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Join us as we learn from the life of Job, the faithfulness of God and the promise He will never abandon His children. In uncertainty and pain, we learn to cling to truth instead of grappling to hold onto whatever makes us feel better. Truth sets us free, opens our eyes and challenges our souls, but it rarely "feels better".
Job
Kenny Nix
"...do what is right, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God." -Micah 6:8
"Whom God chooses, He shows mercy. Whom God does not choose, He shows justice."
-Jameson Thacker
Romans 9:14-33; Exodus 9:13-16
Jameson Thacker
God is sovereign. The God we serve is not bound to our standards, rules or logic. He sees beyond the here and now. He has a redemptive plan that is still in motion. The work is finished, but the plan is still unfolding. There will come a day when we have no more questions. Until then, we can rejoice in the opportunity to be His people through His supernatural work alone.
Romans 8:28-39- 9:1-13; Genesis 17:15-21
Jameson Thacker
Suffering is a way God draws us to Himself. Paul teaches us that our pain and suffering do not compare to the glory that will be revealed to us one day. Although life, relationships and even following Christ will bring suffering in life, we suffer with hope. We are full of the promises and certianty that nothing we endure this side of Heaven will compare to the joy that awaits the believer when we see Christ.
Romans 8:18-30; Genesis 3:16-19
Jameson Thacker
In our continued series of "Romans", Paul teaches followers of Christ that sin no longer has control. Because the Holy Spirit dwells within the heart of the believer, we are no longer helpless to live in sin. If the Spirit of Christ has joined with our spirit, we belong to and are led by Him.
Romans 8:5-17; Mark 14:32-36
Jameson Thacker
In our tenth part of the series "Romans", Paul plainly teaches we will be slaves to something in our heart. Whatever is driving our desires is what we are enslaved to. Whomever or whatever you are a slave to will determine your destination. If you have surrendered your heart to Christ, grace covers your sin and you are no longer controlled by it. The fruit of the Spirit produces a desire to exemplify the things of God.
Romans 6:15-23; Galatians 5:19-24
Jameson Thacker
Romans, Part 9
Romans 6:1-14; Genesis 7:18-24; Exodus 14:16-31; Matthew 3:13-17;
Mark 10:35-39, 15:33-16:8
Jameson Thacker
In our continued series "Romans", scripture tells us God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to every believer in Christ. Paul points us to look to Jesus who has done for us what we could not do for ourselves or anyone else. Through the death, burial and resurrection of Christ, we have been offered salvation and an eternal gift of redemption to God. Nothing can rip a follower of Jesus from His hand.
Romans 5:1-21
Jameson Thacker
Continuing in our series "Romans", Paul appeals to his readers by explaining faith to them. Once we are believers in Christ, we are no longer bound by the law because we cannot follow the law without sin. Throughout scripture, we can clearly see men of faith, believers in Christ and those who were counted as righteous fell into sin. We sin because we are human. Our faith and surrender to Christ releases us from the bondage of sin. We have been made righteous through Jesus' resurrection and defeat of sin; our dead hearts have been made alive.
Steadfast strength is not found within ourselves. When we put our weight against Him, it is counted as righteousness.
Romans 4:1-25; Psalm 51:1-5; 9-17
Jameson Thacker
In part six of our continuing series "Romans", Paul tells us we are justified by faith. God's grace is not conditional. We do not have to bear the weight of our load alone. Christ is with us and we can trust in His faithfulness and His mercy to carry us.
Romans 3
Jameson Thacker
In our continued series "Romans", Paul teaches Christ followers about the dangers of condeming people. When we feel we are in a place to look down on another person because they are sinful, we have to recognize we are sinners as well. Because of God's gracious mercy, He makes Himself known to us and calls all people to repentance. Christ came to show He is the way to be reconciled to God because all are drawn to sin.
Christ is our only hope, but we do have hope. He invites us to let go of ourselves and surrender fully to Him. There is complete freedom in full surrender to Jesus.
Romans 2:1-16; Luke 18:9-14
Kenny Nix
When we give God our "yes", we are surrendering not only our lives to Him but our hearts, minds, and desires. It often looks different than we imagine and the timelines of God's plan rarely match our idea of what it should be.
Listen as our pastor, Kenny Nix takes us through a portion of his journey. As he explains, loving and serving our neighbors is what we are each called to do as Jesus did. When the Holy Spirit leads us in a new direction, we simply follow with our "yes" and trust the faithfulness of God while loving and serving others.
John 13:31-35; John 16:16-33
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In our continued series "Romans", Paul speaks about the perfect wrath of God. We often think of God's wrath in human terms, full of anger and revenge. In reality, God's wrath is perfectly righteous and just. He knew we could not keep all the laws and live with a pure heart without sin. God sent Christ to ultimately receive the full wrath for sin so we could be reconciled to Him. God's wrath, as harsh as it may seem, is not contradictory to His perfect love. It was out of love that Jesus was born to show the greatness of God throughout His life, and His death.
Romans 1:18-32
Jameson Thacker, Youth Pastor
In part two of our series "Romans", Paul is plainly telling the church in Rome we do not choose our opportunities, God does. When God gives us opportunities to share the gospel, we step into what He calls us to do. We do not and will never have an excuse to keep the good news to ourselves. Because of the sacrifice of Christ and the freedom He has provided, we are indebted to carry the gospel to everyone, no exceptions. Relying on our faith in Jesus alone will produce endurance and lead us on the path of righteousness.
Romans 1:8-17
Jameson Thacker, Youth Pastor
In our new series "Romans", Jameson walks us through the first chapter of Paul's letter to the Romans. Everything Paul speaks about goes back to Jesus. Our purpose, our mission and our lives. We live to proclaim the good news of Christ to this world.
As we walk through our lives today, our purpose is still not about "us". It is about taking up our cross and denying ourselves to proclaim the truth of the gospel.
Romans 1
Jameson Thacker, Youth Pastor
As we conclude our series "Which Do You Want First?", we are faced with a story that poses a question each one of us has to grapple with at some point. "What do I have to do to inherit eternal life?". Jesus answers the man's question with all the things he had already done. Once the rich man was satisfied, Jesus addresses the real issue. This man's heart belonged to his money and, in order to fully surrender to God's wil,l he had to surrender his wealth.
In our lives, whatever owns our adoration, affection and heart is what Christ calls us to leave at His feet. We can not carry our cross and walk in the light of Jesus if our hands and heart are full of what we put before Him. The call of Christ is full surrender in exchange for a life beyond what we can see here. Free of boxes to check, we receive complete freedom in the new life He provides.
Luke 18:18-30; Psalm 52:1-6
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In our continuing series, "Which Do You Want First?", we are reminded how easy it is to let others see Christ in us. We often complicate the gospel and try to find "fresh ways" to bring people to Christ. In actuality, one of the main ways to shine the light of Jesus so others can see His love is simply to emulate that love for ther believers like He did. He taught that loving is the greatest things we can do to show the world we belong to Him. Genuine love for one another will naturally draw people into the family of God. New believers need to be led by example by other Christ followers in loving one another and shining that love to the world. This will show more than anything else who leads our lives.
1 Corinthians 10:23-33
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In part III of our series "Which Do You Want First?", we are reminded the touch of Jesus is always on time. We often feel alone or forgotten when deliverance or healing takes longer than we think it should. The man who was sick in this passage had waited for a miracle for 38 years. Everyone who knew him, knew of his condition. When Jesus healed him, everyone knew something changed him. His new life was proof to the world he had recieved a change he could not have made on his own.
When Jesus changes our heart of stone to a heart of flesh, everyone who knows us can see a new life we could not have given ourselves. The transformantion in the life of a believer is as drastic as that of a lame person being able to walk again.
John 5:1-15
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In part two of our new series "Which Do You Want First?", Jameson compares what sometimes gets twisted from scripture to what the actual scripture says. Oftentimes, we hear a watered down truth because reality seems more abrasive or more difficult to digest. God's word is clear on His will for His children, but it is distorted many times. When you surrender your life to Christ, you understand the Holy Spirit brings joy, peace and love regardless of situations surrounding you. People outside of Jesus often rely on circumstances to bring happiness to their lives; temporary emotions only leave you feeling empty and alone.
Christ died to share strength that carries us through and a joy that does not ebb and flow with what life can offer. Walking in the freedom only Jesus can give to your soul brings peace that can not be explained and rest only a raised life can experience.
Matthew 5:12; Romans 9:14-24; Isaiah 53:3-10; Revelation 2:7-10; Luke 9:58; Mark 16:1-8
Jameson Thacker, Youth Pastor
The translation of the word "gospel" is good news. The purpose of the gospel message of Jesus Christ is for all the world to understand He is the way to redemption. Peter and John carried this message after the resurrection to places that were not welcoming to this new proclaimation. The two were jailed for continuing to spread the gospel and healing people in Jesus' name. In the process of being punished for continuing to share the good news, these men were given the opportunity to speak the truth of Jesus' message to many people in the jail and even the leaders of the Sanhedrin Court.
The gospel opportunity was perfectly set up for Peter and John to share the truth. Thousands came to repentance and surrendered to Christ. The gospel changed the world and continues to bring redemption to people today.
Acts 4:1-22
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Paul tells us in Romans, because of the power of the resurrection of Christ and the gift of the Holy Spirit, we are no longer captive to sin. We are not bound by our desires and we do not fight our battles alone. If we have surrendered to Jesus and have given ourselves to Him completely, we are controlled by the Spirit. We can walk with confidence in the freedom that Christ died to give.
Romans 8:1-39
Kenny Nix, Pastor
When we possess the true love of God inside, we can’t help but to love our neighbors. Our genuine transformation by the Holy Spirit coupled with the love we have for God will naturally overflow into our love for others. True love that Christ followers are called to emulate, will move us to love in action. Love is serving. Love is compassion. Love is motivation to meet a need. Love is hands on.
Just as we are called to love others, we can clearly see Gods love for us through Jesus. Wounds taken care of, bill paid in full and a rescue like no other through faith in Christ. When we have a new heart, we will live like a new person. Knowing we can do nothing in and of ourselves, we lean into Jesus for life. We are called to show love and mercy as it has been shown to us.
Luke 10:1-42
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Oftentimes, we walk in faith but do not see fruits of our labor. In our reliance on Christ we, like Habakkuk, trust and obey but only in blind faith. Habakkuk did not waver in his hope, faith or the joy they provided. He trusted in the faithfulness of God even when he did not see it come to pass in his lifetime. Habakkuk died while he waited on God. Paul tells us we have the same hope Habakkuk had. Our hope is not an emotion or a feeling. Jesus is our hope and His faithfulness is everlasting.
Habakkuk 3:1-19; John 1:14; Romans 8:1-39
Jameson Thacker, Youth Pastor
In our continued series "Habakkuk", we see waiting on God is more than simply being still until we hear from Him. Habakkuk teaches, by example, we are to be active in our waiting. Trusting God without a clear direction as soon as we would like, develops patience and a deeper reliance on Him. When we surrender to God's complete control by submitting to the authority of Christ, we are connected to the Holy Spirit. Only then can we walk in the freedom of Jesus and the confidence of the Holy Spirit who leads us. We will be ready to follow Christ anywhere He leads because we have trusted and followed in obedience.
Habakkuk 2:1-20
Kenny Nix, Pastor
When we are real and honest with God, He begins to speak to us. Oftentimes, we have to be chipped away to see truth. Truth will always set us free, but to see truth revealed in our lives, it is sometimes painful. Everyone experiences struggle, questions, heartaches and suffering. It is when we realize and accept God is able to use even the most dire circumstances to carry out His purposes that we experience true peace.
Habakkuk and the psalmist witnessed the mercy and peace of God under circumstances that seemed impossible. God uses even the wicked at times to bring His plan to fruition, just as He did with the Babylonians.
Habakkuk 1:1-17; Psalm 40:1-17
Kenny Nix, Pastor
As believers, we are called to love, forgive and pray for those who have done wrong. Loving and honoring our brothers and sisters in Christ and not only going through the motions shows your heart belongs to God. Doing good in the face of adversity and living at peace with everyone as much as you can is what Paul teaches for a Christ follower to do.
Romans 12:9-21
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Without Christ, we feel captive by our sin. As we come to faith in Him, God allows you to see everything in a new light. The Holy Spirit renews us and urges us forward to share the light of Jesus with those who live in darkness.
Luke 4:16-21; Psalm 107
Kenny Nix, Pastor
God teaches throughout His word to reach out and help those in need. He reminds us He is the One we receive all things from, in turn we are to take care of each other. We give so others will give thanks to God for meeting their needs and others will see believers being obedient to the gospel of Christ.
Giving of ourselves and serving others is about God being glorified. Never in scripture does a servant of Christ receive and accept personal praise for an act of obedience or sacrifice in the name of Jesus. The praise for meeting the needs of others belongs only to God. We are called to be vessels that carry Living Water, giving God the glory for all He has done.
Proverbs 19:17; 2 Chorinthians 9:3-15
Kenny Nix, Pastor
As followers of Christ, we are called to share the gospel. We gather together so we can be fed and worship as a faith family. Making the buliding or a person an idol or the reason we gather is against the Good News of Christ. Leaders are called to be an example to those who are under their leadership in the church; likewise, every believer is called to lead those around them by example. Offering our lives to Christ as a living sacrifice by doing whatever the Holy Spirit leads us to do is the obedience we are called to.
Acts 20:16-38
Kenny Nix, Pastor
God placed a call on Gideon's life. He had a chance to use the opportunity for God's glory but he ultimately chose to use God's calling on his life to his advantage.
God sees our heart. He knows our truest intentions regardless of what we portray to the world. Christ calls us to full surrender, so we can live with the hope eternity with Him provides.
Judges 6-8
Jameson Thacker
God’s grace is sufficient to cover all sin.
In the lineage of Christ, we see strife, discord, betrayal and sexual sin just in the life of Judah. There comes a moment in our lives when the invitation given by Christ to turn from ourselves and surrender to Him becomes something we have to face. A repentant heart will fully give over what it holds tightly to in order to completely trust in the grace Jesus provides.
Because of the death and resurrection, we are no longer controlled by sin. We are liberated through the mercy of the cross.
Genesis 38
Kenny Nix, Pastor
As we celebrate Easter Sunday in a way which feels unfamiliar to what we may be used to, the truth of the gospel has not changed. Listen as our pastor, Kenny Nix, walks us through a passage we may all be accustomed to hearing each year. This is more than a story. This is the truth of the power of God that raised Christ from death to life. It is this power that has spiritually raised every believer from death to life.
1 Chorinthians 15:21-27, John 19:7-11, John 2:18-22; Luke 23; Matthew 28
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In times of change and uncertainty, God shows us our ultimate need is Him. The only place we will truly find peace and rest for our heart is at the feet of Jesus in full surrender. There is freedom in relinquishing our illusions of control to the only One who is actually in control of all things. In times of distress, remember Christ ultimately uses those times to draw us to Himself if we allow our hearts to seek Him.
"But then I recall all you have done, O Lord;" Psalm 77:11
Luke 7:18-22; Psalm 77
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Daily the disciples continue to learn more about Jesus and what He came to do during His earthly ministry. He was shaping their faith as they bore witness to the miracles He performed. Christ came to save the lost and He taught His disciples what it meant to truly deny themselves and follow Him. He wanted them to know the cost was high because of our sin, but the reward was eternal life with God.
Because of Christ's obedience to the cross and the power of God raising Him from death, we too can have eternal life with God. Our calling today as believers is the same as it was for the disciples: deny ourselves, follow Jesus and share the gospel until Christ returns.
Matthew 16; Psalm 51; Psalm 101
Kenny Nix, Pastor
During the time of Paul's ministry, he faced many challenges when trying to spread the gospel to unreached areas. We can follow his journey in scripture and see his focus never changed regardless of his circumstances. His mission was to preach the saving power of Jesus Christ and he was willing to lose his life on earth to spread this message. When he was in prison with Silas, they worshipped under the most detestable conditions. Everyone was listening. Everyone was impacted by the worship that filled the prison. The jailer, in what seemed the worst day of his life, became the day his soul met Christ.
Amid such uncertian times, the world is watching believers everywhere. When things seem bleak and desperate, the world will hear the believers in worship. Hope will be known to be more than a feeling or emotion. The Hope we come to know is a person. His name is Jesus and He is always aware of every situation, working all things for our good and His glory.
Acts 16; Psalm 66
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In a time of uncertainty and questions, we turn to God's word for comfort and guidance. We have not been given a spirit of fear and we will continue to trust the leadership of the Holy Spirit as we walk through the coming days.
"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38-39
Jameson Thacker, Youth Pastor
The chosen twelve, Christ's disciples, were ordinary men who answered the call to follow Jesus. All of these men were sinful in nature, just like you and I. Many times during Jesus' ministry they witnessed the very power of God through Jesus and still sinned in ways we sometimes view as shocking. Jesus knew exactly what these men would do and say along the way, but still chose them to carry out a calling that would ultimately change the world through the power of the Holy Spirit.
In our own faith journey, we will not live without sin. The gift of the Holy Spirit is that sin no longer controls us. We are not bound by the sin that destroys; we are liberated through the power of Christ's death and resurrection. We can walk confidently knowing Jesus has equipped us with everything we need to carry out the calling He places on us, if we walk by faith in Him alone.
Matthew 16:13-23; John 11:14-16; John 20:24-28; Matthew 20:20
Ken Nix
As Paul and Silas preached the gospel, they faced opposition more often than not. When a slave girl who was possessed by an evil spirit was shouting who these men were, they cast the spirit from her. This freed the girl and she was no longer under the control of the spirit or her slave owners.
The truth of the gospel works in the same way for us today. Once we know the truth and have been impacted by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can walk in the freedom Christ died to give us. No longer enslaved to our sin, we are a light to the world that illuminates the faithfulness of God. The gospel is about God's perfect plan to redeem what is truly impossible to redeem outside of Him. It is only through Jesus Christ that we are reconciled to God and forgiven. The truth of Christ is the only hope we have of ever being truly free and the answer to whatever we face.
Acts 16:13-24
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Now that Christ has come, we are no longer bound to the law. With our faith, we are coheirs with Jesus and pursuing a relationship with Him defines our life. The law of Moses emphasized how desperately we needed a savior. We are unable to live righteously without being made new by the Holy Spirit. Once we are new in Christ, we receive the full promise that God made to Abraham because we are His children.
Galatians 3:15-29
Jameson Thacker, Youth Pastor
James teaches believers who face trouble have an opportunity for great joy. For those who do not know Christ, they have not yet experienced the true nature of great joy. As we mature in our knowledge and relationship with Jesus, our endurance to face trials of any kind also develops. This strengthens our faith and we are complete and do not need anything other than the knowledge that we are being led by the Holy Spirit. We begin to take on an eternal perspective regarding everything we experience. When we have all our hope and faith in God, we simply do not need anything else. The goal of the believer is for our hope to solely be linked to Christ and the joy of His salvation.
James 1:1-4
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Galatians: Defending God’s Gospel
Perfection on our own becomes dismissive of God’s goodness through the gift of Christ and, ultimately, the Holy Spirit.
It is no longer by the law that we are made righteous to God. It is faith God desires from us. Faith in Christ alone redeems us.
Christ took upon Himself the curse that was supposed to condemn us. He knew we could not do it on our own. Now, through Christ, we have right standing with God. We could never attain this on our own.
Galatians 3:1-14
Kassidy Nix
Jesus, fully God and fully man, came to seek and save the lost. He took the form of a servant to show us humility and love. Christ washed His disciples’ feet before sharing His last meal on earth with them. In their imperfection, He still showed grace. He even washed and dried the feet of Judas, the betrayer.
Jesus calls us to repent and follow Him. He knows we can do nothing apart from Him, but has given each believer the gift of the Holy Spirit to lead us. In His gracious mercy, He offers forgiveness and new life in His name.
John 13:1-17
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In part two of our series, "Galatians", Paul is intent on emphasizing the importance of not adding anything to Christ's gospel. Anything we could ever add to the message of Jesus makes it a false gospel. Jesus never promised health, wealth or prosperity to His followers. In fact, He stated the world would hate believers because they hated Him. Christians who read scripture for what is says can clearly see suffering, pain, heartache and loss this side of Heaven. We are taught everything we face here is storing an eternal weight of glory and all things here are temporary. We look to the cross to see our redemption and we cling to the resurrection power of Christ for salvation. We have freedom in Christ when we surrender because of what He endured when He gave His life for us, not because He promised everything would be easy.
Galatians 2:1-21
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In the passage of the paralyzed man being brought to Jesus, we are pointed to the true need of each of us. The man on the mat had a physical need that Christ healed that day. His greater need was taken care of first. He had a spiritual need. Jesus addressed his sins being forgiven before he knew he could now walk.
When we have a seeking heart, Jesus is already working in us. Realizing we can get nowhere without Him is what ultimate redemption is all about. Surrounding ourselves with people who carry us to Jesus is important in our walk with Christ. Whether or not we receive our "healing", God is still good. Faith in Christ changes every aspect of life for a believer.
Luke 5:17-26
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In a new series entitled "Galatians: Defending God's Gospel", we immediately see the urgency in Paul's writing to the church in Galatia. The believers in the area had only known the truth of the gospel for a short time and already began distorting what they had been taught. Paul speaks to the Galatians in what still speaks to believers today, misrepresenting Christ or His message has eternal consequences. Anything done or experienced in or by the church that is not glorifying to God shows we have been deceived.
Bringing glory to God is the whole purpose we were created. Anything we do that is good is only because the Spirit within us is good and is glorifying God. We are unable to be selfless on our own. It is only by God that we are able to offer our lives to glorify Christ in our surrender.
Galatians 1:1-24
Jameson Thacker, Youth Pastor
As we conclude our series "Sighted", we look at a church Jesus addresses directly. This church may sound familiar to us today. It is a church who believes in a god they have created in their own minds. One who is not the same God of scripture. God specifically calls out the sinful nature of this church and points out the way they are choosing to live is detestable to Him.
