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Mother’s Day Reflection:

Courage in the Crisis

This Mother’s Day we celebrate the protective love of mothers, and we find a powerful example in an unlikely hero from Scripture: Jochebed, the mother of Moses (Exodus 1:15–2:10).

In a time of brutal oppression, Pharaoh ordered the death of every Hebrew baby boy. Yet two midwives, Shiphrah and Puah, “feared God and did not do what the king of Egypt had told them to do; they let the boys live” (Exodus 1:17). Their courage opened the door for Jochebed’s even greater act of faith.

When her son was born, “she hid him for three months. But when she could hide him no longer, she got a papyrus basket for him and coated it with tar and pitch. Then she placed the child in it and put it among the reeds along the bank of the Nile” (Exodus 2:2-3). Imagine the tears as she entrusted her baby to the very river meant to destroy him.

What happened next is pure divine irony. Pharaoh’s own daughter discovered the basket, felt compassion, and—through the quick thinking of Moses’ sister Miriam—hired the baby’s own mother to nurse him. Jochebed was paid to raise her own son in the palace of the enemy!

Jochebed’s story reminds every mother that courageous protection does not mean perfect control—it means doing everything you can and then releasing your child into the hands of a sovereign God.  Whether you face cultural pressures, health challenges, rebellious teens, or the ache of empty arms, God sees your quiet faithfulness.

To every mother, step-mother, grandmother, spiritual mother, and woman who nurtures others: your hidden acts of faith matter. The same God who turned a basket into a palace nursery is still at work today.

And for all of us, this story points forward to Jesus Christ—the greater Deliverer drawn out of death so that we might live. May we fear the Lord more than any “Pharaoh” in our lives and trust Him with the children—biological and spiritual—He has entrusted to us.

Happy Mother’s Day! You are loved, seen, and never alone in the crisis.

What’s the Deal with… Baptism?

(Part 3)

Sunday will be the final lesson of a three-week series entitled, What’s the Deal with Baptism? These lessons examine our emphasis on baptism in a question/answer format.

In week one we discussed Acts 2:36-41 as a foundational text in the understanding of the place of baptism in salvation.

Last week we addressed:

1. Q: Why do we still baptize today?
   A: Because Jesus commanded it;
2. Q: Who can administer baptism?
   A: Any disciple, male or female. The authority lies with God not the baptizer or the church;
3. Q: What does God do when we are baptized?
   A: He justifies, sanctifies, forgives, gives the Spirit, regenerates our hearts, grants new birth, begats us as his children, includes us in his inheritance, joins us with Christ and the benefits of his death & resurrection, breaks our bondage to sin, and saves us.
4. Q: Who should be baptized?
   A: Anyone who believes in Jesus, acknowledges their sinfulness, repents, and is willing to commit to him as Lord of their life (we noted that this excludes infants, who are safe and do not yet need salvation).

In this final lesson, we will discuss

1. The age of accountability,
2. Why Jesus was baptized,
3. The baptism of John vs. Christian baptism,
4. The mode of baptism, and
5. Who, if anyone, should be rebaptized.

Again, I’ll restate my thesis: “Water baptism is the final act in an unbeliever’s initial journey of FAITH. That journey leads them from unbelief to complete trust in Jesus as the source and basis of their salvation. Baptism has no power in itself. It is the place and time at which God’s promised justification (forgiveness) and sanctification (reception of the Holy Spirit and regeneration—new birth) is received.”

Have you begun this faith journey?

What’s the Deal with… Baptism?

(Part II)

Last week we began a three week lesson series entitled, What’s the Deal with Baptism? We, in the churches of Christ, are known for our emphasis on baptism. These lessons examine whether this is just an idiosyncratic doctrinal oddity or whether its emphasis comes from an accurate understanding of God’s word.

Last week we discussed Acts 2:36-41 as a foundational text in the understanding of the place of baptism in salvation. Acts 2 records the first proclamation of the Gospel (Jesus is Lord and Christ), the first response (what shall we do?), the first gospel invitation to salvation (repent and be baptized), the first promised remedy offered to those who believe, repent and are baptized (forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit or justification and sanctification), the first gospel exhortation to obey (save yourselves!), and the first obedient respondents (3000 baptized). Not only is this pattern repeated throughout Acts, the theological discussions of faith, repentance, and baptism are all consistent with this throughout the remainder of the New Testament.

I’ll restate my thesis from last week’s article, “Water baptism is the final act in an unbeliever’s initial journey of FAITH. That journey leads them from unbelief to complete trust in Jesus as the source and basis of their salvation. Baptism has no power in itself. It is the place and time at which God’s promised justification (forgiveness) and sanctification (reception of the Holy Spirit and regeneration—new birth) is received.”

