21

Jump Start # 4140

Posted on August 21, 2026 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 4140

 

Philippians 4:22 “All the saints greet you, especially those of Caesar’s household.”

 

We continue our countdown series, looking at the final ten sermons I preached at Charlestown Road.

 

# 6 Bloom where you are planted

 

In the Lord’s parable of the sower, some of the seed was eaten by birds (Mt 13:4). Sometimes birds drop the seed. Other times the wind blows the seed. And that tiny seed ends up in the most unusual places. Given enough soil and sunlight, that little seed blooms. It blooms where it was planted. Throughout the hilly Ohio Valley, one sees trees growing out of rocky ledges along the highway. No one purposely planted a tree there. It happened that a seed landed there and it bloomed where it was planted.

 

Spiritually there is a valuable lesson in learning to “Bloom where you are Planted.” Life doesn’t always turn out like we had planned. Our Plan A is often not God’s Plan A for us. And, when things are not the way we intended, some become bitter, miserable and spend their life living “what might have been,” rather than blooming where they are planted.

 

The seed never gets to choose where it lands. Its choice is whether it will grow.

 

Joseph didn’t plan to be sold into slavery. Moses didn’t plan to spend forty years of his life in Midian. David didn’t plan to hide in a cave.

 

Our verse today mentions the “household of Caesar.” Within the palace of the most powerful man on earth was New Testament disciples. Was this servants? Was this some of the immediate family? Was it distant relatives? Somehow the seed of God’s word got into that palace and it Bloomed where it was planted.

 

There are some wonderful lessons for us to learn from this:

 

First, there are always things that you can do. We often look at what we cannot do. We are quick with that list. “Well, I can’t preach,” someone declares proudly. Maybe not. But you can encourage that preacher. You can support that preacher. You can bring friends to come hear that preacher.

 

For Paul, while in a Roman prison, he was limited. There were things he could not do. He wasn’t free to travel as he once had. He didn’t have a congregation to preach to. Yet, he found ways to bloom where he was planted.

 

Second, you are here for a  reason. God has made you the way you are and put you in this generation for a specific reason (Acts 17:26). God doesn’t make mistakes about time, gender or talents. So, why this family? Why this congregation? Why this stage of life? Why this health challenge? We so often are looking for answers, when God is looking for faithfulness and productivity.

 

When young David brought lunch for his brothers on the front lines of battle, he never realized by the end of the day he would have killed a giant. David was ready for opportunities. Had he left his sling shot at home, the story would have been different. David was ready. The opportunity to serve, light shine, help others may come very suddenly and unexpectedly for you. It is those who see the opportunity and are ready that make a difference. David bloomed where he was planted.

 

Third, God is counting on you. If not you, then who? Esther found herself in a position to make a difference. It was challenging. She bloomed where she was planted. Many of the greatest Christians never preached a sermon, led a congregation or stood before a crowd. Yet, they became the backbone of a congregation. They prayed. They encouraged. They visited. They invited. They welcomed. They gave a cup of cold water and Heaven noticed (Mt 10:42).

 

Send your roots deep into Christ. Reach upward toward Heaven. Bear fruit where you are. Bloom where you are planted. Make a difference in your family. Make a difference at school or on the job. Make a difference in the congregation.

 

Bloom where you are planted.

 

Roger

 

20

Jump Start # 4139

Posted on August 20, 2026 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 4139

 

John 15:4 “Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it abides in the vine, so neither can you unless you abide in Me.”

 

We are looking at the final ten sermons I preached at Charlestown Road.

 

# 7 The Enduring Factor

 

The word “Abide” is used nine times in John 15. To “abide” means to remain, continue, be connected, dwell. Jesus shows us something positive, productive and attractive when we stay with Him.

 

First, we become productive. The pulled weed dies. The cut tree branch withers. But, when connected to the source and the roots, nourishment from the rain and soil brings fruit. Flowers in a vase look lovely, but they don’t last long. Connected to Jesus we bring forth a character that helps others, is kind and is beneficial to be around.

