A Heart Check: The Parable of the Sower

What is the condition of OUR hearts?

• Are you a curious learner, or do you quickly reject what others say if they aren't in your camp?
• Were you a big fan of God at one time, but something ugly happened in your life, and now you want nothing to do with Him? 
• Did you once call yourself a joyful follower of Christ, but you now chase hard after fame, fortune, and fun?

WE must evaluate OUR hearts. 2 Corinthians 13:5 says, Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you? - unless indeed you fail to meet the test! Too many people say they believe in God, but their lives don't show it. They may have an intellectual belief in Christ, but they don't really love Jesus. They just love what He gives them and often have a critical spirit, simply following the culture. We can't treat King Jesus just as our ticket to Heaven; He must be the all in our lives. 

If you've been given a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26), you'll grow in God's grace and knowledge and bear beautiful fruit - love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Is this the fruit people see coming from you? It's impossible not to when you're trusting in Christ and having His Spirit guide you in what can be a challenging life. Yes, we slip at times and sin, but are we hating our laziness, pride, and other sins we commit that Jesus died for? Below are a few more questions to consider.

• Do others see patience, kindness, and grace from you, or do you often complain and get bent out of shape when things don't go your way?
• Do you rejoice, pray, and give thanks even when things are hard and you're suffering?
• Do people look at you and think, "That person is like Christ. They absolutely hate sin and seek to live a life of holiness."?

These questions are for ALL OF US, and they are questions I've been thinking about recently as we are learning about the Parable of the Sower (also known as the Parable of the Soils) in chapel this month. I encourage you to go to Matthew 13, Mark 4, and Luke 8 and read and meditate on Jesus' words. Jesus is the key not only to eternal life, but to life itself. We certainly need counseling, education, and medicine, but apart from Christ, we can do nothing! As John the Baptist said, May He increase, and we decrease.

And as always, please let me know if there is anything I can do for you and your family. To God be the glory!

to the only wise God be glory forevermore through Jesus Christ! Amen. Romans 16:27

Beatitude 5: Are We Teaching Our Kids to be Merciful?

Can you define mercy? Mercy is a word we often hear, but I'm not confident that many can explain it. Lots of people confuse it with grace. Grace is unmerited favor. It's a God-given gift that you don't deserve. We named our first kid, Grace Noel. She's a gift from God that we don't deserve. I've committed countless crimes against God, but God, in His amazing grace, saved me and showed me I was a selfish sinner worshiping my success and money. My pursuit of Jesus was shallow for a few years, and I wasn't living life for God's glory. God woke me up, though, and I'm now a trophy of His grace.

So what is mercy? Mercy is about not getting what you do deserve. You've messed up big time, but the person you wronged doesn't smack you for your stupidity. 

Are you familiar with the Parable of the Prodigal Son? Here is the ultimate story of mercy. You have two sons, one who does everything "right" and one who does everything wrong. The younger son disrespectfully demands his share of the estate, and the father lets his sinful son go his way. The son squanders his wealth recklessly, but then realizes he can return to his dad and live a far better life as a servant. When the son returns, the dad doesn't rip into him and reject him for his foolish choices. No, he shows him mercy and is thankful the son has returned home. This doesn't sit well with the older self-righteous brother, who is following all of the rules. Where do you see yourself in this story? Are you like the older son, a judgmental Pharisee, or are you like the younger son who sees his sins and confesses them? Are we like the dad, who represents God, who embraces his son with love and mercy despite all of the dumb decisions he made?

God has provided me with tons of opportunities to show others mercy. I had the privilege of serving as a principal for a decade at two excellent schools, Tianjin International School in China and Evansville Christian School in Southern Indiana. When you're a school principal, especially a middle school principal, it isn't uncommon for kids to come to the office for foolish mistakes they've made. We need to remind ourselves that the scared kid in front of us is created in God's image, and we have an opportunity to show them mercy. Let's be thankful when God won't let us forget about our past blunders and the mercy shown us at times. If the student is truly remorseful for their poor choices, respectful towards us, and willing to make amends for their mistakes, let's show them mercy. The discipline they receive shouldn't be as tough. But if they're an arrogant punk who lies and defends their words and actions, you can give them justice. Provide them with the tough (and loving) discipline they deserve. 

So, how are you doing in displaying mercy to your children? Are you always disciplining your children the same way, no matter how they respond to their fumble? Are you failing to see the giant plank in your own eye when they only have a small speck in their eye? Let's remember the mercy God has shown us and be merciful to others. And let's remember, if you are in Christ, you are blessed and will be merciful.

If you want to better understand the difference between mercy and grace, here is a five-minute video from Paul Tripp.

Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. Matthew 5:7

Beatitude 4: Are We Teaching Our Kids to Hunger and Thirst For Righteousness?

We've been examining the Beatitudes in our chapels this year, and it's crucial to recognize that Jesus' teachings on the character of Christians build upon each other. 

