Giving isn't just a church ritual; it is a spiritual discipline that aligns our hearts with the Creator. To truly understand this practice, let’s explore five fundamental questions about giving, backed by Scripture: 1. Why Do We Give? - To reflect God’s character and show our gratitude. We give because God is the ultimate giver. Every good thing we have comes from Him, and giving back is an act of worship and trust. It acknowledges that He is our provider and keeps our

Some people absolutely love teaching. They naturally thrive in front of a whiteboard or a classroom. Others? Not so much. Many people pass up opportunities to teach because of fear, a lack of confidence, poor people skills, or just an overflowing schedule. If that is you, let me offer some encouragement: Whether you accept it or not, you were born to teach. And I don't just mean inside a classroom—I mean in every single room you walk into. The Universal Call to Teach God expl

A few weeks ago we started a Wednesday night series entitled “Built Different.” In it, we are exploring what it looks like to live faithfully in a world that often pulls us in the opposite direction. This past Wednesday night we talked about a topic that is especially important for our youth, but it is also something every Christian wrestles with at some point: faith when you have questions. In Mark 9:14–29, a father comes to Jesus in desperation. His son is suffering, the di

I have heard this statement spoken a hundred times or more during my years in full-time ministry: “I don’t know what I would’ve done if it were not for the church family.” Aren’t you glad to be a part of the family of God? What would we do without our brothers and sisters in Christ? I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today if it were not for the dedicated people who surrounded me and my family. Life is not always easy, and ministry can be extremely difficult. A

Understanding the Biblical Pattern: A Defense of Restorationist Leadership in the Church I was blessed with two amazing grandmothers. Both helped raising me and shaping me into the man I am today (Carol Rae Green & Aletta Mae Reynolds). Both grandmothers were faithful members of the Lord's church. Both were converted by their husbands (my grandfathers) early in life. Both read their Bibles, never missed a service, and were wise beyond comprehension. Talented, loving, servant-

A few weeks ago we started a series on Wednesday nights entitled “Built Different.” In it, we are exploring why we are called to be different than the rest of the world. This past Wednesday we looked at “When You Do Not Feel Enough.” In the passage found in Colossians 2:9–10, Paul explains that our worth is found in Christ. When the world tells us we need the promotion, or those friends, or that particular relationship, the Bible says that Christ is enough. Paul says, “For in

Most of us are familiar with the "Golden Rule" found in Matthew 7:12, and we recognize the two greatest commandments discussed in Mark 12:28-34. But there is a curious thought interjected at the end of the second command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Starting in the Family What does that mean? Clearly, the world needs to see the love of Christ. If you have a hard time showing love to people in the world, or even your enemies, a great place to start practicing is within

There is a growing trend in our modern culture to "sue first and ask questions later." While the legal system exists to maintain order, for the believer, there is a higher law and a more profound conviction at play. When we take a brother or sister in Christ before a secular judge, we aren't just settling a dispute; we are often signaling a failure of faith and a breakdown of the spiritual family. My conviction on this is firm: The courtroom should be the last place a Christi

Senior Sunday is one of the most joyful days on our calendar. We celebrate accomplishments, milestones, and the exciting road ahead. But it is also a day that invites us to pause and ask a deeper question: What is this next chapter going to be built on? Jesus said that the difference between a life that stands and a life that collapses is the foundation. Storms come for every house. The question is not if they will come, but whether what we built will hold when they do. Senio

We often find comfort in the familiar. We are commanded by Christ to love one another, especially our own brethren. John 15:12, 17 says, “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. . . These things I command you, that you love one another.” This sentiment is the bedrock of the church, repeated in Matthew 19:19 and Matthew 22:39. A Radical Command However, Jesus takes this a step further—into territory that challenges our very nature. He tells us to

Just imagine what God can do with us when we fully surrender to Him and His will. It is a concept that sounds daunting at first—giving up control—but the Bible promises a beautiful transformation when we do. When we submit to God, He will lift us up (James 4:10). One of the most profound ways He lifts us up is by adopting us into His family. A New Environment for Growth When you are baptized and added to the Body of Christ, you aren’t just joining a religion; you are given a

As we approach Easter weekend, we are also looking forward with great anticipation to the Lads to Leaders convention in Orlando. We have six participants attending this year: Dallion, Natalia, Landen, Cruze, Abby, and Cody. They have worked extremely hard this past year preparing for this event. This will be my second year attending L2L. Last year, I did not quite know what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised. It is a fantastic event, and everyone involved does an incre

As we move closer to our Senior Sunday on May 3rd, I want to continue focusing our thoughts on lessons that are not only good for our seniors to dwell on as they enter into this next phase of their life, but are also reminders to all of us. One of the greatest challenges in life is not simply starting well, but staying faithful over time. Anybody can be strong for a moment. Anybody can be motivated for a season. But the Christian life is built on consistency. It is built on a

What does "active ministry" look like in a practical sense? We noticed last week that every person in the Lord’s church should be a contributing member in the work. For most of my life I’ve heard church leaders talking about “The Big 3” ministries in the church. Let’s identify those three things and their primary function to the Body. Benevolence is the heartbeat of a living faith, manifesting as a tangible response to the physical and emotional suffering of others ( M

When many people think of "ministry," they picture a man in a pulpit or a missionary in a far-off land. They envision someone with a specific degree or a formal title. But in the New Testament, ministry was never intended to be a spectator sport. It wasn’t a performance by a "clergy" for an audience of "laity." Instead, the church was described as a living, breathing body where every single part—no matter how small—had a vital function. I am a member of the church of Christ b

In a world increasingly fractured by the poison of racism—a lie that suggests some humans are superior to others—we must return to the very beginning to find our footing. Racism thrives on the illusion of fundamental difference, but I submit to you that the soil of the Garden of Eden tells a different story. We’re all connected to the same Source. The Word of God reveals that every human being, regardless of shade or stature, shares a single, divine origin. When the Creator f

We often talk about the heroes of the Bible as if they were stained-glass figures—perfect, translucent, and untouchable. But if you look closely at the story of Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 12-23 , you don’t see a curated Instagram feed of perfect faith. You see a messy, complicated, and deeply human love story. In Hebrews 11:11 , we are told: “By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who

Many people view religion as a weekend hobby—something to be checked off a list on Sunday morning before returning to "real life" on Monday. But for the follower of Christ, there is no distinction between the secular and the sacred. When we emerge from the waters of baptism, we don’t just join a church; we embark on a completely new way of existing. I am a member of the church of Christ because we emphasize that Christianity is a 24/7 commitment. It is not enough to worship r

If you were to ask ten different religious leaders, "What must I do to be saved?" you would likely receive ten different answers. Some might tell you to "say the sinner’s prayer." Others might say, "Just believe in your heart." Some might tell you that you were saved before you were even born, while others suggest a long process of sacraments and rituals. In the midst of this confusion, where do we find the truth? Within the churches of Christ, we believe the answer must come

Over my 30 years in ministry I’ve fielded a lot of questions about our modern holidays. Most of us realize that December 25th isn't Jesus’s literal birthday (He was likely born in the spring), and that the date of Easter shifts every year. This often leads to a deeper, more personal question: Is it actually okay for a Christian to celebrate these days? How do we even know which day is correct in celebrating that holiday? The word "holiday" literally comes from "holy day," but