First Baptist Granite Falls: Recent Episodes
First Baptist Granite Falls
First Baptist Church Granite Falls is a community of believers that gathers weekly to worship God and grow together in faith.
"Go & Tell" Sermon Series - In Acts 17, we find Paul engaging with the people of Thessalonica with the gospel. He used the scriptures to reason with them and lead them to faith in Jesus! This encounter teaches us vital lessons on how to receive and teach the scriptures. All in all we must consistently learn how to be "Connecting People to Jesus"!
"Go & Tell" Sermon Series - A lot of our walk with Jesus is consists of us fighting our own struggles and trying to keep our feet on the narrow road. But there is so much more to being a follower of Jesus! Not only are we to walk close and clean with Jesus, but we are to be on mission together in order to share the message of Christ's love with a world that needs transformation. This week we will consider Paul's words in 2 Timothy to always be prepared to proclaim His message! We also will look at the confidence and boldness Peter has when he shared the gospel at Pentecost. Join us this week as we learn how together we can be "Intentionally Telling the Good News"!
"Go & Tell" Sermon Series - Beginning this Sunday, we want to explore the command to "GO" on a deeper level. We know Jesus tells us to go in His great commission. What we struggle with the most is the "how" behind going. What does Jesus mean? What does this look like for the church? What does it look like for each believer?
This is the most important Sunday on our calendar = Resurrection Sunday! It's well known to the world and frankly sometimes too well known to the church. We know what it means and we know the events that took place on Easter. What difference does Easter make? The events and accomplishments surrounding Jesus, the Son of God, changed everything. The implications of Resurrection Sunday are foundational to our faith, and necessary for our future. Join us this Sunday at we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ and ask the question, "What Difference Does Easter Make?"
"The Message of Easter" - This is a time in which we mark the beginning of the passion week, the last days Jesus would walk the streets of Jerusalem, ultimately being led to Calvary where He would give His life for us on the cross. This worship service is a collection of scriptures and worship songs that tell the story of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus! It's literally the gospel celebrated by God's people together!
Final Message in "The Essentials for Every Believer" Sermon Series - In closing out this sermon series, we will be looking at the essential of being a witness for the gospel! Before Christ ascended, the last command He gave was for us to be "witnesses". What does it mean to be a witness for the gospel? In essence, Christ is asking us to be the evidence, the transformed lives that show the world the good news of what He's done!
"Essentials for Every Believer" Sermon Series - Continuing with the essentials we need as believers, we find ourselves looking at fellowship! "Fellowship" is an altogether too familiar term we often use to describe events and meals together. While food is sometimes a part, there is much more to fellowship than just eating together! Understanding what missional community looks like takes us to the book of Acts this week, as we discover together, "The Essence of True Fellowship".
"Essentials for Every Believer" Sermon Series - An essential for believers that is often overlooked and not emphasized is fasting. Jesus not only spoke of fasting but also practiced it during His ministry time here. What is fasting? Is it necessary? What do we accomplish when we fast? Pastor Louie Giglio says, "When we fast, it is creating space through the withdrawal from earthly appetites in an intentional and concentrated effort to access the things of God (and God, Himself) for satisfaction of the soul and supernatural breakthrough." Join us this week as we look at "Developing a Desire for God"!
"Essentials for Every Believer" Sermon Series - Last week we discovered together, "The Essence of True Fellowship"! What did fellowship look like in the early church? The model given us there must now carry over to the 21st Century church, so that true biblical fellowship can be experienced. This week we find ourselves in Hebrews 10, where the writer not only turns our attention towards the implications of the gospel on the church, but also calls us to action on how we respond to fellowship. Join us this week as we look at "The Foundation and Fruit of Fellowship"!
"Essentials for Every Believer" Sermon Series - It is certainly "essential" to be consistent in prayer. We are encouraged from scripture in many different places to stay in sync with the Lord through constant communication. But why? What happens when we pray? Over the last few weeks, Jesus has showed us how we should pray. But now as we dive into Philippians 4 together this Sunday, we will see, "The Power of Practical Prayers"!
"Essentials for Every Believer" Sermon Series - Last time we took a look at "The Lord's Prayer", which is Jesus' response to His disciples when they asked Him to teach them how to pray. He said to them, "Pray like this"! In Part I, we saw in Matthew 6:9-10 that Jesus emphasized beginning the prayer by addressing God as holy, and recognizing Him as the one who reigns over heaven and earth. Now as we see Part II of the prayer, it gets way more practical, but challenges us to pray in a way that prioritizes God's heart and plan instead of our own. It's obvious that our prayers and our lives must be oriented around the person, purpose and plan of the Lord. Join us this week as we understand more how to "Pray Like This"!
"Essentials for Every Believer" Sermon Series - We all know that one week into the new year we are still trying to figure out how to maneuver and honor those resolutions we set forth. Truth is, if we fail to make a plan to accomplish those things, they simply won't happen. Each believer has to know the essentials for what allows us to have a healthy walk with Christ! This new winter sermon series will not merely give you another "to-do" list, but will get into the details of what prayer, worship, fellowship and witness looks like for all of us who follow Jesus! Join us this first Sunday of 2024 as we dive into "The Essentials for Every Believer"!
"Essentials for Every Believer" Sermon Series - Prayer is iconic when it comes to Christianity, especially The Lord's Prayer. It's one of the things most people think about when they think about God. If that's the case, then it should be of utmost importance that we understand "how" to pray. Last week we looked at Matthew 6 as Jesus told us how "not" to pray. He taught his disciples how to have the right posture of place and heart. This week we find Jesus' words encouraging us with a model prayer we should use in order to pray effectively. Join us as we learn together to "Pray Like This..."!
On January 22, 1984, President Ronald Reagan issued a presidential proclamation designating the third Sunday of January as National Sanctity of Human Life Day. One of the best ways we can protect unborn lives is by bringing into the light the darkness of abortion, and supporting local Pregnancy Help Organizations who daily reach women and families with messages of hope and life. This Sunday we will hear of the gospel work happening at the Caldwell Pregnancy Care Center! We will also consider the scriptures and why we support the Sanctity of Life!
"Songs of Christmas" Sermon Series - Simeon had waited for years. He knew the prophecies and his prayer was always that he not see death until his eyes had beheld the Messiah, the Promised One. In a more "less traveled" story of Christmas, this one produces hope and celebration just as the others! Join us this weekend as we close out our sermon series, Songs of Christmas!
