Murphy Church Sunday Messages: Recent Episodes
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We exist to lead people to worship, grow-in, and serve God through lives changed by the power of the gospel. Join us for worship Sunday mornings at 9:45, or 11:00
Series: What is Your Favorite Psalm
Texts:
Psalm 46
Philippians 4:6-7
I Peter 1:8
Romans 8;37-39
Isaiah 40:30-31
Series: What is Your Favorite Psalm
Scriptures: Psalm 32, Romans 3:23-24, John 14:15-17
What's next? God only knows! We would all agree that 2020 has been a turbulent year full of change. The challenge of this time has also allowed us to change our pace and take inventory of schedules and priorities. God is speaking into our hearts and calling us to take the next steps: growth, faith, hope, courage, grace, generosity, purpose, love, power, change. In our "What's Next?" series, we will look at how Jesus often challenged people to take those next steps and how God worked in and through their lives when they were willing to change. Whether in-person or on-line, we look forward to worshiping with
Soli Deo Gloria — Glory to God Alone.
Let the whole earth shout triumphantly to the Lord!
2 Serve the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
3 Acknowledge that the Lord is God.
He made us, and we are his—
his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him and bless his name.
5 For the Lord is good, and his faithful love endures forever;
his faithfulness, through all generations (Psalm 100).
Soli Deo Gloria — Glory to God Alone.
Let the whole earth shout triumphantly to the Lord!
2 Serve the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
3 Acknowledge that the Lord is God.
He made us, and we are his—
his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him and bless his name.
5 For the Lord is good, and his faithful love endures forever;
his faithfulness, through all generations (Psalm 100)
Soli Deo Gloria — Glory to God Alone.
Let the whole earth shout triumphantly to the Lord!
2 Serve the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
3 Acknowledge that the Lord is God.
He made us, and we are his—
his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise.
Give thanks to him and bless his name.
5 For the Lord is good, and his faithful love endures forever;
his faithfulness, through all generations (Psalm 100).
This Sunday is Pentecost Sunday. What is “pentecost Sunday?” Well, in the Jewish tradition it marked the celebration of the which occurred 50 days after the passover. In our Christian faith, it occurs 7 weeks after Easter Sunday. A lot can happen in 50 days! This week we will look at Acts 2:22-41, which captures the moment that the movement known as the church began it’s outward progression. Church is more than a group of friends, a building, or something you attend. The church is a movement that crosses all boundaries. Whether in-person or on-line, we look forward to worshiping with you
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they will be filled (Matthew 5:6). Taste and see that the Lord is good. How happy is the person who takes refuge in Him! (Psalm 34:8). Be a house of worship this Sunday at 11:00 and join us live/online for worship. We will sing, pray, study the scriptures, and encourage one another in Christ. This week, Pastor Lash will continue his teaching on the beatitudes with a message entitled Fullness.
What qualities do you want to “pass along” to the next generation? Be a House of Worship and join us Sunday at 11:00 AM live/online as we look at the Indispensable Three: Faith, Hope, and Love. murphcychurch.com/livestream. Prepare for worship by reading I Corinthians 13.
Scriptures: I Corinthians 13:13
Hebrews 11:1—Faith
Isaiah 40:31—HopeI
Corinthians 13:4-6—Love
God often calls us to challenges that collide with our sense of fear and logic. Challenges that unmask our insufficiencies and reveal God’s complete sufficiency. David was young shepherd living watching sheep and delivering food, when God called him to fight his fears and face the giant. His story of courage and faith now stands among the heroes of faith.
It was sunrise on the Sea of Galilee; the discouraged disciples had sat in the boat all night and caught nothing. Through the early morning light, they saw a man on the shore making breakfast. Then everything changed: the fish started biting, Peter found a new calling, and a broken soul found healing. Be a house of worship this Sunday and join us for our live stream service at 11:00 on Facebook or YouTube as we look at John 21:1-19 in a sermon entitled A Tale of Fish, Sheep, and Humility.
Who Jesus is changes who you are. Yet, living the Christian life in today's culture isn't easy. People are continually trying to define who you are: tying you to your past and blinding you from your future. In this seven-week series, Pastor Lash Banks explains the 7 "I AM" statements of Jesus from the book of John. When you believe who He is, then you discover who you are.
Who Jesus is changes who you are. Yet, living the Christian life in today's culture isn't easy. People are continually trying to define who you are: tying you to your past and blinding you from your future. In this seven-week series, Pastor Lash Banks explains the 7 "I AM" statements of Jesus from the book of John. When you believe who He is, then you discover who you are.
Who Jesus is changes who you are. Yet, living the Christian life in today's culture isn't easy. People are continually trying to define who you are: tying you to your past and blinding you from your future. In this seven-week series, Pastor Lash Banks explains the 7 "I AM" statements of Jesus from the book of John. When you believe who He is, then you discover who you are.
Who Jesus is changes who you are. Yet, living the Christian life in today's culture isn't easy. People are continually trying to define who you are: tying you to your past and blinding you from your future. In this seven-week series, Pastor Lash Banks explains the 7 "I AM" statements of Jesus from the book of John. When you believe who He is, then you discover who you are.
Be honest, have you ever re-gifted a Christmas present? Maybe it was a fruit-cake from your long lost Aunt or that vintage VHS movie that your Blu-Ray player won't play. It may surprise you to know that Christmas was meant to be re-gifted. God gives, and we receive so that we may give what God gave. It's Christmas rediscovered!
Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will travel to such and such a city and spend a year there and do business and make a profit.” Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring—what your life will be! For you are like vapor that appears for a little while, then vanishes.Instead, you should say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.” But as it is, you boast in your arrogance. All such boasting is evil. So it is sin to know the good and yet not do it (James 4:13-16, CSB). Expectations are often the enemy of thanksgiving. This week we close out our series on Peace with a sermon called Finding the Good in the Now.
What is the difference between being helpful and hurtful? How do you respond when criticized? What did Jesus mean when he said: "Do not judge?" This week Lash will discuss answers to these questions as we look at James 4:11-12 in part 4 of our series on Peace: Being Helpful, Not Hurtful.
Peace, do you have it? It hides well: many seek and yet few find it. Many times we do not have peace because we are searching in the wrong places. This week we look at James 4:7-12 in a sermon entitled, "The Answers Within." Join us at 9:45 or 11:00, as Lash discusses some steps that each of us can take to be honest with ourselves and loving with others in our pursuit of peace.
"But He gives us greater grace (James 4:6)." Grace is the greatest gift God has ever given us, and often the last thing we are willing to give to others. A spirit of grace flows from a relationship with God. The closer we walk with Him, the more His grace walks and talks in us. This Sunday, we continue our series, "Peace," with part 2: Greater Grace
Do you have any conflict in your life? Unfortunately, we all do. How we respond and deal with conflict guides the destinations of our lives. In James 4:1, the Bible asks—What causes fights and quarrels among you? Then, the scriptures layout for us how we can find peace with God and others. Join us this week, as Lash begins a new series entitled, Peace with a sermon entitled Why do People Act the Way they Do?
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What are you afraid of? "Nothing," well, that's not true. Everyone is scared of something or someone. The Bible says that the Fear of God is the beginning of all wisdom. But it also says God has not given you a spirit of fear. So which is right? This week we begin a four-week series called Good Fear, Bad Fear, and Everything in Between. We pray that this series will give you godly wisdom from the scriptures to help you see God's will clearly and seize His will courageously.
What are you afraid of? "Nothing," well, that's not true. Everyone is scared of something or someone. The Bible says that the Fear of God is the beginning of all wisdom. But it also says God has not given you a spirit of fear. So which is right? This week we begin a four-week series called Good Fear, Bad Fear, and Everything in Between. We pray that this series will give you godly wisdom from the scriptures to help you see God's will clearly and seize His will courageously.
What are you afraid of? "Nothing," well, that's not true. Everyone is scared of something or someone. The Bible says that the Fear of God is the beginning of all wisdom. But it also says God has not given you a spirit of fear. So which is right? This week we begin a four-week series called Good Fear, Bad Fear, and Everything in Between. We pray that this series will give you godly wisdom from the scriptures to help you see God's will clearly and seize His will courageously.
Words Matter: with our words, we can praise the Lord our Father, and with our words, we can tear apart someone made in the image of God (James 3:9). Language is a blessing from God given to us to draw one another to God. What kind of language encourages you? This week Lash finishes our series Words Matter looking at James 3:7-12 in a sermon entitled Living Words.
Words Matter: Each day, we engage in hundreds of conversations using words to communicate. Do you ever have people zone out on you? What are some good steps you can take to gain someone’s attention? Are your words building people up or tearing people down? Why are you talking? Join us this week as we find answers to these questions from James 3:3-12 in a sermon entitled Useful Conversations.
Words Matter: with our words, we can praise the Lord our Father, and with our words, we can tear apart those who have been made in the image of God (James 3:9). Our words can build up the body, and our words can tear down the body. God has used words to teach us His purposes and ways. The Bible is more than a collection of human experiences; it is the truth of God. Words matter in our own lives and in the life of the church. Join us this week as we begin a new series entitled Words Matter from James 3. Read ahead! We will be studying James 1:19-21, 26 and James 3:1-2.
Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for his mercies never end.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness! I say, “The Lord is my portion,
therefore I will put my hope in him.” Join us this week as Lash speaks on “New Mercies” from Lamentations 3:22-24.
All of life captured in one sentence: Rejoice in hope, be patient in affliction, be persistent in prayer (Romans 12:12). Join us this Sunday at 9:45 or 11:00, as Lash unpacks this deeply meaningful and encouraging verse in a sermon entitled, “Being.”
Grace, truth, faith, and works: four ideas that seemingly live in tension with one another, but find perfect harmony in Jesus Christ. Without Christ, our works are lifeless. No one can work their way to God. Each of us stands on level-ground beneath the cross in total need of God’s grace. When our faith is in Christ, the Holy Spirit brings life to our works and grace to our soul. Join us this week for Part 2 of A Faith that Works. Our scripture passage will be James 2:14-26.
Grace, truth, faith, and works: four ideas that seemingly live in tension with one another, but find perfect harmony in Jesus Christ. Without Christ, our works are lifeless. No one can work their way to God. Each of us stands on level-ground beneath the cross in total need of God’s grace. When our faith is in Christ, the Holy Spirit brings life to our works and grace to our soul. Join us this week as Lash continues our Authenticity with a sermon from James 2:14-26 entitled A Faith that Works.
Judged anyone lately? Of course not! The reality is that you (and I) probably have. Judgment if fundamental to our sin nature. It is a symptom of a heart in bondage: a heart in need of the mercy of God. Judgement leads us to use people: we charm our favorites and ignore the unneeded. Mercy though speaks and acts from the law of freedom. It equips us to live forgiven: to enjoy our relationships and write our stories in the font of grace. Join us this week as we continue our series Unstained with a message from James 2:8-13 entitled Mercy Triumphs Over Judgement.
The message of Jesus Christ is revolutionary, because it targets the heart rather than outward appearance. Society tends to group us by outward realities: rich or poor, fit or unfit, Aggie, Longhorn, Sooner, or other. There are few places where external realities fade and the heart shines. The cross is a place where everyone stands on equal ground. We are all sinners who need to bow before and trust in Jesus as Lord and Savior. This week, Lash continues “Authenticity” series looking at James 2:1-7 with a sermon entitled Leveled.
It's easy to have focus drift. It doesn't happen all at once: little by little good things replace the best and before you know it you've drifted from God. In James 1:26-27, the Bible reveals what spiritual drift looks like and teaches us how to declutter and refocus our faith so that we can get back to the things in life that truly matter.
Happy Father's Day: we are so thankful for all the men who listen to the word of God and share His love with their families. Learning to listen to God's truth and live it with grace and discipline are essential to your spiritual growth. In James 1:19, the Bible teaches us that, "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger." Here, the Scriptures teach us how to listen to the voice of our Heavenly Father and receive his grace and wisdom into our lives.
Change: it can be painful, hurtful, and helpful, sometimes all at once. The story of the Bible is all about change; the gospel is all about change. God's grace and truth change our hearts, which transforms our lives. But how does a person change? Join us this week as Lash discusses "The Change Effect" from James 1:19-27.
Join us as our Associate Pastor of Worship and Care, Paul Reid, brings a message titled Walking Together Through Teachable Moments from Deuteronomy chapter 6.
Join us as our Student and Media Minister, John Fletcher, brings a message about what is in your own hand as we look at the story of Moses and his staff from Exodus chapter 4.
Our actions display our thoughts. That is why Satan regularly attacks our thinking, trying to convince us that God is somehow against us. But that is not true: God is not against you. In fact, "every good and perfect gift" comes from the "Father of the heavenly lights." During the hard moments of life, it's easy to get discouraged, fall into our circumstances and run from the truth. But the Bible reminds us in James 1:9-18 that "God is not Against You."
It's one question that can change everything. Asking shifts perspective brings focus to confusion, and leads you to faithful prayer. James teaches us that when we ask this question authentically, God will give generously without finding fault. Join us Sunday as we continue our series Authenticity with part 2: The Best Question Ever from James 1:5-8
"Perception is the reality." How we perceive things often determines whether we enjoy, learn from, and seize the opportunities in our lives. In life, God uses trials to grow us and use us. Often, the most significant moments of growth enter our world disguised as adversity. This week we begin a new series entitled Au-then-ticity with a sermon entitled Perspectives from James 1:1-4.
What is Jesus’ plan to share his message of grace and truth with all people and how does it involve you? Jesus calls us to be a part of something larger than ourselves. Being a disciple is more than just coming to church and self-growth. Disciples replicate Christ and his gospel in the lives of others. It starts small, but, when we learn to share what we have witnessed; the gospel changes the world. Join us this week as we finish our study of Luke’s gospel with a message entitled Replicate from Luke 24:45-53.