• Beatitude 1: Christians are poor in spirit. We humbly admit our need for God; we can't save ourselves. Only Christ gives us access to God and eternal life in Heaven.
• Beatitude 2: Christians mourn. We hate our sins and the sins of the world; yet, we find comfort and peace in God, despite the difficulties we face.
• Beatitude 3: Christians are meek. We don't try to take control and overpower people. We are led by the Spirit, bless others, and receive God's blessings. 

This brings us to beatitude 4. Matthew 5:6 says, Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Does this describe you and your heart? Are we teaching our kids to hunger and thirst for righteousness, showing them this is how to be blessed and where our souls receive satisfaction? What does that even mean?

To hunger and thirst for righteousness is to actively seek a right relationship with God. We desire to be like Christ, and if we are in Christ, trusting in Christ as Lord and Savior, His righteous character will be seen in us by others. We understand that only Christ can quench our thirsts and feed our souls. Jesus said, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again (John 4:14a). Later in John 6:35, Jesus says to a large crowd, I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst. Jesus is essential for life and the life to come. He is the way to God and a life pleasing to God. 

Seeking a right relationship with God starts with acknowledging our sins to Him. We humbly confess our unholy thoughts, words, and actions to God - our pride, ungratefulness, impatience, laziness, selfishness, and more. We confess that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9). When we call on the name of the Lord, we will be saved (Acts 2:21), and we will hunger and thirst for righteousness. This is what true Christians do because we find satisfaction in Christ.

So, are you hungering and thirsting for righteousness? Are you teaching this to your kiddos? I want to encourage you to get in God's Word daily, like Mr. Allen recently challenged us. This is the greatest way to grow in God's grace and knowledge. We must be people of the Word if we want to be satisfied. And if we are His blessed people who hunger and thirst for righteousness, that's what we'll be.

If you would like to discuss this further, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. I'll do what I can to listen, encourage, and point you to the King of kings, Lord of lords, Jesus Christ. He is good!

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. Matthew 5:6

Beatitude 3: Are We Teaching Our Kids to be Meek?

When I was a wee student, I used to think dodgeball was the best game. Even when I became a teacher and principal, I found great delight in hurling a blazing ball at an athletic kid and showing the students that they should have a healthy fear of Mr. Wick. I also found great delight when students ganged up on me and got me out. I'm sure that was the first thing mentioned when the students saw their parents after school. :-) 

Although my 51-year-old body can't do what it did decades ago, if I were in a dodgeball game with a bunch of 1st graders, I could totally dominate that court! Imagine if I went all out and threw the dodgeballs at full force against kids who I outweigh by over 100 pounds! I'm sure I would get a few phone calls from some irate parents. But what adult wants to flex their muscles against youngsters who still pick their noses and eat their boogers? Is this what would show Christlike character, meekness, or is it the win-at-all-costs attitude that the world teaches? My example might be extreme, but our society, whether it be the corporate world, sports culture, or the media and entertainment industry, honors those who win big, even if people get hurt, and cheating is involved. Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing, right?

When my girls were little, I read them the first book written and published in the Chronicles of Narnia series, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. We also watched Disney's cinematic adaptation of the book. In this seven-book children's fantasy series by C.S. Lewis, there is a lion, Aslan, who is the creator and king of a world known as Narnia. Aslan serves as an allegorical figure for Jesus Christ. Early in the story, we are introduced to the eldest sister of the Pevensie family, Susan. She has a conversation with Mr. Beaver and learns that Aslan is a lion. 

Susan asks, "Is he quite safe? I shall feel rather nervous about meeting a lion." Mr. Beaver replies, "Safe?... Who said anything about safe? 'Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you." I love these lines. They are key to understanding who Aslan is.

Aslan isn't safe. He's a lion. We all know lions are big and strong. They are also heavy (males can be 330 to 550 pounds), have roars that can be heard up to five miles away, and can run as fast as 50 MPH. Lions have sharp retractable claws, and their bite strength can crush bone. It's safe to say that we shouldn't mess with lions. 

Aslan is no ordinary lion, though. Lions are symbolically known as the kings of the jungle, but Aslan is the king of the entire world of Narnia. He has a power like no other, and all should have a healthy fear of him, showing him the utmost respect and honor. Although Aslan is capable of ripping everyone to shreds, He is also kind, compassionate, and lovingly committed to his creation, Narnia. In the later chapters of The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Aslan leads armies and fights battles. He also allows Susan and her sister Lucy to ride him. Aslan is the definition of meek. Aslan has the power to run over everyone, but instead, he humbly serves those weaker than him. He has the right and power to do whatever He wants, but he often shows a spirit of gentleness, patience, and love. Aslan could dominate every dodgeball match, but he delights in helping others find success. 

Are we teaching our kids to be meek like this? This is not weakness. This is how to be blessed, to receive favor from God and have a satisfied soul. This is how true Christians will be. We trust Christ in our hardships instead of taking control of matters or manipulating the situations. Our strength is guided by the Spirit under His control instead of us seeking to be in control. And those who submit to the King of Kings, Jesus Christ, will receive peace and joy in this challenging life and a perfect eternal home on a new earth. Do you believe this? Do others see this? Let's show others God's work in us and bring Him the glory!

Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Matthew 5:5

Beatitude 2: Are We Teaching Our Kids to Mourn?

When my father-in-law, Fred, passed away in the spring of 2023, I mourned. I experienced deep grief. This is the man who gave me a call one hot summer day and set me up with his oldest daughter, my wife. A man with whom I had regular phone calls to talk about life and how God was blessing us. The one whom my children called Grandpa Downs - a true servant of Christ who was a godly example of love, patience, kindness, and faithfulness. Although it was difficult to see Fred deteriorate due to Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, I knew he would be free from pain one day. I knew God would fix everything and give Fred a new glorified body upon Christ's return (1 Corinthians 15:51-52). When loved ones die, we should mourn. Even the toughest person in the world, Jesus Christ, mourned when Lazarus died (John 11:35).   

Is this the type of mourning Jesus spoke about in Matthew 5:4? "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." How can we be blessed, spiritually healthy and have a deep joy inside, if we're mourning? This seems to go against what being blessed should feel like. 

Jesus is talking to His disciples about having a deep grief, but the grief He wants us to have pertains to our sins and the sins of the world. We are blessed when we feel sadness and lament over our sins. When we grieve and weep over our impatience towards our children, our unrealistic expectations of our spouse, and our ungratefulness for our jobs and lives, we are blessed. God wants us to mourn and confess our sins to Him so He can comfort us. God is the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort (2 Corinthians 1:3-4), and He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). When we agree with God that our hearts are deceitful and desperately sick (Jeremiah 17:9), God will comfort us through the Comforter, the Holy Spirit (John 14:26). 

Folks, if we want to be truly happy, if we want to be blessed, we will be different from the world. We won't hide or try to justify our bad thoughts, words, and actions. We'll repent of our sins; we'll change our minds about our sins, so there is a change of action. We'll mourn over our sins and walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16). People will see Christ in us. This is what believers in Christ look like because God is working in them. If we don't feel bad and mourn when we do bad, that's bad! We should mourn over our sins and then look up and praise our amazing God for the comfort He provides. That's good!

Remember, the Beatitudes aren't a list of what we must do, but rather a list of what Christians are and the rewards they receive. Are we mourning over our sins and the sins of the world? What about our children? Are we teaching them what it looks like to be blessed, not as the world teaches, but as Jesus says? If we aren't mourning over our pride, laziness, and unrighteous anger, let's cry out to the One who gives new hearts (Ezekiel 36:26) and renews our minds (Romans 12:2). To God be the glory!

Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Matthew 5:4

Beatitude 1: Are We Teaching Our Kids to be Poor in Spirit?

If you ask the typical K-12 student what they hope to achieve when they become an adult, I often hear, "to be rich and go viral!" It's a rare thing for students to tell me that they hope to be stronger in their faith and wiser when they get older. Countless people like to flaunt their wealth and draw attention to their skills, even if these skills are absolutely absurd! We want to appear confident and comfortable to as many people as possible, acting as if we have it all together. We can be a self-consumed, materialistic society. We want what we want, and we want it now. Who wants to be poor in anything? No one. But in one crucial sense, this is exactly what Jesus says we should be.

If you're part of a church community, you've probably heard this verse a few times: 'Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven' (Matthew 5:3). What does it mean to be poor in spirit? Can you explain it to others? Are you poor in spirit? Shouldn't we be rich in spirit? The top Bible scholars believe Jesus said Matthew 5:3 to his disciples on a hill overlooking the Sea of Galilee in northern Israel. It's the first of eight Beatitudes Jesus preached 2,000 years ago, so we know it's super important.

Being poor in spirit begins with being humble. Instead of running away from your teammates when you score a goal and going to the corner flag so everyone can worship you, we are to look up and thank God for the abilities He gave us to crack that shot. We are to thank God for the teammates He gave us who helped us get the ball in the net. James 4:10 says we are to humble ourselves before the Lord, and HE will exalt us. John 15:5 tells us that apart from Christ, we can do nothing. Are you humble enough to admit your need for God?

Being poor in spirit means realizing we're sinners who are spiritually bankrupt before God. We can't act like we're little gods and do things in our own strength. That's prideful, and God opposes the proud (James 4:6). Jesus, the all-powerful, sinless Son of God, didn't go around squashing people and saying He was all that and a bag of chips. Although Jesus is all-knowing and perfect in every way, He did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross (Philippians 2:6b-8). Are we like this, and are we teaching our kids to be like this? 

We must humbly cry out to God and admit our need for God. We can't save ourselves. Our grades, looks, names, resumes, titles, and works can't save us. Only the blood of Jesus can save us from our spiritual destitution. We must admit we can't deliver ourselves from our dire circumstances before we can receive the kingdom of heaven - the spiritual riches God offers, including eternal life with God in a place free from sin, suffering, and Satan. So again, are we poor in spirit? Are we teaching this to our children?  Let's confess our sins of pride, laziness, and ingratitude, and cling to the cross of Christ. This is where true blessing lies.