 

Second, we find strength. Jesus said, “apart from Me you can do nothing.” Paul found strength in the Lord after others had abandoned him. The strongest Christians are those who depend upon the Lord. It is amazing the things we can do because of the Lord. There are times when we think that we cannot forgive. There are times when we think that we can not go on one step more. There are times when we feel the troubles and burdens are more than we can handle. But, in the Lord and through the Lord, we find that strength to push through the storms and carry on as God wants us to. We realize that the Lord is with us. We are not alone. We learn that nothing is too great for the Lord.

 

Third, we experience His amazing love. There are times when no one fully understands what you are feeling or going through. The Lord understands. There are times when others are so busy that they don’t have time for you. The Lord always has time for you.

 

And, what we find is that enduring with the Lord helps when life is difficult. And, we come to learn that the Lord has always been there for you. He has answered so many of our prayers. He has blessed us in ways we do not deserve. He has forgiven us more times than we can remember. He has opened doors that we thought were closed forever. He has put people in our lives that have helped us and changed us for the better.

 

And, what we find is that God’s word remains true. Every generation must discover this for itself. Promises fulfilled. Absolutes that are absolute. God’s word comforts. God’s word can be trusted. It becomes your guide, your friend, your comfort. The more you dive deeply into God’s word, the greater your faith grows.

 

When culture changes, stay with Jesus. When your life changes, stay with Jesus. When friends change, stay with Jesus. The enduring factor is not based upon where you are but who is with you.

 

We sing, “Hold to God’s unchanging hand.” Stick so close to the Lord that you could reach out an touch him.

 

Endure. Endure when others have stopped. Endure when others claim there is a better way. Endure when it’s hard. Endure when you don’t feel like it. Endure when you want to stop.

 

Stay with Jesus until He brings you home.

 

The enduring factor.

 

Roger

 

19

Jump Start # 4138

Posted on August 19, 2026 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 4138

 

 Revelation 2:2 “I know your deeds and your toil and perseverance, and that you cannot tolerate evil men, and you put to the test those who call themselves apostles, and they are not, and you found them to be false.”

 

We are running a little series on the final ten lessons I preached at Charlestown Road. “Ten final things I wanted to say.”

 

# 8 What Matter the Most

 

There are many things in life that are important. They matter. If you want to do well in school, grades matter. Health matters. Ask those who don’t have good health. Paying your bills matter. In Revelation two, the church at Ephesus, reminds us of what matters spiritually.

 

We learn that it is possible to do the right things for the wrong reasons. Ephesus tried those who claimed to be apostles but they weren’t. What was their motive? The love of the Lord? No. They had left that first love.

 

Ephesus also shows us that one can look good on the outside but be empty on the inside. Much like those hollow chocolate Easter bunnies that the children get. Empty on the inside. Nothing on the inside.

 

Ephesus also shows us that one can know all the right answers without really knowing Him.

 

And, in these verses we find the three things that are important.

 

First, remember (2:5). John writes, “Remember have fallen.” Remember why you became a Christian. Remember the joy of forgiveness. Remember the passion of prayer and the joy of worship. Remember the excitement of reading God’s word. Life has a way of getting in the way and we forget. We become so busy with the here and now that we forget about the eternal.  Remember. Do this in “memory” of Me, the Lord said. Peter wrote, “ I will always be ready to remind you of these things” (2 Pet 1:12).

 

Second, repeat what you did at first (2:5). The Ephesian problem was that they stopped doing what they had done at first. Hanging around and enjoying the company of fellow Christians. Asking questions. Looking deeply into God’s word. That’s what we did at first. Did we outgrow that? Do we feel that those things are no longer necessary? Do what you did at first. Are you doing that?

 

Third, repent (2:5). Do better. Do what is right. What matters? It’s not what you know, but what you are doing with what you know. It’s not a matter of just going to church. It’s a heart that longs for the Lord.