"Songs of Christmas" Sermon Series - When you stop and think about the Christmas story in scripture, the angels played specific roles that brought the message of Christ's birth to the people. First, the angel Gabriel spoke to Zechariah. Then, he visited Mary. Finally, the angels opened up the sky and proclaimed as "heralds" the good news of Jesus' birth. A herald is one who "proclaims" news. This week we find ourselves in the middle of Christmas narrative when the angels give the Shepherds and the world the news they had always waited for! Join us as we look at the "Angels' Song"!
Christmas Eve Service - Gathering with God's people on the most holy night of the Christmas season!
"Songs of Christmas" Sermon Series - Zacharias was a righteous man. Along with his wife, Elizabeth, he walked in the commands of the Lord and was blameless. He faithfully served as a priest before God in the temple. Little did he know, that before the angel Gabriel appeared to Mary, an angel of the Lord came and spoke to Zacharias about how his wife would give birth to John the Baptist. But because of his unbelief, he was unable to talk until the birth of his son. When John was born, Zacharias began to sing and prophesy of how God's greatness would be displayed through John's ministry in preceding the Son God, Jesus, the Messiah.
"Songs of Christmas" Sermon Series - Out of all the Christmas classics, many songs talk about the nostalgia of the season. "Mary Did You Know?" is a well-loved Christmas classic that poses the question about the weighty calling a young maiden received from the angel of the Lord. Not only was her life turned upside down, but she would carry the most important baby the world has ever known. What do we do when we face uncertainties and tough times? This week we look at "The Magnificat" or "Mary's Song" in Luke 1 to see the hymn of praise Mary lifts to the Lord as He handpicks her to be the mother of the Son of God!
Scripture provides a compelling vision for the abundant life that Jesus offers, but many of us are experiencing a gap between that life and the one we are currently living. Jesus offers us a better Way to live, one that will serve as a compelling testimony to the beauty of life in the kingdom of God. Come expectant and ready to encounter God this weekend!
Final Message in "Wanderers or Worshipers" Sermon Series - Wow! What a journey! For forty years, God instructed the Israelites about life and worship. In this final message we find the transition in leadership from Moses to Joshua. We will also see the final efforts of Caleb and how he never stopped being obedient to God even though he was 85 years old! The journey crossing the Jordan into the promise land presented a huge change. What do we do with change? We can embrace it, or fight it. When it's God that controls the change, we must learn what it's like, "Rising to the Challenge of Change"!
Wanderers or Worshipers Sermon Series - We have seen God definitively deal with His people (even Moses) because of their complaining and disobedience. This week we see them continue their tirade of whining and speaking against God and Moses. Without much notice, God judges Israel by sending fiery serpents down and they begin to bite and poison the Israelites. However, God would rescue His people with the very thing he used to judge them. It's a random but powerful display of God's grace and mercy towards the people. It really shows us a scenario that is "The Bad and The Beautiful"!
Wanderers or Worshipers Sermon Series - The Israelites are standing on the edge of Canaan. They can see their future home just across the Jordan. For forty years they have dreamt about the day they could pack up the tents and establish their forever home. But much more than the physical, God is now preparing them with the spiritual. In Deuteronomy 6 we find Him showing His people how to begin "Preparing Our Hearts for Home"!
Wanderers or Worshipers Sermon Series - The world is full of complainers. Unions, lobbyists, comment cards at restaurants, spouses, kids, and....you guessed it....church members. After the untimely deaths of Aaron's sons in the tabernacle to God's careful instructions on purity and holiness, you would think the Israelites would be getting the point. However, not long after the tabernacle was constructed and put to use God began to move Israel from Mt. Sinai to their next destination. However, after just three days of journey, the wearied travelers began to complain vigorously about God. They longed for their past "enslaved" life in Egypt vs the blessings of God moving forward towards the promise land. They obviously underestimated the consequences of complaining against God. Join us this week as we see how to begin "Curbing the Crisis of Complaining"!
Wanderers or Worshipers Sermon Series - The children of Israel continue to make their way towards the promise land. They don't know how long it will take and certainly the ambiguity of the journey leads to more frustration and confusion. In Numbers 20 we find them headed into the Wilderness of Zin, where they stayed at Kadesh. As usual, they begin complaining about the lack of water for them and their animals. Moses and Aaron seek the face of the Lord and He gives them a solution. When God gives us an answer, we can guarantee it's the right way! However in our weakness we try to do things our own way. When we do this, we will always have to deal with the "Consequences of Compromise"!
Wanderers or Worshipers Sermon Series - The Israelites are no strangers to misery and failure. They've been enslaved, built their own god to worship, and have spent a majority of their time wandering in the wilderness complaining about how they wish they were back in Egypt! God has them on the precipice of the promise land and they take time to send spies to explore the land to see what it was like. In what seems like a moment fear, intimidation, emotion, and instant gratification threaten their progress forward. These same things promise to derail our faith if we don't learn...."How to Fight Against Failure"!
Wanderers or Worshipers Sermon Series - As God continues to lead His people through the wilderness of hard knocks, He wants them to take Him seriously. What is God serious about? He's serious about worship, holiness, and His people. Join us as we journey through some select passages in Leviticus and Numbers to ask ourselves what happens when we begin, "Taking God Seriously"!
Wanderers or Worshipers Sermon Series - In the closing chapters of Exodus, we find God's people beginning the work of constructing the Tabernacle, which will be a place in the center of His people for His presence to dwell. He has given Moses specific instructions on the dimensions and contents down to even the garments the priest will wear as he ministers in the holy place. These final occurrences show us that the children of Israel are learning what it looks like to worship the God who rescued them. They begin to get in order their purpose and their tasks before them in order to be a healthy family that devotes their whole lives to the One who created them. Join us this Sunday as we see what happens when we begin "Prioritizing the Presence of God"!
Wanderers or Worshipers Sermon Series - Wanderers Learning How to Worship | The children of Israel have left Egypt, moved to Succoth, then on to the Red Sea. In a miraculous display of events, God divides the massive waters to allow his people through and totally destroys the Egyptian army! From Exodus 14 to 17 we see them win their first battle in the wilderness against the Amalekites. Now they move towards Mt Sinai where God will unveil His purpose and plan for them as His people. What is your purpose? Join us this Sunday to begin "Finding Purpose in God's Plan"!
Wanderers or Worshipers Sermon Series - Last week we began following the journey of the children of Israel out of Egypt, from Rameses to Succoth. One hundred twenty miles later they paused to bake their unleavened bread for provisions. This week we will resume where Pharaoh realizes Israel has taken off and begins to pursue them with every ounce of military asset he has to use. Now the children of Israel is backed up against the Red Sea. But when all hope seems lost, God shows up! He reveals His faithfulness, His glory, and He is mighty to save! He shows Israel why He is "Unrivaled"!
