Just days earlier, Jesus had returned to His hometown of Nazareth and read aloud from the scroll of Isaiah, boldly proclaiming that He was the fulfillment of prophecy. But instead of celebration, His declaration stirred rejection. His own people—those who had watched Him grow up—turned on Him in anger. The crowd became a mob, and Jesus barely escaped.

So He moved on to Capernaum, a town nestled along the Sea of Galilee. It’s here we see something astonishing unfold. He began teaching in the synagogue on the Sabbath, just as He had before. But this time, the reaction was different.

What Happens When Jesus Speaks?

Luke tells us the people were amazed by His teaching—not because He was eloquent or entertaining, but because He spoke with authority. Jesus didn’t teach like the scribes who quoted others—He spoke truth as the Author of it. When He opened His mouth, it was as if heaven cracked through the ceiling.

Can Evil Really Stand in God’s Presence?

Then, mid-sermon, a man possessed by a demon cried out—loudly and violently. In the middle of God’s house, evil made its presence known. Isn’t that often the way? We expect evil to lurk in the shadows, but sometimes, it shows up right in the middle of worship.

This demon didn’t just make noise—it spoke truth. It recognized Jesus for who He truly is: “the Holy One of God.” That’s the irony. A demon acknowledged what many religious leaders would later deny—that Jesus is fully God and fully man.

How Does Jesus Respond to Darkness?

Jesus didn’t need rituals or theatrics to respond. He simply commanded, “Be quiet and come out of him!” And immediately, the demon obeyed. No harm was done to the man. No drawn-out battle. Just a single authoritative word—and the enemy was silenced.

That’s the kind of Savior we follow.

Are You Just Amazed, or Are You Changed?

The crowd sat stunned, whispering, “What is this message? Even unclean spirits obey Him!” News of Jesus spread quickly, and rightfully so.

But here’s the question for us today: Are we merely amazed by Jesus, or are we surrendered at His feet? Because there’s a difference. Some are impressed by His words but remain unchanged. Others, like that man once tormented, find freedom by falling at His feet.

Do You Believe Jesus Still Has Authority Today?

Jesus doesn’t just speak with authority. He is the authority. Over sin. Over darkness. Over everything that tries to hold us down. He still speaks today—with that same unstoppable, unshakable, soul-freeing power.

Do you live like He’s in charge? Because He is. And He always wins.

John’s mission was clear: to prepare hearts for the arrival of Jesus Christ. His message was simple yet radical—repentance.

What is Repentance?

Repentance is not merely feeling sorry for sin. It is a turning, a complete change of heart and mind, a 180-degree shift toward God. John’s baptism was a symbol of this transformation, a public declaration of a heart made new. It was not enough to claim heritage or tradition, as John rebuked those who relied on their ancestry:

"Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham for our father,’ for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham." (Luke 3:8)

True repentance is visible. It bears fruit. It changes how we live.

What Shall We Do?

The crowds, convicted by John’s words, asked the most honest question: “What shall we do?” (Luke 3:10)

John’s response was practical:

• To the wealthy: “Share with him who has none.”

• To the tax collectors: “Collect no more than what you have been ordered to.”

• To the soldiers: “Do not take money by force… and be content with your wages.”

Repentance is not just about confession but action. It transforms how we treat others, reshapes our priorities, and realigns our hearts with God’s will.

A Dangerous Call

John’s bold preaching was not without consequence. He confronted sin at all levels, even calling out the immorality of Herod. For this, he was imprisoned. His fate serves as a reminder: proclaiming truth in a world that resists it is costly. Yet, John’s mission was never about self-preservation. He understood his place in God’s plan:

"One is coming who is mightier than I, and I am not fit to untie the thong of His sandals." (Luke 3:16)

John’s purpose was to point people to Jesus—the One who would baptize not just with water, but with the Holy Spirit and fire.

What About You?

John’s message is as urgent today as it was then. The call to repentance is not just for the people of his time—it is for us.

• What do you need to turn from today?

• Are there areas in your life where pride, greed, or complacency have taken root?

• Is your faith evident through the fruit you bear?

