June 23, 2019: Richly!

Text: Colossians 3:15-17

One of our DBC values is to "Dig Deeper". We'll speak to the imperative and benefits of having God's Word dwell richly within us while ministering it to each other, and making this an emphasis for our fellowship this year. Abiding in His Word and continuing in discipleship go hand-in-hand.

June 16, 2019: In Remembrance of Me

Text: I Corinthians 11:17-34

I often hear people make passing remarks about those "little cracker thingies" and such, demonstrating a lack of understanding regarding the Lord's Table. This Sunday, I'll take time to more fully explain the purpose and significance of what we call Communion, hopefully to break that which for some has become a rote exercise every several weeks. 

June 9, 2019: The Baptism of the Holy Spirit Pt. 2

Text: Acts (misc.)

This is our second message on the Baptism of the Holy Spirit. We established last time that we receive the Spirit the moment we believe - no gap! He is with us, will never leave us, and through His indwelling presence we are able to live the godly life He calls us to. On Sunday we'll examine the various accounts in Acts which deviate from the standard set in the Epistles - be it a gap or something else. The Book of Acts is not a textbook for the normative Christian experience today, but is a history of the transition from the old to the new covenants. 



May 26, 2019: The Baptism of the Holy Spirit

Text: I Corinthians 12:12-14

The Pentecostal movement has popularized the notion that after becoming a Christian, we should seek a subsequent encounter/experience with the Holy Spirit that is often manifested in speaking in tongues or something similar. This is equated with receiving the Holy Spirit or a deeper experience with Him. This teaching does not bear up under the clear teaching of Scripture nor the purpose of the book of Acts on any of the issues related to the above. It is worth setting the record straight because of how deeply this can cause confusion, despair and disillusionment for believers. 



May 19, 2019: Apostles

Text: Ephesians 2:19-22

In our little mini-series calling out popular false teachings, we'll build a biblical construct on the role and purpose for New Testament apostles. Why is this important? We are not receiving new revelation each generation (sorry) and, furthermore, we don't need to empower already crooked church leaders with more authority and power. 

May 12, 2019: Destiny!

Text: Romans 8:29

A popular teaching today is that God has a specific "destiny" for each of us in the here-and-now which, generally, includes material wealth and is sometimes birthed through financial contributions to the one preaching the message ;-) Though an entire theology has been created around the word destiny, curiously one will not find this word in the New Testament. The New Testament does indeed have much to say about our destiny (or, final destination) but it differs from the popular message offered today. It is on virtually every page of the New Testament and points us to an inheritance, laid up in heaven for us, and brings hope, joy, strength, encouragement, and perspective. 

This message is borne out of the command to Titus to teach that which accords with sound doctrine. There are a few topics such as this I'll be preaching on flowing out of our Titus series, as these false teachings can cause great heartache when believers buy into them. This one seemed apt for Mother's Day, because it gives us something concrete to raise our children towards (and, what to avoid).

May 5, 2019: Remember!

Titus series message 9 - final wrap-up

Text: The entire book of Titus

The whole purpose of Paul's letter to Titus is to instruct him on what's important in a church. So let's not forget: we are slaves of Christ, choose your elders wisely, sound doctrine matters, and we should all be busy doing good. 

April 28, 2019: This... Not That!

Titus series message 8

Text: Titus 3:9-14

In our text, Paul urges Titus to have nothing to do with foolish discussions or with those who promote them. Rather, in keeping with his emphasis on sound doctrine, he tells him to call these peddlers out. It's no accident that this directive is couched in the command to have God's people actively engaged in good works. 

A healthy Christian church refuses to engage in or obsess over foolish sideshows but, being grounded in God's truth, it occupies itself with good works towards believers and unbelievers alike. 

April 21, 2019: More Than Random!

Text: I Corinthians 15:20-23

Every year at this time we love to talk about the resurrection - although, hopefully, it's not the only time we talk about it! Have you ever wondered how the resurrection fits into the bigger picture? The resurrection was a noteworthy, but by no means isolated, event… it was the start of something amazing! We'll be focusing our attention on the term first fruits. 