Baptism is not a meritorious work. In fact, it is the only passive pre-condition of salvation. We believe with the heart (active work), we confess with our mouth that Jesus is Lord (active work), we repent of our sins (active work), but we are baptized (passive submission). It is all motivated and energized by our faith.

In this series we will follow a question/answer format in which I will ask your questions and answer directly from the Scripture.

Some of the questions we will address include:

1. Why do we still baptize today?
2. What does God do when we are baptized?
3. Who can administer baptism?
   Can women baptize?
   Must there be church authority for baptism to be valid?
4. Who should be baptized?
5. At what age?
6. If Jesus had no sins, why was he baptized?
7. What mode of baptism is evidenced in the Scripture?
8. How many baptisms are there? Water? Spirit? Fire?
9. Should I be rebaptized?

What’s the Deal with… Baptism?

Our fellowship is known for its emphasis on the necessity of water baptism. Some might even argue that we have placed too much emphasis on the subject. In my 50 years of ministry, I can see where the objection is valid in some cases.

I knew a man in south Alabama who was responsible for over 200 baptisms in his lifetime —which is remarkable! He was NOT a preacher or an elder, just a passionate, evangelistic Christian! However, of that number very few actually became growing disciples. For him baptism was the end goal. He thought, “If I convince people they need to be baptized or re-baptized (as was the case most of the time), I’ve done my job.”

He treated baptism as some “magical” act that in and of itself saved people. For him, it was the end result of his evangelistic effort. Nothing else was needed. That “magical” thinking is still present is many of us.

Water baptism is the final act in an unbeliever’s initial journey of FAITH. That journey leads them from unbelief to complete trust in Jesus as the source and basis of their salvation. Baptism has no power in itself. It is the place and time at which God’s promised justification (forgiveness) and sanctification (reception of the Holy Spirit and regeneration—new birth) is received.

It is not an act of righteousness or meritorious work. Water does not forgive sins; the blood of Jesus forgives sins when one submits in faith to God.

Once one has been baptized, it is only the beginning of their Christian walk. In Matthew 28:18-20, Jesus commands that we “make disciples.” That is accomplished by going (evangelism), baptizing (faith commitment demonstrated), and teaching (discipleship).

For the next three weeks, I will be addressing, What’s the deal with baptism? in my Sunday messages. I will be answering your questions on all the how, where, and why’s of baptism from the word of God.

I want to explain our emphasis on baptism from a biblical perspective and answer any objections from the Scripture.

I will be using a question/answer format in these lessons. You might want to submit any questions you want answered. Feel free to call/text me.  

– Joey

I Have Seen The Lord!

This Easter Sunday, we invite you to encounter the risen Christ through the eyes of one woman who knew sorrow better than most: Mary Magdalene. In John 20:11–18, we meet her weeping outside an empty tomb, convinced that even the body of her Lord has been stolen. What happens next is not just history—it is the pattern of how Jesus still meets every broken heart today.

Mary’s story is raw and real. She had been delivered from seven demons. She had watched her Savior crucified. Now, in the gray dawn of Easter morning, grief blinded her to the very One standing behind her. She mistook the risen Lord for a gardener. But when Jesus spoke her name—“Mary!”—everything changed. One word from the lips of the living Christ turned her deepest mourning into the greatest joy the world has ever known.

In this message, I Have Seen the Lord!, we will walk verse-by-verse through John 20:11–18 and discover three life-changing truths:

1. How misplaced mourning keeps us staring into an empty tomb.
2. How the risen Jesus is often closer than we realize, even when our tears blind us.
3. How hearing our own name from the Savior’s lips launches us on the greatest mission of our lives.

Mary became the first evangelist in history, running to the disciples with the simple, explosive testimony: “I have seen the Lord!” That same transforming encounter is available to you this Easter. Whether you are grieving a loss, battling doubt, or simply wondering if Jesus is still personal in 2026, this message is for you.

Come expectant. Come honest. Come ready to hear Jesus call your name.

Christ Above All:

Devoted to Prayer and Witness –

Advancing the Gospel

Over the past four weeks in Colossians we’ve seen Christ’s unrivaled supremacy, defended the gospel against any dilution of His sufficiency, embraced the call to put off the old self and put on compassion and love, and learned how the gospel reshapes relationships at home and work . Now the letter closes with a powerful summons to live outwardly for the glory of Christ.

This Sunday we finish with Colossians 4:2-18, Devoted to Prayer and Witness – Advancing the Gospel.

