The mic stopped working for 6 minutes but we were able to fix it for the remainder of the sermon.
Church Planter and Pastor of Collective Church in Kinston, NC, Cory Pileggi shares a message.
What do we believe? Why do we believe it? In this series we will answer those questions.
Advent means, the Coming of Jesus. With Advent comes many gifts because Jesus became our Savior, including the Gift of HOPE.
Advent means, the Coming of Jesus. With Advent comes many gifts because Jesus became our Savior, including the Gift of LOVE.
Advent means, the Coming of Jesus. With Advent comes many gifts because Jesus became our Savior, including the Gift of HOPE.
God's Wrath is real against evil. Nahum announces the coming judgement against their evil enemy, Assyria. Yet God was patient with Assyria, waiting for them to repent before he destroyed them. God will always be slow to anger and give all of us a chance to turn to him and be saved.
This message was meant for the nation of Edom, the brother nation of Israel. Edom did not look out for their brother. In fact the exploited them. God was ready to judge them for their neglect. How do we "look out" for our brothers?
The Prophet Joel reminds Judah of a devastating Locust plague that destroyed the land. He then compares it to the, even worse, disaster that is coming for those who do not follow God. Only those who follow Joel's directions will have hope.
Often, as we study God's Word we discover that we need to make adjustments in our beliefs and understandings. Acts 18 and 19 tell us about the first doctrinal adjustments.
The Church at Corinth was a mess. But it was a beautiful mess. They were exactly where they needed to be to get cleaned up.
Would sophisticated Greek scholars be interested in Jesus? Are they unreachable? You never know until to try. Paul in Athens as he discusses Jesus with some pretty smart guys (and gals).
At first, Jesus was first presented to the Jews, but God's desire was that people from all nations have an opportunity to be saved. Acts 10 and 11 is the story of the first Gentile (non-Jew) to accept Jesus as Savior.
When the Apostles realized they could not do everything as the infant church grew, they delegated some important duties. Delegation is a big part of how the church works.
What Next? After 3000 people decided to become disciples of Jesus and were baptized. What happened next? What were the first practices of those first Christians.
Three elements in the First Gospel Message compelled 3000 people to accept Jesus as their Savior.
As the 12 Disciples began to run "The Play" (listen to last week's message), Jesus set them up to receive a "Secret Weapon" that would make it possible for them, and us, to win the game. The Holy Spirit would give them what they needed to successfully begin to make disciples of Jesus.
As Jesus prepares to return to His Father in heaven, He gives his disciples their orders - the handoff
Two parades took place during the time of the Passover before Jesus was crucified. One represented Roman Power, the other God's Peace.
As Jesus traveled towards Jerusalem to face crucifixion, what lessons can we learn along the way?
A young rich man asked Jesus what he needed to do to inherit eternal life. It was a tough lesson to learn, but if we trust Jesus to keep his promises, we have nothing to fear.
Prophets, Priests and Kings in the Old Testament were "Anointed" or set apart to serve God is a special way. Jesus, the Christ (The Anointed One) is all three, our Prophet, Priest and King.
Jesus tells a story about a farmer sowing seeds. The seeds land on four different types of soil with four different results. What was this story all about? Listen and see. A great lesson from Jesus.
Jesus is confronted by the Pharisees about His Priorities. How should our priorities compare to His?
In today's message we introduce a new ministry that we plan to start, Celebrate Recovery
Jesus turns many of our social norms upside down when He teaches His lessons on the hill.
Jesus defeated Satan's temptations. What lessons can we learn from Jesus that can help us in our battles with the Devil.
Mary and Joseph had to deal with what others saw as a Family Scandal. Mary was pregnant before their wedding. Of course, they had done nothing wrong. God helped them endure the scandal and the world was blessed as they brought us all a Savior. Family Scandal can still exist today, sometimes because of our own sin. How can we avoid it and how should we view it when sin is involved.
Matthew's Gospel was unique among the four gospel writers. As we enter a new year we will consider the lessons that this "outsider" can teach us as he relates his testimony of the life and ministry of Jesus.
SCC Youth Minister, Chris Stowe, kicks the year off with a great challenge for us to rekindle the fire of serving Christ as we begin 2022.
What did the angels mean when they promised the shepherds that Jesus would bring peace to the world?
What does God's Word call us to be thankful for and what are some ways we can offer thanks to God?
God had Jephthah's back and promised him a victory over the Ammonites. Yet Jephthah still made an unnecessary vow that cost him his only daughter's life.
God can defeat a mighty army with trumpets, jars and torches. It's easy with God on your side.
Before Gideon can clean out the Midianites from Israel, first God wants him to clean out his own house.
In this message we meet the first two Judges, Othniel and Ehud. See how God used them to lead Israel back to victory over the Canaanites.