The disciples stood there with their wide-eyed and drop-jawed thinking they saw a ghost. But it was no ghost; it was the risen Christ. God had brought answers to their doubts and proof to their skepticism. Jesus had risen from the dead, and none of this was an accident. God had been at work all along.
There are times when God invades your heart, opens your eyes and changes you. Often you don’t even understand that it was God at first. But, it was; the king of the universe has set your heart on fire and called you to follow Him. That’s exactly what happened to Cleopas and his friend one morning as they walked down the road to Emmaus, and that can happen to you too.
There are times when we don’t understand what God is doing. The events of life don’t fit the script of life that we envisioned. HOWEVER, when we keep pressing forward: doing the next right thing one moment at a time, eventually, we arrive at that moment, WHEN God reveals His will. It is THEN that we see that, even in our confusion, the sovereign hand of God was at work all along, and our hearts filled with praise for the One who loves us through it all.
We look forward to celebrating Easter with you this week. Lash will be preaching a message from John 12:16 and Luke 23:50-24:12 entitled, "However, When, Then."
The mind is a powerful thing. In our minds, we create sovereign worlds of imagination and write scripts of what should be. Then, when our imagined scenarios of life collide with the reality of what is, we often find ourselves trapped in a sad world of “what if’s” and "should be’s.” Sadly, we often miss the joy that God has given you because it’s not what we envisioned. As Jesus rode into Jerusalem, the people imagined him to be the liberating king who would free them from Rome. Jesus was indeed a king, just not the one they envisioned. Sadly, many missed the joy of the now, because they just couldn’t see how God was at work.
The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ are the most significant events in human history. Why are these moments so meaningful? Because of who it was that died and rose again. Many people in antiquity were crucified, and the Bible even tells of other people being raised from the dead. But there is only one Jesus: the eternal son of God! This week we continue to look at the meaning of the cross in a sermon entitled This is Love from Colossians 1:15-20 and I John 4:7-11.
The crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ are the most significant events in human history. Why are these moments so meaningful? Because of who it was that died and rose again. Many people in antiquity were crucified, and the Bible even tells of other people being raised from the dead. But there is only one Jesus: the eternal son of God! This week we will be looking at Luke 23:44-49 and Colossians 1:15-20 in a sermon entitled Reconciled.
The cross is a victory disguised as a defeat. Through Christ’s suffering, salvation was made available for all people. God took the initiative to ensure that no one has to live separated from Him. Woven into the story of the cross are the scarlet threads of grace seen in the lives of three men: Barabbas, Simon of Cyrene and the thief on the cross. Each of these men came face to face with Jesus, and like each of us stood in the shadows of the cross in need of God’s grace.
Pontius Pilate was a man of great earthly success. He was a powerful person commanding a province of Rome. Pilate was wealthy: able to live well and travel enjoying the fruit of his labors. Yet, Pilate was also a man of great inner struggle. He struggled with doing the right thing versus doing the easy thing. He struggled with truth, and he struggled with God. One day his inner struggle faced a reality check, when the son of God came face to face with Pilate. Join us this week as we look at Luke 23:1-24 in a sermon entitled Reality Check.
How does God grow us spiritually? Often God uses relationships, spiritual disciplines, and and trials to grow us in faith and prepare us for service. As believers, we usually run to godly friendships, Bible study, worship, and other spiritual disciplines, but when it comes to trials and pain we often run the other way. Yet, even Jesus faced the pain of rejection, lies, and struggle. Without the struggle of the cross, the resurrection never happens. This week we look at one of humanity’s darkest moments, when the Son of God was placed on trial in Luke 22:63-71 in a sermon entitled Lessons from the Trial.
Peter grew up in a community where everyone believed in God and everyone went to synagogue each week. He was taught to love God, love the Scriptures, and love his people. Yet, he was also raised in a generation when there was much false teaching and corruption which led to much confusion. When he met Jesus, his heart was changed. He became a man willing to leave everything behind in search of the real thing. Yet, Peter remained a complex man: the confusion from his past often conflicted with his hope for the future. Jesus’ arrest brought crisis to Peter’s soul. His denial in many ways mirrors Judas’, but unlike Judas, Peter’s story ends in faith. Join us this week as look at Luke 22:52-60 and Matthew 16:13-16 in a sermon entitled In Search of the Real Thing.
As Jerusalem slept, Jesus prayed. Beneath the twisted canopy of ancient olive trees, Judas and his ban of soldiers arrived. The man Jesus had trusted to be part of his inner circle; the man the disciples had entrusted to manage their money was now betraying Jesus with a kiss. How does the kiss of love become the kiss of betrayal? How did those who truly loved Jesus want to react? How did Jesus react? Where was God in it all? Join us this week as we answer these questions in our return to Luke’s gospel with a message entitled Betrayal's Kiss from Luke 22:47-53.
One time Jesus was asked, “What is the greatest commandment?” Jesus immediately answered love God and love your neighbor. All the spiritual disciplines are built on our love for God. When we love God, we desire to grow closer to God. Love drives us to spend time with Him and grow in His word. This love for God also leads us to love others. In fact, Jesus said it is by our love for one another that people will know we are his disciples. Love for one another is the end result of our love for God.
A healthy church loves one another and appreciates the strengths that each person brings to the body. We realize that we are many parts but we are one body in Christ. The Bible teaches that God has given “a measure of faith” to each one of us that we call a spiritual gift, and these gifts are to be used to build up the body of Christ. Church health fades when we abuse our gifts: taking on an attitude of exclusivity and forgetting our basic call to serve and love one another. Join us this week as we conclude our series on the Spiritual Disciplines looking at Romans 12:3-9 in a sermon entitled “Gifted for Service.”
Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship (Romans 12:1). Worship is vital to our spiritual growth. Yet, worship is often one of the most misunderstood ideas in our faith. In Romans 12:1-2, the Bible reveals to us what it looks like to live the life of a worshiper. Join us this week at 9:45 or 11:00 as we continue our series on the Spiritual Disciplines with a sermon entitled "Living Worship.”
Is the dream of life to reach a place where all of life is safe and comfortable, or is there more? In Luke 12:13-20 and Matthew 25:13-30, Jesus tells two parables designed to teach us the importance of generosity, faith, and hope in a Christian’s life. The call of Christ leads us to invest our lives in the few things that last forever. This investment stretches me to reshape my thinking, trust God, and see the finish line through the lens of eternal hope. Join us this week as we continue our series on The Spiritual Disciplines with a sermon entitled Changing Perspective.
One of the ironies of life in the “google-age" is that all the things we bought to make life easier, make life exhausting. There are so many choices, so many inputs, and so much awareness that it’s often hard to just stop and listen. Yet learning to stop is an important spiritual discipline that is taught throughout the Bible. When we stop, we can listen and hear the still-small voice of the Holy Spirit speaking God’s truth into our lives. Join us this week as Lash discusses the spiritual disciplines of resting, praying, and fasting in a sermon entitled “Stopping to Listen ” from Matthew 6:5-18 and Exodus 20:8-11.
Join us as we hear from Shannon Hopkins, Missionary to Honduras, as he brings a message titled "Walk With Me." We were not designed to walk alone on this journey alone.
There was a time when the early church was growing spiritually and seeing people come to Christ everyday. Their message wasn’t complicated; their style wasn’t edgy; their lives weren’t cluttered. They were fully devoted to seeking the truth and presence of God, and they enjoyed a simplicity of heart that led a season of deeply meaningful spiritual growth. Simplicity is a lost art in our culture. We often wonder, “How did it all get so complicated?” and long for a calm heart. Join us this Sunday at 9:45 or 11:00 as we continue our series, “The Spiritual Disciplines” in a sermon from Acts 2:41-47 entitled Finding Simplicity.
2019 is here, and with it comes a new opportunity to evaluate your life and make some needed changes. One question all of us need to ask is, “Am I growing spiritually?” Spiritual growth occurs through a relationship with God. But just like any relationship in life, there are things you can do to strengthen the connection you have with God. Things such as reading the Bible, praying, fasting, simplicity, generosity, faith, and service are the spiritual disciplines of Christianity that help you connect with God and be able to say, “Yes, I am definitely growing in my spiritual life.” Join us this week, as Lash explains 2 Timothy 3:10-17 and discusses the first spiritual discipline in a sermon entitled, “Abiding in God’s Word.”
Please join Dr. David Allen, Dean of the School of Preaching, Distinguished Professor of Preaching, Director of the Southwestern Center for Expository Preaching and George W. Truett Chair of Ministry at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, as he bring a message from Romans chapter 1.
Join John Fletcher, our Student and Media Minister, as he shares a message from Psalm 15.
A person is known by their character. Character is something that speaks loudly, yes many times without words, and tells a story of the person. What does our character say about us? This Sunday, at our 11:00 AM, service we will look at a biblical blueprint of Godly character, from Psalm 15, that will not only bring glory to God but will let others see Christ in and through us.
The calm of Christmas cannot be purchased, cooked, baked, or attended. The calm of Christmas is the gift of God: Jesus Christ. The eternal son of God crossed the cosmos and took on flesh. He was born to die as an atonement for our sins and raised from death to bring eternal life to all who believe. This is good news of great joy that the angels proclaimed. It’s the gospel, and this is where the calm of Christmas is found.
"Don't be afraid, for look, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” Christmas is all about good news, specifically, the good news of the gospel. The eternal God who creates and sustains, sent his only son to live a sinless life, die on the cross as an atonement for my sins, and overcome death to bring me eternal life. This is the good news and it’s for all the people. The Wisemen were a long way from God. Yet, God went out of his way to make sure they knew the light shining in the darkness was for them too. Join us this week at 9:45 or 11:00 as we continue our series, The First Noel, with a sermon entitled Good News: The Light Shines.
What are you afraid of today? For the shepherds it was pretty obvious. They were out in the field watching sheep, when, suddenly, the sky was lit up with the angels of heaven. We all have our fears: those pressures, noises, responsibilities, challenges of life that fill us with anxiety and threaten to rob our joy. Sometimes the fear of Christmas even steals the joy of Christmas. But the message of Christmas is that we fear not, because God did not leave us in darkness. This week we continue our Christmas series The First Noel looking at the message of Christmas as told by the angel to the shepherds. Remember Hope > Fear!
“But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people (Luke 2:10).”Christmas season is upon us. We know that Christmas is to be a season of joy, when we celebrate the good news. But, do we really understand the good news and how vital it is to all people? The Bible calls the good news “the gospel”; it's the story of who Jesus is and what He has done. Christmas is a celebration of the gospel. This week, we begin our Christmas series, The First Noel, looking at Romans 1:16-17 in a sermon entitled “Good News for all People.”
It’s the most wonderful time of the year: a time when people pause to express gratitude, a time when we demonstrate our love by giving thoughtfully. For many, the holiday season is a time when we break our normal routine to spend time with our family. Family is a “page-one" truth in Christianity. God designed us to grow and mature in the context of a loving family. When the family breaks down, we feel it, because everything else starts to break down. In Ephesians 3:14-21, Paul reminds us that God is the source of our family, and, then, he prays for your family. Join us this week as we conclude our series In God’s Presence with a sermon entitled Rooted in Love.
For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever, Amen (Romans 11:36). Thanksgiving is so much more than a day to eat turkey and watch football. Thanksgiving is a day of worship. It’s a day when we pause to remember who God is and what He has done for us. When we experience the freedom of His mercy, when we understand the wisdom of His ways, when we live in the depths of His grace, then we join the symphony of His creation praising God from hearts filled with gratitude.
It happens every Sunday; a prayer request is made. Sometimes we write down all the requests and send them to others asking that people pray. What happens then? How should the church pray for one another, and what happens when God’s people pray? In Acts 12:1-17, crisis had hit the early church: Peter had been arrested and was facing the possibility of death. So, the church gathered for prayer. As they faithfully prayed, God was at work. It wasn’t until God was finished that they even realized what had been done. Join us this Sunday at 9:45 or 11:00, as we continue our series on prayer looking at Acts 12:1-17 in a sermon entitled When the Church Prays.
At the heart of the Christian faith is a basic need for a new beginning. None of us perfect; we all need grace and forgiveness. In Psalm 51, one of the heroes of the Bible, King David, finds himself at a low point in life. Broken and humbled he cries out to God for a new beginning. Join us this Sunday as we continue our series In God’s Presence looking at "David’s Prayer of New Beginning" in Psalm 51.
Courage: the ability to do something that you know is difficult or dangerous. Often we think courage is for super-heroes, or larger than life men and women who serve as first responders, fight in battle, or overcome disabilities. The reality is that the ordinary, well-adjusted, coffee-sipping, SUV driving, middle-class, metroplex, suburbanites also need courage. Courage is an essential part of faith; it takes courage to follow God. Daniel was a courageous man of faith, who models courage in the most adverse of circumstances. This week we continue our series In the Presence of God looking at Daniel’s Prayer of Courage from Daniel 6:10.
Habakkuk was a good man who was often frustrated. He struggled with the evil and injustice of the world around him and wanted God to do something about it. When God revealed his plan to Habakkuk, he struggled even more. But, ultimately, the prophet pushed through his doubts and struggles to faith in God's sovereign plans. Habakkuk 3:16-19 is one of the great prayers of the Bible, revealing to us how to have faith in the midst of struggle.
Jabez: a man whose name means pain; a man who had to overcome hardship and stereotypes, but believed that God had great plans. Jabez wanted to be a part of God’s plans and in I Chronicles 4:10 he took the jump of faith. Jabez appears only briefly in Scripture, but his prayer remains one of the great prayers of the Bible.