 

A church of joy will attract others. A church that loves will love each other. A church that walks with the Lord will be forgiving, compassionate and full of grace.

 

What matters? Not the paint on the wall. Not the attendance on Sunday morning. But, a community of followers and believers who fervently love and trusts the Lord.

 

What matters most

 

Roger

 

18

Jump Start # 4137

Posted on August 18, 2026 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 4137

 

Ephesians 4:4-5 “There is one body and one Spirit, just as also you were called in one hope of your calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism.”

 

An explanation and a clarification: Against my better judgment, I’ve been asked to explain my new situation since I retired from local preaching last Sunday. I am not finished preaching. I have several meetings on the books for this year and the next many years. My “retirement” was from local preaching. I have told some that I am now going to be a free-range chicken, preaching anywhere and everywhere that I can be useful. I will continue to hold gospel meetings and lectureships. I will fill in for congregations who are between preachers. We don’t like the term “consultant” but I will help and advice congregations about shepherding, two-preacher arrangements, annual themes, becoming global and a host of other topics. These Jump Starts will continue. Preaching is in my blood and I will always preach until the Lord stops me.

 

I am sharing a series of my final ten sermons that I preached at Charlestown Road.

 

  # 9 The Divine Distinctiveness

 

Different, unusual, unique are not always words that we like to hear. In school, there is the pressure to fit in with everyone else. In business, employees are encouraged to follow the company culture. Society rewards blending in, not standing out. Different and unique are noticed. They are talked about. Some do things just to be noticed and draw attention to themselves. When it comes to the Lord, His way has always been distinct. Noah building an ark, Joshua walking around the walls of Jericho seven times, Daniel praying in his window in Persia, early disciples refusing to be silent when ordered. God’s people have always stood with the Lord.

The challenge before us in these times is how we maintain the distinctiveness of the Lord’s way in the atmosphere of surrendering to the times and blending in with the culture around us? Let’s consider four aspects of divine distinctiveness:

First, The Uniqueness of God. Three times in Isaiah God asks the question, “Who will you liken me to?” (40:17-26; 46:5, 8-10). Pharaoh learned that God was not like the Egyptian gods. Jezebel learned that God was not like the idol Baal.

 

(1) God is a Righteous judge (2 Tim 4:8) – He cannot be bribed, bought off, play favorites or bends truth to fit public opinion.

 

(2) God is Fair in His blessings (Mt 5:45). Heaven’s blessings come upon those who have prayed and thanked the Lord and to those who never give a thought to God.

 

(3) God’s Desire is for all to be saved (2 Pet 3:9; Ezekiel 18:23). The cross demonstrates the extent of God’s love for all of us. There is no one like the Lord.

 

Second, The Universal Nature of God’s Word (Mk 16:15). God’s word is for everyone. That includes everyone. Those we like and those we don’t like. Those that like God and those that don’t like God. Jesus fits all people, every home, every culture, every generation, every situation. The Gospel is for all.

 

Third, The Distinctiveness of God’s church. It is uniquely the Lord’s (Mt 16:18).

It is given a name that honors the Lord (Rom 16:16).

It is given a purpose that follows the Lord (Eph 1:22; 2:19-22).

It is given a promise that cannot be stopped (Dan 2:44).

 

Fourth, The Special Honor of Being God’s People. We are light (Mt 5:14) like Jesus is light (1 Jn 1:5).

We carry on the work that He started. We reflect His character in a dark world. Every act of grace, forgiveness, kindness and truth becomes a testimony of God. We become His hands in serving; His eyes in compassion; His voice in teaching truth. The work of the kingdom has been put into our hands. We are the World’s Bible.

There was a time when ancient Israel lost it’s distinctiveness. Instead of being the people of God, led by God—they wanted a physical, human king. They wanted what all the other nations had, a visible king to lead them. What they got were kings that led their hearts away from God.

 

The temptation to be silent on moral issues, to be more concerned with numbers may have made God’s church more attractive to the world, but it has lost it’s distinctiveness. God doesn’t want us to conform to the world—not in our congregations, homes, hearts, or our faith. We are to be transformed: different (Rom 12:1-2).

