There are people trying to perform day after day— Christian leaders trying to preach a wonderful sermon every week, parents trying to produce lovely children, workers putting in long hours at work—all in a desperate attempt to prove themselves. Some weeks they feel like they’ve pulled it off; other weeks it seems so fragile—as though... Continue Reading

For many, building wealth is the pathway to self-actualization. More resources expand your choices, and therefore your freedom. Others see wealth as its own bondage. Your life becomes walled-in by money-management and all the people vying for their place in your decisions. Such contradictions lead us to conclude that the pursuit of freedom is none... Continue Reading

Taking the understanding of the selected text as a given, the great thing for the preacher to ask is, ‘What is the text saying, that my people need to hear, hopefully without me getting in the way?’ This may be best done without a manuscript. Or at least no more than a page of key... Continue Reading

There must be no false modesty here. No pretending that sex is not powerful, or important. The father speaks candidly to his son about sex and says: this is how to have it; this is the way it will be good. There is no question that some effort is required. This path involves “discipline” and... Continue Reading

Jesus will reiterate and expound upon the imminence of His earthly departure (John 16:16-20) and what it will mean for those who follow Him. But the tribulation they will face is tempered with joy because it is not the final word. The final word is spoken at the resurrection and the glory to come. Here... Continue Reading

It’s entirely possible to build a whole life of good works for a Jesus you are barely spending any time with. It looks like maturity from the outside, but from the inside, it’s a branch running on reserve water, still green for now, but wondering why it feels so dry.   Earlier in the year,... Continue Reading