Reflections of an Unlikley Preacher

Leadership has never been easy. But it’s critically important. Especially in the church. But so often we as leaders can become so paralyzed by fear of criticism that we actually stop moving forward in faith. Instead we often settle for the status quo and those who follow us get stuck in neutral.

We are familiar with the word "Faith" ... we use it all the time. But what does it mean? Is it "Blind Faith" or "Simple Optimism"? Or is it something more?What does it require? And how can we develop it in our lives?

In this episode we discuss the beginning few chapters of the book of Genesis. This is crucial because it establishes a foundation of everything that is to come afterwards. We will discuss: Why it is appropriate both theologically and logically to assume a Creator.What explains the brokenness we see around us.The emergence of HOPE even in a broken story.

In the Story God is telling in and to the world He uses people like you and me! What an incredible thought! God has a history of doing incredible things in, to, and through people like us! But we must never forget that we are never the heroes of our stories. Today we will hear about a man named, Joshua. He is what we call a "hero of the faith". And I get it. His life is filled with incredible moments and tremendous victories (and a few defeats along the way as well). But as much as we might (and should) admire Joshua, he is not the hero of the story. God was, and is, the hero of the story!

In a recent interview, Aaron Rodgers shared why he is no longer a Christian. In this podcast I share (while driving .... so pardon the poor audio quality) my response to Rodgers and why I feel his understanding of true Christianity is flawed.

We use the word "LOVE" all the time. But what does it really mean and how do we receive and express it?In this message we are reminded that the LOVE of God has a name ... it's "Jesus". We will see that in Jesus, God expressed the depth of His love to us. It is deeper and more powerful than we could ever have guessed ... and it goes much deeper than we often think.

The world is dark and it often feels like it's getting worse by the day. Where do we go to find HOPE in such times? In today's message we find that there is a way to know REAL HOPE ... and it's been found in the same source it always has .. God alone! The Christmas season allows us to remember and reflect upon the HOPE that comes with Jesus!

"Sticks and Stones..." We know the rest of the saying ... and we also know it's not true!Words have power! We have all experienced the power of words to either build up ... or to destroy! In this sermon we consider the words of caution from James 3.

Conflict is unavoidable sometimes. It happens. But how can we cut it off before it gets out of control and how can we learn to deal with it ... God's way?

There is a disturbing move (among many Christians) away from the authority of scripture. Why is this and what are we to make of it? Pt. 4The Willful Objection

There is a disturbing move (among many Christians) away from the authority of scripture. Why is this and what are we to make of it? Pt. 3The Emotional Objection

There is a disturbing move (among many Christians) away from the authority of scripture. Why is this and what are we to make of it? Pt. 2The Cultural Objection

There is a disturbing move (among many Christians) away from the authority of scripture. Why is this and what are we to make of it?Pt. 1

Forgiven people are to be forgiving people. But HOW do we forgive when we have been hurt? We Choose to return evil with good.

Forgiveness is a great idea ... until we have to forgive someone. But forgiveness is the way of the Christian. SO what do we do? Forgiveness begins with the choice NOT to retaliate.

What do we do when a brother or sister in Christ is off track and/or stuck in a pattern of sin? How do we help without being judgmental jerks?

In this episode we kick off a new mini-series called "Whole Church". In this series we will deal with the things that cause us (as individuals and as Churches) to become distracted from our mission.

At Catlin Church of Christ we are kicking off a series exploring a tough but critical topic ... What does it mean to be a good man? Not according to cultural standards but rather according to God's?And what could happen if we rediscovered God's purpose and plan for the hearts of men?

Every day of our lives we make decisions of what will be our priorities for that day. We also do this with our lives. Each of us will choose to say "Yes" to some things and "No" to others. These "yes or no" decisions will determine the course of our lives ... and even our eternities! So, who ... or what ... is getting your best "Yes"?

What do we do when someone claiming to follow Jesus ... isn't?In our culture we are told it is judgmental to address something in another person's life. We are told it isn't our business. But that's not what Jesus says.In today's episode we explore Jesus' tough teaching on what to do when a fellow Christian is caught up in sin.

Jesus, that hurts to hear! Sometimes we love what Jesus says. Other times ... not so much! His words often confront us, correct us, challenge us and transform us.Sadly, over history (and even today) many would-be Christians back away from Jesus because we find His words too hard to swallow. Yes, Jesus' words will often cause us pain ... but they can also lead to life!

A conversation with a skeptic ... and coffee connoisseur! The painful (but important) objection a skeptic gives to Christianity. What does this objection mean for Christians ... and what can we do to change this reality?

What would Jesus do when confronted by a man dying of leprosy? And what will He do today if/when we bring Him lives of brokenness, failure, and sin?

What happens when we remain anchored to the past? Often times it means we get stuck resorting to methods and approaches that might have worked in past but will likely not move us into the future.

One of the toughest things Jesus ever said is that not everyone is on the road that leads to Heaven. It's tough news. Are we on the road that leads to Heaven? Can I be? How can I know for sure?

In this introductory podcast I share how a kid from a less-than-Christian home became a preacher and leader in the Church. I also share my desire to be a resource to young ministers and leaders in the Church.

In this episode we begin a series that looks at the words, comments, and phrases in the church that can kill ideas, ministry, and imagination.Today we challenge the "Killer Comment" that says "We can't do THAT."