Fairfax Church of Christ: Recent Episodes
Fairfax Church of Christ
Located just outside of Washington, DC, we are a family of believers who are on mission to boldly show Jesus, to love God, and to love others because God first loved us.
We are a Bible-based, nondenominational church, and our whole heart is focused on helping people connect with God and others. We are “seeking to be God’s heart to this community.”
Like Nehemiah, we have taken time to pray, assess, and discern what God is calling us to do. RISE builds on years of faithfulness while preparing for the ministry God will do through us in the years ahead. Before we make commitments, we begin by seeking God together and asking what part he is calling each of us to play.
Robin Gough
August 23, 2026
For more information, visit us at fxcc.org.
Jesus got tired, sat at wells, slept through storms, and pulled his disciples away from crowds. If the Son of God built rest into his rhythm, we have no excuse not to.
John Vaught
August 16, 2026
For more information, visit us at fxcc.org.
We've baptized busyness as faithfulness. Martha did the same thing—filled every moment with good work and missed the one thing that mattered.
Robin Gough
August 9, 2026
For more information, visit us at fxcc.org.
Rest isn't laziness; it's the first thing God modeled after creation. Sabbath was built into the world before sin, and it's still holy.
Robin Gough
August 2, 2026
For more information, visit us at fxcc.org.
At the end of his days, David’s hope rests not on his reign but on God’s unbroken promise. His story closes where the gospel begins—with a throne that belongs to Jesus, the true and everlasting King.
Robin Gough
July 26, 2026
For more information, visit us at fxcc.org.
A father’s grief over his lost son reveals the depth of love and the cost of rebellion. In those tears, we glimpse the heart of God, who would later weep for us and redeem us through His Son.
Robin Gough
July 19, 2026
For more information, visit us at fxcc.org.
A single glance unravels a kingdom and a conscience, reminding us how quickly desire can destroy. Yet even here, God’s relentless mercy begins its work of redemption.
Robin Gough
July 12, 2026
For more information, visit us at fxcc.org.
At the height of David’s success, God interrupts his ambitions with something far greater - a promise of a kingdom that would outlast every throne on earth. In the covenant with David, we see the unbreakable mercy of God pointing forward to Jesus, the King whose reign brings hope to every generation.
John Vaught
July 5, 2026
For more information, visit us at fxcc.org.
In the shadows of the cave, David learns that waiting on God is never wasted. His mercy toward Saul foreshadows the grace of Jesus, who conquered not by taking life but by giving His own.
Robin Gough
June 28, 2026
For more information, visit us at fxcc.org.
When fear towered over faith, one young man trusted that God was bigger still. David’s victory over Goliath points to Christ’s triumph over sin—the battle won not by strength, but by surrender.
John Vaught
June 21, 2026
For more information, visit us at fxcc.org.
In an unexpected field, God’s choice falls on an unseen shepherd, reminding us that grace often begins where the world stops looking. David’s quiet anointing whispers of a greater King who would come in humility to rule in love.
Robin Gough
June 15, 2026
For more information, visit us at fxcc.org
True purpose isn't found in achievements or comfort, but in glorifying God — and when we seek Him first, everything else in life falls into place.
Jake Maynard
June 7, 2026
For more information, visit us at fxcc.org.
This week, we address the difficult topic of suicide with honesty, compassion, and hope. Looking to Psalm 3 and the gospel, we'll discover that even in our darkest moments, God is near and hope is never lost.
Robin Gough
May 31, 2026
For more information, visit us at fxcc.org.
If you are struggling today, please don't carry it alone. Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, minister, counselor, or call/text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline 24 hours a day.
Depression isn’t faithlessness—it’s a place where God still meets His people.
Robin Gough
May 24, 2026
For more information, visit us at fxcc.org.
Anxiety is real, and it doesn’t mean you’re failing. Jesus meets us in our worry and invites us to trust Him one day at a time. As we release what we can’t control and bring it to Him, His peace begins to guard our hearts and minds.
Robin Gough
May 17, 2026
For more information, visit us at fxcc.org.
The battle for peace begins in the mind. God calls us to renew our thoughts with truth.
Robin Gough
May 10, 2026
For more information, visit us at fxcc.org.
We can’t heal what we hide. God invites us to bring our pain and questions into His presence.
Robin Gough
May 3, 2026
For more information, visit us at fxcc.org.
Love doesn’t just stay with us—it moves through us. The unstoppable love of God in Romans 8 becomes the foundation for a life of reconciliation and mission.
Robin Gough
April 26, 2026
For more information, visit us at fxcc.org.
The resurrection doesn’t just forgive sin — it restores people.
Grace doesn’t only erase the past — it rebuilds the future.
John Vaught
April 19, 2026
For more information, visit us at fxcc.org.
Love doesn’t ignore sin — it absorbs it. God did not sweep evil aside. He carried it Himself.
Robin Gough
April 12, 2026
For more info, visit us at fxcc.org.
The resurrection is love vindicated.
The cross was not defeat — it was devotion.
Because Jesus lives, hope is not wishful thinking but living reality.
Robin Gough
April 5, 2026
For more info, visit us at fxcc.org.
Jesus sees the crowds with compassion and declares the harvest ready. As we commit our future to God, we remember that every prayer and sacrifice is ultimately about people—and we build with joy because His mission leads us forward, not fear.
Jake Maynard
March 29, 2026
For more info, visit us at fxcc.org.
In Acts 4, the early church faces pressure not with fear, but with bold, unified prayer—rooted in a clear vision of who God is. When we see God clearly, we pray boldly and live ready, trusting that He will move and make us the kind of people who step into what He’s doing.
Robin Gough
March 22, 2026
For more information, visit us at fxcc.org.
Growth takes time. Just like a farmer tending a field, the church grows when people are equipped, connected to Christ, and faithfully doing their part. This morning we’ll explore how God grows His church—and what it means for us to tend the garden together.
Robin Gough
March 15, 2026
For more information, visit us at fxcc.org.
Acts 2 shows a church devoted to teaching, prayer, fellowship, and the breaking of bread—but what truly set them apart was the transforming presence of the Holy Spirit. Changed by Jesus and empowered by God’s Spirit, they became a resurrection community marked by generosity, joy, and shared life.
John Vaught
March 8, 2026
For more information, visit us at fxcc.org.
Four friends tore open a roof to bring someone to Jesus. Worship forms that kind of faith, shaping us to remove barriers and make room for others to encounter Christ and for the next generation to meet Jesus.
Robin Gough
March 1, 2026
For more information, visit us at fxcc.org.
In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus invites us to consider what happens in us when God speaks. As we look toward the future of Fairfax, we pause to examine our hearts, believing that God is cultivating something deeper before He builds what’s next.
Robin Gough
February 22, 2026
For more information, visit us at fxcc.org.
When we seek first the Kingdom of God, our treasure shifts, our fears lose their grip, and our everyday lives begin to reflect the reign of King Jesus.
Robin Gough
February 15, 2026
As we wait for Jesus, Peter reminds us to stand firm, live humbly, and trust God’s grace. The journey may be hard, but our hope is secure.
Robin Gough
February 8, 2026
For more info, visit us at fxcc.org.
Suffering is not wasted in God’s hands. Peter encourages believers to endure hardship with trust, love, and hope, knowing God is at work even in pain.
John Vaught
February 1, 2026
For more info, visit us at fxcc.org.
Following Jesus may lead to misunderstanding or hardship, but our hope is anchored in Christ’s victory. We live with courage and gentleness, trusting Him even when faith feels costly.
Robin Gough
January 25, 2026
For more info, visit us at fxcc.org.
In a shifting world, Peter calls believers to live with humility, love, and faithfulness. Our Christlike lives become a steady witness to God’s Kingdom.
Robin Gough
January 18, 2026
For more info, visit us at fxcc.org.
God’s grace doesn’t just forgive us—it forms us. Peter calls us to leave behind an empty way of life and be shaped into a people who reflect God’s goodness.
Robin Gough
January 11, 2026
We can easily live as if this world is all there is, but Peter reminds us that our true home, inheritance, and identity are secure in Christ. Remembering where we belong gives us strength to stand firm when life feels uncertain—because what’s ahead is far greater than what’s now.
Robin Gough
January 4, 2026
For more information, visit us at fxcc.org.
Even in times marked by trouble, God's mercy resets our hope for tomorrow.
John Vaught
December 28, 2025
For more info, visit us at fxcc.org.
Christmas is not about perfection or performance, but about God coming close. Jesus enters our weakness with humility and love, bringing peace not through power, but through sacrifice.
Robin Gough
December 24, 2025
For more info, visit our website at fxcc.org.
Love moves toward the lost—it comes home, forgives, and restores.
Connection: Kevin’s family story reminds us of God’s heart for reconciliation; at Christmas, love crossed the distance to bring us home.
Robin Gough
December 21, 2025
For more info, visit us at fxcc.org.
In a world shaped by fear, Jesus brings a joy nothing can threaten. This sermon unpacks how joy comes from Christ, takes root in us, and becomes a witness that changes the spaces we enter.
Robin Gough
December 14, 2025
For more info, visit us at fxcc.org.
The Santa Clause shows peace arriving where it’s least expected — and Christmas tells the truer story. Jesus breaks into our chaos with God’s peace, forms peace within us, and sends us to embody that peace wherever we go.
Robin Gough
December 7, 2025
For more information, visit us at fxcc.org.
Advent reminds us that real hope isn’t better circumstances—it’s God drawing near. Jesus’ presence enlarges our story, restores courage, and leads us into God’s greater story.
Robin Gough
November 30, 2025
For more information, visit us at fxcc.org.
The real danger isn’t our differences—it’s making ourselves the standard. When we choose love over preference, the life of Jesus becomes visible among us.
Robin Gough
November 23, 2025
For more info, visit us at fxcc.org.
The Holy Spirit works quietly within us — convicting, guiding, and transforming — even when we don’t notice.
Robin Gough
November 16, 2025
For more info, visit us at fxcc.org.
The kingdom often begins in hidden ways, like a seed in the soil, growing steadily until its impact is undeniable.
Robin Gough
November 2, 2025
For more info, visit us at fxcc.org.
A truly transformed life is marked by a radical kind of love—genuine, patient, sacrificial, even toward enemies.
John Vaught
October 26, 2025
For more info, visit us at fxcc.org.
We are transformed not just as individuals, but as a body. We discover our true identity and gifts in the context of community.
John Vaught
October 19, 2025
For more info, visit us at fxcc.org.
Transformation begins with a whole-life response to God’s mercy. Worship is more than music—it’s offering every part of yourself to God.
John Vaught
October 12, 2025
For more info, visit us at fxcc.org.
