Do you see God’s commands as gifts? That’s really what they are, even if the devil wants us to believe the commands are given to restrict our freedom and happiness.   Take for example the command, “Do not be anxious about anything.” Is there a more needed and hopeful commandment for young people today? Anxiety … [Read More…] August 23, 2026

What would you do if you were given one million dollars? For most, that would cover all debt and allow for some fun shopping trips. Perhaps a new car, a new or completely renovated home, a refreshed wardrobe—and a personal trainer to help you fit into it!   You could also do a lot of … [Read More…] August 16, 2026

When you think of Jesus, how do you see Him? Do you picture Him from one of the scenes in the Gospels? Perhaps as an infant in the manger, or washing His disciples’ feet, or maybe suffering on the cross for your sins?   Years ago, I heard a sermon entitled, “Image is Everything.” The … [Read More…] August 09, 2026

Well, we made it! They said it would never happen, but we’ve finally made it to the end of the book of Acts and our World Changers series. Twenty-eight chapters, 1,006 verses, and 18,451 words. We’ve surveyed twenty-nine years, visited sixtythree cities, and traveled 10,282 miles. And today it all comes to a close.   … [Read More…] August 02, 2026

Having been shipwrecked, the Apostle Paul finds himself on the Mediterranean island of Malta. It is full of what the Greeks called “barbarians.” This pejorative label was applied because the Greeks could not understand their babbling tongue, and saw their behavior as uncivilized, primitive, and dangerous. So when Paul and all the others onboard the … [Read More…] July 26, 2026

The apostle Paul just can’t seem to catch a break! He’s been mobbed in the temple, falsely accused, and nearly beaten to death. He’s faced an assassination plot, corrupt politicians, and cowardly magistrates. He’s been shuffled from one court to the next, and no one has been gutsy enough to do the right thing and … [Read More…] July 19, 2026

“Give me one good reason why I should believe in Jesus!” That’s what he said to me as we sat in my office. This young man was a self-proclaimed agnostic with a complicated history when it came to faith. He had asked if he could come discuss some questions. About halfway through our conversation, he … [Read More…] July 12, 2026

Happy 250th Birthday, America!   I’ve always loved the 4th of July. As a kid, I looked forward to the Independence Day parade our little town in northeast Ohio had every year. Then there was the cookout in the backyard: hamburgers, hot dogs, bratwurst, corn on the cob, fresh watermelon, and—best of all—s’mores. And finally, … [Read More…] July 05, 2026

Today, we come to a section of the book of Acts that, at first glance, might not seem like it has a lot to offer us in terms of application for our everyday lives. But hang in there with me because I think there’s more here than meets the eye.   The apostle Paul is … [Read More…] June 28, 2026

Happy Father’s Day!   Fathers tend to get slighted in our cultural moment. They always seem to be the buffoons and comic relief in our sitcoms. But fatherhood is a high calling rooted in God’s own character as our Heavenly Father. Of course, every earthly father will fall short of imitating the fatherhood of God, … [Read More…] June 21, 2026