The Old Testament, though often neglected by Christians today, is full of applicable truths. One account that holds much application for us is the narrative surrounding King Manasseh and his radical repentance. In this sermon, Pastor Jesse unpacks this account as seen in 2 Chron. 33. The narrative of Manasseh tells of a shockingly wicked Jewish kin…

There is a type of Christian friend who is closer than a brother - and Paul had several of these friends. In this sermon, Pastor Jesse walks us through Col. 4-7-18, concluding our study of Colossians. Here we see Paul call out several faithful brothers and sisters in Christ. We see the faithfulness of these believers and how they labored alongside …

Prayer is one of those spiritual topics that make people squirm. But although we may be tempted to either despair or to make excuses in regards to our lack of prayer life, we should let Scripture instruct us and help us grow. In this sermon, Pastor Jesse walks us through Col. 4-2-4. Here we see Paul lay out a pattern for prayer. Rediscover the impo…

Can you imagine being angry about God's mercy-- What about if His mercy was directed toward your worst enemies-- That's the situation in which Jonah found himself - and now God was ready to respond to the prophet's anger. In this sermon, Pastor Jesse concludes the book of Jonah by walking us through Jonah 4-5-11, where we see Jonah's failings and G…

Jonah is the prophet of unpredictability. First he did the opposite of what God told him to do. Then he finally did what God said and saw amazing results - but we see in this sermon that he is actually miserable over those results. Here Pastor Jesse walks us through Jonah 4-1-5, showing us a prophet who is petulant, sulking, and critical of the God…

Slavery is a sensitive topic in our modern culture. But it's an institution that is acknowledged in Scripture, and we shouldn't beat around the bush in regards to what Scripture says about those who were a part of it. In this sermon, Pastor Jesse walks us through Col. 3-22-4-1, unpacking Paul's instructions to Christian slaves and masters. Here we …

Family worship is more than a series of boxes to check off. It's a family conducted in a way that seeks to be well-pleasing to the Lord. In this sermon, Pastor Jesse walks us through Col. 3-20-21, showing us what it looks like to be children and parents that seek to honor the Lord. Discover the vital importance of obedience for children - and tangi…

John and Mary Wesley are a tragic example of a prominent Christian marriage gone sour. We can see this souring in John's letters that reveal cruel and harsh words toward his wife. In contrast, Martin and Katharina Luther's relationship shows how a Christian marriage can thrive, Martin showering Katharina with words of affection and both of them dem…

The Word of God can bring repentance for anyone. That's what we see in Jonah 3-6-10. In this sermon, Pastor Jesse walks us through the aftermath of Jonah's faithful preaching to the godless people of Nineveh - preaching which brought forth repentance. Discover who God is as you hear about His mercy to repentant sinners, and be humbled to know Him m…

Margaret Sanger. Elizabeth Cady Stanton. Gloria Steinem. Feminism, represented by women such as these, has held a lot of influence in our world - but it is, in reality, a cancer that undermines God's plan for women. In this sermon, Pastor Jesse unpacks Col. 3-18, walking us through Paul's instructions for wives to submit to their husbands. You'll s…

What would you do after being rescued from the belly of a giant fish-- In this sermon, Pastor Jesse walks us through Jonah 3-1-5, where we see God's recommissioning of Jonah to preach to the pagan city Nineveh. And we see how this time, Jonah obeys. Discover Jonah's uncharacteristic faithfulness to simply preach God's message, and the surprising re…

You need the right tools if you want to get a job done. The same is true spiritually. In this sermon, Pastor Jesse walks us through Col. 3-15-17, unpacking the spiritual tools of the Christian life. Here we see -1- the peace which is to rule, -2- the thankfulness which is to pervade, -3- the Word which is to dwell, and -4- the name in which all thi…

Jonah was tossed into the sea, and he expected death. But death didn't come. In this sermon, Pastor Jesse walks us through Jonah chapter 2, in which Jonah prays while inside the belly of a giant fish - recounting how the Lord saved him from certain death. Discover how the sovereignty of God manifested itself in an amazing way in Jonah's life, and g…

Are you wearing the dirty old clothes of your -old man--- In this sermon, Pastor Jesse unpacks Col. 3-8-11. Here we see certain attitudes and behaviors that have no place in a Christian's life, because they're consistent with the -old man.- Instead, believers have put on the -new man.- You'll see how things like anger and slander and lying need to …

