door to greenhouse number seven, I could not believe I was going to walk into that atmosphere. The blazing dry heat confronting…
Parent, ask yourself this question. Is your son or daughter a voracious reader? If they are, your child is the exception. Your family is the exception. You’re not going to…
The three-foot rule starts deep on the inside of us. It is the head (thinking), the heart (emotions) and the hand (behavior) of who we are. It begins with our…
Introduction Have you ever been involved with a remodeling project? It can be a very messy undertaking. Because the goal of remodeling is to make something better from its worn…
Introduction Certain things hopefully come with age as we grow and mature: more understanding, more wisdom, more responsibility and more expectations. Parents recognize this as they approach their children in…
Introduction Life is full of battles, wars in both the physical and spiritual worlds. Even being a follower of Jesus, you may eventually come to experience what feels like nothing…
Introduction Have you ever seen someone try to experience the benefits of something without doing what was required to gain them? As an onlooker, it can be frustrating watching a…
Introduction Believers should seek to get spiritual clarity through prayer as they listen for God to speak to them. Because of spiritual warfare, we should prioritize our need to hear…
Hi Roger, What would you say to someone who states that they can’t “help” their homosexuality? I’m thinking of someone who believes that they were born that way and that…
Hebrews 12:27 moment—everything that can be shaken will be shaken. God is shaking false securities and false identities, false assumptions, and false narratives, false idols, and false ideologies. But we…
Rest is not passive, it’s active. We must accept his grace and strength and rest upon Him. Give your burdens to Christ and experience His peace. Team sermon preached at…
God is called Almighty fifty-seven times in Scripture. It means that the resources of His power are boundless. He is unlimited in His ability and unconstrained in His capacity. God’s attribute of…
When we experience any kind of trauma, we can respond to the threat in various ways to cope. We are all familiar with the fight or flight response, but there…
Recently I’ve been enjoying the book, Christianity on the Offense: Responding to the Spiritual Beliefs of Seekers, by Dan Story. It’s always good to learn something about the competition, so to…
Our thoughts are important. Our minds are a factory of thoughts, some intentional, some not intentional. We strategize, reflect, and ruminate. And sometimes we experience intrusive thoughts, those thoughts that…
Go to the ant, O sluggard, Observe her ways and be wise, Which, having no chief, Officer or ruler, Prepares her food in the summer And gathers her provision in…
When I am on a jog I often find myself looking right in front of me. Whether it’s because I’m focusing on the path, getting lost in my thoughts, or…
Life, like gardening, is dynamic. If it’s not pests, then it’s weather. If it’s not weather, then it’s critters. If it’s not critters, then it’s poor soil. If it’s not…
The die had been cast. The plans had been laid. The end of a brother would soon come. He wasn’t alone in his deceit. His mother was right there with…
“He who [willfully] separates himself [from God and man] seeks his own desire, He quarrels against all sound wisdom.” Proverbs 18:1 (AMP) The tendency of the human is to separate…
“He who is slow to anger has great understanding [and profits from his self-control], But he who is quick-tempered exposes and exalts his foolishness [for all to see].” Proverbs 14:29…
““Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble…
My older brother recently sent me a book he enjoyed titled Kingdom Men Rising by Tony Evans. It was an encouraging and heart-felt book that covered a lot of Tony Evans’s life…
Dear Roger, I worry a lot. My friends and family call me a “worry wart.” I have to agree with them. My worrying makes me miserable. Yesterday, our pastor preached…
Pride is the essence of sin, and steals God’s glory. How do we conquer it and humble ourselves? www.debwaterbury.com.
When it comes to having healthy relationships we must get out of our comfort zones and do the hard things. Just because something is unpleasant doesn’t mean it’s unprofitable. Preached…
What will we experience on the New Earth? (Make your own list. This is just a portion of mine.) Forever more: Closeness to God greater than we’ve ever known The…
Esther had the courage to risk her life to save her people, the Jews. We can learn to have faith in the midst of tremendous obstacles. Preached at New Life…
One of the most frequent questions I’ve been asked about Heaven over the years is about the nature of marriage there. As I share in my book Heaven, there will be one…
Are you really a Christian? How do you know that you are really a Christian? The scripture encourages us to test ourselves to see if we are really Christians (II…
There’s no question everything in ministry has shifted in the last eighteen months. But the real question is how? Some things, of course, never change. The mission of the church…
No matter how long you’ve been in leadership, it still hurts when people leave your church. It’s somewhat easy to understand people leaving when things are going poorly— when there’s…
What we do today and the decisions we make are going to matter now more than ever. The power of living intentionally in Christ is a huge positive benefit bringing…
Dear Roger, My life is a constant struggle. I feel like everything is falling apart. I feel depressed and miserable. My marriage is crumbling. I just lost my job. I pray to…
Boundaries promote healthy relationships. What are the pitfalls of creating boundaries instead of walls? How do you say no?
