Psalm 103: 1-22 1. We Bless the Lord because He is a God of Countless Benefits A. Look at all the action verbs in the first seven verses:1. Forgives and heals2. Redeems and crowns3. Satisfies and renews4. Works and revealsB. Above all else, our God is knowable1. He desires a relationship with us2. He is a God of Grace A.In verse 8, David quotes directly from Exodus 341. God is gracious, compassionate, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast loveB.That grace is personified in Jesus 1. Through t...
Aug 14, 2023•40 min•Season 2Ep. 589
Psalm 127:1-5 1. Who is Building your House? A) The conditional clauses we see in verse 1 emphasize the futility of human effort without God B) Whether we are building a house, or protecting a city, we must be following God’s will in every effort C) If Jesus is not our foundation, we will have a life of anxiety instead of joy and rest 2. Are Our Children Arrows or Jewelry? A) The next generation is a blessing to us, but also our responsibility B) Do we want to protect our kids at all costs, or a...
Aug 07, 2023•39 min•Season 2Ep. 588
Psalm 84:1-12 1. We Worship God because He is our Sanctuary A) We should yearn for God in a way that can only be satisfied by communion with Him B) Just as the psalmist is drawn to the temple, so we are called to worship God collectively B1) There is strength in unity, when a church gathers together as one 2. We Worship God because He is our Strength A) Even when we walk through the valley of tears, our hearts are on the highway to Zion B) We aren’t alone B1) God is with us B2) When we journey w...
Aug 01, 2023•34 min•Season 2Ep. 587
Equipping and Empowering | Dr. Zach Crook Psalm 78:1-8 1. We Can’t Hide the Truth A) We can’t lose sight of the main thing – the gospel! B) Asaph shares the history of Israel and tells us about some great mysteriesB1) The first mystery is why did Israel not trust and obey God?B2) The second is how can God be so gracious?! 2. God Has Given Us a Testimony and a Law A) If God hadn’t spoken, we would be lost without any hopeA1) God has a given us a compass to navigate through the craziness of the tw...
Jul 24, 2023•39 min•Season 2Ep. 586
Psalm 73:1-17; 24-26 Truth #1: Our envy leads us away from God (v.3-14) Truth #2: Our hope comes from God (v.15-20) "If you are a believer, no matter how bad this world gets, it's as close to hell as you'll ever be because heaven is your home. The reality is that if you do not know Jesus, if you have not accepted Him as Lord of your life, no matter how this world gets, if you do not know Jesus, it is as close to heaven as you'll be because hell is your home." - Shane Pruitt, NAMB Next Generation...
Jul 17, 2023•34 min•Season 2Ep. 585
Psalm 71:1-24 1. We have Confidence because of God’s Faithfulness A) While David is approaching the end of his life, he is able to recount how faithful God has been for his entire life!B) There is so much we can learn from our senior saints who have been faithful to God for decades!B1) We need wisdom from our older generations and we should value them 2. A Hopeful Prayer A) David knows what others are saying about him, but he is leaning into God and his prayer is full of hope!B) If you still hav...
Jul 12, 2023•35 min•Season 2Ep. 584
Our Fortress | Dr. Zach CrookPsalm 46:1-11 1. God is our Refuge in Natural Troubles A) Because we live in a broken world, creation is groaning and there will be issuesB) It’s more than that, Psalm 46 is eschatological in nature and is talking about the natural disasters that come before Christ returns to judge the worldC) Though there may be temporary issues, God has us eternally secured 2. God is our Refuge in Societal Troubles A) The tremors don’t just affect the natural world, but all the nat...
Jul 12, 2023•35 min•Season 2Ep. 584
1. We Show God’s Heart for the Nations through SongA) We are called three times to sing to GodA1) Singing has been a way to worship God since the beginning of creation and will be something we do through all eternityB) Singing a new song is more than just being creative. It’s sharing about fresh experiences with God!C) Singing is a great way to point others to God 2. We Show God’s Heart for the Nations through MissionsA) We have a message, a method, and a mandateA1) The message is the gospelA2) ...