The Bible’s vision of eternity is not disembodied souls floating away, but resurrection life in God’s new creation. Paul reminds us that our mortal, decaying bodies will be transformed into glorious ones fit for eternity. John gives us the breathtaking picture of the new heaven and new earth, where death, pain, and tears are gone for good. God’s endgame is not escape, but renewal. Our destiny is resurrection life with Jesus, made new in a world made new.
Robin Gough
October 5, 2025
For more info, visit us at fxcc.org.
How does what we believe about eternity shape the way we live now? While we wait for Jesus’ return, we live with purpose, hope, and anticipation — building a life rooted in the promise of what's to come.
James Nored
September 28, 2025
For more information, visit us at fxcc.org.
The phrase "Go to heaven" is not mentioned anywhere in the Bible. There are mentions of desiring to go and be with the Lord, but when it comes to heaven, we are mentioned as the ones waiting for its arrival. What if heaven is a place on earth?
Robin Gough
September 21, 2025
For more information, visit us at fxcc.org.
Deep down, we all feel the ache of homesickness — a longing for a place we’ve never fully known. The Bible says that’s because we were made for more than this world as it is. Heaven is not just escape, but home: a renewed creation where God lives with His people and every wrong is made right.
Robin Gough
September 14, 2026
For more info, visit us at fxcc.org.
Only three questions ultimately matter: Where did we come from? Why are we here? Where are we going? In this series, we’re exploring the Christian answer to the third question. We contend that Jesus has a unique authority to speak with certainty about the here and the hereafter because He conquered death and offers eternal life.
Robin Gough
September 7, 2025
For more information, visit us at fxcc.org.
God’s justice prevails. Esther's story closes with victory and celebration — a picture of God’s ultimate plan for His people.
Robin Gough
August 31, 2025
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Just when all seems lost, God works through Esther’s courage — a reminder that He’s always moving.
John Vaught
August 24, 2025
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Esther faces the tension between comfort and calling — stepping into her purpose "for such a time as this."
Jacob Robertson
August 10, 2025
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God’s hand is at work even when He seems hidden. Esther's rise to the throne was no accident.
Robin Gough
August 3, 2025
For more info, visit us at fxcc.org.
The way of Jesus doesn’t stop with us. As we stay rooted in Christ and connected to His people, God grows the church—forming disciples and multiplying His mission in the world.
Robin Gough
July 27, 2025
For more information, visit fxcc.org.
The early church didn’t just meet once a week—they shared life daily. Through worship, hospitality, and encouragement, they became a community shaped by the presence and mission of Jesus.
Robin Gough
July 20, 2025
For more information, visit us at fxcc.org.
Kingdom life is generous. The first Christians shared freely, meeting needs and reflecting the generous heart of God.
Robin Gough
July 13, 2025
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Prayer was a defining rhythm of the early church. Together, they sought God’s power and guidance—and He answered with boldness and unity.
Jacob Robertson
July 6, 2025
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Communion isn’t a ritual—it’s a reminder. At the table, we remember Jesus’ sacrifice, proclaim His victory, and unite as His body.
Jacob Robertson
June 29, 2025
For more info, visit us at fxcc.org.
This sermon explores how the early church was anchored in the apostles’ teaching—not for information alone, but for transformation—and calls us to be a Scripture-shaped community grounded in the voice of the Risen King.
Robin Gough
June 22, 2025
For more information, visit us at fxcc.org.
Following Jesus begins with surrender. In Acts 2, those who heard the gospel responded with repentance, baptism, and new life in the Spirit.
Robin Gough
June 15, 2025
For more information, visit us at fxcc.org.
Jesus is not just Savior—He is King. The gospel is the good news that He is risen, reigning, and calling us to allegiance. This is where the way begins.
Robin Gough
June 8, 2025
In this Senior Sunday sermon, Kohen Maxell preaches on Overcoming Regret from Psalm 51:1-10. He challenges us to be honest about our sin and highlights God's mercy, emphasizing that not only does God forgive, but He also forgets our sins. Kohen encourages us to embrace God's grace and move forward without the burden of past mistakes.
Kohen Maxell
June 1, 2025
For more information, visit us at fxcc.org.
Faith isn’t built on feelings but on the gospel we stand in. In a shifting world, the church is called to remember the resurrection, hold fast to grace, and live the truth with courage.
Robin Gough
May 25, 2025
For more information, visit us at fxcc.org
The church isn’t here to chase preferences or appearances. We’re here to pursue people. We give up comfort to reach others. Every member matters. Every church has a purpose.
Robin Gough
May 18, 2025
For more information, visit us at fxcc.org.
Conflict happens in every church. Instead of running from it, we seek reconciliation, learning how to handle disagreements with grace and love.
Robin Gough
May 11, 2025
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No church is perfect, and comparison leads to division. Instead of longing for another church, we commit to unity in Christ and celebrate where God has placed us.
Robin Gough
May 4, 2025
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Jesus’ final words commission His followers to be His witnesses, as the story of His mission continues through the Church.
Jacob Robertson
April 27, 2025
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The tomb is empty—and everything has been forever changed.
Robin Gough
April 20, 2025
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Jesus enters Jerusalem as the Messiah, fulfilling prophecy and calling people to recognize His authority and peace.
Robin Gough
April 13, 2025
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You can’t follow Jesus halfway. The cost is everything—but the reward is greater.
Robin Gough
April 6, 2025
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Jesus heals ten lepers, but only one returns to give thanks, highlighting the importance of gratitude and recognizing God’s work in our lives.
Robin Gough
March 23, 2025
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Jesus challenges His followers to count the cost of discipleship, calling for radical commitment to Him above all else.
James Nored
March 23, 2025
For more information, visit us at fxcc.org.
Jesus is the returning King and just Master, calling us to live with purpose. This passage challenges us to embrace His grace and authority, staying faithful and expectant as we wait for His return. Are we truly living ready?
Robin Gough
March 9, 2025
For more info, visit us at fxcc.org.
Jesus challenges the Pharisees’ outward righteousness, showing that true knowledge of God comes from a transformed heart. To know Jesus is to embrace genuine righteousness that reflects His justice, mercy, and love.
Jacob Robertson
March 2, 2025
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At the transfiguration, Jesus is revealed in His divine glory, affirming His identity as God’s Son and preparing His disciples for His coming mission.
Robin Gough
February 23, 2025
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Jesus calms a raging storm, proving His authority over creation and His ability to bring peace in life’s chaos.
Jacob Robertson
February 16th, 2025
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A sinful woman’s act of devotion highlights Jesus’ grace, forgiveness, and the joy of being made new in Him.
Robin Gough
February 9th, 2025
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Jesus presents a radical way of living in His Kingdom, turning worldly values upside down to align with God’s eternal truth.
Robin Gough
February 2, 2025
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Jesus calls ordinary fishermen to become His disciples, showing that He invites everyone to participate in His mission.
Robin Gough
January 26 2025
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Jesus overcomes temptation in the wilderness, demonstrating His obedience to God and victory over sin.
Robin Gough
January 19, 2025
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The birth of Jesus unfolds God’s divine plan to bring salvation to the world. Everything was happening a just the right time.
Robin Gough
January 12, 2025
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Reflecting on God’s faithfulness in the past gives us courage to renew our commitment, embrace His mission, and move forward into the new year with faith and purpose.
Robin Gough
December 29th, 2024
For more information please visit us at fxcc.org
Christmas isn’t just about gifts—it’s about the people we’re with and, most of all, the God who came to be with us. In Jesus, God showed up in the most unexpected places to love us as we are, save us from our sins, and shine His light into the darkest moments of our lives.
Robin Gough
December 24th, 2024
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In this final Advent message, we celebrate Christmas as the moment God became flesh in Jesus Christ, offering light, salvation, and hope to the world. As Immanuel—God with us—He calls us to embrace His presence and reflect His light until His return.
Robin Gough
December 22nd, 2024
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In this sermon, we reflect on living in the "Kingdom in the Middle"—between Jesus' birth and His return. As we wait for Christ’s second coming, we are called to live with urgency, hope, and the awareness that the King who came once will return to reign forever.
Robin Gough
December 15th, 2024
For more information please visit us at fxcc.org
This week, we’ll delve into the tension of living in the "already and not yet" of God's kingdom. We will celebrate the fulfillment of Christ's first coming while eagerly anticipating His promised return.
Robin Gough
December 8th, 2024
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This sermon kicks off Advent, focusing on the hope it brings. It explores how to embrace heavenly values and draw strength as we wait for Christ’s return.
Jacob Robertson
December 1st, 2024
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The peace of God will rest on those whose minds are focused on the person of God.
Lee Nault
November 24th, 2024
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The peace of God is meant to bring confidence and rest in the lives of Christians.
Jacob Robertson
November 17th, 2024
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Anxiety can eliminate any sense of hope in the believer, but God is always present to help.
Robin Gough
November 10th, 2024
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The foundation for a life of trust is learning to rejoice in all situations.
John Vaught
November 3rd, 2024
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We're called to boldly share Jesus everywhere. God’s will isn’t predictable; it’s about spreading His kingdom. Let’s be known for sending, not just gathering—sharing the Gospel and loving others is our mission.
Jacob Roberson
October 27th, 2024
For more information please visit us at fxcc.org
Using our unique location and resources, we aim to make a spiritual impact by being light to our community. Just as Israel was called to bless nations, we are called to reflect Jesus and serve others.
Robin Gough
October 20, 2024
For more information, please visit us at fxcc.org
Deepening biblical understanding leads to spiritual maturity. By fully depending on the Holy Spirit, we grow in our knowledge of God through scripture, prayer, and worship - reflecting Jesus in our lives.
Robin Gough
October 13, 2024
For more information, please visit us at fxcc.org
Fairfax Church of Christ's mission is to boldly show Jesus, love God, and love others. Our vision for 2030 is to be a welcoming haven for all, reflecting God's heart in our communities and pursuing transformation through His Spirit.
Robin Gough
October 6, 2024
For more information please visit us at fxcc.org
Politics is one of the most divisive topics today, and how some Christians engage in it can be a major stumbling block for unbelievers. This sermon will examine how we can participate in the political process in a way that honors Christ, enhances our witness, and reminds us that our true citizenship is in God's kingdom.
Robin Gough
September 29th, 2024
For more information please visit us at fxcc.org
This sermon concludes the series, with a call to spiritual warfare, equipping believers with the armor of God to stand firm against spiritual forces and boldly proclaim the gospel.
Robin Gough
September 22nd, 2024
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In this sermon, we finish talking about "family matters", wher we learn how living "in Christ" shapes our homes with love, respect, and God’s kingdom values.
Robin Gough
September 15th, 2024
For more information please visit us at fxcc.org
This sermon explores living as children of light, walking in love, and demonstrating the fruit of the Spirit in practical ways. We'll see how our identity in Christ shapes our actions and relationships, guiding us to reflect His light in everyday life.