Wanderers or Worshipers Sermon Series - There should be great excitement for our church to encounter a look back at the journey of the children of Israel from Egypt to the Promise Land this fall! From September to Christmas we will be exploring how God delivered His people from Pharoah, then carried them on an eye-opening trek for 40 years in the wilderness. The purpose for the detour was to show His people how to worship Him! It was to prepare them for their homeland, the place He had already promised past and future generations. Would you join us for the first Sunday of fall, as we ask the question...are we "Wanderers or Worshipers"?
Part 4: A Beautiful Exchange Sermon Series - The Final Exchange - What will you exchange for eternity? After all we have explored concerning the transaction of salvation between us and God, there is one final week we need to contemplate this "Beautiful Exchange". At the end of this life and the beginning of eternity there will be a reckoning of sorts that will assign our destinations. This week's message will help us understand that our allegiance will be confirmed, our destination will be determined, and our opportunity is now. Join us for the final message in "A Beautiful Exchange"!
Is Your Soul Satisfied?
The great song "In Christ Alone" contains the words: "Till on that cross, the Savior died, the wrath of God was satisfied." Once Jesus died on the cross, the wrath of God was "satisfied". If we trust in Christ and His work on the cross not only is the wrath of God toward sin satisfied, but that should make our soul satisfied. We become dissatisfied when we chase the things of the world, but when we pursue Jesus instead of the world, we find "Soul Satisfaction".
The story of Achan and his family in the book of Joshua shows us the truth of how God takes sin seriously. Achan's disobedience proves that there are significant consequences to ignoring God's command. How does this age-old story affect our day to day walk with Christ? Join us as we explore the "Side Effects of Sin"!
Associate Pastor TJ Harris walks us through the prayer of unity Jesus prayed for His followers. Unity always brings consistency and power to the mission God has called us to accomplish by His power and authority.
- Celebrating the Beautiful Exchange -
For several weeks now we have been exploring the concept of salvation through the beautiful exchange of our sin for the righteousness of Jesus. As we spend this Sunday contemplating the body and blood of Christ and what He gave up to give us new life, we are reminded that the only logical thing for us to do if we are in Christ, is to give away our lives as living sacrifices. In one instance we celebrate the sacrifice of Jesus, and in response, we are motivated to give up our own agenda for the mission of the kingdom! Join us as we see how Jesus "Satisfied" the requirements of sin, and made a way for us to know Him!
Part III: Beautiful Exchange Sermon Series - Tried & Transformed: "Being Saved", "Asking in Jesus into Our Hearts", "Christianity"....all are general ways to allude to some kind of encounter with God. But, if there is no measurable fruit after the encounter, then all we've done is gone through a process or motion to make us feel better about ourselves. Encountering the holy God of the universe leaves us changed. We are not just "different" but completely transformed. Join us this week as we enter into part three of the sermon series "A Beautiful Exchange"! We will explore what it means and what it looks like to be changed by the Spirit of God!
Family Matters Sermon Series - Out of all creation, even the darkness of sin that had permeated mankind, God's glory was still the center of it all. From mountains to vast oceans His physical creative glory was still on display. However, as beautiful as all of that is, God's crowning glory is still His people and His church. After all, we are created in His image. Then He gave us the "church" to display His glory and worship throughout the nations! Join us this week as we take a look at "God's Crowning Glory"!
Family Matters Sermon Series - God specifically designed the family to accomplish His purpose of magnifying His glory so that all would know that He is God! This week we take a look at the story of Noah and how God desires for Godly families to thrive even in the midst of a wayward culture. In order for that to take place we have to know the "Ingredients for a Godly Family"!
Family Matters Sermon Series - God has gifted us with three main institutions for life: Marriage. Family. The Church. All three gives us blessing, structure, and a way that brings order and hope to the world! In May and June we are embarking on a sermon series that will show us the framework and blessing of how God's idea of family is all a part of the plan to point the world to Jesus. God is glorious and wants people to know Him! He wants to use the sacred institution of family to accomplish this mission. Come on a journey with us to see why "Family Matters"!
Mother's Day / Family Matters Sermon Series - Eve: The Mother of All Living
Our new sermon series takes us on a journey that reveals the original family God gave us. This isn’t just any family, but the family God gave us to populate the rest of the world. This week for Mother’s Day, we turn our focus to Eve who was created to complement Adam in a way that only God can provide. She is a wife, a mother, but most importantly, a child of God. Join us as we look at “The Majesty of Motherhood”!
Afterthoughts of Easter Sermon Series - We have been considering the "Afterthoughts of Easter" for a few weeks now since Resurrection Sunday has past. What events happened following the resurrection? What was Jesus trying to accomplish with the time He spent in the forty days following? One of the greatest pictures of restoration happens on a beach as Jesus serves fish for breakfast. There is an awkward encounter between Jesus and Peter. The awkwardness however couldn't overcome Jesus's desire to restore one of His followers. Even though Peter had denied Jesus, the Savior wanted to show him redemption. God longs to renew and get us to where we need to be...not remain focused on our failures. As we worship together, celebrate the Lord's Supper, and hear from God's Word, we will consider what it's like to be "Remembered, Redeemed, & Restored"!
Afterthoughts of Easter Sermon Series - What Happens When Jesus Shows Up?
In the days following the resurrection, Jesus appeared to many of His followers. There was a flood of joy, but also an unfortunate amount of doubt and unbelief. It's hard to believe after experiencing all they had seen, that those who followed Jesus would ever have doubt. Let's see how Jesus makes himself known to those around him and see "What Happens When Jesus Shows Up"!
Afterthoughts of Easter Sermon Series - What happened in the days following the crucifixion and resurrection? We know the events of Easter weekend but not much is highlighted about the following days and weeks. This first sermon in the April sermon series will show how the gospel changes our identity by immersing us in Christ when we begin a relationship with Him! Join us as we walk through Romans 6:1-14 and consider the "Afterthoughts of Easter"!
Easter 2023 - Do You Know? We all can recount some details of Easter. Easter is renowned and recognized somewhat across the whole world. You know the story of Easter, but do you know the Jesus of Easter? This Jesus is not just some historical religious guru, not a radical leader with baseless claims, but the Son of God, the Savior of the world that is no longer buried. He is risen from the grave indeed! This Easter do more than follow the normal script of events and services. Let the gospel transform you! You can only be transformed by "Knowing the Resurrected Jesus"!
