Jesus breaks the chains of sin and death. This is the very heartbeat of Christianity. He breaks them with his death, both ransoming us from our accuser and establishing the victory. He then destroys them forever the morning he exits the tomb. So why are sin and death still so active? Why do I open…
Category: Pastoring
A Momentous Evening
I have to admit I have not been completely pumped up for this Holy Week. Don’t misunderstand. I adore this time of walking with Jesus, but the sum of life beyond Holy Week has been sapping my energy. I was really looking forward to Easter simply because my vacation begins after the benediction. It’s not…
Practical Lent
A good number of Americans think of Lent as “that season when you give something up 1.” Lent is a lot more than that. Lent is a season of holy introspection, prayer, and paying close attention to the rhythm of life in order to better align oneself with the Savior. It is a season to…
On the Way
On Sunday I preached from John’s version of the Triumphal entry. It’s a pretty standard telling of the story, but at the end the author makes an interesting self-indictment. “At first his disciples did not understand all this. Only after Jesus was glorified did they realize that these things had been written about him and…
The Future
I’ve reached the point in vocational life where the people who have been a big part of my development are either retiring or contemplating retirement. It’s a strange feeling, witnessing all the “grown ups” begin to step back and ask those they’ve mentored, “So what are you all going to do now?” 1 The truth…
Confession
I’ve been the pastor of Central Baptist Church for nearly thirteen years. In that time you’d think I’d feel as though I know what I am doing. But I have a confession to make. I really don’t. I’m making this all up as I go along. I’ve tried many things which have fallen flat on…