God is not blind to our sin, His ultimate plan or the need our world has for Him. God's desire is for all to come to repentance and have an intimate, Spirit led relationship with Him through Christ. Through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus, He extends an invitation to take up our cross and follow Him. It is only when we fully surrender everything, we are able to fully walk in the freedom Christ died to offer. Jesus takes our spiritual blinders off so we can truly see our need for a Savior.
Revelation 3:14-22
Kenny Nix, Pastor
As we continue in our "Sighted" series, we see the conversion of Saul the persecuter of Christians to Paul the missionary for Christ. Just as Paul's life was completely transformed, renewal happens in the same way when we surrender to the call God places on our life. When God calls us to do something, we do not know the effect our obedience will have. He can use us and it can change not only us, but the world in the name of Jesus, for His glory.
Acts 9:1-31
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Even in times of feeling dry within ourselves, there is hope. Jesus breathes new life in every believer and puts His Spirit inside. Recognizing Christ as being the only way to get to God and surrendering in full repentance is what will bring life to our once dead, dry bones. Much like the Israelite army, we become brittle and allow the world to deteriorate what the Holy Spirit desires to make thrive within us. The world longs for truth and we are the means by which they should hear and see it. If we are alive again, those who see us should see what once was dead is now alive by the power of Christ in us.
Ezekiel 37:1-14
Jameson Thacker, Youth Pastor
As we continue in our series "Glory", we look at the life of a woman who, through a seeking heart for God and her commitment to the Israelites, became someone who would be woven directly into the lineage of Jesus Christ. We often look down on others for mistakes made in their lives. It seems easy to cast someone off or assume they have used up all the chances to be deemed "beneficial" to God's Kingdom. In reality, we all should be counted as useless in the cause of Christ. Fortunately, God did not see it that way. He has chosen to take even our worst days to further glorify Himself. Rahab had faith and hid the spies. Because of this, her entire life and legacy was rewritten. It is the same when a repentant heart cries out to Jesus for rescue.
Joshua 2; 6:22-25; Matthew 1:5-6; Hebrews 11:31
Dawn Hedgepeth
When God opens our eyes, something supernatural happens. We are able to see who we are in light of His holiness. We begin to understand we need Christ and can do nothing apart from Him. The Holy Spirit transforms us and redeems our rebel hearts to hunger after the things of God. We are no longer blinded by our sin, but we are led from the darkness by the Light that lives within every believer.
John 9:1-41
Kenny Nix, Pastor
As a Christ follower, repentance is the lifeline to true fellowship with Him. When God redeems our rebel hearts and gives us true purpose, our desires begin to shift toward things that will bring glory to God. We are able to see the direction of the Holy Spirit and the overflow of our lives show who is truly leading us. Offering ourselves to God is all we have to give, but if we fully surrender everything, we can walk in the full freedom Jesus died to give.
Proverbs 3:1-35
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In our new sermon series, "Sighted", we begin by seeing everything comes from God. Elisha understood God was in control and he used Elisha to be a leader in a battle that was already won. God allows a seeking heart to find Him and to experience His power in a way that reveals His glory. When we blindly trust God, we can clearly see Him.
2 Kings 6:8-17
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In our new series, "Glory", Jameson walks us through the upcoming weeks with a picture of how scripture describes the glory of God. We often insert ourselves into the stories we read about in God's Word. The truth in these stories show God's holiness, coupled with the obedience of Christ, being the rescue for the world. God's glory has nothing to do with us and everything to do with how holy He is.
Jameson Thacker, Youth Pastor
Filling our lives with everything the world can offer will never replace what Jesus offers us. He alone sustains us and provides a new life to our once dead hearts. Without Christ, we are unable to know the power of His grace and the transformation that happens after we surrender to Him.
Kenny Nix, Pastor
John 6:52-71
Joy is often mistaken for happiness in our lives. We sometimes believe if we are not happy in the moment our joy has been stripped away from us because of a situation. The reality is, only the Holy Spirit can truly give someone joy within themselves that is not circumstantial. Joy for a believer is meant to produce joyful obedience to Christ. When we feel a calling on our lives, we can become overwhelmed by thinking we are not qualified or equipped to carry out the work God is laying before us. In reality, He does not call anyone to do anything He has not given them the ability and capacity to carry out, for His glory.
Matthew 13:44; Psalm 16:11, 32:11, 37:4, 67:4, 100:1-2
Jameson Thacker, Youth Pastor
When Jesus was here, He always led by example and by giving truth to those who listened to His teachings. The same holds true for our lives. Jesus gave us an example of how to pray when He led what we often refer to as, "The Lord's Prayer". This prayer Jesus speaks about is about pledging allegiance to God and coming to Him with the understanding that He is sovereign and completely holy. He is the giver of life and all life flows from Him. We are not required to speak the exact words in this prayer. God's desire is for us to come before Him with humility and recognize the God of the universe cares enough to hear us when we cry out to Him.
Complete freedom comes when we lay everything aside and surrender to Him. Total peace comes when we rest in the truth of His faithfulness.
Matthew 6:9-13
Kenny Nix, Pastor
When we face struggles of any kind, we feel the weight of worry, fear, anxiety and stress, just to name a few. Scripture actually provides great comfort and relief from the things that weigh us down. Paul urges and encourages the believers by saying what we persevere in here on earth, for the sake of Christ, is temporary and is producing an eternal weight for us in Heaven. What seems too great to overcome in our eyes is actually small when God is leading you. Paul pushes every believer to remember this and never give up. Investing in Christ and the spread of His gospel is what produces endurance and strengthens our faith in Him.
2 Corinthians 4:11-18
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In suffering, comes praise when our focus is seeking Christ. The psalmist cries out many times from places of pain, confusion and suffering. He asks, "Why?", in times of not understanding his circumstances; but in, all things, he trusts God above any hardship he faces. The psalmist understands the truth must overrule the emotional side so his faith is not shaken.
In our lives, we often face what seems to be insurmountable circumstances. We see what lies ahead and wonder how we will be able to push forward, holding tight to our trust in Jesus. If our foundation is truly in Christ and not ourselves or anyone else, we will feel Him leading us. The Holy Spirit is never separated from the believer. If we are seeking the heart of God, the heart of God will be our guide.
Psalm 42:1-11
Jameson Thacker, Youth Pastor
The power of a simple gift is immeasurable when Christ is the center of our motivation. There truly is no way to know the impact of our surrendered heart for God's kingdom this side of heaven. If we give our "yes" and move forward in our lives with generosity and grace, everyone we meet will bear witness to the love of Christ. Not only in the Christmas season, but in every season, we are called as children of God to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a world that feels alone.
Matthew 18:1-4, 19:13-15
Kenny Nix, Pastor
We can use what seems to be difficulty in our lives to honor God. If you suffer well with what has been entrusted to you, God will use it to bring Himself glory. When we lean on Christ for strength we do not have on our own, the world can clearly see it is not of ourselves, but Jesus. Our reliance and faith in Jesus points others to Him and opens doors to share the gospel in ways nothing else can.
Ephesians 3:19-20
Ken Nix
We often thank God for everything but the most important of all, His great love for us. God never refuses His love or refuses to hear us when we cry out to Him. The psalmist emphasizes the importance of our praise to God for His great love and for all He has done for us. When we consider all God has done, our heart should overflow with gratitude and our lives should be an overarching picture of worship.
Psalm 107
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Jesus knows we need Him and He knows how to reach each one of us individually. When He encountered the woman at the well, He simply started talking to her. Even though He knew everything about this woman, He loved Her and poured truth and love into her. Her seeking heart and willingness to put her faith in Jesus changed everything for her.
In our lives, we will encounter people who need to hear truth. We do not have to know every word of scripture to share Christ. The Holy Spirit will lead us if we have the same seeking heart the woman had at the well that day. The same power that changed her life, still renews hearts that surrender to Him today. Following the Holy Spirit is a form of worship. We sometimes think it is about a song, but in reality, it is about what you do with your life for the Kingdom of God.
John 4:1-26
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Jesus, the ultimate picture of humility, teaches His disciples what it really means. To serve others and put the needs of those around you above your own is humility. Jesus served others in love and taught others to do the same. Giving Christ your "yes" and laying your pride aside is how we begin to truly have a seeking heart for God. Serving others is a tangible way of showing others the love of Jesus as you take steps of obedience to Him.
Matthew 20:20-28
Kenny Nix
Jesus, the Giver of Life and the One who has the power to forgive sins, sees us where we are. Christ came to teach by example; serving one another in love has the capacity to change lives and shame pride. We so often want the gift, but more than not, we overlook the Giver of the good gift. God made a way for our sins to be forgiven by sending Jesus to the world. Through His sacrifice, we are able to move forward and leave our past behind as we press toward Christ with our new lives.
Luke 7:36-50
Kenny Nix
"Truth In Nature" visits our house today with speakers, Brian Burchette and Jeff Davis.
Jeremiah 29:11-14
Just like art...the artwork is dependent upon the artist. We are the artwork and God, the artist, is forever working on us and our hearts are dependent on Him. We have a connected heart with Him because He dwells within us when we fully surrender to Christ. There is nothing we can do to earn the favor of God because without Him, we are inherently evil. The grace we are covered with when we are brought from death to life changes everything. Jesus has made someone who is dead, completely alive in Him and we can walk in the freedom His sacrifice paid to offer. When God created us, He made us new. We are His masterpiece.
Ephesians 2:1-10
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Continuing in our series "Behold...New", we are led to a passage Jesus used to show what truly loving like Christ is all about. When we are made new in our surrender to Jesus, our whole perception of what matters will change. Our heart will be open to needs around us and we will recognize, by the Spirit's leading, ways to honor God with how we love the world around us. Just like everyone who passed the man who was left by the side of the road, we have a choice to reach out and help those who need it. Being in tune to the Holy Spirit and how He is leading you will open opportunities to share the love of Christ and extend yourself for someone else. Honoring Christ with our lives most often takes the appearance of being a servant and loving people well, just like Jesus did for each of us.
Luke 10:25-37
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Having faith in God means trusting Him and being obedient when He says, "go". God can see all the way to the end of our journey. Surprises to us are the things God knew were coming our way. What seems like darkness to us does not seem the same way to Him. Being tuned in to the voice of the Holy Spirit is how you navigate in the darkness.
God made a covenant with Abram and said his descendants would be great and promises his people will inherit the land of Canaan. In our covenant with God is the Good News that tells us Christ came to stand in our place so we can be made right with God. In our surrender, He gives us freedom from all the things keeping us from living in His likeness. Christ came to do what we are unable to do for ourselves, to save us.
Genesis 12:1-20; 15:1-21
Kenny Nix, Pastor
When we become a believer in Christ, the first thing we must do is let go of our old self. The Holy Spirit begins a transformation in us that makes us a new creation. We have to embrace the newness that is being cultivated within the heart of flesh God has gifted us. When we fully surrender and cling to Jesus, our new life begins and we are now led by the Spirit within us. God will place a desire for the people in our lives, as well as those in the world, to come to Christ. Remaining open to Jesus and not being wrapped up in rules, traditions and checking the box is crucial to our effectiveness in sharing this hope we have to others. Christ changes everything. Once we see and believe that, it will be our deepest desire and calling to share this Good News with the world.
Luke 5:33-39
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Jesus was often questioned and even criticized by the Pharisees for associating with sinful people; they did not realize they were as sinful as those they judged so harshly. Jesus showed grace, compassion and offered forgiveness to those who saw their sin and repented. He is still as merciful today as He ever has been. When we see our sin in light of who Christ is we come to realize even our best falls short of His perfection. The good news of the gospel is, Jesus does not expect perfection. He only wants our seeking heart and for us to surrender to Him. Christ within us provides transformation and renewal. If we are His, He will take our broken past and make it into beauty for His kingdom.
Luke 7:36-50; Matthew 26:12
Ken Nix
As we continue in Romans 8, we reflect on the beginning of the chapter when Paul explains we are not under condemnation as believers in Christ. Because of our new life in Him, we are no longer under the law; rather, we are guided by the life-giving Spirit inside us. Moving ahead, we see not only are we free from condemnation, we are no longer bound or controlled by our sinful nature. The very Spirit of God, the same Spirit that brought breath back into the lungs of Christ after three days of death, lives inside every believer.
Christ died to give us freedom from all the things that keep us held back from Him. Surrendering to Him is the gateway to that freedom and eternal life in Him is the reward.
Romans 8:9-17
Kenny Nix, Pastor
As we continue in the series "No Matter What", we are led through the passage that shows us how God gave Joshua victory over a city because he obeyed God's instruction. Even though the battle plan did not make sense in the eyes of everyone, Joshua trusted and obeyed.
In our lives, the battle is already won. Walking in sync with the Holy Spirit, trusting Christ and obeying God's direction will often seem like it is futile. It is only when we try to walk on our own that our efforts become fruitless.
Joshua 5:13-15, 6:1-22
Kenny Nix, Pastor
As followers of Christ, there is no condemnation for us in this life. We tend to forget that fact when it comes to things we struggle with or situations others find themselves in that are against God. A life surrendered to Jesus is not a life without trouble or sin. Our lives are riddled with setbacks, trials, pain and failure. A believer seeking Christ is not immune to any of the things life and sin bring our way; the struggles and setbacks deepen our dependence on the One who is able to deliver us from our brokenness. Jesus died so we can walk in the freedom His sacrifice paid for.
Romans 8:1-8
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Paul taught and encouraged believers everywhere. What we face here on this earth for the sake of the gospel is worth it. He urges us to remember this life is temporary and only the things that are eternal will last. When Paul and Silas were in prison and the jailer came to Christ, it only strengthened their faith. God's power continued to illuminate the light of Christ and His power was amplified in the lives of His followers.
The same power that shook the walls of the prison and saved the jailer is alive and well today in the hearts that are led by the Holy Spirit. The spread of the gospel is as important as it was in the early church. The results of a soul surrendered to Christ is just as new and the power of the Holy Spirit to lead in difficult places is as powerful as it ever has been. Jesus died to give freedom to those who follow Him; it is our choice to walk in it.
Acts 16:25-34; 2 Corinthians 4:5-18
Dawn Hedgepeth
In part two of our series, "Behold...New", we take an honest look at how Christ loves us regardless of our struggles in life. Scripture perfectly states we are made new once we place our faith in Jesus and loved by God. His word is alive and active, ready to replace our heart of stone with a heart of flesh. Once the Holy Spirit lives within us, we still sin, but we are no longer controlled by sin. God is for us and He offered His Son to give us freedom from the bondage that holds us down. As followers of Christ, we can walk in the freedom He died to provide.
Colossians 3:5-6; Hebrews 4:12-13; Colossians 2:13-15; Micah 7:8-9
Jameson Thacker
In John 15, Jesus tells His disciples how important it is to love each other. He teaches them there is no greater love than giving your life for others. They did not understand the depth of the love He taught about on that day, but later would see it lived out when He gave His life for them and the rest of the world.
Our nature is to do the opposite of what Jesus calls us to do. The Spirit leads and guides believers and it is always in opposition to what the flesh desires. Following Christ will never make sense to the world, but will always impact it. Praying for those who are against you, forgiving others when they do not care and loving the unlovable are all things Christ did as an example for us. When we follow Jesus and love others to the point of death, the mark of the Spirit is on us in such a way, no amount of darkness can extinguish His light.
Matthew 5:38-48
Kenny Nix, Pastor
As we begin a new series "Behold...New", we are met by a Savior willing to wash our feet. In this passage, Jesus shows the disciples who He is by humbling Himself to them to serve them, even the one who would betray Him.
Those who place their trust in Christ are not defined by our past or our circumstances. We are defined by a Savior that says, "Behold I have made all things new". Followers of Christ can rest in the truth of God's word that He never leaves us and He brings to life what once was dead.
John 13:1-17
Kenny Nix, Pastor
As we journey through the book of Esther, we will find it is filled with God's faithfulness and hope throughout its entirety. The common theme in the pages of this account in the life of Esther is favor. Esther would gain favor in the eyes of all who encountered her and this would be what saved not only her life, but the lives of the Jewish people she set out to save.
Esther stood in the gap for those who could not save themselves. She was put in a position to put her life on the line in order to rescue those facing certain death; she chose to walk in obedience to that calling. Jesus stood in the gap for you and I. We could never reconcile ourselves to God on our own because of the sin that controls our wicked hearts. It is only by the blood of Christ that we can encounter complete transformation in our lives. Because of the sacrifice Jesus made, we are able to walk in the freedom He died to provide and live eternally with Him when this life is over.
Esther
Taylor Becke
When Jesus arrived to see his friend Lazarus, it seemed to everyone else He was too late. Martha even said if He had only been there sooner, He could have saved her brother. The beauty is, it is never too late for Christ to intervene in someone's life. Jesus is the resurrection and the life; He restores what we see as broken and dead.
Following the Holy Spirit's direction in our lives is key to being obedient to Christ. If we are seeking after the will of God in our daily lives, He will grow our dependence on Him and give us life through His word.
John 11:1-16
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Zacchaeus was a man made wealthy for selling himself out to the oppressors of his own people. He was a man who was completely motivated by money and living for what he wanted, until Jesus called his name.
When we recognize in our own lives we are prideful and selfish at best, we can begin to see how much transformation is truly needed in our hearts. We are unable to bring true change to ourselves because we are motivated by things that appeal to us. Following Christ goes against our very nature because we have to lay down the things of the world that we so tightly cling to.
Just as Zacchaeus learned, Jesus loves every person. He wants to redeem our hearts so we are able to see and desire His truth above anything the world can offer. When our eyes are focused on Christ and His calling in our lives, our pride has a difficult time taking the lead.
Luke 19:1-10; Luke 4:16-21
"The point of the gospel is not that we fix it; it's that we can't but, there is someone who can." -Jameson Thacker
Job; John 11:28-35
Jameson Thacker
Continuing through our series "No Matter What", we look at Elisha's life when he could have destroyed the Aramean army. Elisha had every right to give permission to have the men killed who were trying to destroy him, but instead gave them food and sent them on their way. God was on Elisha's side and he knew it.
When we are walking in fellowship with Christ, everything about our perspective is different than it would be otherwise. We are able to see the bigger picture and rely on the Holy Spirit's direction, instead of doing what we feel justified in. Being Spirit led often means loving our enemies or praying for people who hurt us. These are instructions given to us by Jesus Himself. Denying ourselves, trusting Christ and walking in the freedom He has offered will produce within the life of the believer the ability to love those who are most difficult to love. Surrendering to Jesus will bring life and love to our hearts that are otherwise dead to things outside our own desires.
2 Kings 6:8-23, Luke 6:27
Dawn Hedgepeth
As we continue in our series "Kingdom", we follow a passage continued from last week. Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees, explaining the kingdom of God is among you in the hearts of believers. He goes on to teach on surrendering to the will of God is trusting in Him and letting go of the former things. As mentioned, Noah was righteous and obeyed the instruction God gave to him. Noah did not know initially he would be spared when the earth was flooded. He obeyed anyway.
In our lives, when the Holy Spirit leads us into places we do not fully understand, we can still trust Him. Jesus teaches us to count the cost before committing our lives to Him. Everything in our life has to fall secondary to Christ in order to be His disciple. If we hold things or people above Him, we aren't fully surrendered and walking in the freedom He died to give us.
Luke 17:26-37
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Through our heartache and pain, even when we believe otherwise, God cares. Job faced what seemed to be insurmountable challenges with the losses he endured. One thing never changed for Job, he never stopped worshipping the Lord. Job understood God was in control and he did not doubt Who had given him all he had. He mourned his loss. He cried out to God in agony. He prayed through his deepest pain because he trusted God.
God loves each of us so much, He sent Christ to defeat death, hell and the grave. In our darkest night, we too can worship. In our lack of understanding, in the face of our enemy, we too can praise God for the great love He has for each of us. True faith is where true worship lies. The overflow from what Christ has placed in our hearts will sustain us in our most trying times.
Job 1:13-22, 2:1-13, 13:1-15
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Jesus taught in this passage that the kingdom of God was among those who were listening to His message. He was introducing new knowledge about Himself and about God's desire for His followers. The realization is to be in God's kingdom, God actually has to be Lord over your life.
Jesus changed the view on traditional laws by showing the bondage of legalism does not draw you closer to God, it only make pride and judgement of others rise up in those who want to be "right". Surrendering to Christ and living by the Holy Spirit's direction is what it means to be in God's kingdom. A true relationship with Him will bring life change that the world will recognize as God's work in a person.
Luke 20:17-25
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Regardless of our backstory, current story or the story we have made up in our minds that keep us from believing God can use us, He absolutely can. Rahab was the most surprising choice to be used by God because she was a prostitute. When we see ourselves compared to other people, we can begin to compare against things we have done or standards we will never attain. Christ does not see us in the same way. Placing our faith in Jesus, He uses the transformation in our lives to bring glory to Himself by showing the power of a changed life. Rahab had a seeking heart that He used in spite of her circumstances. God requires a willing soul and complete faith in Him to rescue our hearts and give us new life in Him.
Joshua 2:1-24; Matthew 1
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In the series "No Matter What", there have been many examples of people in scripture who have walked with God as He guided their steps and people saw the works of the Lord through them. In this talk, we are faced with questions we must ask of ourselves if we claim to follow Jesus, such as, "What if you were called by God to speak a message of repentance and no one ever listened?". Another question we may find ourselves asking is, "What if you continued to be obedient in your calling and you were alone in what you believed, could you stay resolved to those convictions?".
Walking through scripture and taking God's Word for what it actually is, instead of trying to bend the meaning to always end well for His people, is oftentimes unpleasant. Our hope is that we find Christ when we seek Him with all our heart. The superficial hopes of this earth will destroy our faith if we are not rooted in Jesus alone. Jeremiah had hope, like we do today, because his eyes were fixed on things eternal. The promised Comforter and faith in Christ as Savior are where our true hope lie.
