Southside Paragould: Recent Episodes
Charles Stoddard
Study the Bible with Southside Community Church in Paragould, Arkansas. Listen to the latest message from Pastor Charles Stoddard or dive into a full series.
We pray for God’s Will to be done but we should remember that His Will is accomplished through His People. God’s Work really is work and requires effort but the rewards are eternal. Yet, there is an enemy who will fight and pull all kinds of shenanigans to keep you idle. Learn from Nehemiah how to fight the good fight.
Most people don’t consider themselves a leader. Yet, God has something Special for each of us to do that will enable others to thrive in their faith. Discover how to find out what is that Special project you are to be leading and how to see it happen with success. Hint: it will require faith!
Have you ever thought you were not making any headway in serving the Lord and living for Him? Nothing seems to be going your way. You feel lonely and abandoned. Maybe you even said, “I have had enough, Lord, take my life and let’s get this over.” You are not the only one! God has a BIG answer for you.
If God showed up to you one night and said, “What do you want? Ask, and I will give it to you!” what would you ask for? This actually happened to Solomon! Solomon asked for Wisdom. What if it was truly offered to you as well? It is!
David and Bathsheba, we probably know the story but how can David still be called by God as “a man after God’s Own heart,” after committing adultery and even murder? What if we have royally messed up our lives due to giving in to sin? God did not throw David away and He doesn’t want to throw you away. God provides a way through your mess and a future on the other side.
A wise man learns to control his temper and a wise woman saves her family from destruction.
Opportunities may arise that could be an answer to all your problems. But is it? Maybe some close friends have counseled you to jump on the opportunity and that God would want it for you. How do you decide what to do? Our response will either sabotage our faith or make it grow! Let’s see how David handles his opportunity with Saul.
David's life not only shows show us why he was called a man after God's own heart, but also helps us see the characteristics that we should look for in ourselves, as followers of Christ who are also after God's own heart. We may not face the same kind of giant that David did, or be called by God to rule a nation, but we can choose each day to seek God's heart.
Have you ever thought: “I want God to be proud of me and honor Him.” Kind of like a parent watching their child perform on the stage or play in a ball game or do something selfless for someone else and the parent’s heart swells. The truth is God has revealed what it takes for that to happen but many times we trip our own self up chasing after what seems right in our heart. Let’s learn from King Saul’s life how to Make God Proud.
Some lessons learned over the past 5 years at Southside and challenges for the Church as a whole!
Being a Mother is not easy and Children can be quite trying. There are so many circumstances fighting against Mothers today. We can learn from Hannah how to be a person of Grace and Prayer and to bring our children to God which is the greatest of accomplishments.
Summary: Our families are dysfunctional because we are not creative and do not consult the Lord in prayer. Isaac is weak, late, and materialistic. Rebekah is manipulative and anxious. God the Father of Jesus shows us how to love and give to our children.
We are living in a society that encourages us to accept and practice things that God has cautioned us about. Just because everyone says it is acceptable doesn't make it good or godly. If you practice what God has cautioned us against (sin) then look out, His judgment is near - RUN!
The Resurrection of Jesus and the possible resurrection of us is the most important truths. But is it true? How do we know if either are true? The answer to these questions and the indisputable facts surrounding them will completely affect how you live now and your plans for the future.
Most of us do not think about the strength of our faith until we have failed in a trial or gave in to temptation. Actually our faith is much more fragile than we think. Jesus has an answer to our fragile faith and how to overcome it so that we can be victorious.
Have you ever accepted a challenge? A challenge will always reveal if you really have what it takes. What if your Faith was challenged? Would it come out in tact or proven to be unsustainable? We all have our Faith challenged in the many trials in our life. The real test of your faith is the Sacrifice Challenge! That challenge can make your Faith "complete." Abraham had this challenge and he responded in seven ways.
Fear can be paralyzing. When God calls us to go into the unknown, fear can keep us back. When God wants us to make a decision that will mess up our plans and our comfortable routine, fear can keep us back. When God asks us to live by Faith and maybe as a Foreigner, fear can immobilize us. All of these things happened in Abraham's life but he chose faith over fear and God blessed him and had his back through it all.
Decisions, decisions, decisions. We make them every day. Some decisions are made by purely ignoring what we are convicted to do or neglecting it, yet that is a decision to continue to do what we are doing. In the story of Cain and Able, Cain is confronted with a decision he had made and his decision on the surface looked like the right one, yet it wasn't. Cain chose to continue with his decision and neglect changing it. The result was self destruction of his life and his brother's life. What is the "right thing" to do in your life?
