Pastor at Dover Baptist Church in Goochland, VA.
The Setting for the Revelation (John 3:22–26) After explaining the mystery of new birth to Nicodemus, Jesus shifts from words to action: “After this, Jesus and his disciples went out into the Judean countryside, where he spent time with them and baptized” (John 3:22, ESV). John 4:2 later clarifies that it was not Jesus but... Continue Reading →
I. The Weight of a Calling Our passage begins with just five words from John the Baptist. But behind those five words stands a lifetime of longing, preparation, and prophetic expectation. "The next day again John was standing with two of his disciples, and he looked at Jesus as he walked by and said, ‘Behold,... Continue Reading →
I. The Time of the Beginning (Mark 1:1; Luke 3:1-2) Mark doesn’t ease us into his Gospel. He opens with the forceful declaration: “The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” (Mark 1:1, ESV). There’s no mention of mangers or Magi, no angelic announcements to Mary or Joseph. Mark skips the... Continue Reading →
Luke 2:21-38 records the circumcision and naming of Jesus, as well as when the young Jesus was presented in the Temple. It also beautifully illustrates the theme of obedience to God’s law through faith. This passage reminds us that faith is not just about belief but about living in obedience to God. Like those in... Continue Reading →
Sermon Audio: LINK Scripture Reading: Matthew 6:5-15 ESV And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray,... Continue Reading →
"Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning... Continue Reading →
Sermon Audio: LINK Welcome: Today, we embark on a new sermon series focused on the Sermon on the Mount, found in Matthew chapters 5 through 7. However, I’d like to devote this morning to setting the stage and laying a foundation that will support us as we explore Jesus’ teachings in the weeks ahead. As... Continue Reading →
Sermon Audio: LINK Series Introduction: This morning, we find ourselves once more in the company of the Israelites, standing at the very banks of the Jordan River, with the long-awaited, fruitful land of their forefathers finally within sight. The fulfillment of a divine promise made to Abraham generations ago draws near. After enduring centuries of... Continue Reading →
Sermon Audio: LINK Series Introduction So far, in our sermon series on Exodus, we recounted the history of the Israelites' oppression in Egypt and their dramatic liberation led by Moses. Initially, the Israelites suffered harsh slavery under a new Pharaoh who feared their growing numbers and ordered the killing of their newborn boys. Moses was... Continue Reading →
Works Consulted: Complete Topical Guide to the Bible (Baker Books, 2017); Corporate Worship (9 Marks, 2021); Biblical Worship: Theology For God’s Glory (Kregal Academy; 2021); Evangelical Dictionary of Theology (Baker Books; 2001), Theology for Ministry (Zondervan: 2022) PART 1: A THEOLOGY OF BIBLICAL WORSHIP: Who We Worship? The Bible firmly establishes that God alone is... Continue Reading →
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