Paul, still in chains, does not ask for personal comfort. Instead he urges the church: “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2). Prayer is not passive; it is alert, grateful, and missional. He asks them to pray for open doors for the word, for clarity in proclaiming the mystery of Christ—even though that proclamation has landed him in prison. The gospel advances through persistent, watchful intercession.

He then turns to everyday witness: “Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person” (Colossians 4: 5-6). Toward non-believers our lives and words should be thoughtful, timely, kind yet truthful— preserving the gospel’s flavor while drawing others in. No harshness, no blandness—just grace that points to the supreme Christ.

The closing greetings reveal a gospel community in action: Tychicus and Onesimus carrying the letter, Epaphras wrestling in prayer, Mark reconciled and useful, Luke  the physician, and others standing together across ethnic, social, and former divisions. The supremacy of Christ creates a family that prays fervently, encourages one another, and advances the good news together.

Come ready to be stirred and equipped. We’ll explore practical ways to build devoted prayer habits, redeem ordinary conversations with gracious witness, and strengthen the body so we stand mature and bold in Boise. Whether you feel timid about sharing faith or simply want deeper prayer life, this passage speaks directly to you.

Invite a friend, neighbor, or coworker who needs to hear that real hope is found in Christ alone—and that His people are called to make Him known with love and courage.

Christ Above All:

Christ-Centered Relationships –

Honoring God at Home and Work

In our first three weeks in Colossians we’ve marveled at Christ’s supreme lordship over creation and redemption, defended the gospel against any teaching that adds to His all-sufficient work, and embraced the call to put off the old self—anger, greed, impurity— and put on the new: compassion, kindness, humility, forgiveness, and love. This Sunday the letter brings these truths straight into the daily arenas where power dynamics shape so much of life—our homes and workplaces.

We turn to Colossians 3:18–4:1, “Christ-Centered Relationships – Honoring God at Home and Work.”

In the first-century Roman world, rigid hierarchies governed households: husbands held authority over wives, parents over children, masters over slaves. Paul writes within that cultural reality rather than calling for immediate social revolution. Yet the gospel he preaches relentlessly undermines every form of oppressive power. In Christ “there is no male and female, slave and free” in terms of worth, dignity, or standing before God (Galatians 3:28; cf. Colossians 3:11). The instructions here mitigate imbalance rather than reinforce it.

Wives are called to voluntary respect “as is fitting in the Lord,” while husbands are commanded to love self-sacrificially and refuse all harshness—turning potential dominance into servant-hearted partnership. Children obey parents, but parents (especially fathers) are strictly warned against provoking or discouraging their children; authority must nurture, not crush. Slaves are to work with integrity as unto the Lord, and masters are required to treat those under them “justly and fairly,” remembering they too answer to a heavenly Master.

The gospel transforms every relationship from the inside out. Power is never an excuse for control or exploitation; it is always accountable to Christ and reshaped by love, justice, and mutual respect. Marriage becomes mutual submission under Jesus. Parenting balances guidance with grace. Workplaces move toward fairness and dignity for all.

Come expecting practical, hope-filled application. We’ll explore how to live out these truths this week—whether navigating decisions as spouses, correcting children with empathy, working under difficult authority, or leading others with justice. The supremacy of Christ levels every human inequality while calling us to faithful, counter-cultural witness in the structures we inhabit.

Christ Above All:

The New Life in Christ –

Putting Off the Old Self

In our first two weeks in Colossians we’ve seen that the unshakable foundation: Christ is supreme over all creation and redemption, and that we must guard the gospel against any “Jesus-plus” teaching that diminishes His sufficiency. Now the letter turns deeply practical.

This Sunday we will discuss Colossians 3:1-17: The New Life in Christ – Putting Off the Old Self.

Paul doesn’t leave us admiring Christ from a distance. Because we have died with Him and been raised with Him, our everyday lives must reflect that reality. “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth” (Colossians 3:1-2). Your true life is “hidden with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3). That heavenly identity fuels radical change here and now.

The old self—with its patterns of sexual immorality, greed (which is idolatry), anger, slander, and lying—must be put to death (Colossians 3:5-9). These aren’t minor habits to manage; they belong to the person we used to be. In Christ, that person is dead.

In its place, we are called to “put on” the new self: “compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another… forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive” (Colossians 3:12-13). Above all these virtues, “put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony” (Colossians 3:14). Let Christ’s peace rule your hearts, His word dwell richly in you, and do everything in His name with thanksgiving (Colossians 3:15-17).

This isn’t a call to grit your teeth and try harder. It’s gospel-powered transformation: kill sin because you’ve already died to it; clothe yourself in Christ’s character because you’ve been raised to new life. The result is a community where ethnic, social, and economic barriers fade because “Christ is all, and in all” (Colossians 3:11).

