Feed My Sheep

Why does God allow pain? There's no easy answer. But there are several reasons he may allow his children to suffer. In this study of Judges 10, we learn... Some of the reasons God allows us to suffer Two leaders you've probably never heard of God disciplines us to grow us Warning against idols of the heart Thanks for listening! You can visit the Sermon Hub to find over 650 other sermons arranged by topic and book of the Bible. 

God uses "crooked sticks" to make straight lines. Judges 8 tells the sad conclusion of Gideon's life, but it helps us do a reality check on our own leaders today. In this study, we learn... Gideon's ups and downs How God can still use you in spite of your past Choosing a soft answer to turn away wrath Surprising appearances in the hall of faith

Join us on a verse-by-verse study through the Book of Judges. This week continues the story of Gideon and his famous battle against the Midianites. 

How can we know the will of God? Gideon conducts an interesting experiment by "laying down a fleece." Is this a practice we should continue? In this study of Judges 6, we learn... How to avoiding both paralysis and mysticism in our decision-making How the Midianites bullied a nation The jealousy of God Gideon's fleece Five principles of decision-making Thanks for listening! For a complete list of sermons please visit the sermon hub page on my blog.

In this study of Judges 5, we learn... The Bible contains many types of literature What to do when you feel trapped and afraid Christians are engaged in a kind of "holy war" The benefit of great songs to commemorate great events Thanks for listening. For a complete list of sermons organized by book of the Bible and by topic, please visit the sermon hub on my blog.

Computers are a powerful tool, but can be frustrating when they don't work properly. In a similar way, humans were made to know and love God, but sin has infected our intended purpose. In this study of Judges 2, we learn... How Christians should respond to tragedy, such as last year's Palisades Fire Who exactly is the "angel of the Lord"? How apostasy can infect a local church The Cycle of Sin How God has shielded us from his own wrath through Christ Thanks for listening! For a complete list of sermons, please visit the sermon hub page on my blog.

The curtains open on the Book of Judges at a dark and frightening time in Israel's history.  In this study of Judges 1, we learn... The danger of trying to do life on our own Comfort for those who are afraid Why Israel struggled to conquer and inhabit the land of Canaan The need for courage in a dark world Thanks for listening. For a complete list of sermons, please visit the Sermon Hub on my blog.

We have much to be thankful for. Satan doesn't want you thankful. He wants you worried. Discouraged. Offended. Complaining of how things could be better. But God says we can find something to give thanks in everything. In this final section of the Book of Colossians, we learn... Things I'm thankful for in my first year at Calvary Church What Paul's greetings tell us about church life in the first century Two friends that were a big help to the Apostle Paul Why ethnic diversity is a good thing in a local church How a church becomes a "band of brothers"  Thanks for listening. You can find more sermons on my sermon hub page. 

Jesus said you are the salt of the earth and the light of the world. What exactly does that mean? How do you know if you're succeeding? In this study of Colossians 4:2-6, we learn... How to develop the habit and mindset of prayer How we can pray for one another Trusting God when he closes a door What to do when you're surrounded by darkness A challenge not to waste the precious time God has given us Thanks for listening. For a complete list of sermons, please visit my sermon hub page.

We spend more time working than almost any other human activity. Yet how many of us have developed a theology of work? In this study of Colossians 3:22-4:1, we learn... How work is one of our greatest acts of devotion toward God Respecting those in authority Staying faithful in the little things Thoughts on slavery in the Bible and our American founding Instructions for those who manage and supervise A great quote by Martin Luther King Jr. on our work Thanks for listening! You can find more sermons on the Sermon page of my blog. 

Whether your child is 2 years old or already a teenager, one of the most important lessons you can teach them is the idea of spiritual authority. How can this be done in loving, meaningful ways? In this study of Colossians 3:20-21, we learn... What is means to honor your father and mother How to handle temper tantrums Should we discipline our kids? How? When? What does it mean to "provoke our children" to anger? God's wisdom in the parent-child relationship Thanks for listening. For a complete list of my sermons, please visit the sermon hub on my blog.

