Sandy Creek Stirrings

Paul, at the end of his life, gives Timothy some warnings concerning the last days. He calls these days "Perilous Times". They are filled and fraught with danger. In this message, you can hear the Concern, Confidence, and Continuing for perilous times. I pray and hope that it will be a blessing to you!

When a church finds itself without a pastor, it enters one of the most vulnerable seasons of its existence. Without clear Biblical guidance, churches often turn to worldly methods, corporate models, or emotional decisions to find their next pastor — and sadly, the results are, too often: division, discouragement, and decline.This podcast episode was born from a burden — a burden to see local churches follow the Spirit of God, not the wisdom of man, in finding God's man to lead them. I pray that the episode to follow will encourage churches to trust the Scriptures fully, honor the Lord faithfully, and experience the unity and blessing that come when we follow God's way instead of our own.This episode is all about PRACTICALITY - how to implement the Scriptural principles we discussed last week. Walk with me through 3 steps a church/pastor can take for Spirit-led succession!You can download my free book “Finding God's Man: A Biblical Approach to Pastoral Succession” at the following link: https://sandycreekstirrings.com/resources/

When a church finds itself without a pastor, it enters one of the most vulnerable seasons of its existence. Without clear Biblical guidance, churches often turn to worldly methods, corporate models, or emotional decisions to find their next pastor — and sadly, the results are, too often: division, discouragement, and decline.This podcast episode was born from a burden — a burden to see local churches follow the Spirit of God, not the wisdom of man, in finding God's man to lead them. I pray that the episode to follow will encourage churches to trust the Scriptures fully, honor the Lord faithfully, and experience the unity and blessing that come when we follow God's way instead of our own.You can download my free book "Finding God's Man: A Biblical Approach to Pastoral Succession" at the following link:

In continuation of last week's episode, I wanted to give you some resources that you can use in your study. In this episode, you will find an incredibly practical list of things that you can begin using TODAY to help you deep dive into the Word of God. Along the way, I share some pitfalls and mindsets to be aware of!

In this two part series, I deep dive into the subject of studying God's Word. In this first part - "A Call To The Field Of Study", I want to bring attention to two darkened corners of the topic of study. There are two main issues I see when people approach the field of study that are grave errors. These mindsets/philosophies must be changed before we can ever expect our studies to be illuminated by God. Before we get to the practicality and tools of study, we must first build a solid foundation!

With Resurrection Sunday fast approaching, we sit right in the middle of the week where Jesus Christ was crucified. His sacrifice on the cross was part of God's great plan to redeem man. Why? What was the plan? How has it worked through the ages? What 3 things did the devil do to try and stop God's plan of redemption? Listen to this message to hear more about God's Plan to Redeem - starting all the way back in Genesis 1.

Family Altar. Family Devotions. A relic of ages gone by. Sadly, for many people, a family gathering around the Word of God is almost non-existent. While fact stands true, it stands in direct opposition to the command of Deuteronomy 6:7-8. This command is given to all parents and places a vital importance on the time of family altar. Every parent should take this episode to heart and make it a commonplace in their home!Recommended resources from the episode: - Junior Church type songs: https://nashpublications.com/downloads/- Illustrated Little Pilgrim's Progress: https://www.amazon.com/Little-Pilgrims-Progress-Illustrated-Bunyans/dp/0802420532?asin=0802420532&revisionId=&format=4&depth=1

In this episode, I give a few thoughts that the Lord placed on my heart from a passage of Scripture. The passage of Scripture that I outline in this episode is, in my opinion, one of the greatest chapters on being a godly parent in the Bible. Each and every parent needs an occasional reminder to retrain our focus on living for the Lord and loving Him with all our heart...And I pray this episode will be that reminder for you!

