We now live in a time when consumer Christianity has become the accepted norm, and all out engagement within Jesus’ Kingdom among us is regarded as somewhat overdoing it. -Dallas Willard.

I want to overdo it.

Besides Bo Shembeckler, I’m a huge fan of John Wooden. He would begin each season teaching the most basic fundamentals of basketball, down to how to put on socks and tie shoes. The most mature Christians don’t become so advanced that they don’t need to revisit the fundamentals, but grow a deep appreciation for them. This week we’ll be looking at Paul’s teaching in 2 Timothy 3-4 on the dangers of self-deception, and the necessity to marinate in the Word for our renewal. 

This past Sunday we looked at Jesus’ teaching in John 15 to remain in Him and we will bear much fruit. I try to be as straightforward as possible, helping our students see what the Bible reveals as lies we believe from the world, the flesh and the devil. What we saw in John 15 was that our world is trying “liberate” us from God; to be independent from Him. We then struggle because we’ve cut ourselves off from receiving the daily nourishment and love of Jesus. The life-giving truth of Jesus is that those who commit and are faithful to Him will experience the full measure of His joy and goodness. To drive this home, I’ve borrowed the motto of Bo Shembeckler, former head football coach for the University of Michigan. When many of his players grew weary of his intense physical program, he guaranteed them, “Those who stay will be champions.” That’s the guarantee I long for our students to take hold of in Jesus, that those who remain in Him will be champions for Christ. Over the years in student ministry, I’ve tried to identify what it looks like as young people grow into champions for Christ, and distilled it into 10 things I pray over my own kids every day.

What happened to the content you've been putting out? Listen here for the update going forward.

Given at Coast Bible Church April 6th 2025

Given at Coast Bible Church March 30th 2025

Given at Coast Bible Church December 29th 2024

1 Corinthians 15. For more, check out Evidence That Demands A Verdict.

Genesis 17:1-2, 9-12; Romans 4:1-3, 9-11

Luke 1:1-4