A woman of grace filled with sorrow, Hannah lived her days in quiet desperation. She was deeply loved by her husband, but mocked and isolated by others in her life. But God had a plan for her; she was to be the mother of the great prophet Samuel. In I Samuel 1:10-18, Hannah prays to the Lord for strength and help; it is one of the great prayers of the Bible. Out of her time in God’s presence, Hannah found joy and provision. Join us this week as we continue our series In God’s Presence. In this series, we are looking at the several great prayers of the Bible, and our prayer for you is that God will use these sermons to help you discover the deep joys of prayer.
The Bible teaches us, "Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God (Philippians 4:6).” This is a great verse on which to dwell, but a challenging verse to live. How often do we dwell in the spirit of worry, when we should be dwelling in the presence of God? This week Lash begins a new sermon series entitled, "In the Presence of God." In this series, we will look at some of the great prayers of the Bible and see how God’s people found strength and peace in God’s presence. Join us this Sunday at 9:45 or 11:00 as we look at Jesus’ prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Text: Philippians 4:6, Luke 22:39-46
Have you ever had a moment when it feels like life is coming apart? Do you know someone who is going through a traumatic time? Peter had left everything to follow Jesus; he was a genuine believer. But, then, the script didn’t go as Peter envisioned. God wrote a different story, and for Peter it felt like everything had fallen apart. Peter’s story of denial and redemption is the story of every man. It’s a reminder that no one is beyond the reach of grace.
In the moments before the most significant event in history, the disciples took the ride of pride in a dispute over who is the greatest. Each of them wanted to make a difference and do something great with their lives. But their picture of greatness was skewed. In Luke 22:24-30, Jesus reminds us that, in the kingdom of God, greatness looks a lot different than the images we normally see. Join us this Sunday as Lash talks about “How to be a Difference Maker.”
In the "moments before". . . Jesus and the disciples gathered in the upper room to celebrate the passover meal. During that meal, Jesus would bridge the past to the future and initiate what we call the Lord’s Supper or Communion. The Lord’s Supper is special time when Christians remember both the sacrifice and new life that Christ brought near through his death and resurrection. Join us this week at 9:45 or 11:00 as we gather back in our new sanctuary, our special place of worship, to remember and celebrate our Savior!
Hope is one of the deepest needs of the soul; we all need hope. It’s a talking point for politicians, inspirational memes, and fiery pregame coach talks. The Bible talks about hope often, but biblical hope is a different kind of hope. Biblical hope is real, eternal, and guaranteed. In Romans 5, we are told to “hope in the glory of God.” This Sunday, Lash concludes our series on Hope as he talks about what it means to hope in the glory of God in a sermon entitled, “A Different Kind of Hope.”
Fear of the unknown is one of the greatest causes of worry. In fact, the fear of fear is often worse than the fear itself. We worry about the what if’s and the when’s to the point that our minds grow numb and our vision goes faint. In Luke 21, Jesus teaches us to “Know and Watch.” Christians know that the troubles of today are temporary and not beyond the arm of God. So, we stay alert and watch with expectation for the day when the son of man comes again to make all things new.
The good news of the gospel is not complete without the hope of the second coming and Christ’s promise of eternal life in a new world called heaven. In our minds, we often end the story of grace at the cross or the empty tomb. When we do this it causes us to “stop short” in our knowledge, and, for many, stops our spiritual progress. This week we will continue our series “Hope” as we look at Luke 21:5-28: a passage in which Jesus describes the signs of the times that will lead up to His glorious return.
Eventually it will happen: A Christian leader that you admire will disappoint you. A loved one for which you prayed to recover will pass away. You’ll go through a season where life keeps punching you. The church will make a decision that you don’t understand. When it happens, it’s easy to get disillusioned and lose heart. In Luke 21:1-4, the Bible tells a story of poor widow woman who persevered in hope when it would have been easy to quit. It’s a story of inspiration, a story of faith, and a reminder of hope. Join us this Sunday at 8:30 9:45, or 11:00 as we continue our series on Hope with a sermon entitled, “An Audience of One.”
The gospel is a story of hope set in a context of struggle. The pages of Scripture reveal this epic struggle as it unfolds from Genesis to Revelation. Onto the pages of struggles comes the son of David who brings life to death and hope to all. He comes as the innocent baby of Bethlehem and yet the son of David is also the Lord of David. Join us this week as we continue our series on Hope with a sermon from Luke 20:41-47 entitled Hope Wins.
Text Luke 20:41-47, Psalm 110:1-7
Paul, the apostle, once wrote, "We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope (I Thes 4:13). Hope is a fundamental spiritual need and it is graciously provided to each of us who believe through our savior, Jesus Christ. Because of Jesus, there is hope both beyond this life and within this life. This week we begin a new series entitled “Hope,” and we will be asking the question, “Did Jesus really teach that there is life after death?”
Texts I Thes 4:13 and Luke 20:27-40
Everyone has a worldview that shapes how you understand right and wrong and process the world around you. For the Christian, our worldview is anchored in our understanding of God and what He has revealed about Himself in Scripture. There are times, when what you believe about God will collide with the worldview of others. When those moments arise, how do you respond?
In each of our lives, God brings opportunities. Sometimes we seize the opportunity and sometimes we don’t. It’s ironic how much of life is balanced on a few critical decisions. The greatest opportunity in life is the ability to know God and live for His glory, through faith in Jesus Christ. Miss this opportunity and you miss it all.
Text: Luke 20:9-19, Psalm 118:22-25
Happy Father’s Day 2018! Everyone has a dad. On Father’s Day, some of us enjoy time with dad, some of us miss our father being there, and other may even struggle because of things that have happened in the past. But everyone has a Father in heaven who is always there, always wise, and always loving. Join us this week as we celebrate Father’s Day looking at the Lord’s Prayer in a sermon entitled “Our Father.”
Authority issues come in many different forms. Sometimes they are felt when you work under a corrupt or incompetent leader. Other times, authority issues are felt when we try to live other people’s lives and worry about responsibilities that God has not placed under our care. Frequently, authority issues arise in our walk with God. Like the Pharisees of old, we limit God, and we seek to be His gatekeeper controlling what He can do and who he can use. An "Unexpected Power” arises when quit resisting, quit giving reasons why things can’t be, and, instead, start believing in what can be. Join us this week at 8:30, 9:45, or 11:00 in the Edge Building as we continue our series Expect the Unexpected.
Title: Unexpected Power Series: Expect the Unexpected Text Luke 20:1-8
"As He (Jesus) approached and saw the city, He wept over it, saying, “If you knew this day what would bring peace. . . “ Ours is a world where we want to know all the answers and the answers must meet our expectations or consequences will follow. But often what people are trying to sell us as truth is actually an idol keeping us from the real truth that will set us free. This week we continue our series Expect the Unexpected looking at Luke 19:41-48 in a sermon entitled “The Unexpected Response.”
Text: Luke 19:41-48
So what are you doing in the meantime? It’s one of the great questions of life, because what you do in the meantime usually determines what happens in the end. It’s the prayer before the sermon. . .the studying before the test. . . the preparation before the meeting. . .the organization behind the idea. . .the training before the race, these are the meantime moments of life that shape outcomes. In Luke 19:11-27, Jesus tells a story about what His disciples are to be doing "in the meantime." It’s a story of faith, a story of investment, anticipation, and hope!
The church is much like a family. Though we come from different households and have different life-stories we are united together in Christ. As a family, we partner together in mission and ministry. But, what is ministry, and what does it look like in real life? This week we will study Luke 19:1-9. In this passage, Jesus gives us an example of what it looks like to move beyond the busyness and minister to people at their point of need. We look forward to seeing you this Sunday at 9:45 or 11:00; it’s hard to believe but Summer is here!
Bartimaeus was a normal young man. Like each of us, he had hopes and dreams. He was an out-going little boy; laughter, fun, and adventure were his best friends. But then it happened. His eyesight began to fade, and before long he couldn’t see a thing. Seemingly, destined to live a lonely life of isolation and poverty, Bartimaeus sat day after day begging for his meals. But then he met Jesus and everything changed: he could see. Join us this week as we continue our series Simple Faith with a sermon from Luke 18:35-43 entitled Seeing.
Series:
Sometimes God’s will is hard to understand. Following Him requires faith and obedience in His love and knowledge that stretches us even as it grows us. Our journey of spiritual growth will eventually lead us to that moment of decision where we must trust God and continue or refuse His will and move away. In Luke 18:31-34, Jesus presented the disciples with a “hard to understand” moment: they were headed to Jerusalem where he would be killed in order to rise again. Join us this Sunday as we look at this passage and learn what to do when I don’t understand.
Where are you most heavily invested? For many, life is not invested it’s just spent in the events of the moment. For others, life is invested in the accumulation of money and memories: money, houses, cars, vacations, and thrills. Still for others, family is our primary investments; after all, “nothing is more important than family.” In Luke 18:18-30, Jesus turns the investment world upside down, when he teaches us that our one investment in life is to be in him. For it only when our relationship with God is right, that the rest of life finds its focus.
Remember when you were little and lived life with childhood innocence. Remember when things were simpler and every person and event didn’t have to pass through a lifetime of filters to reach your heart. Remember when God stirred your heart and with simple faith you believed in Jesus? Remember when. . . . Sometimes in life, we need to push back all the distractions and pressures and just trust in our God. Jesus said, the kingdom of God belongs to those who come to Him with a simple, child-like faith. Remember when?
Simple faith trusts in a holy and loving God. It believes in the power of God to change the heart and understands the limitations of self. Simple faith obeys the voice of truth and discovers a spiritual strength that transcends the temporal and frees the soul. In Luke 18:9-14, Jesus tells a parable specifically to those who were confident “of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else.” He reminds us that following Christ is a call to humility rather than arrogance. Join us this Sunday at 9:45 or 11:00 as Lash begins a new teaching series, “Simple Faith” with a sermon entitled The Trap of Arrogant Christianity.
“Life was in Him and that life was the light of men (John 1:4).” Happy Easter 2018! Easter is a celebration of life made possible by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Who is Jesus? is the fundamental question of Easter. If Jesus is the son of God, then the answers to life’s ultimate questions are found in Him. Join us this Sunday for a celebration of Easter as we conclude our series “The Savior” looking at John 1:1-4 in a sermon entitled “Life was in Him.”
For six hours on a Friday, the King descended into the darkness. But our King did not merely descend to the cold floor of death; He pierced the darkness, bringing light to all and life to those who believe. This week we continue our Easter series “The Savior” looking at Philippians 2:5-11 in a sermon entitled The King Descended.
God has spoken. Creation declares His glory, history reveals His sovereignty, the prophets reveal His righteousness, and Jesus provides His salvation. God desires to be known. Through Jesus, the all power, holy God invites you to call him, “Father.” Join us this Sunday as we continue our series, “The Savior” looking at Hebrews 1:1-4.
Spring is in the air, and this week we launch a four-week series called “The Savior” which will be our focus for the Easter season. In this series, we will be looking at one of the fundamental questions of our Christian faith: Who is Jesus? As you prepare for worship, take a few moments to read Colossians 1:15-23. Ask yourself, according to this passage, who is Jesus? Looking forward to seeing you this Sunday. Remember to come early—worship boldly—and be friendly.
It’s easy to quit, even easier to get frustrated or apathetic. There are so many areas in life that are not what they should be, and we long for God to intervene into our scene and make all things new. The call to faith is a call to persistence. True faith perseveres and faith in God is never misplaced. One of the greatest ways to Be Different and Make a Difference is to embrace “Faithful Perseverance.” This Sunday we will look at Luke 18:1-8: the parable of the Persistent Widow. We look forward to having the church family together for worship and you are an important part!
Ex·pect·an·cy--the state of thinking or hoping that something, especially something pleasant, will happen or be the case. We often long for the day that God chooses to intervene and things change. Ironically, we often miss God’s interventions even when they are right in front of us. In Luke 17:20-37, Jesus reminded us that one day no one will miss his intervention, because he will come to make all things new. The darkness of this world is temporary; the light of His kingdom eternal. So, live expectantly!
One of the greatest ways to “Be Different and Make a Difference” is to be genuinely grateful. The Holy Spirit, who invades our lives the moment we receive Christ, is totally committed to cultivating within our lives an attitude of gratitude. In Luke 17:11-19, Jesus heals 10 men suffering from the terrible disease of leprosy, yet only 1 returns to express his gratitude and worship to the Lord. Far too often, we are thankful for things rather than the One who gives all things. Join us this week, as we look at what an incredible difference a heart full of gratitude can make.
In Luke 17:5, the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” The Bible says that faith is "the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen (Hebrews 11:1).” Without faith it is “impossible to please God.” So how do we get faith? and How does life look when we are truly living by faith? Join us this week as we answer these questions from Luke 17:5-10 in a sermon entitled Faith and Faithfulness.
Jesus said in Luke 17:1, “Offenses will certainly come.” We live in a fallen world saturated by sin. People will do and say things that are wrong, and when they do, others will be hurt. But Christians are to "Be Different to Make a Difference.” We are to deal with our conflicts in a Christ-like manner seeking the restoration of others in the spirit of forgiveness. Conflict cannot be avoided in life, but how you deal with conflict will often shape your life. Join us this week, as we look at Luke 17:1-4 in a sermon entitled Live Forgiven.
In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus told a parable of two men who lived just a few feet away from one another, but whose lives could not have been more different. One was prideful; the other was humble. One was wealthy and lived life lavishly; the other was poor and just tried to survive. One thought he knew it all and refused to listen; the other heard the message of the kingdom and responded in faith. Then, both men died, and, suddenly, everything changed. The one who had it all but refused to listen spent eternity apart from God. The one who had nothing gained it all in the presence of God. Join us this Sunday, as we continue our series Be Different, Make a Difference with a sermon entitled “Listening.”
Marriage is the foundational human relationship through which family and community are built. Marriage drives a man and a woman to leave the homes of their youth and bond with one another in a life-long covenant. It is a covenant between husband, wife, and God, that unites them as one family, so that they might reveal the image of the creator. Join us this week as we talk about what the Bible has to say about marriage as we continue our series Be Different, Make a Difference.