(A Biblical Response To Alcohol Series)In this final part - the conclusion of the series - we give some CONCLUSIVE answers about the subject of alcohol. Many ask and wonder if there even is a conclusive answer! After hours and hours of Biblical, historical, and linguistic research and study, I do believe that there are some conclusive answers on the subject of alcohol. Join me as I share those closing thoughts in this episode!

(A Biblical Response To Alcohol Series)When considering what the Bible has to say about the subject of alcohol, how do we interpret passages about wine bringing gladness? Doesn't this imply a "good side" to alcohol and its consumption? Join me in this episode as we discuss passages like: Psalm 104:14-15, Deuteronomy 7:3, Joel 2:23-24, & Proverbs 3:9-10!

(A Biblical Response to Alcohol Series)This is a classic argument by those who would question the Bible's clear stand against alcohol consumption when taking into account a full view of Scripture and history. And it's one that seems to have some stability! Some would say, “Doesn't this imply that if you are not a pastor, you can drink? Why would the Bible tell you that pastors can't drink if it doesn't mean that? Doesn't the verse about the priests imply that they could drink outside of the priesthood?"

(A Biblical Response To Alcohol Series)While "juice" was an uncommon word during the time of the translation of the King James Bible, there is one time where the word "juice" is found in our Bible - Song of Solomon 8:2. If "wine" was so often used because of its commonality in that time period, why translate the word "juice" here? Doesn't this imply that the other passages translated "wine" are actually references to alcohol?

This is another installment in our "A Biblical Response To Alcohol Series". In this episode, we dive into 1 Timothy 5:23 and discuss the question: didn't Paul tell Timothy to drink a little alcohol? In this passage, I give you two interpretations of this passage, as well as dive into a lot of history behind Paul's admonition.

This is another installment of our "A Biblical Response To Alcohol Series"! In this episode, we deep dive into the question: did Jesus make alcohol? When the Bible says that Jesus made "wine" - what was it? Join me in this episode, as we examine the Bible, history, and much more!

With each generation, there were voices that supported theposition that drinking and alcohol is “ok” in moderation.  It's not alcohol that is wrong – it's drunkenness.  It's not drinking alcohol that is wrong – it's the misuse of it.  This is the position that has been picked up and heralded by many modern Christians and churches. The question is not what people have to say about the subject - its about what God and His Word have to say about that subject. Join me in this episode for a heavy dose of Bible truth, historical research, and much more on the subject of alcohol and the Bible.

Many come to church and the only way they view church is just as a place of spiritual nourishment and nothing more.  They come to church out of obligation and duty – simply to fulfill their spiritual belly. Yet, church is supposed to be and can be so much more than just this necessary ingredient!In this episode, I want to show you how you can change church from just a duty or an expectation of others upon my life to something far greater!

We know that Christ has given us the victory!  We know that we can live a life that is pleasing to the Lord.  Yes, this life will still have its struggles and battles.  But! We can live a life of victory – conquering sin, growing in the Lord, living in the consistent blessings of God, etc. We can have it all! But how many Christians do you and I know (maybe even ourselves), who it seems like we are just plodding along and never experience that true victory that God wants us to have.  We know we have been saved and set free, but it feels like we are still carrying that old yoke! It feels like I'm still in bondage! How do I truly begin to live the Victorious Christian Life? We tackled that question and more in this episode!

There is a thought and belief in some churches and minds of some Christians that there is no salvation offered by God to the homosexual and there is no hope for the reprobate. This idea is prominently posed by Calvinists and members of the "New IFB"...but the question is: Is that belief truth? Is that line of reasoning Biblically based? Join me as we deep dive into the subject of homosexuality, a reprobate mind, Romans 1 and much more in this episode!

Many Christians have turned Christianity and daily Christian living into an outside conformity instead of an inward desire. They keep the rules but they have no relationship. They come to church for all the "trimmings" and not because God is there... This message can change all of that! In this message, Christians are encouraged to remember the purpose for the "box", why the "box" still matters, but be reminded that it's not about the "box" - it's about God!