 

We offer what cannot be found anywhere else: the pure, simplistic message of Jesus Christ. We are not a denomination. We are not non-denominational. We are PRE-denomination, the primitive, pure, distinctive people of God.

 

Being unique carries criticism by those who do not understand. It can be lonely. Jeremiah stood alone. Noah stood alone. Paul often stood alone. But the Lord was with them

 

We do not apologize for following the Bible. We do not apologize for doing what God says.

 

We do not change the message, the plan or the mission to better fit us. We change us to better fit the word of God.

 

The Divine Distinctiveness.

 

Roger

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

17

Jump Start # 4136

Posted on August 17, 2026 by Jump Starts Daily in Jump Starts Daily | Tagged | Leave a comment

Jump Start # 4136

 

Hebrews 13:20-21 “Now the God of peace, who brought up from the dead the great Shepherd of the sheep through the blood of the eternal covenant, even Jesus our Lord, equip you in every good thing to do His will, working in us that which is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”

 

Yesterday was my final sermon as one of the preachers at Charlestown Road. It also was the ending of my work as a local preacher. I’ve been doing this for close to fifty years. I’ll continue to preach and help out in the kingdom anywhere that I can be used. As the time drew close for this ending, I sat down and wrote out ten things I wanted the church to know before I left. For the next ten Jump Starts I will walk through those ten things.

 

  # 10 Together with God great things are done

 

Throughout the Bible we read of a great partnership with God. For instance, many of the great miracles, done by the power of God, involved a human touch. The parting of the Red Sea came about by God, but Moses raised his staff and it took place. The healing of the cripple in Acts was God working through the apostles. This partnership  is also seen in the proclamation of God’s word. The message was God’s. The means was God. But it was the human voice that proclaimed and preached that saving message. To the Corinthians Paul said that he planted, Apollos watered, but God caused the growth. The growth would never take place as long as the seed remained in the barn. Paul had his part. God had his part. It was a Divine Partnership. Together with God great things are done.

 

In understanding this partnership with God, we see that God won’t do the work alone. How can they hear, the Romans were told, without a preacher? Neither will God go against our will. If we sit on the sidelines of life, then God won’t just do it Himself. And, there are so many times that we do not realize that God is involved, helping, opening doors and providing opportunities for us to bring about good things through Him.

 

Here are some things God has worked through you:

 

First, you have become an incredible person of virtue. God has changed you. You catch yourself from saying words that ought not to be said. Your eyes see opporutnities because you have learned to lift up your eyes and see the good that the Lord can do. A rock in a river doesn’t become smooth instantly. But over time, that river shapes and works on that rock, just as the Gospel has shaped and worked on our hearts. Decades with Jesus has made us a better people.

 

Second, through the Lord you have done some incredible things. Things you never thought possible. We see this through the Scriptures. Moses standing before Pharoah. Daniel before Nebuchadnezzar. Nehemiah before the Perisan king. Paul before King Agrippa and then before Caesar. Ordinary people doing extraordinary things because God was with them.

 

And, think about your life. You have forgiven when you didn’t think you could. You have taught classes when you were terrified of speaking publicly. You have invited people into your home for a meal. You have comforted grieving people. You have defended the truth before family and friends. You have given up a Saturday to help someone. You have served as a shepherd.

 

It is amazing to look back and to see all that you have done. You could have never done that without the Lord.

 

Third, with the Lord, the future is bright. More great things will be done as a new generation of disciples are raised to walk and serve the Lord. In the rely race, it’s not always the fastest that wins, but those that can easily and smootly pass the baton on to the next runner. The fastest team often fails because they fumble, drop and mess up the passing of the baton. Generationally, we do well when we pour effort and thought into how we are passing the baton on to the next generation.

 

With God at the helm of our hearts and our congregations, great things will continue to happen. The future is bright, as long as we remain with the Lord.

 

Roger