Jeremiah 7:1-10, 29: 4-14, 31: 31-34
Kassidy Nix
As we continue in our "He Cares For You" series, we see Christ in the center of all things. He came to bring the message of salvation to the world. He taught not only His disciples, but everyone who listened to His message that He is the only way to be reconciled to God. What Christ did for the world by giving His life as a ransom changed everything. We now have a way to be freed from the bondage sin once had on all of humanity. When Jesus ascended, the Comforter came so we are never alone. Christ literally lives within every believer who places their faith in Him.
John 14:1-4
Kenny Nix, Pastor
The character of God never changes. He was, is and always will be I AM. Amos reveals God's character in his book. Even when times seem hopeless, God is there, working all things to further reveal His glory. Amos shows us even when we are unable to see the good, God is sovereign and working all things to point to that fact.
Amos 1-9
Jameson Thacker
Oftentimes, giants in our lives will come with brutal force when we least expect it. David faced Goliath who was bigger, stronger and, by all accounts, more than capable of destroying anyone who dared to stand against him. David was confident nothing could defeat him with God on his side.
We will all face giants of various kinds during our lifetimes. This does not indicate we are forgotten or discarded. On the contrary, these times of doubt, fear, loss or desperation are opportunities to lay everything at the feet of Christ and trust He truly does care as much as scripture says. We can face these times with confidence because we never have to walk into a battle without Him by our side.
1 Samuel 17:1-51; Psalm 56:1-13
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In this message, we take a look at a man who knew his heart was being stirred to take action against something that was happening. Even against fear, possible death from the king, opposition and the huge task ahead, Nehemiah pushed forward. God was with him in each step of his journey.
In our own lives, God is faithful just like He always has been. Despite our worst days, He is there. He is the strength of our lives and He fortifies those roots that grow deep by being I AM in all things. He is sovereign, knowing what is best for our good and His glory. If your life is in ruins, He is the only one who can rebuild your broken heart with a story that can do the same for someone else. When Christ is your focus, everyone you encounter will see a transformation that can stir even the most hardened heart.
Nehemiah
Kenny Nix, Pastor
During the time of Jesus' earthly ministry, He often healed people who were stricken with diseases and other ailments. Many people came to Him and many others followed Him as He went from town to town proclaiming the Kingdom of God. His purpose in doing these miracles was to show He was truly God's Son and sent by Him. Every person who was touched by Jesus was changed. On this day, on His way to heal a man's daughter, someone touched Him in faith.
Jesus calls us to follow Him, leaving everything behind and making Him our life's focus. When our heart is changed and we become a new creation, we leave behind our former self and push toward the will of Christ for our lives. When we reach out in faith, just as in the time of Christ on Earth, our entire life is changed.
Matthew 14:13-16; Luke 8:40-48
Kenny Nix, Pastor
As we continue our series "No Matter What", we see the obedience of Moses. The Israelites continually turned on God by complaining or disregarding what He said through Moses. God provided safety, food, water and every other thing the people needed to reach the land that He promised them. The people refused to see what had been given; instead they focused on what they left behind and the hard road that was ahead.
Following God is not easy. Many times in our pursuit of Christ, we can be tempted to give up and turn back. If we stay in the fight, Jesus will be our Provider just like God provided for the Israelites. Jesus is worth the fight and He goes before us in all our days.
Exodus 15:22-27, 16:1-36
Kenny Nix, Pastor
There are so many things in life that can make us feel like we are walking closely with God and nothing could ever shake our faith. There are also things that happen in life that make us feel completely alone, wondering how we got to such a dark place in our mind. Elisha experienced this after he called fire down from heaven. He was walking with God so closely that his prayers were immediately answered and the prophets of Baal were destroyed. No one could deny the power of God that day. Almost immediately afterward, he is waiting to die because of Jezebel.
In our own lives, we do the same thing. God patiently pursues us, like He did Elisha. He calls us to nourish ourselves and keep going. He goes before us and knows what lies ahead. Although troubles come our way, God cares for us and is there when we genuinely yield to His will. Simply or routinely checking the box is not the same as surrendering and obeying from the overflow of worship to Him.
1 Kings 19:1-18
Kenny Nix, Pastor
What are you willing to sacrifice for the gospel? In our new series "No Matter What", we will walk through scripture and see people who risked everything to hold tightly to Christ, regardless of the personal cost.
God has called people from the beginning of time to live lives for His glory; He is calling you and I to do the same today. We are often mistaken by thinking our lives will be easier if we follow Jesus. This is actually in direct opposition to what scripture reveals. Jesus Himself said the world hates Him and in turn will hate His followers. We have a real enemy, but our Ally is victorious and through Him we are more than conquerors. We cannot be defeated if our eyes are fixed on Jesus, no matter what happens to us this side of eternity.
Daniel 3
Meadow Houck
Walking in step with the Holy Spirit leads not only toward the things of God, it gives us the courage to face adversity with confidence we are not leading ourselves. Whether leading our family or stepping up to do something God calls us to do outside our comfort zone, regardless of the outcome, our lives are in the best place they can be if we are surrendered to Him.
Leading by example is what we do, even if we do not recognize it. Someone is watching, even emulating, our actions; we are called to live lives of integrity when we claim to follow Jesus. We should not be one way publicly and another way behind closed doors. Christ calls us to fully depend on Him and lead the lives He calls His people to live.
2 Samuel 23:20-21; Ephesians 6:1-6, 10-18
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Sharing the gospel in itself can feel intimidating and make us feel ill-equipped. When it comes to actually stepping out and actually talking with someone about Christ, the incredible thing is we are not alone in it. We do not have to be a Religion major to share the gospel or how God has transformed our own lives. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from death is alive and well in every believer and speaks through those who depend on Him.
In our message, the whole scenario is laid out before us in the pages of scripture. Jesus is intentionally laying down His life to redeem the world and give life with fellowship to God that never ends. Intimidation, culture differences, even language barriers can not stop the spread of the Good News. We are the vessels in which God has chosen to use. He sent Christ to rescue us; we now have a unique opportunity to go and serve others in His name.
John 19
Rachel Wallace
Paul explains in our surrender to Christ, salvation is immediate but sanctification takes a lifetime. Although we are unworthy to be loved and rescued by Jesus, His worthiness takes the place of our sin and His grace covers our most grievous sin. Even when we walk in shame rather than the freedom salvation provides, nothing can overtake the truth of the faithfulness of God to redeem our hearts to Him. Instead of dwelling on mistakes and shortcomings of our past, move forward and live in the freedom His mercy has offered.
1 Corinthians 15:3-10
Jameson Thacker
Enoch walked with God. He walked so closely with Him, scripture tells us Enoch never experienced death. Being tuned in to God's voice is the only way to combat the distractions that get us away from His voice. Constant communication is key to staying connected and steadfast in your faith. It is impossible to walk with God without faith.
Hebrews 11:5-6; Genesis 5:21-24
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Faith is not only wanting what your heart desires and believing it will happen, it is also knowing God has a purpose and His desire is for our good and His glory. Giving in to the realization that His will being lived out in our lives brings fruit to our lives and others see Christ in that makes following Him worth whatever comes our way. Oftentimes, we miss out on His true power because we begin to doubt. Faith is taking God at His word and believing what He says is true.
Luke 9:37-43
Kenny Nix, Pastor
When we completely surrender our lives to Christ, He transforms our hearts and desires. Matthew records his own transformation and in it revels what he left behind in order to fully follow after Jesus. Simon was changed just as much but he came from a different place in life altogether. Simon was passionate about maintaining Jewish customs and not conforming to the Roman way, while Matthew had sold out to the Romans as a tax collector of his own people. When they chose to believe in Jesus and pursue Him with their lives, they left everything to become a disciple of Christ.
Our lives look different in many ways today but the cost is still the same. To claim Jesus means dying to ourselves and living a life of surrender to Him regardless of the cost. When we follow Christ, we are not only united to Him. We are united to each other as the Body of Christ. To truly give ourselves to Jesus means to obey Him to the point of death and obeying all things He commands.
Matthew 9:9, Matthew 10
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Matthew
"Run with endurance and keep your eyes fixed on the prize." Anyone who has read or listened to scripture more than a handful of times has likely heard this statement at least once. We also hear and read of the "great cloud of witnesses" we are surrounded by. Oftentimes the full picture is left incomplete and we assume or land on the wrong meaning the writers are trying to encourage us with. Keeping our eyes on the prize is not about a reward we may imagine, such as a spotlight on how well we have done. The ultimate prize the writer speaks of is eternity with Jesus Christ once our faithful service to Him is complete on this earth. The same is true with the witnesses. The emphasis is often placed on the ones who have gone before us, instead of focusing on the One we race toward. We each have our own race laid out before us and our own lane to focus on. Jesus is the prize and it is for Him we run.
Hebrews 12:1-2
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Jesus saw Nathaniel under a fig tree before He ever officially met him. Jesus sees you and I whether or not we have surrendered our hearts to Him and He loves us. Once we have given control of our lives to Christ, the Holy Spirit begins to transform every part of who we are from the inside. The outward overflow of our hearts will be obedience and the use of gifts He has given each of us.
The love of Christ changes everything. Where there was once a dead heart and a hopeless life, He restores and gives a new heart full of hope in Jesus. He uses a transformed life to show the world, only He can make all things new.
John 1:43-48; Romans 12:1-10, 2 Timothy 1:12
Dawn Hedgepeth
From the beginning of time until today, we can see that distortion of God's word can lead to sin in the name of Jesus. Our hearts are naturally wicked and drawn to live out our own desires. If we do not fully die to ourselves, we cannot bear the image of God. Without the rescue of Christ, we will self destruct. When total surrender in our lives happens, we are free from the weight of what holds us down. We are free to walk in the light of Christ. We are able to love others with a love the world does not understand. We can love supernaturally because we have been supernaturally rescued from death.
1 John 3:11-19
Kenny Nix, Pastor
We are led through a book by Brother Lawrence titled, "The Practice of the Presence of God", and highlight coinciding scripture references that point to three main takeaways. Holding fast to these intentional practices along with complete surrender to Christ will be a guiding force to Believers as we walk this life in preparation to meet Jesus.
-Continually talk to God.
-Do everything you do as if you are doing it for Him.
-Ask for forgiveness and help immediately and forget it.
Luke 10:38-42; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18; Matthew 24:45-47; Colossians 3:23-24
Ken Nix
John, the only remaining member of the Twelve Disciples of Christ, had been sent away to the island of Patmos for preaching about Jesus. The book of Revelation was written while he was exiled. As John is worshipping on the Lord's Day, he sees Jesus, who gives him a message for seven churches. Through John's account of what Christ reveals to Him, one message is clear, Jesus loves the Church. We know Christ died for His people and all the people to come, but He actively loves us today and is commanding us to reach those who do not know Him or His great love. He is above all and is completely sovereign in all things. He lacks nothing, yet chooses to use us to further the gospel and bring Him glory. He stands with His church, strengthening and leading for the world to see Him. We, like John, are the vessels in which He has chosen to use to proclaim His wondrous and mighty Name. Because God is our refuge and strength, we can take heart in the face of calamity of any kind, just as John did. We speak and move through life on the authority of the One who is sovereign over all.
Revelation 1:9-20
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Our identity is a reflection of who we are. If we are in Christ, we have surrendered our lives to Him and all we do shows that we are image bearers of God. Everything that happens is for God's glory; even Jesus lives for the glory of God.
We can surrender our desires, faults, dreams and our very lives to the One who gives us victory over our sin through salvation. We are no longer left to figure out our purpose on our own. Once we surrender to Christ and follow Him, we are no longer slaves to the world or anything in it. We are free to walk in the joy of His salvation.
Acts 19:1-4, 22:16; Romans 6:1-16, 10:5-9
Ken Nix
When everything in life is stripped away, it is only Jesus that matters. Jesus, God in human flesh, chose to rescue humanity in the most unexpected, perfect way. Through Christ's obedience and complete surrender to His Father's will, the incomprehensible love of God did what no man could do. A love that is inconceivable for a mere man is exactly what reflects His perfect glory to all creation. The love that shows hope in despair, brings beauty from ashes and brings life to death is who our Savior chose to be. God loved us so much that He chose to die so we could be free of sin's power over us. We celebrate His resurrection because He has defeated our enemy. We are empowered by the same Spirit to give our lives for His glory.
Matthew 16:13-28
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In celebrating the ultimate resurrection, the resurrection of Jesus, we must see beyond our own salvation and remember we are here to tell others so they can be brought from death to life as well. There is an urgency in the gospel that compels every believer to forsake every other thing on this earth in order to fully serve Christ in full obedience. Paul clearly says the most important message we can ever receive is Jesus died, was buried and raised to life on the third day.
With the Gospel being urgent and of utmost importance, it can only be celebrated by those that hear it and surrender their souls in time. No one is excused from the call to share the gospel or the command to go wherever the Holy Spirit leads.
1 Corinthians 15: 1-9
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Even in our most difficult days and in times of what seems to be total defeat, Jesus brings victory in every situation. Listen as we journey through the death of one of Jesus' closest friends and how we can know for ourselves His resurrection power is sovereign over every situation in our lives.
John 11:1-44
Rachel Wallace
If we have surrendered our hearts and lives to Christ, we are not meant to live life alone. For many, God fills in the gaps where people have voids. You may not have two loving birth parents who play a key role in your life, but God will send someone to pour into you if you remain open to what He is building for His glory. Accountability partnerships are what help us to keep going when we feel like giving up. We lift each other up so the world will continue to see God's provision and strength displayed in His people.
Ecclesiastes 4
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In our third message in the "Resurrected" series, Jesus brings a little girl back to life. In the middle of His encounter with Jairus, the girl's father, He has another opportunity to show the power of God through a miraculous healing.
Whether we are suffering a physical ailment that is obvious to the world or we have a need no one else knows about, He knows. We are never overlooked or counted as insignificant. Each one of us is seen and loved. Give your all to the One who is faithful and true in every season of our lives.
Mark 5:21-43; Psalm 23:1-4; 2 Corinthians 4:8-10, 16-18
Dawn Hedgepeth
As King Solomon continues to grapple with the realities of life's brevity and the meaning behind it, he finds one thing that never changes. God is eternal and He is not constrained by time. While we have such a short time to live, He is everlasting. God sees the world in its fullness, including past, present and future. We are born with a desire to search for meaning and purpose, but in our search we find ourselves frustrated and empty. Only God can fulfill our longing to understand life and our purpose for being here. We are here for God's glory and purpose. He uses us in our frailty to reveal His strength; He choose us despite the fact He does not need our help with anything. God has planted eternity in the human heart. In our full surrender, He gives us eternity with Him through Jesus' sacrifice for all we could not reconcile. In our yielding, we see true joy in a sacrifice of love and true meaning in a life surrendered to our sovereign Creator.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-15
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In our second message "Resurrected", we are taken through a piece of time in the life of Abraham. God had promised Abraham he would produce an heir but he did not understand how it could possibly happen for him and his aging wife. God proves faithful in His promise and Abraham proves his faith in God by continued obedience, even in what seems to be a difficult situation. Through that obedience, God fulfills His promise and blesses Abraham and proves He is the God who provides.
In our lives, we often look at what is directly in front of us and question how it can serve God. We see only that it does not make sense in the moment, forgetting He has the vantage point of seeing an outcome that may take generations to come to pass. Remaining faithful and obedient is of use to God, trying to figure out all of the reasons "why" is not.
Trusting God is knowing even if things look lifeless to us; God is fully capable of resurrecting anything.
Genesis 15:1-6, 17:15-22, 22:1-19; Romans 4:5
Ken Nix, Sr.
In our realities of this life, it is easy to become discouraged. We come to understand hard times, confusion and death are all part of life. When we dwell on things that seem bleak, we can become inwardly focused and anxious wondering what the point of living actually is. If it all ends anyway, why do we strive for excellence, love or even pleasing God?
Even Solomon, with all his God given wisdom, pondered these things. He came to understand nothing under the sun has meaning unless it is centered around God. God actually gives meaning to the meaningless in and of life. Life only has meaning because of God, which means everything under the sun has meaning. There is hope in the hopeless situation, light in the darkest night and life in death's shadowy valley. We can trust Him fully because Jesus changes everything.
Ecclesiastes 2:12-26
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In the first message of our new series "Resurrected", we see the difference between being alive and just looking alive. Once Christ breathes eternal life into our spiritually dead soul, we show evidence of a transformed life. When we are playing a role or checking a box without Christ at the center of our lives, we are simply not living. It takes a true heart change to produce fruit of the Spirit and to live a life committed to Jesus rather than ourselves.
In our mess and our best efforts that fail, God can put the pieces back together. God showed Ezekiel this by taking him through a valley full of dry bones. When we place our faith in God alone, we can see the amazing things He is capable of doing in our surrender.
Ezekiel 37:1-14
Kenny Nix, Pastor
As we look at the life of King Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, we see his search for meaning. Nothing he desired was withheld from him. He had everything he ever wanted within reach and he found out it was all meaningless. The world and all that it possesses will never satisfy anyone's heart the way only God can.
In our lives, when we are in search of our purpose and the meaning of life, we will always come up empty if Jesus is not at the center of everything we are pursuing. The love of Christ amplifies every kind of love we experience. To live and experience life to the full, we must have total trust in Christ alone.
Ecclesiastes 2:1-11
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Mistakes do not keep us from being used by God. On the contrary, He actually redeems our mistakes to bring glory to Himself by using our stories of failure to open the hearts of those who need His grace. Christ not only takes us as we are, He actually wants us. Bringing our rebel hearts from death to life and the world seeing a new creation through the Holy Spirit is a truth no one can deny.
Jonah 1:1-17; 2:7-10; 3:1-5; Philippians 3:13-14;
Matthew 16:13-20; John 21:15-19
Ken Nix, Sr.
When you hear the question, "Do you love God?", what immediately comes to mind? For most of us, we answer, "Yes, of course I love God.", but we see in scripture that loving God is more than a feeling or a thought. Love is indeed action. Love is who God is and it is who He calls you and I to be.
If you answered "yes", evaluate your motives for the things you do. Do you act or speak for your own gain? Are you motivated by the Holy Spirit? When the Spirit lives inside you, you are motivated by Him to love others and give your life in service to Him.
2 Corinthians 2: 1-16
Kenny Nix, Pastor
As our series on spiritual disciplines continues we see all throughout scripture that fasting draws a believer closer to God. When we are desperate for direction, in the heart of a battle, in need of boldness or just want to hear from heaven, fasting is a way people have always listened to God. By replacing a physical desire for food with the spiritual disciple of fasting, you are in more than a state of prayer. You are putting your need or request at a sacrificial level.
Trusting God to provide what we need in our daily lives is faith in action. Fasting strengthens us on our faith journey and deepens our dependency on our all sufficient Savior.
Ephesians 6:12, Matthew 6:16-18, Luke 18:12, Exodus 34:28, Esther 4:16, Luke 4:2-4, Mark 2:18-20, 2 Samuel 12:15-17, Isaiah 58:1-14, Daniel 10:1-14
Ken Nix
In part III of "New Year, New You", we dive into the subject of prayer. Prayer can become routine and even habitual over time if we do not remain aware of Who we are actually speaking to and the power it possesses. Paul prayed in prison with joyful songs, changing his entire situation. The jailer, along with his entire family, followed Christ afterward.
Oftentimes, God places us in places of discomfort or understanding to stretch our faith and help us to see clearly our need to depend on Him and not ourselves. Other times though, as seen in this passage, it is for the sake of another's soul. When we understand we bear the image of God on our life if He resides inside our heart, it changes our entire perception of the world. We see people as those who are loved and wanted by God. He has extended an opportunity for believers to take part in showing the light of Christ to those who are in darkness.
Acts 16:25-30
Dawn Hedgepeth
Part III of our "Do Something in 2019" series brings us to the heart of Jesus. Everything He calls us to do can be summed up in this one word, "love". True love that flows from the wellspring of the Living Water, compels us to reach the world in the Name of Christ. When the love of Jesus resides in you, it bears fruit that represents the Spirit dwelling inside. If we are in Christ, we will not be satisfied watching others reach the world for the sake of the gospel. God will move you to do the same, whether you go alone or with others.
When love is rooted in Jesus, it multiplies.
John 21:3-9, 15-19; Revelation 21:1-5
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In our second message of the new year, we will focus on the spiritual discipline of solitude. In our pursuit of Christ, we look to Him as our model for the Christian life. Jesus did many things we strive to emulate and put into practice in our own lives such as prayer, fasting, loving others and getting alone with God. Jesus prayed openly, but He often went away from the crowds and, even His disciples, to be alone with His Father.
There are many reasons to seek solitude in our lives and, especially, in our walk with Christ. In his message, Kenny walks us through some of the most poignant reasons in scripture as recorded in the gospels.
Luke 4:1-2; Mark 6:30-33; Matthew 14:1-13; Luke 6:12-13; Luke 22:39-44; Luke 11:1
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In our second message of the "Do Something in 2019" series, we are taken through a passage that shows us exactly what worship is supposed to look like. Even in our exposed sin, Jesus calls us as we are and accepts us. It is only after we are connected to the true Vine that we begin to bear fruit in our lives of worship to God. The Pharisees thought they had figured out what a good relationship with God was, but hey missed the love, the true call of Christ.
Worship is not a song or a predetermined location with certain people. Worship is a part of who we are as believers. Offering ourselves in full to Christ, withholding nothing and loving others in His name is our worship to Him.
Luke 7:36-50; John 15:1-17
Kenny Nix, Pastor
As we begin a new year, we will be walking through a new series that focuses on spiritual disciplines. Paul leads the charge with encouragement to run to win this race we are in. He reminds us this is not an ordinary race where only one person takes home the prize, although the training is much the same. To run the race toward Christ means to lay aside the desires of our selfish nature and put on our new nature that longs for the things of God. Our new heart is led by the Spirit and pushes toward pleasing Jesus, instead of ourselves. In this race, we are led to bring others with us to the truth of Christ and His saving power. The rescue of each heart is a win for God's kingdom. Jesus is the prize and leading others to Him is the race we run.