The Book of Judges is the story of how important having godly leadership is in our walk with God. With it, Israel always failed. Without it, they at least moved in the right direction towards God. This introduction message to the book of Judges helps us see why Israel, and we, need godly leadership in or lives.
Moments or times in our lives, both good and bad, can cause us to change directions. Will they cause us to turn to God. They can if we allow them.
See how disciplining our flesh to pray, read scripture, give and more, can help make our faith stronger
Often God places people in our lives who can help our faith grow. Learn how valuable these relationships are and how we can help others grow in their walk with God.
Practical Teaching, hearing and putting into practice what God calls us to do in His Word, can give our faith a real boost.
How do you persuade someone to do the right thing, even if it's difficult? The See how Paul did it with his friend Philemon.
In Titus chapter 3, the Apostle Paul gives Titus a few things he wanted him to remind the Christians on Crete of. They are great reminders for us too.
Every local congregation is made up of the same groups of people - Men and women, young and old. Paul instructions Titus on what he should teach each group.
The elders of the local congregation are the guardians of truth. They must encourage members with sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it. We must all be ready to do the same thing as we encounter people both inside and outside of the church - Stand for the truth and love like Jesus.
Many are familiar with the Longer books of the New Testament, but what can we learn from those "short" Letters? We'll start with Titus and Paul's instructions for appointing elders.
Many people in our modern world struggle with depression, yet depression is not a product of our modern world. It has always existed, even among people of the Bible, like the Prophet Elijah. See what likely caused Elijah's depression and how God helped him overcome it.
Jesus was willing to die for us so that all of our sins could be forgiven. In light of what He did for us, will we then forgive others who sin against us?
Our personalities make us who we are. Yet, while each personality has its strengths, it also has its weaknesses, which, uncontrolled, can lead us to unwise choices. Jesus, our Lord, can help us gain control of our personality weaknesses. He can transform us from griping to grateful.
Follow Joseph's journey from an Egyptian Slave to an Egyptian ruler. How does that happen? Listen and see.
Most families have challenging moments in their relationships with each other. Jacob's eleven sons take this challenge to a dangerous level. yet God can use, even the most challenging times of our lives for His purpose.
Jacob tricked his dad into giving him the blessing that belonged to Esau. Soon Jacob would experience the same deception from his soon-to-be father-in-law. The result was an unexpected marriage to Leah. How did this deception effect her?
We are not bound by our own personality. We can always choose to do what's right, even if our flesh seems determined to follow its own desires.
As God's nation enters its second generation, on this Valentine's Day, let's consider a Love Story.
God chose to save mankind through one man, one family, one nation. That nation would bring the world Jesus.
The first book of the Bible contains many "Beginnings." Genesis tells us the story of the beginning of creation. It also tells us about the beginning of sin and the second beginning with Noah and the flood. Abraham is the beginning of God's ultimate plan for the redemption of mankind. His family is the beginning of a new nation that will bring the world Jesus. Beginnings ... lessons in Genesis.
The Christmas story goes even deeper than the nativity scene, the shepherds and the wise men. Let's consider some of the untold stories of Christmas.
The Christmas story goes even deeper than the nativity scene, the shepherds and the wise men. Let's consider some of the untold stories of Christmas.
The Christmas story goes even deeper than the nativity scene, the shepherds and the wise men. Let's consider some of the untold stories of Christmas.
The Christmas story goes even deeper than the nativity scene, the shepherds and the wise men. Let's consider some of the untold stories of Christmas.
You are probably not a shoplifter, but are you guilty of the source of shoplifting (stealing) - Greed? Does Commandment number eight apply to us? listen and see.
While we may never have murdered someone, taken someone's life unjustly, are we guilty of the progression that leads to murder. Jesus teaches us that the progression (anger) is just as sinful.
As we should honor our Father and Mother throughout our lives, may we seek to be Fathers and Mothers who are honorable.
How do you feel about Commandment Number 4? Is it relevant today? Should we obey God and take a day off each week?
Misusing God's name is more than just cussing. Maybe we don't use God's name as an expletive, but do we misuse His name in other ways?
Do we still struggle with worshipping idols? You may be surprised to hear that we often do. Glenn Crocker considers Commandment #2 of the Timeless Ten - Have No Idols.
As we begin our series on the ten Commandments of the Old Testament, Commandment number One is probably the most important. If we don't put God first above all other things, the other nine commandments will be difficult to follow. In this message we will consider FIVE ways we can put God first in our lives
The End Game for God is His Son's return to take us home. Hear how Peter calls us to get ready for it and how to confront those who may doubt that its true.