Drop me a line if you have a question or would like to meet, and please come to our chapels, where you can hear more about what it means to be blessed. You'll be surrounded by a lot of godly people and hear about our King of kings and Lord of lords, Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory!

Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:3.

How Can I Be Blessed by God?

Everyone wants to be blessed by God. The fact is, we ARE blessed by God. If you're reading this blog, God has likely provided you with an education that many don't have access to, a nice shingled, tiled, or tin roof over your head, and nutritious and delicious meals day after day. Perhaps you're like me and selfishly want more. You dream of driving something that looks cooler than your sweet minivan. You wish your vacations were just a little longer. You want others to feed you clusters of Kyoho grapes and hand you a goblet of Mountain Dew. Okay, maybe that last desire is a little weird. The point is, we are super blessed, yet we often aren't content.

The Old Testament mentions many earthly blessings that were much bigger than our rides and R&R. You can read that the blessed will see their families grow (Genesis 17:20), inherit land (Psalm 37:22), and receive deliverance from their enemies (Psalm 41:1). You don't read nearly as many earthly blessings in the New Testament. Jesus actually promises we will suffer in John 16:33. Although suffering is not something we desire, great growth and glory to God can come from it. And when Christ returns, Christians will live on a new earth free from death, mourning, crying, and pain (Revelation 21:4). That's the definition of AWESOME! Do you believe that?

As we wait for Christ's return, to be truly blessed is to enter God's kingdom and live life seeking God's heart. We are to pursue God's kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33), not storing up treasures on earth (Matthew 6:19). Tragically, so many churches are skipping this part of the Bible. Being blessed means following Christ (Matthew 4:19) and His commands (John 14:15), not what the culture dictates. Do you want to be blessed? Check out the Beatitudes, moral teachings found in Matthew 5:3-12 and Luke 6:20-26. Jesus challenges us to embrace truth and His love, a lifestyle not of this world.  

This year at Evansville Christian School, I'm excited to announce that our chapel theme will be the Beatitudes. This will help our students and us see our deepest needs and calling in Christ. In a world filled with hate, chaos, and confusion, we will learn how to have peace and show true shalom. Studying the Beatitudes lines up nicely with last year's chapel theme, the Book of James, which focuses on how genuine faith in Christ will produce Christlike actions. James and the Beatitudes complement each other, and both parts of the New Testament teach us how to live lives pleasing to God. 

It's important to know that the Beatitudes derive from the Latin word beatus, meaning blessed or happy. There are eight declarations (some might say seven or ten) of blessedness spoken by Jesus at the start of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7). In the Sermon on the Plain in Luke 6, Jesus states four beatitudes followed by four woes (declarations of grief or trouble). In Matthew, Jesus tells us that the poor in spirit, those who mourn, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, the merciful, the pure in heart, the peacemakers, and those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake are blessed. This is radically different from the me-centered consumerist culture we live in.

I hope you are looking forward to our chapel series and will worship with us if possible. Regardless of whether you can come, ask your children what they are learning at chapels. Study the Beatitudes with them. Pray that you and your children would understand what Jesus is saying and put His words into practice. There is much that all of us can learn from examining the Beatitudes this year and beyond. To God be the glory! 

Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven...Matthew 5:12a

Give Complaints In All Circumstances

This blog post title might seem a little odd, but check out the comments section of any social media post, and you’re likely to find lots of complaining. People frequently head to the comments of social media to be entertained because we know the comments might consist of ruthless complaining. We not only fail to remember that complaining is a sin (Philippians 2:14), but we often don’t care. How are the words of your mouth and the meditation of your heart (Psalm 19:14)? Are you good at complaining or are you known as someone giving thanks in all circumstances (1 Thessalonians 5:18)? Thanksgiving is around the corner, and there is so much to be thankful for, yes/no? Consider some of these things we should be thanking God for all the time:

1. We live in a nation that allows us to vote for our leaders. We may not always like the candidates, but we could live in a country where everything is picked for us.

2. We live in a nation with a strong military. While I look forward to the day when armed forces won’t be needed, I’m thankful for our troops.

3. We live in a nation with thousands of academic programs and world-class institutions. Our schools are far from perfect, but hundreds of millions of primary and secondary school-age children in developing countries don’t even attend school.

4. We live in a nation with clinics and hospitals around every corner. We may not always like the medical bills we receive, but thank God, many amazing resources are available in our communities. 

5. We live in a nation where we can gather with others and worship the risen Christ. Being a Christian certainly looks different in 2024, but it still isn’t dangerous to be a Christian in America.

Instead of constantly complaining like the culture around us, how can we be different and cultivate an attitude of thankfulness? Consider some practices I mention here.

Let’s be thankful not just when it’s Thanksgiving or when life is smooth. Let’s be different and give thanks in ALL circumstances.