There is a war that rages every single day: The Battle For Your Mind. God loves you. He cares about you. He wants you to have the purpose, victory, joy, peace, and contentment that comes when you live a life for Him! On the opposite side, the devil wants nothing more than for you to live for anyone but God. The devil doesn't care if you live for him, for this world, or for yourself – anything is fine as long as you don't live for God. And so, the battle rages. In this episode, I give what I believe to be the devil's number one tool he uses, in today's world, to try and win the battle for the mind. I also present three questions for us to use in judging this area of the battle for our mind!

There is a war that rages every single day: The Battle For Your Mind. God loves you. He cares about you. He wants you to have the purpose, victory, joy, peace, and contentment that comes when you live a life for Him! On the opposite side, the devil wants nothing more than for you to live for anyone but God. The devil doesn't care if you live for him, for this world, or for yourself - anything is fine as long as you don't live for God. And so, the battle rages. In this episode, I want to make you aware of this great battle and prepare you for our next episode. In the next episode, we will expose the devil's greatest weapon of today's world that he uses to win the battle for your mind.

Merry  Christmas to you!  Here is a Christmas piano playlist for you to enjoy  on your Christmas day.  May God bless you and yours as you celebrate the  glorious gift of the birth of our Messiah – Jesus Christ! May you  continue to live for Him as we press toward the new year of 2025! Featured CD's of Episode #311 (used with permission): – O Holy Night: Piano Solos by Caleb Galvan (https://nvpublications.org/o-holy-night/) – The Sounds of Christmas: Piano Solos by David Webster (https://nvpublications.org/the-sounds-of-christmas/)

In this episode, I wanted to wish you "Merry Christmas", give a couple reminders/updates, and read you a poem I wrote entitled: "If Christmas Died Tomorrow". The poem hits a theme from an episode we recorded 2 years ago and presents a compelling thought concerning the topic. You can find out more by listening to this "short-and-sweet" episode! At the end of the episode, we play a song for you from the CD "O Holy Night - Piano Solos by Caleb Galvan" with permission from North Valley Publications. You can purchase your own copy at the following link: https://nvpublications.org/products/o-holy-night

Within the construct and chronology of Scripture, the wise men come later on than the Christmas night that we celebrate.  Many nativity scenes show the wise men at the stable, but Scripture clearly tells us that they visited Jesus when He was a young child, in a house, most likely living in Nazareth at the time.  Nonetheless, the wise men had been traveling since, if not before, the birth in order to come and worship this newborn King.  Their story does have significance within the Christmas season.    We arrive on the scene of Jerusalem, a hustling bustling city of its day.  Amidst the hubbub and commotion of daily living in this metropolis, the city was troubled – the king was displeased.  The city was turned upside by the arrival of these wise men to the city.  The Bible does not specifically tells us how many wise men there were.  It's commonly assumed that there were 3 because of the 3 gifts that were presented to the newborn King.  History tells us that thy bands of wise men often traveled in significantly more numbers – sometimes even in the hundreds.    Yet, as they arrive peacefully on the scene of Jerusalem, the city is troubled at their coming.  The king, Herod, is troubled at their coming. Why would this be so? Listen to this episode to find out more!

Psalm 122:1 says: "I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord." The question is: what about you? Does going to church spark gladness, joy, and excitement? Or does preparing for and going to church breed bad attitudes, rushing around the house, and grumpy spirits? In this episode, I give you 11 EXTREMELY PRACTICAL tips and tools that you can USE to arrive at church and be glad about it! At the end of the episode, we play a song from the CD - "O Holy Night - Piano Solos by Caleb Galvan". (Used by permission from North Valley Publications) You can purchase your own copy of the CD at the following link: https://nvpublications.org/products/o-holy-night

