I served as pastor of Southern Baptist churches in Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana for almost 30 years before taking a medical leave from the pastorate in February 2013 due to dysautonomia (POTS) and moving to Norman, Oklahoma. Blessed with renewed health, I was called as Senior Pastor of Pleasant Ridge Baptist in Morganton, NC in February 2015.
In this blog I share daily devotions from my own personal Bible readings, as well as sermons, book reviews, illustrations -- and occasional humorous "peeks" at life inside this pastor's home!
Tag Archives: self-righteousness
Our Confidence In Judgment
“By this, love is perfected with us, so that we may have confidence in the day of judgment; because as He is, so also are we in this world.” (I John 4:17) The Day of Judgment is coming for all … Continue reading
“The Example of Joseph” (Matthew 1:18-25 sermon)
(Preached at Pleasant Ridge Baptist Church, Morganton, NC 12-18-16) A few years ago, I preached a sermon on Mary, the mother of Jesus, and I had several people tell me afterwards that it was the first time that they had … Continue reading
Posted in Matthew sermons, Sermons, Uncategorized
Tagged balance, church, holier than thou, homosexuality, instant obedience, J.P. Boyce and C.H. Toy, Jen Hatmaker, Joseph, love, Matthew 1:18-25, Matthew sermons, obedience, righteousness, Rosaria Butterfield, self-righteousness, the obedience of Joseph
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He Knows Your Thoughts
“And Jesus knowing their thoughts …” (Matthew 9:4) These may be some of the most intimidating and convicting words in scripture. They should serve to eliminate ANY pretense of “self-righteousness” from every one of us: “Jesus, knowing their thoughts.”
Posted in Devotions/Bible Studies, Uncategorized
Tagged Genesis 6:5, grace, holier than thou, Matthew 9:4, mind, self-righteousness, sin, thoughts
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Will Your Righteousness Get You To Heaven?
“For I say to you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the scribes and Pharisees, you will not enter the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:20) This is one of those sayings of Jesus that must have astounded His hearers. … Continue reading
“The Disciple’s Character: Spiritual Dependence” (Matthew 5:3 sermon)
Several years ago I read the testimony of a Hollywood celebrity who had struggled for years with drinking. But they kept denying that they really had a problem. They said the breakthrough came when they got to their lowest point, … Continue reading
Posted in "The Disciple's Character" series (Beatitudes Mt. 5:3-12), Sermons, Uncategorized
Tagged Beatitudes, character, character of Christ, humility, I need help, Matthew 5:3, Matthew 5:3 sermon, Pharisee and publican, poor in spirit, prayer, purpose for trials, Romans 8:28-29, salvation, self-righteousness, sin, spiritual dependence, spiritual poverty, three most important words, trials
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Where Religion Goes Wrong
There are two fundamental problems with the religious outlook of most people in the world, and Romans 10:3 reveals both of them: “For not knowing about the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not subject … Continue reading
Posted in Devotions/Bible Studies
Tagged justification, righteousness, Romans 10:3, Romans 3:22, salvation, self-righteousness
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Who Me, “Ungodly”?
Many professed Christians tend to think of themselves as “pretty good church people” — but Romans 5:6 reminds us that genuine Christians were, at least once, very much otherwise: “For while we were still helpless, at the right time, Christ … Continue reading
Posted in Devotions/Bible Studies
Tagged attitude, humility, Romans 5:6, self-righteousness, sin, ungodly
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