“Wisdom teaches you to be honest and to speak the truth, so that you bring back truthful reports to those you serve.” Proverbs 22:21 Never be a spectator of unfairness…
“For in him you have been enriched in every way—with all kinds of speech and with all knowledge—” 1 Corinthians 1:5 Everything becomes a little different as soon as it…
“Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” Matthew 11:29 We are reluctant…
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” Matthew 5:9 At work and at home, conflicts are inevitable. We are imperfect people living in an imperfect…
Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. James 1:4 Diligence is the constant and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken. —Atal…
To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you. —Lewis Smedes Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven…
god’sDear Roger, How do you cure a “Messiah Complex”? I think that I may have one. Sincerely, William Years ago, I was one burned-out pastor. On a Saturday night, I was…
There are many opinions on what these three terms mean and how they relate to each other. Here are my thoughts. All three terms describe a process whereby a person…
Dear Roger, How can we trust that the Bible is reliable? Sincerely, Alexa Dear Alexa, The Bible is an old book in a world where age is no longer considered…
Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger, for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness that God…
Revive Our Hearts Day 1: What You’ll Find Between the Covers We’re so glad you have taken the challenge to read the Bible daily for the next thirty days. It’s…
Dear Roger, I’m a very worried Christian wife. My husband has completely changed over the last several months. He is constantly surfing the internet and delivering angry “the sky is…
Gideon doubted God’s charge to deliver Israel, but we learn how God made him into a judge, a warrior, and a man of faith. Preached at Chase Oak Church. Plano,…
Pop spirituality re-defines certain Christian terms. New Age and Eastern mysticism often use words that seem or sound Biblical, but are not. God, Christ and redemption mean something quite different.…
Then Haman approached King Xerxes and said, “There is a certain race of people scattered through all the provinces of your empire who keep themselves separate from everyone else. Their…
When you set out with intention to fulfill God’s purpose for your life, you are going to face resistance and encounter roadblocks. They are inevitable. Take Nola Ochs, for example.…
Twelve months later he was taking a walk on the flat roof of the royal palace in Babylon. As he looked out across the city, he said, ‘Look at this great…
In the days when the judges ruled in Israel, a severe famine came upon the land. So a man from Bethlehem in Judah left his home and went to live…
“Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Look around and see. Is any suffering like my suffering that was inflicted on me, that the Lord brought on…
Change is inevitable, and it can be a difficult thing in life. Over my 25-plus years of leadership, I’ve learned six critical moves to solving life problems and I want…
“Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the…
Did you know that your kids use anger to control the people around them? Learn how to help your kids deal with their anger in this episode. www.birthorderguy.com.
Solomon teaches on the dangers and destruction pride brings.
To some, the dark tone is Psalm 130 seems incongruous with the victorious praise you would expect from a “spiritual young man or woman.” The difference between a maturing Christian…
Jesus gave us a clear picture of what “readiness” looks like in his parable about wise and foolish virgins in Matthew 25:1-8: “At that time the kingdom of heaven will…
Paul, in his first epistle to the Thessalonians, clarified further what the concept of “being ready for the coming of the Lord” is all about. He used the same analogy-being…
Samson’s life story is in Judges 13-16, and John’s is revealed in Luke 1-3, Matthew 14:10. Central to Samson’s life is that “he will begin to rescue Israel from the…
The call on John’s life is like no other—he is to prepare the world for God’s only Son. From the womb, the Holy Spirit directs John that he will be…
Walking on the beach of the Sea of Galilee Jesus sees two brothers, Simon Peter and Andrew fishing in a boat. Jesus calls out, “Come along with me… And they…
How well does Jesus know me? Well enough for me to trust Him with my life? The answer is “yes.” In the following verses we will learn that Jesus knows…
Technology is designed to be a tool that serves and informs us, not a master that dictates how we live. Through science, entertainment, and communication, technology makes our lives easier…
Satan has a trap. He wants us to think the word “idol” doesn’t apply to us. However, because sin affects everyone, so does idolatry. As Pastor Evans mentioned, “idolatry is…
The unseen war behind all wars is won as the sower of deceit is thrown from heaven. A desperate and defeated Enemy turns his attention to the people of God.…
DEFINITION Sexuality refers to God’s anthropological design and pattern for the procreative relationship between male and female and to the experience of erotic desire within that design. Gender refers to…
PRIORITIZING STEWARDSHIP “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with…
DISCIPLINE GOD’S WAY PROVERBS 3:11-12 “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the…
DAY THREE-ABUNDANT LIVING The fatherly advice of this wise saying contains a warning and a promise humility and godly living bring health and well-being. The two parts are inextricably bound…
Grace can be defined as an undeserved gift, that which is given, not because of any attribute of the receiver, rather out of the pure joy of the giver. It…