The Common Question We Should Ask
Jesus’ last words ought to prompt us towards a first question: Who are you discipling? Imagine if this was the common question among our...
Monday Meditation is a weekly, church-wide devotional from FFC leadership to the people of FFC.
Gospel Encouragement
When grief strikes, the gospel sustains. When sorrow engulfs, the gospel encourages. This is the principle underneath the call...
Sending is Trinitarian
Sending isn’t just a missionary task. It is a Trinitarian concept. Consider this: The Father sent the Son (John 20:21), and the Father...
Hygenic Teaching
Three times in the Pastoral Epistles Paul references “sound teaching” (I Timothy 1:10, 2 Timothy 4:3, Titus 1:9). But exactly what does...
There Are No Little Sins
Refuse to believe the lie that sins are measured by size. The truth is this: there are no little sins. Paul takes direct aim at this...
It’s Not an Interruption
Suffering is often the intended way of proclaiming the gospel, not simply a secondary result of proclaiming it. Paul makes this precise...
Which Traits Matter?
Many things are important. Few things are essential. For instance, air conditioning is important. Air is essential. Hot water is important....
“God With Us”
Today we rejoice in the fulfillment of our anticipation. Advent is realized; Jesus has come. Yes, Immanuel is here. Ah, Immanuel. It means...
The Hidden Beauty of Significance
The beauty of significance lies in the fact that it is often hidden in the ugliness of the seemingly unimportant. This was exactly the case...
Have a MeSSy Christmas
Christmas is a messy holiday. I didn’t say merry; I said messy. Think about it—it’s about a birth. Been to any birthing rooms lately?...
A Common Christmas
Christmas has too quickly been hijacked by the commercial world and the postmodern consumer. It’s “the most wonderful time of the...
Everybody Needs a Jim
Two can carry a burden better than one. Such is the thought behind Galatians 6:2, where the Apostle Paul exhorted believers to “bear one...
Where Thankfulness Begins
In a few days, the vast majority of people in our nation will take intentional time to be thankful. Yes, Thanksgiving is the holiday...
Diotrephes or Demetrius?
Are you a selfish divider or a selfless edifier? This was the juxtaposition John drew in his third letter as he contrasted Diotrephes—the...
The Love of God
Nothing is as secure or strong as the love of God. Nothing. This is the core message of Romans 8:38-39, which emphatically declares...
Not Beyond or Below
Spiritual deception can be dressed up or dressed down. We can be fooled by what’s added to the truth or by what’s missing from the...
Salvation belongs to the Lord!
Salvation is solely and wholly a work of God. That 9-word, labor-freeing, heart-melting, praise-producing, soul-satisfying refrain occupied...
Weep Not For Me
For the Christian, death is the doorway to the truest life he or she could ever know. Paul declared this truth beautifully in 2...
Send Whom the Spirit Selects
A church’s best pool for partners (i.e., missionaries/church planters) is its own body, and the best practice for finding them is prayer....
Use What You Have
Mission is always, first and foremost, an issue of motivation, not means. Case in point: the Jerusalem church of Acts. While the eleven...
Start Where You Are
The Jerusalem church of Acts 2, led by the very men who heard the final instructions of Jesus, were a missional band of believers. They did...
Every ‘No’ Has a Deeper ‘Yes’
Restraint is never as powerful as pursuit. This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t say ‘no,’ resist sin, or, as Jesus said, “deny...
Trusting Even When Tested
Why Peter and not James? That was the question that raced to the forefront of my mind when I finished reading the first 11 verses of Acts...
Buying Back Opportunities
Hanging on a wall in my office is a replica of the world’s first concept of a calendar. It was developed by the Egyptians, and shows the...
Long-Distance Eyes
One of the best ways to battle sin in the moment is to think about its consequences in the distance. This is the heartbeat of a simple...
Waiting is a Worthy Response
One of the hardest things to do is wait. This is especially true in times of injustice, such as when one is suffering for righteousness’...
The Discipline of Vertical Concentration
An old adage warns us not to be so heavenly minded that we’re of no earthly good. But that’s a false proposition. Frankly, it’s...
The Necessity of Inner Regeneration
You can’t revive what isn’t already alive. So when it comes to deepening one’s affections for Christ, a first and foremost question...
