Dr. Mike McCormick

This morning we continue our study verse by verse through the book of Nehemiah. After hearing the disheartening news of the state of Jerusalem, Nehemiah has spent four months mourning and praying, asking for the Lord's guidance. As we begin chapter two, God has now granted Nehemiah the opportunity to share his concern with the king he serves. As usual, the God of Heaven will do immeasurably more t...

Today we begin our study verse by verse through the book of Nehemiah. In the Hebrew text of the Old Testament, Ezra and Nehemiah were one volume together, so this study is essentially the second part of a two-part series. Nehemiah is serving as cupbearer in the king's court in Persia. When he hears a report concerning the people in Jerusalem he is effected dramatically and moved to action. Scriptu...

Today we conclude our study verse by verse through the book of Ezra and we look ahead to the book of Nehemiah. These two books were considered to be one volume in the Hebrew Scriptures. The final message of Ezra demonstrates the important truth that there is no substitute for genuine repentance. Emotions are insufficient for restoration to the Lord Jesus. There must be authentic contrition and sub...

This morning, as we continue our study through the book of Ezra, we discover this central truth: God accomplishes His redemptive purposes through a consecrated people who depend upon Him in prayer, trust His providential protection, and faithfully complete the mission He has assigned. This truth provides a theme that we should apply to our lives and to our thinking. True restoration requires more...

Today we continue our study verse by verse through the book of Ezra. The priest and scribe has now made his way up from Babylon to Jerusalem in about the year 458 BC. In this chapter, God will reveal how he can use even a pagan king to bring about his desired purposes for his people. Ezra was a tremendous spiritual leader, skilled in the word of God, but he is very careful to give all the credit t...

This morning we continue our study verse by verse through the Old Testament book of Ezra. The remnant of Israel is back in town and they are beginning the work to rebuild the temple. As opposition mounts, the people learn a valuable lesson about the faithfulness of God. He rewards obedience by causing the work of His people to prosper. Scripture text is Ezra 5:1-6:22.

This morning, as we honor our graduates, we turn our attention to the Apostle Paul's first letter to Timothy. The Holy Spirit enables Paul to give timely and beneficial counsel to his younger protege, Timothy, regarding life and ministry. As a disciple of Christ, and especially a leader, it is profoundly important to live a life of distinction, proving to be a good servant of Christ. Scripture tex...

Today we take a break from our study through the Old Testament book of Ezra as we consider the cross of Christ and its implications for Mother's Day. Jesus demonstrates so beautifully his love, care, compassion for others even as he himself is going through the darkest, most painful moment of his earthly ministry. Scripture text for today is John 19:25-27.

Today we continue our study verse by verse through the book Ezra. The opposition to the people of God is growing. What began as deception moved quickly to discouragement. Defeat for God's people was apparent, but not yet achieved. A timeless, biblical truth now comes to the forefront. While earthly powers may seem to be winning, their success will always be ultimately short-lived. Jesus Christ has...

Today we continue our study verse by verse through the book of Ezra. As the remnant of Israel has come back to Jerusalem, they begin the rebuilding process by prioritizing the altar. Worship takes precedence over everything else. The glory of God is the primary concern among God's people. Scripture text for today is Ezra 3:1-13.

This morning we embark on our study verse by verse through the Old Testament book of Ezra. Following the 70 year Babylonian exile, God stirs the heart of Cyrus, king of Persia, to bring a remnant of His people back to Judah in order to rebuild the temple of the Lord. God demonstrates his faithfulness, both to His Word and to His people, as He keeps His promises. Scripture text for today is Ezra 1:...

Today we introduce a new sermon series through the Old Testament books of Ezra and Nehemiah. These two books were actually considered to be one historical work in the original Hebrew Bible, so we will take the together in sequence. Ezra and Nehemiah together show that even after returning to the land and restoring worship and community, God’s people remain in need of a greater, future fulfillment...

