Finding our motivation for ministry in the pursuit and praise of human recognition is an easy snare to fall into as a leader. Join me and special guest Pastor Dr. Fred Luter, Jr., the first African American President of the Southern Baptist Convention and the Senior Pastor at Franklin Avenue Baptist Church in New Orleans, Louisiana, for a conversation on how to fight the temptation to become infatuated with platform, prestige, and popularity.

Exodus 20:8-10

5 Truths to Make Sense of the Sabbath

1. The Prerequisite of The Sabbath in Creation  

2. The Purpose of The Sabbath in the Covenant  

3. The Person of The Sabbath on Calvary

4. The Principle of The Sabbath in Christianity

5. The Pattern of The Sabbath in a Christian

A Redemptive Rhythm of...

-A day of rest away from work with a focus on family and godly pleasure.

-A prioritized time of in person gathering with our church family to worship, hear preaching, fellowship, give, pray, and minister.

Have you found you rest in Him?

Does the rhythm of your week show it?

Being wise and strategic are needed skills for pastors and leaders, but manipulating people as a means to an end has no place in ministry. Join Dr. D.J. Horton and Dr. Kevin Ezell, president of the North American Mission Board, for a conversation on recognizing and battling the sin of struggling for power.

Sutble pride is quietly believing ourselves to be the source of effective pastoring, leading, and church growth, and it is deadly to our ministries. Join Dr. D.J. Horton and Dr. Jamie K. Dew, the president of New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary, for a conversation on how to recognize and battle the sin of subtle pride.

Whether you are a leader in your church, in your workplace, or in your home, you don’t want to miss these episodes that will help you address some of the most common sins that can end up derailing individual lives, families, relationships, and entire ministries

Exodus 20:4-6

The first commandment is about WHO we worship.

The second commandment is about HOW we worship.

The Second Commandment

1. The Rule is Rooted in Us v.4

2. The Reason is Rooted in Him v.5

3. The Results are Reaped by Our Children v.6

It is a dangerous thing to make an idol.  It is even deadlier to make an idol and claim it is an act of worship to the One true living God.

Consider Him.

Consider His Spirit’s Presence.

Consider His Word as it is Preached.

Consider the Image of God you are bearing.

Exodus 20:1-3

The First Commandment is about…

1. His Preeminence over their Lives

2. His Pursuit of their Lives

3. His Performance in their Lives

4. His Priority for their Lives

Our idols do not need to be forged from earrings to constitute a spiritual danger to us. They appear whenever we exchange

Who/what do you love most?

Who/what do you trust most?

Who/what do you serve most?

Exodus 19

The people of God should be different.

The people of God are marked by…

1. Covenant v.1-8

       A.Two parts to the Covenant:

• You will have a special relationship WITH me.

• You will have a special responsibility FOR me.

2. Consecration v.9-15

3. Communion v.16-25

How is your end of the covenant?

Your consecration?

Your communion?

We celebrate our risen King in a deeply divided world

Two truths about every division we see:

• They involve real people

Acts 10:28-43

Essentials of Easter’s Invitation...

1. The List is Comprehensive v. 34-35

2. The Host is Commendable v. 36-39a

3. The Cost is Covered v. 39b-41

4. The Event is Coming v. 42-43a

5. The RSVP is Crucial v. 43b

There are at least 5 people here today:

• The Devoted-Saved And Strong

• The Discouraged- Saved But Struggling

• The Distant- Saved But Sinful

• The Deceived- Supportive Not Surrendered

• The Doubtful-Skeptical, scared, or selfish

His RSVP only has two options:

Great are You Lord

Or

I’ll face life and death on my own

Acts 4:1-22 & 5:29-32

It's Important we understand...

1. The Case for Making His Name Known v. 1-10

Peter's Case...

• The power came in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth

2. The Controversy of Making His Name Known? v. 11-12

3. The Courage for Making His Name Known? v. 13-22, 5:29-32

The command a true Christian cannot obey:

Do not speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.

A Faithful Formula: An Empty Tomb + A Full Heart = A Willing Witness