Sermons and Biblical Studies

Topics: Church; Community; Dependence on God; Help from God; Self-reliance; Weakness References: Jeremiah 17:5–8; Ephesians 3:20–21; Hebrews 10:24–25 Organized religion is a sham and a crutch for weak-minded people. —Jesse Ventura, former Minnesota governor and professional wrestler

Topics: Change; Habits; Traditions Reference: Mark 7:1–13 Bayer Corporation has stopped putting cotton wads in its aspirin bottles. The company realized the aspirin would hold up fine without the maddening white clumps, which it had included since about 1914. “We concluded there really wasn’t any reason to keep the cotton except tradition,” said Chris Allen, … Continue reading “DUMPING
THE COTTON”

Topics: Change; Church; Leadership; Repentance; Spiritual Formation Reference: 2 Peter 1:5–8 Growing up in the mountains of western New Mexico, I witnessed firsthand the hard work of containing forest fires. One lesson hotshot crews and smoke jumpers learn early is that fire creates its own wind, and that wind can cause the fire to jump … Continue reading “THE
FIERY FORCE OF CHANGE”

Topics: Church; Community; Cooperation; Involvement; Ministry; Spiritual Gifts Reference: Romans 12:3–8 The University of California at Berkley agreed to coordinate an international effort to locate extraterrestrial life. To accomplish this impossible task, Berkley asked home computer users around the world to contact them over the Internet and download a program called SETI@home. The SETI software … Continue reading “HARNESSING
THE ORDINARY”

Topics: Attributes of God; Church; Theology; Trinity Reference: John 4:23–24 The church is like the Trinity. It is a plant, with the Father as a deep root, the Son as the shoot that breaks forth into the world, and the Spirit as that which spreads beauty and fragrance. —Tertullian (ca. 155–230), church leader and apologist

Topics: Church; Joy; Longing; Passion; Prayer; Revival; Worship References: Acts 1:14; Hebrews 11:6; James 4:8 If our churches don’t pray, and if people don’t have an appetite for God, what does it matter how many are attending the services? How would that impress God? Can you imagine the angels saying, “Oh, your pews! We can’t … Continue reading “YEARNING
FOR HIS PRESENCE”

Topics: Emotions; Enthusiasm; Joy; Praise; Worship References: Psalm 150; Luke 19:40; Colossians 3:16 Nisswa, Minnesota, is known for its turtle races. Every Wednesday afternoon in the summer, the people of Nisswa and the surrounding communities gather at a designated parking lot for the races. Vendors rent turtles; others sell “turtle products.” And the fans gather … Continue reading “TURTLE
RACING”

Topics: Discipline; Encouragement; Ministry; Pastors References: 1 Timothy 5:17; Titus 2:6–8 I pastored a little congregation near Kaneohe Marine Corps Air Station in Hawaii. I always had a large supply of muscular recruits. The young, mostly single marines had great hearts but not much tact. When out of uniform and away from their sergeant, they … Continue reading “THE
CURE FOR UNRULY BOYS”

Topics: Body of Christ; Church; Community; Culture; Individualism; Revival References: Romans 12:1–8; 1 Corinthians 12:12–31; Ephesians 1:22–23; 3:21 Many Christians have been infected with the most virulent virus of modern American life: radical individualism. They concentrate on personal obedience to Christ as if all that matters is “Jesus and me,” but in doing so miss … Continue reading “RADICAL
INDIVIDUALISM”

Topics: Church; Conflict; Criticism; Cynicism; Family; Unity Reference: Acts 2:42–47 While interviewing a young African-American soldier on the eve of Desert Storm, ABC correspondent Sam Donaldson asked, “How do you think the battle will go? Are you afraid?” “We’ll do OK. We’re well trained,” the soldier said, gesturing toward his fellow GIs. “And I’m not … Continue reading “A
FAMILY UNIT”