In this episode, I give some of things that I have learned as a Youth Director over the past 8+ years. God has taught me so much and I want to share some of the tips and truths that I have learned…with you! This episode is filled with philosophical and or practical tips to help a Youth Director impact teens for the cause of Christ. In a world where the average Youth Director lasts 18 MONTHS, we need more men and women who are willing to make in a difference in the lives of our youth. If you have any questions about today's episode or would like for me to send you some of my notes/resources on a particular subject, feel free to email me. My email is: joshua@sandycreekstirrings.com

In this episode, I give some of things that I have learned as Youth Director over the past 8+ years. God has taught me so much and I want to share some of the tips and truths that I have learned...with you! This episode is filled with philosophical and/or practical tips to help a Youth Director impact teens for the cause of Christ. In a world where the average Youth Director lasts 18 MONTHS, we need more men and women who are willing to make in a difference in the lives of our youth. If you have any questions about today's episode or would like for me to send you some of my notes/resources on a particular subject, feel free to email me. My email is: joshua@sandycreekstirrings.com

Sandy Creek Stirrings is not a political podcast. We don't usually discuss or talk about the "newsy" current and cultural events that take place in our nation and world. But! An event that only happens every four years just occurred and I want to share some of my thoughts on the 2024 election with you. In this episode I share some of my thoughts on: - Why we should praise the Lord for the outcome of this election. - Why electing conservative, Biblically leaning leadership is good for Christianity and our nation. - The often overlooked area that is so great about the election results. - The blatant misuse and misunderstanding that was committed by so many Christian on election day/night concerning God's sovereignty and man's freewill. - My biggest fear concerning politics and government. - Why the trends are scary. - The importance of fulfilling our Christian responsibility over the next 4 years. - How to truly make America great again... AND SO MUCH MORE!

Here is another “Things I Think” episode! This episode is a completely different format than what we usually record on Sandy Creek Stirrings. In this episode, I share with you a few random thoughts that have been on my mind – some musings, some “ponderings”, some things that I have been meditating on. Like: - Why I am excited about the next generation of Christians. - Why fundamentalism is not dead. - The main concern I have for the next generation of Christians. - Why the term "Christian" has been overused. - A failure I had on Episodes #111 & #112 when considering the vaccine debate in regard to abortions.

This episode is going to be a very niche episode that deals with questions I have received recently. I have received many questions from men, lately, on the subject of attire, wardrobe, and dressing your best - along with many more practical questions in regards to the subject of clothing. This episode is geared toward those who are going into ministry, those who want to start dressing sharply for church, or those who want to improve their closet in general. In this episode, we discuss: - Why this subject matters. - How to find and purchase quality clothing on a budget. - Where to find and purchase quality dress shoes and suits. - The one thing that is more important than quality. - Why versatility is your friend. - What items are needed in your closet. - What items you don't need in your closet. - And much, much more! I get very specific in today's episode and I hope that it will be a blessing to you.

In this episode, I present 10 different things that can help someone identify the overall health of the church. Now, none of these 10 reasons, in-and-of- themselves or by themselves, can determine the health of a church. Yet, they do give a good idea concerning the overall health of a church when grouped together. The items discussed today are not meant to be a coroner's report - they are to be a yearly check-up! They are to identify how we can enable our church to be MORE HEALTHY!

Having grown up in church and having been on church staff for almost 10 years, I have seen a plethora of reasons for why people leave their church. And sadly... Most of them fall flat when compared to what the Bible has to say about leaving a church. The truth be told - there is only one Biblical reason for someone leaving their church and we discuss that reason in this episode!

Sandy Creek Stirrings has reached 300 episodes! We are so excited for what the Lord has allowed us to see and accomplish over the past 4 years and 300 episodes. We really hope that it has a been a blessing and encouragement to you. We continue forward in the future with our goal of "stirring you up for the cause of Christ"! Thank you for being a listener! In this episode, we take a look at the number 300 in the Bible. In the beginning of the episode, I spend some time briefly talking about Sandy Creek Stirrings as a podcast. After that, we dive into the actual subject of the episode. If you wish to skip the preliminaries, the actual content of the episode, concerning the number 300 in the Bible, begins at the following time - 17:44.