A Divine Equation
Genuine desire evidenced by gritty diligence results in godly growth. Solomon showcases this principle in Proverbs 2 through two words:...
O-B-E-D-I-E-N-C-E
A firm foundation makes all the difference. This is precisely the point of the parable Jesus told at the end of his sermon on Mount Olivet...
Falling Apart
Someone once truly noted, “A Bible that is falling apart usually belongs to someone who isn’t.” I watched this reality in the lives...
Our First and Best Action
Prayer is our first and best action. Admittedly, it’s not our only action. But it is, in all situations, our first and best one. But why?...
A Final Four
12 words. Four commands. One verse. That is a numerical summary of 1 Corinthians 16:13, which reads, “Be watchful, stand firm in the...
My Old Bible
One of the best habits a person can practice is the regular reading of the Bible. Scripturally, this often overlooked yet profoundly needed...
It’s Never Too Late
It’s never too late for someone to be rescued from hell. This must have been what Jude was referencing when, while encouraging believers...
Why the Righteous are Bold
When you have nothing to hide, you have no reason to run. Solomon, inspired by the Holy Spirit, clues us in to this truth when he...
The Fear of Man is a Trap
Fear paralyzes. It cripples. It stalls and halts even the best intentions. That’s why Solomon called it a “snare.” Specifically, his...
The Counter-Culture Christ
Jesus Christ was the consummate counter-culture communicator. Consider Matthew 5. Six times he said to the crowds, “You have heard it...
Limiting or Life-Giving?
Obedience doesn’t limit the believer. It actually enables the believer to truly live. This is the heartbeat of Proverbs 7:2, where...
Why Jesus Makes Himself Known
Jesus makes himself known so that you will faithfully believe and fearlessly follow. I draw this from John 21, where twice we read in the...
You Already Are One
When it comes to being a witness (Acts 1:8), it’s never a matter of “Will you be one?” Rather, it’s always a matter of “What kind...
My Two Take-Aways After a Year in the Prophets
Julie and I spent the bulk of our 2021 Bible reading in the Old Testament books of prophecy. Each night we’d take some time together and...
God’s Unconditional Love
God’s love is qualitatively and quantitatively different than our love. Need proof? Consider the first part of 1 John 3:1. “See what...
Our Unspeakable Joy
Joy. It’s the emotion that goes public. When you experience it, other people usually know it. Sometimes we shout because of our joy,...
Our Indescribable Peace
Peace. An internal calm in the middle of an external storm. Even that definition sounds unexplainable, almost contradictory. But such is...
Our Confident Hope
“I sure hope so.” Those are words that often express our wants and wishes. And there’s nothing wrong with them. Every human has...
The Christian Life as a Walk
The Bible often uses the metaphor of walking when it refers to the Christian life. Some of my favorite verses that use this metaphor are...
A Command and a Promise
I contend and believe the Great Commission is both a command to be obeyed and a promise that has been fulfilled. This brings up an...
The Gospel and Good Works
For those who’ve grown up in the “moral Midwest,” you’ve likely encountered the gospel of “good works.” This false teaching...
The Strange Ways of God
God’s conviction comes in different ways. Odd ways even. Yet all of them accomplish their purpose: to expose our sin and turn us back to...
Vertical Leadership
Every environment needs leaders. But what sets leaders apart? What distinguishes them? Interestingly, an overview of Joshua reveals some...
The Clear Will of God
God doesn’t play hide or seek with his children. He’s not obscuring his plan; he doesn’t communicate in cryptic fashion. No, God...
What This Former Pig Needs
Try harder. Those are the central words of religious people. It’s their mantra. After all, it’s the best way to become a better you....
Just Ask the Birds
God is not distant or unreachable. He is not remote or unaware. He is, instead, close. Personal. Near. Concerned. This is precisely what...
The Adrenaline god
When Scripture speaks of the pace at which we are to live as Christians, the word picture is overwhelmingly one of steadiness....
Greatly Loved
God does what he does because of who he is. His character always informs his actions. Not only does this mean God operates fully and...
The Truth about Trials
No one likes troubles or trials; yet, everyone has their share of them. No one ever asks for them; still, they raise their ugly...