Come expecting heart-level challenge and hope. We’ll explore everyday ways to put off the old and put on the new—starting Monday morning, in traffic, at the dinner table, and in strained relationships.

Invite someone who feels stuck in old patterns or wonders if real change is possible. Let’s discover together how the supremacy of Christ reshapes not just our beliefs, but our daily walk

Christ Above All:

Beware of False Teachings –

Guarding the True Gospel

Last Sunday we launched our Colossians series, Christ Above All with the foundational truth of Christ’s supremacy—He is the image of the invisible God, Creator and Sustainer of all things, Head of the church, and the one who reconciles sinners to God through His cross. We left reminded that because Jesus is preeminent, our faith has a rock-solid foundation.

This coming Sunday we move into Colossians 2:1-23, Beware of False Teachings – Guarding the True Gospel.

Paul, still writing from prison, expresses deep pastoral concern for the Colossian believers. He has never met most of them face to face, yet he is in “great struggle” on their behalf (Colossians 2:1). Why? A dangerous teaching is spreading in their young church—not an outright rejection of Jesus, but a subtle “Jesus-plus” message. To be truly spiritual, they were told, you needed more than Christ alone: secret wisdom, stricter rules about food and Sabbaths, mystical visions, worship of angels, or severe self-denial. These ideas sounded profound and pious, but Paul calls them “philosophy and empty deceit” (Colossians 2:8), “human tradition,” and “elemental spirits of the world.”

His urgent plea is clear: Don’t be taken captive. You already have fullness in Christ—“in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him” (Colossians 2:9-10). The cross has canceled your debt, defeated every power, and given you everything you need for life and godliness. Shadows and rituals that once pointed forward are now obsolete because the substance has come—Jesus Himself.

In our day, the same subtle pressures surround us: self-help gurus promising fulfillment through mindset shifts, cultural voices insisting grace must be earned by activism or moral performance, wellness trends blending Eastern practices with faith, or even church legalism that turns freedom into checklists. Paul’s warning is timeless: anything added to Christ diminishes Him and cheats believers of the riches they already possess.

Come ready to be encouraged and equipped. We’ll see how to walk rooted and built up in Jesus, abounding in thanksgiving, and how to test every teaching by this simple question: Does it hold fast to Christ the Head, or does it lead us away?

Bring a friend who’s wrestling with “spiritual but not religious” ideas or feeling pressured to add something to Jesus. Let’s stand together in the sufficiency of our Savior.

Christ Above All:

Living Out Colossians in Everyday Life

This Sunday we begin a five-week journey through Paul’s letter to the Colossians titled Christ Above All: Living Out Colossians in Everyday Life.

In the mid-60s AD, a young church in the small city of Colossae faced a subtle but dangerous threat. False teachers were blending Greek philosophy, Jewish rituals, mystical experiences, and ascetic practices, quietly suggesting that Jesus was good—but not enough. To be truly spiritual, they said, you needed secret knowledge, stricter rules, or angelic visions. Paul, writing from a Roman prison, responded with one of the most powerful declarations in all Scripture: Jesus Christ is supreme over everything—creation, redemption, the church, and every competing power. In Him “are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Colossians 2:3). He is not one option among many; He is all in all.

Colossians is a clarion call for our time. Today we encounter similar pressures: self-help gurus promising fulfillment apart from Christ, cultural voices redefining truth, progressive theologies adding requirements to grace, and everyday distractions that quietly dethrone Jesus from first place. This letter reminds us that the gospel is sufficient, Christ is preeminent, and every area of life—our thoughts, relationships, work, and witness—must flow from that reality.

Over the next five weeks we will unpack five major themes, each sermon building on the last:

1. The Supremacy of Christ – Our Foundation for Faith
2. Beware of False Teachings – Guarding the True Gospel
3. The New Life in Christ – Putting Off the Old Self
4. Christ-Centered Relationships – Honoring God at Home and Work
5. Devoted to Prayer and Witness – Advancing the Gospel

We begin this Sunday with The Supremacy of Christ – Our Foundation for Faith (Colossians 1:1-23).

Paul opens with thanksgiving for the Colossians’ faith, love, and hope, then explodes into one of the Bible’s most majestic hymns exalting Jesus as the image of the invisible God, the Creator and Sustainer of all things, the Head of the church, the firstborn from the dead, and the reconciler of sinners through His cross. We were once alienated enemies—yet Christ has made us holy and blameless. The message is clear: because Jesus is supreme, we have a solid foundation for joyful, enduring faith no matter what pressures we face.

Come ready to have your eyes lifted to the One who holds everything together.