Sermons and Biblical Studies

Topics: Attitudes; Meaning; Money; Motivation; Priorities; Traditions References: Ecclesiastes 5:10–15; Matthew 4:4; 6:24; James 1:9–11 At the market in Mexico City, old Pota-lamo had twenty strings of onions for sale. An American tourist asked, “How much for a string of onions?” “Ten cents,” said Pota-lamo. “How much for two strings?” “Twenty cents.” “How much for … Continue reading “SELLING
ONIONS”

Topics: Calling; Change; Commitment; Community; Evangelism; Example; Faith; Integrity; Leadership; Ministry; Neighbors; Service; Testimony References: Leviticus 19:18; Matthew 22:37–40; Mark 12:28–33; Luke 10:25–37; John 13:34; Galatians 5:14; James 2:8 Kirsten and Lee Hildebrand had just settled into their first home in a suburban community where Kirsten practiced labor and employment law and Lee was working … Continue reading “REDEEMING
THE NEIGHBORHOOD”

Topics: Fruit of the Spirit; Fruitfulness References: Romans 1:16; Galatians 5:22–23; 6:7–8 A woman dreamed that she wandered into a shop at the mall and found Jesus behind a counter. “You can have anything your heart desires,” Jesus said. Astounded but pleased, the woman asked for peace, joy, happiness, wisdom, and freedom from fear. Then … Continue reading “ANYTHING
YOU WANT”

Topics: Evangelism; Gospel; Greatness; Humility; Leadership; Meekness; Reputation; Respect; Witnessing References: Proverbs 11:2; Matthew 18:4; John 3:16; Romans 10:14–15; 2 Corinthians 4:5; James 4:10; 1 Peter 3:15 Graeme Keith, treasurer of the Billy Graham Association and Billy’s lifelong friend, was on an elevator with Billy Graham when another man recognized the evangelist. “You’re Billy Graham, … Continue reading “BILLY’S
MESSAGE”

Topics: Maturity; Meaning; Planning; Purpose; Understanding; Wisdom References: Ecclesiastes 12:13–14; Philippians 2:12–13 Unless the distant goals of meaning, greatness, and destiny are addressed, we can’t make an intelligent decision about what to do tomorrow morning—much less set strategy for a company or for a human life. Nothing is more practical than for people to deepen … Continue reading “DEEPENING
OURSELVES”

Topics: Calling; Failure; Ministry; Success Reference: Exodus 5 Quite often the absence of immediate success is the mark of a genuine call. —Bruce Larson, My Creator, My Friend (Word, 1986)

Topics: Leadership; Relationships; Servanthood; Team; Trust References: Matthew 20:20–28; John 13:34–35 I’ve led from a place of servant leadership, and I’ve led from a place of top-down leadership—and there’s no question which kind of leadership is more effective. My classmates at Harvard Business School used to call me the Prussian general because for many years … Continue reading “FROM
GENERAL TO SERVANT”

Topics: Apathy; Church; Commitment; Complacency; Courage; Dedication; Leadership; Strength References: Deuteronomy 3:6; 2 Chronicles 32:7; 1 Corinthians 16:13; Galatians 6:9; 2 Timothy 1:8 Courage is like a muscle. The more we exercise it, the stronger it gets. I sometimes worry that our collective courage is growing weaker from disuse. We don’t demand it from our … Continue reading “BUILDING
COURAGE MUSCLE”

Topics: Church; Community; Cooperation; Discipleship; Family; Growth; Leadership; Mentoring; Patience; Results; Sacrifice; Sanctification; Teaching; Training; Unselfishness References: Romans 12:1–8; Ephesians 4:1–7; Colossians 3:12–17 Worker ants sacrifice time and efficiency to teach other ants how to find food, which benefits their society as a whole. There’s more. According to research published in January 2006, when a … Continue reading “ANT
LEADERSHIP”

Topics: Calling; Commitment; Compassion; Evangelism; Example; Focus; Leadership; Ministry; Missions; Passion; Prayer; Purpose; Regret; Sacrifice References: Matthew 16:24–28; Luke 9:23–26; John 15:12–17; Philippians 2:5–11 When William Borden graduated from a Chicago high school in 1904, he was heir to the Borden Dairy estate, which made him a millionaire. For his graduation present, his parents gave … Continue reading “LIFE
WITH NO REGRETS”