I’m experimenting with my kids. I know we’re probably not supposed to do that, but I’m trying to be intentional about one specific phrase I say to them on a daily basis. The original idea came from another preacher who spoke about the power of a phrase his father spoke into him for years and years. The application was simple: repeat one phrase often enough to your children and it will become the defining phrase of their childhood. Now I’m... Read more
In case you missed last week at Mt Vernon Church, here is last week’s message on Ephesians 1. Hope to see you tomorrow at church! (If you’re out of town, you can stream the services live, 9:00 am and 10:30 am, by going to www.mtvchurch.tv) https://vimeo.com/98338797 Read more
Rick Reilly Last Column – The famed sportswriter is hanging up his hat. His last column provides some powerful perspective about the importance of family and sports (in that order) The Symphony That Saved a City – An amazing historical story about the power of the arts in the human experience. Christian Comparison Isn’t Pretty – Refreshing honesty for everyone who struggles with the temptation of comparison. My Husband Doesn’t Need to See Your Boobs – Great reminder from a... Read more
This summer our church is studying the book of Ephesians together (you can catch up on the messages here). But wanting to do more than simply study it, I’ve challenged our church to memorize a chapter of Ephesians this summer. No, I didn’t say a verse, I said a chapter. Why memorize a chapter of Ephesians? Ephesians is a beautiful snapshot of the gospel. Every chapter has incredible truths to learn. Your mind will be stretched and challenged as you... Read more
A semi-controversy erupted last week during the Southern Baptist Convention when popular megachurch pastor Andy Stanley used Twitter to “call out” the overall tone of the convention in Baltimore. (Read his full comments here). Here are some of his tweets, written at the same time that the SBC was calling for more prayer for revival: “Instead of praying for revival leaders of the SBC should go spend three weeks with @perrynoble Why pray for one when you can go watch... Read more
Last Sunday at Mt Vernon Church I utilized the controversy surrounding released Army sergeant Bowe Bergdahl to teach a lesson about the gospel of Ephesians 1:7, “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace.” Watch this short clip to see what Bowe Bergdahl teaches us about the gospel: https://vimeo.com/98342988 Read more
Today you’re going to encounter problems. Some will be big, some will be small, some will be mere nuisances. I know it’s a Monday. I know it’s the middle of June. I know you’d rather be at the beach. Going on Facebook will only make your attitude worse, because the four families that are on vacation this week will be posting at least 100 photos each, reminding you that you’re stuck wherever you are while they’re living it up. You’re... Read more
Here is last Sunday’s message from Mt Vernon Church, an introduction to our summer series on the book of Ephesians. https://vimeo.com/97725415 Read more
“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” ― Dr. Seuss Here are a few things to read this weekend. Enjoy! What if Your Child is Gay? Very insightful words from Russell Moore. Why I Gave Up Alcohol – A very reasoned, non-judgmental word to all the social drinkers out there. What the Latest SBC Numbers Mean for Your Church – the article that inspired by blog post... Read more
At Mt Vernon, we are ridiculously committed to creativity and excellence in all of our environments, but especially our Sunday morning worship experience. For each sermon series, we’ll change up the look of the stage: the lighting, the background, the props, etc. This was made possible by sinking some financial (and political) capital into upgrading our worship center to be able to transform from series to series. Why do we spend so much time and energy on our stage? Because we believe that environments... Read more
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