Food—water—shelter—we all agree that it is vital to our well-being to have these things. We also know that we need money to help us acquire and manage the needs of life. All tax-brackets struggle with perspective when it comes to money. In Luke 16:1-15, Jesus tells a parable designed to help us get a grip on the role of money in our lives. When we get a grip on money, it allows us to “Be different and Make a Difference,” because it frees us to be both wise and generous. We look forward to seeing you in worship this week. Don’t forget with our new schedule worship is at 9:45 and 11:00.
It’s a new year full of hopes and dreams. We are thankful for what has been, but we also look forward to what is to come. Join us this week as Lash discusses the importance of living with hope from the God of hope. Our text will be Romans 15:13, “Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Simply Christmas is Christmas worship with the simple, relational joy of Christmas. It's what Christmas used to be before it all got so big and busy. Bring your family and join us on Christmas Eve as we gather to sing the carols of Christmas, hear the story, make memories, and find the joy.
The parable of the Lost Son is among Jesus’ most beloved teachings. It’s a story of forgiveness, hope, new beginnings set within the challenges of family-life. Most of all it’s a story of grace. It reminds me that even though life can take you far away from God, you can come home, and it also reminds me not to be envious of how God treats others, but instead be thankful for how He has treated me. Join us this week as conclude our series Reconnected with a sermon entitled Coming Home: The Lost Son from Luke 15:11-32.
It’s easy to get lost at Christmas. Sometimes you can be lost in all the busyness: trying to get things done and trying to be at all the places you need to be. Busyness can make it hard to find the true joy of Christmas. Sometimes we feel lost at Christmas: like everyone has life figured out but me. People often feel the loss of loved ones at Christmas and struggle to find joy in the midst of grief. There are also many who are spiritually lost and in need of a savior. Here’s the good news: God isn’t lost. God knows exactly what you’re doing and where you are and Christmas reminds us that at just the right moments God shines His Light of hope into the lostness. Join us this week as we look at Luke 15:8-10 in a sermon entitled Lost and Found.
Does God care? It’s a rarely voiced but often thought question. Christians looks at the darkness of our world and long for God to intervene. Others distance themselves from God and wonder if they could ever come home. The Christmas season is a time when we show others how much we care, and it’s a time for each of us to remember just how much God cares. This Sunday Lash begins a new series of sermons entitled Reconnected from Luke 15. We look forward to seeing you for worship.
So many choices, so little time. In our fast-paced, you only live once (YOLO), world we rarely struggle to find something to do. Usually, we struggle with finding the best something to do. In Luke 14:15-24, Jesus tells a parable about a man who invited his friends to a great dinner, but they all had something else to do. In the parable, the dinner represents the kingdom of God. This week we continue our series . . . a humble spirit as Lash talks about saying no to the good things in life in order to say yes to the best things in life in a sermon entitled Choices.
In a world of sound bytes and 280 character tweets, a humble spirit may seem like a virtue of the past. We are taught that leaders must be forceful, loud, supremely confident. To sit at table #1 you must want it, claim it, and take it. Yet the greatest leader the world has ever know, Jesus, had an entirely different approach: an humble approach to leadership. Join us this week as we begin a new series, “. . . a humble spirit.” with a sermon from Luke 14:1-14 entitled “The Humble One at Table #1.”
What are the hard things that you are facing in life right now? Often, fear of what might happen or remorse for what has happened keep us from facing the challenges and opportunities to which God has called us. In Luke 13:31-35, the humanity of Jesus wrestles with the realities of his mission. This week we see how Jesus pushed through his fear and remorse and kept his eye on His call.
The major religions of the world call you to believe in a set of teachings: obey them, and you will be saved. Christianity calls you to believe in Jesus: trust in Him, and you will be saved. Jesus doesn’t leave you wondering about how you may know God, experience grace, and live forever. He tells you precisely how to be saved. Join us this Sunday as we look at Luke 13:22-30 in a message entitled “The Narrow Turn.”
Jesus calls me to faith—not fear. Faith allows me to dream BIG in a world that tries to scare me into a settled smallness. In Luke 13:18-21, Jesus tells two parables about the kingdom of God and faith. Sometimes you have to trust God, have faith, and keep moving until the mountains get out of the way. Join us this Sunday was we continue our series Turns with a sermon entitled Turning from Fear to Faith.
Crippled for 18 years, unable to straighten up at all, a poor woman fought through life in constant pain. Then, she met Jesus and was “set free.” For the first time in years, she had her life back. But not everyone was happy, through legalism’s eyes Jesus had committed a terrible sin: healing on the wrong day. One of the struggles in Christianity is the pull of legalism against the anchor of the cross. Jesus died to set you free don’t let legalism hold you captive.
Being a Christian is more than believing facts about Jesus Christ. A Christian turns from sin and places complete faith in Jesus. The turn from sin to grace, from facts to faith, from fear to trust is a critical turning point in life. Join us this week as Lash begins a new series called Turns with a sermon entitled Turning Point from Luke 13:1-9
A disciple is a person who lives life like Jesus lived life. Disciples are fully devoted followers. God calls his children to lives of joy, purpose, and community. We live for Him with people that we love. This week we continue our series Above the Line with a sermon from Acts 2:41-47 entitled What it’s Supposed to Look Like. We will also be taking the Lord’s Supper in each of our services.
A disciple goes "above the line" and aligns all of life with the glory of God. A disciple goes above the line, growing in knowledge and seeing the world through the truth of Scripture. But it doesn’t stop there! What God does in the heart of a disciple overflow into the life of a disciple. Each of us have been uniquely equipped by God to serve. Join us this week as we continue our series Above the Line with a message from Ephesians 4:7-16 entitled Gifted to Serve.
Christian's believe there there is such a thing as transcendent truth that comes from God and is true for all people at all times. Embracing truth and adjusting your life to the truth is a key component to your spiritual growth. This week we continue our series Above the Line in a sermon entitled Growing Up from 2 Timothy 3:14-17.
“For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To him be the glory forever (Romans 11:36).” This week we continue our series Above the Line through a sermon called “A--lignment.” In this sermon, Lash will explain the extent of what it means to be a worshiper who goes above the line, so that all of life is lived for the glory of God.
It is possible to live a life with joy, love, laughter, and meaning: a life shaped by eternal truths that go beyond you and draw others to faith, hope, and love. Christianity calls us to think differently and live differently than most: to live the life for which you were created. This week we begin a 5-week teaching series called Above the Line. In this series, Lash will explain what it means to be a disciple of Jesus who is worshiping, growing, and serving God through a life transformed by the power of the gospel.
No one likes conflict: it ties us up in knots and keeps us up at night. Most of us avoid it like a disease. Yet, avoiding conflict does not make it go away; we must “deal with it.” The same is true in our relationship with God. Christianity forces us to deal with the ultimate questions of life, and it’s often easier to avoid these subjects. But avoiding God does not make Him go away; we must “deal with it.” Join us this week as we look at Luke 12:57-59 in a sermon entitled Deal with It.
It’s probably the most ignored part of the gospel story: the return of Christ. Jesus clearly taught that one day he will return. The first time He came He freed our souls from sin’s grip. The next time he returns he will free His creation from sin’s presence. The return of Christ promises that the darkness and injustices of this world are temporary. Join us this week as we look at Luke 12:35-56 in a sermon entitled, “The Most Ignored Part of the Gospel.”
You and I will never be free from worry so long as we are looking for temporary things to satisfy eternal appetites. At the core of humanity is a desire for faith, hope, and love: three appetites every human has but no human can satisfy. In Luke 12:22-34, Jesus teaches us how to let go of worry and grab ahold of His kingdom.
You have everything you need right now to be rich. You don’t need more money, more things, or someone else’s life to be rich. What you must do is take what you God has blessed you with and invest it in His economy. This Sunday we will look at the parable of the bigger barns from Luke 12:13-21 as Lash speaks on How to Get Rich Quick.
We often don’t realize just how radical Jesus’ message was. People with safe messages don’t wind up on a cross. Embracing Jesus requires courage to stand against the crowd and faith to trust in God even when things don’t make sense. Join us this week as we continue our journey through Jesus’ life with a message from Luke 12:8-12 entitled: The Undeniable, The Unforgivable, and the Unforeseeable.
We aspire to be disciples of Jesus Christ who worship, grow, serve and genuinely live out the gospel. When our lives don't match our words and beliefs (hypocrisy) the results can be devastating. In Luke 11:37-54, Jesus unmasks the hypocrites and reveals to us 5 warning signs on the road to hypocrisy.
The story of Jesus is a story of light shining into the darkness. Light changes everything. When you can see, you understand where you are, why you are here and where you need to go. The light-bulb moment of Christianity occurs when you realize that not only is Jesus the light, but He has called you to look into the light and shine into the darkness yourself. Who are the people in your life, that need you to shine?
Have you ever found yourself at a point in life where you had to make a decision, and you didn’t know what to do? Perhaps, you said, “God just give me a sign, and I’ll follow." Ironically, often we go looking for a sign when the answer is right in front of us. This week we look at Luke 11:29-32 as Lash discussed some practical ways to find God’s will in our lives through a sermon entitled Looking for a Sign.
One of the big tug-of-wars we often face in our spiritual life is the relationship between our faith and our works. God is both holy and loving. God's holiness reveals His goodness and our sin. God’s love reveals His grace and our salvation. In the same way faith and works join together in the Christian’s life to reveal God’s work within us.
Christianity is not just behavior modification; it's heart transformation. When our hearts are captured by Christ, everything changes. One of the most freeing moments in life is to be set free by the gospel of grace. Luke 11:24-32.
"A house divided against itself falls." Jesus didn't leave room for a divided commitment. He said "Anyone who is not with me is against me." When it comes to Jesus are you all in? Or, is your house divided? Join us this Sunday as we look at Luke 11:14-26 in a sermon entitled Guard the House.
Per·sist·ence—is often a lost art in our world. It refers to the continuance in a course of action in spite of difficulty or opposition. Jesus modeled for us persistence in prayer during his time in the Garden of Gethsemane. In Luke 11:5-13, Jesus teaches us to persistently go the father with the needs of our lives. God does not get annoyed by our requests, instead He lovingly cares for His children extending to them His very best.
Prayer! it’s a subject that we all agree is important. Yet, for many of us finding time and knowing how to pray is an on-going struggle. In Luke 11:1-4, Jesus provides a model of prayer that can help all of us enjoy and embrace the wonderful gift of prayer. Prayer isn’t one more thing to do each day; prayer is the one thing that focuses you and empowers you to be able to do all that you do each day. Join us this week as Pastor Lash discusses the why’s and how’s of prayer in a message entitled “The Indispensable 30.”
Life is busy and it’s easy to be so consumed about the many things we have to get done that we miss out on the few thing that matter the most. The son of God was sitting in Mary and Martha’s home and, yet, Martha almost missed the moment because she was consumed with busyness and frustration. Join us this Sunday as we look at Luke 10:38-42 in a message entitled “Breathe.”
All of us want love, but many of us struggle with it. Culture teaches us to embrace a selfish love that asks what’s in it for me? Are you going to try and change me? How do you support me to fulfill my dreams? But God teaches us to embrace a selfless love that asks how can I fully give myself to meet the truest needs of another?
Happy Easter! Christianity rises and falls with Jesus Christ. His victory over death makes forgiveness and eternal life available to all people. This week Lash preaches a sermon entitled “The Heartbeat of Christianity” from Titus 3:1-7.
This week is Palm Sunday: marking the beginning of our Easter celebration. As we think about Jesus entering Jerusalem like a king, we should ask ourselves, what kind of king is Jesus? Jesus surprised most when he established a spiritual kingdom rather than an earthly kingdom. His was a kingdom of peace overcoming our rebellion of sin and death. What’s more, he calls his followers to be a part of his kingdom by “getting out more” and proclaiming Christ’s mission in our communities and around the world. We hope you’ll join us this week for worship at 8:30, 9:45, or 11:00. As we remember the significance of this week, believers will be invited to partake of the Lord’s Supper during our time of commitment.
Is the fear of the unknown keeping you from experiencing life? Often we are so afraid of what might happen that we do nothing. Jesus calls us to go all in with our faith, hope and love: trusting Him with our lives and our future. Are you “all in” when it comes to Jesus? Join us this week as we look at Luke 9:57-62 in a sermon entitled “All In.”
Everyday you wake up in an ocean. As soon as the iPhone rings, you are surrounded by news and reviews, posts and tweets, reminders and events, texts and emails, steps and heart-rates. We are the 1st generation to do everyday life in the Information Ocean. The ocean is incredible but it can also be overwhelming. In Luke 9, Jesus gives us two “Islands in the Ocean”: the gospel and the kingdom. Focusing on these two things helps us find stability and focus in a world that is often adrift.
In Luke 9:44, Jesus said “Let these words sink in: The Son of Man is about to be betrayed into the hands of men.” Everyone was amazed at the miracles Jesus was preforming, but Jesus wanted his disciples to know that his mission was more than a display of power and the meeting of felt needs. Jesus’ mission was the cross: the answer to life’s ultimate questions. Join us this week as kick off the Easter season with a sermon entitled “Let it Sink In.”
The Christian walks in faith understanding that many of events on the journey are unknown, but the purpose and destination are clearly known. When Jesus revealed his intent to die and rise, his disciples were full of confusion and concern. But through his transfiguration Jesus revealed that his plan to die was the central part of God’s plan to save. This week we look at Luke 9:28-36 in a sermon entitled The Big Reveal.
Jesus said, "For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of Me will save it (Luke 9:24).” It’s a contrarian thought: rather than self-entitlement we embrace self-denial, and, in doing so, we find the joy and meaning that we’ve always wanted. It’s the spiritual principle of "addition by subtraction.” God does great things when we learn to subtract ourselves and add God’s call. Our passage today is Luke 9:23-27.