Robin Gough
September 1st, 2024
For more information please visit us at fxcc.org
"Explore how God's design for family and marriage, grounded in Spirit-filled mutual submission, mirrors Christ's love for the church. Embrace true 'Squad Goals'!"
Robin Gough
September 8th, 2024
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Addresses the transformation of our minds and hearts in Christ, contrasting old behaviors with new virtues and encouraging believers to live in accordance with their new identity.
Robin Gough
August 25th, 2024
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In this sermon, we explore spiritual maturity, using gifts to build up the church, and pursuing unity in faith and knowledge. Discover how these elements are vital for a thriving Christian community.
Robin Gough
August 18, 2024
For more information, visit fxcc.org.
In this episode, we explore the call to maturity and unity within the body of Christ. We delve into the importance of spiritual growth, the use of gifts to build up the church, and the pursuit of unity in faith and knowledge. Join us as we discuss how these elements are crucial for a thriving, Christ-centered community.
Robin Gough
August 11, 2024
For more information, please visit us at fxcc.org
Dive into the powerful message of unity in Christ in this inspiring sermon. Learn how Jesus broke down the barriers between Jews and Gentiles, creating one new humanity reconciled through His blood. Join us to uncover the deep significance of this unity for our faith and relationships.
Robin Gough
August 4, 2024
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Examines how we are made alive in Christ through God's grace, contrasting our former state of sin with our new identity as God's masterpiece created for good works.
Lance Boyd
July 28, 2024
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This sermon delves into the theme of being chosen and predestined in Christ, praying for spiritual wisdom and understanding to grasp the hope and inheritance we have in Him.
Robin Gough
July 21, 2024
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Explores the spiritual blessings and realities of our 'real identity' in Christ, emphasizing our adoption, redemption, and sealing with the Holy Spirit.
Robin Gough
July 14, 2024
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In the story of Job, after all that has happened to him, he sits in the ashes, lamenting what has transpired, yet at the end, God restores. All of our failures, all of our losses, all of our imperfections—when we encounter Him, see Him and ask Him, He removes all of that pain.
Introduces Ephesians and highlights the faithfulness of God in choosing and calling believers to be 'in Christ,' setting the foundation for our identity in Him.
Intimacy means fully knowing and being known by another, as captured by the Hebrew word "yada'" in the Bible. God's intimate knowledge of us is illustrated in Psalm 139 and Job, and through Jesus Christ, He invites us to seek a personal relationship with Him.
Robin Gough
June 23rd, 2024
For more information please visit us at fxcc.org
In the blink of an eye your world can be turned upside down. You lose your job. Your marriage is in trouble. A loved one passes away. Things happen in our lives that make us ask, “God, are you really there?”
Robin Gough
June 16th, 2024
For more information please visit us at fxcc.org
Encountering God
Is it difficult for you to believe when you haven’t seen? Or how about when your world is simply falling apart—where is God then? Or when you get sick—where is He in that moment?
Robin Gough
June 9th, 2024
For more information please visit us at fxcc.org
Academic “senior-itis” is a known problem, but how do we avoid “spiritual senioritis”?
Congratulations to the graduating class of 2024.
Sammie Young
June 2nd, 2024
For more information please visit us at fxcc.org
Learn to simplify life by eliminating hurry, creating space for God's presence and purpose through intentional practices.
Robin Gough
May 26th, 2024
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In our noisy, distraction-filled world, it's vital to disconnect and find peace. By intentionally making time for solitude and quiet, we can truly rest and rejuvenate our souls amidst the busyness of life.
Robin Gough
May 19th, 2024
For more information please visit us at fxcc.org
In our hectic world, we often link busyness with achievement, yet this leaves us drained. But is this truly what God desires for us?
When it takes a struggle to just keep going, we find hope by looking to Jesus, the suffering servant.
May 5th, 2024
The Christian life is a marathon lined with all kinds of obstacles and distractions. When we set our eyes on Jesus instead of our circumstances, He renews our strength to follow Him with joy.
As we follow Christ, one of the ways we derail ourselves is by comparing someone else’s path to our own. But we all have a unique part to play in the road marked out for us.
In any race, shouldering an unnecessary burden is a surefire way to lose. Jesus invites us to lay the weight of our sin at His feet, following Him in true freedom
April 14th, 2024
Robin Gough
When life gets hard, remember that we stand on the shoulders of giants. God encourages us to persevere by looking back on the faithfulness of those who have come before.
There is no love, no mercy, no other like him. From persecution, to death on the cross, to rising from the dead - Jesus is like no other.
Jesus redefined Israel’s expectations of what the Messiah would look like. Rather than being a military hero, he died on a cross. Christians should pattern our lives on the life of Jesus. We are called to be humble and obedient, even in the face of suffering.
In prayer, Jesus warmly invites us to "ask, seek, and knock," assuring that despite the lack of predictable outcomes, a universal journey unfolds, rooted in trust. It's a trust that embraces the goodness of God, His comforting presence in our struggles, and the promise that He will beautifully renew all things.
Turn to God when you face any trial or temptation, and he will deliver you. Adversity can lead us into a deeper union with God or deeper into sin—it is all about who or what you turn to for comfort during those times.
A believer regularly prays for forgiveness. Is your prayer life marked by prayers for forgiveness or for vengeance?
The Lord provides exactly what you need. Instead of praying for what you want, have you ever thought about praying for God to change your desires?
Believers should be praying for the reign of God to come. What does it mean for you personally to see God’s will done “on earth as it is in heaven”?
The name of God deserves your attention and respect. When you approach God in prayer, do you approach him as a loving Father or a distant mystery?
It isn’t the quantity, but the quality of your prayer that matters. Do you approach prayer like a magic formula for a spell or a way to build a relationship with God?
Generosity has an effect. It blesses others. Loving visible people through generosity is an expression of love for the unseen God.
Generosity has an effect. Jesus said generosity is the path to be blessed. It blesses God.
The New Year is an opportunity for people to take stock of their life, think about the future, and make some changes. In this sermon, our student minister, Sammie, helps us to move from resolution to revelation.
Christmas is God’s answer to darkness. It is a reminder that into this dark world God brought a light—the light of His Son Jesus Christ.
Your present sufferings are here; your hope in this glorious promise is here. They aren’t even worth comparing. There will be a day.
Faith is living in the space between - when a promise has been made but you’re waiting for it to be fulfilled. It’s living in patient hope.
Every single, “How long?” is both a cry of pain and a confession of hope. In the waiting, we can put our hope in God because he won’t disappoint us.
In this last sermon, we explore the communion table as a glimpse of the future banquet in God's kingdom, fostering hope and readiness. This week invites us to anticipate the divine reunion, fostering a deep sense of hope, joy, and readiness for the promised glorious banquet as we partake in communion at the table.
The gospel aims to create a unique community, and this fellowship is truly remarkable. It goes beyond a mere meal or gathering—it's where we encounter a sense of family, starting right at the table.
Rob Duncan is the worship minister at the Gateway Church in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Before becoming a worship minister he did youth ministry for over 20 years in both NM & CO and served as the lead pastor for a church in Boulder CO. for 5 years. Rob has served as the Co-director of Lubbock Christian Univ. summer camps for 12 years and on the Nation Conference on Youth Ministry board for 3 years.
At the table, we remember the faithfulness of our God. We remember the broken body of Jesus - broken for you and me. We remember that he brought us from death to life by his broken body and his shed blood - and that just as he was raised from the dead - we too have gone from death to life!
In this video, Robin walks through the goals for our 2030 vision. There is also a short presentation from the Building Transformation team.
As people, fully dependent on God's Holy Spirit, we will deepen biblical understanding that leads to spiritual maturity.
As people, fully dependent on God's Holy Spirit, we will use our unique location and resources for spiritual impact.
As people, fully dependent on God’s Holy Spirit, we will share the good news of Jesus Christ in our communities.
In this first of our vision for 2030 series. we explore the first step that we will be a welcoming haven for all, regardless of their background or circumstances; a place where people can find refuge, support, and a hope.
We often think of commiting to Jesus as a list of boxes that we need to check to keep God happy. But at it's core, discipleship is about relationship and being present with the Father.
Salvation is free but following Jesus comes with a cost. It requires us to go all in. It costs us our priorities, our desires, our intentions. When we completely commit to follow King Jesus, all that we have and are is His.
When Jesus says come after me, what does that mean? Following Jesus is much more than just a mental agreement, it requires allegiance where one is fully committed in his or her pursuit of Jesus. A follower is someone who pays allegiance.
Any significant relationship means changes to existing relationships. When I entered into marriage, my relationship with my parents changed. When we follow Jesus, the other things we follow change in importance. Jesus doesn't want leftovers, he wants us - completely.
God desires to welcome his prodigal children with open arms and a spirit of celebration. We need to reflect this same kind of grace and mercy in our church to everyone with hurts, habits, and hangups. We must move our churches from being recovery-resistant to recovery-minded.
The greatest act of love you can show toward a friend is to help that friend find Jesus. The best way to do that is to share Jesus’ story. Everyone knows someone who needs to know more. While we can’t reach everyone, we can each reach someone. We can all take responsibility for one. And, because of God’s power and the work of His Spirit, each of our ones can add up to make a significant impact for God’s kingdom.
The greatest act of love you can show toward a friend is to help that friend find Jesus. The best way to do that is to share Jesus’ story. Everyone knows someone who needs to know more. While we can’t reach everyone, we can each reach someone. We can all take responsibility for one. And, because of God’s power and the work of His Spirit, each of our ones can add up to make a significant impact for God’s kingdom.
The greatest act of love you can show toward a friend is to help that friend find Jesus. The best way to do that is to share Jesus’ story. Everyone knows someone who needs to know more. While we can’t reach everyone, we can each reach someone. We can all take responsibility for one. And, because of God’s power and the work of His Spirit, each of our ones can add up to make a significant impact for God’s kingdom.
The greatest act of love you can show toward a friend is to help that friend find Jesus. The best way to do that is to share Jesus’ story. Everyone knows someone who needs to know more. While we can’t reach everyone, we can each reach someone. We can all take responsibility for one. And, because of God’s power and the work of His Spirit, each of our ones can add up to make a significant impact for God’s kingdom.
When you mix the Christian faith with the unbiblical, popular beliefs of the day, you lose Jesus.
Don’t let persecution push you to give up on your faith. Jesus’ resurrection ensures the resurrection of those who follow him.
In our pursuit of holiness and doctrinal purity, we cannot lose sight of our love for God and others.
Living the exile life means we live by faith and not sight. This faith shapes and influences every area of a person’s life. It's a faith that doesn't live in fear of death, but trusts the outcome to God alone.
The exile life, many times, will be in contrast to the surrounding culture. Fiery trials are the rule in Babylon, not the exception. But the furnace can actually serve God’s purpose.