Enter His gates with thanksgiving, and His courts with praise! Give thanks to Him; bless His name! Psalm 100:4

Ten Ways We've Trained Up Our Kiddos

Being a good parent can sometimes be HARD! We can be a messy bunch, and our communication is sometimes crazy confusing (Man, I hate sin). Can I get an amen? Being a good parent can also be some of the most rewarding and fulfilling work God ever gives us. Can I get an amen?

It's nice when your children do well in the classroom or succeed in the arts, music, or sports; however, this pales in comparison to when your children obey and worship the Lord. Megan and I have made countless parenting mistakes, but our gracious God has made none. The fact that our three kiddos are walking with the Lord is all God’s grace. This is what we care about the most. 

Although we've made our share of mistakes, we've also done a few things right - Thank you, Jesus! Below are ten ways we have TRAINED our children, which I hope can help you. 

1. We expect our kids to read and study God’s Word independently, and I ask them about what they’re learning from time to time. Scripture saves (1 Timothy 4:16), sustains (Matthew 4:4), and sanctifies (helps us become more like Christ). 

2. We often have family devotions in the evenings. Read more here: The Importance of Family Worship. 

3. We worship together on Sunday mornings and typically talk about the sermons during and/or after the service. I quiz my kids, and Megan reminds me not to forget to enJOY God, church services, and the car ride home. :-)

4. Our kiddos usually attend youth group at our church on Wednesdays and sometimes other church youth groups and trips that we think would be good for them. We need help in training our kids to grow in their faith.

5. Rosalie & Grace Noel were discipled by godly women from our church and were part of all-female small groups at ECS. Again, we need help in training our kids to grow in their faith!

6. My kiddos have spent most of their lives in schools where Truth was taught. We are so thankful for the role TIS & ECS played in their lives.

7. We confess our sins to each other. When daddy messes up, I specifically say what I did wrong, what I plan to improve, and ask for forgiveness. When I'm struggling to think in a Christlike way, I let my family know and ask for their prayers. James 5:16

8. I routinely exhort (strongly encourage and urge) my children when I leave the house. I remind them to give God the glory and enJOY Him (from the Westminster Catechisms). I might also tell them to serve their classmates and do what they can to bless those around them.

9. When we watch movies, listen to music, play sports, etc., we talk about Jesus and what the Bible says. We don't live a dualistic life, separating our faith from everyday matters. We want our children to think and act like Jesus, so we try to look at everything through a gospel lens. 

10. When our children display Christ, we try to praise them for the work God is doing in them. When our children are loving, filled with joy, patient, and bearing other good fruit (Galatians 5:22-23), we want our children to know that this is far more important than the academic and athletic achievements they accomplish.  

There you have it. Of course, if we do everything above in our own power and without love, we are nothing but noisy gongs and gain nothing (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). We have to constantly pray and trust that God will give the increase (1 Corinthians 3:6-8). 

If you would like to share something that has worked for you or have a question about anything I shared, let me know! I would love to hear what God has taught you or help in whatever way I can. To God be the glory! 

Cherishing Christ This Easter Season

Easter is just around the corner - April 9th to be exact. According to a recent survey by Statista.com, Easter ranks as the 11th most popular holiday in the United States. Mother's Day (#3), Labor Day (#7), and Halloween (#10) all outranked celebrating the Resurrection of Christ. Something isn't right here. Easter (or Resurrection Sunday) is a time to rejoice in Christ's victory over death, disease, and destruction. It's a time to rejoice in Christ's victory over Satan, sin, and suffering. Jesus paid the price for our sins and rose again to reconcile us to God. Because of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, there is hope. Followers of Christ will spend eternity in Heaven and have peace and joy in this life despite the life storms we face. Praise King Jesus!

We, of course, are to cherish Christ each and every day; however, Easter is a special time of remembering His resurrection and the life we have in Him. So how can we cherish Christ this Easter season? Below are four simple ways to cherish Christ more during this Easter season. Just do it!

1. Read, study, and talk about Easter. Here are several passages to choose from: Genesis 22:9-14, Matthew 28:1-10, John 20:19-23, Romans 5:6-11, 8:3-9, and 2 Corinthians 5:14-21. 

2. Watch Easter videos. Igniter Media has a variety of powerful short videos pertaining to the resurrection of Jesus Christ. If you do an Easter search on RightNow Media, you'll find several excellent choices.  

3. Worship at a church service and invite others to join you. What better time is there to worship with others than at Easter? Pastors know that the sanctuaries typically have more people on Easter Sunday, so they typically pull out all the stops. 

4. Lead Easter-themed family devotions. Don't know where to start? Check out some of these resources: A free 8-day Easter devotional guide from Lifeway, Easter-themed books recommended by Tim Challies, and Resurrection eggs.

So, how will you cherish Christ this Easter season? I would love to hear what you've done, what you're doing, and what you're going to do!

He is not here, for he has risen, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Matthew 28:6

Growing in God's Grace & Knowledge in the New Year & Beyond!

