As the school year begins and teachers and students head back to the classroom, it’s a good time to bathe the year ahead in our prayers: “Lord, be with our students as they enter a new year of learning. Give them wisdom to discern the truth, courage to live with integrity, kindness to … [Read More…] August 28, 2022
Life is learned, and we’re all learning how to live from someone. And at the end of the day, we will live our lives in one of three ways: by Default (replicating familial patterns), by Drift (doing what everyone else is doing), or by Design (building your life with intention). In this sermon, we … [Read More…] Built For Life
What an amazing week we had at Summer Blast! After losing a couple years in the pandemic, Summer Blast was back in full-swing this week. We had 300 kids in attendance this week learning about Joseph from the Bible, connecting with friends, energetically singing, and discovering the monumental love of God that has come near … [Read More…] August 7, 2022
One of the foundational questions of moral philosophy down through the ages is: “What is a virtuous life?” When Jesus speaks about what a life of virtue looks like in the Sermon on the Mount, He’s not doing so in a vacuum. He’s joining an ongoing conversation in His Greco-Roman and Jewish milieu. And the … [Read More…] The Law of Love
The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. – Psalm 19:1 I’ve been in awe this week as the images from the James Webb Space Telescope have come pouring in. This latest and largest optical telescope in space offers greatly improved infrared resolution and sensitivity which allows it … [Read More…] July 17, 2022
The passage from Matthew 7:1-12 is notoriously difficult to understand due to its complex thematic interconnections. What seems like a random collection of Jesus’ wisdom is actually a message about how we are to treat others. Jesus is identifying two radically different ways of treating others, which flows through two radically different hearts: a … [Read More…] A Heart For Others
Like many of you, I watched in horror on Monday as news of the Fourth of July parade shooting in Highland Park rolled in. The tragedy is immense: seven beautiful image-bearers slain, thirty-nine hospitalized, and, in a story that gripped all our hearts, a two-year old toddler orphaned of both his parents. So much … [Read More…] Three Sources of Evil
The decision handed down a few hours ago from the Supreme Court of the United States in the case Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization is a pivotal moment in the history of our country and a hopeful development for those who cherish the sanctity of life. In many ways, this decision signals a new … [Read More…] The Sacredness of Human Life
In some ways, The Lord’s Prayer is a bit of an aside to the main point Jesus is making. If you will recall, Jesus has been calling out the Scribes and Pharisees for their religious hypocrisy. To drive the point home, Jesus gives three examples of spiritual practices: giving, praying, and fasting. These practices … [Read More…] When You Fast
Today, all across the nation, we’re observing two holidays: Father’s Day and Juneteenth. Father’s Day has always held a special place in my heart. My Granddad, Jesse Hensarling Jr., was a pastor who modeled for me a life of sacrifice. My Grandpa, Eugene Miller, served in the Air Force and taught me the … [Read More…] June 19, 2022