As exiles, it’s extremely difficult to be faithful to our purpose. That’s why our faith isn’t built upon the efforts of man but the will of God. Kings come and kings go but our God is rock solid.
To be a Christian is to be an exile. We are citizens of a new kingdom. But for now, we are living as exiles in a foreign land. And the Bible has a name for the country we’ve been exiled to: Babylon. As exiles living in Babylon, we need to think biblically, Christianly, through cultural and political issues. In this series, we will discuss ways we can disentangle our Babylonianism from our Christianity and live the exile life.
God's reconciling work in our lives mirrors the design of a cross - both vertical and horizontal.
The cross is more than a means God used to save His people. It is also the method God uses to mature and shape His people because anyone called into God's kingdom is called to live in light of the story of the cross.
Was God just sending a message through the cross, or did something actually happen? Ask a Christian that, and they'll probably say something like, "Jesus died in my place" or "Jesus was the perfect sacrifice." But do we understand how statements fit in God's story and in our own stories?
The biggest theme of Christian mission is also the biggest obstacle to its warm reception. But in the subversive message of the cross, God makes His power known.
The Mission of Christ propels towards others. Our actions, our words, even our prayers are to be intentionally outward focused. Mature believers walk in the mission of Christ.
Putting the life of the new age into practice begins at home. How we treat people at home says a lot about who we are. Mature believers stay connected to God - even in the home.
Followers of Jesus can no longer live like they used to live because that life has been put to death. Mature believers walk in the life of Christ.
All that we need has been accomplished by Christ on the cross. Mature believers are secure believers through the victory of Christ.
Paul knows that what keeps many Christians from reaching maturity is their reliance on the wisdom of the world. He wants the Colossians to trust that the wisdom that comes from God is far superior to the wisdom of their age. Their culture will change, but the wisdom of God never wavers.
Paul wants the believers to grow into maturity in Christ. But he knows that it won't happen until they are convinced of the authority of Christ.
The Gospel of Christ breaks us free from the power of sin and gives us life. And it is all about the grace of God. We are qualified and delivered by His grace.
Guest Speaker Dr. Monte Cox is the Dean of Bible and Ministry at Harding University. In this sermon, he wraps up our Onward series to challenge us to be a people that are not only sanctified but also sent.
Being on mission isn't something we do; it's who we are if we follow Jesus. Something amazing will happen when we move together on God’s mission to reach the world. It can be overwhelming. And it starts with one at a time.
When we look beyond ourselves and begin to serve others, we are beginning to share in the adventure of following Jesus and becoming like Him.
When it comes to following Jesus and moving onward in his mission, prayer is not the last resort - it is the first priority.
Jesus has invited us on a tremendous adventure. The only way to truly see what following Jesus is like is to explore it for yourself. But sometimes, our exploring is hindered by our lack of vision.
God's perfect gift of love came into a world that wasn't looking for a baby but a warrior. He was rejected by his own. Yet, he would choose to love them by giving his life for them. To those who received him, they were given the right to be children of God.
God did the unthinkable by squeezing himself into a human body, especially that of a tiny baby, but his great love and perfect plan made the impossible possible. We can experience great joy because of the one who dwelt among us.
Jesus was the revelation of God to the world. The light had come into the word to bring the gift of peace - peace with God and with each other.
Before the creation of the world, the Father’s good plan for rescuing his children was to send Jesus to earth to bring hope to a hurting world. The light shines in the darkness and the darkness can't overwhelm it.
We often thank God for the positive things in our lives. But what about the small or negative things? The satisfied soul has learned to give thanks IN all things even if they aren't thankful FOR all things.
There is so much happening in our lives that we can be bogged down with the cares and burdens of today. The distractions of life shouldn't draw us away from prayer but deeper in communication with our Father. A satisfied soul always prays.
Joy in the Lord brings contentment in this life and is an integral part of the Christian life. It’s easy to have joy some of the time, but the satisfied soul finds joy in all things.
We live in a throw away culture - when something and broken we throw it away and buy a new one. But God places a premium on broken things. Suffering, pain and loss—God uses the pieces of a broken life to make you whole.
We believe it is our inalienable right to pursue happiness, and we want our stories to end up “happily ever after.” So it is no surprise that our worship of happiness gets mixed with our worship of God and comes out as “God wants you to be happy.” That sounds true, but does the Bible say that?
It is commonly believed with regard to salvation that “being good is good enough.” Apparently, the most popular defense before the bar of God is based on one’s goodness. But is that what the Bible says?
"Don't judge me! The Bible says so." We hear this often in our world today, and so we try to refrain from all judgements of people. But, is that what the Bible says? Does it tell us that we should not judge?
We've all been there. Stress, grief, difficulty - it hits us all at some point. And how often have we been told, "God won't give us more than we can handle." That sounds comforting, but is it true? What does scripture say about that?
We have this tendency to decide something is true because of how it sounds. “God has a plan for your life” sounds good. It is comforting to believe that God has our future all mapped out. But is that in the Bible?
It's one of the most popular things in fairy tales - just follow you heart. Behind “follow your heart” is the belief that your heart will always take you to the right place if you just have the courage to obey it. But what does scripture say?
Do you struggle with wanting to be in control but often find you are anxious? Many times, our desire to control is merely functional atheism. Control and Anxiety are the antitheses of Surrender and Rest.
Driven to the sea, overwhelmed by a fish, and motivated to obey finally, Jonah has done what God asked. But now, his bitterness toward his enemies leads him to complain about God’s compassion for them and he keeps running. When you encounter God's extravagant love, how do you respond?
Our God is the god of second chances. He is always ready to begin again. When we try to run from Him, His grace pursues us. We need only turn back to Him.
When we run, God chases. But what do you do once He catches up with you? When Jonah was caught in a situation he couldn't escape, there was only one place to turn. The same is for all of us: back to the One who never stopped chasing you.
When God called, Jonah ran. But when we run, God always catches up. God is calling…what are you afraid of?
This Sunday, hear from Sammie Young, our minister to students, as he shares about the recent mission trip some of our students went on and challenges us all to live on mission.
With God as our refuge, the psalmist wants his audience to learn to trust God and see that he is exalted above every earthly power. When we look at all that God has done and can do, we should be in awe of his sovereignty and trust that he will deliver us from every battle.
God's presence in the city turns it into a fortress and defense against every power that comes against it. Similarly, God's presence in our lives transforms how we view our situations. We need not fear any circumstance we face.
When the world seems to be tearing apart, we find safety and peace in God’s presence. In the difficult seasons in life, our hope is in Jesus.
Life throws many challenges and difficulties at us, and often we simply want a quick fix. We’d like all the problems in our finances, relationships, and career to get solved immediately so that our lives can take the shape we think will most honor God. But at the end of the day, it’s not about what we’re facing; it’s about where we’re looking.
We like security. It makes us feel good about who we are, where we're going, and what we're doing. But when things are reliant on us, we tend to question that security. It's no wonder that in our walk with Christ, we question our salvation because, largely, we base it on how well we are doing. In this sermon, we will explore what salvation is and how we can be assured that our salvation is secure - not because of anything we do, but solely on who God is and what Jesus has done.
How can a loving God allow all this pain and suffering in the world? This has been a consistent question of humans for a long time. The problem of pain comes from humankind’s fall into sin. But God’s heart has always been to redeem and rescue—and more than that, to be connected with his creatures.
One of the most common and important questions people ask is, "How do I know God's will for my life?"We’ve all asked that question at some point. For most of us, the question arises to the surface at critical junctures: choosing a spouse or a job, choosing what school to attend or which house to buy. We just want him to make the path clear. So, what is God's will for your life?
Unity is essential for the church, as the body of Christ, to succeed in preaching the gospel to a lost world. The Western world is filled with fragmentation, most notably due to the Enlightenment ideal of individualism. By contrast, the church is meant to be a place where unity is encouraged and lived out, a haven where life is lived differently from the rest of the world.
Throughout Galatians, Paul has been arguing that, because of Jesus, the walls of separation are torn down and all are welcome to the table. This is purely based on the righteous of Jesus Christ. As Paul comes to the last of his letter, he brings us back to what's of first importance - new creation because of the cross of Jesus.
Only one person ever lived righteously, and we must welcome his presence inside us. The fruit of the Spirit is visible evidence of the presence of Christ in someone’s life. And when we are led by the Spirit it's not like a pace car you must strive to keep up with, but a locomotive that is leading us in the direction of Christ-likeness.
Freedom is a special gift that should only be surrendered for the good of others. Often we are encouraged to give up our freedom by following rules and laws. But the gospel teaches us that we have been freed, once and for all.
The book of Galatians is wrestling with the issue of family--who can rightly consider themselves to be the children of God. In our text today, Paul argues that it’s not our ethnicity or family of origin that makes us family. We’re family because of Jesus.
In the book of Galatians Paul argues strongly that all attempts to supplement Christ by trying to help God do what only God can do results in replacing Christ. The written Word has one purpose: to lead us to faith in the living Word
No other gospel can do what the gospel of grace can do. It not only saves us from our sins, but it saves us for a life of freedom and service.
Each of us has a story–a story of brokenness, heartache, and pain...then came Sunday. Because of Jesus, our story can be one of healing, joy, and peace. That one event that happened 2,000 years ago changes everything. It restores us; it redeems us. Through his death, Jesus brings us back to life.
Fire is a consistent sign of God's presence in the Old Testament. The burning bush. The fire on Mt. Sinai. The fire of the Lord on Mt. Carmel. And then on the day of Pentecost, tongues of fire symbolizing the presence of God's Spirit.
In the beginning, God was personally present with the people He created. The rest of the story of God and His people carries the theme of presence, from the tabernacle to the temple to Jesus and now to the church. The question is, where is God personally present now?
The same Hebrew word can be translated as "breath or wind." It's also the same word used for Spirit. God's Spirit inspired (which, by the way, means breathed life into) the Scriptures to make a connection between the Spirit of God and the very breath we need to live.
At the Feast of Tabernacles, water was ceremonially poured out in remembrance of God's faithfulness and in expectation of His Spirit bringing renewal to Israel. That is the very moment Jesus chooses to make an open invitation and a bold claim. We are a thirsty people and are always trying to quench that thirst. But what well are we tapping into? The Spirit's depiction as water means only He can quench our thirst.
All four Gospels give an account of the Holy Spirit descending on Jesus in the form of a dove at his baptism. It's a family portrait. The Father speaks affirmation, the Son associates with sinners, and the Holy Spirit descends and remains as a dove. But what does this image tell us about the Holy Spirit? In this first sermon of our series, we'll explore the role of the Holy Spirit at this moment and what this means for followers of Jesus.