Jun 26, 2023•37 min•Season 2Ep. 583
1. Invest in Your Walk with the Lord A) There is no substitute for spending time with GodB) We need to cling to Him and allow Him to guide us 2. Invest in Your Work and Community A) In godly living, the judgment of God on humankind’s work (Genesis 3:17-19) is alleviated in that labor is truly blessed by God. A1) Work will be hard, but it can be a blessing B) We are blessed by God to impact our JerusalemB1) We should seek to improve of our city 3. Invest in Your FamilyA) This is a long-term inves...
Jun 19, 2023•32 min•Season 2Ep. 582
Psalm 42:1-11 We are ThirstyWe all long for something because we were made to craveWhen is the last time you have desperately sought God with all that you are?Without true sustenance, we realize how weak we really areIt’s Ok to LamentIn the midst of despair, pour out your heart to GodBe honest with your feelings!Have your tears ever been your food? - v. 3Have you ever felt forgotten? – v. 9Have you ever been taunted? – v. 10Simply put, you aren’t alone in those experiencesHope will See Us Throug...
Jun 12, 2023•32 min•Season 2Ep. 581
What’s Really Stellar?Psalm 19:1-14 1. God’s Glory is Seen in His Creation A. The heavens are messengers that are declaring the glory of God! B. Glory means weight, or significance. The incredible vastness and beauty of God’s creation should weigh on us!B1. When is the last time you have gone outside, looked into space, and pondered how it all came to be? 2. God’s Glory is Revealed in His Word A. David moves from general revelation to special revelationA1. General revelation is seen in things li...
Jun 05, 2023•34 min•Season 2Ep. 580
How Long? | Dr. Zach CrookPsalm 13:1-6 1. In this Life, Pain is RealA. David is crying out in anguish to God!1. He feels abandoned and ignoredB. It’s ok to be honest with God…He knows what you are thinking, anyway! 2. How Will You Deal with Pain? A. When you are in the midst of pain, where do you turn?1. Do we turn to God, or do we try to numb the pain ourselves?B. In order to make sure we are turning to God, we need to do a couple of things:1. Keep a regular habit of prayer2. Be honest in our p...
May 30, 2023•1 min•Season 2Ep. 579
Focused on the Right Things | Dr. Zach CrookPsalm 1:1-6 1. Focus on God’s WordA. Parallelism is the heart of Hebrew poetry1. He doesn’t walk, or stand, or sit2. We get the clear idea that we avoid sin!B. We find true satisfaction when our delight is in Scripture instead of sin! 2. Focus on Bearing Fruit A. The metaphor of a tree is intentional1. In Proverbs 3:18, a tree is a metaphor for wisdomB. In this passage, the idea of prospering is not tied to anything material, it isassociated with beari...
May 23, 2023•36 min•Season 2Ep. 578
What’s the Meaning of This? | Dr. Zach CrookDeuteronomy 6:20-25 1. We Admit we were once at RiskA. We show the next generation both authenticity and humility when we share that weneeded to be rescuedB. It must be known that it’s OK to not be OK! 2. We Share how God is our Rescuer A. Moses says four distinct things about God:1. He is our Deliverer2. He is omnipotent3. He is a Promise-Keeper4. He is our Sustainer 3. We Share our Response and Explain the Result A. God gives us the result before he ...
May 16, 2023•33 min•Season 2Ep. 577
He is Greater | Dr. Zach CrookJohn 3:22-30 1. God is Sovereign A. John the Baptist was the last prophet and really a celebrity to the Jewish people 1. He humbled himself and pointed others to Jesus B. John knew that any success he had was a gift from God C. Understanding God’s sovereignty leads us to embrace humility 2. I am Not the Christ A. The world doesn’t revolve around us B. Like John’s admission, we need to understand who the real hero of our story, and everystory, is… a. Jesus is the bri...
