Sermons and Biblical Studies

Topics: Ambition; Consequences; Drugs; Glory; Meaning; Purpose; Sin; Success References: 1 Corinthians 9:24–27; Galatians 6:7–8; Philippians 3:14–21 For sixteen years, linebacker Bill Romanowski ruled the NFL gridiron with vicious tackles and cheap hits. Known as “Romo,” he played with intense hatred and violence on the field, breaking bones and injuring opposing players. Driven by a … Continue reading “GRIDIRON
REGRETS”

Topics: Emptiness; Human Condition; Meaning; Purpose; Seeking God; Significance; Success References: Ecclesiastes 2:22–26; Mark 8:35–36; Philippians 3:4–14 At age twenty-eight Tom Brady has already won three Super Bowls and is ranked as one of the best quarterbacks ever. But it isn’t enough. “Why do I have three Super Bowl rings and still think there’s something … Continue reading “MORE
THAN A SUPER BOWL”

Topics: Grief; Healing; Loss; Optimism; Pain; Pessimism; Sorrow References: 2 Corinthians 4:16; 1 Thessalonians 4:13; Revelation 2:3 Relief pitcher Donny Moore couldn’t resolve his anguish over losing an American League championship series game a few years ago. In a moment of torment, he shot his wife and then himself. Compare that with the reaction of … Continue reading “LOSING
THE BIG GAME”

Topics: Ambition; Attitudes; Challenges; Courage; Dedication; Determination; Faith; Faithfulness; Goals; Motivation; Passion; Patience; Perseverance; Persistence; Self-discipline; Strength; Trials; Victory References: Acts 20:24; 1 Corinthians 4:9–13; 9:24–27; 2 Corinthians 1:8–11; 2 Timothy 2:1–13; 4:6–8; Hebrews 11:1–12:13; Revelation 3:10 For 111 days. Charlie Engle, Ray Zahab, and Kevin Lin ran across the Sahara Desert. They touched the … Continue reading “RUNNING
ACROSS THE SAHARA”

Topics: Christian Life; Holiness; Maturity; Perfection; Sanctification References: Matthew 5:48; Philippians 1:6 The command “Be ye perfect” is not idealistic gas. Nor is it a command to do the impossible. [God] is going to make us into creatures that can obey that command. —C. S. Lewis, Mere Christianity (Macmillan, 1952)

Topics: Goals; Inspiration; Leadership; Motivation; Passion; Spiritual Desires; Vision Reference: Titus 2:7–8 An Olympic equestrian champion was asked, “How does your horse know when it has to leap the hedges and hurdles, and why do some horses turn away or stumble?” The woman answered, “That’s simple. You tear your heart out of your body and … Continue reading “JUMPING
HURDLES”

Topics: Conscience; Maturity; Punishment; Purity; Temptation References: Proverbs 28:13; Hebrews 3:13; James 5:16; 1 John 1:9 As associate dean of students at Trinity International University, Matthew Perrault helps students grow closer to Jesus. He also disciplines students who fall short of the university’s moral guidelines. Amazingly, Perrault has come up with a system that allows … Continue reading “HELPING
STUDENTS WITH MORAL STRUGGLES”

Topics: Character; Choices; Crisis; Decisions; Honesty; Integrity; Mistakes; Temptation; Truth Reference: Ephesians 4:25 My wife, Jana, was working as a nurse in a clinic when a young mother came in with her eighteen-month-old son. He needed his final shot for a routine immunization, and she needed a physical. Both patients—and Jana—were new to the clinic. … Continue reading “THE
BIGNESS OF LITTLE CHOICES”

Topics: Hearing God; Holy Spirit; Quietness; Spiritual Disciplines; Spiritual Perception References: 1 Samuel 3:1–14; Psalm 16:7 A child was told by his father during a concert, “Listen for the flutes in this song. Don’t they sound beautiful?” The child looked up at his father with a puzzled look, “What are flutes, Father?” A child first … Continue reading “HEARING
THE FLUTES”

Topics: Brokenness; Dependence; Ministry; Spiritual Formation; Weakness References: Psalm 51:17; 102:23; Acts 9:1–19 The capture, taming, training, and keeping of hunting eagles in Asia is highly ritualized. Most of the birds, which have a life span of about forty years, are caught when very young—either snatched from a nest or trapped in a baited net. … Continue reading “TAMING
EAGLES”