His life divides time. He's the inspiration for great works of art, prestigious universities, and medical movements. His teachings are seen in our laws and guide our social behaviors. Any reasonable assessment concludes that Jesus Christ is the most influential person to ever live. And that's where it gets hard. Because Jesus wasn't satisfied with being a great teacher or example. He claimed to be Lord and Savior. CS Lewis concluded that Jesus is either a lunatic, liar, or Lord. What do you believe about Jesus? This week we look at Luke 9:18-22 in a sermon entitled, "Jesus?”
When God calls us to a God sized dream always creates a level of crisis.
God sized dreams often collide with our senses of fear and logic. God sized dreams call us to place what little we have in Him. God sized dreams take our faith and multiply it for others.
This week we look at Luke 9:10-17 and we are going to see that when we take what little we have and trust God with it, God can use us in ways that we never imagined.
No matter how dark and wretched your past or helpless your present you are not beyond the reach of God’s grace. The grace of God is intended for you in Christ. But the grace of God was never meant to stop with you. Grace is the greatest gift we can ever receive, and, sometimes, it’s the last thing we are willing to extend to others. Jesus calls us to go “Beyond Me” extending the good news of grace to others. Join us this Sunday as we begin a new series: The Cross or the The Trophy from Luke 9.
What does God want from me?” He wants you to be believe in Him. Believing means I place the totality of my faith in God. This, then, frees me to live life trusting in in the faithfulness of His truth and love. This week we are going to look at Luke 8:40-56 and see two examples of faith being lived out in the real world in a sermon entitled Finding Faith.
We start out thinking we can make a difference. Then reality stings us, and we retreat. We quit thinking of others, quit giving our best, quit trusting, and, instead, we make things very safe and controlled. Ironically, the safer we try to make things, the more out of control things seem. In the Christian life, “Losing Control” is not a bad thing; it’s a good thing. God calls us to move from self-reliance to God reliance, from fear to love, from anxiety to faith, from out of control to purpose and meaning. Join us this week as we look at Luke 8:26-39 in a message entitled “Losing Control.”
We all face storms in life. Some are self-induced; some others induced. Some storms are even God induced. In Luke 8, the disciples find themselves a natural storm. Clinging to a sinking boat in the middle of the Sea of Galilee the disciples cry out fear in thinking that death has seized their sail. Then they discover that Jesus is Lord of the storm and the vessel for their faith. Join us this Sunday as we continue our series Listen Up with a sermon from Luke 8:22-25 entitled Storm-caster.
"You can make a difference." We hear this statement often, but in the face of darkness it’s easy to lose heart and forget that you really can make a difference. Christians are by nature “children on the light.” We are called to shine our light in the darkness; the gospel is never to be hoarded but freely shared. Join us this week as we continue our series “Listen Up” with a sermon from Luke 8:16-18 and Ephesians 5:9-14 entitled, “How to Make a Difference.”
Impactful people have learned that, no matter your age, you must never stop growing. It's important that we intentionally grow up in our knowledge and wisdom, grow together in relationships, and grow out in service and care. An impactful person is a growing person. How does God desire to grow you in 2017? Join us this week as we begin our series Listen Up, with a sermon from Luke 8 entitled "Growing."
Join Vince Smith, Executive Director of the Collin Baptist Association, as he bring a message on missions from Acts 1:8
The birth of Christ was not an accident it was part of God’s plan from the beginning. Long before Mary was ever born, Isaiah looked forward to the miracle of Christ’s birth. Jesus was God’s divine plan for Mary and Joseph, but it wasn’t there original plan. In fact, being a part of God’s plan meant a major change in plans for this young couple. Sometimes, experiencing God’s best in life requires that we abandon our own version of what should be and instead embrace God’s story for our lives. Join us this Sunday as we continue our series Looking Forward with a message entitled “Get with the Plan.”
Centuries before the birth of Christ the prophet Ezekiel looked forward to happier days when God would restore the hearts of man through the work of His Messiah. On that day God would “remove your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh (Ezekiel 36:26).” Looking forward to Bethlehem, “The Word became flesh” and the Word in flesh lived among us and died for us. But death could not contain Him, and the stone was rolled away. The Spirit of God brings more than better days to those who believe; He brings a heart of flesh: forever uniting you with the “The Heart of Christmas.”
Two women separated by centuries but connected by God's eternal plan and creative power. Sarah and Mary were seemingly at opposite sides of life’s spectrum, but God would use them to reveal His transformational plan. Through the miracle of new life, God would bring about the miracle of eternal life. Join us this week as we begin our Christmas series Looking Forward. . . with a sermon entitled, “It Can Happen.”
The holiday season is officially underway: a season of peace, love, joy, and. . . .lots of family, food, and football (or, for some, Hallmark movies). It’s the family part of the holidays that for many causes the peace, love, and joy of the holidays to be replaced with conflict, isolation, and hurt. Join us this week as we look at Romans 12:16-21 and identify some practical and biblical things you can do to get along with your family and friends this Christmas season in a sermon entitled Learning to Like Your Loved Ones.
The spirit of gratitude flows from the fountain of God’s grace. When grace erases the stain of sin from our soul, the result is a life free to love much. Join us this week as we prepare our hearts for Thanksgiving with a sermon entitled The Spirit of Gratitude.
Sometimes it’s easy to miss it, even though the signs are all right in front of us. We tend to see what we want to see and overlook what we don’t want to see. Amazingly, sometimes we miss God even when He’s when the signs or His love are right in front of us. Jesus healed the blind and raised the dead, and, amazingly, many missed it. In the words of Jesus “We played the flute for you, but you did not dance.” Join us this week as we look at Luke 7:18-29 in a sermon entitled Flutes without Dancing.
Join John "Fletch" Fletcher, our Student Minister, as he brings a message that we are no longer salves but we are sons of God. From Galatians 3:27-4:7.
There’s a fine line between winning and losing, joy and sorrow, victory and defeat. In Luke 7:11-17, we see “The Collision of the Crowds.” One of the crowds was filled with joy; the other crowd was filled with grief. Both crowds reached a point, where they had no solutions. It was at that point, that God revealed that he is the solution. Jesus gave something only God can give: new life.
Jesus was continually forcing us to wrestle with this question: “Where do I place my hope?” Where you place your hope is where we find your faith. Christ's call was to place our faith in Him, not ourselves, not society, not an unknown force. Jesus called us to trust in Him. Join us this week as we look at two stories of faith from Luke 7:1-16, in a sermon entitled Living in the Faith World.
It’s amazing how much of life hinges on little decisions driven by character. Our lives become the sum of decisions we make, and the decisions we make are the canvas of wisdom’s art or the fool’s folly. In Luke 6:46-49, Jesus tells the story of two men whose lives looked very similar until the storm blew in and the foundations were exposed, and, then, their fates couldn’t have been more different. Join us this week as we continue our series: The Red Letters with a sermon entitled What’s Missing?
One of the most exciting spiritual breakthroughs is to awaken to the reality of salvation by grace. In grace, I do good things because I am God’s child, rather than doing good things in hopes of becoming God’s child. As Lash likes to say, “I do because I am not in order to be.” Jesus teaches this idea in Luke 6:43-45 through the illustration of a fig tree. Join us this week as we continue The Red Letters series with part 3: “From the Inside Out.”
What did Jesus mean when he said, “Judge not, less you be judged?” It’s a verse that finds its way into conversations between family, friends, and neighbors. It’s important to understand what Jesus actually meant when he spoke these words. Join us this week as we look at Luke 6:37-42 in a sermon entitled, “Don’t Judge Me, Man!?”
How should we react when someone treats us wrongly or doesn’t like us? Should we treat our enemies the way they treat us, or is there a better, godly way, of engaging the enemy. This week we continue our series The Red Letters looking at Luke 6:27-36 in a message entitled Engaging the Enemy.
We all desire a life filled with blessings, laughter, and joy, and we do all sorts of things trying to achieve that life. In Luke 6:20-23, Jesus teaches us that blessings, laughter, and joy are the results of being not doing. Specifically, we find what we desire most when we find ourselves in Christ. Join us this week as we begin a series entitled The Red Letters as we look at one of Jesus most well known teachings in a sermon entitled “The Beatitudes.”
God has a divine right to make choices for His creation. Because we are not God, we often do not understand the choices God has made. Sometimes we become spiritually stale as we wrestle to accept the divine choices of God. Join us this week study Luke 6:12-16 in a sermon entitled Divine Choices.
In our fast-paced, highly-mobile, always connected, society, mercy and rest are often hard to find. Enter God, who reminds us of the basic human need that each of us have to slow down so that we can hear the voice of God and see the needs around us. Join us this week as we continue our series, The Son of God with a sermon entitled Rest and See from Luke 6:1-11.
For years they practiced praying and fasting: waiting on an answer from God. When God sent His Son, the answer had arrived. But, it was difficult for many to realize that Jesus was not just a modification of what was. Jesus brought a whole new beginning fulfilling what had been and making possible the impossible. Join us this week as we look at Luke 5:33-39 in a sermon entitled Let’s Eat.
We’re not sure when it happened to Levi. Growing up in Galilee, he too had suffered under the violence and greed of Rome. But now, he found himself captive to the very things he once despised; he was a tax collector exploiting his own neighbors. His countrymen considered him the lowest of the low, but Jesus knew that he was not beyond the reach of grace and extended to him a new beginning.
Every week we share the requests: family members, friends, neighbors in need of a healing. We pray for their healing and encourage them to faith. Sometimes, their bodies get better; sometimes they don’t, and we are left to wonder why? This week we look at Luke 5:12-16 as we look at two men who received physical healing from Jesus and explore how God’s will goes beyond the physical realm desiring to bring spiritual healing to the soul.
Most of us eventually get there: that point in life when we quit dreaming, quit exploring, and quit pushing our comfort zones. We settle into a routine, tolerate things we could change, and draw the boundaries that define our life. But what happens when God interrupts the routine, challenges you to try something new, and calls you to a new life with new dreams? Do you follow or do you settle?
Join our Children's Minister as he bring a message from Matthew 14:22-36 entitled Step Up and Step Out.
Join our Student Minister as he brings a message from Matthew 5:13-16, where Jesus says we are Salt and Light, in a message entitled Salt Shakers and Flashlights.
Who is the ultimate source of authority in your life? There are a lot of options: your opinion, Facebook, politics, friends, family, pragmatics, etc. Your ultimate source of authority reveals the object of your worship. Many desire to be free, but instead find themselves trapped, because they are worshiping the wrong things. But the message of Jesus brings power and truth to overcome the bondage of evil. He wants you to find freedom in His authority.
Text: Luke 4:31-44
Things change, people change, circumstances change, but in a world of uncertainty, Jesus Christ is the same "yesterday, today, and forevermore.” Join us this Sunday, for a sermon entitled “Beyond Home,” as we look at Jesus’ trip back to Nazareth and discover how the will of God virtually always leads you beyond the comforts of home.
Text: Luke 4:14-30, Hebrews 13:8
Jesus once prayed, "And do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” The temptation to do wrong is something that all of us face. You may be surprised that Jesus, too, faced temptation. This week we look at Luke 4:1-13 in a sermon entitled “Is It?”
As we celebrate freedom, let's make sure that we teach why we have freedom, just like the freedom we have in Christ, let's be sure we teach why we have freedom. Remember that we teach more with our lives than we do with our words. From Deuteronomy 6:20-25.
God doesn’t just give us a Christian life, He gives us Himself. God doesn’t just give us things to do, He makes all things new. As we look at Luke 3:1-19 today, my prayer for you is that you’ll never settle for the things of Christianity and miss the God of Christianity.
Happy Father's Day. Of all the roles Dad plays, none of them are greater than leading our children to be about the Father's business for their life. Join us this Sunday as we look at Luke 2:39-49 in a sermon entitled "The Father's Business."
When God speaks, He always keeps His word. Sometimes He may fulfill His will in unexpected ways through unseen means, but God always keeps His word. This week we look at Luke 1:39-56 in a sermon entitled, “A God of His Word.”
Mary was just a small-town girl looking forward to marrying a carpenter named Joseph and building a simple, but happy, life together. Then, God spoke and suddenly everything changed. How does God speak to us today and how do you respond when God speaks? Join us this week as we continue our series The Royals looking at Jesus’ mother Mary in a sermon entitled, “When God Speaks.”
Meet Zechariah and Elizabeth: relatives to Mary and unbeknownst to them part of the royal family. Their’s is a story of waiting: waiting for Zechariah’s big career moment to arrive; waiting for Elizabeth’s dream of being a mother to be fulfilled. Waiting and hope are often linked in life and Scripture, and in God’s timing when hope is fulfilled it’s often a bit different than what you had expected. But God’s fulfillment is always superior to anything we could have imagined.
Esther was a national celebrity. Admired for her great beauty and charm, she was living a soft life of luxury and wealth, when her moment-in-time unexpectedly invaded her life. The beauty queen found herself staring into the eyes of evil and the impending genocide of her people. It was then, Esther discovered that her story was actually God’s story, and she became so much more than just a pretty face; she became a godly woman of valor and strength.
Culture changes on a regular basis and will continue to do so, our response to it speaks to who we are and what we believe. We have an example of how culture changed and how 3 young men responded in Daniel chapter 3.
In the midst of adversity, there is always opportunity. As a young-man, Daniel found himself separated from everything he’d ever known living in a foreign land. With adversity on every side, Daniel discovered that seizing the opportunity in adversity requires us to find the courage to trust God for new beginnings.
Time: it’s one thing you will never have in surplus until you reach heaven. We only have a limited number of days to use our lives to honor God, enjoy our families, and impact our world. If you only had five years to make an impact, how would you live? Moses’ mother, Jochebed, faced danger on all sides. Her dream was diminished and her time limited, but she found the opportunities in her adversity and in five years time made an impact that can still be felt today. Join us this Sunday as we continue our series The Opportunity of Adversity with a sermon entitled “In Five Years Time.”