Repentance is the key to restoration with God. It is the first step toward a transformed life. Just as John prepared the way for Jesus, may we prepare our hearts to receive Him fully.

The voice still cries in the wilderness. Will you listen?

The Gift of Hope

When Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the temple, they were fulfilling the Jewish customs of circumcision, redemption of the firstborn, and purification of the mother. These rituals might seem foreign to us today, but they were deeply significant acts of obedience. The presentation of Jesus reminds us that He was dedicated to God from birth, just as we are called to dedicate our lives to Him.

Mary and Joseph’s humble offering of two birds, rather than a lamb, indicates their poverty. Yet, in their arms, they carried the true Lamb of God. This moment, unnoticed by most, was a divine appointment orchestrated by God.

The People of Hope

Simeon, described as righteous and devout, had been waiting his entire life for the “consolation of Israel.” God had promised him that he would not die before seeing the Messiah. When he saw Jesus, he recognized that God’s salvation had come—not only for Israel but for all people. Simeon’s song of praise, known as the “Nunc Dimittis,” reveals his deep joy: “For my eyes have seen Your salvation” (Luke 2:30). He could now depart in peace, knowing that God’s promise had been fulfilled.

Anna, a prophetess who had been widowed for many years, dedicated her life to fasting and prayer in the temple. She, too, recognized Jesus as the Redeemer and shared the good news with those longing for God’s deliverance. Anna’s story reminds us that faithful devotion to God, even in the unseen moments, is never wasted.

Hope Applied to Our Lives

The lives of Simeon and Anna offer us two key takeaways:

1. Patience and Perseverance: Simeon and Anna waited faithfully for the Messiah, even when years passed without evidence of His coming. In our own lives, we must learn to trust God’s timing. Hope allows us to endure, believing that God will fulfill His promises.

2. Loving Service to the Lord: Anna spent her life in service to God, demonstrating that waiting is not passive. As we anticipate Christ’s return, we are called to serve Him faithfully, using our time and resources to glorify Him.

Just as Simeon and Anna rejoiced in the fulfillment of God’s promise, we too can live in hope, knowing that Christ will return. May we, like them, keep our eyes fixed on Jesus, the Light of the world, and share the good news with those around us.

How Can I Trust God When I Don’t Understand His Plan?

When Mary, carrying Jesus, visits Elizabeth, something incredible happens. Elizabeth’s baby, the unborn John the Baptist, leaps for joy in her womb! This isn’t just a random movement—it’s a Spirit-filled response to the presence of the Messiah. Elizabeth, filled with the Holy Spirit, exclaims, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!”

Elizabeth recognizes what many would later struggle to see: Jesus is the Lord, even before He is born. Her joy and declaration show us the importance of faith. She believes not because she has all the answers but because the Holy Spirit reveals the truth. That’s a lesson for us: God often speaks to our hearts when we trust Him, even if we don’t fully understand His plans.

How Can I Trust God’s Faithfulness When I Can’t See It?

Mary responds with a song of praise, often called the Magnificat. Her words overflow with gratitude: “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” Mary praises God for His mercy, His power, and His faithfulness—not just to her but to all generations.

What’s remarkable is that Mary’s praise isn’t about herself. She focuses on what God has done. She declares, “He has done great things for me,” acknowledging His work in her life. Her joy reminds us to pause and reflect on how God has been faithful to us, even in the small moments we might overlook.

How Do I Respond to God’s Goodness?

This story is a call to recognize and rejoice in God’s work. Elizabeth, John, and Mary show us that true joy comes from encountering Jesus. They praise God not out of obligation but because their hearts are full of gratitude.

Here’s the challenge: do we take time to praise God like they did? When we see His hand in our lives—His provision, mercy, and love—do we respond with heartfelt gratitude? Praising God isn’t just a Sunday activity; it’s a daily choice to magnify Him in every part of our lives.

Elizabeth’s and Mary’s stories also remind us of the value of every life. Even in the womb, John leaped for joy. It’s a beautiful affirmation that every life is precious, created in God’s image, and capable of responding to His Spirit.