1 Corinthians 9: 1-27
Kenny Nix, Pastor
As the new year approaches, we take a look at all we have worked toward for God's kingdom. Whether we are involved in trips, projects or directly discipling someone, we are called to do all things for the glory of God. Jesus teaches in this passage, if anyone truly believes in Him and seeks to serve Him, they will do the things He has done.
Working for Christ is not the same as just being busy. When we seek the heart of God and pray for His will to be done here just like it is in Heaven, we work toward showing the world who He is, with no recognition for ourselves. Our life will bear the fruit of a transformed heart striving to please Christ, not the world or even ourselves. We are called to continue the work of Jesus. What will you do with the time you have been given?
John 14:1-14
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In our third sermon of the "'Tis the Season" series, we walk through a passage that shows Jesus full of the Holy Spirit's power. Even in our sinful state, our human nature, Christ offers redemption to us. In order to fully surrender our lives to Jesus, we must receive the gospel and give ourselves over to Him. Only then can we truly walk in the freedom Christ died to give us.
Luke 4: 14-21
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Listen as Ken Nix asks the question, "Why do we come to church?", and how scripture points to the answer. If we take on the commandments given to His followers, we too can show the world we are truly His disciples.
Matthew 22:36-40, John 13:35, Matthew 8:23-27
Ken Nix, Sr.
In part two of our "'Tis the Season" series, we look at the importance, necessity even, of humility. We have to have a humble heart to get to Jesus, who is the foundation for everything we build our lives of faith upon. Jesus came to seek and save the lost. If we allow our pride to rule our lives, we will never understand our need for a Savior.
Luke 2:1-20
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In the new series "'Tis The Season", we approach the heart of the gospel and the full reason why Jesus came. Before we can fully accept the gracious gift He has come to offer us, we must see who we are in light of His perfection. We are all in the same condition needing the same thing today as those in the day of John the Baptist. "Repentance". Just as clear as his message was leading up to the revelation of who Messiah was, it is as clear today for those of us who recognize Christ as Savior. We have to repent to be saved. We are unable to celebrate the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus if at first we do not turn away from our old nature and allow our hearts to be changed by the Holy Spirit. We simply cannot live for God if we continue to live for ourselves.
God knows we are not perfect, but He desires our best. Give yourself to Him and He will transform you into a vessel for His glory. True repentance leads to a life with Christ that will never end.
Luke 1:5-17
Kenny Nix, Pastor
From the moment Adam introduced sin into the world, the full plan of redemption was already in motion.
Romans 5:12-19
Dawn Hedgepeth
As we continue our "Overcoming Anger" series, we are reminded how quickly anger can get out of control through the passage of Cain murdering his brother, Able. If we allow our sinful feelings to linger and grow, they will eventually turn into action.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus speaks directly about anger. He is clear that the motives in our heart are as sinful as our outward actions. If we have anger or any other thing against another person, reconciliation should come even before a sacrifice to God.
Genesis 4:1-26; Matthew 5:17-26
Kenny Nix, Pastor
When we are adopted into God's family, we are recipients of His grace. As we eagerly await His return, we have been given the opportunity to reach others who do not know the grace that is extended to them. We can tell of this truth because God has revealed Himself to us through Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1: 1-23
Rachel Wallace
Job faced so many setbacks in his lifetime. He was righteous and lived a life pleasing to God. In his darkest night of the soul, he cursed the day of his birth. In his despair, he cries out with painful questions of why he had to live to see this day of complete devastation.
Have you ever been angry with God? Many times over the course of our lives, we are faced with situations that make us feel confused, sad and even angry. What do we do when our anger is toward God?
Job 3:1-26, 38:1-41, 42:1-17
Kenny Nix, Pastor
When Christ calls, do you follow? Do you take up your cross and share the gospel with those in our path? What do you do with the calling Jesus places on your life?
Following Jesus and sharing the gospel are not only callings, they are responsibilities for every believer.
Mark 1:16-20, Ezekiel 33:1-9
Brian Burchette
In part two of our series "Overcoming Anger", Paul is reminding us not to seek revenge. Trying to even the score can get the best of a person and overtake us. We are called to conquer evil by doing good, pray for those who mean to harm us and offer grace as it has been offered to us.
When we behave differently than a person who is causing hurt, they see the difference. The ultimate goal is to point others to Christ. Changed behavior and a grace filled heart shows the light of Jesus.
Romans 12:14, 17-21
Kenny Nix, Pastor
After we become followers of Christ, we put on our new nature. We lay aside our old, sin controlled hearts and begin to walk in the light of Jesus. Sin no longer controls us. Oftentimes, anger gets a hold on us and we feel justified in allowing that anger to burn inside us against another person. Scripture teaches us self-centered anger is sin. In times of anger that controls you, don't allow it to remain inside your heart. Repent and give it to God. We must recognize who we are in comparison to Him and know He is the only One who can change our heart.
Ephesians 4:26-27, Psalm 4:4
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In our new series "Third and Long", our focus will be on getting back up when life knocks us down. We begin with a look at Paul on his first missionary journey. The Holy Spirit led him to Listra and things happened in that town that were unexpected. From a human perspective, Paul's effort to preach the gospel seemed hopeless.
In our lives, we often feel defeated in the fight. We do not always see God's hand at work and it can be tempting to give up. When we are in pursuit of Jesus and the Holy Spirit is leading us, we have to look beyond what we want and see what God has for us. God's plan may look completely different than what we have planned for our lives.
Paul knew the gospel mattered more than what looked like defeat; we have to believe that too. We must push forward for Christ, regardless of the consequences we could face here in this temporary life. Eternal things of God are worth the cost every time.
Acts 14:8-20
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In our darkest night, our greatest hour of need and even when facing consequences of our own pride and disobedience, God sees us. When we do all the things we know to be against His purpose for our lives, He still loves us. When we face defeat and certain destruction, redemption is near if we choose to see it. Jesus is more powerful than our sin. He is able to cover us with His grace, use our failures to redeem us and bring glory to Himself.
Judges 16:1-22
Kenny Nix, Pastor
There is only one way to God's kingdom. The broad road leads to our eventual demise, but is the one most traveled. The pathway to life with Christ is narrow and scripture tells us only a few ever find this path.
Matthew 7:13-14
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Samson was a Nazarite from birth and committed to the Lord by His parents. He had specific instructions on how to live and things to avoid during his lifetime in order to fulfill the calling placed on his life. Just like each of us, Samson turned to his own desires many times and extreme consequences followed. In his disobedience, the consequences that followed and those who were hurt because of those things, God was at work.
In our lives when we give in to sin and live our own way, we face consequences as well. Every step we take, God is at work in our situations. In our desperation, the faithfulness of God is there; call out to Him. There is a purpose and plan for you.
Judges 15:1-20
Kenny Nix, Pastor
When the angel of the Lord appeared to Samson's mother, he told her he would be set apart. With specific instructions given, a plan for the life of Samson was laid out. God would use him for His purpose and he would begin the process of deliverance for His people.
From the very beginning of the life of Christ, He was set up to be a sacrifice. His entire life pointed to the cross. If our lives are going to be characterized by anything, it should be sacrifice. The sacrifice God made when He offered His son to pay our debt redeems all of us. Christ knows each one of us intimately and cares about all we are going through. Even when we convice ourselves otherwise, Jesus sees our hearts and cares for each of us.
Judges 13:1-25
Kenny Nix, Pastor
As the passage opens, the psalmist openly calls out to God because his soul is longing for Him. He is thirsty for God's presence in the midst of questions and trouble in his life. Even in times of the psalmist's heartache, he knows true deliverance is not complete without God's hand guiding him.
In our own lives when everything looks out of control, we have to speak the truth of God's word into our minds. He is with us and has already won the victory. Speaking the living word of God to yourself again and again will begin to heal your hurt and shift your focus from wanting deliverance to longing for the Deliverer. Christ is enough to satisfy every need for every person. We only have to want Him more than any other thing.
Psalm 42:1-11
Jameson Thacker
When the people of Ephraim confronted Jephthah, it led to a battle. The people of Ephraim were defeated and when any of them tried to cross back over the Jordan River at the crossings, they were required to say the password. If they did not pronounce it correctly, they were killed.
In our lives, we are not required to pronounce a password correctly to follow Christ. We are, however, required to place our full faith and trust in Him. So many people only go through the motions and leave out the one thing that matters most, their heart. What is your faith like? Real faith in Christ means following after Him and letting Him lead you. Jesus is the Promised Land. Jesus is the answer.
Judges 12:1-7
Kenny Nix, Pastor
On the day Jesus was crucified, there were two criminals on either side of Him. Hanging there on their own crosses, they each had an encounter with Christ. Both men were guilty of their crimes and were deserving of the punishment that was being delievered to them. One was unrepentant and wanted Jesus only to gain something for himself- deliverance from his punishment. The other criminal recognized he was a sinner and needed deliverance of a different kind. He repented and asked Jesus to remember him in His kingdom.
We are one of two kinds of sinners, repentant or unrepentant. When we encounter the power of the Holy Spirit's call for us to surrender our lives and pursue Christ, we have a choice to make. If we openly follow Jesus, we should want to bring others to the kingdom with us. Knowing and walking in the truth of scripture allows us the privilege of living out the gospel with people in our lives.
Like 23:32-56
Rachel Wallace
Some of the closest earthly encounters anyone had with Jesus were the twelve disciples. John the Baptist had been paving the way for Jesus by telling everyone who would listen that Messiah was coming. He preached repentance everywhere he went.
When Nathanael found out about Jesus being the Promised One and coming from Nazareth, he wondered if anything good could even come from such a place. Jesus revealed who He truly was to Nathanael by letting him know he could see him even when he was not physically with Jesus. Nathanael realized He was truly the Son of God.
We see from the truth of scripture a transformed heart is possible regardless of where we are from or what our background looks like. Christ does not only see us as the rest of the world sees us, He looks on our heart. Despite the fact that we could never earn or deserve His grace, God pours it on those who seek Him with a heart of repentance.
John1:29-51
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Anyone can be used to carry out the purposes of God. When others see a mess or even a disability, it only shows who God is more briliantly when He uses them to bring glory to Himself. Ehud was called to kill Eglon of Moab, who was ruling over the Israelites. Ehud went to Eglon and told him he had a message from God for him, just before he stabbed Eglon to death with his dagger.
There are times in our lives God may call us to do something we may not understand. It is even possible we look incapable of carrying out our calling by all outward appearances. God does not limit our gifts or abilities by what people can see, or even by what we think. God is in the middle of our mess working His will in every aspect of life. With a repentant heart and complete surrender, there is nothing holding you back from walking in obedience to any call He places on your life.
Judges 3:12-30
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In the first message of our new series, "Close Encounters", we see two men who come face-to-face with Jesus. The first is a wealthy, religious leader who has followed all the rules, but lacked surrender in his heart and walked away from Christ. The second is Zacchaeus who faced Jesus and gave up everything in his heart to have a new life. Salvation came to his entire home because of his faith in Christ.
In our lives, we have a choice to surrender to Jesus or hold tightly to the temporal things of this world. The more in tune we are to the Spirit of God, the more our desires look like His desire for us. When we pursue righteousness, our lives produce fruit that looks a lot like the Spirit.
Luke 18:18-30, 19:1-9
Kenny Nix, Pastor
When invitations go out and nobody shows up, excuses usually follow. We are invited by Jesus to surrender to His call on our lives and have our hearts transformed in repentance. We do nothing to deserve this invitation, grace or freedom, yet it is freely offered. Feeling like we can never be good enough or be of any use to God are lies that keep us stuck. Excuses are an overflow of your relationship with Jesus.
The way we live our lives in service to others alongside the Body of Christ and our faithfulness to Him, will be a reflection of our relationship with Jesus.
Luke 14:15-24
Kenny Nix, Pastor
God reveals Himself to us in all of creation. He uses the expansive sky, the mountains that stretch toward the heavens and the oceans that move across the earth to show us His glory. He has preserved His word in scripture to teach us how to be wise, who to love and where to go in time of need. We can even learn from small, seemingly insignificant creatures who instinctively know how to make the most out who they are, the community in which they belong and where they want to end up.
In our pursuit of committing our lives to Jesus, we have to understand the importance of seeking Christ and storing up God's truth in our heart. Realizing we need each other and staying in the fight together is essential for understanding how important being part of the Body of Christ is. Finally, we press toward our hope, which is eternity with Jesus. There is a place prepared for those who have surrendered to Him and walk in the freedom He has given.
Proverbs 30:24-28
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In our lives, we will not always be fully prepared to face adversity when it comes. We have to use what God has equipped us with, even and especially when it does not look like enough.
Shamgar was facing 600 Philistines and was only armed with a ox goad. In all natural appearances, Shamgar did not have a chance to walk away as victor in the fight. To most, it would seem he should run or give up. God was with Shamgar in his fight and he defeated his enemy.
Keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus will be what makes the difference in our questions, struggles and our victories. Do not look to the left or right; do not give in to fear. God is with us just the same as He was with Shamgar. He is in the fight with us.
Judges 3:31
Kenny Nix, Pastor
After the death of Moses, Joshua was called by God to lead the Israelites to the land promised to them. God gave Joshua instructions on how to lead the people and promised to be with him, just as He had been with Moses. He told him to be strong and courageous and keep his focus straight on doing what God had called him to do.
In our lives, God is calling each of us to walk straight and keep our eyes fixed on Jesus. Where our eyes look, we will eventually follow. A seeking heart that longs after Jesus will be more likely to cling to the promises of God and lean less on itself. Our path is made straight when we surrender completely and give our lives fully to Christ.
Joshua 1:6-9; Proverbs 3:5-6; 4:25-27
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Barak had an enemy that seemed insurmountable. The odds were not in his favor and he knew he was not equipped to win the battle. God made a way for victory in a seemingly impossible situation. God went ahead of Barak and his warriors and used unexpected ways to give the victory. Everyone recognized the Lord made a way for Barak's army to defeat Sisera and his warriors.
From the very beginning God has had a plan. Our enemy has tried to destroy us from the beginning by any means necessary to keep our focus away from Jesus. Grace is extended time after time in scripture and in each of our lives today. God foreshadows His plan for Jesus in Genesis and continually shows what is to come from there. Grace is beyond our comprehension, but it is available for each one of us. The cross seemed like ultimate defeat for Jesus, but in reality it was ultimate victory. It was His plan all along to make a way for us through victory over death, hell and the grave.
Judges 4:1-24
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Making an impact begins at home. As leaders to our children and those God has placed in our lives, He has given great responsibility to us to help shape the people in our path each day. Nothing we do or say is ever wasted if we are doing it for God's glory and not our own. Our conversations matter. Our friendships matter. Our motives matter. Every thing we do or say matters in God's economy and He has gifted each one of His followers with the ability to shine His light so others can see Him.
Proverbs 1:1-10; 22:6; 13:24; 9:6-12; Hebrews 12:11
Brian Burchett
As the school year begins anew, there are fresh opportunities to make an impact wherever God has planted you. Being a friend, in light of scripture, shows us how important it is to carefully choose the words we use with one another. Walking with others in community means guarding your tongue and being the person who is not only in it for yourself, but offers true friendship to those you walk with.
Proverbs 18:19-21; 24
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In our new series "Judges", we see God immediately call Gideon with a clear message. Even amid Gideon's questions and doubt, God responds, "I am sending you." The Lord promised to be with Gideon while he carried out what God told him to do.
God began a work in Gideon's family first. Once we give God our "yes" to the call on our lives, we will be challenged to address things within ourselves before we can fully walk the journey God has laid before us. The struggles are difficult, painful and require a greater dependence on God. On the other side of the challenge is deeper roots of faith and a closer walk to the One who will never leave us. When we desire to follow Christ and seek God, we will find Him.
Judges 6:1-32
Kenny Nix, Pastor
God does not call His people to settle in and get comfortable. He calls us to obey Him regardless of how we feel about it. Our purpose is to walk in the calling God gives and to bring glory to Him with our lives.
"There is no such thing as a complacent Christian." -Keith Wilson
We, as followers of Christ, are God's voice to the world. He is using us to speak and show truth. God chooses to use the flawed and imperfect people of faith, not because we have done anything for ourselves, but to show He makes all things new. Do not miss a chance to let others see your transformed heart and the One who gave it to you. The time is now to walk confidently in step with the Holy Spirit's leading and let others see God's grace that covers sin.
2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Loving others makes everything else line up with God's will. There is an urgency for the spread of the gospel. True followers of Christ who know the truth are called to love the world and share this life transforming truth with them. When the Holy Spirit leads your life, others see a new life in you because of Jesus. In our pursuit of Christ, in the truth of scripture we see time is running out and we hear the call to see life through a different lens than before. Hold nothing back in your love for others or in the race set before you.
Wake up + Take off + Put on = Be ready.
Romans 13:8-14, Matthew 25:1-13
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Scripture repeatedly points to the importance and significance of fasting. Jesus taught on the heart behind fasting and how it is about the desire to have a deeper dependency on God rather than to follow a tradition. Christ came to set us free from the bondage of sin and the slavery to the law. When we perform for people to look like a lover of God instead of taking the grace offered to us by Christ's death and resurrection, we look just like the Pharisees we are so often appalled by.
True freedom comes in trusting God transforms our heart into one that desires His will above our own. Transformation begins when we place our faith in Christ and continues as we grow closer to Him.
Luke 5:33-39; Isaiah 58:1-8
Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
In our lives, much like the disciples lives, we have opportunities to distinguish God moments. If we are focused on Christ and our hearts are seeking Him, we can better recognize the glory of God and the ways we are gifted to worship and honor Him with our lives.
See the God moments. Don't ignore the Holy Spirit. Don't dismiss God over and over. Seize the times you know Jesus is showing His glory and make Him known in your life to the world.
Luke 9:28-44
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Fight for the joy. Don't give up the fight. Joy comes when your heart is satisified with Christ. Happiness is circumstantial; joy is trust in God. We can consider our trials a joy because we know the end result is relying more on Jesus. Our roots of faith will grow deeper in each season of seeing His faithfulness in our lives.
James 1:2-4, 12
Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
Don't waste your time. Embrace the truth. Trust in Jesus.
Luke 12:54-59
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Don't miss the God moments in your life. Opportunities are laid before us everyday to share the gospel with people in our lives. Oftentimes, we miss the most important moments in life for things that do not matter.
Jesus calls us to follow Him today just like He did to the first disciples. He simply says to follow Him.
Mark 1:1-20
Kenny Nix, Pastor
As we look into the wisdom of the Proverbs, Keith sums up the passage in three life giving points:
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Guard your heart.
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Avoid corrupt speech.
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Look straight ahead.
Proverbs 4:20-27
Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
As followers of Christ, we are supposed to be reflections of God's image. Nothing happens by chance. Each of us are here for an intended purpose. We all have meaning; our meaning is to reflect the image of our Creator. When our hearts are divided, we will not see His glory. It is when we allow God to search the depths of our hearts we begin to see how the holiness of God reflects His glory.
Is your life a reflection or a rejection of God's glory?
Acts 6:8-15; 7:51-60
Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
In the final words of Paul's letter to the believers in Ephesus, he sends a clear message that says we will not be able to stand without God. We have an enemy that seeks to destroy us. In order to follow Jesus and withstand the attacks thrown our way, we have to be prepared. Paul describes what the armor of God is, how to wear it and what benefit it is to those who walk with Christ.
Ephesians 6:10-18
Dawn Hedgepeth
Life is hard. Following Christ will never be easy, but it will always be worth it. Jesus calls us to count the cost of a life turned over to Him. Difficult things in the life of a believer will draw a deeper dependence for God out of them. Fully entrusting your life to Jesus and walking in the truth of scripture will point others to Him.
Embracing the hard things in life and continuing to build God's kingdom for His glory alone is a result of joy and redemption only the Holy Spirit can give.
Luke 14:25-35
Kenny Nix, Pastor
God desires our complete dependence on Him. He loves us and wants us to fully trust in Him, especially when life is difficult. The obedience of Christ that was displayed, along with the grace of God, outweighs any disappointment or heartache from an earthly relationship. In the holiness of God, we can see that He alone is what will sustain our hope and meet us where we are.
Ephesians 6:1-4
Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
As Paul explains in his letter to the Philippians, as a follower of Christ, we are called to walk in humility and love each other. It is difficult to work as one body if we are selfish and inwardly focused. Jesus led by example and took the form of a servant to show us what true humility looks like.
Philippians 2:1-11
Kenny Nix, Pastor
God's call on marriage mirrors Jesus' love and sacrifice for the Church. There is joy in true sacrifice and a desire to serve one another from a place of genuine compassion. Being grace filled and forgiving to one another in a marriage is a picture of Christ's unconditional love for us.
Ephesians 5:21-33
Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
"Faith is the sword that kills the sin." -Keith Wilson
Galatians 5:19-25
Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
Ask yourself, "Am I selfish or am I a Christ follower?". As Paul mentions in his letter, we bear a new nature. We are now image bearers of God, who is completely set apart and righteous. In living a life that is in pursuit of Jesus, we are called to die to our former, inwardly focused selves and live for Christ.
As Christians, we often look at our lives and think we are "okay" because we are living pretty good. We rarely recognize deception that has taken root in our hearts and walled us into our own desires. Paul challenges believers in Ephesus to examine their hearts and remember our lives are not our own if we follow Christ. We are called to lay aside our selfishness and allow the Spirit to renew our thoughts and attitudes.
Ephesians 4:17-32
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In the Parable of the lost son, we are reminded by the truth of scripture that we are never beyond the sight or hand of God. It is never too late to turn back to God with a contrite spirit. Even one sinner dying to self causes rejoicing in the prescence of the angels. God extends an overwhelming amount of grace that is given when a repentant heart surrenders to Christ.
Luke 15:11-32
Kenny Nix, Pastor
It is by God's grace we can turn away form sin and serve God and love others.
Ephesians 5:1-5
Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
Just like the lady celebrates over her lost coin being found, there is great joy in heaven when someone surrenders to Christ. We need God and we can do nothing good outside of Him. We are called to be ambassadors for love and to give grace to those around us because we have been given grace in our deepest sin. God calls us to have total dependency on Him and to lead those around us to the truth of Christ.
