Last week, the middle schoolers and I reflected on a passage of Scripture that has been a part of my personal Scripture study time as of late. In his letter to the church in Philippi, Paul urges, Brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is …

While writing this, I am looking at the last details needed for the Kids Baptism Class coming up on Sunday, February 9th. Each week when I send out the kids’ sermons, I provide a small summary of the lesson, where in scripture we find the story, and what the “big idea” of the sermon is. Occasionally, depending on the content …

On Being a Worthy Worshiper This opening illustration is actually from my own experience. Not that long ago I was standing in the congregation of a Nazarene church, although I believe this could have happened in any church – at least I hope so! The congregation was singing – including myself. I was participating at a rather loud level because …

In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it. – John 1:4-5 NIV When John begins his Gospel about Jesus, he starts by going all the way back to the beginning of time to weave together a foundational story about Jesus’ presence in …

I had the privilege and blessing of attending the Intermountain District Teen Fall Retreat this past weekend. The retreat was in Challis, Idaho, at a retreat center called Living Waters Ranch. This place is tucked between two hills that were dressed with the colors of Autumn and the air was as crisp as the brittle fallen leaves on the ground. …

On Sunday, September 29th, I got peed on during the 11:15 service.  Of all the pastors to say something like that, I know it is most likely that the children’s pastor would end up saying something along those lines.  A child who had never been to our church before was not loving being left alone in the nursery.  I picked …

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. – James 5:16 NIV As we come to the end of James’ letter, we find some instructions on prayer and some of James’ thoughts on its power. Within this section on prayer, …

I’ve been reflecting the past couple weeks on my own sermon from July 28th. That sounds silly. Why would a pastor reflect on their own sermon? Isn’t it for the congregation’s reflection? Personally, I don’t think so. Any good sermon challenges all who hear it (including and maybe especially the one giving it) to reflect and pray about it. I …