So, let’s follow their example. Let’s praise God who sent the Messiah to save us. Let’s lift our voices in gratitude, recognizing His faithfulness in our lives. And let’s never forget: God rejoices over us with love and singing. How incredible is that?

Invasions often conjure images of forceful and disruptive events—perhaps historic moments like the invasion of Normandy or personal experiences like a home robbery. By definition, an invasion involves entering a place forcefully, often causing harm or interference. It’s not something we typically associate with God, yet today, I invite you to think of God as a benevolent invader—one who disrupts our lives not with harm but with transformative love.

Impossibilities spark a different set of thoughts. Remember watching futuristic cartoons like The Jetsons? Flying cars, robot maids, and video calls were laughable impossibilities then, but now they’re everyday realities. What once seemed absurdly out of reach is now commonplace.

Impossibilities into Realities

The Bible is filled with stories where God turns impossibilities into realities. In Luke 1, we meet Zacharias and Elizabeth, a righteous, faithful couple living under Roman rule in a time of silence from God—400 years had passed since the last prophetic word. Despite their faithfulness, they faced a heartbreaking impossibility: they were childless and well past childbearing age. In their culture, infertility was often viewed as a sign of divine disfavor, a painful stigma Elizabeth bore quietly.

As Zacharias fulfilled his priestly duties in the temple, something extraordinary happened. Chosen by lot for the once-in-a-lifetime honor of offering incense, Zacharias found himself alone in the Holy Place. It was here that God "invaded" his ordinary day with the extraordinary. An angel, Gabriel, appeared and announced that Elizabeth would bear a son, John, who would prepare the way for the Messiah.

Improbable into Possible

Zacharias struggled to believe the angel’s words. His doubt reminds us of our own tendency to question God’s promises, especially when they seem impossible. Yet God’s plans are not hindered by our unbelief. Elizabeth did conceive, and her joy overflowed as she declared that God had “looked with favor upon [her], to take away [her] disgrace.”

This story reminds us that faithfulness matters. Zacharias and Elizabeth continued to serve God faithfully despite their disappointments. It was in their ordinary routines that God did something extraordinary. Likewise, when we remain steadfast in our daily lives—praying, serving, giving—God often shows up in ways that exceed our expectations.

Ordinary into Extraordinary

So, what “impossibilities” are you facing today? Whether it’s a broken relationship, financial struggles, or a dream that feels out of reach, remember this: nothing is impossible with God. He specializes in turning the improbable into the possible and the ordinary into the extraordinary. Trust Him to invade your life with His transformative power. Keep walking in faithfulness, and in His perfect timing, you’ll see His glory revealed.

God of all possibilities, help us to trust You in the face of the impossible. May we remain faithful, even when we cannot see the way forward, believing that You can do exceedingly more than we ask or imagine. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Watch the full sermon here.

The Gospel of Luke is one of the most beautifully crafted and historically accurate accounts of Jesus’ life. Amid a world filled with uncertainty—whether it’s political tension, economic instability, or personal challenges—Luke’s Gospel offers us something rare and priceless: hope grounded in certainty.

Luke, a physician and historian, wasn’t an apostle but a meticulous researcher. He drew from eyewitness accounts and carefully documented the life, ministry, and teachings of Jesus. He didn’t rely on secondhand stories or hearsay; instead, he investigated, compiled, and presented the truth with precision. His goal? To provide a reliable and trustworthy account of Jesus’ life for a man named Theophilus—and, by extension, for all of us.

What makes Luke’s Gospel so special? It’s deeply personal. Luke’s writing isn’t just a recounting of events; it reveals the heart of Jesus. This is the Gospel that highlights Jesus’ interactions with the marginalized, the overlooked, and the broken. It’s here that we meet shepherds, lepers, tax collectors, and women who played pivotal roles in Jesus’ story. Luke paints a picture of a Savior who came for everyone—for you and me.

As we step into this study, we’re reminded that the Gospel of Jesus Christ is:

• Accurate: Luke’s careful research ensures we can trust the Gospel’s truth.
• Personal: It speaks to our hearts, meeting us where we are.
• Certain: In a world of shifting sands, the Gospel stands firm, offering hope and assurance.

