My 12/8/19 AM sermon, The Birth of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:18-25), is now online. This sermon dug into the familiar narrative of Jesus’ birth to help us see the progression of how God brought Jesus into the world. This sermon continues a short series I’m doing through Matthew 1 and 2 to help us marvel at the incarnation of Jesus the King. I hope it encourages you.
Some Advent/Christmas Stuff (2019)

There are lots of tools that I use during the Advent/Christmas season. Each year, I’m trying to find new music, resources, to other things that might help my worship.
Some books/reading:
I’m reading Repeat the Sounding Joy by Christopher Ash. This is a simple devotional walking through Luke 1-2. Speaking of Luke, I saw on social media a reading plan that meant reading Luke 1-24 on the days leading up to Advent, so I designed this plan to read, using the Illuminated Scripture Journal on Luke.

Using Tony Reinke’s #IsaiahChristmas plan, I’m incorporating his notes into a fresh reading of Isaiah. And, I’m also reading the He Reads Truth Advent Devotional. Also, there’s a section of Paul Miller’s JCurve book that focuses in on Incarnation. Been thinking about this a lot.
I’ll probably do a follow up on some music for this year.
Weekend Recap – Backstory
My 12/1/19 AM sermon at Crestview, The (Glorious) Backstory out of Matthew 1:1-17, is now online. This was the first sermon in a short series I’m preaching for Advent out of Matthew 1 and 2. And, I spent the sermon digging into the backstory of Jesus. How did the Old Testament anticipate Him? How do God’s promises find a face in Jesus?
I hope this sermon helps kickoff Advent well for you. Enjoy.
A Psalm for Thanksgiving
1 Praise the LORD! I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart, in the company of the upright, in the congregation.
2 Great are the works of the LORD, studied by all who delight in them.
3 Full of splendor and majesty is his work, and his righteousness endures forever.
4 He has caused his wondrous works to be remembered; the LORD is gracious and merciful.
5 He provides food for those who fear him; he remembers his covenant forever.
6 He has shown his people the power of his works, in giving them the inheritance of the nations.
7 The works of his hands are faithful and just; all his precepts are trustworthy;
8 they are established forever and ever, to be performed with faithfulness and uprightness.
9 He sent redemption to his people; he has commanded his covenant forever. Holy and awesome is his name!
10 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!
Thanksgiving Resources 2019
This past Sunday, we sang the Getty’s song My Heart Is Filled With Thankfulness. We also prayed this prayer from Thomas Cranmer…
Almighty God, Father of all mercies,
We, your unworthy servants, give humble and hearty thanks
for all your goodness and loving-kindness to us and to all people;
we bless you for our creation, preservation, and all the blessings of this life;
but, above all, for your amazing love
in the redemption of the world through our Lord Jesus Christ;
for the means of grace;
and for the hope of glory.
And, we pray, give us that due sense of all your mercies,
that our hearts may be truly thankful
and that we may declare your praise
not only with our lips but in our lives,
by giving up ourselves to your service,
and by walking before you in holiness and righteousness all our days;
through Jesus Christ our Lord,
to whom, with you and the Holy Spirit, be all honor and glory,
now and forever. Amen.
Some other articles that I’ve found helpful are here from CCEF:
Thankful People by David Powlison
“Gratitude happens when you take to heart a good gift that brings you great pleasure. In what follows, I offer you old, seasoned gifts: a hymn, a prayer, and a poem. Each intends to prime the pump of your thankfulness.”
I Am Not Giving Thanks by Ed Welch
“We do not give thanks for oppression or victimization, and we do not give thanks for cancer, spinal cord injuries, or even more innocuous things like headaches.”
Instilling Gratitude in Your Family by Julie Lowe
“Gratitude does not come naturally to us, but it can be cultivated. It acknowledges that no matter my condition, my possessions, my sufferings, or my blessings, we are rich in the ways the world cannot quantify.”
Have a great Thanksgiving week!
Weekend Recap – Kingdom Kindness

My 11/24/19 AM sermon at Crestview Bible Church, Kingdom Kindness (2 Samuel 10), is now online. This sermon was my final sermon in 2 Samuel before Advent. It dug into what to expect when our kindness and love are rejected in this world. I’m hoping it helps us persevere in doing good. Enjoy.
Weekend Recap – Kingdom Promises

My 11/17/19 AM sermon, Kingdom Promises (2 Samuel 8-9), is now online. This sermon dug into the outcome of the promises God made to David in chapter 7. Specifically, God keeps His promise to David, expanding the reach of David’s kingdom. And, in chapter 9, David keeps his promise to Jonathan, extending kindness to Jonathan’s son, Mephibosheth. I hope this sermon encourages you.
Weekend Recap – Forever Kingdom

My 11/10/19 AM sermon, A Forever Kingdom (2 Samuel 7), is now online. This sermon was one of the more significant passages in 1 and 2 Samuel, where God makes a covenant with David. This passage is more about God than us, but I did try to offer some application for us from this passage. I hope this sermon encourages you. Have a great week
Weekend Recap – Passion for God’s Presence

My 11/3/19 AM sermon, Passion for God’s Presence from 2 Samuel 6, is now online. We’re back in 2 Samuel for the weeks leading up to Advent. And, this sermon dug into David bringing the ark of the covenant into Jerusalem. Many of the applications related to corporate worship. I hope this sermon encourages you.
Well Served
I’ve been so well served over the past couple of weeks.
First off, Meghan and I were able to attend the Here We Still Stand Conference on October 15-20. This was held in beautiful San Diego, CA. We enjoyed the time together to rest, enjoy California burritos, take in the conference, and get some time away from our children. It was a blessing for us to also get to hang out with some old and new friends.
Kole Farney preached Matthew 7:13-14 on The Narrow Way the Sunday we were returning from the conference. It was an encouraging word to consider Jesus’ standard for His followers.
Yesterday, Luke preached on No Lasting City from Hebrews 13:14. Luke’s friendship, honesty, and living what he believes are some great benefits from God. This sermon gave some vulnerability and helped us chart a course forward in following Christ.
So, these are some blessings I’ve been reveling in. Check out these links and maybe you could be encouraged as well.
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