Search
Living In The Present
200 Results
Between Two Worlds
Living Christ While Feeling Time
A Christian's life is a delicate balance between the eternal realm of Christ's presence and the temporal world of human experience, navigating the tension of living in both eternity and time simultaneously.
Present Pain, Future Gain
Reflect on the unknown future impact of your present faithfulness, just like the great figures of faith who couldn't foresee the outcomes of their actions but trusted in God's plan.
Evangelizing the Postmodern Generation
We are all called to follow Christ in every generation. It is the responsibility of one generation to teach and evangelize the next generation to carry on the mission.
How to Correct Sinful Christians
Mike emphasizes the importance of addressing the struggles of sin within the church community, particularly for long-standing Christians, while shifting the focus from evangelism to support and guidance for those already in the faith, using Paul's letter to the Corinthians as a foundational reference.
Field of Dreams
Mike envisions a congregation that leads by example in holy living, growth, service, and evangelism, inspiring others to follow suit and build upon this vision for the future.
John 4:34-35
Money Matters - Part 2
Understanding the true value of money and its role in our lives is crucial for a balanced perspective, as highlighted in this insightful excerpt on financial stewardship and faith.
Celebration Sunday
Reflecting on the celebration of victories in Christ Jesus and the blessings of living in a prosperous time in American history, the speaker emphasizes the importance of personal victory over death through faith and baptism.
Honor Thy Father
Reflect on the true meaning of honoring fathers—not only through gifts and celebration but by embodying respect, obedience, and living a life that brings them honor, just as the Bible encourages.
Regular Worship
Let's look at the bigger picture that God has designed for New Testament worship.
Spiritual Emergencies
Sometimes in our lives, we face spiritual emergencies and I think we need to learn to prepare for these events as well, because everyone at one time or another will .. face a "spiritual" emergency of some kind.
II Samuel 12:7-25
Jonesboro - When Good People Die Badly
The text delves into the profound topic of death and sin, emphasizing the importance of faith and resurrection, offering a perspective on coping with loss and finding hope in the promise of eternal life.
Adultery in the 90's
Mike argues that society increasingly tolerates adultery and moral relativism, moving away from objective biblical values and risking societal decline as a result.
Drawing Near to God
Part 2
As Christians we have many challenges before us. Prayer and fasting is the best way we can present these before God.
James 4:8-10
Grace - The Favor of God
This sermon explores the concept of grace as the unmerited favor from God, emphasizing how it is given freely to believers despite their imperfections. The message highlights that grace is not something that can be earned but is a fundamental aspect of God's love and mercy towards humanity, with profound implications for Christian faith and daily living.
God Has Planned Something Better for Us
This sermon explores how God's plan, revealed in the Bible, is superior to anything humans can imagine. It highlights the faith of ancient believers, who looked forward to a promise they would not receive in their lifetime. Mike encourages readers to trust in God's plan, which finds its fulfillment in Jesus, offering something far better than temporary solutions or material gains.
Hebrews 11
Freedom, Slavery and Heaven
Reflect on the profound message of being freed from sin and becoming slaves of righteousness, pondering the practical implications in your everyday life and the pursuit of what is right.
The Dream Church
The ideal church, as described in the New Testament, is characterized by a single leader, Jesus Christ, a unified body, a commitment to holiness, a mission to preach the gospel, and a systematic approach to fulfilling this mission, inviting individuals to reflect on their role in becoming part of this dream church.
The Promise Land
A lesson that parallels an immigrant's experience with the experience of Christians who come into the kingdom and seek the promise of heaven.
What You Should 'Get' Out of Worship
In this sermon, Mike challenges the common attitude of assessing church attendance based on personal gain, arguing that church life should involve both giving and receiving; specifically, attendees should experience a genuine sense of God's presence during worship, beyond mere obligation or habit.
When Desire Becomes Identity – Part 2
Why Scripture Pairs Truth and Grace When Addressing This Sin
The importance of balancing truth and grace in addressing same-sex sinfulness is highlighted, emphasizing the need for honesty about sin and mercy towards the individual.