In the chaos of life, where promises are broken and doubts creep in, Luke’s Gospel invites us to anchor our faith in the unshakable truth of Jesus Christ. Through His birth, life, death, and resurrection, Jesus offers us a relationship that’s personal, transformative, and eternal.

As we begin this year-long journey, let’s open our hearts to the beauty and power of Luke’s Gospel. May we grow in our understanding, deepen our faith, and find unwavering certainty in the truth of Jesus. Let’s take this first step together—ready to meet Jesus on every page and embrace the hope He brings.

Watch the full sermon here. 

Though Paul had not yet even visited their church, he had written this letter boldly so as to remind the believers in Rome about important matters in the Christian faith. We all need reminding from time to time, don’t we? I know I do.

Paul goes on to describe how God had made him a minister or servant to the Gentiles. He saw himself as a priest (the word he used here would evoke, in the minds of his Jewish readers, a Jewish priest in the Temple). A priest who was offering a gift before God. And to Paul, the Gentiles were like a gift, “sanctified by the Holy Spirit” and therefore made favorable to God.  

In a close reading of this passage, you will discover that Paul is laying out what we should expect in a minister. Let me remind you that we are all ministers. If you are a follower of Jesus, you have been made a minister of reconciliation, bringing the gospel to people and people to Jesus. Paul says, “Here’s a little of my calling and you should see yourself in me.”

In Romans 15:14-16 we see two aspects of being a minister: encouraging and reminding. Here’s a third: a good minister glories in God and God’s work. Paul said, “I’m the instrument but God did all the work.” It’s not for us to boast about what we’ve done; instead, we’re to boast only in what God has done. Let’s make Paul’s statement to the Galatians our prayer: “…may it never be that I would boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ…” Galatians 6:14.

Paul also points out that good ministers, by their words and actions, declare, propound, and proclaim the Christian message. He said, “I preached the gospel from Jerusalem to Illyricum, (pronounced “il-RIK-um”) and he had established Christian churches in those communities. I find it amazing that Illyricum includes parts of present-day Albania, Serbia, Kosovo, Bosnia, and Croatia. Paul certainly got around – maybe more than we thought!

While he went hither-and-yon, Paul wasn’t worried about defending God, Jesus, or the Bible to those with whom he shared the glorious gospel. I like what C.H. Spurgeon said when he was once asked how to defend the Bible. “You defend the Bible just as you would a roaring lion. You just open the cage and let it out!”

We see in verses 20-22, Paul preached where no one had heard before, therefore, he wasn’t building on the foundations of others. The foundation of the gospel had been laid, and others could continue building on that foundation. Therefore, Paul was now free to fulfil his long-standing desire to visit Rome and the western part of the Empire - Spain.  

He long desired to go to Spain (vs. 23-24), but his plans had often been thwarted. God's purposes frequently take precedence over our life plans. There is much to be gained from how God led Paul. It reveals how He leads us. We all could use some assistance when faced with crucial choices and unforeseen circumstances.

Our plans are often hindered. Delayed, Stopped. Kept from. Sound familiar? Every way he turned his path to Spain and Rome was hindered. What hinders plans in a believer’s life sometimes? Here are a few possibilities: the Holy Spirit (Acts 16:6-8), Satan (1 Thessalonians 2:18), other people (Galatians 5:7), my own lack of faith, shrapnel from living in a fallen world, Godly priorities.

Our places of ministry and living will sometimes change. Paul sensed that he had completed the task that he was given to do. That doesn’t mean that everyone in that region had heard the gospel but he had established reproducing churches and had equipped them to finish the task.

Sometimes you and I might sense that there is still a place for us to do “work in these regions” but when God makes it clear that that His purpose and call for you has been accomplished in a certain area, it’s then time to move to the next ministry assignment. In the meantime, however, let’s bloom where we’re planted. Stay where you are and complete the job God has called you to do.

Paul closes this section with a fervent appeal for prayer. Throughout his writing, there was a strong sense of Paul placing his life and ministry in the Hands of the God of Hope. So, like Paul, let’s ask ourselves…

Who can I encourage and compliment?