Marriage is the most challenging, yet most rewarding, commitment you'll ever make. In this study of Colossians 3:18-19, we learn... The secret to a lasting marriage Does a wife really have to "submit" to her husband? How husbands can learn to love like Christ An important caveat - "do not be harsh" Thanks for listening! For a complete list of all my sermons, please visit the Sermon Hub on my blog.

The "Worship wars" may have reached their height in the 1990s, but churches still struggle how to remain both rooted and relevant. In this study of Colossians 3:15-17, we learn... What I say when people ask what denomination our church is How to find peace in Christ What does it mean for the word of Christ to "dwell" in us? A brief history lesson of praise and worship Finding balance between traditional and contemporary The centrality of scripture in our worship Thanks for listening. For a complete list of sermons, please visit my Sermon page on my blog.

"I forgive you" is one of the hardest things you'll ever say, but it will take a huge weight off your shoulders. In this study of Colossians 3:13-14, we dive into the topic of forgiveness, what Christ has done for us, and how we can put the past behind us and truly reconcile with others.

One of the most important principles in counseling and parenting is to understand the idea of "putting off" and "putting on." It's not enough to stop doing bad things. With God's help, we need to replace that harmful behavior with positive acts of obedience. In this study of Colossians 3:12, we learn... Our identity in Christ as chosen, holy, and beloved To cultivate a heart of compassion To practice kindness toward others To grow in humility and meekness Practical tips to help you "put on" Christian virtue Thanks for listening. For a complete list of sermons, please visit the Sermon page on my blog.

Fragments of the Dead Sea Scrolls are now on display at the Reagan Presidential Library, and our church is taking a field trip to see them this Friday. In preparation for our trip, I taught a seminar last week on what the scrolls are and how to make the most of this visit. My apologies for the poor audio quality. I just set up my cell phone and recorded the audio so there's some echo and ambient noise in the room.

Life is short. Jesus is coming. Don't you want to spend your life doing something of eternal impact? One of the greatest ways we can redeem the time is by being committed to a local church -- the only institution Jesus said he would build. To attend it, to serve it, to build it up, to support it. Now that’s laying up treasure in heaven! In this second sermon on church membership, we learn... What is church membership? How Jesus' return will take people by surprise What is a spiritual gift? How is this different than a natural talent? Shrinking church attendance in America How church membership encourages faithfulness Being "equally yoked" for the gospel Thanks for listening! For a complete list of lessons, please visit my sermon page.

There are a lot of modern misconceptions about church membership. In this two-part study, Pastor Stephen explains the purpose of church membership and walks through the commitments of our church member covenant. In this lesson, we learn... How church membership is different than other memberships and loyalty clubs The value of commitment in a local church Ways we can promote church unity How church life is like team sports Encouragement to invite more visitors to church  

30% of adults report struggling to control their anger. And 64% of teens and young adults admit they have uncontrolled anger. Do you have an anger problem? In this study of Colossians 3:8, we learn... Why anger is so dangerous Getting to the heart of the matter Is it ever OK to be angry? Five strategies to overcome anger How Jesus can give you peace Thanks for listening. For a complete list of sermons organized by book of the Bible, please visit the Sermon page on my blog.

How should we deal with sinful thoughts and desires that creep into our minds? The Apostle Paul says to put them to death. In this study, we learn... When is sex right and when is it wrong? How should we respond to someone who says, "Love is love"? Idolatry in western culture Why God's holiness requires judgment Practical advice to overcome sexual temptation Thanks for listening. For a complete list of sermons organized by book of the Bible, please visit the Sermon page on my blog. 

If you're not careful, your mind will drift, and you'll start thinking and acting more like the world. You'll forget your identity in Christ. What you need is a regular tune-up or re-calibration. In this study of Colossians 3:1-4, we learn... The difficulty of finding a quiet place alone with God  Why do we often set our mind on earthly things? Your identity in Christ changes everything The role of Scripture in recalibrating the mind Thanks for listening. For a complete list of sermons organized by book of the Bible, please visit the Sermon page on my blog.