Jesus is risen! He is risen, indeed!! This morning we celebrate the life-changing truth of the resurrection of Christ, the Lord. What is the gospel message? Why is this message so crucial to our understanding of life and what it is all about? What difference does it make to me whether or not Jesus is alive? All these and other questions considered through the text of Scripture for the day, 1 Corin...

This morning, following a musical presentation from the choir, we consider briefly the story of Jesus making his triumphant entry into Jerusalem. This event marks the beginning of what is known to many as "Holy Week" as it leads to the arrest, trial, torture, death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, the Messiah. What can we learn from these events and how might they apply to our lives today? Scr...

Today we consider the apostle John's third epistle and understand the vital connection between truth and love. This letter introduces the reader to three distinct individuals: Gaius, Diotrephes, and Demetrius. Each of these men had a different reputation and testimony. Each of these men help us see a different way to live, but the only way that leads to life is walking in the truth. Scripture text...

This morning we considered the letter of 2 John verse by verse. As a follow up to 1 John, these thirteen verses are addressed to a local church and its members. The Apostle John is straight to the point as he points out the inseparable nature of truth and love. In addition, the word "truth" is used frequently to serve as a reminder of its profound importance. Scripture text is 2 John, verses 1-13.

Today we conclude our study verse by verse through the book of 1 John. Just in the final chapter of the letter we have been instructed about begin born of God and finding our assurance in Christ. The letter closes today with a few words on having confident in Christ. The fifth statement of purpose in the letter is contained in today's Scripture, which is 1 John 5:13 -21.

Today we continue our study verse by verse through the book of 1 John. As we draw close to the conclusion of this letter, we begin the transition from talking about the love of God to talking about the assurance we have in Christ. This is the ultimate expression of the love of God for mankind. The question remains: what are believers doing to share the true life found only in Christ? Scripture tex...

Today we continue our study verse by verse through the book of 1 John. The Apostle has shared quite a bit about the love of God and the way in which the love of God is manifested in the people of God. Today's Scripture connects the dots between the new birth in Christ, the love of God, and obedience to the commandments of God. Scripture text is 1 John 5:1-5.

This morning we continue our study verse by verse through 1 John. This letter has been teaching us more and more about the love of God and why it is so amazing. We can understand how the perfect love of God in Christ is actually being perfected in the life of the believer as it is passed on in its purest form. The only way we, as followers of Christ, are able to love anyone at all is because of th...

This morning we continue our study verse by verse through the book of 1 John. The love of God is truly altogether unique and distinct. True love begins with God. True love is demonstrated in Christ. God's love is perfected in his followers as they love others. God's love in the lives of his followers gives evidence of the Holy Spirit. Apart from a relationship with Christ, it is impossible to know...

Today we continue our study verse by verse through the book of 1 John. Not all preachers and teachers who claim to speak from God are actually doing so. In fact, there are many false teachers in the world today who are masquerading as those who faithfully teach the Scriptures. There are ways to tell and believers must be discerning with the teaching they follow. Scripture text is 1 John 4:1-6.

This morning we continue our study verse by verse through the book of 1 John. God has shown us his love in Christ through the cross and the empty tomb, yet many times we find ourselves wallowing in self-pity and self- condemnation over things that Jesus has already dealt with. We have to find a way to forgive ourselves. We find that in the gospel story. We find healing for our hearts in the truth...

Today we continue our study verse by verse through the book of 1 John. Love can be a peculiar emotion and even a more interesting action. The English language has only one word for love, but the application of love varies a great deal. Describing the principle of genuine, biblical love may be more challenging than we realize. Scripture text is 1 John 3:11 -18.

This morning we continue our study verse by verse through the book of 1 John. Jesus came to the earth and took on the form of humanity for some very specific reasons. Chief among them was to do away with sin and to destroy the works of the devil. The implications of the work of Christ on our behalf are profound in the life of the believer. Our disposition toward sin is transformed after being unit...