In the midst of adversity there is always opportunity. God’s plan exceeds what we perceive. Beyond what you can control or see, God is always at work drawing people to Himself and to others. Join us as we continue our series The Opportunity of Adversity looking at Job in a sermon entitled “Why Me?”
In the midst of adversity, there is always opportunity. As we clean up from the recent hailstorms it has been inspiring to see Murphy Church loving one another and loving others. Boarding windows, sweeping glass, opening doors, preparing food, giving dollars, lifting prayers, and sharing hugs: "this is church.” Adversity also brings with it questions about God and suffering. This week we begin a a new series of messages entitled the Opportunity of Adversity with a sermon from Romans 8 entitled Living on the Fallen Side of Eternity.
There's an incredible freedom in knowing where you're going that frees you to live and fills you with calm. The Apostle Paul spoke of this when he said "To live is Christ and to die is gain." Join us this Sunday as we conclude our series Finding Rest with a sermon entitled "Seeing the Finish Line."
In our fast-paced, highly-mobile, always connected, society satisfaction and rest are often hard to find. Enter God, who reminds us of the basic human need that each of us have to unplug from the pressures of work and expectations of men and plug in to God’s grace, peace, and joy. Join us as we continue our series Finding Rest with a sermon entitled “Unplugged” from Mark 2:23-28.
In the Bible, faith and rest are always connected. When our faith is in God, the rest that Jesus promised abides within us freeing us to experience the fullness of God’s blessings. But, when our faith transfers to ourselves, rest is replaced with anxiety, and we find ourselves wandering through the events of life as Israel wandered through the wilderness of Kadesh Barnea. Join us this Sunday as we continue our series "Finding Rest" with a sermon entitled Resting in Faith from Hebrews 4:1-8.
The rest that Jesus offered is not the absence of stress, work, and fear. Christ's rest is the presence of God in you that replaces your stress with faith, your work with meaning, and your fear with hope.
For six hours on a Friday, the King descended into darkness. But the King did not merely descend to the cold floor of death: He pierced the darkness, bringing light to all and life to those who believe.
Significant spiritual moments in life are coupled to significant moments of prayer. The Bible is full of prayer moments. So to, is our Christian speech. In church we often talk about prayer and study prayer. But one question remains: beyond dinner and church when do I pray? This week we conclude our journey through Ephesians with a sermon from Ephesians 6:18-24 entitled “Why I Pray.”
Every one of us has a physical side and a spiritual side. Our physical side needs things such as food, water, shelter, sleep, and food. Our spiritual side craves thins like love, forgiveness, hope, meaning, depth. Through Christ. God has equipped us to live beyond the physical world and grow spiritually. Join us as look at Ephesians 6:10-20 in a sermon entitled The Unseen Battle.
Does work work for you? Most of us work hard in life, but often we really don’t enjoy our work. In fact, as many as 80 percent of people do not enjoy their jobs. Work, whether it’s in the home, the workplace, or school is a large part of our life and should have meaning and enjoyment. Join us as Lash discusses “Making Work Work” in a sermon from Ephesians 6:5-9.
Home is supposed to be the happiest place on earth. But, for many, home is a place of constant conflict. Surrounded by the people we love the most, we often feel isolated and lonely. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Join us as we look at Ephesians 6:1-4 and discover some biblical truths that will help you “Recapture your Happy Home.”
Time management: it is a challenge that we all face. Either you capture your time or your time captures you. The Bible teaches us in Ephesians 5:15 to, "Pay careful attention, then, to how you walk—not as unwise people but as wise— 16 making the most of the time. . .” Join us as Lash preaches on “Becoming a Time Capturer.” As you prepare for worship, spend some time reading through Ephesians 5:15-21 and James 1:1-7.
Humanity continually seeks the beauty of art and the complexity of love. Marriage is the foundational human relationship through which family and community are built and illustrates Christ’s love for His bride: the church. Join us as we take communion and celebrate God’s gift of love to us with a sermon entitled “Love’s Greatest Compliment.”
The currency of the 21st century is ideas. Our world is full of many voices selling ideas that sound good but are not supported by truth. In Ephesians 5:8, the Bible teaches that Christians must walk as “children of light.” It is when we walk in light that are able to discern what is "pleasing to the Lord.” Join us as we look at Ephesians 5:6-14 in a sermon entitled “Children of Light.”
You reflect what you worship. When we worship God, our lives reflect him. When we worship the things of the world, our lives reflect it. In Ephesians 5:1, the Bible calls us to "be imitators of God, as dearly loved children.” As dearly loved children of God, we are to walk as Jesus walked, love as Jesus love, and talked as Jesus talked. Join us this Sunday for a message entitled Reflections from Ephesians 5:1-5.
Since you put away lying, Speak the truth, each one to his neighbor, because we are members of one another. Be angry and do not sin. Don’t let the sun go down on your anger. . .(Ephesians 4:25-26). What’s the big deal with lying? Does moral truth even exist? How can I speak the truth in love rather than anger? These are all good questions in need of biblical answers. Join us this week as we continue our journey through the book of Ephesians with a sermon called Truth Decay from Ephesians 4:25-32.
Join our Discipleship Minister, Paul Pakebusch, as he shares a message about living a truthful life.
What is Christianity to you? Is it something you do on Sundays? Is it the way you were raised to know right from wrong? Hopefully, you do practice Christianity on Sundays and it does teach you to know right from wrong. But, Christianity is to be much more than a good habit and healthy worldview. Join us this week as we look at Ephesians 4:17-32, as we see how following Christ creates an entirely new you.
As you look back at 2015, what gifts have you received from God? As you look ahead at 2016, how can you use the gifts God has given you to honor God and help others? The Bible teaches us that each believer receives a spiritual gift. These gifts stabilize the church, give us perspective, and encourage us to work together in unity. Join us as we look at Ephesians 4:7-16, in a sermon entitled “Gifted.”
The Christmas story is an amazing story of unity. In it, God becomes man and His light draws those rich and poor; wise and the simple; near and the far, to the One who is powerful enough to be bring unity to our deepest divisions. The gospel itself is an amazing story of unity, and when we embrace it’s truth we find ourselves a part of Christ’s body: the church. Like the shepherds and wisemen, we come to the church with different backgrounds and gifts and find ourselves united by the One who is powerful enough to bring unity to our deepest divisions.
It’s Christmas week! A time when we gather with family, exchange gifts, and take a few moments to slow down and remember what’s important. For Christians, Christmas is a Holy-Day on which we celebrate the birth of our savior and Lord: Jesus Christ. At Bethlehem he intervened to redeem; the fracture of sin had broken the peace of creation, so He broke the chaos of sin with the peace of Himself. Join us as we look at John 1:1-4 “In Quest of the True Meaning of Christmas."
"For this reason I kneel before the Father from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named (Ephesians 3:14-15).” For many, Christmas is a time where families gather and special memories are formed. Christmas can be a magical time of the year, and it can also be a rough time of the year. Bring your friends and family and join us this Sunday, as we move into the Christmas season, with a sermon entitled 3 Christmas Prayers from Ephesians 3:14-21.
Each year, at Christmas, Murphy Church joins with 40,000 other churches in raising funds to support missionaries around the world. Each week, through church plants, bible studies, acts of kindness and strategic partnerships, Murphy Church is actively involved in extending the gospel into our community. The question arises as to why? Why do we give money, energy, time, and faithful prayer to the mission work. Join us this Sunday as Lash explains the what’s and why’s of mission ministry in a sermon entitled For This Reason from Ephesians 3:1-13.
There are no perfect people in a church. We come together with different stories, perspectives, gifts, and hopes. Some of us cannot remember a life without church, while others feel like strangers in a new land called church. We are an in imperfect family who is made perfect by the One who unites as one. On Christ, the household that is the church stands and extends so that the love that Christ began in our hearts pours out to all the world. Join us as we study Ephesians 2:11-22 in a sermon entitled “The Imperfect Perfect Family.”
What are you thankful for this Thanksgiving? Most are thankful for our families, friends, health, and the blessings that we enjoy. For Christians, the depths of gratitude are experienced in the gospel (good news) of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 2, "But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love that He had for us, made us alive with the Messiah even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace.” Join us this Sunday for a special Thanksgiving sermon entitled The Depths of Gratitude.
In the tomb, God demonstrated His power when he restored life to the broken, lifeless body of His son. In the church, Jesus demonstrates his power when he heals our brokenness and brings life to our lifeless soul. The Bible says Christ is the “head over everything for the church, which is His body, the fullness of the One who fills all things in every way.” Join us this Sunday, as Lash preaches on “Brokenness Restored” from Ephesians 1:20-23. Before worship spend a few moments reading Ephesians 1 and preparing you heart for the taking of the Lord’s Supper.
When you understand what it means to be “in Christ,” it creates a perspective shift: each day becomes a gift, an opportunity, a compulsion to live for the praise of God's glory. Sometimes we miss out on all the good stuff that God is doing, because we look a life from the earth up rather than from heaven down. Join us as Lash preaches from Ephesians 1:15-19 in a message entitled “Perspective Shift.” Invite a friend a great day of worship and fun awaits this Sunday.
The full inheritance of the heavenly kingdom awaits those who are “in Christ.” It is in Christ, that believers find redemption, forgiveness, wisdom, and understanding. It is in Christ, that God declares us holy and blameless and welcomes us into his family. Join us as Lash begins a new series on the book of Ephesians with a sermon entitled “Beyond the Waterfall" from Ephesians 1:1-12.
The fact that you can know God personally is one of the defining characteristics of Christianity. We believe that God is more than the force of the universe. God is more than our collective life-force. God did not hide from the world that he created. We believe that God has personally revealed Himself, because He desires for us to know Him and to love Him. Join us this week as we conclude our Explore God series with question 7: Can I know God Personally?
This week we continue our Explore God series with Question 6: Is the Bible Reliable? The Bible has had massive impact on millions of people over thousands of years. It has impacted virtually every area of society and is easily the top selling book of all time. As Christians we believe the Bible to be the inspired word of God, guiding us in what we believe about God and how we live out our beliefs. Join us as Lash preaches on this subject.
I Peter, 3:15, 2 Timothy 3:14-16, I Peter 1:22-25
Join us as we welcome Pastor George R. Tynes of Truth Baptist Church in Philadelphia, PA.
Is Jesus really God? It’s an important question to answer, because Christianity rises and falls on who Jesus is and what He has done for us. Jesus is unique in that he didn’t just call us to obey His teachings; he called us to believe in Him as savior and God. Join us as we continue our series Explore God.
John 1:1-3 John 8:48-59 John 14:6-11 Colossians 1:15-18
In efforts to promote a diverse, peaceful, loving society, many have dismissed Christianity as too narrow, while embracing all faiths as diverse paths leading towards the same ideas (religious pluralism). When Jesus spoke, he often talked about truth: John 1:17, 5:24, 8:31-32, 18:28-38. He said things like “I am the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).” Jesus taught us that we do not have to guess about who God is and how we can know Him, but that we can now the truth and live in the radical freedom of God’s grace. Join us as we continue our Explore God series and seek biblical answers to the question of Is Christianity too Narrow?
Scriptures: John 1:17, 5:24, 8:31-32, 18:28-38, John 14:6
Join John Fletcher, our Student and Media Minister, as he explores the question, "Why does God allow pain and suffering?' as part of the Explore God series.
Join Paul Pakebusch, our Discipleship Minister, as he looks at the topic of "Why does God allow pain and suffering?" as part of the Explore God series.
Join our Children's Minister, Chris "Tiny" Seely as he looks at the question, "Why does God allow pain and suffering?" during our 11:00 AM worship service.
Is there a God? How you answer that question shapes how you understand the world. God’s existence is a vital question! This week we continue our series Explore God as we seek the Bible’s answers to frequently asked questions about God. As we explore together, we pray that you discover that not only is there a God, but that God loves you and has made Himself known to you, so that you may also know Him.
Scriptures: Romans 1:18-19, Romans 1:28-32, Romans 1:16-17
Does life have a purpose? Most of us do not spend a lot of time thinking about our purpose, at least on a cosmic scale. But the times we do can be pretty troubling, especially if we suspect that there is no purpose. This week we begin a new series of messages entitled Explore God (exploregod.com). In this series, we are joining with many other churches throughout the metroplex asking tough questions and seeking biblical answers. Join us this Sunday as we look at what the Bible says about life’s purpose.
Scripture: Ecclesiastes 1:13, 2:1-3, 2:4-9, 4:1, 1:2, 2:17—Psalm 139:14-16, John 3:16, 15:13, Romans 12:1, Ecclesiastes 12:13
When it comes to your money, do you have a grip on it or does it have a grip on you? When money gets you in a headlock, it has the potential to destroy your marriage and your life. In Luke 16:1-15, Jesus tells an entertaining story about a shrewd and dishonest money manager which leads to practical instruction for each of us on how to handle the dollars we have. Join us as we continue our series His Stories with a sermon entitled Getting a Grip on Money.
Great stories of faith grow in climates of darkness. The news of our times is full of murder, violence, deception, and injustice; our world is full of darkness. But take courage, because there has never been greater opportunity to advance the gospel and see radical commitment to Christ than today. This week we will look at the “Parables of the Seeds" in Mark 4:26-32 and Luke 17:6 as Lash discusses The Opportunity of Your Lifetime.
It’s amazing how much of life hinges on little decisions driven by character. Our lives become the sum of decisions we make, and the decisions we make are the canvas of wisdom’s art or the fool’s folly. In Matthew 7:24-29, Jesus tells the story of two men whose lives looked very similar until the storm blew in and the foundations were exposed, and, then, their fates couldn’t have been more different. Join us as we continue our series His-Stories with a sermon entitled Foundations.