At some point in your life you’ve likely asked the question, “Who Am I?” It’s a question we all wrestle with, and oftentimes it’s a question that others try to answer for us. Identity is a core theme in scripture. In most of his letters, Paul’s desire was that as believers we would find the truest things about us, namely, the things found in Christ. And as we've studied in this series, it's important to know who we are. Because when we understand who we are, we better understand who He has called us to be and how He wants to use us.
There is a gap between the great commission that we have been given and the needs and opportunities before us to share the gospel. Our culture and world around us is changing and needs Christ. In order to do this, must see ourselves and in fact live as a sent and sending people, which takes time, training, funding, and re-focusing on mission. If we love God, love our neighbors, love our children and care about the world in which they are growing up in, we will seek to bridge this gap between who we are and what God calls us to do and share the gospel in every way that we can - locally, internationally, online, in person, in every way.
Because of what Christ has done, believers walk faithfully in their calling to live in obedience and pursue unity with other people. By pursuing unity and a spirit of humility, we can unleash the indispensable power of the local church to grow and change us into more Christlike people through godly community.
When asked what the greatest commandment was, Jesus didn't hesitate. He began with the most fundamental prayer of the Jews - Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. What does that mean? In this sermon, we dive into what it means to love God with all of our being.
Remember, as we approach prayer, fasting, and the spiritual disciplines, it is important that we consider our Attitude, Approach, Posture, and Presence. These four areas are our passwords to connect to God’s network. This week, we focus on our Posture and Presence.
Before we get to the means and methods of prayer practices and spiritual disciplines, it is important that we consider our Attitude, Approach, Posture, and Presence. These four areas are our password to connect to God’s network. This week, we focus on our Attitude and Approach.
We live in a world of cell phones and the internet. They connect us to the world. And when the network is down, we feel lost and disconnected. We will do what's necessary to connect and stay connected. Spiritual disciplines are ways of strengthening our connection to God. The spiritual disciplines help teach us to consistently turn our lives over to God and to be surprised by the ways he transforms our lives. The practice of spiritual disciplines begins with small steps toward holiness.
A new year brings the opportunity of new things. But as we begin this journey of 2022, God has a purpose for us. The promises of God are sure. When we embrace them, by faith, it's just the beginning. But, by returning God’s promises to him in prayer our faith is put into action.
What was the morning like after the birth of Jesus? How did that birth change the lives of the shepherds in the field, Mary and Joseph, and how does it change us?
The Angels' Song announces the birth of a child named Jesus, but it's not just a birthday song—it is A Song of Salvation.
Zechariah's Song thanked God for remembering His people and delivering them from oppression and exile. Jesus was born because God never forgets His people.
Mary's Christmas song praised God for exalting the humble. She was a young, unmarried, ordinary girl, but God chose to use her to bring His Son into the world.
The love of God is greater than any person, circumstance, sin, or failure. As we trust in God’s unfailing love as the strength of our lives, we will experience his promise of our being more than conquerors.
Transformation is an ongoing process. We are formed, conformed, and transformed into the image of Jesus. In times when life is difficult, we can find comfort in knowing we have an incorruptible inheritance in heaven, and we are not alone in our groaning and longing. All the earth is looking forward to that day. Our ultimate hope is in the completion of our salvation when we will be with God, face-to-face.
We have a new relationship with God that is now the foundation for a new life of belonging. An adoption is a one-way act from the Father. When we are born again, we are adopted as sons and daughters into God’s family, transforming our identities and our lives forever.
When we come to Christ, we have a power to overcome sin. It’s a power that we often do not tap into. But God wants to empower you to live like Christ—to have a mind that is controlled by the Holy Spirit. Through the work of the Spirit, we are empowered to love others, speak about Christ, and live lives of obedience to God.
Freedom is something you can take for granted until it's taken away. The Apostle Paul in Romans 7 spends a great time talking about the entrapment of sin. Yet, because of Jesus, we are free from sin, death, and the legalism of earning our righteousness by our performance. There is no condemnation for those who are in Christ: Jesus has fulfilled the requirements of the law that we could never fulfill on our own.
The message of Jesus is too powerful and too full of hope to keep to ourselves. When you share the Gospel, it brings personal joy, community joy, and heavenly joy. If you have been transformed by the good news of His grace, you have a story to share with the world!
Service is one of the foundational aspects of being a follower of Jesus. Saved people serve people. The order is important: we do not serve to get saved, but we serve because we are saved. A deepening devotion to service flows from a growing gratitude to our Savior. As we live out our unity in Christ, we have the privilege of serving one another regularly in His name.
We get uncomfortable talking about giving. Yet, Jesus spoke about money more than any other subject except the kingdom of God. Why? Because he knew that everything we have is a gift from God—a gift we get to pass on to others! As the body of Christ, we’re invited to be a living expression of God’s generosity to the world. And when we all join in giving, God can take our gifts and use them for tremendous impact to others!
Growth is essential to life. If you're not growing, you're dying. As a church, we want to grow intentionally. Our greatest desire is to make disciples who make disciples. It's a communal effort. Through Bible classes, discipleship groups, and growth groups we sharpen one another and help each other grow. Each of us needs others to help us grow. When the people of God gather around the Word of God, Jesus challenges our preferences, realigns our priorities, and confirms our purpose in His Kingdom.
Worship is foundational to being a follower of Jesus. It's not just something we do, but who we are - people who regularly give worth to God. And Scripture shows us that we aren't meant to do that alone but in the community of believers. We do this because Jesus redeems our whole lives, setting us free to praise Him in the morning and evening, in laughter and tears, with a joy that declares He is sufficient in every circumstance.
Hospitality plays a large part in the Gospels. Jesus is often invited into people’s homes so they can learn more about him. Jesus often used dinners to teach people—that is, to demonstrate the relationship between a Master and a disciple. There is something about inviting someone to your table to eat that breaks down barriers and presents an opportunity to teach and learn. It is an opportunity to serve others. In this lesson, we'll explore the value of welcoming guests to a meal.
It's been over a year of irregularity. School, work - we've all had to adjust in various ways. As we return to some semblance of normal, how can we be disciples in the classroom or at work? We know that school and work are things that continue and can be downers. But, what if, rather than seeing your school as a requirement or your job as a way to be paid, we saw them as an extension of our faith? Today, our series on discipleship takes a look at what it means to be a disciple at our place of school and work.
If there is one thing we don't do well, it's lament. We--particularly us modern westerners--are uncomfortable with grief, suffering, and emotions of this magnitude. We don’t know what to do when faced with it, so we don’t do anything at all. Our church services are typically designed to be upbeat, happy, and positive. But this is different than what we see in scripture and in Jesus. Lament is a normal part of life. As disciples of Jesus, we don't grieve like those who have no hope. In this week's sermon, we will spend some time in lament and look to how we can be disciples to those around us by weeping with those who weep.
Technology is a gift from God. Our use of technology can be a witness to our faith. And while our screens can be wonderful tools, they are terrible masters. Does your use of technology help people learn about Jesus—or alienate them from him? In this sermon, we'll discuss how the Greatest Commandment should guide our discipleship on our devices and social media.
Jesus calls his disciples salt and light. We affect those around us. If being a disciple means being called by Christ to call others to Christ, how are you going to do that in your neighborhood? Especially if you happen to fall into the majority of people who don’t know their neighbors? In this sermon, we'll discuss and be challenged to be "God's heart" to our communities.
What does it mean to be a disciple of Jesus, and why does it matter? How are we live out being followers of Jesus in the spheres of our daily life? This five-week series looks at the important concept of discipleship and applies it to our work, neighborhood, social media, and hospitality.
We finish our Home series with looking at the father in the story of the Lost Son. When we look at the context, we see that Jesus was showing "This is what God is like." He is relentless in searching for what is lost and rejoices when they are found.
The elder son reminds us that when we desire the good things from God more than we desire him, we are blinded to the grace of God.
In scripture, home is this reoccurring theme. When we’re home we’re where we were meant to be. It’s home we want, but often, it’s home we run from. In the classic parable of the Prodigal Son, we first see a story of a young man who leaves because he thinks good things are found away from home. Soon, at his lowest point, he returns home to find his father waiting for him to welcome him home.
God has given us a comfort that is greater than anything the culture, other religions, or our own preferences and desires can provide. When we experience the uncomfortable, we can trust in God's promises of what is to come.
The church is made up of people we may not always get along with or agree with - but that's something God can use for our good. Despite our differences, the Holy Spirit unites us and works in our hearts and communities for our good and His glory.
We should expect uncomfortableness because the crucifixion and what Jesus did on the cross is at the very center of our faith. He is our example for how to deny ourselves and take up our crosses, for it is in his work that we find true comfort.
The Christian life—especially when it comes to being part of a church community—is full of discomfort and awkwardness, but God uses these challenges to help us know him better. Rather than attempting to find our dream church, we must embrace the uncomfortable and difficult parts of the Christian life in order to grow and experience gospel community.
The Gospel proclamation calls for a response. The grace that God has given, received through faith, moves us to action. When we read through Acts, we find that the response of those who have come to believe in Jesus is to do something.
All truth is God’s truth; there are many things in this world that can encourage your faith and lead unbelievers to Jesus. Our hope is to be free from the penalty of our sins and to enjoy being with God who loves us so much he gave his only Son to die for us. The reason for our hope is that Jesus rose from the dead.
Paul and Silas are in prison. While they are there, they begin to sing hymns of worship. Suddenly, an earthquake causes the locks to open. Because of their faithfulness, a jailor's life is spared and he comes to place his faith in Jesus. In this sermon, we explore this story and the role that faith plays.
There is something about grace - something amazing. Grace is not just how we start following Jesus; it is how we keep following Jesus. Disciples are always growing in grace, always pursuing a greater experience of God's power and goodness. No other gospel can do what the gospel of grace can do. It not only saves us from our sins, but it saves us for a life of freedom and service.
Through Jesus, all of God's promises find their "yes." But, often, we look to other things to find our yes. Sometimes, this is just because we don't realize what the Gospel is. In this conversation, we discuss what the Gospel is, what it was for the Jews and why it's still good news for us.
Ask yourself, “What rules and regulations guide my interaction with
others whom I see as ‘unclean’?”
Coming off of the events of Pentecost, 'good living' marked the early church. This good living led to powerful opposition, which led to powerful prayer. And powerful prayer leads to Spirit-empowered ability to continue Good Living in the face of Powerful Opposition. No one is too far off to be used by the gospel. So often we can get lost in trying to sell our faith; instead, we should point people to Jesus and let him do the rest.
Good news is something we all need. Sometimes, we can go about life accepting that bad news is normal. We walk along, zombies in the mundane of every day life. But when good news comes along, it helps us to see things differently. The good news of his death, burial, and resurrection changed everything for his followers. But it wasn't just something they kept to themselves - it was good news for all the people. Good news that is just as good today.