For whom can I pray?

Who needs to hear the gospel through me this week?

For what can I specifically give God glory?

Throughout 2023, we here at LowCountry Community Church, have been studying the book of Romans. If you are interested, you can view all of the messages at lowcountrycc.org/messages. But today, I want to take just a few moments to focus in on the first verse of Romans 12.

“Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.” Romans 12:1(NASB)

As good Bible students, we know that anytime we see the word “therefore” in Scripture, we pause and ask this question: “What is the therefore there for?”

Paul pleads with his Romans friends, I urge you, brethren, based on God’s mercy, to lovingly surrender yourself to the Lord. He urges them to respond in four ways. He argues that these four acts provide the logical response to God’s grace in worship. He knew this was a tall request, but he spent 11 chapters building a foundation for the big ask.

If you are a leader, please pay close attention to what Paul is doing here. Leadership expert John Maxwell suggests that leaders who connect with people touch hearts in a big way, then ask for a big response.[1] And that’s what Paul’s doing here. “I’ve connected with you for 11 chapters, pouring out my heart and downloading doctrine. Now, here is the big ask: Will you synchronize your behavior to match your belief?” 

Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God - or, in view of God’s mercy. God could have disowned us but instead He chose us, He adopted us, He redeemed us, He elected us, He sealed us as His very own. Since God has been so merciful to us, our priority or to be to please Him, not to impress people.

To present your bodies – God, through Paul, is here teaching us there is not a separation of body from soul. When Paul uses the word “body,” he means the whole of us: physically, emotionally, psychologically.

Are we to present to the Lord a body that has performed works of hatred, violence, and immorality? Are to bring to God a tongue that has spoken hurtful things? Are we to present to God hands that have reached out to attack? Should we present to God feet that have walked away from the poor and the needy?

May it never be! Your body and mine should become the means of spiritual worship. So don’t think of the Christian life as primarily a matter of keeping a terribly demanding lawgiver at bay; rather, think in terms of your ardent desire to honor and praise God with your body. We are to present our bodies as…

A living and holy sacrifice - Paul uses the idea of a priest who offered a sacrifice — the sacrifice had to be a perfect animal; only then would it please God. (Leviticus 1:3, 9) The word holy means literally means “to set apart.”

How do we give expression to that? Let’s look at the other side of the coin. Our feet we should go where God wants us to go. With our hands we should give practical help to other people. With our ears we should listen to other people’s problems. And with our mouths we should speak to encourage other people and to tell them the good news about Christ. 

Which is acceptable to God – Our lives are to be fully agreeable to, and acceptable unto, God. The right use of the body will be like the perfect sacrifice that pleases God. Therefore, worship is not simply a ceremony or a religious ritual. This is the essence of true spiritual worship. Total commitment is the reasonable service God asks of us.

Which is your spiritual service of worship -  This is the act of giving one’s self without reservation as our spiritual worship. The Greek words here could also be translated as “rational” or “reasonable” service. The reason they are translated as spiritual worship is that the same words are used elsewhere in Scripture to describe a priestly worship activity.

But let’s consider the words “rational” and “reasonable” for just a second. If God made us to know Him and find our fulfillment in Him, and if that is the only way our soul will ever be fulfilled, and that is the path to true joy, isn’t it also a rational, reasonable service to surrender our body to His service? Of course it is!

When it comes to worship, dear ones, the question is not, “Did I like the music today?” “Did the service please me?” “Was the preacher good?” “Did I enjoy it?” The real question is this: “Is my worship, both on Sunday morning and throughout the week, pleasing to God?” Our purpose is always to please God, not ourselves.

[1] John C. Maxwell, Exec. Ed., The Maxwell Leadership Bible. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Bibles, 2002. 1380.

year, has been named a Certified Best Christian Workplace.

It has always been important to me to foster an environment of excellence,

integrity, and respect for our staff. We desire each team member to grow personally,

professionally, and spiritually while working at LCC. 

