In 1 Timothy 3, ,Paul tells Timothy, “Those who serve well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also great confidence in the faith that is in Christ Jesus.” This statement is a reminder to me that the office of deacon doesn’t originate in the mind of a mere man. Deacons are Jesus’ idea. He was the one who established this office through the ministry ...

A couple Sundays ago, we kicked off “Operation Andrew,” a church-wide effort to pray for those who don’t know Christ and invite them to believe in Jesus. So far, I’ve challenged you to (1) List the names of ten people who don’t know Christ and pray for them every day, and (2) let them know you’re praying for them. How’s it going? ...

At the turn of the year, we have a chance to make a positive, intentional change. The problem is that we grow impatient: we set ambitious goals and get frustrated because we don’t see any immediate progress. But it’s the tiny improvements we make that are likely to have the greatest impact in the long run. This week, I challenge you to consider three small life changes...

Let’s face it: while our “new man” desires to know the Lord and to spend time with Him, the “old man,” our sin-twisted former self (the “flesh”), still gropes for influence in our lives; every day is a strenuous contest between the Spirit and the flesh. ...

As we approach the Christmas holiday and prepare to spend time with family, I’m mindful of just how many of you are planning on spending time with grown children who have chosen not to follow Christ. Here are five encouragements based on patterns I’ve observed as a pastor....

Generally, I’m not a sentimental person, but that kind of changes in the month of December. I love Christmas lights, Christmas movies, Christmas carols, and all the other kitschy Christmas traditions that feel old-timey and familiar. One of my favorite features of the Christmas season, however, isn’t sentimental at all....

There was a time—not long ago—when almost all Christians were committed to attending weekly worship every single Sunday unless providentially hindered or engaged in necessary work. This is no longer typical. Sports, travel, recreation, “family time,” and a whole host of other activities keep us from gathering with the church. I don’t think this shift has been hea...

Many who start out well, who have all the advantages, end up spluttering out long before the finish line, while their less impressive peers go further than anyone expects. ...

Most southern Baptist churches in Texas partner with each other through the Baptist General Convention of Texas (BGCT), including many churches in our local association. However, Indian Creek is affiliated with the other state convention, the Southern Baptists of Texas Convention (SBTC). Why? To answer that question in might help if I share a little of the history of the S...

The reason the Southern Baptist Convention has thrived over the years is because of something called the Cooperative Program. It’s a voluntary effort in which thousands of churches pool their resources under the conviction that “we can do more together than we can apart.” ...