The world can be an evil place sometimes. Like Abraham's nephew, Lot, if we surround ourselves with evil, all the time, it can torment our souls, even cause us to turn away from God. The promises of false teachers are like a spring with no water. God's promises, however, always bring life giving water. God can rescue us from sin and give us life giving freedom.
Why should we regularly be reminded of what Peter and other New Testament writers said and how can we trust that what they said is truly from God? Listen and see.
Peter reminds his readers that we have everything we need to live our lives the way God wants us to. What do we have, how did we get it and what do we do with it?
Peter warns us that Satan's plan is to devour us. How can we get prepared and survive is scheming?
Peter makes a prediction in chapter four of his first letter - "The end is near." Its been 2,000 years since Peter wrote that bold statement. Is it still true? Is Jesus going to return? If so, when? And what can we do to get ready for the end?
God watches over those who serve Him. God hears our prayers. God protects us from evil. As we celebrate our nation's birth, see how those three promises can be a blessing for us today.
How does a follower of Jesus live in the midst of chaos. See what Peter's advice was for his original audience.
As Christians we are built into God's Spiritual House. We are living stones built off of our Living Cornerstone, Jesus. Not only are we stones in the building, but we are the priest that serve inside God's Spiritual House. We are holy priests! What does does a holy priest even do? Listen and find out.
God makes us holy when our sins are forgiven through our faith in Jesus. Now Peter calls us to actually be holy. What does that look like? What does it take to be like Jesus?
The Apostle Peter wrote two letters that are a part of the New Testament. In chapter 1 of his first letter he reminds us that, because God raised His Son from the dead, Now We Live! Listen and see just how wonderful that new life is and will be.
We see what we want to see, what's in our hearts, what we care about. Do we see people who need God's Grace? Vision for the lost can help us find people in our lives who are far from God and need to be found.
A big part of having JOY is Celebration! What greater celebration could there be than to see someone receive the gift of God's Grace?
What are we willing to invest in the lives of people who are far from God and need God's Grace? What would motivate us to invest whatever it takes to help them find it?
God has mercy on us when we accept His Son as our Savior. He DOES NOT give us what we deserve as sinners. Shouldn't we do the same to people in our lives who are far from God and need God grace and mercy?
If we don't seek Intentional Relationships with someone in our life, who will? Jesus' return is closer now than it ever has been. Time is running out for someone we know who is far from God and needs God's Grace. It's urgent that we seek them now.
In developing Intentional Relationships with people who are far from God and need God's Grace, we must be committed to never quit. Relationships can be challenging, but quitting means a person might miss out on the salvation God wants to give them. We must have resolve - never quit.
Jesus hated sin but loved sinners. While others rejected people who were far from God, Jesus welcomed them. We should always be intolerant of sin but never intolerant of sinners. We may be their only hope for finding God's Grace.
What does Eating with Sinners have to do with Easter? Everything! Jesus' greatest act of love to lost people was dying for them, for us. It was the greatest act of humility in history. Let's be like Jesus, let's be humble as we seek Intentional Relationships with people who are far from God.
There's more to intimacy than what exists between a man and a woman. In its simplest form, intimacy simply means closeness or a close friends. In Jesus day, sharing a meal with someone was considered an intimate act, only done with someone you cared about. If we want to develop intentional relationships, we must develop intimate friendships like Jesus did, like sharing a meal with someone who is far from God.
Faith is the ingredient that God needs from us in order to become His son or daughter. But it is also needed as we develop intentional relationships with people who are far from God.
The key to someone knowing about their Savior in our relationships with them is helping them experience God's GRACE. God's Truth is essential in our lives, but for many, before they will listen to God's truth, they need to experience God's Grace. Listen to how Jesus led with Grace when he encountered people who were far from God.
If we hope to develop relationships with people in our lives who are lost, we must make ourselves accessible to them. Jesus sure did when He became a man. What can we do to eliminate the obstacles in our lives that prevent us from developing relationships with those who need Jesus?
How did Jesus seek the lost? Often by simply eating a meal with them. How can we fulfill the mission Jesus gave us to seek and save the lost? The same way Jesus did, by intentionally seeking to develop relationships with those who need Jesus. One way we can do that is by sharing a meal or other relationship building moments. But before we seek to save others, first we must make sure that we are men and women of integrity. We must be the Real Deal.
In James' letter to some people who are experiencing some pretty bad trials, he encourages them to find JOY in their SUFFERING. What! How can anyone find JOY in SUFFERING? Listen and see.
Who are you? How do you feel about who you are? Sometimes the answer to that the later question is not too positive. Sometimes it's downright awful. Sometimes we don't feel very good about ourselves at all. But the better question is, who does God say that we are? As we read God's Word, I think we find the answer to be very different and much more positive.