April 14, 2019: We Were Made For This!

Titus series message 7

Text: Titus 3:1-8

Last week we saw how God’s grace brings salvation to all people, regardless of social position, to make a people zealous for good works. This week we continue that theme as Paul pulls the curtain back to reveal how God brings new life to everyone who believes in Christ. But God does not stop there. He calls us heirs with Christ and makes us part of the family business. We may not always feel qualified, but our lives matter and we were made to do work that will last into eternity!

April 7, 2019: Amazing Grace!

Titus series message 6

Text: Titus 2:11-15

God's grace is stunningly beautiful and powerful, and resides at the the heart of God's unfolding drama of redemption in the Bible. His grace brings salvation to everyone - to people in all classes and stages of life. It trains us to renounce worldly patterns and develop godly ones while we actively wait for Jesus to appear in glory. The stated purpose of his oblation is to create a new people who are zealous for good works. We'll examine the many aspects of grace in our lives and be encouraged to grow in the knowledge and grace of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

March 31, 2019: Doctrine Matters!

Titus series message 5

Text: Titus 2:1-10

In contrast to the false teachers, Titus is urged to teach sound doctrine because what you believe, and what your spiritual diet consists of, will influence your lifestyle and personal conduct. The teachings you engage matter because how you live your life matters. The two are intrinsically connected! We are going to return to this passage at the end of the series to give a more detailed application from the letter as a whole. 

March 24, 2019: Engaging Those in Error

Titus series message 4

Text: Titus 1:10-16

Last week Pastor Colin noted that a role for elders in a local body is to uphold sound doctrine. Paul gives further instruction to Titus on engaging those who would lead the church away from the truth. The goal is to restore them to sound faith.

A. Corruption is their game (vv. 10-12)

B. Correction is the goal (vv. 13-14)

C. Condition of their gait (vv. 15-16)

March 17, 2019: Leadership Matters

Titus series message 3

Text: Titus 1:6-9

Paul left Titus in Crete with a big task - to appoint elders in each town so the churches would flourish under solid leadership. We'll take a look at the important role elders play in the life of the church and what type of person should be considered to serve in this role.

March 10, 2019: Love Your Church!

Titus series message 2

Text: Titus 1:4-5

The church of Jesus Christ displays the manifold wisdom of God to the world around us. It is His prized possession, which He bought with His own blood. We should love the church, love our church, and strive to fulfill the Great Commission our Lord gave us. Churches are to have godly leaders in place to teach sound doctrine, in accord with godliness, and keep us moving in the right direction. 

March 3, 2019: Answering Life's Pressing Questions

Titus series message 1

Text: Titus 1:1-3

In his opening words to Titus, Paul answers three crucial life questions that every Christian should be confident to answer: who am I, why am I here, and where am I going? In this letter, Paul casts a vision for a healthy church. He begins by helping each believer know his/her mandate and calling. 

February 24, 2019: Our Faithful Shepherd

Habakkuk series - Supplemental

Text: Psalm 23

Habakkuk models what appears to be an abrupt shift from wondering and waiting to praise and worship. He is a good example for us. When our hurt runs deep, it is only human to struggle, doubt, ask questions, and put our case to God. But if we linger too long in that territory, bitterness will surely settle in to our bones and we can possibly experience the Lord's discipline. The good news is that our Lord is a wonderful shepherd who is gracious, patient, and attentive to the smallest details of our lives (and in particular, our struggles and weaknesses). He will never leave us nor forsake us, and is diligent to complete His work in us as He brings us safely into His heavenly kingdom.

February 17, 2019: The Power of Praise

Habakkuk series message 3

Text: Habakkuk 3

Habakkuk moves from wondering where God is, to waiting and clinging to God‘s character and plan, to praising Him for the same. The power of praise is compelling and transformative! When we shift our focus from “me” to “Him” and worship Him not for what He does but for WHO HE IS, it is life-changing and brings great freedom.