Israel’s first king arrived at the tail end of a sequence of bad leadership in Israel. But while things started out well for Saul, they quickly devolved into similar patterns of failed rule. What can we learn from the first king’s successes and failures, and how much should we relate to his struggles?
(Preaching through the story of early Israel. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on March 30, 2025.)
The story of Samson is both heroic and tragic. Samson’s supernatural strength creates several memorable moments, but his lack of any other kind of strength led him into sorrow, anger, and despair. What can we learn from this tragic judge?
(Preaching through Judges. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on September 8, 2024.)
One way to think about Christian growth is through the lens of spirituality. To grow is to become “more spiritual” but what exactly does it mean to be spiritual? How can someone deepen their spirituality?
(Preaching on Christian growth. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on May 26, 2024. The outline for this series was adapted from Deeper by Dane Ortlund.)
When did you become united with Christ? Unity, as a subject of Christian growth, exemplifies the idea that growth is about become more of what we already are in Christ. How can we deepen our unity with him?
(Preaching on Christian growth. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on April 7, 2024. The outline for this series was adapted from Deeper, by Dan Orlund.)
God’s promise of wisdom is perhaps the simplest, most explicitly stated promise in the New Testament. What does this promise entail, and how can we take hold of it?
(Preaching on the promises of God. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on March 10, 2024.)
One of the primary manifestations of God’s promise of grace is the promise of Holy Spirit. As we trace this promise through the Bible, we will see just how foundational the promise of the Spirit is.
(Preaching on the promises of God. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on February 11, 2024.)
One of the first personal encounters with Jesus was a back-alley nighttime meeting with Nicodemus, a Pharisee. What can we learn about Jesus and his expectations for his followers from this encounter?
(Preaching on personal encounters with Jesus. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on October 29, 2023.)
The phrase “instruction about washings” in Hebrews 6 is very unusual, especially considering that the opening verses of Hebrews 6 are supposed to be about “elementary doctrine of Christ.” What is meant by “washings,” and how is it an elementary doctrine?
(Preaching on the first principles of Christianity. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on September 17, 2023.)
The resurrection of Jesus is the most important event in history, mirrored in our own lives. How do we emulate his resurrection, and how does Jesus’s new life impact us?
(This is an abbreviated lesson. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on June 12, 2022.)
Last week we asked: what exactly are miracles, and do they occur today? This week we examine an offshoot of that discussion: what about the Holy Spirit? What sort of things are we told about the work of the Holy Spirit in the world today?
(Preaching on common misunderstandings. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on July 16, 2017.)
Watts in the Word 