In life we have many decisions to make. Some are BIG, some are small, and some don't appear to be significant at all. In reality they all matter and the results will be either Good, Bad, or Ugly. We are in good company because many in the Bible had their decisions recorded so we can learn from them. God has a plan for our lives and it is for a future and a hope - GOOD. But we are tempted to accept and alternate route and that is not only BAD for us but ends up being UGLY. It all started with Adam and Eve.
If Jesus asked you, "Do you love me?" how would you answer? Jesus asked Peter that question 3 times, one after another. Jesus then responded to each of his answers. We get carried away with different things that are happening in our life and we begin neglecting loving God by loving others. God asks us to "hold the line" in His Work.
Max Lucado writes, “More than ever I am convinced: When we work, we work; but when we pray, God works!” Prayer brings us into the deepest and highest work of the human spirit. Real prayer is life creating and life changing. Prayer is the Difference Maker! The more we understand and practice prayer, the deeper the relationship we will have with God and the more we will be opening the door for God to do His will. May we stand in the gap.
What does it take to build a Family that is better and will stand the test of time? A better marriage and a better family do not just happen; decisions must be made and actions must be taken. There are some guiding secrets that if followed will lead your family to experience a glorious life!
How are your finances? God has much to say about finances, wealth, and investing. The richest man to ever live was also the wisest, King Solomon. Let's be like the Queen of Sheba and come get some financial wisdom from Solomon and some of the prophets.
My Spiritual Training is not for me to Look more Righteous but for Me to Be Better Equipped to Function Successfully Every Day! Scripture has a lot to tell us on how to get Spiritually Fit. Now drop down and give me ten pushups.
God has placed you to live out your purpose in this place for His pleasure.
The Bible lists 59 “One Another” statements, showing how God expects us to behave toward other believers. In fact, it’s impossible to live this out unless we are in community with Christians. In a culture filled with vitriol and anger, Christ-followers are to live and love like Jesus.
The Wise Men came seeking Jesus to worship him. Herod sought Jesus to oppose him. The Jews wanted to ignore Jesus. What about you? When Jesus becomes the King of your heart, he will be the source of Hope and Peace for your life.
Christmas is about Jesus coming into the world. But Why? His name, Jesus, means God Saves. But Why? Do we really need saving? He is saving us FROM something, but more importantly Jesus is saving us TO something!
Jesus is the Light of the World and He came to Deliver us from the Darkness of our Hearts, the Darkness of the Power of Satan, and the Darkness of Death and Guide us to the Path of Peace.
Mark presents two pictures with a betrayer who is subtle and secretive and a believer who is clear and committed. Betrayers normally have fooled themselves and others while believers are unmistakably genuine. Through these two pictures we can discover who we are and who we can be.
The Disciples ask about the future. What is it going to be like? How will it impact us? When is the end of the world? When is Jesus going to return? Jesus answers all of these questions for each of us.
Jesus tells us the greatest commandment is to Love God and the 2nd is to Love Others. What does it really mean to love with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength? What does it mean to love your neighbor as yourself? Actually it can be summed up in a phrase you all ready know - "Hi-Fidelity."
There are few questions more significant than what it means to be an image-bearer of God. It’s at the heart of what it means to be human. Your answers to this question will completely govern your relationships, responsibilities, and interests. What if your answer was wrong? Your life and other's lives would be significantly impacted.
What is your relationship with God based on? Something you do? Who you are? Something you give? Based on your worthiness? In reality, your relationship is simply based on Faith and Forgiveness. Prayer is the place you express that faith and ask for forgiveness. Jesus turns the tables on all that we thought was required of us and our limitations and throws the doors open to something GREAT!
If you got a sneak peek at when you were going to stand before God, would that change anything in your life? How would you prepare for it? Is God going to be expecting anything from you? The answer is YES and you can prepare for it. Dare to believe because it is going to happen and its happening sooner than you think!
Do you play the "plus / minus" game with God? Do you think that God will one day add up your good works and your bad works; and if your good works exceed your bad works, you will get into heaven? Your devotion to one particular area in your life will keep you from truly knowing God and experiencing His blessings for both now and eternity. It will actually choke out your faith. You are lacking one thing!
Have you ever considered getting a divorce? Maybe you have already gone through one. Maybe you are married or thinking about getting married. We all have times that our relationships go bad. How should we handle them and how can we bring redemption in the midst of the pain? What is the true purpose of marriage? You might be surprised to all of these answers!