One more night with the frogs. This is a conscious decision Pharoah made in the book of Exodus. He purposefully chose to spend one more night with the frogs. We look at his decision and say, "That's ridiculous! He must have been crazy!" Yet, how many times do we choose to spend "one more night with the frogs"? Listen to this message to find out more about how we knowingly make the same decision.

If a fellow church member asks you: "Why do you think our church is the best?", what do you tell them? What is your answer? What is your reasoning? Beyond doctrine, every member should have things that they love about their church. In this episode, we will discuss some of those reasons and talk about: - What makes a church "the best"? - Should someone believe that their church is "the best"? - Why people should sell-out for their church. - And a special "curve-ball" thought at the end of the episode is waiting for all listeners!

When does someone become a church member?  At baptism or later on? What is the door to church membership? Is it baptism? Discipleship? Fruit of salvation? Repentance of sin? For some, this may seem like a ridiculous question, but I think you will find today's episode to be very interesting.  There are more conversations and questions about this topic than you might think. So, join me in this episode as we deep dive into the subject and analyze it from every single angle to arrive at a Biblical conclusion!

This episode begins a new mini-series on the podcast: Church 101! This series will take time to cover and discuss pertinent questions and subjects that many people think and have in regard to their church. I believe that you will find this series to be helpful and beneficial in your relationship with your church and how you think about it. From handling church problems, to finding out how and when to leave a church, to what the Bible says about common church subjects - this series will cover it all! This episode, the introductory episode of the Church 101 series, will talk about common church misconceptions. Many people have a wrong view of what their church is and how it functions. This causes many people to misdiagnose issues and think about their church improperly. Wrong thinking leads to extremely common misconceptions that church members and the general populace has in regards to church.

Have you ever felt like quitting? Giving up? Throwing in the towel? Raising the white flag? I believe that we all, at times, have considered quitting things that we should never quit: marriage, raising kids, career, church, or living for God. During these times, what can we do to remind us to not quit? In this episode, I give you 13 reasons why I can't quit and challenge you to make your own list. This list will encourage you and help to prevent you from quitting when times get tough!

Not too long ago, someone asked me the following question: “In Isaiah 45:7, it says that God creates darkness and evil.  I thought God couldn't create evil or wrong.  Is God really speaking?  What is the verse talking about?” This is a question that many ask and is a passage to consider. Join me in this episode as we answer this question!

We have a tremendous heritage. When I consider the great preachers of yesteryear who valiantly stood for the faith and impacted the world, I cannot help but be inspired to do more with my life for the cause of Christ. One of the most encouraging and yet humbling things I find myself doing is learning about these great preachers of old and following their example – as they followed Christ. In this episode, I give you a list of preachers from yesteryear, a short bio for each one, reasons why I believe you need to hear them preach, and resources for how to find their messages. I believe that this episode, the final part of this two part series, will be a tremendous blessing to you as you follow Christ.

We have a tremendous heritage. When I consider the great preachers of yesteryear who valiantly stood for the faith and impacted the world, I cannot help but be inspired to do more with my life for the cause of Christ. One of the most encouraging and yet humbling things I find myself doing is learning about these great preachers of old and following their example - as they followed Christ. In this episode, I give you a list of preachers from yesteryear, a short bio for each one, reasons why I believe you need to hear them preach, and resources for how to find their messages. I believe that this episode will be a tremendous blessing to you as you follow Christ.

