Category Archives: Sermon

The Only Remedy

Posted on August 2, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved. (Psalm 80:3; repeated in vv. 7 & 19 ESV) Thank you, Lord, for Asaph’s psalms. After an opening request: Please listen, O Shepherd of Israel … Show … Continue reading →

Posted in 2 Corinthians, Devotion, Psalms | Tagged Bold Prayer, Confession, Faith, Gospel, Jesus, Pray, Prayer, Salvation, Sin | Leave a comment

The Preaching of Christ

Posted on July 18, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

After John was arrested, Jesus went to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” (Mark 1:14-15 CSB) John the baptizer had been arrested. The final Old Testament prophet proved faithful to his calling. His task … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotion, Mark | Tagged Belief, Believe, Faith, Gospel, Grace, Jesus, Repent, Repentance, Salvation, Sin, Sinful Nature | Leave a comment

The Wonder of Mark’s Gospel: Jesus’ Forty Days

Posted on July 14, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

And he was with the wild animals. (Mark 1:13b ESV) Mark tells us that while Jesus was being tempted in the wilderness he was with the wild animals. Writing with Mark’s gospel likely before them, neither Matthew or Luke mention … Continue reading →

Posted in Bible Study, Devotion, Hebrews, Isaiah, Mark | Tagged Faith, Fear, Gospel, Grace, Jesus, persecution, Perseverance, Salvation, Sin | Leave a comment

The Wonder of Mark’s Gospel: His Thesis Statement

Posted on July 12, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. (Mark 1:1 ESV) Mark was a no-nonsense writer. He had a story to tell and he tells it. He does not take us back to eternity past like … Continue reading →

Posted in Acts, Bible Study, Devotion, Mark | Tagged Belief, Believe, Faith, Gospel, Grace, Jesus, Prayer, Resurrection, Salvation, Sin | Leave a comment

Conscience and Clarity

Posted on July 4, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

We can say with confidence and a clear conscience that we have lived with a God-given holiness and sincerity in all our dealings. We have depended on God’s grace, not on our own human wisdom. That is how we have … Continue reading →

Posted in 2 Corinthians, Devotion, Isaiah | Tagged Conscience, Fear, Fear Not, Gospel, Grace, Jesus, Not Ashamed, Prayer, Salvation, Sanctification, Shame, Sin | Leave a comment

Cheer Up

Posted on June 27, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

For all those words which were written long ago are meant to teach us today; that when we read in the Scriptures of the endurance of men and of all the help that God gave them in those days, we … Continue reading →

Posted in 2 Peter, Daniel, Devotion, Hebrews, Isaiah, John, Luke, Psalm 119, Psalms | Tagged Bible, Bible Reading, Biblical Authority, Faith, Gospel, Grace, Jesus, Salvation, Sanctification, Sin | Leave a comment

Do you spend time with Jesus?

Posted on June 8, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

When they observed the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were uneducated and untrained men, they were amazed and recognized that they had been with Jesus. (Acts 4:13 CSB) Peter and John were arrested for teaching the … Continue reading →

Posted in Acts, Devotion, Growing Your Faith, Hebrews | Tagged Bible, Bible Reading, Faith, Gospel, Grace, Holy Spirit, Jesus, Ordinary Means of Grace, Salvation, Sanctification, Sin | Leave a comment

The Great Snare

Posted on May 8, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

Yet no one was speaking openly of Him for fear of the Jews. (John 7:13 NASB) If you look at the preceding verses in John 7, it sounds very current. One group of people want Jesus to cash in on his … Continue reading →

Posted in 1-2 Kings, Devotion, Growing Your Faith, John, Matthew | Tagged Faith, Fear, Fear God, Fear Not, Fear of God, Fear of Man, Fear of the Lord, Jesus, Jesus Christ | Leave a comment

Does it really say that?

Posted on May 3, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation. (Psalm 149:4 CSB) Have you trusted Jesus alone for salvation from your sins? Have you responded to his call to come and find rest for your soul (Matt. … Continue reading →

Posted in Devotion, Ephesians, John, Luke, Mark, Matthew, Psalms | Tagged Faith, God's Love, Gospel, Grace, Jesus, Love, Prayer, The Love of God | Leave a comment

Anxiety Like a Lead Zeppelin

Posted on May 1, 2023 by Joseph V. (Josh) Carmichael

Anxiety in a person’s heart weighs it down, but a good word cheers it up. (Proverbs 12:25 CSB) As a pastor and a hospital chaplain, anxiety often overcomes me with a double-dose: Sunday followed by Monday. I can find myself … Continue reading →

Posted in 1 Peter, Devotion, Philippians, Proverbs | Tagged Anxiety, God, God of Peace, Pray, Prayer, Prayers | Leave a comment