No matter who you are or where you’ve been Jesus has hope for you. The twists and turns of the story of His life ended up in a grave on Friday, but three days later Jesus walked out of the grave and the course of history changed forever. It was an unusual place to find hope for humanity, but if you look and if you listen, you’ll find that there’s hope for all of us.
Perhaps there is no greater example of self-less giving than God giving of himself. On Palm Sunday, Jesus rode into Jerusalem, beginning what has come to be called Holy Week. As he rides in, he is fulfilling prophesy and ultimately, the reason for his coming. For God so loved the world that He gave...We are called to give, self-lessly, just like God.
The widow put the least in the offering, but Jesus demonstrates through her that generosity is not just for those who are wealthy or have it all together. We will be generous even with our small gifts, talents, and acts of service.
The parable of the good Samaritan shows the importance of being generous with our time to serve others. We will take time to be generous and serve others in our church and community.
Generosity is a virtue that comes from the character of God and consists of giving to others without getting anything in return. Paul tells the church in Corinth to be generous in giving to others. God will take care of them. Giving generously represents God and is an example of our trust in Him.
Malachi speaks the words of God to the people of Israel revealing the promise of one who would come. This One would embody the fullness of God to humanity - the refiner who will purify the people. This was the great hope and expectation of God's people. This would be fulfilled in the Messiah - Jesus. Jesus came and revealed God's great salvation once and for all.
The people struggled to survive in their homeland after the exile. Families and marriages felt the tension. Marriage covenants were broken and many started unholy relationships. Marriage serves an important role in the story of God as a reflection of God's relationship with the people. It is used as a representation of His love for the people and as Jesus' relationship to the church. God loves his covenant with his people, and believers are called to reflect this.
The people have become lazy with their worship of God. They even complain about the worship becoming wearisome and are offering God tainted offerings. It's a reflection of their hearts. We tend to be people who worship based on what we can get out of the experience. When we treat God as a vending machine, we diminish the power of His name. God desires for his people to express their adoration and devotion to him with reverence and adoration.
After returning from the exile, the people of God continually became indifferent and forgetful of how God had moved in their lives. Often, just like the Israelites, when tragedy or unmet expectations arise, it can cause us to question God's intentions and promises toward us. God loves his people with a fierce and jealous love that requires them to respond to him and to mirror that love to others.
Speaker: Robin Gough
Date: February 7, 2021
The fruit isn't for the branches but to grow more fruit. This Sunday, enter a conversation with our Discipleship, Family Life, and Outreach ministers on how you can Connect now and find your next step in becoming more like Jesus.
A grapevine isn't grown merely to look at the grapes. They are intended to be used. As we take our next step in growing to be like Jesus, we learn to connect with others to serve. Growing followers serve others.
One of the most important parts of growth on the vine is the ability of the branches to bear fruit. Each branch supports the other, and even cross-polinates to help the fruit grow to full maturity. It's the same with our connection to other Christians when we exist in a loving community together. Growing followers do life together.
If you walk through a vineyard one thing is clear- fruit can only come through connection. It’s dependent on connection. As believers, each of us are called to the branch life. That starts with simply abiding in Jesus, with drawing our strength and life from Him alone. Growing followers continue to connect with God.
Speaker: Robin Gough
Date: January 10, 2021
In a world where we have connection overload, it's surprisingly easy to get disconnected. 2020 not only revealed this, but it also laid bare our need for connection. Being a Christian is about more than liking Jesus or knowing about him. It's about becoming like him. Everyone is on a journey of transformation that requires us to take the next step toward Jesus - whether it’s the first or one in a long journey with God. What's yours? On the first Sunday of 2021, we want to set out our vision for our church family for this year and beyond.
This sermon began our series on The Fruit of the Spirit. Due to some technical issues, the first 5 minutes of the sermon were unavailable.
Marriage, Divorce, and Remarriage has been a hotly contested part of the Sermon on the Mount for centuries. When Jesus is teaching on it, it was a contested part of the Mosaic law. Today, Phil and Robin discuss Jesus' words in Matthew 5:31-32.
The guys are joined by Dave Palmer, an elder at FXCC, to discuss oaths. While this may seem like one of the areas of the sermon on the mount that we don't battle, it is something that all of us can relate to. What we say matters - especially in the kingdom.
Adultery, Jesus says, happens if you just look at a woman lustfully. Those are some difficult words to deal with. In this episode, Phil and Robin talk about Jesus' words.
Murder isn't usually something that we think we commit. We haven't killed someone - at least that's what the letter of the law states. But Jesus takes it deeper. Anger is something that we all deal with. In this episode, we'll explore the roots of anger and talk about how to live lives of grace.
What does Jesus mean that he didn't come to abolish the law but fulfill it? In this episode, Phil and Robin discuss what that means and how we can live by the intent of the law.
What does it mean to be Salt and Light? Today, the guys will discuss what that means practically and how we can live that out - even now in the pandemic.
Continuing in our Sermon on the Mount series, the guys discuss what it means to be persecuted for Righteousness sake.
During this episode, Phil and Robin discuss the Psalms as our world wrestles with the anxiety of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Perhaps in the past two weeks, you’ve witnessed long lines at stores, empty shelves, and panic.Peace is definitely not a word we would use in this moment. Yet, it’s what we so desperately desire and need. Anxiety, worry, and stress are killing us. Do you feel that way? With all that’s surrounding us, the news that keeps coming out, and the numbers from this virus continuing to rise, peace isn’t something that we are seeing much in the world around us. But Jesus calls us to be peacemakers. Today, we will explore the difference between a peacemaker and peacekeeper and how in making peace, we reflect God.
"Create in me a clean heart, O God. And renew a right spirit within me." Can you hear the words of the song? We sing it all the time, but do we know what it means? And, are we willing to allow God to actually do it? Jesus tells us that, "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." Only those whose hearts are pure before Him will actually be able to see His face and not die. But purity of heart is not perfection in action. If so, none of us could achieve it. But pure in heart is more about what God does than what we do. Join us this morning as we come before Him and ask Him to create within us, clean and pure hearts so that we may stand before Him and see His face.
"Blessed are the merciful, for they will receive mercy" (Matthew 5:7). It would be interesting to think about how a first century Jew would have heard these words from Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount. They were oppressed by the Roman government. Tax collectors who stole what little they had. They faced debtor's prisons when they could not pay. If anyone deserved mercy it was God's people, the Jews. If anyone did not, it was surely their hated Roman oppressors and anyone allied with them. In this lesson, we will look at what it means to be merciful, why we should be merciful, and what effect being merciful would have upon our relationships and the world.
We all know that feeling of hunger (when our stomachs ache for food) and thirst (where our mouths are parched, and we desperately need to drink). And after eating and drinking, soon we need to eat and drink again. It’s a never-ending cycle. We are never truly content because that hunger and thirst are only appeased for a time. In this Beatitude, Jesus blesses those who ache over the world’s deep brokenness and who yearn for a better way. In the kingdom of God, they will not only be filled - but satisfied.
Meekness is not something that is taught today. In fact, to be meek is to be weak. Yet, Jesus shares with His disciples that if they want to live the Kingdom Life, they must be meek. The meek rely completely on God and wait on Him. In fact, the wait patiently for the Lord instead of fretting over and scheming to right their own wrongs. They are not agenda-driven unless it is the Lord’s agenda. Throwing around their weight and getting their own way is not as important as seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. This is part of the “New Norm” that Jesus teaches. This morning we will learn what it means to be meek and why only those who exhibit meekness will inherit the new earth.
As Jesus continues to teach in the Sermon on the Mount, he continually calls us to “upside-down” living. In the second Beatitude, Jesus says that those who mourn will be comforted. Grief and sorrow make us uncomfortable. We don’t know what to say or what to do when it happens so we do what we can to avoid it. Yet, pain rearranges priorities. And when we face grief, pain, or deep sorrow, Jesus reminds us that we will encounter the deep comfort of the Kingdom of God.
Today the “New Norm” is talked about often. It describes the current “state of being” after some dramatic change or shift has taken place. The “New Norm” replaces the expected, usual, and typical state after the event or shift occurs. According to this ideology, the “New Norm” encourages one to deal with the current situation rather than wasting time lamenting over what was or could have been. Jesus established a “New Norm” in His sermon on the mount. He teaches His disciples how to live the Kingdom Life in the everyday world. The Beatitudes are brief descriptions of the nature of the life in the Kingdom of God. Jesus teaches that “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus is describing a “New Norm” through the Kingdom Life. It is better to be “poor in spirit” than “rich in pride”. Join us this morning as we learn why we are blessed when we have poverty of spirit and why the kingdom belongs to such as these.
The Sermon on the Mount is the most practical, realistic way to live the Christian life. It is a Christian's guide to experiencing Kingdom-living now. But, sometimes, it can feel as though the words of Jesus are difficult, even unattainable. Today, we jump into our study of the sermon at the end. Why? Because the ending provides the foundation and impacts how we read the rest of the sermon. Not only does Jesus call us to live this way, but he also empowers us to do so. So, today, we begin with the end in mind.
As we commit to ADVANCE THE KINGDOM, we have learned that we want to have DEEP FAITH over SHALLOW BELIEFS and that we want to have DEEP LOVE over SHALLOW BEHAVIORS. The last few weeks have taught us that our BELIEFS foundationally influence who we are and the BEHAVIORS we live out reveal our deepest motivations (love or obligation/reward). Today, we dig into our BECOMINGS. Who are we BECOMING based on our BELIEFS and BEHAVIORS? Who we are becoming is directly influenced by those we allow into our lives to reinforce our beliefs and behaviors. Most of us believe we are simply a result of our personality and decide there is little we can change. But it is much deeper than that. Who we are is a reflection of our character. So, are we satisfied with a SHALLOW PERSONALITY, or do we want to build DEEP CHARACTER? Our character is deeply shaped by those we allow to influence us. Who are we allowing in our lives to influence and shape our character? Who are you BECOMING?
Last week, we began our journey to ADVANCE THE KINGDOM in 2020. We looked at how our beliefs foundationally influence the life we live. This week, we turn to examine how our beliefs should inform our behaviors toward Kingdom Living. We must be doers of the Word, not simply hearers of it. Yet, our behaviors should not be done under obligation, but by our deep love for the one whom we believe in. So, we focus not on Shallow Behaviors, but Deep Love. We can act out of obligation to get our reward. Or, we can act out of love for the one whom we have devoted ourselves to. What is the motivation for living out our beliefs as we ADVANCE THE KINGDOM?