Every person has a throne in their life and heart. From that throne proceeds the decrees and direction of your life.  That doesn't mean that the kingdom will not sometimes depart from the commands, but overall – the direction is given by the throne.  For every throne, there must be a king.  Though we do not have grand coronation ceremonies, as that of Europe, we do indeed (as individual people) select the king that sits on the throne of our life. It could be God & the Bible…or it could be: Self.  Career. Hobbies. Addictions. Personal dreams. Personal desires. Another person (aka: a boyfriend/girlfriend). No one is except from choosing a king for their heart and life. Even the people who say that they will not choose have made a choice. But, the overwhelming question is: WHO IS YOUR KING?

Romans 9 is a passage that some Calvinists use to try and uphold their false doctrine. At face value, some of the verses in Romans 9 can be a little confusing and, at points, appear to be alluding to Calvinist doctrine. So what do we do with Romans 9? What is it actually saying? How do we answer the Calvinist who tries to misuse and abuse Romans 9? Walk with me through Romans 9 as we go verse-by-verse through the chapter in this episode!

Have you ever had a brother or sister in Christ hurt you? Offend you? Step on you like a doormat? How can we, effectively, live a life that stands FOR the very brethren that sometimes hurt us? How can we get past the problems and issues that sometimes come along with working with people? Listen to this episode to find the answers to these questions and more today!

We hold freedoms - both spiritually and as Americans - because of the sacrifice of someone else. They were willing to go through the trial and difficulties they faced because of their ultimate desire to continue. The question is: will you continue? Join me in the episode for a compelling reminder to continue in our faith and freedom, and for a special announcement at the end of the episode!

Dr. Dave McCoy was a wonderful man of God that I not only had the pleasure of knowing on a ministry level, but on a personal level as well. The impact he has left on me is one that I will carry for the rest of my life. Before he passed away, I had the incredible opportunity to interview Dr. McCoy on the podcast (episode #64). I would encourage all listeners to go back and listen to that episode. This message is sure to be a tremendous blessing to your heart and will challenge you in your Christian life. "The choice is up to you!"

Here is another "Things I Think" episode! This episode is a completely different format than what we usually record on Sandy Creek Stirrings. In this episode, I share with you a few random thoughts that have been on my mind – some musings, some “ponderings”, some things that I have been meditating on. Like: - An under-used tool that many Christians don't make enough use of. - An Old Testament theme that I hope does not gain any further traction. - A practical way to thank the Lord and leave a blessing to your children. - A call to two altars... All these different things will be discussed in this episode – Things I Think: #2!

A big decision needs to be made - a career choice, a path to take, a place to move, a position to accept, a road to travel. Which way should I go? What should I do? Many times, Christians have been taught to look for a "sign" or lay out a "fleece" before making decisions. Yet, is this actually a Biblical necessity for making wise decisions? Should we follow Gideon's example and lay out a fleece? Join me in this episode as we dive into the subject of signs and fleeces!

In Luke 17, Jesus is approached by the Pharisees with a question of His coming kingdom. Jesus digs to the heart of the matter, telling them that they are looking for the wrong thing - He is the kingdom of God! After the discussion, He turns to His disciples and begins to tell them the timeline of His coming kingdom. At the end of this conversation, He brings up one of the most fascinating and under-studied verses of all Scripture: "Remember Lot's wife." Join me in this episode as we dive into the significance of Luke 17:32 and the pillar of salt.

This episode is a completely different format than anything we have ever done before on Sandy Creek Stirrings. In this episode, I share with you a few random thoughts that have been on my mind - some musings, some "ponderings", some things that I have been meditating on. Like: - Something that seems to be on the rise and is being more accepted. - Something that I don't hear enough about anymore. - Something that is seeming to be questioned more and more in today's world. - A reality that I have come to see about Fundamentalism. - And last but not least, the silent enemy in our ranks. All these different things will be discussed in this episode - Things I Think.

There is a difference between just being a "woman" and being a lady. Our culture - our modern generation - has lost manners, etiquette, and the general principles of being a lady. The way someone carries themself and their behavior is important - even according to the Bible. Join me in this episode for 10 PRACTICAL principles on how to be a lady.