I'm a retired Southern Baptist pastor of almost 40 years. My wife Cheryl & I moved to Norman, OK in March of 2025. I share a weekly overview for Sunday School teachers of the weekly Lifeway "Explore the Bible" lesson, as well as texts of my sermons and other articles.
Author Archives: Shawn Thomas
“The Goodness of God in the Midst of Affliction” (Psalm 119:65-72 sermon)
In February 2012, I stood to lead prayer meeting at the church I had been pastoring for 12 years in Louisiana, and the longer I stood the more nauseated I became. I had to leave during prayer and have my … Continue reading
Posted in Sermons
Tagged affliction, doctrine of God, God, God is good, Psalm 119:68 sermon, purposes for trials, theology, trial
3 Comments
When God Whistles They Come!
“He will also lift up a standard to the distant nation, and will whistle for it from the ends of the earth; and behold, it will come with speed swiftly.” (Isaiah 5:26) This verse give us one of the most … Continue reading
Posted in Devotions/Bible Studies
Tagged "Sovereignty of God", countries, God, history, Isaiah 6:26, nations, theology
1 Comment
Overcome By Evil?
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21) Coming on the heels of the admonition not to take your own revenge, but to leave room for God’s wrath, this verse reminds us that there is … Continue reading
Scraping the Bottom of the Barrel for Leadership
Isaiah 3:6 must be one of the most pathetic verses in scripture. It describes the desperation of a people seeking for anyone to lead them: “You have a cloak, you shall be our ruler.” It is surely a sign of … Continue reading
Posted in Devotions/Bible Studies
Tagged church leadership, deacon selection, Isaiah 2:6, leadership, Sunday School teachers
2 Comments
Does “Owe Nothing To Anyone” Mean What You Think It Does?
One of the stock verses that Christian financial gurus often quote is the first part of Romans 13:8, “Owe nothing to anyone …”. But it is always best to take a verse in context. When you do that with this … Continue reading
Posted in Devotions/Bible Studies
Tagged borrowing money, finances, owe nothing, Romans 13:8
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Praying Through Romans 12
Handel’s “Messiah” is one of the great “musicals” if you will of all time, but most people know it for ONE song: the “Hallelujah” chorus. But there is other great music in it, notably the song “Worthy Is The Lamb”, … Continue reading
Sow The Word
Mark 4:14 contains simply 5 words: “The sower sows the word.” But it is a clear reminder of our most important task as Christian ministers: we are to be sowing the word of God into the hearts and minds of … Continue reading
Posted in Devotions/Bible Studies, Ministry
Tagged Bible, Mark 4:14, ministry, preaching, sowing, teaching, the word of God
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Sum-pathos
“Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” (Romans 12:15) This verse reminds us that God intends for us to share the joys and pains of the members of our church family. This is no “formal”, casual … Continue reading
Posted in Devotions/Bible Studies
Tagged church, feelings, fellowship, Romans 12:15, sum-pathos, sympathy
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“Forgiving Each Other” (Ephesians 4:32 sermon)
The cross of Jesus is the center of Christianity. The basic message of Christianity is that “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures” — and He died for our sins on the cross. Paul called the gospel “the … Continue reading
“Pursuing” Hospitality,
Following the famous command in Romans 12:1-2 to offer holy lives to God because of our salvation, the chapter begins a list of commands describing the way that followers of Jesus Christ are to live. Verse 13 is one of … Continue reading
Posted in Devotions/Bible Studies
Tagged Hebrews 13:2, hospitality, philos, philoxenia, Romans 12:13, xenos
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