There are over eight billion people on this blue planet, and over 330 million of us call ourselves Americans. We are a diverse and highly individualistic group, and millions of us will once again blissfully announce our New Year's resolutions. These resolutions often pertain to getting a six-pack, eating more greens, and keeping paper in our pockets. Many of these resolutions are quite noble. Regrettably, most of us will fail at keeping our New Year's resolutions. 

What if we took a different approach and set a few SMART goals that pertain to growing in God's grace and knowledge? What simple goals can we set? How can we mature as believers and bring God the glory? Below are three goals I want you to strongly consider.

1. Come Up With A Bible Reading Plan & Get In The Word Every Day. If you don't know where to start, check out one of these Bible Gateway reading plans. Studying God's Word is crucial to knowing Christ and knowing how to live life in a way that honors Him.

2. Memorize Scripture Regularly. Filling our minds with Bible verses and storing them in our hearts helps us fight sin (Psalm 119:11) and Satan (Matthew 4:1-11), can provide others Christlike counsel and comfort, and better enable us to teach and share the gospel. 

3. Meet With Believers At Least Once A Week. Despite what our culture teaches, we aren't made to be independent, but interdependent. We are made for relationship with God and others. There are so many ways to grow in God's grace and knowledge - youth/small group, prayer meetings, Bible studies, Sunday School, church services, coffee or meals with others, and more. What are you waiting for?

What are some other ways we can grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? I would love to hear from you!

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen. 2 Peter 3:18

Celebrating Christ During the Christmas Season

Christmastime is a time that countless people can't get enough of...

• decorating the Christmas tree and house with a gazillion lights
• chomping on peppermint bark and other yummy Christmas goodies
• listening to Christmas classics while the fake fire crackles on the TV screen 
• watching Elf, Home Alone, A Christmas Story, or some other "Christmas" movie

These are all fun Christmas activities that we might enjoy, but is this what Christmas is about? To help my family remember that Jesus is not only the reason for the season but the reason for life, we celebrate Christ in some unique ways during the Christmas season. Below are some activities you might want to consider during this year's Christmas season!

1. Advent Calendar - We have used a simple Advent calendar to help count down the days to Christmas. When our kiddos were little, they would get super excited to open the window to see a Christmas symbol that we would discuss before saying a prayer.

2. Advent Candles - For many years, we have lit Advent candles on an Advent wreath on the four Sundays preceding Christmas. The fifth candle is a white candle at the center of the wreath, known as the Christ candle, and we light it on Christmas Eve. I discuss the symbolism behind the candles and wreath and read Scripture pertaining to Christmas.  

3. Advent Devotional Book - For our family devotions in the evenings, we have watched videos on RightNow Media, talked about the sermons we heard on Sundays, or memorized and discussed Scripture being taught and learned in the classroom.  During December, we typically read Let's Go Straight to Bethlehem by Ray Pritchard. It's a simple read where we retrace the ancient journey to experience the mystery, wonder, and glory of Jesus' birth. 

4. Christmas Eve Service - We have gotten decked out to attend evening services on Christmas Eve. We sing classic Christmas hymns, carefully light candles, hear a Christ-centered sermon, and take family pictures around all the Christmas decor.

5. Jesse Tree - A few years ago, we were gifted with this Jesse Tree. It comes with a devotional book with a reading for the 25 ornaments that are to be hung. Here is a great site that tells you more about the Jesse Tree and how you can make this a part of your Christmas traditions. 

What are some ways you celebrate Christ during the Christmas season? I would love to hear from you!

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Why Go to Church?

Although I'd like to think that you would learn a great deal in one of my high school Bible classes, it simply wouldn't be enough. We need to go to church. Seven years ago, Grammy award-winning pop star Justin Bieber said, "...you don't need to go to church to be a Christian. If you go to Taco Bell, that doesn't make you a taco." This might be a true statement (I praise Jesus that I'm not a taco); however, I don't know any strong Christians who aren't worshipping at a local church on Sundays. In fact, most strong Christians are probably serving at their local church in some capacity. When I've heard people say that they don't need to go to church, they tend to be people who aren't exactly spittin' out Scripture like the Apostle Paul. Over the years, I've heard some really interesting excuses as to why we don't need to go to church. I could share a million reasons why we should want to go to church on Sunday mornings, but I'll just start with four. :-) 

1. God's Word Is Preached - At a Bible-based church, the pastor has spent significant hours in preparation to preach a Spirit-filled sermon that teaches, rebukes, corrects, and trains us how to be Christ-centered people. I have a gifted pastor who clarifies the text for me and helps me better understand who God is. He helps me better understand what is expected of me in building God's kingdom.

2. You Worship With Other Believers - I'm an introvert, but the music sounds so much better when I sing with others! I don't possess mad musical skills, but my heart is often moved during corporate worship. Additionally, I hear Scripture read with reverence, crucial prayers that can only be heard at church, take part in communion with my brothers and sisters, and celebrate the baptisms of new believers.