Final Sermon in Galatians Sermon Series (Palm Sunday) - We wear crosses for jewelry, use them for decoration, or at a minimum we are numbly familiarized with its meaning. In the first century the cross was an instrument of torture. Romans and Jews alike associated the cross with DEATH. For Paul to write of "boasting in the cross" in his final words to the church in Galatia, for some, didn't make sense. However, when we realize that apart from the cross we have no benefit of salvation, it all becomes clear. It's hard to understand, but it becomes clear. A brutal, shameful icon has now turned into an icon of our faith. Join us as we see the effects of "The Wonderful Cross"!
Special Guest/Baptist Children's Home of NC - Jody Yopp has pastored two North Carolina Baptist Churches over the last 23 years. He is a graduate of Gardner-Webb University and Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. Jody has been married to Staci for 22 years and they have two children, Camron their son is 20, and Savannah, their daughter is 17. For the last 3 years Jody has served on the Board of Directors for the Baptist State Convention of North Carolina where he has been working closely with Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina, the North Carolina Baptist Foundation, the Biblical Recorder and Wake Forest Baptist Health. He is now serving Baptist Children's Homes of North Carolina as the Director of Development for the Metrolina Region.
Galatians Sermon Series - We are entering into the final chapter of Galatians with Paul's message turning towards challenging the believers in the Galatian church. He initially questioned their devotion to the gospel and warned them about listening to wayward teaching. Then he encourages them to walk in the Spirit and now begins to close his letter with encouragement to live with the purpose of seeing each believer restored to a relationship with Jesus. Join us this week as we explore Galatians 6:1-10 and the implementation of "Operation Restoration"!
Galatians Sermon Series - What does it look like to live "Life in the Spirit"? This week we will explore the second half of Galatians 5 to see how the flesh rivals the Spirit of God inside us. We are definitely affected by the flesh we still inhabit, but the power of the Spirit displays fruit and leads us in ways nothing else can.
Galatians Sermon Series - Wouldn't it be nice to finally be free? The premise of this whole series is that we can once and for all be free from the sin that binds us and holds us back from the life Jesus intends for us to live. It's an experience like no other when we finally grasp this concept. This week we will see what it looks like when we're "Breaking Free"!
Galatians Sermon Series - The key to effectiveness with Paul's message to the Galatians is not to merely save them from empty religious practice, but to save them to a God that gave His life for them! According to Galatians 4:19 (this week's key verse), Paul's desire is to move them towards maturity in their relationship with Jesus. He uses the words like "children" indicating his role as a spiritual father, and the word "formed" indicating that our spiritual growth is dependent on the root of Christ being seeded deep within us. This week in Galatians we see the details of "God's Growing Plans"!
Galatians Sermon Series - So far Paul has spent many verses in Galatians chiding the Judaizers for turning away quickly from the original gospel. Now for a short glimpse of time he takes a pause from calling them out to showing them what being a part of God's family looks like. The Judaizers are tied more tightly to Abraham, but Paul tells them in Christ, their position and privileges show us what it looks like to be "Finding Favor in God's Family"!
Galatians Sermon Series - The saga of the gospel in the area of Galatia heats up this week as we find Paul's letter continuing to challenge the Galatian churches to protect themselves from the teaching of a tainted gospel. Paul recounts not only his message to believers there but gives account of his encounter with some of the faithful men (like Peter) who should've known better than to give in to certain people pushing gospel extras. This message shows us what it looks like when we are "Living in Sync with the Gospel"!
Galatians Sermon Series - God's grace is unbelievable! With all the promises He has made to us, it's hard to understand how He loves us like He does. Two Old Testament stories show God's love for His people through covenants with Abraham and Moses. But do they contradict one another? One is about grace. One is about the law. This week Paul's message to the Galatians is what it looks like when we are "Balancing Law & Grace"!
Galatians Sermon Series - The main truth that we saw over and over in Galatians 1 is this: God's pleasure in you is not based on your performance for Him. Now in one sense that seems freeing; but in another sense, that seems frustrating. You mean I can't do anything to please God? In the answer to the question we have the secret, in as sense, to the Christian life. Legalism and hypocrisy doesn't please God. It's faith in God through the gospel of grace that makes you right with Him! Join us this week as we see "The Wrong Way to be Right with God".
Galatians Sermon Series - Have you been transformed by the grace of God? In church life, it seems grace is everywhere. It's in our hymn books. It's in our prayers. It's in our homes on pillows and decorations. Grace seems "soft" but it's one of the most powerful gifts of God we can receive. This week in Galatians, we continue to follow Paul's opening greeting to the churches in Galatia. As he warns them not to turn away from the true gospel, he shares with them how "The Transforming Grace of God" changed his life and is all we need.
Galatians Sermon Series - The Gospel is simple. It's from Jesus. There is nothing we can add to it or take away from it that will ever be beneficial to us. If anything when we begin to create our "own gospel" by doing these things, it does more harm than good. The harm comes by distorting the true gospel, suffering the effects, and trying to please men rather than God. Join us this Sunday as we establish the truth that there is "No Other Gospel".
Galatians Sermon Series - Many believers love the idea of being "saved" but truly don't understand what they have. We know it means we get Jesus and heaven, but does it bring with it the freedom that God intends? Our journey through Galatians will gaze at the struggle the early church faced to convince believers that the gospel is truly free! There is ABSOLUTELY NOTHING we can do to earn God's favor! It's Jesus + Nothing! Through this sermon series you will find how to be "Finally Free"!
With heading into a new year, we're all tempted to set new goals and resolutions! In reality, we know most of those will be material or physical. If we want to be prosperous in 2023 it will come with getting ourselves in order spiritually. This Sunday we will see what it looks like to have a "Perfect Prescription for a Prosperous New Year"!
2022 Christmas Day Message:We know the Christmas story. We know the characters, the details, and have even somewhat figured out the reason behind all of it. Even so, we always need a reminder about the truth of Christmas. We know the who and the what.....but have we considered the WHY?
2022 Christmas Sermon Series:Hope. Love. Faith. The birth of the Christ child brought all of these to life and offered them to us. They're not just mere emotions, but what we have when we receive the fullness of God in Christ Jesus! This week we will sing "Joy to the World" and "Hark the Herald Angels Sing" to remember the massive message of celebration a "JOY" that Jesus brought to the world. We were not there to hear the original announcement from the angels but that same joy is available today! How do we experience that joy? How do we celebrate the good news of Jesus? Come join us and find out as we see "When God Came Down: Finding the Root of Joy".