John 1:14-17; I Corinthians 6:9-11
1. A Common Argument
Critically evaluating the prevalent argument within the "Restoration Movement" regarding the continuous or repeated action denoted by Greek verbs in the present tense and indicative mood, aiming to ascertain its accuracy from a grammatical perspective.
3. A Look at the Text
A detailed study in the Gospel of Matthew reveals the varied uses of the present indicative mood, challenging the notion that it always signifies continuous action, prompting a closer examination of the verb forms in the text.
The Lord of Time
Understanding God's timing teaches us patience, trust, and how to live faithfully in the present while preparing for eternal life beyond time.
The Church of Christ in Four Words
Understanding the unique identity of Churches of Christ through four key words: Restorationist, Congregationalist, Cessationist, and A-millennialist, sheds light on their commitment to New Testament principles and practices.
Sooner Spirit
The thrilling victory scored over Nebraska is sure to keep Sooner fans happy for a long time to come. Aside from an excellent effort by the Norman squad, their play reminded me of the larger game of Christian living and what we need to remember when facing our greatest opponent, Satan and his forces:
What My Sore Back Has Taught Me
Embrace the wisdom gained from living with pain and discover the hidden lessons that can bring you closer to a deeper appreciation of life and faith.
What is Your Witness?
Mike emphasizes the role of the church as the conscience and moral compass of society, declaring the truth of Christ and providing a model of righteous living.
Joy of Irresponsibility
Reflect on the freedom found in releasing responsibilities that do not belong to us, as Jesus bears our sins, oversees the church, and determines salvation, allowing us to focus on living out the gospel in our daily lives.
My Election Prayer
I praise you and thank you for the blessing of living in a nation that is so prosperous and at relative peace with its neighbors and itself.
In Defense of the Sedentary Life
Embrace the liberation from guilt and the joy of living authentically as you navigate the profound reflections on exercise and mortality in this insightful narrative.
How to Live Happily
Embrace happiness by living a spiritual life, focusing on today, and honoring your conscience - discover four rules to enhance your lifetime joy and peace.
The True Demands of the Law
Approach the Sermon on the Mount through a grace-driven lens to understand Kingdom living, breaking free from a compliance mindset that reduces it to a checklist of behaviors, as seen in the Jewish approach to the Law of Moses, and embrace a transformed heart dependent on grace for true righteousness.
Matthew 5:21-48
The Single Priority
This sermon discusses the challenges faced by single individuals and the importance of recognizing their state and priorities, offering insights on how to navigate the single life with a focus on serving the Lord and finding fulfillment.
Sure or Unsure?
When feeling unsure about your faith, it's comforting to know that even great men like Elijah and David experienced doubt, as highlighted in this insightful message on navigating uncertainty in Christianity.
In Case of War
If we understand the times and circumstances correctly, the time for war has come upon us and as Christians we need to be prepared for this fact.
The 5 Chairs
This lesson discusses five different stages of faith represented by chairs, illustrating how believers move through various levels of spiritual maturity. Each chair signifies a distinct relationship with God, from those who are seeking Him to those who are fully committed. This framework encourages reflection on one's spiritual journey and the steps needed for growth.
Hebrews 9:27-28
Sheep Seeking Shepherd
This sermon delves into the deep spiritual need that every person has for guidance, comfort, and salvation through Christ. Drawing from biblical imagery, Mike explains how Jesus, the Good Shepherd, calls out to those who are lost, offering them safety and purpose under His care. This teaching serves as a reminder of our need to follow Christ's voice in order to find peace and direction in our lives.
Materialism
Mike reviews two different types of materialism and how we are to deal with it.
It's Our Turn
Discover the transformative role awaiting each of us as we take on the responsibility to live and share the message of faith for future generations.
Every Tribe, Every Tongue
Keynote speech for the 2007 World Mission Workshop at Oklahoma Christian University. The main message is that it is the responsibility of each generation to evangelize the world and today it is possible through modern communication technology (i.e. Internet) to preach the gospel to every nation each day, all day long, until Jesus returns.