This year we will focus our attention on advancing the kingdom of God/Heaven. This was Jesus’ focus during His earthly ministry, and it should be ours today. But what is the “Kingdom of God/Heaven” and what does it mean to advance it? More importantly, what does it mean to live a “Kingdom Life”? Today, we focus our thoughts on how our beliefs affect our Kingdom living. Our beliefs inform our behaviors and ultimately who we are becoming. Jesus came so that we might believe in Him and live with Him forever in His Kingdom. However, He didn’t come to simply confirm long-standing beliefs, but to challenge and deepen them. Jesus doesn’t want us to simply live by the letter of the law, but to live by the intent of it. Are we willing to allow Jesus to challenge our beliefs in order to get at the foundation of Kingdom Living? Join us this morning as we explore the difference between shallow beliefs and a deep faith. Join us as we commit to ADVANCE THE KINGDOM in 2020
“Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?” George Bailey is overwhelmed with the pressures of life. He begins to wish he had never been born. Then, Clarence, his guardian angel, gives him a gift - a glimpse into life where he hadn't existed. What if Jesus had never been born? What if the shepherds didn’t have their sleep interrupted by angels that night? And what if there was no star for the wise men to follow? What if 2,000 years ago that stable hadn’t served as a delivery room? Would the world be different?
“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is by singing loudly for all to hear.” Buddy is an orphaned human who was raised at the North Pole by elves. When he travels to New York to find his real dad, Buddy finds a place where consumerism and anger have removed the joy of Christmas. Buddy faces many challenges in his quest to find his father, yet he continues to be joyful. When Santa can’t get his sleigh to power up, the effects of Buddy’s joy helps people begin to sing and soon, powers the sleigh. Jesus’ birth brought “joy that would be to all people.” We live with this joy, knowing that the darkness cannot overcome God’s light.
"In putting on the suit and entering the sleigh, the wearer waives any and all right to any previous identity, real or implied, and fully accepts the duties and responsibilities of Santa Claus..." Scott Calvin’s world is full of chaos and dysfunction. He is cosumed with success in every aspect of his life except in his role as a father where he struggles to connect with his son. That all begins to change one Christmas Eve night when Santa Claus falls off of the roof and Scott puts on the suit. Soon, he has assumed the role and responsibilities of Santa -as well as Santa's attitude! When we put on Christ, who we are begins to change. We reflect Jesus to a world in chaos. And rather than run from it, we bring the gospel of peace.
“I’m dreaming of a White Christmas...” The famous performing duo, Wallace and Davis, are on their way to Vermont to perform. They can’t wait to get there to the snow that they’ve heard so much about. But when they arrive, there is no snow. They’ve heard of it, wait for it, anticipate it, but its not there. But, snow is coming. This is very similar to the people living between Malachi and Matthew. They had heard of God’s working in the world but he had been silent for 400 years. They didn’t know that He was preparing the world for the arrival of hope.
Today, we celebrate! We celebrate what God has done for us, is doing for us, and will do for us! We began this “Hearing from God” series challenging all of us to step out in faith with our Vision Forward. Today, we rejoice and celebrate because God is indeed moving us forward in His vision to seek and save the lost. We do this not through brick and mortar, but by becoming the living stones that build us up into the temple of the living God. We celebrate because Christ is our cornerstone and we set all our lives upon Him. Now that the cornerstone has been laid it is our responsibility to continue to build upon it. Today, we celebrate because God is on the move through His people in this place!
Nehemiah and the Israelites didn't build the temple to go sit in it and feel holy. After all of this work, after returning from exile, after everyone seemed to think they were crazy, after being threatened...they were exhausted. But instead of stopping, they turned immediately to the Word to learn more about God and to truly understand it. They taught one another and learned together. It's amazing and it's the big picture of what this is really about.
It can be easy to give up on fulfilling God’s calling on our lives. Our security is threatened, we are disappointed, and we begin to question the significance of our work. “The risk is too great,” we tell ourselves, and soon we have slipped into the status quo of safety. When we read about Nehemiah, we see that he led by example. He was able to see beyond the risks because he trusted God. When followers of Jesus take the steps necessary to reach their community, risk is always present because the enemy doesn’t want us to succeed. But we move forward in confidence realizing that “greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.”
Everyone loves an underdog. You know, someone with the odds stacked against them, but somehow they rise up to win. But when you think about it, we all play the underdog role. God loves an underdog too. And, as Christians, we 're already underdogs. That's because when we choose to live a Christian life, we become an underdog in a complex world. But, unlike other underdogs, being a Christian means God has given us the tools to win. He also promises us that we will win. The Bible is full of stories about ordinary people who were underdogs. Yet God chose them to do His work. And with God's love and grace, they won. We will examine how Ehud and slinky can truly show that God loves an underdog!
The number one contributor to spiritual growth in a person's life is not an effective preacher, a dynamic small group, or a powerful worship experience. The number one contributor to spiritual growth is suffering, setbacks, and challenges. These are the moments we don't wish for or choose, but when they come and it seems that the walls of our life have crumbled, we need to know how to respond. In the book of Nehemiah, we read about a rebuilding project that faces opposition. From it we can learn a little bit more about the types of opposition we face in life and about how to endure through it.
It seems like so many parts of our lives require us to be motivated - getting up in the morning, going to work or school, working, going to bed on time - wash, rinse, repeat! This morning, let's remind each other where our proper, everlasting and eternal motivation comes from...God is calling us for a purpose, and what better motivation could we have than to know that the Creator of the Universe loves us?!
Nehemiah was burdened that the walls of Jerusalem were destroyed. He wasn't a mason, a carpenter, or knew much about construction. Nehemiah was a cup bearer, yet, felt a burden to act. There were probably moments of doubt as he considered the task ahead. Yet, Nehemiah fixed his eyes with expectation, strengthened his hands with urgency, and lifted his voice with faith that God who had acted before, and would work again. In our preparation to meet God, we need to have a faith that looks forward to what He will do, a faith that anticipates, a faith that dreams. A faith that says, Here I am. Send me.
All of us receive bad news from time-to-time. Often, that bad news is associated with something we did wrong or perhaps something we should have been doing. Receiving bad news is inevitable. How we respond to it is up to us. In the book of Nehemiah, we read that Nehemiah received bad news concerning the state of the Israelites. He recognized that it was due to what they had done wrong and their lack of doing what they should have. Nehemiah could have just buried his head in the sand, mourned over their behavior or lack thereof, and just do nothing. But instead, Nehemiah prayed and acted in faith. As we continue our “Hearing from God” series, we will consider how we respond to bad news and what actions we should take according to Scripture. Join us as we continue to strive to go ALL IN in our Vision Forward.
In 1 Chronicles 28 & 29 we read of how David made plans for the building of God’s temple and passed them on to his son, Solomon, and the people of Israel. As David received from the Lord the plans to build the temple, we have been given plans to reach out to our community using all that God has given us. These plans involve many ministries and missions that allow us to be God’s heart to this community, both local and abroad. The plans also include renovating and building on our current location so that we can reach families in our immediate area. Today, we start a sermon series on “Hearing from God” as we begin to move ahead with our Vision Forward as we go ALL IN. Join us as we lay out our plans before God, confident that He will determine our steps as we move forward in faith.
Before we say "I do," we have dreams and plans for what our marriage will be. Often, as the years go by, we find that those dreams and plans are replaced by disappointment and disillusionment. But when our marriage is focused on God, we find that reality can be better than our dreams. We don't find disappointment - we find hope.
After a time in marriage, it's very easy to just settle. Life gets busy - kids, work, responsibilities - and we just accept things the way they are. The romance that we once experienced seems a distant memory. We want what's best for our marriages - we want to awaken love. This morning, we will spend time in the Song of Songs to find practical ways to rediscover romance and awaken love in our marriage.
Is everything meaningless? Join us as we hear lessons from the Teacher in Ecclesiastes to better understand what an all-in life looks like in our relationships with ourselves, our spouses, and our God.
Too often marriage success is based on happiness. But, as soon as happiness is gone, often so is the marriage. What if marriage was about something else? What if marriage wasn't as much about happiness as it was about holiness. An "ALL IN" marriage seeks holiness as each spouse wants to make the other more holy. This morning we will look to how 1 Peter encourages its readers to focus on holy marriages before God.
The disciples were ordinary people. They weren’t the most highly educated, charismatic or influential people of their day. They didn’t hold the highest positions with the best pedigree or resume filled with accomplishments and awards. Yet, Jesus called the ordinary and then did extraordinary things through them. He changed the world and continues to change the world!
The Christian life is a marathon lined with all kinds of obstacles and distractions. Disappointment, struggles, illness, and all sorts of hardships can weigh us down, weaken our endurance, and ultimately cause us to quit. But, when we set our eyes on Jesus instead of our circumstances, He renews our strength to follow Him with joy. Jesus invites us to lay the weight of our sin at His feet and run with true freedom. When we focus on him, we are reminded that Jesus not only runs the race with us, he’s already won the race. Because of this, we can trust him as supreme.
JESUS IS SUPERIOR TO… Moses, the Law, the High Priest, and the tabernacle of God. Now, if you want to issue some fightin' words, those are the ones to speak to devout Jews. But that is exactly what the author of Hebrews presents the readers. Jesus is superior to all that they know, had known, and will know. Through Christ, all is fulfilled, revealed, and accomplished according to God's will and plan. Jesus is enough and our faith should rest in Him alone. This morning we will take a closer look at who Jesus is through the book of Hebrews and we will discover why it is so important to go "ALL IN" with the One who is superior to "ALL THINGS".
Hebrews starts like no other letter in the New Testament. Right out of the gate, the author speaks his thesis to us, "Christ is God's final Word to us, which makes Him superior to all!" And this Word from God brings us hope and salvation and continues to speak through us (His disciples) today. The first two chapters of Hebrews begin to demonstrate how God's plan for humankind through His Son Jesus was evident through His Word in the days of old and fulfilled in His Son, His final Word. How magnificent it is to know that Jesus, God's final Word now lives through His Spirit in our hearts. We are, therefore, God's Word continuing to be spoken for all humanity to hear as Christ lives, and moves, and has His being in and through us as we go "ALL IN" for the One who gave "ALL UP" for us. Join us this morning as we begin our journey through the book of Hebrews.
Whether you are in God’s Army or in any other army, there is one reality to being engaged in battle, and that is: Rebuilding after we experience a defeat. Make no mistake, we are ultimately victorious with Christ Jesus in this war against evil, but we are promised there will be setbacks. Praise be to God, though, He has also promised that He would never abandon or forsake us. We read in the Books of Ezra and Nehemiah about the rebuilding that took place following the greatest defeat in the history of Israel. There are lessons to be learned from their experiences.
We've been trained and empowered as soldiers in the Lord's Army. Now, our orders have bee n issued. According to Paul's instructions to Titus, there are those who claim to know and love God, but deny Him by their works. In fact, in their current state, they are actually unfit to do any good work. Yet, those who are "ALL IN" are zealous for good works. In fact, they devote themselves to good works because they love God so deeply. Are we zealous and devoted to good works as our orders have stated? Join us this morning as we delve into Paul's marching orders to Titus.