When we are in the middle of all that is going on in our lives, we can become tired, confused, and longing for change. It is at this crucial moment that we are susceptible to lies from the enemy and our own flesh. If we accept those lies we lose. How do we recognize those lies and combat them?
Sometimes it’s difficult to know how to pray and what to pray for. Paul challenges us to pray with devotion so that the gospel message will go out clearly as we give out grace to those who do not yet know Christ.
Did you know that Jesus tells us how our position in His Kingdom is determined? Will you be a VIP or just an attendee? Jesus actually gives us a way to be a VIP. Would you like to know?
“I believe! Help my unbelief!” is an exclamation Christians have resonated with through the ages. Our genuine faith in God is challenged by difficult circumstances. We want to believe, and we do believe, but that faith wavers due to overwhelming odds and our weaknesses. How do we overcome this and see God move?
As Christ-followers, we have the responsibility to prioritize our family relationships by submitting, loving, obeying, and encouraging. We must also give attention to our jobs by working hard and by being fair.
What would you do if God physically manifested in front of you and began speaking to you? You could see Him and hear him clearly and you saw Him in all his Glory and everyone with you could see and hear the same thing. Would that change anything for you?
Are you satisfied with your understanding of Life and of God? What if there was more? What if what you did with what you don't know had an eternal consequence? You have an opportunity to be lead by the hand of Jesus to a different future. To see things through His eyes. To be apart of what He is doing. It is your choice.
The phony Pharisees are settled in their unbelief and the forgetful followers are unsettled in their belief.
A part of the Dare to Believe Series: Many times we want to hear something new but God wants us to live out what we already know to be true.
Have you ever had a great need but didn't feel like you had what it would take to meet it? You felt that what you had to offer was meh (not impressive or sufficient, but underwhelming). You need a miracle! Jesus can turn your meh into miraculous if you will dare to believe!
Do you ever have regret? You've made the wrong choice and later you pay for it. Have you ever focused on doing something in the moment and realize later it was something else. What if it cost you your marriage, job, health, reputation, or life? Do you just live with it or seek a different path?
Our lives can be marked by feeling trapped by choices we've made or others have forced on us. We may feel there is no way out and that we are doomed. Discover how Jesus can help! Dare to Believe!
What causes me to procrastinate giving my problems to God and to delay surrendering my life to the care and control of Christ?
As we focus on those things that are eternal, and put on the new self, we will experience freedom from those things that have shackled us in the past.
Sermon about realizing that God's purpose for our life doesn't always match the picture that we have in our minds.
As we focus on those things that are eternal, and put on the new self, we will experience freedom from those things that have shackled us in the past.
Some believe there are unplanned and unwanted pregnancies. However, God is the Giver of Life and He has planned each person so we can be with Him. Let's talk about when Life actually starts and what are our Options .
Following a list of rules and regulations will never lead to spiritual vitality. Grace demands that we avoid judging others according to our standards.
When we hear or read God's Word, something happens. For a brief moment somethings become clearer than before. There is a reason for that: illumination. However, that doesn't hold a candle to what could happen based on how you respond. The Kingdom of God could break through!
Following a list of rules and regulations will never lead to spiritual vitality. Grace demands that we avoid judging others according to our standards.
Do you sometimes understand the Bible and sometimes you don't. Do you remember what you have heard from the Bible? Do you wish that you get really get the Truths and Change your life? This is the parable for you!
It’s important to not just focus on our conversion—we’re called to demonstrate our commitment on a daily basis by going deeper with God.
Many scholars believe this passage was based on a hymn that was sung by the early church. We all need to answer the question: Is Christ prominent in my life, or is He preeminent? He doesn’t just want a place in our lives, He demands first place.
Have you ever been turned off with religion? Do you feel like you just can't match up to what God expects? Dare to Believe Jesus! He breaks all the barriers. He offers you something that will set you free to Celebrate. Grace and a Relationship with Him.
Many scholars believe this passage was based on a hymn that was sung by the early church. We all need to answer the question: Is Christ prominent in my life, or is He preeminent? He doesn’t just want a place in our lives, He demands first place.
Are you sensing that you need a Life Change? Have you done somethings that has Messed Up your life? Are you needing a Restoration in an area of your life? Dare to Believe! There is Power to Change Your Life.