Luke 15:8-10
Kenny Nix, Pastor
God never changes but, He uses us in different ways. God gifts us with unique abilities and talents to bring Him glory and to point others to Christ. God has extended grace to us and now we extend that grace to others through the gifts He has given us.
If you are a Christ follower, you have a gift and a responsibility to serve with that gift. If you do not use the gift you have been given, you will not be filled with the full joy that is made known in our pursuit of Jesus. Practicing your spiritual gifts unifies the body and makes you flourish in the grace and knowledge of Christ.
Ephesians 4:7-16
Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
A good shepherd will leave his flock in the field to go and search for and rescue his lost sheep and bring him back again. Jesus is our Shepherd and will rescue our hearts and draw close to us. He gives an invitation for us to trust Him with everything and be a part of His flock. When we stray away, He is there.
Jesus is waiting. If you do not allow Him to be your good Shepherd, you will miss Him.
Luke 15:1-7
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Jesus calls us to live a life worthy of our calling, regardless of our circumstances. We are called to be like Christ and to make every effort to be the light of the world. Paul reminds us, time after time, we are one body and we are living for the purpose of bringing glory to God.
When we follow the leadership of the Holy Spirit and walk with Him, resting in Him knowing we are in the will of God will be our peace.
Ephesians 4:1-6
Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
Believing the message of Christ is what changes our hearts. It draws us to a deeper understanding of who we are without Him. As the Holy Spirit reveals to us we need Jesus, we see who we are in light of who He is. We can be rescued from our sin when we place our faith in Christ alone; He is the only way to God. The Holy Spirit reveals what needs to change in our lives once we fully surrender to Him.
Galatians 3:1-5
Kenny Nix, Pastor
If you are being obedient to Christ, do not ever question if what you are doing matters. It all matters and we give God all the glory for everything. Realizing we need to take our eyes off ourselves and see the bigger picture can be difficult; on the backside of that realization will come change that is crucial for spiritual growth and a deeper reliance on Christ.
Ephesians 3:14-21
Dawn Hedgepeth
No one will ever be made right with God by obeying the law. As Paul states to Peter, "A person is made right with God by faith in Jesus Christ...". We are not tied to the law once we give our lives up to follow Christ; we are receivers of His grace and live for Him.
Galatians 2:11-21
Kenny Nix, Pastor
As believers, we sometimes forget we were outsiders before Christ ruled our hearts. We lived in the world without God and without hope. Oftentimes, we overlook people who are not "like" us. Jesus taught us it is the heart that matters, not the outward appearance. When we are working together as one body and Christ as the Cornerstone, we are able to see that we are all pushing toward one purpose.
Pride is at the root of all sin. The closer we get to Christ, the more humble we will become. The Holy Spirit will lead and show us things within us that we need to repent of and reshape our desires to be what God desires for us.
Ephesians 2:11-22
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Paul teaches we are saved by faith in Christ alone. The absolute truth of how to get to God is through faith in Jesus; He is the only way. Christ calls His followers not to be self serving, but to be outwardly focused, loving and meeting the needs of those around us, in His name. The same call is placed on God's people today. Pursuing a life after Christ compels action and will produce fruit from the obedience of a life laid down to Him. Above all else, approval from God is what followers of Jesus must desire, not that of other people.
Galatians 1:6-10
Kenny Nix, Pastor
The gospel has nothing to do with feelings or emotions, it is all about Jesus. When we become followers of Christ who share this gospel with others, we are facilitators of the truth. We are not without sin, but the beauty of God using us in spite of who we are once we surrender to Jesus, is that He is more clearly seen. Christians who seek to serve God by sharing His grace with the world are broken vessels carrying living water to those He loves.
Ephesians 1:3-8
Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
Paul encourages believers to continue doing what is right in the eyes of Jesus. When we partner together as a body for the glory of Christ, we sacrifice our flesh for the Spirit that keeps us in sync. There is true freedom in Christ when we completely surrender to Him.
Galatians 6:4-10
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Grasping the level of sacrifice, obedience and love it took to rescue our rebel hearts to Christ causes us to feel the weight of our sin. This is an obvious contradiction of the thought we want to hold so tightly to, "I am a pretty good person." We clearly see in the light of truth, we need God. Life is meaningless without purpose and scripture speaks in truth to what our purpose is. Isaiah 43:7 says we were made by God for His glory.
Surrendering to Christ as Lord leads to repentance and a deep hunger for the things of God. Keith leads us in a talk that challenges us to search our own hearts and see what we are hungering for in our own lives. A true follower of Jesus will actively seek opportunites to be used for the glory of Christ. We will hunger and thirst for righteousness in our lives while we are led by the Spirit to walk through doors He is opening for us along the way.
Matthew 5:1-48
Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
Elisha, a Spirit led prophet of God, makes nourishing what would have otherwise been poison for the people. Just as the wild gourds were unfit for the men to eat without Elisha's help, our best intentions will ultimately be our demise without Christ leading us. The flour Elisha put in the stew provided a way for the people to eat in a time of great famine. Jesus' blood is the way God provided a rescue for our wicked hearts to be rescued and restored. Just as God moved in the heart of Elisha for the people, He moves in the hearts of those He calls today.
2 Kings 4:38-44
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In our continued series "Appetite", we are faced with a question that forces us to take an honest look at our life and the main focus of it, "What in your life is hindering you from having an intimate relationship with God?"
There are so many things in our lives that shift our focus away from God. It is crucial in our pursuit of Christ to step away from things that distract us from the things of God and the calling He has placed on each of us.
Matthew 9:1-38
Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
"Oh How He..." hurt for us. All of the events in the life of Jesus leading to Resurrection Sunday prove He loves us more than we can fully comprehend. It also clearly shows us how much He not only physically hurt in our place to pay our debt, it shows the emotional pain He experienced to fulfill God's will to rescue us from ourselves.
Because He is alive, we have hope.
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Would you trade everything for a moment of satisfaction? What you are hungry for will determine the outcome of your life and, ultimately, your eternity. All of us have to understand if we hunger for the things of God, we will love others and seek to serve them in the Name of Christ.
God's desire for us is to depend totally on Him and lean into His faithfulness for direction in our lives. Jesus paid the ultimate price for our freedom and it is a gift from God that we never hunger for the things of this world again. Only Christ can satisfy the hunger of a repentant heart and supply for us the Bread of Life.
Genesis 25:27-34, Hebrews 12:16-17
Rachel Wallace
God left His throne and became a man for the purpose of healing our hearts. His love is the true healing we all long for and need for our brokenness.
John 18:1-10
Kenny Nix, Pastor
As we begin a new series, Keith dives straight in and shows us in God's Word where sin originated. Scripture shows how sin originates in our mind and leads to the action of carrying it out. God in all His love and mercy extends the pair an invitation to turn away from sin and confess what had happened with the serpent in the garden.
God offers you and I the same grace through the love He extended each of us through Christ's sacrifice for our sins. Jesus is ever present in every part of God's Word and He is ever present in our lives today. The invitation still stands and God still desires for each person to turn away from the appetite of this world that kills our soul and run to Him for rescue.
Genesis 3:1-24
Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
In our new series, "Oh how He loves..." we see Jesus loving us right in the middle of our most sinful and desperate moments from the very start. The radical and uninhibited love of Christ is life changing. To be the recipient of the kind of love that is ever present in your most painful and shameful times will give you the strength to walk in faith with Jesus. He loves us at our lowest and He wants all of us.
John 8:1-11
Kenny Nix, Pastor
The Gospel in its entirety is a picture of the great love of God and the incredible wrath of God. We sell everything about the obedience and sacrifice of Jesus short when we dismiss or downplay our cup of suffering Christ took upon Himself for us.
The truth of scripture is that we deserve the full wrath of God. Instead of our hopeless state being our ultimate fate, God sent Jesus to be the Way, the Truth and the Life to which we are fully redeemed and made new when we surrender ourselves to Him. Our rebel hearts that are sinful in nature have traded the truth for a lie, but Christ is the Truth we can cling to for our soul's rescue.
Romans 1:18-25
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Even in the face of a new law, Daniel never changed how he prayed or worshipped God. He was prepared to face any consequence that was given rather than compromise on what he believed to be faithfulness to God. Daniel stood firm and knew the God he served was able to rescue him from any circumstance he would find himself in. He chose his hill to die on.
In our own lives, we are confronted daily with challenges that would be easier dealt with if we lessened our convictons in our journey of pursuing Christ. We have a choice: stand firm or walk in what seems easier in the moment. In life, there are times we must show who we are and what we stand for.
Jesus came to show us who God is and how to follow Him. He lived a perfect life filled with oppostion, which ultimately led to the hill He chose to die on. Christ died to show God wants to rescue us from all of the things surrounding us that pull us away and lead to compromise. He wants us to trust Him so we will stand firm regardless of the circumstances we may find ourselves in. As Kenny reiterated in our message, "He is still a rescuing and saving God."
Daniel 6:1-28
Kenny Nix, Pastor
As our series "Life" comes to a close, it can be summed up in our last message. Keith recaps our life and what we are all created for, our purpose, how to fulfill our purpose and, finally, destiny. What is our destiny and how can we live it out here and throughout eternity? Jesus taught our hope is in Him, and in Him life never ends. We read in the whole of scripture Jesus is life and we find our true destiny in walking toward Christ and living out our purpose in Him. Our destiny does not end with our life here; it carries over into eternity where we will be in perfect relation with Jesus forever.
John 18:34-38
Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
King Belshazzar, who followed Nebuchadnezzar, was in a place of power and had no regard for God or the house of God. During the events that led to Daniel being brought in to read the writing on the wall, the king is quickly sobered and reminded he is not in control of all things. Daniel explained to the king he would not remain in power, and because of his disregard for God, his kingdom would be divided. Daniel remained faithful to God and spoke truth to the king. Belshazzar made Daniel third highest in the kingdom and the Babylonian king was killed the same night.
Faithfulness to God changes everything. It causes repentance, melts pride and allows us to see, in humility, our hearts are in need of a rescue. Only Jesus can create a new heart within us.
Daniel 5:1-31
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Once we learn our purpose is to glorify God, the next step is to discover what that actually means. Paul encourages and teaches how we can use our renewed hearts to love the world in the name of Christ. Keeping our focus on Jesus, we are able to put Him in the forefront of our heart and love each other with the fullness He desires from us.
Colossians 3:1-17
Dawn Hedgepeth
As our "Life" series continues, Keith walks us through Romans 12 to show us what our true purpose is according to scripture. We are all here for one intention. God created mankind for His glory. If we are imitators of this world and the results in our lives show the desires of the world coming to fruition in our journey, we are in opposition to God's will for each of us.
When complete surrender to Christ happens in our heart, God begins to change the way we think. Our desires and our purpose in life shift because we are, in fact, a new creation. Motives, directions and dreams begin to take new shape and we are not led by our own desires any longer. The Holy Spirit leads our very heart with the light of Christ and we see every aspect of life with a new lens.
A seeking heart will find that true purpose is found in complete surrender to Christ.
Romans 12:1-21
Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
The truth of Christ still changes the heart.
The same Messiah that revealed Himself to the Samaritan woman at the well is the same Jesus that reveals Himself to us today.
John 4:1-54
Kenny Nix, Pastor
The one thing we have to know is Jesus is God. This truth is the cornerstone of our faith. There is a difference between having times in life when you are not as close to Jesus and others being able to look at your life and see no fruit or evidence of you being a Christ follower at all.
Jesus taught the disciples to love each other in the same way He loved them. True sacrifice is rooted in love and Christ personified that love when He offered Himself for the world.
John 15:1-17
Kenny Nix, Pastor
King Nebuchadnezzar heated the furnace seven times hotter than usual when Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego refused to bow down and worship the statue. They only added to the king's rage when they declared even if God did not deliver them from his wrath, they would never serve his gods or worship the golden statue.
Kenny explains, "As you count the cost, you should know the flames do not go away." In our lives, we will have trouble and pain. Heartache will visit us and despair will not pass over when those times come. The difference, though, is we do not walk alone. We are never alone.
Recognizing our need for God coupled with our surrender to Christ is what our heart longs for. It gives peace in the middle of the chaos that will oftentimes encamp around us. The enemy is real, but our victory in Christ is already won. We do not have to fear our enemy or the darkness that surrounds us during hard times. If we have the Holy Spirit dwelling inside, the Light of the World is our guide. No earthly circumstance can take that away.
Daniel 3:8-30
Kenny Nix, Pastor
"What Is Life?"
As we ask this question and seek truth from scripture, God immediately reveals Himself to us in an intimate way. God knows you and I. He not only knows us, He formed us and laid out each moment of our lives prior to our birth.
We are faced with seasons of wonder, uncertainty and even doubt about our lives along our journey. It is vital to our walk with Christ to be solid in our faith and know the truth of His word.
How will you tackle life's great questions? Who or what is your source for peace, truth and perserverance on your search? God loves each of us and has given insight through His word about the great depth of His grace extended to each person He has fearfully made.
Psalm 139:13-16
Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
In our fourth message in our series on Daniel, we see how crucial it is to stay focused on what God has called us to in our lives. There will be times in our pursuit of Christ where we will have to make the choice to stand solid on the truth or give in to the pressures around us. To make a difference in the world around us, we have to remain strong in our convictions and be Spirit led.
Daniel and his friends had the choice to give in, and potentially save their lives, or honor God at all costs. If we are in tune with the Holy Spirit in our lives, we will be joyful in the sacrifice, no matter what it looks like for us.
Daniel 3:1-16, Matthew 27:11-14, Isaiah 53:7-8
Kenny Nix, Pastor
The faithfulness throughout the book of Daniel is constant. Even though it seems hopeless many times, God's plan is in full motion the whole time. Daniel knew God had ultimate control over their situation and thanked God before he ever saw the outcome. God gives gifts and talents not for our benefit, but for His glory. Daniel used the ability God gave him to turn the eyes of the king to who is truly in control. God was recognized and glorified through Daniel's interpretation of the dream.
In our own lives, we cannot see the end result of our situation. If we lean into God's promises and trust His faithfulness, we are able to rest in our hope in Him. Whether or not we recognize Him as King, He is King.
Daniel 2:24-49
Kenny Nix, Pastor
As we walk through this life, there has to be a moment we realize there is more to life than "me". As a follower of Christ, it should be an overflow of a seeking heart to bear the burdens of others and serve the world in the name of Jesus. God's word points us toward that truth and there are times He chooses to use events in our world to open our eyes to what our calling in life truly is.
Paul constantly calls and encourages followers of Christ to remember who we are and to what cost our privilege to spread the Good News came. Jesus is our end goal and our greatest hope. He loved us so we could be equipped to love others in His Name.
Joshua 1:5, 2 Corinthians 3:17, Philippians 2:1-4
Dawn Hedgepeth, Danielle Calvert
King Nebuchadnezzar has had a disturbing dream and he wants an interpretation for it. Not only does the king want someone to explain what his dream means, he wants someone to tell him what his dream was actually about.
We see in the first half of this chapter, only God sees our heart, knows our thoughts and is wise enough to both give and interpret our dreams. God gives Daniel the insight that is needed to put in motion a series of events that will lead to understanding for the king and glory to God.
Daniel pauses and praises God for answering his request. In our own lives, being in communication with God is vital to being ready to obey when He calls us to do something. Seeking Him above all else, hearing His voice and knowing He is close causes us to pause and praise Him for His provision.
Daniel 2:1-23
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In our new series "Daniel", we immediately see God in the midst of what could become a bad situation. Among the captured young men from the Tribe of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah. They were given new names, a strict training regime and prepared meals from the king's kitchen. Daniel rejected the food, did not take the wine and asked for permission not to eat the foods he believed to be unacceptable. An agreement was reached and a trial for ten days was in place. In the end, these four men were chosen and looked far better than any others who had kept to the strict diet ordered by the king.
Even in the face of change in our enviornment, we are called to remain the people God has called us to be. God gave Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah favor in the king's sight so His purposes could be accomplished. God is always at work in our lives to bring fulfillment to His plan. In the face of hardships, we often cannot see any good in what is happening. Do not lose heart; God's will can never be changed. The things we compromise on that we believe do not matter, matter. God has called us to be set apart.
Daniel 1:1-21
Kenny Nix, Pastor
As we continue to read the letter from Paul to Timothy, we see encouragement to continue to remain faithful. Paul reminds Timothy to remember what he has been taught and the wisdom the scriptures have given him. God instructs and corrects with the truth of His word and uses it to equip His followers to do the work He calls them to.
Just as Timothy received this letter, we too hear the truth of Paul's words as he urges Timothy to remember telling others the Good News is the most important thing. We have to realize as followers of Christ, that is what we are called to do as well. Paul states, "Don't be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you." Those words are the words to us today. We have to remember no matter what happens to us in this life, it is Christ who lives inside us and it is for Christ we live.
2 Timothy 3:14-17, 4:1-5
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Stephen. He was a man described as "full of the Holy Spirit" and chosen to be one of the seven believerswho would be in charge of making sure the newly implemented food program was operating fairly. Stephen was not one of the twelve apostles teaching God's word, yet we see what a profound and lasting impact he made for God's kingdom in the role he was obedient in. We can clearly see through the arrest of Stephen and when he addresses the high priest and the other men present, God is working in all situations. In our times of waiting, confusion and pain, His will is being carried out. Even as Saul (who would later be named Paul) was in full agreement of the stoning of Stephen, God was working.
We often forget Jesus has saved us with a hope that is greater than our problems and our struggles. Stephen stood in faith and looked to Jesus even in the face of persecution and , ultimately, death. He knew his reward was Jesus and He was enough.
Jesus was enough for Stephen then, and Jesus is enough for us today.
Acts 7:1-60
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Paul writes to encourage Timothy to continue on in his calling and to remember who he is in Christ. While in prison, Paul reminds his brother in the faith to be ready to suffer for the gospel and rely on God's strength that is in him.
As followers of Christ, we are reminded Jesus defeated death and gives light to all those who follow Him. Because of our new heart, God has given us a new spirit of power, love and self-discipline. We walk in the truth of the Spirit and are not ashamed to tell others about Christ and all He has done for us. We can encourage other believers to continue in the faith, remember the joy we have in Christ and fully trust God, just as Paul did with Timothy.
2 Timothy 1:1-18
Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
As we continue in our series, "Act: What The Modern Church Isn't Doing", Kenny explains it is not the role of the pastor to fill in all the gaps. God has called pastors to devote themselves to teach His word. The percentage of partners who are actually serving in the church is low in comparison to those who attend. In American culture, if we are not excited, we are bored. If things are not new and fresh, many of us will look elsewhere.
We cannot bring the American culture attitude into the church. As followers of Christ, we are called to keep going, even and especially when the excitement has diminished. We are called to meet the need when we see the need. Our focus has to be on Christ and the message of His gospel. If we continue to be inwardly focused, the needs around us will not be seen or met. War must be waged against our internal thinking.
It is not the job of the pastor to fill the gaps. It is not someone else's responsibility to make sure everything is just the way it should be. As a believer, YOU are as responsible as anyone else to see needs and meet them.
Acts 6:1-7
Kenny Nix, Pastor
As Keith explains how sin causes us to die spiritually, he also speaks of the hope and freedom we have in Christ. Paul tells us in this passage, once we count the cost of following Christ and live for Him, sin has no power over our lives. Jesus defeated death and His life gives glory to God, as ours should.
Keith plainly explains we are no longer slaves to sin once we are in pursuit of Jesus. We are truly set free at the time of complete surrender. Our hope lies in the defeat of death, the resurrection of Christ and the grace God gives that is far greater than our sin.
Romans 6:5-14
Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
As we look at the first evangelists, we see true motivation to "go" comes from being changed by God. The shepherds who first received news of Jesus' birth could not help but to go and see. The shepherds hurried to see this prophecy come to life in Bethlehem. The long awaited, foretold promise of God had come to pass! Once the shepherds saw the Messiah just as the angel had said, the shepards told everyone about their visit from the angel and all that happened.
When you and I see our Salvation and it changes our lives, we are driven by the Spirit to seek Him for ourselves. It is a personal connection to God when Jesus transforms your rebel heart and gives you a new life. This is our motivation to "go" and tell everyone all that He has done for us.
David was driven to go up against Goliath for tormenting God's children and bringing shame to the name of the Lord. He refused to stand by and not do something to honor God and stand in the gap for His people. David was not about to back down, even if it had cost him his life. He knew God was fighting for him. God helped David defeat Goliath that day in the valley of Elah. In an even greater way, Jesus has defeated death. There is no more shame being brought to the name of the Lord, no more waiting for our salvation to come and no more fearing an enemy. Jesus has won and He is for us! Live in the joy of His salvation and hurry to tell everyone all He has shown to you through the power of His living word.
Luke 2:9-20; 1 Samuel 17
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In Acts 5, we see Ananias and Sapphira had a chance to do the right thing and be honest about withholding a portion of the money they made from the land they sold. Being reconciled to God through Christ, we have the same opportunity. God extends an invitation to us to turn away from ourselves and the things that pull us away from the closeness He desires. We sometimes dismiss the importance of our obedience to the Holy Spirit. We do not fully realize how greatly our sin affects us and those around us. You can’t be half way in on the gospel. Christ calls us to be all in with Him. The modern church has created a grey space in many areas, but there are no grey zones with God and what He has laid before us. Scripture has clearly laid out a black and white plan for each of us to follow.
Acts 5:1-11
Kenny Nix, Pastor
We find our identity in Christ. Jesus is the cornerstone and if we remain connected to Him, we are able to show others the goodness of God. We, as followers of Christ have been called out of the darkness and into the light so others can see and know God who is alive in us.
1 Peter 2:4-12
Kenny Nix, Pastor
So often, we pray against difficulties in our lives. Many times, we equate "God's blessings" with things that have little to do with God and more to do with our selfish desires. The human nature in each one of us craves easy, comfortable and safe; Jesus' followers faced the opposite and prayed for great boldness in the face of opposition.