May 09, 2023•37 min•Season 2Ep. 575
How to Chase Away the Next Generation | Dr. Zach CrookDeuteronomy 6:16-19 How to Chase Away the Next Generation Deut. 6:16-19We Chase Away the Next Generation When: 1. We Don’t Trust God’s ProvisionA. Moses reminds the Israelites of their lack of trust in God in Exodus 171. The Israelites forgot about manna and wanted to go back to slavery2. Jesus was the rock in Exodus 17 and he is our provision as well – 1 Cor. 10:4 2. We Treat God’s Commands like Suggestions A. We are commanded to do things l...
May 02, 2023•35 min•Season 2Ep. 574
Families that Worship Together, Grow Together | Dr. Zach CrookDeuteronomy 6:10-15 1. We Should Worship God Because of His GraceA. Moses starts by reminding the Israelites they are about to enter into a situation wherethey will get blessing that they don’t deservea. We are no different B. We have access to both common grace and saving graceC. Grace should motivate us 2. We Should Worship God Because We Fear Him A. Deuteronomy 6:13 is the last verse Jesus quoted when he was temptedB. Two major asp...
Apr 25, 2023•36 min•Season 2Ep. 573
#values #parenting #truth No More Outsourcing | Dr. Zach CrookDeuteronomy 6:1-9 1. Build A RelationshipA. Passing our values on to our children requires a healthy relationshipB. God’s model for teaching biblical truth to young people calls, not only for a constantprocess, but for a relational model as wellC. We need both quality time and quantity time 2. Be an Example A. We are being watchedB. The way you live mattersa. Impress, talk, tie, bind, and write – all action verbs 3. Share the Truth A....
Apr 18, 2023•37 min•Season 2Ep. 572
Easter / April 9th, 2022 / Dr. Zach Crook Remember | Dr. Zach CrookLuke 24:1-12 1. Remember God’s WordA. When God speaks, we should pay attentionB. His Word gives us everything we need for life and godlinessC. When our lives are disoriented, his promises should be our anchor 2. Remember God’s Works A. Jesus didn’t just say it, he did itB. He lived a perfect life, willingly carried his cross, and died in our place!C. The tomb is empty!D. God’s past faithfulness is a great predictor of his future ...
Apr 11, 2023•35 min•Season 2Ep. 571
Be a Bringer | Dr. Zach CrookMark 2:1-12 1. Build RelationshipsA. In the Ancient Near East, people with disabilities were considered second classCitizens1. And yet, they were friends with him anyway!B. Just walk across the room! 2. Go Above and Beyond to be a Bringer! A. The men had a plan – get their friend to Jesus!B. The men persevered - These four men dug through 3-4 layers of the roof to try to gettheir friend in front of JesusC. They were willing for others to look at them foolishly1. Are ...
Apr 04, 2023•34 min•Season 2Ep. 570
Standing Firm | Dr. Zach Crook1 Peter 5:1-14 1. Be an ExampleA. Peter challenges leaders to set an example to others1. Nearly all of us lead someone and are being watchedB. God gives us an incredible promise that we will receive a crown for our faithfulness 2. Trust is KeyA. One aspect of trust is the humility to submit1. We need to embrace the fact that waiting is normal2. We submit to God in every area of our lives and cast our cares on HimB. A second aspect is being sober-minded and alert1. W...
Mar 28, 2023•32 min•Season 2Ep. 569
1. Our Response to TrialsA. We shouldn’t be surprised by trialsB. Since God is sovereign, we rejoice1. Piper – “In great suffering on earth there is great support from heaven!”C. We are sharing the sufferings of ChristD. When we rejoice in trials, we show that we are future-focused! 2. We Suffer for Christ’s Sake, Not our Own A. Peter actually says that there are right and wrong ways to suffer!1. There is nothing noble about suffering for our own sinfulness2. It brings glory to God when we suffe...