2022 Christmas Sermon Series: Without the incarnation, Christmas isn't Christmas. Without Jesus, Christmas doesn't exist. This season we will seek out the normal tidbits of the Christmas story, but focus on the supernatural truth that baby Jesus was God who wrapped Himself in flesh and came to earth to save His people. That was certainly a prophecy for Israel but now is a truth for me and you. It's an age-old story that has changed the world. Christmas parties, decorations, gifts, and family are all temporary. But the hope of Christmas is Jesus! Join us in worship as we see what happened "When God Came Down"!
This time of year we settle in for a transition from fall into Christmas. It brings about the focus of "thankfulness" and how we must pause to give thanks to the God who leads and provides. Even our very lives are not possible without His giving us each breath. However, we must not just be thankful one time of year, but practice thanksgiving as a lifestyle each day. When we recognize that God is worthy of our worship, we can also realize that He is at the center of "A Heart of Worship and Thanksgiving"! Join us this Sunday as we take a look at David's song of thanksgiving in 1 Chronicles 16. It will take us back to the restoration of the ark of the covenant as a central part of Israel's worship and the glory of God.
Closing Out Covenant: The story of God's covenant with mankind through history is a long, arduous process involving process, symbolism and promise! We have merely skimmed the surface as to study the depths of God's heart for those He has created. Our journey from the Old Testament (Old Covenant) to the New Testament (New Covenant) has been quick, but fruitful. It gives us but a glimpse of God's "covenant-faithfulness", His steadfast love, His promise-keeping character. As we close out our sermon series on covenant to prepare for Thanksgiving and Christmas, join us as we see one final time "Our Covenant God: Experiencing His Unfailing Love"!
Covenant Sermon Series (Fall 2022) -As we move through the Old Testament, we find the story of covenant unfolds with every new turn. God's "covenant-faithfulness" (ches-ed) is mostly obvious to His people, and makes an unbelieving world take notice. This week in 1 Samuel 18, we begin following the relationship of David and Jonathan, and the covenant process of how they exchange robes. The symbolism is beautiful as it depicts how we are clothed with the righteousness of Jesus. Join us as we find much truth, hope and encouragement in "Trading Places: A Covenant Between David and Jonathan".
Covenant Sermon Series (Fall 2022) - From the Garden of Eden to the story of Noah, the people God created had continued the downhill plunge into rebellion and disobedience. God had shown grace, but the punishment for sin must be levied against those who had no regard for His holiness. In the midst of all of the chaos, God found Noah and showed grace to his family. This week we find that covenant gives us "God's Promise and Noah's Provision"!
Fall 2022 Sermon Series - The story of the gospel originates in God's heart for humanity. It's a complicated relationship because of mankind's affinity for sin. The battle for our soul that Satan has been waging for centuries never thwarted God's plan for redemptions. As we begin this new fall sermon series, we will see the heart of God come through sacrifice and ultimately a bloody cross in "Covenant: God's Story...Your Story"!
Palm Sunday marks Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem. From this point forward the cross is the destination. But why? Why did a perfect Jesus, in whom there was no sin, have to die on a cross? Couldn’t there be another way? If God created the universe, certainly He could make another way for our sin to […]
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The news from the angels in the field of shepherds was initially frightening. So much so, the angels had to tell the shepherds to “FEAR NOT”! The next thing they revealed was that the purpose of their announcement was to bring the shepherds “GOOD NEWS” of “GREAT JOY”! This Christmas we must get past the […]
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Love came down at Christmas time!
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The shepherds of the Christmas story were out in the field doing their job. While watching over the flocks the last thing they expected was a host of angels to appear and give them the greatest news they had ever heard! What happens when fear grips us? We usually have allowed someone or something to distract us […]
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As we “Rediscover Christmas” this December, we begin in Luke 2 with the story of Simeon and Anna. These two precious saints of God had waited many years to see the fulfillment of the coming Messiah. The prophecies came true and what was once a figment of future hope, Simeon finally found the Christ child […]
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God is good at keeping His word. He came to earth as a baby in a manger to save us from our sins. Before He ascended to Heaven, He promised to send the Holy Spirit. In Acts 2, the church is born as the Holy Spirit comes and marks the beginning! Dive in with us […]
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In the final days before the Holy Spirit, Jesus’ followers spent time with final preparations for their mission. As we look into the final part of Acts 1, we will see the must haves for the mission.
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In Acts 1, we see how Jesus prepared His followers for the road ahead. A revolution was coming like no one had ever seen. The world was about to impacted by the greatest story ever told and now experienced!In Acts 1, we see how Jesus prepared His followers for the road ahead. A revolution was […]
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We are embarking on a long journey through the book of Acts. We are going to take it week by week to explore the mission of the early church and the amazing things God did with a people who were committed to Him. We will see how all churches can become this same vibrant church […]
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What do you seek? Where do you look? What do you give? This account of the wise men seeking Jesus and finding him. Their desire to pursue Jesus is astounding…considering what they went through to get to Him. The gifts they brought to Jesus, the new King, were symbolic of the prophecies Jesus came to […]
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Isaiah 9 shows us what Jesus offered us through His attributes. All that He is, He came to be for us!
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Christmas was first realized when Jesus came as a baby in a manger. We find that account in Luke 2. However, John 1 actual helps us realize the fullness of how God became a man. The incarnation is one of the foundational miracles ever! It’s hard to believe. But, it’s true. Love really became embodied […]
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The Transformed Life Includes… 1. The Seed of Your Transformation 2. The Root of Your Transformation 3. The Fruit of Your Transformation 4. The Pursuit of Your Transformation
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Living a Transformed Life Makes You… 1. Clarify Your Calling 2. Grow Up in the Faith 3. Do Your Part
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To Have a Transformed Life… 1. God Wants You to Be Committed 2. God Wants You to Be Changed 3. God Wants You to Be Satisfied
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The Transformed Life is…. 1. Rooted in the Gospel 2. Becoming Something New 3. Being Reconciled to God, Reconciling Others
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The overall set of armor prepares us for battle. Tune in for the final message in the “Armor of God” series!
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The “good fight” is made possible by the armor we wear from God. It protects us and provides us weaponry to accomplish the mission God has called us to.
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Ephesians 2:1-10 and chapter 6 shows us the importance of wearing the helmet of salvation and the breastplate of righteousness.