Jesus has real authority. Authority about what happens in our life. Authority about the truth. Healing authority. Spiritual Authority. We are rebellious by nature. Will we buck Jesus' authority or will we embrace it. Guess what comes if you embrace His authority? Dare to Believe!
Study through the Gospel of Mark. Mark Dares us to Believe in Jesus. To Courageously Believe. He lays out the Good News and how it will change our life. Are you ready to be Courageous and Believe in Jesus?
When we think of God’s work in the lives of other believers, we should be moved to thankfulness for the faith, hope, and love that we see demonstrated in Christ followers.
The Bible says that in the last days love will grow cold. Let's not let that happen in our personal lives! We can live a life filled with love! Love can be our highest goal. Three things will last forever - faith, hope, and love - and the greatest of these is love! Let's ReConnect with Love!
Christ has called us to Go into our Community and make it a better place while helping others to know Christ and his love for them.
Truth is in short supply within our world. The word of God gives us all of the truth we need to live a full life in Christ. We should keep these truths and consider them wisdom, instruction, and insight for our lives. No matter what we do, we cannot lose truth.
God has placed each person in the individual churches to make up His Body and help the church to be healthy, growing, and full of love. Serving others is really about allowing Christ to work through you. Are you open for Him to work through you?
Why would God's Glory depart from Israel? Is it possible for that to happen to our church? Yes! Look at the Letter to the Seven Churches in Revelation. But wait! You can change it all!
When Jesus rescues us, He begins a process within us that takes each of us from where we were to a life that is secure and centered on Him. It is true that Jesus loves us just the way we are, but it is equally true that He loves us too much to leave us that way.
God has not called us to be Lone Rangers. The Enemy is looking for those who are walking alone. It is vital in our Faith Walk to be Connected with Other Believers.
Would you describe your relationship with God as rich, strong, and powerful? How can you enrich your relationship with God and deepen it while releasing more and more Grace? It's time to ReConnect with God!
How Can Jesus be our Everlasting Father? Everything you’ve ever dreamed a father could be—everything you’ve ever wanted from your relationship with your earthly father—Jesus is and will be for you. Your Messiah will forever be perfectly father-like in the way he shepherds and leads you. In Jesus, you have a perfect father forever.
Our hearts can get heavy and troubled with all the mess of life. Jesus has come to establish Peace in our lives in the midst of the chaos. How do we actually get that peace and maintain it? There is a way!
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. These names were given concerning Our Lord Jesus. They are significant because they describe His character toward us. You will see the birth of Jesus in a whole new light and a relate to him different than before. You will actually experience The Name in your personal life!
The war of life is fought in the battlefield of the mind. The things we do are first thoughts we think. We are wired for negativity, but God can rewire us for thoughts of joy. When we allow God to work within us, and when we choose to focus on good things, Christmas will be merry and bright.
There is much found in the Name of Jesus! Mighty God, Wonderful Counselor, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Let's unpack each of these and our HOPE will be increased.
The Apostle Paul reveals a MYSTERY about what is getting ready to happen to the Believers. It involves escaping death and being reunited with all our loved ones. Believers who have already died will experience the Resurrection but Believers who have not died will experience the MYSTERY!
God has set Israel as His Timepiece in fulfilling all His promises. Much of what is happening today in Israel points to a specific promise in the Bible about the time of the End. As we see these developments unfold, what should we be doing?
The Bible describes a One World System that will be in place in the End Times. Why One World System? What should we do when we see it?
Scripture tells us that in the End Times Lawlessness will increase greatly and then the Antichrist will appear. How can we recognize it and what should we do to protect ourselves and others?
Our current state of world affairs is foretold in the Scriptures. We are Living in the End Times. We need to Wake Up and Step Up because the time is very short.
How do we get prayer answered. Do you ever feel like no one is listening or the answer is "no"? How do I know what to pray?
Nobody wants to be judged. Yet we turn around and judge others. Learn how to flip the tables and see the alternative to judging and be blessed in doing it.
Learning how to Pray from our Lord so we can pray effectively. Being able to teach others how to pray.
Jesus shares with us how to do acts of righteousness and be rewarded now and in heaven.
Gratitude is an essential ingredient on the journey to fullness of life, to the abundant life promised in Christ.
Ezekiel is given a very strange vision. What is it and what does it mean? Also will QJ ever get off that island?
What did Jesus do after He was resurrected for the dead? Join us for the last lesson in our Easter Series.
Video of Southside's production of "A Time for Christmas" performed during our Christmas Dinner Theater 2018.