Running From Victory, Not For Victory
August 30, 2021
As I watched the Olympics last month, I was intrigued by the sheer motivation many athletes found in striving for a gold medal. Whether...
What Does It Mean to Know God?
August 23, 2021
Today our guest contributor is Parker McGoldrick, our current Church Planting Resident who, Lord willing, will be launching Ankeny Gospel...
God’s Incredible Commitment to His People
August 16, 2021
God rightfully and jealously desires to know his people and be known by his people. And he will do everything to ensure that occurs....
Finally fully blameless
August 2, 2021
Being “blameless” is a biblical goal for God’s people. Believers are exhorted to live blamelessly as lights in the world (Phil....
Getting ‘Schooled’ in Humility
July 26, 2021
God uses humility—the flattening of our lives – as a way to help us battle pride’s destructive nature. The small book of Micah, one...
Taking the Escalator Down
July 19, 2021
My first escalator ride was with my dad when I was a little boy. We walked up to this big moving staircase and I saw all those metal teeth....
Not So With You
July 12, 2021
Christian leaders are not CEO’s, top-of-the-ladder bosses, or self-appointed gurus. We don’t influence others through human power,...
The Test of First Reaction
July 5, 2021
First reactions tell us a lot. And we discover a lot about King Josiah when, in response to God’s Law being found and read, he tore his...
Without Him we can do…
June 28, 2021
Jesus declared, quite audaciously, that without him we could do nothing. You read that right—nothing (John 15). To be sure, if we’re...
God’s Math: Multiplication
June 14, 2021
Multiplication is the heart of the Great Commission. It’s the storyline of Acts, and the end time picture in Revelation. Frankly, one...
An Oceanic Orchestra
June 7, 2021
There’s something about the sheer magnitude and unrelenting consistency of the oceans that exposes my lack of both and showcases God’s...
No Part-Time Sovereignty
May 31, 2021
There is no part-time sovereignty with God. He is, in every way and every day, in control of everything. Consider the weight this...
Five Filters for Discerning the Holy Spirit’s Leading
May 24, 2021
Learning to recognize the Holy Spirit’s “voice” can seem like somewhat of a struggle at times, especially since our...
The Holy Spirit’s Baptism and the Holy Spirit’s Filling: Is There a Difference?
May 17, 2021
Two words are often confused when it comes to certain aspects of the work of God the Holy Spirit: His baptism and his filling. In fact,...
D.L. Moody and the Holy Spirit’s Presence and Power
May 10, 2021
In my message yesterday I told only a brief part of the story of D.L. Moody’s incredible experience in which he saw a 180-degree...
The Church: Unstoppable!
May 3, 2021
As part of Christ’s church, you are part of something unstoppable. Jesus promised nothing short of this when he said “I will build my...
A Place to Belong
April 26, 2021
Every true believer lives in two realities: A heavenly one (“in Christ”) and an earthly one (“in the church”). So says Ephesians...
Upholding the Law Yet Not Depending on the Law
April 19, 2021
The Law—an overarching term for God’s demands as revealed in Scripture—can be a difficult thing to grasp. Paul asserts it justifies...
The Wide World of Easter
April 12, 2021
This year Easter fell on the first Sunday of the month. Yes, just eight days ago. Whenever that happens, it is a wide world of Easter! Why...
Passion Week Bible Reading Guide
March 29, 2021
A lot can happen in seven days. That was undoubtedly true for Jesus. From being celebrated by singing crowds to being crucified by an angry...
If Only One
March 22, 2021
I’m not sure I remember the year, but I sure recall the moment. I was a young Jr. High youth director, still in college in fact. Our...
We Should Not Make It Difficult
March 15, 2021
“…we should not make it difficult…” (Acts 15:19) Those six words are some of the most moving words any pastor ever spoke....
Kingdom is Greater Than Culture
March 8, 2021
What marks you as you? Seriously, by what are you primarily known? Is it personality? Location? Ethnicity? Accent? Temperament? Occupation?...
A Few Words About Fasting
March 1, 2021
We are into the third week of our 40 Days of Prayer and Fasting emphasis, and today is the third church-wide call to fast....
Guess Who’s Praying For You?
February 22, 2021
There’s more than few right answers to the question. in this week’s title. But the answer that is most encouraging? The Holy...