Best Christian Workplace Institute provides an employee engagement survey that

measures the health of workplace culture. BCWI certifies organizations based on

eight factors that make up the F.L.O.U.R.I.S.H. Model. The factors include fantastic

teams, life-giving work, outstanding talent, uplifting growth, rewarding

compensation, inspirational leadership, sustainable strategy, and healthy

communication.

I recently had the pleasure of being a guest on BCWI’s The Flourishing Culture

Leadership Podcast with Al Lopus, the founder of BCWI. We were able to discuss

how LCC maintains a great workplace  and engaged staff culture that thrives.

You can listen to the podcast here and find out how LCC actively works

to build that kind of culture. I am so thankful for the group of men and women

that I have the joy of working with at LCC!

1. The popular SANGUINE.

The easiest personality to identify is the sanguine. This is the liveliest and animated of all the personality types. They tend to love bright colors and dress accordingly.

Behaviorally, sanguine personalities love to communicate and generally are very effective in this area. This can be a problem, however, when they talk too much. When they talk their mouths are not the only things moving, their hand gestures often help with their communication.

When it comes to enthusiasm, they rule the world. They tend to be passionate about their interests and will share that passion with anyone who will listen. They love people and are great motivators.

Ronald Reagan, Bill Clinton, Katy Perry, Tigger, Michael Scott, and Dolly Parton are famous sanguine personalities.

2. The perfect MELANCHOLY.

The melancholy personality is the most sensitive. They are lovers of beauty and tend to strive for perfection in all they do. If you want a job done right, call a melancholy. It could take a long time because they are so detail oriented, but in most cases, the job will be done with precision.

They tend to be quiet people and usually prefer to be alone as to being with a lot of people. They tend to shy away from social events and prefer jobs that allow them to work in a solitary environment.

Because they are ardent seekers of perfection they can sometimes be overly critical of themselves and others. However, the world is a more beautiful place because of the contributions of this wonderful personality.

Well-known melancholics are Morgan Freeman, Gandalf, Nicole Kidman, Michelangelo, Audrey Hepburn, and Eeyore.

3. The powerful CHOLERIC.

Who are you going to call if you need something done? A choleric! This personality makes the world go round. They are the most mission-minded of the four personality types. If there is a need, they fill it. If there is a problem, they solve it.

Of the four personality types, they need to have control. If they get out of balance in this area, they will drive you nuts with their bossy antics and micromanaging tendencies.

This is one of the more practical personalities and tend to be quick thinkers. Jobs requiring snap decision-making skills fit this personality well. Police officers and fire fighters often have the choleric personality. You can learn a lot and succeed a lot by observing this personality.

The apostle Paul, George Washington, Queen Elizabeth II, Donald Trump, Winston Churchill, and Rabbit are famous cholerics.

4. The peaceful PHLEGMATIC.

Last, but not least, we have the phlegmatic personality. This person is often the most difficult to identify because he/she is unassuming. I affectionately call them the “go-with-the-flow” people or the “chameleon”. They fit in just about anywhere you put them.

They tend to be very diplomatic, reliable, and inoffensive. Most everyone loves the phlegmatic because they really don’t have any traits that drive people crazy. Well, almost . . . because they are so very laid back they often don’t show passion for things. They can be lazy and their indecision can be frustrating at times.

They tend to be a little slower in things. Phlegmatic individuals absorb new information for a long time. The same with decisions. A phlegmatic will first need to analyze all the pros and cons. Subsequently, phlegmatic individuals will make a decision that will be well-thought-out, balanced, and risk-free. They will not withdraw from the decision; they will exhibit perseverance and even stubbornness.

Bill Gates, Steve Wozniak, Winnie-the-Pooh, his best friend Piglet, and Abraham Lincoln are well-known phlegmatics.

What is the most effective way to connect with each of these personality types?

The Sanguine: Give them attention and approval.

The Melancholy: Recognize their emotional need for order, time, and sensitivity.

The Choleric: Communicate you appreciate them and their work.

The Phlegmatic: Learn to respect them. Appreciate their low-key nature.

Where do you fall into these personality types? What about those closest to you? How about your teammates? Think of one action you can take to connect with the other three personality types different from yours.

The above principles are from my previous teaching ministry with EQUIP, Inc. I share with their kind permission.