Luke's account of the events leading up to and surrounding the incarnation of the Son of God are nothing if not a description of how His followers are supplied with true joy. In this climactic ending to our Christmas series, the point is clearly and aptly made that Christ's incarnation as the God-Man who would go on to be the sacrifice for the sins…

Darlene Diebler Rose, a missionary, experienced unexpected imprisonment in a labor camp in Papua New Guinea. There she was forced to do hard labor and went through severe physical languish - and her husband died in the meantime. Yet she was deeply unwavering in her faith and joy, and she said she would -do it all again- for her Savior. How could sh…

Tom Brady, superstar athlete, admitted that in spite of all his success, he knew there had to be more to life. But he didn't know the answer to what that higher purpose was. His riches and fame proved to be empty. In Ecclesiastes 2-1-11, we see something similar. In this sermon, Pastor Jesse walks us through Solomon's lavish pursuit of pleasure. Wi…

Did Christ descend into Hell after He died-- What does the Bible say about women working outside the home-- Should women cover their heads when they pray-- How can you tell the difference between legitimate mental illness and sin-- In this special Q-A session, Pastor Jesse answers all of these questions and more.…

An airport in December is something of a sad and dreary place. It's full of holiday decorations and a veneer of Christmas cheer, and yet most of the people there are trying to reach a destination but don't know where they're ultimately going. In this sermon, Pastor Jesse unpacks Titus 3-3, drawing out the characteristics of a world system starved f…

People escaping slavery in America would often use songs as a code to coordinate escape efforts. One of these songs was -Follow the Drinking Gourd,- a code for following the Big Dipper which pointed to the North Star. In a similar way, Christians need to follow our -True North-- Christ. In this sermon, Pastor Jesse walks us through Col. 3-1-4, show…

Is Jonah a -type- of Christ-- What is the proper way to interpret Old Testament narratives like Jonah in light of the New Testament-- Jesus makes a famous reference to Jonah in Matt. 12-38-41, opening up a lot of debate as to how the narrative of Jonah is to be interpreted in light of Christ. In this sermon, Pastor Jesse walks us through Christ's r…

Human beings are inherently -glory-robbers.- And one of the most insidious ways we try to bring glory to ourselves is through self-made religion. In this sermon, Pastor Jesse unpacks Col. 2-20-23, showing us the error and emptiness of self-imposed regulations. You'll see how the rules you impose on yourself have no value - and how only believing in…

Do you believe a man could be swallowed by a fish, stay in its belly for three days, and come out alive-- It actually happened to Jonah. But this amazing event isn't even the main point of the story. In this sermon, Pastor Jesse walks us through Jonah 1-14-17. Here we see the humble repentance of pagan sailors - and the mighty, sovereign power of G…

There are no new heresies - just wrong teaching recycled in repackaged ways for new audiences. In this sermon, Pastor Jesse unpacks Col. 2-18-19, teaching us about several aspects of the Colossian heresy and the danger the heresy presented to the Colossian believers through its promotion of false humility, false worship, visions, arrogance, and lac…

It's a sad thing when the actions of unbelievers put the actions of professing followers of God to shame. That's the case in Jonah 1-8-13. In this sermon, Pastor Jesse walks us through the consequences Jonah and his pagan shipmates experience because of his rebellious disobedience... and Jonah's lack of repentance even in the midst of those consequ…

Would any man go on an anniversary dinner with his wife and stare at a photo of her the whole time rather than at her-- No- And yet, that's what the false teachers at Colossae were doing when they promoted adherence to certain requirements from the Mosaic Law. In this sermon, Pastor Jesse walks us through Col. 2-16-17, showing us the danger of focu…

A rebellious prophet and a raging storm - that's the backdrop for Jonah 1-3-7. In this sermon, Pastor Jesse unpacks Jonah's attempt to flee from the mission God gave to him, and the disastrous results of his rebellion. Discover the power and character of God as He exposes Jonah's sin and exercises control over the forces of nature to discipline him…

Recently the Miami Hurricanes football team ran the ball in the final few seconds of the game, even though they could have taken a knee and run down the clock for the win. They subsequently fumbled the ball, and the opposing team recovered it for a touchdown to win the game. Similarly, in Col. 2-13-15, Paul tells the Colossian believers that their …

Is the book of Jonah still relevant to people in the 21st century-- The answer is a resounding yes- In this sermon, Pastor Jesse introduces the book of Jonah, walking us through the setting, the themes, and the first 2 verses. You'll see how an ancient book about a disobedient prophet who gets swallowed by a giant fish can lead us to grow in our lo…