Mar 21, 2023•33 min•Season 2Ep. 568
1. Be In the World, but not of ItA. We don’t need to withdraw from the world, nor be immersed in it- We are like a boat, which is made to be in the water, but not have water in it!B. Worldliness is being consumed by the moment; it’s exchanging God for his giftsC. We live for a different Kingdom! 2. The End is NearA. Peter reminds us of our need for UrgencyB. Do we truly believe that Christ’s return is imminent?C. C. S. Lewis reminds us: “Aim at heaven, and you will get earth thrown in; aim at ea...
Mar 14, 2023•38 min•Season 2Ep. 567
1 Peter 3:8-22 contains instructions on how Christians should live and behave in difficult circumstances. Peter encourages believers to have unity, compassion, and humility towards one another, even when facing persecution or hardship. He also emphasizes the importance of submitting to authority and honoring those in leadership positions. Peter reminds believers that suffering for doing good is commendable and that they should not be afraid or intimidated by those who oppose them. He encourages ...
Mar 09, 2023•30 min•Season 2Ep. 566
1. Peter’s Wisdom for WivesA. Men and women are equal but have different roles- Submission is never forced!B. Don’t be defined by what you wear, but by your heart!C. Like Sarah, be willing to walk with your husband as you follow God’s call 2. Peter’s Wisdom for HusbandsA. Seek to understand and serve your wifeB. Honor and serve her!- Weaker? - not in terms of intelligence or capacity for leadership or wisdom- It just means physically weakerC. Co-heirs of grace – again showing equality 3. The Res...
Mar 02, 2023•31 min•Season 2Ep. 565
1. Submit as a WitnessA. Peter gives us two reasons why we submit: - These are institutions ordained by God. - Our humble submission and civic goodness help silence the foolish.B. This doesn’t mean there isn’t room for civil disobedience, but we obey every law that we can.- Peter was martyred for refusing to stop preaching the gospel, but most of us aren’t in that type of situation. 2. Fearing God Leads us to Honor OthersA. We honor everyone, including those in authority above us.B. Reverence an...
Feb 20, 2023•33 min•Season 2Ep. 564
1. Understand Your Need for God’s WordA. Peter gives three qualities to the Word of God:- It’s Imperishable – He quotes Isaiah 40:6-8- It’s Good News – He quotes Psalm 34:8- It’s Alive – Jesus is the Word! 2. Build Your Life on God’s WordA. The cornerstone is the most important part of any building!- Jesus has to be our foundation.B. Peter again quotes Isaiah and Psalms to support his argument.- Peter was following Christ’s example of quoting Scripture.- Of the 1800 verses that record Jesus, wor...
Feb 13, 2023•33 min•Season 2Ep. 563
1. We are NonconformistsA. Peter shifts from talking about the living hope we have to a challenge of how we should live.- We need to prepare our minds for action.B. We shouldn’t be conformed to this world.- We need to let God’s Word drive our worldview, not popular opinion. 2. We Should be HolyA. A defining mark of our faith should be holiness.B. We should conduct ourselves in reverential fear.C. Our commitment to God should be on a completely different level than our commitment to everything el...
Feb 06, 2023•33 min•Season 2Ep. 562
1. Our Hope is CertainA. Peter starts with a song.B. God’s mercy has given us a living hope!C. Peter reminds us that we have an incredible inheritance as sons and daughters of the King.D. We are living on Saturday, but Sunday is coming! 2. Our Hope Gives us Joy in TrialsA. We rejoice even when we are suffering because of our living hope.B. God is refining us in trials.- What if the pain of this life is God’s blessing in disguise?C. A faith that can’t be tested can’t be trusted.D. Remember the go...
Feb 01, 2023•31 min•Season 2Ep. 561
How do we reconcile what the Bible teaches as God’s goodness and all-powerful nature with the existence of evil in the world? What is the biblical answer to the question “Why do bad things happen to good people?” Having a biblical framework is crucial when bad things happen to us. 1. When we make bad decisions, CONFESS AND ASK FORGIVENESS.2. When others make bad decisions, FORGIVE THEM. 3. When disciplined by the Lord, REPENT.4. When tested, be PATIENT AND HAVE FAITH. When times of trouble do co...
Jan 24, 2023•39 min•Season 2Ep. 560