As Kenny leads us in our fourth message of "Acts: What The Modern Church Isn't Doing", one overarching truth is seen time and time again in the lives of Christ followers. Our ultimate goal is to be closer to Jesus, not for life to be easy.
Acts 4:23-31
Kenny Nix, Pastor
If you are a believer in Christ and a follower of Him, you are alive in Christ. We are free to live because God raised Jesus from the dead. We can live with great expectation and look forward to an eternity with Jesus. That is our hope.
"True hope lies in what happens after we die." - Keith Wilson
1 Peter 1:1-7
Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
In this message from John Henderson, we see no matter where we go, we cannot outrun God. John shares with us the story of Jonah, in the book by the same name, and how trying to take matters into our own hands will only lead to our ultimate ruin. Just like Jonah, we have all determined at some point we have a "better idea" than the one God has placed on our heart. Oftentimes, it takes a major wake up call to get our attention and realize God is sovereign and obedience is what He desires from us.
Jonah
John Henderson
James, the earthly brother of Jesus, encourages us to count all hardships as joy and challenges us to not only know God's word, but obey it as well. He explains the purpose of walking in the truth of what God has revealed to us and the importance of staying unstained from the world. Staying connected to Christ will be what allows our faith, perserverance and endurance to stretch and grow.
James 1
Rachel Wallace
As we walk through part three of our series, "ACT: What the Modern Church Isn't Doing", Kenny explains the importance of not becoming complacent in the place God has led us to. Actively pursuing a life that follows Christ will require full reliance on the Holy Spirit, with that comes the awareness of our lives not belonging to us. Being poised and ready to go when God calls is what He wants from His people, which is the exact opposite of comfort and complacency.
In the same way Peter explained God wanted to restore the people who needed healing and for them to repent and follow Jesus, He wants the same for us today. In order to be fully restored and live in the hope He has promised through Jesus' sacrifice, we have to recognize we need healing in our hearts. We are broken and only Jesus can restore us through His salvation and our repentance.
In absolute surrender, there is undeniable freedom.
Acts 3:1-26
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Continuing in our series, "God's Word", the gospel writer John shows us Jesus is the living, breathing Word of God. The book of John is written to show us Jesus is the Son of God, able to change hearts even today. As Kenny explains in this message, Jesus is God's expression to mankind. Much like an artist expresses himself to the world through his art, God has expressed Himself through Jesus.
John 1:1-5, 14
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Part two of our series, "Act: What the Modern Church Isn't Doing", begins with us taking a look into the first century church. Immediately, we sense the familial connection through the Holy Spirit these believers had. They were deeply devoted to hearing the teachings from the apostles. They shared meals together and they prayed with one another. The followers of Christ during that time literally took care of each other by offering everything to their group.
When we take a look at what the modern church of America emulates today, it looks nothing like the church of the first century. When everything is stripped away, what holds us to Christ?
Acts 2:42-47
Kenny Nix, Pastor
As Keith explains in our continued series, "God's Word", we make following Christ burdensome. So often, we take our eyes off Jesus and do not rest in Him or follow the leading of the Spirit. In the gospel of Matthew, we see Jesus' burden is light and His yolk is easy if we will link up and lean into Him. Jesus wants to carry our weight and have us rest in Him. When we are following the Holy Spirit and become totally reliant on Christ, we are not working on our own; we are working with Christ.
Matthew 11
Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
In part one of our new series, "Act: What the Modern Church Isn't Doing" we begin with one simple, yet profound truth. Following the Holy Spirit is the most important thing we can do in our pursuit of Christ. When we depend fully on the Holy Spirit to lead our lives, He speaks to us and He gives us confidence to speak about Him to other people.
Discipleship is what followers of Christ are called to do, yet it is the thing that is neglected by so many Christians. God will lead us to the people He wants us to invest in and the Holy Spirit will speak to those we pour ourselves into. As we share life with each other by walking toward Christ, we are able to grow in the grace and knowledge of Christ as a family and encourage each other on our journey of faith.
Acts 1:1-11
Kenny Nix, Pastor
When life hits hard, where do you find peace? As Connie shares with us a time she faced a difficult moment, trusting God and leaning into the truth of His word is what ultimately led her out of the darkness. We all face the ugliness of life and all it throws at us when we least expect it. If our faith lies in Christ and the hope we have in our surrender to Him, we can fully believe we are storing up an eternal weight for all we go through. Regardless of what we see in our circumstances, we are able to honor God in our struggles.
Even Joshua, the leader of the Israelites, found himself lying on the ground and begging God to save them all from their enemy. God says the same thing to us today that He said to Joshua, "Get up."
As followers of Christ, we are called to proclaim the truth of the Good News while pouring that truth into the lives of those around us. Life is often difficult for so many reasons. We do not walk alone and Jesus is worth every step.
Joshua 1:2-5, 7-8; Joshua 6:3-5; Joshua 7:5-13; 1 John 1:1
Connie Champion
With this message leading us into our new series next week, we are faced with a startling, yet obvious truth. As our Pastor, Kenny, explains, "Making disciples is the biggest gap in American Christianity." We have diluted our true purpose in such a way that just attending church seems to be what a Christian looks like to us. This could not be further from the truth of what Christ has called His followers to do.
As a true follower of Jesus Christ, we are called to make disciples. It will not be easy, but it is what Jesus has commanded His followers to do.
As we walk through this command in Matthew together, we can clearly see the urgency to immulate the early Church and put our focus on what we are actually called to do, instead of doing what we would like to be called to do.
"...go and make disciples..."
Matthew 28:16-20
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Stay in the fight and let the Holy Spirit lead your life.
2 Corinthians 12:7-10; Galatians 5:16
Billy Goble
In our efforts to seem as if we have it all together, we sometimes wear masks. Life is often riddled with confusion, pain and fear. In many attempts to cope, we wear masks to cover up what is going on in our hearts and pretend we are not believing the lies of the enemy. Giving in to untruths eventually births sin in our hearts and doubts arise about God's sovereignty. We begin to lose focus on Who is actually in control and we end up fearing the enemy, the world, our circumstances or any number of things. The danger in that, though, is we dismiss the eternal truth Jesus warned His disciples of in verses 4-5 in our passage.
"Dear friends, don't be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot do any more to you after that. But I'll tell you whom to fear. Fear God, who has the power to kill you and then throw you into hell. Yes, He's the one to fear."
God sees beyond any mask. He knows what makes us fearful. He wants us to surrender our hearts and lives to Him so we can experience true life and freedom in Christ. There is freedom in true surrender to Christ and full restoration for lives previously driven by the enemy's lies.
Luke 12:1-5
Kenny Nix, Pastor
"When the enemy challenges you, what do you do?"
Please listen as our friend Jean Marc gives a talk about building our lives on Christ. In his own life, he has learned a relationship with God gives us a joy even our worst circumstances cannot take away.
"It is from the struggles that we grow."
1 Samuel 17
Jean Marc Jmd Desvarieux
As we walk together through our fourth message in the Rooted series, we are faced with the question, "Who is God?". We speak of God, many claim to know Him and others profess a personal relationship with Him. The Creator of the very life we know and all of it's details, the One who knows every one of us by name, is also the definition of perfection. His complete Holiness is something we hear and many believe, but we cannot fully comprehend it.
Keith urges us to be in reverential awe of God and challenges us to stop being inwardly focused so we can truly worship and serve the One who gives us life here and in the next.
Psalm 139
Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
God loves you and that cannot ever change.
In community with other believers, we see that God uses us to reach, encourage and love each other.
We are not meant to walk alone in life and that is one reason gathering with other believers is vital to our walk with Christ.
God knows we are a mess and that is exactly why He sent Jesus.
Jesus is our Rescuer and our Redeemer. He offers freedom from everything that holds us down and He gifts us with the Holy Spirit who intercedes on our behalf.
Nothing can ever separate us from this great love.
The cross changed everything forever.
Romans 8:31-39
Kenny Nix, Pastor
As a follower of Christ, can we become uprooted?
Our "Rooted" series continues with an interactive message involving some of our students and their perspectives on honoring God while living in daily situations.
Galatians 5:17-26
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Santification is simply being set apart. Once we pursue a life with Christ, we are new through the power of the Holy Spirit. In this message, we hear from Peter how important it is to supplement our faith with things that will not only make the roots of our faith grow deep, they will outwardly show we no longer belong to ourselves. As we make every effort to live for Christ, we continually see the reality of our deep need for Him.
1 Peter 2:1-13
Dawn Hedgepeth
In the fourth message in our series "Though He Slay Me", we continue to see one central truth. God cares. The more we read God's Word, the more intimately we get to know Him. When we have a connection with God through spending time with Him through His Word, we can see how close He really is and how much He cares for each of us.
Psalm 56 explains that God loves us so much He keeps our tears in a bottle and remembers each one of them. He is not only the Creator of the universe and all that is within it, He created each of us with love and intentionality. We each have a purpose and a plan for our lives and when we hurt, God hurts with us.
We will all face hardships during our journey here. The joy and hope in our times of difficulty is God cares about every single struggle we face. He stops to lean His ear to His children when they call out to Him. Take heart and do not lose faith if everything in your life seems to be unraveled. Remember the truth of God and know He sees and loves you where you are today.
Psalm 116:1-19
Kenny Nix, Pastor
As we walk with Jesus, we grow in our wisdom and love. We become rooted in Christ. As we begin our series, we immediately see the need for nourishment to achieve spiritual growth. Keith explains this spiritual milk is essential for our roots of faith to grow deep in God's Word. It is the only way we can live as if we are not living for this world, but the next. If we are in pursuit of a life for Christ, we are called to "be holy just as God is holy". 1 Peter 13-16
1 Peter 1:13-25, 1 Peter 2:1-3
Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
God's Word tells us repeatedly that although we are unable to see it many times, He is our hope. God wants us to depend on Him with our whole heart and trust in His faithfulness to see us through. In our total dependence on God, our faith is actually being strengthened. We can lean into God for our strength, believe there is a purpose in our pain and others around us can see it is for His glory that we carry on.
This passage is vital to a follower of Christ. It not only encourages each of us to remember what we have inside of us, it also shows us that nothing we walk through in this life can remove the light that shines in our heart.
"I believed in God, so I spoke."
2 Corinthians 4:7-18
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Lies.
Every person has lied. We have all been lied to. What makes this such a big deal is the origin of the lie itself. Lies are a direct representation of our character. Lies show who we are at our core and they prove how in need we are of redemption for our rebel hearts.
"All lies begin with jealousy and self ambition." James 3:14
As we conclude our Taboo series, Keith walks us through the truth that when we surrender our lives to Christ and follow Him, we are set free from the bondage holding us back. Being a child of God means our lives will no longer be characterized by our sin. Jesus came to set all of us free from the lies keeping us from living the life He has placed before us. If we allow this world to consume us, we cannot tell the world of the mercy and grace of God through the sacrifice of Christ. We lose sight of our mission when we take our focus from Jesus to ourselves.
John 8:31-58
Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
In our daily lives, we can become short-sighted. We tend to focus on what is impacting our lives in the present moment and less on the bigger picture. When circumstances surrounding us become too great for us to see any hope of overcoming them or any way out, we can take heart. God is always near. Elijah cried out to God and God was as present for Elijah then as He had been when fire was called down from heaven. God is with us in the fire. He speaks in the raging storms of life and He sometimes whispers to us in our time of great need. There are moments in all of our lives when we wonder where our help will come from. We have to recognize in times of trouble and struggle that God challenges us and can strengthen us. Oftentimes, in our seasons of uncertainty and pain, God is closest to us; what breaks us today can bring glory to God tomorrow. Our lives are so much more than the moment we are living in. They are about the overarching story that God is unfolding for the world.
Our pain is not meaningless.
"For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever." 2 Corinthians 4:17
1 Kings 19:7
Kenny Nix, Pastor
As our Taboo series continues, we see one overaching certainty in every message. Regardless of what we want or think, we cannot change the truth of what God's word says. God's plan has been perfect since the beginning and His truth has never changed.
Paul reminds us who we have surrendered to and why we push forward instead of looking back. It is vital to keep our hearts clean before God. Our purpose as Christians is to reach the world with the unchanging love of Christ, coupled with the righteousness we strive toward as God's children. We are all in need of God's grace and because of Jesus, it is offered to everyone who recognizes this need and surrenders everything to follow Christ.
1 Corinthians 5:9-11
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Our first message in the series, Though He Slay Me, we immediately see the reality we would like to dismiss in life. Depression is real and it affects every one of us, whether directly or indirectly.
As Kenny leads us through the story of Elijah, he openly shares his own story of struggle and pain. We see through the truth of God's word and in the life experience of our own Pastor, God not only sees us in our darkest hours, He ministers to our broken hearts. Many times on the very day we do not think we can go on, He shows us truth that changes everything.
1 Kings 19:1-7
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In our powerful conclusion to the "Taboo" series, Keith delivers both a difficult and crucial talk about a topic that touches all of us. If we have not battled with depression or suicidal struggles ourselves, we have been affected indirectly in the least.
We see in scripture over and over that God sees us, loves us and has a plan for each of us, even in our deepest pain. We can trust God's word and know He is faithful. He satisfies all that we need and He will never leave us.
"Not even death can stop God from getting glory from our life."
Psalm 23:1-6
Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
In our final message of our series "Esther", we see so much of what can help us florish in our lives with Christ. Humility is essential in our pursuit of Jesus because it prepares us for God's call on our lives. Being humble not only brings a blessing to our lives, it enables us to see that it is not we who have done anything to cause the blessing. It is only Jesus working everything according to His will and, in doing so, He allows us to be vessels in carrying His message to the world. Mordecai became an intercessor for the Jewish people, just like Jesus is for us.
Just as humility flourishes the seeking heart, pride can ruin the life that was meant to thrive. Pride is the root of all sin. Haman was full of pride and chose to be ruled by it, and it ultimately destroyed him. Pride keeps us from being fully obedient and goes against God and what His plan is for us.
God is faithful to what He says He will do. His will can never change and He alone is soverign. We can rest in knowing He is worthy of our complete surrender and His grace and mercy is unmatched.
Esther 9-10
Kenny Nix, Pastor
As we walk through part three of our "Taboo" series, we are forced to see that each one of us will struggle with sin. Regardless of the label your particular sin carries, it all breaks the heart of God and keeps us from the closeness He desires to have with us. The beauty of the gospel is sin died when Jesus was ressurected. We simply are not controlled by the things that weigh us down. As Connie explained, "All sin is a heart issue", and with a redeemed heart for Christ, we do not have to compromise our love for others by being ruled by our rebel nature. Christ has rescued us and given us instructions on how to reach the world for Him. It is by our love for one another the world with know we are Jesus' disciples. The difference, as with all things, is Jesus.
James 1:1, 1:22-27; John 13:33-35; Luke 6:43-45
Connie Champion
In the second message in our series "Taboo", we see an overarching truth regardless of subject matter. Keith explains it like this, "Jesus is our only hope in the darkness...sin brings you into utter darkness and leaves you there alone to die."
Whether our sin begins small and grows out of control or we immediately turn it over to Christ before it weighs us down, we can all recognize living in sin is selfish. It is giving in to what we want rather than pushing forward in the truth Jesus has called us to. At its root, sin is born from pride. When Jesus died, He overcame death and sin. We have freedom in our pursuit of Christ and all that His salvation offers.
Remember you are forgiven and free from the weight of this world if your faith is in Christ alone. Remember the love of Christ is like no other love; it liberates and brings life from death. Remember God loves you. Remember the cross.
Romans 13:11-14
Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
Even in times of not knowing where God is, He is always working. Our circumstances often seem as if we are completely alone in life. We sometimes feel as if God has forgotten or even abandoned us, but take heart. There is a purpose that is greater than what we can see.
In our series, we see God continuing to orchestrate events that seem hopeless to unfold His plan for the good of His people and for His glory. In our own lives, even when He seems hidden, we can trust God with our lives and the situations surrounding us. Just as we see God making what seemed impossible in the lives of Esther and the Jewish people, we can rest in knowing He is the same today as He was then. God has rescued the world by sending Christ, who redeems our broken past and redefines our rebel heart. Because of Jesus we are made new and we can experience grace from God. As Kenny said in the message, "God is constantly working things out. In our lives, we worry about tomorrow and we have so many doubts about if God is really present or if He is really doing something. Understand that God is using people we can not even imagine, even people we think are wicked and evil, to shape situations around us so He will receive glory from that."
Esther 7
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In our new series "Taboo", we immediately see our desperate need for Jesus to rule our lives. Even though our new life in Christ frees us from the bondage of slavery to our sin, we often look back and pick those weights up again and again.
We see in the message from Paul to the Corinthians that, like us, their biggest struggle was parting from their old life. Paul explains that even though you "can" do anything, everything is not beneficial. All can become consuming, but there is none like sexual sin. It enslaves more quickly than any other sin. As Christ followers, we are called to honor God with our bodies because we were bought with a high price and we no longer belong to ourselves.
1 Corinthians 6:12-20
Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
Pride.
We take our pride issue lightly so often, but at its core pride is ugly, selfish and evil. Pride, if left to run rampant, will ultimately be the destruction of our lives and, for many of us, it will consume our souls.
"There is an evil presence in this world that wants to encourage us to do those very things that we know we should not do that takes us further away from God." -Kenny Nix
Esther 6: 1-14
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In our continued series "Jesus", we see He is enough.
As Christ continued to reveal the truth of who He was to the disciples, the truth, in turn, revealed who they were in their hearts. Having pride, prejudice and judgement for the Canaanite woman who was asking for mercy, they wanted to send her away. Jesus allowed this situation to both minister to her and to teach the disciples about grace and love. This woman worshipped even after she had been rejected because she recognized Jesus is Lord and that is all that mattered. The Canaanite woman's faith was so great that her daughter was healed. She knew what is true even today, Jesus is enough.
The more closely we follow Jesus, the more we see the great need for Him to cleanse our rebel hearts and make them more like His. This grace and love is extended to all of us, regardless of any label we have attached to us.
Matthew 15:21-28
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In part five of our "Esther" series, we learn even though He seems hidden, God is orchestrating the events surrounding a seemingly hopeless situation soon to befall the Jewish people. Esther knows to approach the king could mean her life, but she was willing to risk everything to save her people. Just as the king extended his scepter and allowed her to enter and make her request, God extends His scepter of grace to us. We can approach the King of Kings with our requests and our burdens because He loves us with a relentless love that has no limits. God is in the middle of the unfolding story of Esther and He is in the middle of each of our stories as they unfold each day. We can trust God with our lives and know that He is faithful to lead us in every situation, even if He seems hidden.
Esther 5:1-8
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Just as many people did not recognize the blind man after he was healed by Jesus, it is the same way with us when we have a new life and a changed heart. A new life given by Christ is the one thing the world can not explain away. He will take our your heart of stone and place within you a heart of flesh. We see the world in a different way. We have a new purpose and calling and Jesus reveals to us the reality of our lives being used in service for others. Pointing everyone in our path toward the great love of Christ through our broken stories and the truth of the gospel changes everything for all of us. When we shine the light of Jesus, others will see the difference, just like those who knew the blind man. We look the same, but we are a different person when we are new in Christ. That is the power of Jesus in us and, in turn, God is glorified in all circumastances of our lives. The world sees Jesus, not us.
Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name goes all the glory. Psalm 115:1
John 9:1-11, 2 Corinthians 4:5-13
Dawn Hedgepeth
We all have a calling on our life. If you say "no" to God and what He is leading you to in your life, He will call someone else. Fear often keeps people from living the life God has in store for them.
We see in our fourth message in the "Esther" series, what we fear can either burn us or set us on fire. Even in the face of fear or uncertainty, if we will give God our "yes" and trust in Him, He will continue to reveal more of His calling to us. Because we can not live out the will of God on our own, His strength in us becomes a beautiful picture of God's faithfulness for the world to see, just as it did in Esther's life. Her obedience and willingness to follow through with Mordecai's leadership in her life, even in the face of death, saved a nation. Esther's willingness to obey ultimately led to the redemption of the whole world through the life, death and ressurection of Jesus.
Our calling and obedience to it is not only for us, it is for everyone else as well.
Esther 4:1-17
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Continuing in our series "Jesus", we see the importance of intimate and honest alone time with our Heavenly Father. Jesus taught the importance of being genuine in our time with God and not for the attention of people.
Being alone and honest with God makes us feel exposed. We can take heart when we are feeling vulnerable and open about our sins and struggles. The comfort is He already knows, loves us and has offered forgivness through the redemption of Jesus' sacrifice. When we pray to a loving Father, we can know His great love is bigger than anything we can lay at His feet. His plans are perfect and nothing can separate us from His love. We can rest in the peace only He can offer through a life surrendered to Jesus.
Only when we fully lay aside our weights and lean into the truth of who Jesus is will we be able to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice for Him through prayer, fasting, forgiving our enemies and loving the world.
Matthew 6:1-18
Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
In part three of our "Esther" series, we see two men and two choices. Mordecai, with his steadfast decision to do the right thing regardless of recognition or results, shows that his dependence was on God. Haman, who is willing to do anything to remain in good graces with the king and hurt Mordecai, shows us that left on our own, there is no limit to what our pride and desires will bring to fruition. The comfort in this seemingly hopeless situation for the Jewish people in this story, and for you and I, is God is always in control. Our obedience does not thwart God's will or hinder Him from gaining glory in all circumstances.
Jesus' death seemed like a defeat to many who followed Him; but, in hindsight, we can all clearly see God's hand in every step of the way. We can choose to see things through the lens of Jesus Christ and the peace only He can offer. The question is, do you know that peace?
Esther 2:21-23, 3:1-15
Kenny Nix, Pastor
John the Baptist asked the question, "Are you the Messiah we've been expecting, or should we keep looking for someone else?".
Jesus was going throughout towns in the region preaching at the time John was in prison. John heard all about the people that were being healed and the message that was being taught. All of these things were being done by Jesus to show everyone that He was, in fact, the promised Messiah. All of what Jesus did was to point to salvation and who He is.
We find in this passage our lives are not meant to be lived without Him. Only in our total surrender and full pursuit of Christ can our burdens be taken away and our hearts can find true rest.