3. To Become Stronger Christians - When you go to the gym, you get stronger. Sure, you can work out at home, but the gym has more equipment and people to push you. At church, you are surrounded by godly people who listen, ask questions, keep you accountable, provide counsel and encouragement, and maybe even discipline you. Furthermore, gospel-centered churches have libraries with solid resources that support what Scripture says.

4. To Bring God Glory - Worshipping at a church is important because it brings God glory. It brings God joy when he sees like-minded people from all walks of life come together to praise His name. Why wouldn't you want to do that on Sunday morning? What better thing do you have to do on Sunday morning than gather with God's people and worship Jesus Christ? Let's do this. Let's get excited about worshipping together on Sunday mornings and bring God the glory!

Please join the conversation! What are some other reasons why we should want to go to church on Sunday mornings?

not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. Hebrews 10:25

Discipling New Believers

A few days ago, a colleague told me they have a heart for new Christians at our school and want to see them nourished and rooted strongly in Christ. I love hearing that. This is how we should be. So what should our response be to those who make a profession of faith? This is what I recommend:

1. Someone should meet and pray with the new believer every week, two weeks, or month. If someone isn’t talking with the student and asking them questions about Jesus and life, the student is less likely to grow in their relationship with Christ and may even prove to be a Demas (2 Timothy 4:10). 

2. We should encourage the student to read their Bible every day (2 Timothy 3:16). They're more likely to do this if they have some kind of reading plan. BibleGateway.com has numerous plans to choose from here. I recommend starting in Mark (the shortest of the four Gospels) or John (simple, clear, and deep passages).

3. Consider gifting the student with a book that will help them grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Here are a couple of excellent sites that provide books for new believers that can help them better understand what it means to follow Christ:

• https://www.crossway.org/articles/for-new-christians/
• https://www.challies.com/resources/ten-books-every-christian-teenager-should-read/

4. Get them connected with people at a local Bible-believing, Christ-centered, Spirit-filled church (Hebrews 10:25). Church is where they can participate in communion, watch baptisms, hear sermons and testimonies, sing songs, serve, and more. The student is a member of the body of Christ, and we need them at church to bring God greater glory.

So there you have it. We have a tremendous responsibility and honor in discipling others. Let’s make sure we’re doing our part in pointing new Christians in the direction they should go!

I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. 1 Corinthians 3:6

Reflecting on Billy Graham's Passing

Back in 1999, I went to the Billy Graham Crusade in Indianapolis. In 2005, I went to the Billy Graham Center Museum at Megan's alma mater, Wheaton College. During my early years as a Christian, Billy Graham's website was my go-to place whenever I had a theological question. I've used Reverend Graham's videos for family devos, classroom lessons, and chapel presentations. To say Billy Graham has impacted me would be quite the understatement. I'm extremely thankful for how God used Reverend Graham to preach the gospel to me and millions around the world, and I look forward to the day when we'll be together again. Below are a few notable quotes from this great man of God.

Ten Reasons Why I'm Thankful to Live in Evansville

We've been back in Indiana for nearly 1.5 years now, and I'm extremely thankful our transition has been good. We certainly miss various aspects of our lives in China, but we know this is where we're supposed to be. I often think how great it is to live in Evansville. Below are ten reasons why I'm thankful to live here.

1. Church - We worship at a solid Bible-based and Christ-centered fellowship on Sundays.

2. House - We were able to purchase a nice home in a peaceful neighborhood that is close to parks, hospitals, restaurants, stores, and our jobs.

3. Location - A big reason we moved back is to be closer to our parents. A three-hour drive north sure beats an overseas flight.

4. Megan's Jobs - Megan gets to teach ESL to people from around the world.

5. My Job - I work with a great team of teachers, partner with super supportive parents, and help guide a diverse group of students.

6. Nature - Although Evansville is the third largest city in Indiana with a population of 120,000, we're surrounded by lots of places to fish, hike, and view wildlife.

7. People - The people are friendly, and you see folks from all walks of life. We fit right in.

8. Restaurants - There are all kinds of eateries here, including multiple BBQ & sushi joints. Both sides of me get their fill!

9. School - All three of our kiddos receive a top-notch education at a school they enjoy.

10. Stores - We don't have IKEA, but Evansville has every other store imaginable. Walmart is just a five-minute drive, so I'm good.

So there you have it. God is too good to us. Live here? What do you like about Evansville? Live elsewhere? What makes your community special?

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Wick's 2016 Highlights

2016 was a year of major changes. Some of the changes were challenging, but they were also good. Read below. Here are past Wickersham highlights: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, & 2015.

January - I preach my last sermon at Tianjin International Fellowship: Psalm 8. Praise, worship, and bring glory to God.

February - After a 13-year break, I return to coaching a high school girls' soccer team. Go Lady Eagles!

March - We visit Grace Noel's orphanage in Hubei Province and meet her foster mother. It's hard to believe it has been ten years.

April - We accidentally leave Rosalie's $3600 French horn in a taxi, but it's returned to us a few days later. We're thankful for the police and our Chinese friends. Why are French horns so crazy expensive?!