A hurting parent, a wayward child, a kid who has always tried to the right thing. These are the characters of what is perhaps Jesus’ most beloved parable: The Prodigal Son. Join us as we journey through this story of envy, hurt, and grace. In preparation for worship, spend a few moments reading from Luke 15:11-32 and remember to Come Early—Worship Loudly—Be Friendly.
What is love and what does it look like? Poets, songwriters, directors, artists, even judges have been trying to answer these questions for us for many years. When struggling for an answer it’s always wise to look to Jesus. So, when it comes to the subject of love Jesus brings truth. Join us as we look at the parable of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37.
When it comes to my money, talents, and resources what is my ultimate goal? Is the destination of life to achieve safety and security or, possibly, more? These are difficult questions, with which we all need to wrestle. In Luke 12:13-20 and Matthew 25:13-30, Jesus tells two parables that guide us to the answers. Join us as we continue our series His-Stories with a sermon entitled Wise Investments.
Luke 12:13-20 and Matthew 25:13-30
For me to see my life for what it is, I must first see my future for what it is: earth is a hotel stay; heaven is home. In our busy, loud lives, it’s easy for Christians to lose perspective and see time like those who have no hope. As Christians, we understand our past through the truths of God revealed to us in Scripture, and we live today in preparation for our future with God in heaven. Join us as we continue our series His-Stories looking at the parable of the 10 Virgins in a message entitled Seeing the Future.
Is God fair? It’s a thought provoking, conversation inducing, question. Especially so, since we live in a time when fairness and equality are so highly valued. In the parable of the Laborers, Matthew 20:1-16, we learn that God actually extends to us something that is better than fair: His grace, His presence, and His call. Join us as we continue our series on the parables of Jesus with a message entitled Better than Fair.
There is nothing like the feeling of "Coming Home." Unfortunately, when it comes to God, many feel like they can't come home. This week we see an example of God's gracious love and pursuit of His children, as we look at one of Jesus' most beloved teachings: the parable of the lost sheep.
In Matthew 13:24-30, Jesus tells the parable of the wheat and the weeds. Planted in the same field by different farmers, the wheat and the weeds grew together. Until the harvest day came and the separation occurred. Join us as Lash continues our series on the parables of Jesus with a message entitled Abnormally Normal.
It’s amazing how much of life is balanced on a few critical decisions. Seize them and your life finds meaning and joy; miss them and your life can be full of pain and regret. In Mark 11:27-12:12, Jesus tells a parable about missed opportunity. Join us as Lash continues our series on the parables of Jesus with a sermon entitled Turning Points.
Jesus said, "You are the light of the world." Jesus spoke of faith that soars into the heavens and changes the world. But what does this light and faith look like in everyday life? How does our life today truly make a difference? Join us Sunday as we look at Mark 4:21-32 in a sermon entitled "Seeds, Light, and Faith."
Are you thriving spiritually? When we fail to grow spiritually, there are almost always heart obstacles that stand in the way. Join us this Sunday as Lash begins a new series of messages on the parables of Jesus called His-Stories. Today we look at Mark 4:1-20, the Parable of the Sower, in a message entitled Thriving.
Forgiveness: we all need it, and yet it can be a very difficult thing to extend to others. Especially, when you or people that you love have been hurt. Yet, the ability to forgive and move forward is critical to finding peace. Join us this Sunday as Lash discusses what forgiveness is and is not and why we can extend forgiveness to others in a sermon entitled The What’s and Why’s of Forgiveness.
We’ve all had the conversation: someone you know is struggling and they need your help. How do you help people overcome the mistakes of their past and move forward to enjoy the life God has given? In Galatians 6:1-10, the Scriptures teach us four things that each of us can do to help ourselves and others break free from the mistakes of yesterday and find the peace of God today.
In every conflict there is opportunity. If you choose to see through the lenses of faith, hope, and love, you can find opportunity in any situation. The difference between a joyful heart and a troubled heart often comes down to vision. Joyful people see opportunity when others see despair.
Scripture: Matthew 5:9, I Corinthians 10:31-11:1
If you want peace in your life, it’s not going to be found in selfish decisions of the hear; those are the decisions of conflict. If you want peace in your life, it will be found by surrendering your life to the one who laid down his life for you. Peace will be found when you draw near to God and the Spirit of God draws near to you. The peace of God is not the absence of storms, but it is the calm that is found from God’s presence within the storms.
Passage: Matthew 5:9, Gal 6:7-10
In James 4:1-10 the Bible asks a very pointed questions, “What is the cause of wars and fights among you?” The Scriptures teach us that ultimately conflict begins in the heart. But, God offers us real answers for overcoming conflict and finding peace. Join us this Sunday as we continue our series Finding Peace with a sermon entitled “The Heart of the Matter.”
In our society it’s easy to get so busy doing what you do that you forget who you are. One day Jesus took his followers up a mountain. As they enjoyed the beautiful view, fresh air, and calm meadows. Jesus reminded them that "the peacemakers are blessed for they will be called sons of God (Matt 5:9).” Join us as we begin a new series entitled Finding Peace with Part 1: Becoming a Peacemaker.
Texts: Matthew 5:9; Romans 8:14-17, 35-39
If you lose this, life loses its joy; you become numb, cynical and skeptical; you find it hard to love, hard to trust, hard to laugh. If you lose this, you lose interest; you quit caring; you quit trying. You’re alive but your not living; you’re here but you’re not present. Join us as Lash speaks on “The One Thing You Never Want to Lose.” As you prepare your hearts for worship spend a few minutes reading Romans chapter 5. Remember to Come Early—Worship Loudly—Be Friendly. From Romans 5:1-5.
Join us as Vincet Smith, Executive Director of the Collin Baptist Association brings a message about sharing the Gospel as God is bringing the nations to us, focusing on Acts 17:26-27.
Join us as Brent Sorrels, Director of Pan Asian Outreach, brings a message titled A Plan for Disciplining the Nations based out of Acts 18:24-28.
It usually starts small and then something happens. Before you know it, what started as a small isolated event reacts into a “Zoom Out” where the action moves outward so quickly that eventually what once was small becomes large. The resurrection of Jesus Christ prompted the largest “Zoom Out” the world has even seen. What began as an isolated event soon brought hope to millions transcending time, geography, and culture. Join us for worship and remember to come early—worship loudly—be friendly.
He is Risen! Nothing is more central to the Christian faith than the facts that Jesus died on the cross for your sins and rose again. Because of this all who believe in Him do not perish but have eternal life. Thank you for celebrating Easter with us today. This morning we will be looking at Luke 24:14-32 in a messages entitled "Unconfused."
Texts: Luke 24:14-32, John 18:36-37
The Son of God was right there and yet many missed him because he was not the Messiah they had imagined. When you are stuck in your imaginary image of what God should be and do you miss what He’s really doing and who He really is. The reality of God is where joy is found. Looking at John 12:12-19
One day. . . It's a favorite saying for many of us. "One day life will be better; one day I'll understand; one day I'll change." But what if, one day is today? What if the key to one day is knowing "the One?" Join us Sunday as we look at how God changed one woman's life when she had her "One Day" from John 4:1-26).
The first sin had a devastating, domino-like, effect on both humanity and the world in which we live. Suddenly the goodness of creation was stained by evil. But God made a choice, to intervene into the scene so that we might be redeemed. The Old Testament revolves around a series of promises that God made to His people, and these promises ultimately lead us to the Christ: Jesus.
The opening line of Scripture reads, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” Christians believe that you and the world that you live are not an accident, instead you were created for a purpose. Like most things in life, until you are able to see the big picture, you usually struggle with success. God’s creativity is not accidental, understanding its “why’s” brings life into focus.
Do you understand the Big Picture of Scripture? Because the Bible is such a large book it’s easy to attend church and Bible studies for many years and never really connect the major events of Scripture. Yet the unity of the Bible is one of the strongest arguments for the holiness of the Bible. Join us as we begin our Easter series “The BIG Picture”; we will also be serving the Lord’s Supper in all 3 worship services.
Our passage this week is Romans 12:16-21 which may be the most practical section in all of Scripture about how to handle yourself in a culture of disagreement. Join us as we conclude the Live It series with a sermon entitled Agreeable Disagreements in which Lash points out 10 godly reactions and attitudes that followers of Christ are to embrace in our relationships with others.
There will always be moments of happiness and sadness, BUT in both happiness and sadness it is possible to have joy. Joy is found:
In a faith that God is real and He is in control of my life In a hope that suffering is temporary and heaven is eternal In a love that remains when I rejoice and when I weep.
So the Scriptures tell us in Romans 12:15 "Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.” Join us as we continue our series Live It with a message entitled “In Good Times and Bad.”
"Share with the saints in their needs; pursue hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse (Romans 12:13-14).” Join us as we continue the Live It series with a sermon entitled Hospitality and Hostility.
n Romans 12:12 the Bible says, "Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; be persistent in prayer.” What are you expecting from God? All through the Bible God’s people are called to rejoice in the promises of hope and “Live Expectantly.” Join us as we continue the Live It series. Remember to Come Early—Be Friendly—Worship Loudly.
Texts: Romans 12:12, Hebrews 11:6, Matthew 9:28-29
"I’m so close, yet there seems to be just one thing missing." What is the “Missing Ingredient” that moves families from battle to peace, marriages from isolation to intimacy, communities from resentment to understanding, and churches from selfishness to service? Join us as Lash continues our Live It series with a sermon entitled “The Missing Ingredient.” Romans 12:10: Show family affection to one another with brotherly love. Outdo one another in showing honor.
Join us as Missionary Kyle Essary brings us a message about "Declaring the Glory of the Lord among the Nations" from 1 Chronicles 16:23-26.
"Love must be without hypocrisy, Detest evil, cling to what is good." Romans 12:9. Join us as Lash continues the "Live It" series with a message entitled, "Unmasked Love."
3 For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one. 4 Now as we have many parts in one body, and all the parts do not have the same function, 5 in the same way we who are many are one body in Christ and individually members of one another. Romans 12:3-5 (HCSB)
Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God. Romans 12:1-2 HCSB
God made a divine choice to bridge the gulf of sin between us and Him when he sent His son—to take on flesh—take on sin—take on death—and overcome them all. This Sunday we conclude our series The Christmas Remix as we study Philippians 2:1-18 in a message entitled Un-Holy Night.
The birth of Christ literally divides history in half. It a momentous occasion, so significant that centuries later billions of people around the world discuss His birth with words like “joy," “peace," and "goodwill.” Yet, the birth of Jesus does not find its significance by itself, instead it is connected to the work of God from the beginning to end. This Sunday we will continue our Christmas Remix series with part 3: O Come O Rise O Come Emmanuel.
For many the Christian faith is a silent, personal belief system, but God hasn’t called us to be silent: He’s called us to be light. The Silent Night was actually a Rackety Night full of action and announcement. Join us as we continue our series The Christmas Remix. Remember to Come Early, Be Friendly, and Worship Loudly.
Text: Luke 2: 1-18, John 1:4-5, Matthew 5:14-16
The Christmas story was not a one time event confined to a manger in the little town of Bethlehem. The Christmas story is a movement that spans the centuries and crosses the oceans. Join us as we begin our new series The Christmas Remix with part 1, “Away from the Manger.”
It’s Thanksgiving: a time when we pause and thank God for our blessings and faithfulness. A person could live a 1000 lifetimes without seeing all that the prophet Daniel saw. Taken from his home as a young boy to Babylon, he had lived his years in exile serving the world’s most powerful men in an age of empires. In Daniel 9, the aging prophet reflects on his life and is reminded of something that we all need to remember: God is in control, and because of this, we find “gratitude in God’s certitude."
One of the great legacies of Daniel’s life was his persevering faith. As a young man, taken away from everything he loved, he doggedly held on to his faith in God. Later, when the world around him went mad, Daniel’s faith calmly and boldly prevailed. As an older man, Daniel’s faith continued even in the face of criticism and persecution. Join us as we continue our series on Daniel with a sermon entitled Surviving in the Lion’s Den.
Pride is odd in that it can be a positive word conveying love or admiration, or it can be a distasteful word conveying egotism, vanity, rebellion, and sin. When we drink from the intoxicating cup of pride we are blinded in our selfishness and unable to even see “The Handwriting on the Wall.” Join us as we continue our series Courageous, with a look at Daniel chapter 5 and a King named Belshazzar who illustrates for us the dangers of pride’s grip.
Have you ever thought about all the measures our society goes through to prepare us for fire? Toddlers play with fire trucks, firemen visit kindergarten classes, businesses conduct fire drills, cities require smoke alarms. You see fire prevention everywhere. But how do we prepare for the fires of faith: those moments when our faith gets challenged, stretched, and attacked? Join us as we continue our series Courageous looking at the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego and how God took them through and delivered them from the fiery furnace (Daniel 3).
Do you ever feel like a lot of the people around you have lost touch with reality? The prophet Daniel could relate. Living in exile, he found himself surrounded by unrealistic expectations from unrealistic leaders. But in the midst of the craziness, Daniel was able to hear from God and bring solutions that honored the Father. Join us as we continue our series on Daniel with Part 2: Finding God’s Wisdom in a Crazy World.
Great courage doesn’t begin in the face of great danger, it begins in the sanctuary of day to day life when we purpose in our hearts to make the wise choice even though it costs us temporary satisfaction. Join us as we begin a new series on the life of Daniel entitled Courageous. Daniel 1:1-14, James 1:2-4
"And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:19. Join us as Pastor Lash completes the sermon series, Look Up.
"I know both how to have a little, and I know how to have a lot. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of being content—whether well fed or hungry, whether in abundance or in need. I am able to do all things through Him who strengthens me (Philippians 4:12-13).”