What is the secret to being content where we are in life? Sometimes contentment is hard to find, but if we can find it, life is so much better, no matter what our circumstances are.
Is prayer the first thing we do or the last thing we do when life happens? Is there space for God in our prayer life? How much space do we and God need for prayer? How and what should we pray about? James gives us some direction in making space for Prayer in our lives.
Worship in its simplest form is focusing on God. We are surrounded by things in our life that distract our focus. What can we do to overcome the distractions and focus, make space for worship in our lives each day?
God is a generous God. He gives us His Grace as a free gift, despite our failures. God is generous to us because He loves us. As followers of Jesus, we are called to be like God, including having a generous heart. But in order to have a generous heart on a consistent basis, we must have space for God in our budgets. Todays message considers what making space for God in our budgets looks like.
Strong churches begin with Strong Families. What role does God play in your family? Is there space for Him? What should that space be? Listen to Making Space for God in Our Homes and hear some ideas of what space for God in our family looks like.
We live busy lives with calendars filled with activities. Where does God fit on our calendars? Is there space for Him there? Let's explore God's place in or lives, each day, each week.
The beautiful carol, Away in a Manger, includes a phrase that we may sometimes overlook - "the little Lord Jesus lay down His sweet head." Jesus was indeed a beautiful baby, as all newborns are. But He was also much more than a sweet young infant. He was, and still is, the Lord. What does that mean to us, Jesus is Lord? Is he the Lord of your life?
Today's carol begins with the call, "O Come All Ye Faithful, Joyful and Triumphant." But what if you don't feel very faithful, joyful or triumphant? Does that mean you can't come and adore the baby Jesus? Listen to our message and discover who God calls to come to Him and what He will do for us when we do come, no matter our spiritual state.
The beautiful carol, O Holy Night, tells us that there was thrill of hope on the way in which the weary world could rejoice. Things were pretty bleak in the world the night Jesus was born. But morning was coming! Rejoicing would soon be possible, not just the night Jesus was born, but in our dark times too.
On this Sunday before Thanksgiving, let's see what Abraham, Isaac and Jacob could be thankful for.
Jacob was told by God to move his family to Bethel, the special place where God met Jacob years before. But before Jacob left he had his family Clean House, not their physical house but their spiritual house. Listen and see how it was done.
This week we will explore a life lesson with Isaac as he struggles with what to do with fear. One option was to react the same way his father Abraham did and lie. Sometimes we choose to react to life the same way our parents did, in both good ways and bad. Listen and see how we can break the mold of generational mistakes.
The Patriarchs is a three lesson series about the three great Patriarchs or fathers of the Old Testament. Before Jesus, before the prophets, before Moses, before the Nation of Israel, God communicated with mankind through Patriarchs, particularly, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.
This first Patriarch, Abraham, got it all started as God began His plan to redeem mankind from their sins. Abraham was the starting point. What can we learn from this great Patriarch as God called Him to follow Him.
The Greatest Motivation for giving our life to God is God's Grace (Romans 12:1). But there are some other benefits that can give us motivation too. Romans 15:13 lists them for us. Listen to the message today as we discuss the Benefits of Grace.
Opinions - we all have them. God designed us to all think differently and so we all have our own opinions about, well, everything. But somethings are not opinion, they are truth. God's Word is truth and in it there are some things that God calls all of us to agree on, like Jesus, faith, grace, salvation, hope. These could be called Essentials. Then there are things that are not found in God's Word, like preferences, styles and tradition. These are non-essential. They might be important to us, but God has taken no side one way or the other. What do with do with Opinions? Listen and find out how Paul called the Romans to deal with opinion matters in the 1st century church.
Kevin talks about He and his wife, Mia's, next adventure as they become the next Church Planters for Church Planters of ENC (formerly Eastern NC Christian Men's Fellowship).
Continuing from last time as we explore the question, "What is a living sacrifice?" This time, how should a living sacrifice live?
The Big Mo is God's Mercy and Grace. That's what MOtivates us to follow Jesus. What is the appropriate response to God's Grace? Paul tells us that it is offering our body as a living sacrifice. What is a living sacrifice? Let's talk about it in, The Big Mo, Part 2.
In Romans 12, Paul explains what we should be motivated to do, to be, given the Mercy that God has given us.
In Chapter 9, Paul Laments over the fact that most of his fellow Jews rejected Jesus. Was God unfaithful to Israel by not rewarding them with salvation just because they were is chosen people? Paul explains why God was faithful to them, yet salvation for Jews and non-Jews can only come through Jesus.
The Jews didn't understand God's plan for them, His decision to require them to accept Jesus just like everyone else. Sometimes we don't understand God's plan for our lives. But if we will just trust Him to know what's best, we can find our purpose no matter where we find ourself in life.