We’ve finished our I AM series at Lakewood, and I wanted to share it with you too! Follow the link to access the entire sermon series.
Jesus: The Great I AM
Who Can Explain Jesus but Jesus?
At Lakewood, I’ve been preaching through the I AM statements in the gospel of John. My hope for this series is that it would help those who listen to understand Jesus from His own words. Jesus is the center of Christianity, the center of His church, and hopefully the center of our lives. As such, we must perceive Him as He is so that we might know, worship, and serve Him as we should. In studying for my sermon on John 10:11-21 where Jesus says, “I am the Good Shepherd” I came accross this section from one of C. H. Spurgeon’s sermons. It says beautifully what I am trying to communicate in this series of sermons.
If Christ Has Not Been Raised...
Spurgeon, Types, and the Majesty of Christ
One of the significant motivations for a typological interpretive framework is to help us see just how unified the Old and New Testaments are. So often, we think of ourselves as “New Testament” Christians. But truly, we are people of the entire Word. While there are many aspects of the Old Testament that have been fulfilled in Christ, we can’t excise the Old Testament from our Bibles—or at least we shouldn’t. I fear that we actually do become modern-day Marcionites at times. Not confessionally, but practically in the way that we read the Bible.
Built to Worship
Deconstruction and the Destruction of Faith
If deconstruction is impossible for a true believer, then what’s up with so many who seem to be “deconstructing?” The short answer is that those who truly deconstruct (and I am not here talking about doubt or even struggling through church hurt) are actually abandoning the faith. They have given the appearance of belief while all along failing to prove that faith with fruit.
7 Practical Applications of Christ's Lordship
At Lakewood, we are currently working through the letter of Paul to the Colossians. The central themes of the letter and of Paul’s exhortation to the Colossians are built on the centrality, supremacy, deity, and lordship of Jesus Christ. As such, I began to try to trace out what practical significance the doctrine of Christ’s lordship had for our everyday walk in Christ. Here are seven practical ways that the Lordship of Jesus matters to us day by day.
What is the Gospel?
The word "Gospel" has often been hijacked in Christian culture. It is basically a buzz word that churches and ministries often use but in such a fuzzy or undefined way that it is virtually meaningless. This is a tragedy because the "Gospel" is priceless and powerful. Indeed, Paul writes, "For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek." (Rom. 1:16-17) The Gospel stands as the center of Jesus's ministry (Mark 1:15) and of His Word. It is not something that is fuzzy, foggy, or sentimental. It is good news of great joy!
Mirror, Mirror
Perhaps the reflection of “all that we say and do” is not merely limited to our children but extends to all of those that we significantly influence in our lives. I know this to be the case in my own home and not just with my children. This is the case all around us, whether at home, work, church, or any other venue where we carry influence. People reflect what we show them.
3 Blessings that Come from the Lord’s Supper
Make the Most of a Milestone
Transitions are great times to try new things. Associating something fun with the milestone of entering a new grade at school can be a powerful opportunity to set your child's expecations for the year to come. Join us for a few tips on how you can use this time as a teachable moment for your kids. #FamilyFriday
The Challenge of Chores
Getting your kids to do chores around the house is a definite challenge. But it's worth the effort becuase chores are great teaching tools and lessons for life for your kids. Watch for some encouragements and tips on chores and how they can be opportunites in your home. #FamilyFriday
Look for Glimpses of Grace and Growth
Sometimes the days really are long, and you become so tired of doing the same things over and over again. I wanted to encourage in those moments to look for glimpses of grace and growth in yourself and in your family. Often our kids will do something that astonishes and surprises us. These are reminders from the Lord that our efforts to teach and train our children are making an impact even when they many not seem too. #FamilyFriday
Dads Aren't Dispensable Dummies
Someone once said, “A father is someone who carries pictures where his money used to be.” Most dads can probably sympathize and chuckle at that statement. Contrary to popular jokes around Father’s Day, Dads aren’t dispensable dummies. Instead, they are essential pieces of God’s plan for the prosperity of the family, the church and society at large. Join me today for a look at how important dads really are. #FamilyFriday
The 4 Promises of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is not optional
Forgiveness is not optional for Christians. But we all know that “forgive and forget” isn’t really true. Forgiveness is really hard! It takes time, effort, and a deep understanding of how God has poured out grace in our own lives. Today I want to encourage you to forgive one another even as God has forgiven you. #FamilyFriday
How to REALLY Apologize (part 2)
How to REALLY Apologize (part 1)
You know the scenario. Kid A does something to Kid B. Kid B retaliates with words or fists. You come running in to referee. You try to sort out the mess and at the end say, “Now, tell each other that you’re sorry.” Those words are usually followed by a squeaky, small, and insincere chorus of “sorry.” The word has been said, but a real apology hasn’t been made. This doesn’t just happen with kids either. We adults often fail in our apologies just like the kids. Watch my #FamilyFriday to learn how to really apologize.
The Best Way to Ruin an Apology...
Part of learning to be a problem-solver is learning to be a peace-maker. Owning and admitting our wrong in any situation is necessary to bringing a conflict to an appropriate resolution. Most of us ruin our apologies with a few simple words. Watch my video to learn the best way to ruin an apology…and how we can avoid this common problem. #FamilyFriday
Help for Raising Resilient Kids
Raising resilient kids means raising problem-solving kids. Watch the video to learn about strategies to help your kids learn how to deal with various problems and difficulties that come up on every life. #FamilyFriday