There is a danger of -going through the motions- of Christianity - of elevating form over substance. In this sermon, Pastor Jesse walks us through Col. 2-11-12. Here Paul combats the false teaching at Colossae, that was emphasizing physical acts like circumcision, by pointing out that we have everything in Christ. Discover why the spiritual realiti…

-Is God dead--- That was the question posed by abolitionist Sojourner Truth in response to Frederick Douglass's call for a violent approach to abolitionism. The obvious answer is- no- Psalm 93 provides a testament to the fact that although life can be overwhelming, God remains on the throne. In this sermon, Pastor Jesse walks us through this psalm,…

The wisdom of the world is empty - but the fullness of God in Christ makes us complete. In this sermon, Pastor Jesse unpacks Col. 2-8-10. Here you'll see the foolishness of following the thinking presented by the world, in light of the fact that Christ has the fullness of deity in Himself and makes us -full- in Him. Listen, be reminded of the fulln…

We often face troubles in life, and sometimes we're tempted to run and hide. But why hide when you can -seek- - that is, seek refuge in the Lord-- In this sermon, Pastor Jesse unpacks Psalm 11, showing how David responded to extremely difficult circumstances. In David's response, you'll see that even when righteousness and justice don't seem to exi…

The foundation is the most important part of any house. A sure and steady foundation can withstand any of the elements, while a house without a foundation will face sure ruin. In this sermon, Pastor Jesse walks us through Col. 2-5-7, showing us the elements of foundational faith. Discover what it means to have a faith that will stand strong - and h…

Believers are -guided into the truth.- We also help guide others into the truth - through evangelism, for example. In this sermon, Pastor Jesse walks us through the account of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8-25-40. Here we see an example of a lost man who needed the truth, and of a faithful evangelist who gave it to him. Listen, and be en…

How should a believer engage with God's Word-- In this message, Pastor Jesse addresses that question as he goes through the basics of reading, understanding, and living out the Bible in your life. He walks us through how to interpret the Bible, how to read the Bible, how to meditate on the Bible, and how to apply the Bible to life. You'll see how w…

-We can accomplish more by putting time and strength into prayer than we can by putting the same amount of time and strength into anything else.- R.A. Torrey said that, and Paul would agree. In this sermon, Pastor Jesse goes through Colossians 2-1-4, showing us Paul's struggle of prayer on behalf of the Colossian believers. You'll see Paul's desire…

Have you ever wondered why Scripture isn't easier to understand-- In this message, Pastor Jesse walks us through the concept of the clarity of Scripture. He goes into the doctrines of the illumination of and perspicuity -clarity- of the Bible. You'll discover how the Holy Spirit is our Teacher and that the Bible really is meant to be understood. Li…

Statistics show a propensity in society toward perpetual adolescence- adult children still living at home well into their twenties. But spiritually speaking, it shouldn't be this way in the church. In this sermon, Pastor Jesse unpacks Col. 1-28-29. Here you'll see the importance of working toward maturity - and helping others attain the same goal.…

Many challenges to the Bible have come up over the years, from cults to critics to everything in between. In this message, Pastor Jesse gives us a hodgepodge of various challenges to the Bible in history. First he goes through the false translations and additions made by the Jehovah's Witness and Mormon cults. Then he dives into the phenomenon of K…

Social media has opened up a wave of self-proclaimed ministers - and the concept of doing ministry has been watered down as a result. But Paul's ministry wasn't based on building a platform or a following. It was one that compelled him to exalt Christ and expend himself. In this sermon, Pastor Jesse unpacks Col. 1-24-27. Here you'll get a glimpse i…

How did we get our English Bibles-- Why are there so many translations-- What are the best translations to use for in-depth Bible study-- In this message, Pastor Jesse walks us through the history of English Bible translation, from the very first English Bibles -before the printing press was invented- to the popular translations of the modern day. …

The concept of -identity- -and of changing your identity- has been a fascination of society for a long time. But the most important -changed identity- is that which is brought about by the Gospel - people who were hostile against God and doing evil are now reconciled and holy. In this sermon, Pastor Jesse walks us through Col. 1-21-23, which teache…

How did we get our New Testament-- When was the canon -established--- How do we know we have the right books-- In this message, Pastor Jesse discusses the concept of the canonization of the New Testament, including -1- how it originated, -2- how it came to be recognized, and -3- how the evidence bears witness to its accuracy. Listen and be encourag…