May - I accept a new position as a 6th-9th grade assistant principal at Evansville Christian School (ECS). God is good.

June - We leave Tianjin and move to Newburgh, Indiana. I started driving a 1997 Plymouth minivan.

July - We drive to Florida and attend a family wedding. It's great to catch up with those we haven't seen in a long time.

August - Rosalie tries a new sport, cross country, Grace Noel makes the 5th-6th grade soccer team at ECS, and Josiah Lee joins Newburgh Youth Soccer as a Red Shark.

September - Megan and I speak about our Tianjin lives to a group of Chinese at St. Paul's Lutheran Church. It's good for us to be able to connect with the Chinese in the Evansville community.

October - The University of Southern Indiana (USI) hires Megan as an ESL instructor. Go Screaming Eagles!

November - I start coaching soccer players at the Metro Sports Center and decide to start playing on a team. The knees aren't the same, but I can still kick a ball.

December - Megan gets hired as an ESL instructor at Vincennes University. We owe a few people a debt of gratitude.

Reviewing Paul Washer's Ten Indictments Against the Modern Church

Paul Washer's 55-page booklet, Ten Indictments Against the Modern Church, is a free Kindle download I picked up four years ago. It's actually a sermon he preached at a conference in Atlanta nearly a decade ago. Although I found the book to be a good read, I could see many Christians being offended by Washer's direct charges against the American church. Paul Washer was a missionary in Peru for ten years, and today he preaches passionately against false gospels. After a brief introduction, the Ten Indictments Against the Modern Church is organized in the following chapters:

1. A Denial of the Sufficiency of Scripture
2. An Ignorance of God
3. A Failure to Address Man's Malady
4. An Ignorance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ
5. An Unbiblical Gospel Invitation
6. An Ignorance Regarding the Nature of the Church
7. A Lack of Compassionate Church Discipline
8. A Silence on Separation
9. A Replacement of the Scriptures Regarding the Family
10. Pastors Malnourished in the Word of God

The book concludes with a brief mention of Chapel Library Resources and 45 endnotes. The Ten Indictments Against the Modern Church will take maybe a little over an hour to read, and it's not for those who are looking for a positive message and a pat on the back. However, if you are seeking something with lots of Scripture and much to ponder, I recommend checking out the book.

Ten Things I'm Thankful for in 2016

Although the Thanksgiving holiday is over, being thankful shouldn't be. Below are ten things I'm thankful for this year. What are you thankful for?

1. I have extremely fulfilling jobs at Evansville Christian School and the Metro Sports Center. Nearly 8 million Americans are unemployed.

2. I have a beautiful rental home in the small town of Newburgh. Over 500,000 Americans are homeless.

3. I have new friends in our Southern Indiana community. Loneliness can be a serious health issue.

4. I have a wonderful family that supports and loves me despite my countless flaws. There are approximately 150 million orphans in the world.

5. I have good insurance to help pay for crowns, physicals, and shots. Nearly 30 million nonelderly Americans lack insurance.

6. I have a healthy body, which enables me to lift weights and play indoor soccer. Every year, diarrhea kills 760,000 children under the age of five.

7. I have unrestricted Internet access that allows me to stay connected with family and friends around the world. 1/3 of Internet users worldwide face heavy Internet censorship.

8. I have a fantastic education that provides me with unique speaking, writing, training, and employment opportunities. 32 million American adults are considered functionally illiterate (1 in 7).

9. I have serious sin issues that show me my many weaknesses and how much I need Jesus. Less than half of all American adults think the Bible contains everything a person needs to live a meaningful life.

10. I have the love of the Father Almighty, who graciously gives me purpose and everlasting life. Do you know His love?
         

Reviewing Jonathan Edwards' Sinners In The Hands Of An Angry God

275 years ago, Jonathan Edwards preached what many consider to be the greatest sermon ever preached by a sinning saint. Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God was preached to a Connecticut congregation in the summer of 1741, and it uses somber language that is rarely found in today's sermons. Words like devouring flames, pit of Hell, sentence of condemnation, vessels of wrath, extreme torments, angry God, and infinite misery are used. I'm guessing these words aren't among your favorites, but Jesus used them, and the Spirit guided Jonathan Edwards to preach them calmly so that lives were transformed.

Jonathan Edwards starts the sermon with four points regarding the suffering that the Israelites faced. Then Edwards states ten points showing how only God's sovereign joy keeps people from perishing. The third and final part of Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God uses Scripture to prove his points and plead with those listening to trust in the only One who can save them.

It's a shame that many are afraid to discuss what Jesus saves us from and are critical of Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God. I'm thankful that Jonathan Edwards, a former president of Princeton University, boldly preached what truly is a message of love and hope. The detailed descriptions of man's sinful state and the misery of Hell helped bring spiritual awakening to the lost. If you desire to better understand what it means to be a true follower and know His forgiveness, I recommend reading this important piece of the Great Awakening. If you're interested in reading more classic sermons by Jonathan Edwards and other great theologians, click here.

For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16