Revelation 5:9; 7:9
Death - Ruth's Example
Even in the face of grief and loss, Christians find comfort in the hope of resurrection, trusting in God's promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
I Corinthians 15
Waterworld
Water in movies like "Waterworld" and its biblical significance as a symbol of judgment, purification, and separation, offers a unique perspective on the importance of water in spiritual truths.
Repentance is a Revolution
Bible Basics
Mike explains how true repentance goes beyond feeling sorrow for sins—it's about a complete transformation of heart and lifestyle. He emphasizes that repentance is a bold, revolutionary act that turns one's life toward God, creating lasting change. This lesson challenges believers to rethink their understanding of repentance and embrace it as a powerful force for spiritual growth.
Acts 2:38
Before You Leave for Heaven
This sermon emphasizes the importance of planning for one's final days and inheritance to ensure family unity, avoid conflict, and leave a lasting, positive legacy.
Tongues Today - #1
This first lesson of two, delves into the biblical context of speaking in tongues, focusing on its significance in the early church. It examines the purpose of tongues as a spiritual gift and the conditions surrounding its use. The discussion aims to clarify misunderstandings about tongues, providing a foundation for evaluating its practice in contemporary worship settings.
The Last Supper - In Round
At the Last Supper, Jesus transformed a traditional Passover meal into a profound lesson on humility by taking on the role of a servant, washing His disciples' feet and showing that true leadership means serving others—even those who might betray you.
How to Avoid Materialism
Materialism is a very subtle attack against our faith, against our soul. It creeps into your life because we have to deal every day with material. In this lesson, we will look at ways to beat it.
Why 2K?
The text discusses the Y2K bug scare and how people react to anxiety, highlighting the importance of faith and trust in God over technology, offering a perspective on handling fear and uncertainty.
3. How to Grow A Preacher
One of the greatest struggles that some men have is to decide if they're going to go into ministry. This lesson provides direction for those who desire this calling.
Cults and Their Effects - Part 1
Understanding the difference between cults and true Christianity is crucial to protecting your mind and faith, as cults aim to control and manipulate individuals through deceit and coercion, while the church promotes freedom, study, questioning, and service to the community in the name of Jesus Christ.
Characteristics of Church
The importance of following the pattern theology for church growth is highlighted through the three pillars of preaching the gospel, teaching Christ's commands, and fostering a fellowship among believers, as discussed in Acts chapter 2.
Why Jesus Had to Resurrect
In the Church of Christ we have no "special" services for religious holidays like Easter but the fact that Easter Sunday is celebrated by many seems to motivate people to make an extra effort to be at church service at this time.
Single Solutions
The cycle of worry, loneliness and depression can make the single life more difficult than it needs to be. In chapter 7 of I Corinthians, Paul talks to singles and provides them with some solutions to their particular problems.
I Corinthians 7:25-35
What Will it Take
Hezekiah, the king of Judah, provides a valuable lesson on the importance of sanctified leadership in achieving ambitious construction projects and building a strong community.
Presidential Privilege
The text discusses the reactions and defenses surrounding allegations against a president, prompting reflection on biblical teachings about adultery, God's impartiality, and the responsibilities of leaders, emphasizing the need for godly leadership in the nation.
To Proclaim and Serve
A meaningful sermon emphasizing the importance of projecting a positive church image to the community and working towards being a caring and welcoming congregation.
Freedom Through Dependance
Understanding the concept of mutual dependency for freedom and peace, this excerpt delves into the importance of dependence on God and each other, highlighting the true freedoms enjoyed as citizens of the kingdom of heaven.
Salted Speech
Paul's remarkable ability to preach and teach new believers, hostile Jews, and pagans is highlighted in the study of his life and work, emphasizing the importance of salted speech in effectively communicating faith, as seen in his interactions with the Thessalonians.
I Thessalonians 2:1-12
1. The Preaching of Jesus
Perhaps in examining Jesus' style and approach to this glorious work we can become more of what all of us seek to be, like Him.
Matthew 5:1-2
The Matrix Conspiracy
There is new technology, new gadgets, new ideas about how things work. But as far as the human condition is concerned; as far as what mankind's essential responsibility is; as far as what is truth and the reality of life, death and what comes after --- there really is nothing new here on earth --- under the sun.