The Most Important Thing In Which You Should Rejoice
February 15, 2021
We live in an age of accomplishment. More so, we live in an age of announcedaccomplishments. In other words, we love to toot our own...
Gentle and Lowly
February 8, 2021
Sin has a seditious way of sabotaging us. It disguises, divides, and destroys, leaving in its wake brokenness, sadness, and despair. Yet,...
HERE LIES JOHN DOE
January 25, 2021
Julie and I were recently looking at burial plots. It’s a decision we have to make at some point, so we began checking out local options....
GETTING OFF TO A GOOD START
January 4, 2021
As you begin the journey of 2021 this week, no doubt a great first step is to commit to daily Bible reading. King David’s words are...
MORE THAN A NEW YEAR IS NEXT
December 28, 2020
With 2021 just around the corner, many are most likely looking forward to many new things. Perhaps some will be setting new goals; others...
HOPE
December 21, 2020
Hope. Even the sound of it rings with promise and expectation. And it’s especially vibrant at Christmas. Webster’s definition of hope,...
OUR PERFECT SYMPATHIZER AND SAVIOR
December 7, 2020
The mystery and miracle of the incarnation is a wondrous truth that is essential to our faith. Like the Trinity, however, it is hard to...
PRAY FOR BOB
November 30, 2020
The Apostle Paul urged his fellow believers to pray for BOB. Not, not Bob, as in a person, but for BOB, as in an acronym. With either...
WHERE THANKFULNESS BEGINS
November 23, 2020
In a few days, the vast majority of people in our nation will take intentional time to be thankful. Yes, Thanksgiving is the holiday...
YOU’RE MOVING TOWARDS HIS LIFE, NOT YOUR DEATH
November 16, 2020
When we think of dying, especially the process of it, death becomes to us that black shadow that eventually swallows our life. But God...
WHAT GOD’S WORD WILL DO
November 9, 2020
I love the promise in Isaiah 55 that assures us God’s Word will not return void. Remember it? To jog your memory, here it is: “So shall...
THE WOMEN BEHIND THE MAN
November 2, 2020
Timothy, the spiritual son of the Apostle Paul, was a youth when he entered the ministry. In fact, he may have had the first “youth”...
GREAT COMMISSION Q AND A
October 26, 2020
We often think Jesus’ final marching orders will leave us with questions pertaining only to the aspect of “going” or...
MORAVIAN MOMENTUM
October 19, 2020
Few people have taken the Great Commission as seriously as the Moravians. Not unlike the early church in Acts 8, they, too, were displaced...
THE MIGHTY MITE
October 12, 2020
Look around and you will notice a discouraging trend in this day of space-age science and hi-tech computers: the bigger the better! The...
POOR OLD DAVID
October 5, 2020
Poor old David. He never had the chance to go to Disney World, see Mickey Mouse or Donald Duck, ride Space Mountain, or visit Epcot...
KEEP CHEWING ON THESE 4 TRUTHS
September 28, 2020
Yesterday I wrapped up four weeks in 1 Corinthians 5, four weeks devoted to understanding more about church discipline. Undoubtedly it is...
HAVE A GOOD WORKOUT
September 21, 2020
I remember, as a high schooler, the daily routine of wrestling practice. Running the stairs, throwing the dummy, wrestling the coach, and...
SAND AND ROCK: THE ONLY DIFFERENCE
September 14, 2020
There’s only one difference between sand and rock. That difference? O-b-e-d-i-e-n-c-e. For the sake of all the geologists squinting right...
OUR STAYING, STANDING, SECURING SAVIOR
September 7, 2020
You’ve never had a more faithful friend than Jesus. Even if you’ve had really good friends, possibly great friends, you’ve never had...
SPIRITUAL SNACKING
August 31, 2020
Remember as a kid, just before dinner, when you’d get that sudden urge to have a snack? Even if the evening meal was only ten...
“ALL COMFORT” > “ANY AFFLICTION”
August 24, 2020
There’s no hardship greater than the comforting hand of God. This biblical promise is based on four words in 2 Corinthians 1: “all...
CONTENTED OR CEMENTED?
August 17, 2020
Allow me a few paragraphs to remind us all again of some core truths Travis rehearsed yesterday with us when we gathered, truths that need...