Like the parable of the soils, we are to sow the seed of the gospel in all kinds of soil, leaving the results to God. In this Bible study, we learn how to share the gospel truthfully and urgently yet in a sprit of love.  (Part 4 in our evangelism training class at Calvary Church West Hills)

"Anyone Can Cook!" said chef Gusteau in the movie Ratatouille. As Christians, we might also say, "Anyone can share the gospel!" We actually have a duty to be salt and light as part of Jesus' Great Commission. You might think an "evangelist" is a highly trained and gifted specialist, but God wants all of us to grow in confidence as evangelists. Find out more in this week's episode. You will be encouraged that even if you feel inadequate, God is ready to use you. (Part three of our Evangelism Class at Calvary Church West Hills) 

Can you explain the gospel simply? Would you be able to lead a person to Christ? The gospel is the power of God that leads to salvation, but some of us struggle to put it into words. In this Bible study lesson, we learn... What is evangelism? What are some reasons we don't evangelize? What the gospel isn't What the gospel is A simple, helpful outline of the gospel This is part two of an Evangelism Class taught at Calvary Church in Fall 2024 and Winter 2025. Thanks for listening!

Want to learn how to share the gospel more effectively? Maybe you've wondered why it's so hard to talk about Jesus with unbelievers. In this Bible Study lesson, we answer the question, "Why Don't We Evangelize?" By the end of this lesson you should be able to... Follow the outline and flow of our new Evangelism Class Understand Peter's denial and how Jesus restored him Be aware of excuses we all make in why we don't evangelize Take twelve steps to evangelize more faithfully This is part one of an Evangelism Class taught at Calvary Church in Fall 2024 and Winter 2025. Thanks for listening!

As sinners, we deserve only one thing. We deserve hell. The wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23; Matt. 25:46). But if we place our faith in Christ, we don't get what we deserve. There is freedom and forgiveness in Christ. In this sermon, we learn... A review of the first two chapters of Colossians How the gospel frees us from the power of sin Common areas where legalism can creep in Should we expect new revelation like visions and dreams today?

It's no fun to lose. In this study of 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, we learn... The prize that awaits those who finish the race of life Paul's love for athletic images in Scripture Why we should invest in heaven The danger of being disqualified from ministry Practical ways to grow in self-control Thanks for listening. To find a complete list of sermons by topic or scripture passage, please visit the Sermon Hub on my blog.  

New year, new you! Many people want change and self-improvement. The deepest and most meaningful kind of change starts with the heart. In this study of Romans 12:1-2, we learn... why we should present our bodies as living sacrifices to God common ways the world tries to press us into its image The need for a steady diet of Scripture to renew the mind The role of the Holy Spirit in transformation Resisting worldly influence and pursuing a life rooted in Christ Thanks for listening. For a complete list of sermons organized by book of the Bible, please visit the Sermon page on my blog.

In today's lesson, we learn about the important doctrine of union with Christ. Spiritual circumcision and baptism are two metaphors the Bible uses for the spiritual transformation that is ours through his shed blood. Because of Christ's victory, we have new life. Praise God, the debt we owed him has been paid in full!

Who can you trust? How do you know what's true? In this sermon, we discuss... The danger of false doctrine and empty philosophy Jesus as the source of wisdom and protection against error Why pursuing wisdom is like going on a treasure hunt What exactly is gnosticism, and why were the Colossians at risk?  An opportunity to trust in Christ today Thanks for listening. For a complete list of sermons organized by book of the Bible, please visit the Sermon page on my blog.

The goal of all preaching is to see people made complete in Christ Jesus. In this study of Colossians 1:24-29, we learn... Why you can rejoice in times of suffering What's the difference between teaching and preaching? Simple ways you can serve the Lord The role of admonishing in your spiritual growth  Thanks for listening. For a complete list of sermons organized by book of the Bible, please visit the Sermon page on my blog. 

Conflict is unavoidable. In this sinful world, you will sometimes be offended and disappointed, and you will let others down as well. How can you become a more peaceful person? In this study of Colossians 1:21-23, we discover... The reason God saved you How sanctification is a process, not a one-time event That peace with others begins by finding peace with God Taking the first step in reconciliation The importance of patience and forgiveness Thanks for listening. For a complete list of sermons listed by topic and book of the Bible, please visit my Sermon Page.