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“Combatting the Enemy’s Lies” — Beauty is sometimes deceiving. What is sometimes seen as true and right may have evil lurking behind it. Satan consistently tries to deceive us and believe that this world is all about us. He is truly our enemy that seeks to distract us and destroy us. This third part in […]
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“Our Spiritual Battle Gear” — Belt of Truth & Breast Plate of Righteousness: The second message in the “Armor of God” series deals with our wardrobe as soldiers and followers of Jesus. What does it look like to spiritually wear spiritual battle gear? It’s important that we are completely clothed spiritually. The Belt of Truth […]
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“Life is War” — Outside of the “cookie-cutter” life that most experience in search of the American dream, there is actually a battle raging in the heavenly places. It has implications on everything we do as believers. This first week in the “Armor of God” sermon series we find ourselves in the middle of of […]
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In Romans 5, we find that God gives us a new way and a new hope! Through His substitution for us on the cross He has given us a way to be completely reconciled to Him! Take heart that this is the ultimate way GOD IS FOR US!
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God’s mercies are new every morning! His mercies find us in the middle of our struggle, they’re always right on time, and definitely unlimited! But God’s mercies are not just available for us to receive and move on. They drive us to an obedient response to worship Him!
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Psalm 125 quickly follows it’s previous chapter with encouragement that God is the strength of His people! We must not rely on our own strength because it is insufficient. When we realize He is our strength, it helps us overcome things like depression and doubt, pain and suffering, as well as thoughts of turning away […]
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Psalm 124 reassures us that God never abandons His people. No matter if it’s in the unexpected or in the midst of danger, God never abandons His faithfulness. Tune in to be encouraged that God is for you!
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With all of the turmoil our country appears to be in, it’s quite refreshing to know that GOD IS FOR US! As we embark on this sermon series in August, we first arrive at Romans 8 where it is chocked full of hope and goodness of God’s love for us!
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Join us as Chuck Campbell with the Baptist State Convention of NC leads us through Luke 9 to discover what it means to “surrender” our lives to Jesus for the sake of His kingdom.
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What do you think about when you hear the word revival? A set of services in the fall and spring? Do you think about a move of God in the church? Take a look with us as Pastor Jay leads us through 2 Chronicles 7 and shows us the recipe for revival.
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Talk is cheap when it comes to “love”. The world doesn’t care how “religious” we are, but it cares how we love them! The old adage remains true: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care!” Tune in to see how Jesus challenges those caught up in religion to […]
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In John 8, Jesus emphasizes the validity of authentic faith. Are you truly a child of God? A follower of the Lord Jesus?
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In a culture of Christianity we talk about prayer a lot. We use the language, say the words, and promise to pray for people. But what are we praying for? In Colossians 1, Paul gets really specific about his prayer for the Colossian people. It’s a prayer that has the goal of spiritual maturity and […]
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Luke 15 has long been know as the story of the prodigal son. It’s actually better entitled, “The Loving Father” as the father’s unconditional love for his sons is the focus. The father is mentioned 12 times in the parable alone. This message shows us how a godly, earthly father models the picture of a […]
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In our first Sunday back together in three months (because of the virus), Paul encourages the church to grow up! Hopefully the last three months have allowed us to take spiritual inventory and mature in our faith. Paul shows us that humility, passion, and wonder play a huge role in pressing on toward the will […]
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STUDY ADJUSTMENT: Because of our inability to gather because of the COVID-19 virus outbreak, this week is a review in order to catch everyone of how we got started in the covenant series. We are doing an overview of where we’ve been in the study and catching up through God’s covenant with Abram.
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Abraham and Moses are just a couple of “big” names we are familiar with when it comes to the Bible. As we consider how God implanted His process of covenant relationship with us, we must know that He always used a vessel, a go between, a “mediator” to implement the partnership. This week join us […]
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“The value of an object is seen in the intensity of its pursuit.” – Scotty Smith Jesus is God on mission. Our missionary God pursued us all the way to the cross. He wrapped Himself in flesh and provided Himself as a sacrifice to fix our sin problem. We can know how valuable we are […]
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The offer still stands. Thousands of years removed from God’s covenant with Abram, His offer to His people is still good and true. He told Abram he would bless all nations and their descendants. Jesus even prayed in John 17 that we today would believe because of the faithfulness of God and His gospel. Covenant […]
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In this epic story, we find out quickly we are not in control. There is a God and we aren’t Him! He is the great Creator, King, and Judge of all the earth. God sets the terms as to how we enter His kingdom. If we are a part of a kingdom, we must be […]
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To become “one” can look different in many scenarios but generally holds the truth of unity and intimacy. One of Paul’s favorite phrases was “in Christ”. It tells of our “being one” with the One who is our Savior and King. Becoming one in covenant with Jesus shows us there is so much more to […]
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Covenant is “deadly serious”. God takes covenant seriously. Learn what taking a “walk into death” looked like in the Old Testament and how we take a “walk into death” in our relationship with Him today!
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Perfect creation by a holy Creator is followed by an epic rebellion when mankind willfully chose to disobey God. God lays out the consequences of that sin, but also continues to pursue us in the midst of our rebellion. Do you know He’s pursuing you? Are you ready to give up and give in to […]
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Covenant is solemn. It’s binding. It’s an agreement and partnership. How seriously does God take covenant? Tune in this week to find out!
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The story of creation takes a detour as mankind willfully goes against God’s Word. It sets up an “EPIC Rebellion” that plunges mankind into a catastrophic tailspin that separates us from a Holy God. Tune in as we see the debilitating effects of our sin nature.
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In week 3 of our covenant study, we will see the importance of exchanging weapons and belt. What’s symbolic about this gesture? As we enter covenant, God promises to protect us from our enemies!
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The “Epic” Story of God begins and ends with Him. He is our majestic Creator. It is all for Him and by Him. Listen in as we establish the foundation of this story that He is writing, and including us in it so that all may worship Him.
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In our second week of study on Covenant, we look at the “exchanging of robes” between David and Jonathan. This is a great picture of how Christ robes us with His righteousness when we enter a covenant relationship with Him!
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Machelle Kirby, Director of the Caldwell Pregnancy Care Center shares with us about the ministry God is using them for in Caldwell County. They’re gospel-centered and intentional when it comes to discipling women and men through the tough times of unplanned pregnancies. After Machelle speaks, Pastor Jay shares the important truth that we are “image-bearers” […]
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God’s Story. Your Story. Covenant is the framework of our relationship with God. It is the fabric of commitment, promise, and partnership God uses to solidify His connection to us. As we study this foundational concept, it will change the way we view our relationship with Jesus, and it will change the way we worship!
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If we connect & grow, we will automatically serve & go. Gospel transformation causes us to desire personal spiritual growth that makes us passionate about going to give out the gospel!
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In John 15, Jesus emphasizes the importance of abiding in Him. Believers must purposefully pursue and connect in order to grow! Spiritual growth is part of our Gospel Identity.