Matthew 11:1-30
Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
In part two of our series, "Esther", we can see clearly the hand of God working in the lives of those in this passage. Oftentimes in life, we have the idea that God can or will only be able to use situations for His glory if we are obedient or without sin. Although God hates sin and will punish it, the book of Esther shows us God's sovereignty is not changed in the midst of it. God can redeem and use our sinful past to make our testimony show His glory and, in that, show the world He can use you no matter what you have done.
Esther teaches us although we may have to dig a little deeper in certian seasons of our life to see the guiding hand of God, He is at work in all situations. If we seek the heart of God diligently, we will see Him moving in every aspect of our lives just as we see Him orchastrating every situation in Esther's life. Despite the sin surrounding the story that is unfolding in Esther's life, we can see God has a plan. Many times, it seems as if God has forgotten us or is not close to us, but we see in scripture that He is faithful and His love never fails. God is writing out a story in our lives just like He was in the life of Esther.
Esther 2:1-11, 16-20
Kenny Nix, Pastor
The question is simple.
"Do you love others?"
Jesus was very clear in what He expects for His followers. The world will know who His disciples are by the love they have for people. We see in our continued series, "Jesus", that even if we are going through the motions of loving others, Christ knows our heart. Jesus loved us all to the point of death and He has commanded you and I to emulate that same love to the world. Oftentimes, we build walls to protect ourselves from those who have wronged us in some way, but the love of Christ pushes through barriers and loves in spite of wrong.
We can be comforted by the fact that this relentless love is poured out on us and, because of that love we see the great challenge before us to love everyone else in the same way. We see in verse 41 that loving like Jesus is literally going the extra mile.
Matthew 5:38-42
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In the first message of our new series "Esther", we see immediately how important understanding the whole of scripture is in our pursuit of Christ. The bigger picture always reflects the need for Jesus in our daily lives and how strong the pull of our own desire becomes without Him. Apart from God, our pride completely rules our life and ultimately destroys the relationship Jesus desires to form with each of us.
Living an intentional life of seeking the heart of God and saying "no" to the desires we all have inside carry consequences that in the eyes of the world would not make sense. Just as the Queen knew the weight of her decision to say "no" to the King's request, we must also be prepared for what will come our way when we take a stand for Jesus.
The bigger picture shows that a life after the heart of Christ is a life of freedom, in spite of what our circumstances tell us in the moment.
Esther 1:1-12, 19-20
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In our continued series "Jesus", we are faced with the truth of His love. We desperately want to cling to that truth for our sake, but it can seem a bit more difficult when we realize we are commanded to love each other in the very same way.
In this passage, we are reminded that God is the gardener, Jesus is the tree and we are the branches. Everything about us is in Christ. We attempt to "do" or "say" all of the things that will show others how close we are to God or how much knowledge we have about scripture. This simply does not matter. We can not "do" or "know" enough to get there, impress God or fool the world.
Jesus was very specific in this passage and throughout the whole of His message to the world.
It comes down to one thing.
Love.
Jesus, over and over, reminds us to love Him and to love each other. Love is the all-encompassing answer. This is what will show the world who you truly serve, where your motives lie and who you are.
As Keith so plainly yet profoundly stated, "True joy doesn't exist outside of love and true love doesn't exist outside of Jesus Christ."
John 15:1-17
Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
In our new series "Jesus", we look in the gospel account of Mark to see that even in our storms, Jesus is trustworthy and in complete control. The disciples learned that when storms rage and it seems like all hope is out of reach, Jesus is there and waiting for us to see our need for Him and call out to Him.
In every person's life there will be trials, pain and trouble that shake us to our core. The comfort, is that even in our deepest sorrow we can cling to the faithfulness of God and know that the journey we walk is the one Christ can redeem. Jesus can and will use all of our seemingly hopeless situations for our good and His glory if we will only trust in Him. We can rest in the unrelenting love of Jesus and give our doubt, worry, confusion and pain to the only One who can truly give us unspeakable peace in every storm of our lives.
Mark 6:45-56
Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
As in our recent look in Colossians, Paul is again encouraging believers to remember who they are in Christ. In his letter to the Galatians, we see Paul reminding these churches to hold fast to their identity in Christ rather than putting traditions in the place of this truth. Paul explains that since Christ dwells within them, they are no longer bound by the law. He continues by telling these churches that they are all children of God who are no longer defined by the limitations or labels of this world. Everyone who follows Christ is seen as a child of God and an heir to all that comes with belonging to the King.
Knowing even today that this promise is still true, we can rest in the knowledge of God's faithfulness and the transformational power of our surrender to Christ.
Galatians 3:26-29
Kenny Nix, Pastor
As we continue our walk through Colossians 3, we see an overarching theme in what Paul continues to emphasize. "Love." The great love of Christ is both powerful and supernatural. This unmatched love is the love that led Jesus to willingly lay His life down for you and I; it is the love that changes us through the power of the Holy Spirit when we surrender our hearts completely to Him. There is such freedom in surrender to Jesus. With surrender comes love, and with that love comes peace. Let the peace that comes from Christ rule your hearts.
"Let the message about Christ, in all its richness, fill your lives..." 1 Colossians 3:16
Colossians 3:14-17
Kenny Nix, Pastor
"In our lives, we presume to know the path for our lives because we know the end result. Our path is never what we expect it to be and it is always harder than we expect. Like Abraham walking up the mountian with Isaac. It was not easy but he was trusting in something supernatural (God) to be able to do that." -Kenny Nix
Abraham had extreme trust in the faithfulness of God and the task He had set before him. Each time God called out to Abraham, his response was, "Yes. Here I am." To be able to follow Christ fully, we must learn to lean into the Holy Spirit and trust the journey He is calling us to. Nothing on the front side of surrender will be easy or feel natural. In the exchange of our way for His, the freedom that we receive is unlike anything this world can offer.
Even when we would not choose the path God places before us, we can trust it because God is trustworthy. The mountains are difficult. There are times circumstances feel insurmountable. The best news about our difficulty is God sees us where we are, knows us intimately, loves us deeply and walks right beside us on our pathway.
Hebrews 11:17-19; Genesis 22:1-19
Dawn Hedgepeth
In part three of our series, "A Colossians 3 Church", Paul focuses heavily on being set apart. As followers of Christ, we naturally begin to develop and exemplifiy the characteristcs of one who is different. This, of course, is not to say we will not fail or fight against our desires to be the way we were before we surrendered our hearts to Jesus. The more we seek after God and who He is, the more we will recognize His design for us to be a light in a dark world. The hope we have in Christ is the answer to what ails all of humankind.
Jesus is enough and love is more powerful than anything else we could ever offer.
Colossians 3:12-16, 1 Corinthians 13
Kenny Nix, Pastor
The writer of Hebrews continues in our "Faith" series by reiterating what we have already walked through with the faithful ones thus far. He emphasizes that none of these people received what God had promised them during thier lifetime, but he chooses to highlight the fact that they died still believing in God's faithfulness over their lives. The hope and the focus for these saints was not to gain anything this world could give them, but to pursue the life God had planned for them. They knew this world was not their true home.
If our hope is in Christ, that is what fuels us to share our faith with those who are hopeless. Jesus sent the Holy Spirit so we can walk in confidence and be sure of our hope. We come to life when we place our unrestrained heart in the hands of God, who loves us with a love so great we are completely incapable of understanding even a fraction of it. God is indeed great, yet so personal and intimate.
"We are only alive when we pursue a life after Christ."
Where is your hope?
Hebrews 11:13-16
Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
In our second message of our Colossians series, we see the passion Paul had for the people of Colossae. He knows that they had heard the truth of Christ, but they had begun to mix Jesus in with other gods and traditions. They needed to be reminded of the supremacy of Christ and the freedom they had in Him.
It is easy for you and I to do the same thing in our own lives. While we are proclaiming that we are followers of Christ, we are steadily allowing other things to become more important to us. We need the same reminder that this church did so long ago. We have to put to death the things that threaten to become idols in our lives and make us lose focus on our savior. Jesus came for our freedom so we could live unbound from the things that kill us spiritually.
The voices and things of this world will dim the Light we carry and our sin will destroy us spiritually if we do not first kill them.
Jesus is enough.
Colossians 3:5-11
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Throughout Abraham and Sarah's journey with God, we learn that in times where God seems silent or disengaged from us, His timing is always perfect and His ways are higher than anything we can comprehend. In desperation, like Sarah's, we often try to manipulate the plan or the calling that we know is placed on our life to fit a mold we have in our minds of the way it should be.
Unlike you and I, God is faithful. Every time. What He has planned will come to pass. His Word is true and He is completely trustworthy. We are challenged, as Sarah was, to ask ourselves a poignant but important question, "do I fully trust God?"
Hebrews 11:11-12, Genesis 11:27,30
Genesis 12:1-4
Connie Champion
A new life is realizing you have to connect to the true source of life, Jesus. Following Him completely is not about a check list of do's and don'ts, rules to memorize or a half-hearted commitment to ease the conviction you feel from time to time. Following Christ is knowing you were dead before you met Jesus and experiencing new life being breathed into you by the renewing of your heart and mind.
Jesus is the only one worthy of living or dying for. Everything else falls short of the absolute holiness of Christ and the supreme honor He is given by God for His obedience. God, in His great love for you and I, sent Jesus to rescue the world from our sinful nature so that we could share in His glory and experience true freedom from our rebel hearts.
The only thing in our lives that truly matters is Jesus. Will you embrace Him? Will you allow Christ to give you new life that aims to proclaim the preeminence of Christ?
Colossians 3:1-4
Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
As the journey through our "Faith" series continues, we see one common theme in the scriptures. A seeking heart pursuing the righteousness of God. The verses that describe those with great faith who have gone before us bring to light that, although imperfect, the life of a true follower of God is one of obedience and dependence on Him.
Abraham obeyed God's call even though he did not know exactly where God would take him or what the outcome would be. You and I have the choice to follow God when He leads us in a direction. God calls ordinary people to do things we do not understand that will bring glory to Himself. Like Abraham, we oftentimes feel like we are foreigners here, like we do not belong. We were once bound by the things of this life: struggles, temptations, stress, worry, on and on and on. We can celebrate our freedom in Christ by fully depending on God in every aspect of our journey. Not only will this bring comfort to a weary heart, it will bring purpose and joy to a void in our life that only One can fill.
Hebrews 11:8-10, Genesis 12:1-9
Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
In the fifth message in our series "The Psalms", we continue to see a prayer of honesty before God. The Psalmist continually praises God for all that He has promised while begging God to sustain him. Our relentless learning of God's Word, His promises and His soverignty only draw us closer to Him. In the same way, our openness, our honesty and our vulnerability in our prayer and praise will sustain us in times of great need. As we confess who Jesus is, not only in our own lives but who He is in all of Creation, our very faith is strengthened.
As we are taken through the last seven stanzas in the chapter, we see an earnest heart seeking life through God's protection and forgiving power. "Let me live so I can praise you..."
Psalm 119:121-176
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In the fifth message of our series "Faith", we learn from Matthew's gospel that our faith is stretched and grown over time. In this passage, Jesus explains the Kingdom of Heaven is like a mustard seed. Our faith, in the same way, grows over time. The more closely we walk with Christ, the clearer it becomes how much more we need Him in our daily lives. The goal of our prayers of dependence and requests made to God is not the actual fruition of the prayers being answered in the way we ask; the goal is for our faith to be stengthened regardless of the outcome.
Do not give up. The seeming silence while waiting for God to answer your prayer is actually the time He could be using to deepen your dependence on Him so that your faith will be stronger than before.
Matthew 17:14-21; 13:31
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In part four of "The Psalms", we can see that a life in pursuit of God will cause relationship changes. As we depend more on Jesus and less on ourselves, many people will leave our lives that do not share the same desire to seek after the things of God. The same unexplainable, incomprehensible Creator of the universe sees and cares deeply for each one of us. He fills in the gaps left by those who abandon us because we are following after Christ.
The Psalmist opens his heart in both prayer and praise in the stanzas we look into. He declares that God knows our hearts and His Word is life. In these scriptures, we hear one overarching word. "HOPE."
Psalm 119:114 says, "You are my refuge and my shield; your word is my source of hope."
Take heart in your aim, continue in the path of righteousness and know that God sees and loves you. We have hope because while we were still sinners, He sent Jesus to die for us. That is worth fully entrusting our hope in.
Psalm 119:57-120
Pastor Kenny Nix
In the fourth message in our "Faith" series, Keith Wilson shows us how the faith of Noah was exemplified in his obedience to God. Noah was commanded to build a vessel that would serve as salvation to his family when the appointed time would come. Scripture shows us that having great faith in Christ will make you feel alone at times. Pursuing a life that pleases God will call you to do things that no one will understand; yet, it will take you on an incredible journey if you are following the leadership of the Holy Spirit.
Scripture shows us that sin breaks the heart of God. Sin brings death. God is the righteous Judge in bringing this great flood that changed the world forever. God is also the Rescuer who offered salvation to Noah and his family. Keith explains through the simplicity of scripture that God does not want us to just follow His "rules"; He wants to save us from our sin. He wants to bring us to Himself and have a personal closeness with us.
Hebrews 11:7, Genesis 6:9-22
Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
In the third message in our series, The Psalms, Pastor Kenny Nix shares the simplicity of how to live a life of joy amid our trials and under difficult circumstances. Those who pursue God and keep His word by obedience will retain their peace, joy and comfort even in the most dire situations.
We see that without the Word of God, we have no knowledge of the freedom through salvation in Jesus. We are encouraged in this passage to look to the Word for the source of life, hope, joy and freedom.
Psalm 119: 1-56
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In the third part of our "Faith" series, Keith Wilson walks us through what our lives will look like in comparison to the rest of the world if we have true faith. When our faith is genuine and our hearts are seeking after God, we will want to be more like Jesus in every area of our lives.
Enoch had faith in God in such a way that death did not have a grip on him here on earth or after God took him. Through the life of Enoch, we can clearly see God's desire to be a part of our story and the great love He has for His children.
We see that even in our sinfulness and despite the unmatched holiness of God He wants a relationship with you and I. He not only wants a relationship with us, He made a way for that to happen through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. We sometimes search for other things to fill a void or a place inside ourselves that only Jesus can satisfy. As Keith so simply stated, "faith is going to Jesus to satisfy your soul's hunger".
Hebrews 11:5-6
Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
In the second message of the series, The Psalms, Pastor Kenny Nix wants us to see that sometimes God allows things to come into our lives so that we can better see that He has to be the source of everything we could possibly need. Redemption and salvation are the things we need above anything else.
From the moment we have a seeking heart for God and recognize our need for a Savior, we are His. As we reflect on how God changes us, we can see how His love redeems us.
Our worship is a result of the transformation God makes in our heart as we become more of the original image He made us to be. The transformation is in the way we think and who we are by His power.
Psalm 107
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In the second part of our Simplify series, "Faith", Pastor Kenny Nix shares how the picture of our lives is filled with sin and grace. The gospel is a beautiful picture of God's love for us. He shows us time and time again that His way is the only true way; our way will lead to sin becoming the master of our lives.
In the message, Cain was jealous that Able's sacrifice was accepted by God and his was not. God knew Cain's heart and that he was not offering his best to God. God loved Cain and even warned him that sin wouid gain control if he didn't turn away. Cain allowed his sin to manifest in such a way that it took control of every aspect of his life. He murdered his brother and his sin ultimately caused separtion between he and God.
God gave Cain opportunities to confess his sin, as He does with you and I. Cain refused to repent and ask God to forgive him. Even in Cain's rebellion and sin, God never stopped loving him. This is the picture of the gospel.
Hebrews 11:4, Genesis 4:1-16
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In the first message of the new series, "The Psalms", we see an honest, raw look into the heart of David. In the process of his cry for help and deliverance from God, we see how remembering the promises of God can turn our pain into worship.
God gives us life. We can rejoice in the hope we have that is beyond this world. Our hope is in eternity and because of that we are able to proclaim the goodness of God in any situation.
Just as God was the deliverer of David, God is for us in the same way. Take heart and cling to the assurance found in scripture that God is with you in the midst of your struggles and praise Him in spite of your circumstances.
Psalm 56
Kenny Nix, Pastor
In the first part of our new Simplify series, "Faith", we see that knowledge of Christ and faith in Christ are two different things. True faith in Christ compels change, not only in your actions but in who you are. It is impossible to live a life in pursuit of Jesus and not be changed from the inside.
Hebrews 11:1-3
Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
April 19, 2017
The glory of the cross is that it wasn't a singular event. From creation until now, God has had a plan for us.
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Our choices not only affect us, they also have an impact on those around us and possibly generations to come.
Connie Champion
1 Samuel 21
Judas's problem wasn't that he was stealing. The problem was the spiritual bankruptcy in his heart.
Kenny Nix, Pastor
John 12:1-11
Jesus may have to take you all the way to Haiti to show you the great needs of your heart.
Kenny Nix, pastor
Luke 17:11-19
Simple Church worship leader, Kayla Wright, shares about her work with Never Thirst in Napal.
When Jesus owns your life you jus do what He says to do. Because the Savior endured the worst torture imaginable and He's worried about everyone else. He's on record for how much He loves us.
Encounter
Luke 23:32-43
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Following the Holy Spirit is trusting God even in the details of life. Which is why everything revoles around money, but everything isn't about money.
Trust God
Ecclesiastes 5:10-20
Keith Wilson, youth pastor
Jesus addressed people at their lowest point and their darkest need. Who you need is Jesus, more than anyone else. We also need to connect with people at their lowest points in life.
Encounter
Matthew 27:11-26
Kenny Nix, Pastor
As we prepare to send a team to Haiti for a week, Doug Barker comes to share with us more details about the work of Mission of Hope.
If people wanted to be close to Jesus, Jesus wanted to be close to them. Jesus was very different than any other gods people worshiped. He was the sacrificial lamb. He served the people. And we are to follow that example. Chief servant.
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Encounter
John 13:1-17
Our heart is deceitful above all things, which is why it's so important not to follow it. We don't follow our heart. We follow the Holy Spirit. Even when it doesn't make sense.
Trust God
Acts 16:6-15
Keith Wilson, Pastor
What is worship exactly? More than a song, it's an overflow of an encounter with Jesus. What did worship look like for Mary? Her worship was allowing God to transform her mind.
Encounter
Romans 12:1-2
Luke 10:38-42
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Worry. There are so many temporary things we focus our worry on. What would it be like if we truly trust God. Temporary things can be important, but the eternal is most important.
Trust God
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Matthew 6:24-34
Jarius doesn't know where else to go, so he goes to Jesus. Then Jesus went with Jarius. All it would take is for Jesus to say the word and life would come back. So, Jesus said the words, "My child, get up!' And she did.
Encounter
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Luke 8:48-56
Peace. A man possessed by demons lived among tombs and surrounded by death every day. It wasn't until he encountered Jesus that his life was changed forever.
Encounter
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Mark 5:1-20
Satan asked one question and made two statements and had Eve convinced to turn her back on God. What if, when tempted to turn our back on God, we asked ourselves one question: Who told you that?
Connie Champion
Bold
Genesis 2:8-, 15-17
Genesis 3:1-11
Galatians 5:1, 16-25
Isaiah 28:7-10
Romans 8:11-12
When you become the servant of Christ, you don't care about your own position or prestige. You humble yourself to whatever lowly position it takes to be where Jesus, because He is your only hope.
Keith Wilson - Youth Pastor
Encounter
Matthew 8:5-13
There's a difference in participating in a religious act and truly following Jesus as your Savior. That's what boldness really entails - humbly looking at yourself for who you really are and looking at Jesus for who He truly is!
Dodie Wilson
Keith Wilson - Youth Pastor
Bold
John 14:23
If somebody wants to see Jesus, Jesus wants to see them. For one woman, it was immeasurably costly to give everything to Jesus. And one man sitting in the room was more preoccupied with her than he was in awe of sitting in the presence of God.
Kenny Nix, pastor
Encounter
Luke 7:36-50
Goliath, just by his prescence, was intimadating. Victory doesn't always look like slaying a giant. It often looks like humbing ourselves to be used exactly as God has planned.
Bold
Keith Wilson, youth minister
1 Samuel 17:1-51
How do I convince people this Bible is truth and what they've heard all their lives from a false religion isn't? It seems crazy, but we are the key.
Encounter
2 Corinthians 5:11 - 6:2; Isaiah 49:8
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Jesus didn't just heal people physically; He gave them a new life. For one blind man, his boldness in respose to Christ healing him give us the courage to tell the truth no matter the circumstance.
Bold
John 9:1-34
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Jesus was coming to the earth to set the record straight. He wanted to tell everyone what is was like to truly have a relationship with God. And once you have a true encounter with God, you life is never the same.
Encounter
Luke 5:1-11
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Peter is proof that we are all screw ups. We are all broken. What we have to determine is if we are broken vessels or if we are the mockers that don't know Him at all.
Mark 14:66-72; 15:16-20
Broken Vessels
Keith Wilson
There's a difference between religious activity and an actual renewal through Jesus Christ. Religious activity will get you no where. What Jesus was interested in was never the religious activity; He was interested in the heart.
New Year's Day
Philippians 3:1-14
Kenny Nix, Pastor
God takes our broken mess and uses us anyway. He literally uses broken vessesls to carry living water to the world. Why does He do that? Because of love.
Broken Vessles
Galatians 1:1-16, Romans 5:6-8; John 13:34-35
Dawn Hedgepeth
When Jesus came, no longer is life about what you can do; it's about what Jesus can do through you. Fear not!! Because Jesus gave us a reason not to fear anymore.
Christmas Day
Matthew 2:1-12; 2 Corinthians 4:8-18
Kenny Nix, Pastor
You don't have to be paralyzed thinking about how to reach them all. Reach the one. Jesus used what was right in front of Him to reach one at a time. Then the next. Then the next. We have to go just like Jesus did.
Broken Vessels
Keith Wilson
Mark 8:1-21
How short-sighted would it have been if Jesus came only to get rid of the Romans? How short-sighted is it to ask that only the things we can see be fixed right now? The message of he angels the night Jesus was born was, "Do not be afraid!" That changed everything!
