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... If God created sex, why is it sometimes 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.