Spiritual warfare is happening all around us all the time. How we respond to it reveals the nature of the spirit for which we live. In his second letter to Timothy, Paul encourages him to fight the good fight without fear or timidity. The call for us, today, is to not live in defensive mode as Christ-followers but to take the offensive in the battle against the enemy. We don't fight for victory; we fight from victory.
Timothy was the son of a Jewish mother and gentile father. Although not raised in a strict Jewish upbringing, we are told his mother and grandmother had a substantial influence in raising Timothy to learn Scripture. Upon Paul’s second visit to Timothy’s hometown of Lystra, we are told that young Timothy was already an active member of the local Christian congregation. In Paul’s letters to Timothy we read personal instructions to this young church leader in how to prepare for the battle to come as an Ambassador of Jesus Christ.
In a time when it seems easy for the church to disengage from culture around us, the call for the church is to intentionally engage. We are called to be light, salt, and the hope of the world. This call isn't a burden, but a great privilege. We have been invited into a marvelous adventure.
It's hard to live in this world. The Deceiver does his best to delude us and turn us from God. But, being "ALL IN" means standing firm in our faith when everything tells us otherwise. It means not growing weary in doing good. Why? Because God is faithful and will establish and protect us against the evil one, if we remain faithful to Him. Join us this morning as we study through 2 Thessalonians and discover how God makes us holy by directing our hearts toward His love and the steadfastness of Christ.
Who are you trying to please? Is it your parents, your spouse, your kids, your neighbors or friends? What about God? Do you care whether God is pleased with your life? Maybe another way of asking this is: Do you want God’s will for your life? Do you want to live to fulfill God’s will and calling on your life? In chapter four of Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians, he instructed the believers to live in a way that would please God. Living to please God equals Holy Living equals “ALL IN” Living.
Those who are ALL IN seek a whole life in holiness. But how are we to do that? Paul is discussing the Christian way of living a holy life when he tells the Colossians too set heir minds on things above. Our minds are our reasoning capacities, and when we use them to seek Christ, God empowers a new and better way of life. We become able to kill off the parasitic influence of evil, and our souls are clothed in the life of Christ as we place ourselves at the disposal of God. It is as we increase in holiness that we find ourselves being made whole by God.
Jesus Christ is supreme. He's supreme over creation, life, and death. The false teachers in Colossae, like many in our day, would not deny the importance of Jesus Christ. They would dethrone Him, giving Him prominence but not preeminence. In his letter to them, Paul wants to make sure that the church not just sees Jesus as supreme but that he is supreme over their lives. An "All In" life recognizes the importance of living holy lives that are wholly devoted to Jesus.
Christ's ambassadors are sent out into a dark world, but they are to be shining lights for all to see. They are to work out their salvation with fear and trembling with the attitude of Christ. A study of Philippians passages.
What does it mean to be "ALL IN" for Jesus? Jesus said, "Lose your life and you will find it." This is not an easy thing to do, but it is exactly what Jesus has called us to (Matthew 16:25). This sort of life is a life of risk, but also of great reward. A life lived "ALL IN" is a life fully surrendered to Jesus—a life full of joy but requiring great sacrifice. The opposite of "ALL IN" is a life of simply being aware of who Jesus is and wanting to receive His great promises without any inconvenience to our lives. This sort of life always leads to disappointment and disillusionment. Join us this morning as we begin to discover what it means to truly be "ALL IN" for Jesus.
As we go "ALL IN" in our faith, we are moved to living a deeper faith. We are not satisfied with a shallow, surface kind of faith. We want to go and live deeply in Christ in every aspect of our lives. In the Casting Crowns song Somewhere in the Middle they have a line “Deep water faith in the shallow end”. That phrase sums up where many of us are in our walk with God. We are in the shallow end of the pool of life, in far enough to get a bit wet, but not out of our safety zone. We are still in the area that our feet can touch the ground. We are in control, we have yet to take the plunge and go beyond where we can stand on our own to where we need to fully trust in God for safety and protection. But we need to go deeper. We can’t spend our whole life stuck where we feel safe; otherwise we will miss out on much that God wants to do through us.
When we are "ALL IN", it is more than just an hour a week, but every moment of every day. What do we do with the other 167 hours in our week? So, who are you when no one is looking? This morning we explore living "ALL IN" through 168 hours a week vs. 1. As we seek to live "ALL IN" lives for Christ, we want to help every member "work out their salvation" before God. It is important to remember that salvation is not only received, but lived. To do this, FXCC will use four "E" words to prepare our family members for "ALL IN" living: Encourage (vs. Complain), Equip (vs. Take), Empower (vs. Prohibit), and Engage (vs. Sit). Join us this morning as we consider how we are to "work out our salvation" in an "ALL IN" life.
Who is your God? While our first thought may be, "God of course," is He really. Jesus tells us that where our treasure is, there our heart is also. Who or what owns your heart is your god. Jesus wants your heart and nothing less. Living "ALL IN" means seeking first the kingdom of God, above all else. Today we live in a society filled with idolatry. Unfortunately, we can be caught up in idolatry (just like the Israelites) and not even know it. Join us as we examine passages in Matthew that help us understand the necessity of claiming our God and following hard after Him in order to be "ALL IN".
Three "overarching" teachings of Paul to the Corinthians will be addressed in this teaching. (6:20) The need to protect sexual purity has been and remains an important aspect of "ALL IN" Christian Living (For both SIngle and Married individuals). (7:3) Living an "ALL IN" Marriage is to mutually strive to consider and meet the needs of your spouse. (7:35) Singleness is not a mark of a failure to launch into full adulthood but a special blessing to the individual and the Church. The backdrop of the Classic TV Show will serve as a hermeneutical backdrop of the often messy nature of I Corinthians 6-7.
Relationships require sacrifice. Most of the time we want others to sacrifice for us, but are not as apt to sacrifice for them. Our family relationships require us to sacrifice and to move from a "me" to "we" mentality. We have to move from "my desires" to "our needs" in order to make relationships work and honor God. "ALL IN" for God means being "ALL IN" for others. A study of Ruth passages.
God spent a lot of time giving instructions to His children through Moses. At the end of his life, Moses reminds the people of these instructions. He didn't want the people to forget what God had done, is doing, and will do. Moses was trying to help them live All In lives as they prepared to enter the "promised land" because he knew the importance of passing on the Word of God from generation to generation. Is God's Word more easily remembered or easily forgotten in your life? How are you passing on God's Word to the next generation? Today, let's reexamine our commitment to the truths of scripture and how we are using them to awaken a generation.
In Judges, we find a generation of Israelites who are disobedient to God. Instead of relationship with the LORD being their primary desire, their cultural surroundings and worries consume their desires. Israel's relationship with God becomes so broken that by the end of the book, there are no judges, no kings, and every man did what was right in his own eyes. The results are increasingly catastrophic. This morning we'll wrestle with our own desires to do what's right in our eyes, how to align our decision-making with the LORD, and how to place our hope in God as our Redeemer. We'll see a God ALL IN on us even when we're at our worst.
A study of Roman passages. In writing to the church in Rome, Paul is addressing a church where both Jews and Gentiles worshiped together. This presented both opportunities and challenges. Paul calls this church to--in light of all God has done for them--think, act, and serve differently, in a "holy" manner. To serve differently. To be motivated differently. To love differently. To associate with others differently. To respond to mistreatment differently. To overcome evil differently. And all of this was so that the gospel might be proclaimed powerfully and effectively This is what it means to be "living sacrifices," holy and pleasing to God. This is a challenging life, that requires us to live in the world but not be of the world. This is what it means to be "all in."
There are two generations in the book of Numbers - one that was not ALL IN, and one that was. The first generation witnessed the mighty deliverance events of the Exodus, in which God took on and defeated the world hegemon Egypt. They were there to stand at the foot of the mountain and saw God's hidden presence in the smoke when he gave the law to Moses. But when they were at on the verge of faithfully taking the land, they acted in fear instead. God is faithful, whether we are or not. Big picture, the book is a sifting book that calls on us to ask ourselves, “Do I only have belief that God exists (something I share with Satan), or am I devoted to trusting him and living based on his reality?”
Today, we celebrate the King of Kings, Jesus Christ. We will journey through the different roles Jesus played as King that was and is very foreign to how we understand earthly kings. Jesus was an Unexpected King, a Crucified King, a Risen King, and He is a Coming King. Come celebrate with us Jesus as King of our lives and help us look forward to "The Return of the King!"
In writing to the church in Corinth, the apostle Paul says, “14 For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. . . . .20 We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors . . . “ (5:14, 20). An ambassador is “an accredited diplomat sent by a country as its official representative to a foreign country.” So what does it mean to be “ALL IN,” serving as an ambassador of Christ the king? What is the foreign country we are living in? What are the challenges and opportunities? And how can we best represent Christ to those around us? These are the questions we will examine today.
There may only be one thing more challenging in our faith journey than going “All In” with Jesus, and that is Staying “All In.” This morning in our sermon we will look in on a group of once deeply committed people...people who made God the King of their lives. Tragically, we will see how they lost focus and decided to put something else on the throne of their hearts. From their lives we learn important lessons on how to Stay “All In” even after 50 years and beyond.
Have you ever tried to bake a cake from scratch? You know very well it’s essential to follow the recipe to the letter in order to ensure success. One missing ingredient, one ingredient added in the wrong order, a few degrees Fahrenheit high or low, or any other misstep and your best efforts will result in culinary disaster. The Apostle Paul reminds us of the rigid structure of The Law given to the Israelites. But then he describes a way to achieve success apart from that original recipe. Technically, both recipes will work but only one is achievable, given our present condition.
God loved us so much that He gave us instructions for living holy lives as His ambassadors. One of the characteristics of the king's ambassadors is being lovers of His Word. As the King sends out His ambassadors, He provides a light for their path. That light bring understanding, direction, and peace. As we live an "ALL IN" life we must be lovers of God's Word. A study of Psalm 119.
As ambassadors of the King, we reflect the King. Therefore, we must take on His characteristics in order that others may know Him. One of God's characteristics is FAITHFULNESS. God is always faithful. Are we? God does not expect us to be perfect, but He does expect us to be faithful. Join us this morning as we compare the heart of David with the heart of his son, Solomon. We will walk through 1 & 2 Kings to understand how faithfulness is one of the key characteristics of being an ambassador of THE KING.
Unity is an essential need for the people of God. It’s paramount to God and imperative for the mission. It’s countercultural and difficult – but it’s an important step in reflecting the love and grace of our Lord to a others who are far from Jesus. How can we work together to achieve the mission that God has set before us? Today, we will spend time in the book of Ephesians and explore what it means to be united in Jesus and how that should impact our message to the world.