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Gospel identity, what we’re known for, should be The Great Commission. Salvation should lead us to go, to serve, to reach the world for Jesus. Join us in Matthew 28 to see the imperative of how we should be identified by the gospel!
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The day was here. Passover. It was the day set aside for the lamb to be sacrificed. Little did the disciples know, Jesus was giving them instructions on how they would prepare not for a Passover lamb, but for the crucifixion of THE Passover Lamb over the next couple of days. Are you making purposeful […]
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Tidings of Comfort and Joy! Join us for a quick add-on message of hope in the gospel that followed a tremendous presentation by our worship choir….”Tidings of Comfort and Joy!”
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It’s unbelievable the way God took a hand-maiden and used her to present the Son of God to the world! What a weighty, but fulfilling reality that Mary was faced with, to be chosen to give birth to the Messiah. Tune in to see another way God uses simple, ordinary people to accomplish His purpose […]
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The first message in our Christmas Series, “The Characters of Christmas” introduces us to Zacharias and Elizabeth, the parents who would be given the gift of their son John the Baptist. John’s birth was an answer to prayer of two people who wanted a child, but also received a child that God would use to […]
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Psalm 107 gives us another glimpse of the story of God’s blessing and deliverance for Israel over the years. Therefore, it reminds us of the ways we can make sacrifice to God. When we give him our lives it blesses Him!
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God calls us to praise Him, rest in Him, so that we will be positioned to be thankful to Him and bless His name! Let us prioritize our worship so we can bless the name of our Lord by showing to world we belong to Him.
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How do we develop an inward posture of thankfulness that leads to an outward posture of gratefulness? It comes from remembering that thankfulness and gratefulness have a source in God Himself. Let us praise Him for His character and let that truth lead us to “Thanksliving”!
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This week’s message in our Heaven Series involves an in-depth look at what the eternal world will look like! We will also discuss how we will rule with Christ in the eternal age.
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This sermon closes out our series on vision for the church. We’ve grappled with how God gives us vision, what the vision is, and how we are involved in it. Now we learn how to pursue it. Sometimes the vision isn’t clear, or maybe we have our own thoughts of what it should look like. […]
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As God gave Himself to us, He expects us as believers to give ourselves back to Him. This giving includes everything from finances to time to our spiritual gifts. As we have a vision of giving, it allows God to use us to accomplish His purposes for His kingdom.
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Following God’s call isn’t easy, especially when it’s almost impossible to see the fruit of what you’re working towards. Hebrews 11 shows us the lives of faithful people God used to build the foundation for the cross. They knew God’s heart and vision, worked faithfully to be obedient, even though they’d never see the promise.
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As God spoke to the prophets, He revealed Himself. In turn, the prophets were to tell the people about what God revealed to them about Himself. As Jesus went to the cross and rose from the grave, it created a new season, a new covenant, and a new way in how God would show the […]
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How will the earth be redeemed in the end? The curse will be lifted. What will that look like? How will that change the way we live? Tune in for the answers!
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Without prophetic vision, the people (perish) cast off restraint. This verse in Proverbs helps us see that without Jesus as our vision and evangelism/discipleship as our mission, we will not make it as a church.
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How should we approach the table of the Lord? It is an extremely important, intimate time of reflection and remembrance! Paul warns the Corinthians because of their lack of respect for the Lord’s Supper.
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Do people in heaven know what’s happening here on earth? Do they pray for us? Do they still long for God’s justice on sin? Is this world our home? Are we just passing through?
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Paul’s closing words in his second letter to the Thessalonians. He encourages them to stay faithful, but to not be idle, and to be fruitful in all they do!
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This week we talk about the physical nature of heaven. Is it a physical or spiritual place? Or both?
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The world is not evolving, it’s devolving. According to the scriptures in the last days the world will be a place of turmoil. How do we face a fearful future? Paul gives the Thessalonians hope as they look towards the coming of Christ and the Day of the Lord.
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Comparing the Present Heaven vs. Eternal Heaven
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)In this beginning chapter of 2 Thessalonians, Paul encourages them in their faith, challenges them in their fruit, and gives truth about the final events of history.
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As Paul wraps up his first letter to the Thessalonian church, he emphasizes healthy relationships, personal devotion, and for believers to rely on the promises of God in Christ Jesus. In this message you will find out how to live out our purpose until Jesus returns!
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It is wonderful and comforting knowing that Jesus will return for His church one day! But it is also humbling to know that there is a “Day of the Lord” where Jesus will come as a warrior king to judge the whole earth. Where do you stand? Listen in as Paul shares with us how […]
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Even good people in good churches struggle when it comes to how the end will turn out. The church at Thessalonica was a good church which had questions about Jesus’ return. Settle in to this message with us as we find out how to rest in “Our Coming Hope”.
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God’s will for all Christians is for us to be set apart for His purpose and glory. We must purse holiness and excellence in order to be effective, productive followers and missionaries for Him!
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What does gospel community look like? Listen in to learn how we can better live in community with each other to impact others around us.
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Authentic Christianity is real. It’s intentional. It lives with purpose and sees fruit from the labor of drawing close to follow Jesus. It’s intentional in its mission, its message, and it’s method. Are you living out authentic Christianity?
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What evidence shows that we are a healthy church? Strong believers make us strong churches. In the opening to the letter of 1st Thessalonians Paul commends them on their well-known faith and ministry that is motivated by their love for God. Can you relate to being a strong believer like the Thessalonians?
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We begin the journey through 1st Thessalonians! This message serves as an introduction to the letter Paul penned by inspiration of the Holy Spirit to the church at Thessalonica. It encourages us to remain STEADFAST!
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Covenant is the framework of the gospel. It’s the framework of our relationship with God. In one of the first covenant ceremonies in scripture, God shows Abram the validity of His promises by sealing His promise with the shedding of blood which foreshadows the cross.
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Sometimes we put ourselves in the center of the gospel. We are loved and desired by God, but His glory is still the centerpiece of His universe. Dive into Ezekiel with us to see how God desires for His glory to be made known in all nations.
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Sometimes earthly fathers struggle to live up to greatness! It’s good that our model is God our Father who is always there for us offering us relationship, intimacy, and an inheritance!
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How are we saved? By faith? By works? James tells us it’s a faith that produces works! He asks the question, “Will the faith that you have save you?