"Don't worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." Join us as Lash continues the series "Look Up" with a message entitled "Worry Not" from Philippians 4:6.
We live in a consumer driven world and even though we often have many things, for many it difficult to find lasting joy. The Bible says in Philippians 4:4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your graciousness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Join us as Lash continues the Look Up series with a message entitled “Finding Joy.”
Paul wrote in Philippians 3:13-14: Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, 14 I pursue as my goal the prize promised by Gods heavenly call in Christ Jesus. Join us as we continue our series Look Up with a message entitled Looking Forward.
Join us as the Director of The Collin Baptist Association, Vince Smith, shares with us the challenge to pray for every home in Collin County.
The world’s a dark place, and it needs you to be a light of hope. In Philippians 2:15 the Scriptures encourage us to “shine like stars in the world.” Join us as Lash discusses how our attitude, actions, and articulations lead to our illumination.
Scriptures: Philippians 2:12-16, John 1:4-5, John 8:12, Matthew 5:14-16, Ephesians 6:11-13, Philippians 2:5-11, Philippians 2:12-13, Philippians 2:14
Because Christ has redefined what it means to die, then Christ also redefines what it means to be alive. Paul captured this in seven simple words: “living is Christ and dying is gain.” Life is far too eternal for you to just survive it. It’s time to start living again. Join us as we continue our series Look Up with Part 2: Living is Christ and Dying is Gain (Philippians 1:12-21).
When God starts something, He finishes what He starts. The Bible says in Philippians 1:6, I am sure of this, that He who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. Join us as we begin a new series called "Look Up" from the book of Philippians. Remember to Come Early-Worship Loudly-Be Friendly.
In a wild reversal of fortunes Joseph’s life had turned around. He was now living large. Wealth, power, fame, riches, family; he had it all. But there was one thing that still haunted him: the pains of the past. It would take an act of God for him to move on and that’s exactly what happened. Join us as we conclude our series Perseverance with a sermon entitled “Moving On.”
The path from dream to reality is often marked by unexpected twists and turns. But when God speaks we must persevere in humility and faith. Never forget that God is always at work. Join us as we continue our series Perseverance with a message entitled from Dream to Reality. We'll be looking at Genesis 40:1-23 and 41:1-45.
Student Camp celebration service during our 9:45 service. We explore the question that Jesus asked His disciples and how that applies to us today from Mark chapter 8.
Do you ever feel trapped? When I’m going through a difficult time I have to trust that the nature of my God is greater than the nature of things. Join us as we continue our series Perseverance: Stories from the Life of Joseph with part 3: Trapped. We'll be looking at Genesis 39 and 40
Joseph had gone from "Dreamer to Survivor," from rich to poor, from freedom to captivity. As he walked out of the slave-pen, past the glorious pyramids, through the dusty markets and down to the Nile river valley that would be his new home, Joseph must have wondered what God was trying to do to him. The reality was that God’s dream for Joseph was alive and well, and, though Joseph did not understand it all, God was doing a work in him, so that He could do a work through him. Join us as we continue our series Perseverance with part 2: Dreamer to Survivor. Focusing on Genesis 39:1-20
Joseph had arrived at the pit of despair, but God’s dream for his life was alive and well. At some point, we have to quit asking What is God doing to me? and start asking “What is God doing in me? When I embrace grace, I find that goodness, joy, and opportunity are all around. Join us as we begin a new series of sermons entitled Perseverance: Stories from the Life of Joseph from Genesis 37
What does it mean to be rich toward God? Join us Lash concludes our series I Am a Church Member with a message from Luke 12:13-21.
In our fast-paced world information comes at us faster than we can process. It’s easy to get so busy that, despite our good intentions, we neglect people and things that are really important. Part of being a healthy church member is to be a caring church member. Join us as Lash continues his series I Am a Church Member with Part 5: “I Will Care.” As you prepare for worship, take a few moments to read Acts 2:41-47.
In the very limited time that you have to really make a difference, what are you going to do to be different and make a difference? It’s a tough question, but one that each of us need to wrestle with and answer. Join us as Lash discusses four practical things you can do to be an active and healthy part of the church.
Today’s world has an unlimited amount of experiences and things to add to the enjoyment of our lives. Yet, many of us are still unhappy. God doesn’t create us to merely consume; He creates us to serve. One of the most energizing things we can do is to genuinely love and care for others. Join us as we continue our series I Am a Church Member with part 3: I Will Seek to Serve God and Others. As you prepare for worship take a few minutes to read Mark 9:30-37 and Philippians 2:5-11.
esus prayed that believers would be “one.” As a church, we come together from many backgrounds, but we are one family, with one message, and one hope. Each of us must commit to protect the unity of our church family. We must learn to extend grace and forgiveness to one another and refuse to gossip or tear each other down. Join us as we continue our series I Am a Church Member with part 2: I Will Be a Unifying Church Member.
Through church, I learn of God and His grace. At church I am connected to hope and challenged to live beyond my selfishness. Church is a place where I develop my moral compass and enjoy deep friendships. It’s a place where I find help for my relationships and guidance for my family. Life change happens at Murphy Church! Join us as Lash begins a new series “I am a Church Member.” I Corinthians 12:12-27—Matthew 28:18-20
One of the great things about God is that He meets us where we are and takes us to where we should be. Where are you in your spiritual journey? The best time to start worshiping God is now. The best time to start growing in Christ is now. The best time to start serving God is now. Join us as conclude our series Faces with a sermon entitled Start Now from John 21:2-19.
For God has not given us a spirit of fearfulness, but one of power, love, and sound judgment (2 Timothy 1:7). Join us as we celebrate Mother’s Day with a sermon entitled “The Spirit of Motherhood.” Remember: come early, worship loudly, be friendly, and whatever you do don’t forget to get something for mom.
Do you ever find yourself wrestling with doubt in your spiritual journey? Truth be told, we all wrestle with doubt. So too did Jesus’ disciple Thomas. Jesus met Thomas in his doubt and helped him to press through in faith and hope. Join us as we wrestle with our doubt and discover faith and hope that moves us “Beyond a Doubt.”
Her cheeks were still stained with tears; her body still ached; the reality of her today was not what envisioned, but Mary Magdalene will forever be remembered as the one who broke the news, “I have seen the Lord.” It’s easy in life to cling to the past and forget that God has great things in store for today. Join us this Sunday as we continue our series Faces by looking at Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the Risen Lord in a sermon entitled “Letting Go.” As you prepare for worship, take time to read John 20:1-19, John 10:1-3, and Philippians 3:13-14.
Did Jesus REALLY Rise from the Dead? Its a BIG question. So big that Christianity rises and falls on its answer. Bring a friend and join us this Easter Sunday as we wrestle with “The Big Question.” As you prepare for worship, spend some time reading I Corinthians 15:1-19.
The cross of Jesus Christ calls us to a new life that changes everything about every thing. Paul said it this way, “I have been crucified with Christ, so that I no longer live” (Galatians 2:20). The life God calls us to is an incredible journey fueled by faith and mapped by the Holy Spirit. Living for Christ is an adventure that takes us through ups and downs; it begins and ends with God’s grace that was so magnificently extended to us on the cross. It’s easy in our journey to get sidetracked: it happened to the Apostle Peter and it often happens to us as well. Join us as we look at Galatians 2:11-20 in a message entitled “Don’t Go There.”
Just as the townspeople were finishing their breakfasts, word began to spread: Jesus had been arrested. The trial of eternity was taking place at Fort Antonia. From outside the walls, two little boys, Alexander and Rufus, could hear the crowd yelling "crucify him." Short of breath from running, the little boys told their father, Simon, Jesus had been sentenced to die. It was "Eternity’s Day”: the day that Jesus Christ died on the cross for our sins. Take a few moments and read John 19:16-30 and prepare your heart for the taking of the Lord’s Supper.
Barabbas woke up on eternity’s day just "moments from death." There was no turning back; he was guilty. Barabbas had a date with 2 pieces of wood, 3 spikes, and the sting of death. Trapped in his guilt, resigned to his fate, out of no where came Jesus, grace, and a fresh start. In many ways Barabbas is a picture of us all. Join us this Sunday, as we begin our Easter season with a sermon entitled Moments from Death. Our focal passages are: John 18:38-40, Matthew 27:24-26, I John 1:8-10, Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:4-10, and John 3:16
You would think truth would be pretty easy to identify. We have scientific truth, physical truth, performance truth all of which is absolute. Yet, most people in our culture believe that spiritual and moral truth are simply a matter of opinion. The search for truth is nothing new: Pontius Pilate actually had a discussion with Jesus about truth during Christ’s trial. Jesus taught that truth can be found in him. Join us as we continue our series Faces with a sermon entitled “The Truth of the Matter.” As you prepare for worship take time to read John 1:17, 5:24, John 8:31-32, John 14:6 and John 18:28-38.
The church is Jesus’ idea. He founded it; he commissioned it. It’s easy in church to get busy with events and friendships and miss the essence of what the church is all about. Join us as Lash discusses five values that we hold dear at Murphy Road in a sermon entitled “Upon this Rock.” The passage we'll be looking at is Matthew 16:17-19.
For everyone who has ever messed up or been messed up this week’s sermon is for you. Join us for worship at 8:30, 9:45, or 11:00. Please take a few moments to prepare your heart for worship by reading John 18:15-27, John 13:31-38, Romans 8:35-38.
Sometimes being a disciple seems rather complicated. There is so much to learn and so many things to do in Christianity. The Bible is a massive book and understanding it all can feel like swimming in the middle of an ocean. Wouldn’t it be nice if someone could just simplify it all so that I could know the desire of my God. Fortunately, Jesus did just that In John 13:33-35. Remember to come early—worship loudly—and be friendly this Sunday as we continue our series Faces, with a message entitled "Christianity Simplified.”As you prepare for worship, here are some helpful Scriptures: John 13:33-35, Matthew 22:34-40, Philippians 2:5-8, Matthew 5:5-9, I John 4:9-11, I John 2:5-6, and Ephesians 5:1-2
There’s a huge difference between being a deal-maker and a disciple. A dealmaker follows Jesus for what he can get out of him. A disciple is the one who when he finds Jesus, realizes that he has found the treasure in the field that is worth more by itself than everything else life has to offer. Are you a deal-maker or a disciple? Join us as we continue our series Faces looking at Judas. As you prepare your heart for worship take a look at John 13:21-30, Matthew 16:14-15, and Matthew 13:44.
The antidote to pride is the cross. When I look upon the humility and love of the cross, I see the magnificence of His love or me and I have nothing left in which to boast. Join us as we look at John 13:1-9 in a sermon entitled When Pride Meets Love.
Disaster often occurs in Christian life, when the God that we imagine is different than the God that is. When you are stuck in your imaginary image of what God should be and do you miss what He’s really doing and who he really is. The reality of God is where joy is found. This week we look at the “triumphant entry” and see how the real Jesus differed from what so many imagined him to be. Remember: Come Early—Worship Loudly, Be Friendly. John 12:12-19 it the text this week as we look at a sermon entitled “Better Than You Imagined.”
Most of us are afraid of our failure, but what we really need to be afraid of is succeeding at things that don’t really matter. It’s easy to spend all of life crossing off boxes on the todo list and in the process miss life. This week we look at a woman named Mary of Bethany who had learned to “Enjoy the Journey” and live in the moment. While others around her missed it, she caught it.
A Christian believes that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. Everyone who believes in Him lives and will never die. This is the foundation of the faith. Do you believe this? Join us as we continue our series Faces with a message entitled “Do you Believe This?” Try to read John 11 before you come and remember Come Early—Worship Loudly—Be Friendly. Text—John 11Focal Text—John 11:25-26
Why do bad things happen to good people? It’s an aged old question that all of us have asked, especially when we, or those we love, go through hard times. In John 9, Jesus encountered a man who had been blind since birth. The disciples immediately assumed that he or his parents were being punished. Jesus told them they needed to look deeper and discover the works of God. We can’t wait to see you this Sunday as we return to our series Faces with a sermon entitled “Look” from John 9. Remember—Come Early—Worship Loudly—Be Friendly.
What are you waiting on? Most of despise waiting and all of us are always waiting on something. Simeon and Anna had waited a lifetime for God to answer the prayers. In His time, God turned their hope to reality. Join us this Sunday for worship as we conclude our December series The First Christmas with a sermon entitled Waiting Well from Luke 2:21-40.
Can I trust you? Are you committed? Do you care? three questions that we all ask anytime someone wants us to follow. Sometimes quietly, sometimes loudly, many ask these questions of God as well: God can I trust you? God are you committed? God do you care? Within the story of Christmas, God answers each of these questions with a resounding “yes” and he shows us that the light of the manger is for everyone. Join us as we continue our series The First Christmas with a message entitled Everyone’s Light (John 1:1-12).
The human spirit needs hope to survive and thrive. When Mary discovered she was carrying the Christ-child, she must have been filled with so much hope for his life. But quickly, her hope encountered pain. We usually think of hope as something we do, but the Scriptures teach that hope is something that God gives. When hope meets pain, our souls need God to give us new hope. Join us as we continue our series The First Christmas looking at Mary and Finding Hope.
“God this is not what I signed up for!” Have you ever uttered those words when the journey of life took you through uncharted terrain. At the first Christmas, Joseph is also a man behind the scenes, hardly distinguishable in the nativity from the shepherds. God had called him to be the step-father to the son of God. That calling was not what’d he signed up for. His calling would take him on a journey of ridicule, misunderstanding, uncertainty, and danger, but even though the journey was not his plan; it was God’s. Join us Sunday as we begin our series The First Christmas with part 1: Joseph: This is NOT What I Signed Up For. Matthew 1:18-25
What’s your motivation for doing the right thing? In this short sermon clip Lash looks at Romans 5:8 and discusses how God’s love for you isn’t based on what you do but who you are in Christ and how that love motivates us to do what we do.