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Brown Bag Christmas

Mike reflects on the Christmas season's approach, noting its lack of biblical endorsement, its pagan origins, and how various customs associated with Christmas have been reinterpreted to hold Christian significance, emphasizing the need to prepare spiritually for the holiday despite its historical complexities.

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.

7 Steps to Joy

Homecoming can become a joyful opportunity for every single person in the congregation. Here are the seven steps that will take one there:

Christian Style Christmas

At one time or another I've tried and taught most of the ideas that Christians think about Christmas and its celebration; denouncing it, ignoring it or simply accepting its inevitability.

Warts and All

Finding Identity in Christ

Reflecting on the struggles we face and the importance of not letting them define us, this excerpt delves into the transformative power of faith and self-acceptance, drawing parallels to the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5:25-34.

Mark 5:25-34

Summer Sun or Son

Emphasizing the importance of maintaining faithfulness and spiritual growth amidst the allure of sunny weather and outdoor activities, this excerpt encourages readers to reflect on their priorities and commitment to serving the Son of God.

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.

Feelin' Fine in 99

Learn how to feel better and improve your life by following these 7 steps shared in a heartfelt sermon.

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.

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.

Common Ground

Understanding the importance of finding common ground in political and religious discourse can lead to a deeper connection and unity among individuals with differing beliefs and values.

3 Steps to Contentment

Recent studies reveal a paradox: despite success and happiness, many struggle with dissatisfaction in themselves, public life, and family, leading to stress and conflict. Drawing from the Apostle Paul's wisdom, this article presents three essential steps to finding contentment.

Philippians 4:11

Keeping Up

Amidst the chaos of modern life, finding solace in faith and the unchanging presence of Jesus Christ.

Slavery to Perfection

Embrace the liberating truth of being a slave of righteousness, finding peace of mind in Christ's grace rather than striving for unattainable perfection.

Secret Sin

Understanding the importance of confession and accountability in overcoming sin and finding renewal through God's grace is key to navigating the struggles of hidden temptations and past mistakes.

Shalom

This sermon delves into the concept of peace, highlighting the importance of finding lasting peace through Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit, emphasizing the necessity of forgiveness in achieving true peace in all aspects of life.

John 14:25-31

The Best of Both Worlds

Solomon's wisdom in Ecclesiastes highlights the importance of finding satisfaction in the fruit of our labor on earth, a reminder for Christians to balance earthly pursuits with spiritual preparation for the future.

Cornbread Kindness

A heartwarming story about the impact of kindness and its ability to bring joy and build relationships, reminding us of the importance of showing compassion towards others in our daily lives.

Soul Saving Speech

Learn from the insightful words of Paul in I Thessalonians 2 on the importance of speaking confidently, honestly, lovingly, patiently, and authoritatively when sharing the gospel to win souls for Christ.

I Thessalonians 2:1-12

Taylor & Travis

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's engagement highlights the universal longing for genuine love, showing that even superstars desire the joy of building lasting relationships beyond the constant scrutiny of fame.

Circle of Salvation

This week I had the great joy of baptizing my youngest daughter, Emilie. She is the last of my children to obey the gospel and with her baptism the circle of salvation is complete around our family.

Goodfinder Trait

Embrace the power of being a "goodfinder" and discover the joy that comes from acknowledging the good in yourself and others, ultimately leading to a happier and more fulfilling life.

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.

The Blessings of Obedience

Embrace the blessings of obedience to God, leading to a life filled with peace, joy, and the promise of eternal salvation.

17. Why Can't I Stop Feeling Guilty and Fearful Since My Divorce?

Understand that feeling guilty after divorce is normal, but seek forgiveness and renewal through confession to God and moving forward, as God offers forgiveness and renewal even after failing at marriage, and do not let fear and seeking approval from others hinder your joy in Christ.

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 Benefits of Worshipping God

Understanding the purpose and benefits of worship in the life of a believer is essential to deepening knowledge of God and experiencing joy in His presence.

Money Matters - Part 1

Mike delves into the importance of money matters and how Christians should acquire and use money in a proper and ethical manner, emphasizing the significance of giving thanks, providing for family needs, and helping others in need.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Protecting our Unity

We are united into one group because God has separated us from the world and formed a special body of people who all share a special set of characteristics.

Growing Pains

Mike shares his journey of growth, from gaining weight to building a church, emphasizing the principle of "no growth without pain" in various aspects of life, urging the congregation to embrace challenges for future opportunities.

What Would We be Doing

A sermon reflecting on the potential for greater works in the church, urging for visionary leadership, commitment, and willingness to pay the price to achieve what could be done.

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.

Moderation and Abstinence

Highlighting the dangers of moderation in promoting vices, the speaker emphasizes the importance of abstaining from alcohol for health, addiction, financial, and legal reasons, urging Christians to seek higher standards and avoid enslavement to worldly habits.

A New Vision of the Church

Experience the big picture of building the spiritual temple of God within the church and understand how each individual plays a vital role in creating a community of believers destined for eternity.

Why Me, Why Now?

One thing you learn a lot about as a minister is suffering and death. You're among the first to be called when there is illness and the last person to see the dead as they are buried at their funerals.

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.

Judge for Yourself

One month after my 16th birthday my father died. He was 53 years old. It was two o'clock in the morning and my mother woke me up saying that she thought my dad was really sick.

Acts 4:19-20

Heart Beat Away

True greatness is just a heartbeat away, but hesitation, pride, and delay can keep us from it. Don't just come close—embrace the call, obey Christ, and step into the eternal glory that awaits.

Loneliness

Loneliness is a catchword for a variety of feelings associated with being by oneself. The "feelings" associated with being alone are usually caused by the reasons why a person finds themselves alone to begin with.

Celebrating the "Giving" in Thanksgiving

Mike explains why giving is the essential ingredient in thanksgiving.