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Insignificant. Sometimes we think that word describes our lives. But if we have eternal life in Christ, nothing we do for His kingdom is insignificant! Living out this eternal life is exciting! In closing out the “Who’s Your One” series we will look at the first disciple Jesus called to follow Him. His name is […]
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Even in religious circles, the topic of “Hell” makes conversations awkward and uncomfortable. It is something we believe, but fail to emphasize for fear of sounding too radical! Hell is a real place and a real destination for those who do not place their trust in Jesus Christ alone. The gospel saves us, now we […]
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We need to add nothing to the gospel! All we need to do is to reach out and invite people to come and witness the goodness of God. When we begin reaching people with the hope of Christ, God is glorified and the church grows. Who’s Your One?
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No matter how impossible it may seem, there’s always a way to Jesus. How did you come to Jesus? Was it through a friend or simply hearing the gospel in a worship service? Look with us at Luke 5 as we see the awesome story of some friends who brought their friend to Jesus!
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The most important thing in life we can do is follow Christ. In following Him, and knowing Him, we begin to take on His character and desires. God’s foremost desire is that people would know Him as Savior. Therefore, His foremost purpose for believers is for us to share the good news of Jesus with […]
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We remember Samson as the strong man in the Bible that had his hair cut after Delilah lulled him to sleep. He was made defenseless and defeated by the Philistines. Samson relied on outward symbols instead of the substance of His faith. Although he trusted God, he became a spiritual pretender.
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The resurrection gives us the validation and hope that we’ve always waited for! On Easter we celebrate a cross and a tomb that are “open and empty”. Through what Christ accomplished, He has offered us a chance to move from empty to full of His Spirit! Now we are called to reach and “open and […]
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Do you ever wonder why Jesus had to die? Was it really necessary? Listen in on Hebrews chapters 9 & 10 to see a true picture of sacrifice that made salvation available for all of us!
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Some say the battle for our sin was won in the Garden of Gethsemane! It was completed on the cross and through the resurrection. In the gospel of Mark we find the moving account of how Jesus battles in prayer on the way to the most impactful event in history.
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Our lives are ordinary. Day to day. Shouldn’t there be more? Greatness doesn’t exist in our daily schedules. However, when we follow Christ, He wants to take our ordinary and make it EXTRAORDINARY!! Listen in to Nehemiah 11-12 as we look at “Ordinary People, Extraordinary God”.
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From captivity to home. From desolation to a rebuilt city. Now the word of God takes center stage, the people repent before God, and commit to honoring His covenant the rest of their days. When in a relationship with Jesus, the new covenant provides motivation for us to give our lives over to Him and […]
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The stage has been set. The wall has been built in 52 days. The word of God is back in place as the central focus of His people. Now what? God’s people must respond. Join us in Nehemiah 9 as we see what the right response is to being exposed to God’s Word.
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Ezra & Nehemiah join forces in leading the spiritual rebuilding of God’s people. The physical structure is complete, now that true work begins in establishing God’s Word and His presence back in the midst of the people so they may continue to be a light to the nations for His glory.
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The end is in sight. After many days of hard work, long hours, and opposition the wall is near completion. But even up until the last bit of labor, Satan is still hard at work to derail God’s plan for restoring His glory to Jerusalem. Do you face opposition? Be encouraged to persevere!
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What does it cost to do kingdom work? Nehemiah found that following God’s plan for His kingdom work came with much opposition, at first from the outside, but even on the inside. The truth is that kingdom living means we will be taken advantage of, we will have to sacrifice financially, but we will get […]
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When God’s work begins, the opposition begins. Satan will always try to discourage and derail what God is trying to accomplish! Here we learn how a godly leader should respond to opposition so restoration can come.
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We are image-bearers of the God who created us. We bear this image, though broken by sin, in order that we might bring Him great glory!
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Struggle…Vision…Opposition…It’s been 4 months since Nehemiah learned the condition of his people back in Jerusalem. He has had time to pray, to think and to plan. What next? He needs permission and resources. King Artaxerxes grants him what he needs so he sets out to assess the situation himself. Even though he knows he’s in […]
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Disobedience. Years of captivity. The city is in ruins. Ezra tells us the story of how he and others made two trips back to Jerusalem to rebuild the temple and rebuild God’s beloved city. Now we find Nehemiah being led to assess the state of the people who have gone back to Jerusalem. It’s not […]
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Why do we make resolutions for the new year? It’s because we long for change. We want to be skinnier, save more money, manage our time better, and ultimately be “better people”. But why? The longing of our hearts always point to Jesus. Joel implores the children of God to “Return to the Lord with […]
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Tonight we draw the celebration of Advent to a close. Advent means “coming” or “arrival”. On this Christmas Eve we celebrate the culmination of the incarnation of Jesus! Join us in message for Christmas!
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Come and See, Go and Tell! It’s a message told to the shepherds at the birth of Christ. “Come see this thing which has come to pass!” How do you see Christmas? Is it just a one day event? What if Christmas prepares us for more than just December 25th?
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Luke 2 has long been the anchor for the “Christmas” story. It presents the earthly beginning of the greatest story ever told, of the Savior that was born to save the world. What’s so wonderful about Christmas? God loves revealing Himself to us, desires to save us, and wants to satisfy us.
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Hope. Expectation. For years, the people of God waited for the Messiah. Now that He has come, we must trust in Him. Now we wait again for His second coming. Do you have hope? Do you live in expectancy for the arrival of the King?
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The closing of this letter finds Paul listing many names that have been crucial to the work of the gospel. They aren’t names of renown, famous people, or people with great influence. However, they are ordinary people that have responded and been transformed by the gospel. In turn, God is now using them to come […]
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God spoke the world into existence. He spoke through the prophets. He communicated Himself to us through the incarnate Word. Now we have His Word to feed us each day. Words are important. How we use those words to impact a world for Christ is important!
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The tie that binds is the bond of love. We are now new creatures in Christ who embody the love and sacrifice that Jesus exemplified in His earthly ministry and ultimately the work of the cross. If we are truly “in Christ” that relationship will impact our earthly relationships. It filters down from the individual, […]
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If you are in Christ, why do you still follow the “basic principles of the world”? Paul encourages us to cling tightly to Christ, finding our identity solely in Him and His redemptive work through the cross.
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Are you rooted in Christ? Salvation in Chrsit gives us eternal life and leads us into a life of spiritual growth as we are connected to Christ and His church.
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Our salvation is dependent on the qualities and characteristics of Christ. It’s important for us to be assured of this!
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Paul opens his letter to the Colossian believers by introducing himself as one “in chains for the gospel”. He is thankful for their love for the saints and voices a prayer, establishing his desire for them to walk worthy of the Lord.
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“9.30.18 Preparing the Way”.
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“9.23.18 Living In Sync with the Gospel”.
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