Only Jesus provides a sure foundation for his church. In this study of Colossians 1:15-20, we learn... that Jesus is head of the church What does it means that he is "firstborn from the dead"? How the church is a unified body with diverse roles Our hope in a future resurrection Finding peace with God and others The urgency of making peace with God while there's still time Thanks for listening. For a complete list of my sermons and Bible studies, please visit the Sermon Page on my blog.

People debate who is the "GOAT" (greatest of all time) in sports. Here in Colossians 1:15-20, we see that Jesus is the true GOAT! The image of the invisible God. The firstborn of all creation. The one through whom all things were created. No one can compete with the supremacy and glory of Christ. In this sermon, we learn... Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. He is not just an imprint or likeness of God; He is the perfect representation and equality with God. This means he is fully God. that Jesus always existed, even before His physical birth. Jesus is actually the object of our worship, and God alone deserves worship. Encouragement to make Jesus the center of their lives and worship. Thanks for listening. For a complete list of my sermons and Bible studies, please visit the Sermon Page on my blog.

No matter the trials you face, God can help you endure and keep an attitude of thankfulness. 

Paul prays that the church would "walk in a manner worthy of the Lord." In this study, we learn... What does it mean to "walk" with God? A life lesson from the great John Wooden Why maturity leads to fruitfulness God is the most interesting person in the universe Thanks for listening. For a complete list of my sermons and Bible studies, please visit the Sermon Page on my blog.

Wouldn't it be great if you could know God's will for your life? God wants you to know his will. In this lesson, we learn... What the Apostle Paul prays for Dangerous doctrines in Colossae The two "wills" of God What you can know for sure about God's will How to make practical decisions in life Thanks for listening. For a complete list of sermons and Bible studies, please visit my Sermon Page. 

Missionary C.T. Studd once said, "I cannot tell you what joy it gave me to bring the first soul to the Lord Jesus Christ. I have tasted almost all the pleasures that this world can give...but I can tell you that those pleasures were as nothing compared to the joy that the saving of that one soul gave me.” In the final part of this sermon, we talk about the place of missions in the local church.

The Holy Spirit is alive and active! He alone gives you the power to obey the Great Commission.

The responsibility of being a witness did not end with Peter and the original twelve apostles. Each new generation is expected to "grab the baton" and faithfully pass it on to the next generation.

One of the signs of a healthy church is that they're growing in their passion for the lost and their commitment to take the gospel to the nations. 

There's an old statistic that says 80% of church ministry is done by 20% of the people. What if we could change that statistic, and have a larger percentage of members exercising their gifts in the body of Christ? In this message, we consider what it looks like practically when God gives his church a "mind to work."

Like Israel in the days of Nehemiah, Christians must remain dependent on God even as we work hard to advance the gospel. 

When Israel's enemies mocked and threatened them, Nehemiah led the people to pray to God for help. This sermon on Nehemiah 4 was preached at Calvary Church West Hills on Sunday, April 28, 2024 as part of our introductory series of the five foundations of ministry. For more info on our church, please visit our website. For a complete list of my sermons and Bible studies organized by category, please visit the sermon page on my blog. I'm trying out a new style of podcast that turns one sermon into several shorter podcast episodes. Let me know what you think of this new format!

Are you busy and want to listen to sermons in smaller, bite-sized portions? I'm testing out a new format of breaking one sermon down into several podcast episodes that are only 10-15 minutes long. Let me know what you think! This sermon on Nehemiah 4 was preached at Calvary Church West Hills on Sunday, April 28, 2024 as part of our introductory series of the five foundations of ministry. For more info on our church, please visit our website. For a complete list of my sermons and Bible studies organized by category, please visit the sermon page on my blog.  

From the moment a person visits our campus or checks out our website, we want there to be a “sweet aroma” that draws them in. The church should be permeated with a spirit of love and a culture of grace that makes people glad they came, then makes them want to stay. In this lesson, we learn... What the church can learn from Cinnabon The importance of preaching the gospel to ourselves daily Some nasty behaviors we need to "put off" What's the difference between patience and kindness? Signs of a loving church Thanks for listening. This sermon was preached at Calvary Church West Hills on Sunday, April 21, 2024 as part of our introductory series of the five foundations of ministry. For more info on our church, please visit our website. For a complete list of my sermons and Bible studies organized by category, please visit the sermon page on my blog.