God demands action, but sometimes it can all seem so overwhelming. As we look at the story of feeding the 5,000 (really more like 10,000), we must answer this question: what does God actually expect of His children?
(Preaching through the Gospel of John. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on September 18, 2016.)
That Jesus claimed to be God is pretty clear, but what exactly does that mean? This question has plagued Christians for millennia. In John 5, Jesus gives us a little bit of insight into this profound mystery.
(Preaching through the Gospel of John. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on September 11, 2016.)
People have always tried to compromise with Jesus by either making him out to be less than he was, or by watering down his claims and teachings. The story of the healing by the pool of Bethesda silences many of these claims. Why is it so tempting to water down Jesus, and what can we do about it?
(Preaching through John’s gospel. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on September 4, 2016.)
If anyone had cause to boast, it was John the Baptist, a person foretold in prophecy, born miraculously, and the baptizer of Jesus himself. Yet, it was he who uttered the phrase that should be adopted by every disciple: “He must increase, and I must decrease.” What does this phrase mean, and how can it become effective in our own lives?
(Preaching through the Gospel of John. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on August 14, 2016.)
I imagine many (if not most) of us can quote John 3:16. But how about verses 15 or 17? What about John 3:18? John 3:16 is an iconic, powerful verse to be sure, but it is only in the context of John 3:1-21 that we see why God’s love is so amazing.
(Preaching through John’s Gospel. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on August 7, 2016.)
Nicodemus is the perfect stand-in for the modern seeker. Coming to Jesus, recognizing his Divine power, what information does Nicodemus receive, and why does it matter today?
(Preaching through John. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on July 31, 2016.)
The wedding at Cana stands out as an unusual story in the context of the gospels, breaking many of the normal patterns we associate with the miracles of Jesus. Why does John include this story, and what can we learn from it?
(Preaching through John. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on July 17, 2016.)
Shame and doubt are some of the greatest hindrances in our efforts to reach others with the gospel. What do shame and doubt compel us to do? In the last story in John 1, Jesus, Andrew, and Philip demonstrate the power of confidence and assurance in their simple invitation: come and see.
(Preaching through John. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on July 10, 2016.)
Prophecy is such an integral part of the Bible narrative, both leading the people of the Old Testament to the Messiah, and serving as evidence for people today of who the Messiah was. John, in his gospel, taps into the river of prophecy early by recounting the story of another John, the “voice of one crying out” in preparation of the Christ.
(Preaching through John. This sermon was preached at the Dewey Church of Christ on July 3, 2016.)
Watts in the Word 