Christmas, part 1
Kenny Nix
Luke 2:1-20
We can try to simplify our faith to a list of dos and don'ts. Just avoiding sin isn't the goal. The goal is to look at what Jesus did, and follow Him.
Broken Vessels
Keith Wilson
Mark 7
God was always their sustainer, even when they walked away from God. They were in great misery because of their sin, but God was faithful when they were not. So they committed themselves to following the Lord, and put great consequences on them selves if they turned away.
Nehemiah 10
Kenny Nix, Pastor
The bent of the American church is always to be inwardly focused. Jesus discipled 12 men, but He didn't do it in seculusion. How do we become the church that is focused on what Jesus was focused on?
Luke 12:35-48
Kenny Nix, Pastor
The heading for Nehemiah 9 says, "The People Confess Their Sins." They were mourning over their sins as if someone had died. Confessing sin and repenting is seen over and over and over again in scripture. People cried, Rescue me God, whatever it takes.
Nehemiah 9
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Nehemiah works to rebuild the walls, and Ezra works to rebuild the temple. When Ezra brought out the Book of the Law and began to read it was water to their dry and weary souls. They had forgotten who they were they people of God. And it was time to remind them.
Nehemiah 8
Kenny Nix, Pastor
The enemy doesn't just sit down once the work is finished. He will attack where you are the weakest and he will work to compromise your integrity. So when the attack seems to subside, reload your ammo.
Nehemiah 7
Kenny Nix, Pastor
We realize our life has a purpose, but do we realize our struggles and trials are a significant part of our purpose. When you can't seem to break away from sin, when you face trials of many kinds... consider it joy.
Find Our Purpose
James 1:2-4
Keith Wilson, Youth Minister
From day one, enemies of Nehemiah talked about him and the other Jews who were rebuilding the wall with the intend of bringing the work to a stop. Every time the enemy fought against Nehemiah he continued the work.
Nehemiah 6
Kenny Nix, Pastor
When worry takes over it controls us and beings to fill our lives with darkness. But God has a better plan. And He's given us a reason to say there is no need to worry.
Find Your Purpose, part 2
Matthew 6:19-33, Proverbs 3:5-8, Acts 17:25-27 Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
They've started rebuilding the wall when Nehemiah takes a break to deal with something important. The people were being taken advantage of and they were hungry. What can we do to help our fellow Christians who are physically hungry? Because doing nothing isn't an option.
Weary Nehemiah 5 Kenny Nix, Pastor
What if the goal in you life wasn't a tiny box, but more like hitting a soccer goal. Finding our purpose isn't mean to stress us out. It's about building a foundation of being united with Christ.
Find Your Purpose Ephesians 2:1-10 Kenny Nix, Pastor
God doesn't call us to easy stuff. The enemy looked at the poor, weak, feeble Jews were called to do something they were to capable of in their own strength. But they stood together, protecting each other and building the wall anyway. And that was the point.
Nehemiah 4 Kenny Nix, Pastor
We talk about scary stuff and watch scary stuff when Halloween rolls around. But what really is the scariest thing we face today. It's not clowns or scary images. The most terrifying thing imaginable in the world today is that most people think they are good.
Romans 3 Kenny Nix, Pastor
God could have put the wall back together Himself. He could have spoken and the rock would moved into place. But He used people. He uses us. Because the work we do is important. The work really matters.
Weary Nehemiah 3:1-14, 29; Ezekiel 44:1-3; Matthew 25 Kenny Nix, Pastor
We have the same goal, but different gifts, and the one thing we are all called to do is love people. All people, all over the world and with no strings attached. How can you personally be involved in helping people?
Life of a Follower 1 John 3:16-18 Luke 10:25-37 John 3:16 Dawn Hedgepeth
There were six months that passed between Nehemiah chapters 1 and 2. During that time, while Nehemiah was waiting for the right time, he was preparing. When the right moment came, the king asked the servant what he needed…and Nehemiah was ready.
Weary Nehemiah 2 Kenny Nix, Pastor
A vision trip to Haiti has turned in to a clear vision for building walls. Ministry is seeing a need and meeting that need. Nehemiah saw that Jerusalem needed walls. He mourned. He fastest. He prayed. Then he went to work for he needs of others.
Weary - Nehemiah Nehemiah 1 Kenny Nix, Pastor
What is the sin you most struggle with everyday? The difference in sin for an unbeliever and a Christian is that sin deeply bothers a Christian. We build up a tolerance to sin. Jesus takes our sin more serious than we do.
Life of a Follower 1 John 2:1-6, 1:9 Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
The people of Israel think God has abandoned them. God has to remind them who they are, and Who He is. We get weary and impatient when we forget who God is and what He has done.
Weary Isaiah 40 Kenny Nix, Pastor
Holly Busby shares what God taught her though her time in Africa this past summer with Four Corners Ministry.
Why are we weary? Why do we feel like we are at the end of our rope, tired, and wore out? Because we keep trying to do it all ourselves. We can't do it. We MUST rely on Him.
Weary Matthew 11:25-30 Kenny Nix, Pastor
When the disciples set out to tell the world about Jesus it wasn't in their own power, and they didn't hold back when they boldly shared the Gospel. And there are still people today who, even when faced with great persecution, are just as bold.
Life of a Follower 1 John 1:1-4 Acts 16:16-36 Connie Champion
Jesus has been talking to the Pharisees, but now He's turned His attention to the disciples. Share what Jesus has done in your life. And if you want to know what to share, read His Word.
Lost Matthew 13:1-23 Kenny Nix, Pastor
The choice to follow Jesus could be a choice that gets you killed. So, why choose Jesus? And why tell others?
Yusuph Emmanuel, Guest Speaker/Missionary
If you choose to let God into your life, He can make you new in an unbelievable and incredible way. But, if you choose to cut God off, He will let you do that, too. He still cares, but He will let you go.
Allow God to transform your heart. The prodigal son didn't have to work for forgiveness; he just had to repent and ask for it.
Renewal Sunday - Lost Luke 15:11-32 Kenny Nix, Pastor
The Pharisees didn't know the law, and they certainly didn't know the heart of the law. They made it all about themselves and making themselves superior to others. They didn't understand that Jesus to be our rest, not just give us rest.
The Life of a Follower Mark 2: 23-28 Keith Wilson, Youth Minister
It's not just about the rules; it's about the heart. We are missing the most important part -- it's not what we did, it's what He did. He so desperately wants to save us He pursues us.
Lost Luke 4:16-21, 15:8-10 Kenny Nix, Pastor
The life of a follower is new. You can't put your old ways into your new self. You can't patch Jesus over the places in your life you need him to be while not being completely changed.
You have to be transformed.
Life of a Follower Mark 2:18-22 Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
Jesus knew Levi's heart. Jesus knew Levi wanted to be a follower and all he needed was the invitation. Following Jesus is hard, but Levi knew it would be worth it.
Life of a Follower Mart 2:13-17 Kenny Nix, Pastor
The Pharisees didn't want to associate with sinners anymore. Church was about coming to get a "feel good" before going home. But we must be a group of people who reach out to people who don't understand, who don't look like us, and who are lost.
Lost Luke 15:1-7 Kenny Nix, Pastor
This man had been told his entire life that his paralysis was a result of his sin. Did he even think he was able to go to God? Did he think Jesus would even speak to him? He'd been taught he was unworthy, but all that was about to change.
Mark 2 Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
Even though Egyptians typically hated shepherds, but these shepherds must have been different. This transformation that happened in Joseph's family began to impact others. Joseph was sold, hated, forgotten, and unjustly punished, but God had a plan the whole time.
Extreme Makeover, Home Edition Genesis 50 Kenny Nix, Pastor
Jesus was all about the outcast. He met their needs. And if we are going to be like Him we have to meet the needs of those around us. Because if we aren't bonded together, then what do we have for encouragement?
Kenny Nix, Pastor James 2:1-9
We think when God gives us a vision or a plan we will see it come to pass in our lifetime. It's a struggle to be patient. But what we are supposed to accomplish may not be limited to just our lifetime. It's about pouring into a legacy.
Extreme Makeover, Home Edition Genesis 49 Kenny Nix, Pastor
God's not only keep Jacob's family, taking care of them, He's blessing them. Do we trust God when He's messing up our plans?
Extreme Makeover, Home Edition Genesis 48 Kenny Nix, Pastor
This dating series isn't just about dating. It's about life. All sin begins in the mind. And we try to wage war against it as humans do. Waging war against sin will only work for so long and get you so far.
Dating 2 Corinthians 10:1-6 Kenny Nix, Pastor
Egyptians despised shepherds. But God was using the Egyptian's hatred to protect Jacob and his family. Joseph went between Jacob and Pharaoh in order to be the mediator. Just like Jesus is for us.
Extreme Makeover, Home Edition Genesis 47 Kenny Nix, Pastor
What if rather than trying to get God's "stamp of approval" on our plans for our life we instead went to Him first to see what He wants for our life? Because my first desire is to make His desires my desires, so before I choose anything I have to ask Him what he wants for me.
Dating Isaiah 45:4-13 Ephesians 3:1-20 Connie Champion
There is only one response you can have when God calls your name. God wasn't looking for Jacob when He called Jacob's name. It was an invitation.
Extreme Makeover, Home Edition Joseph - Genesis 46 Kenny Nix, Pastor
Every decision you make today effects your decisions and your life tomorrow and every day after that. And there is something wrong when the decisions you make for your life makes sense to a lost world.
Dating Proverbs 7 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 Keith Wilson, Youth Minister
Forgiveness. Stuff not working out right. Family. Sin against God. Transformation.
Joseph offered his brothers life, because what the perpetrators thought the enemy had used for evil God has used to save nations of people…including themselves. They had just moved from death to life.
Extreme Makeover, Home Edition Genesis 45 Kenny Nix, Pastor
Much has changed in the way we dress over the years. But as Christians, sometimes we miss it. Start with the heart, then go to the rules. Jesus always starts with the heart.
Dating - Modesty 1 Timothy 2:8-10, 2:1-7, Psalm 26:1-2 Kenny Nix, Pastor
When Joseph sees his brothers, he's crushed. Would they be the same men he once knew, or had time and the Lord's discipline changed them all?
Someone was willing to take the place of the guilty party, just like Jesus was willing to take ours.
Extreme Makeover, Home Edition Genesis 44 - Joseph Kenny Nix, Pastor
You can't just fall into being a man or woman of God. It's purposeful. Not lazy. Because the most fulfilling relationship you'll ever have is your relationship with Jesus.
God wants better for you than you want for yourself.
Dating Proverbs 31; Ephesians 5:25-30; John 18 & 19 Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
The brothers eventually had to deal with the past because God has the keys to the past, the present, and the future. Because we most often learn though pain, God also deals with Jacob's past.
Sometimes it's hard to see Jesus is making us look more like Him and less like us because all we see is the pain.
Extreme Makeover, Home Edition Genesis 43 Kenny Nix, Pastor
There are times when we want to put things in the past, walk away and leave it there forever. And there are times that God brings it all out because He has the keys to our life and He knows what's best.
Extreme Makeover Home Edition
Genesis 42
Kenny Nix, Pastor
Being content. There's a famous verse of Scripture that is taken wildly out of context at football games and job interviews and many more places. We get wrapped up seeking the things we desire more than seeking the things we really need. Paul is in prison, and on his way to trial, and yet is able to say, "Jesus, you're all I need."
The Bigger Picture Philippians 4:10-23 Kenny Nix, Pastor
In today's part of the story of Joseph, by the words standards, something good is going to happen. Despite all the hardship Joseph had been through, he never complained. People watched him. He never got any justice for being falsely imprisoned. But when the appointed time came, God began to put a great plan in motion.
Extreme Makeover Home Edition Genesis 41 Kenny Nix, pastor
There's a great misconception that to love someone means you tell them what they want to hear instead of the truth. The truth is, if you truly love someone you MUST tell them the truth.
And what God does with the truth is build to a point that your every thought is captivated by Him.
The Bigger Picture Philippians 4:1-9 Connie Champion
Paul never gets tired of telling people the same thing over and over. Over and over and over again, it's the pursuit of Christ - keep running, keeping going, don't quit!
Because the end prize is worth it. The prize is to be with Him.
The Bigger Picture Philippians 3:12-21 Kenny Nix, Pastor
The story of Joseph is about more than just God being faithful, because we already know He will be faithful. This story is also about Joseph being faithful. There's an extreme makeover going on in Joseph's life. Something is going on that doesn't look pretty right now.
The question is: when you don't understand what is happening, will you be like Joseph and be faithful to God?
Extremem Makeover Home Edition, part 2 Genesis 39 Kenn Nix, Pastor
Paul's words imply hard times and attacks are coming. He understood that because hard times were coming there was a great need for our hearts to be clean.
The scary thing is you can go to church everyday and still not get it. Because the real goal is following Jesus in a way that makes everything else infinitely less valuable.
Philippians: The Bigger Picture Philippians 3:1-11 Deuteronomy 30:6 Romans 2:25-29 Keith Wilson, Youth Minister
Jealousy often breaks up relationships in churches and families. Jealousy and hate. They build to the point that you want to commit murder. Joseph didn't do anything wrong to deserve what he got, and yet he stayed faithful to the Lord.
Extreme Makeover Home Edition Genesis 37 - Joseph Kenny Nix, Pastor
Maybe part of the reason Paul was in prison was so he could write these letters that, even now, we are able to read. Why would he write? Because the Gospel wasn't about just Paul sharing; it was about the message continuing on after he was gone. It can't be about one man. It has to be about Jesus.
The Bigger Picture Philippians 2:12-30 Kenny Nix, Pastor
Putting faith in action. What can you DO for Jesus? Do you want to do something, but not know what to do?
This is something everybody can do. Because it's the right thing for you to do.
Philemon Reconciliation Through Forgiveness Kenny Nix, Pastor
Everything in your life is preparing you to glorify God. Sometimes we don't see how it all fits because of our perspective.
Jesus came to us. The King became a slave. And if we are going to be like Christ we should elevate everyone else while moving ourselves to the bottom.
The Bigger Picture Philippians 2:1-11 Kenny Nix, Pastor
You are not alone. Even in the stormy sea, even when I'm bitter, even when I feel alone or put myself in a position to be alone, The Lord continues to teach us…just like he did Jonah. And He cares about our enemies just as much as He cares about us.
Saved Alone Jonah, chapter 4 Kenny Nix, pastor
Do you ever feel ill-equipped for what God has called you to do? Have you ever thought your ill-equippedness is what God will use to minister to someone else?
Stop listening to you and start listening to God.
Saved Alone Jonah, chapter 3 Kenny Nix, Pastor
When Paul write Philippians he's in prison and chained to a Roman guard. And, yet, even from prison, Paul wants to talk about how good God is to us. Paul's view wasn't just of prison, it was of people hearing the gospel at all cost.
The Bigger Picture Philippians 1:-19 Kenny Nix, Pastor
That feeling of isolation we get sometimes can be a good thing. Away from everything. It's the opportunity for God to speak loud and clear.
God showed Jonah grace, and put Jonah in isolation.
Saved Alone Jonah 2 Kenny Nix, Pastor
Satan always comes up unexpectedly, unwelcome, and unannounced to attack us. Satan entices us like a fisherman dangling a worn on a hook in front of a fish.
Adam and Eve sinned but God didn't kill them; He provided grace. He wanted to cover their shame and nakedness - both physically and spiritual.
All aboard the struggle bus. Joshua 1:1-9 and Genesis 3 Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
Feeling alone isn't new for our generation. There were people in Scripture who felt alone, too. When God calls us to something we are not alone. It may feel alone, but God did not leaves us alone.
Saved Alone Jonah, chapter 1 Kenny Nix, Pastor
Often times, because of the way things work in life, we feel "less-than" other people. Jesus was the best at seeing Himself as "less-than" and a servant to others. He showed the ultimate humility and act of love by becoming a man so He could die.
Struggle Bus John 13:1-17 Kenny Nix, Pastor
"We are saved b faith alone; but the faith that saves is never alone." Martin Luther
We hear the words that are spoken in the service, and by 2:30 we are out in the world and have forgotten what God has done in our heart. But because the Holy Spirit lives in us we can't deny the intense longing we have to be free from sin.
He put that groaning inside us as a constant reminder to rely on Him.
Romans 8:18-39 Saved Alone Kenny Nix, Pastor
We are all struggling. So why don't we encourage others more, share each others burdens, deal with stuff together, lean on each other more?
Following Jesus and depending on each other is going to be hard, but it's going to be worth it. Don't quit! Never tire of encouraging one another!
Struggle Bus Philippians 3:1-14 Kenny Nix, Pastor
There are two types of people: the group that wanted Jesus for who He could do for them and then shouted for His crucifixion when the rest of the crowd turned on Him. And then there was the group that was connected to Jesus and connected to each other.
Jesus commands us to look different and act different. But the honest truth is there are few people who really want to look and act like Jesus.
Saved Alone John 15:17-25 Kenny Nix, Pastor
If Jesus took our sin so seriously, why don't we take our sin as seriously as He did? We continue to do things we know we shouldn't do because it is expected in our culture.
God loves you even though you rebelled against Him. And He loves you enough to show you that as well.
Struggle Bus Romans 8:1-4, 12-14 Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
What happens if I surrender my life to Christ? What in my life will change?
Saying "yes" to Jesus isn't about a one time radical change. It's saying "yes" to Jesus over and over and over again. Sometimes, that means loving people that aren't easy to love.
How are we supposed to build His kingdom if we don't love people?
Easter - Fearless, Part 2 1 Corinthians 15:51-58 1 John 4:7-11
Death on the cross was His whole purpose. That's why He wasn't afraid. Death on the cross was obedience.
When we are afraid, if we will put our focus on being obedient, then everything else fades in the background.
Easter - Fearless, Part 1 Matthew 27:11-26
When we are on the struggle bus we feel like we are the only ones there. We think we are the only ones that struggle with sin. That's because the enemy desires to make us feel alone and isolated.
The reality is you are not alone, and we are responsible to each other.
All Aboard the Struggle Bus Galatians 6:1-6 Kenny Nix, Pastor
"To live is Christ, and to die is gain." It's difficult to grasp hold of that truth; this idea that even in death, God is good. Even when you're scared to death, God is good.
We feel like we are sinking and drowning, and we wonder if Jesus knows. When Jesus calmed the storm, the wind AND the waves stopped. And at that moment, the disciples were terrified and afraid, but the we're afraid of the storm anymore.
Fearless, Part 3 Luke 8:22-25
Kenny Nix, Pastor
There are many reasons we find ourselves on the struggle bus from the consequences of our own actions to the reality that God is testing our faith.
What would happen if we began to see our suffering as directly and divinely appointed or allowed by God in order to bring us closer to Him?
We want to believe that God is good, meaning that He will make us happy and healthy and give us what we want.
What if we began to see our suffering solely from an eternal perspective?
All Aboard the Struggle Bus 2 Corinthians 1:1-10 Connie Champion, Guest speaker
God never intended for us to have a spirit of fear. So, when fear comes at us we have a choice: listen to our fearful self or listen to the Spirit.
Trails will always come when people are trying to follow truth. Paul wasn't willing to back down when he faced trials for the sake of the Gospel. And when they nearly killed him, he went right back to the fight.
Fearless, part 2 Acts 14:8-20
We assume when we give our life to Christ things will be easier. In particularly, our struggle with sin. Believe it or not, the internal struggle is worse as a Christian. There is a crushing sensation when sin creeps in.
But, here's the catch: don't quit.
All Aboard the Struggle Bus Romans 7:14-25
Many people would really like to be fearless. Heroes of the Bible appeared to be fearless, and it was because of their closeness to God. Many people would like to be fearless, but how do we become that way?
Sometimes it starts with telling God, "I don't know what to do; You decide and tell me."
Fearless
2 Samuel 23:20-23
People like worship, goosebumps, and feeling good. We especially like goosebumps and feel-goods in relationships. But what happens when the goosebumps go away?
The crowd followed Jesus because they wanted to seen the miracles He could do. But, you have to embrace everything about who He is and it has to become who you are!
Yours Truly John 6:60-70
What plans do we make on a daily basis? Where to live? How to make money? When and how to retire?
Planning can be a good thing. But the problem is making plans God is not involved with. Your plans based only on yourself don't matter. If your life is only here for a little white, what legacy will you leave?
Independence James 4:13-17
Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor
We have all kinds of relationships: friends, family, work, spouse, children. What does it mean to have a relationship with Jesus?
If we are in love with Jesus, shouldn't we be willing to do some really crazy stuff for Him? Jesus took a moment with Peter to help him fully understand their relationship. And it changed everything for him.
Yours Truly John 21:15-19
Kenny Nix, Pastor
It pleased Jesus to do the will of the Father even to the point of death. "Even if I have to endure suffering, God, you're will be done." Do we pray like that? Or do we want God to make it easy for us?
It was God's good plan to crush Jesus so we could have salvation. Over and over, Jesus begs us to come to Him.
Now is the time.
Isaiah 55
Jesus has spent all this time with his disciples, and now it's time for Him to go; go to the cross. So, what's His final instruction? What's the most important thing? What is the final word from Jesus? You are either about you, or you are about Jesus. Yours TrulyJohn 15:5-17
God gives us the choice - either you're with Him or you can go your own way. Why? Because how genuine is love if there is no other choice? And if you choose your own way, God always makes a way for His people to come back. That's why Jesus came - to fulfill the will of the Father to bring His people back to Himself. Jesus made a way. But some choose to stay in exile. Isaiah 52:13-15Isaiah 53:1-12Isaiah 54:1-10
We get in a routine of just saying words, repeating words we've heard before, rather than thinking about who we are truly praying to and thinking about what we are saying. As we approach prayer, the most important thing we could have in mind is God's kingdom and His will, but we don't pray that way. Is it possible that God allows difficulties in our life so we will have a great dependance on Him? PrayLuke 1:1-111 Corinthians 10:12-13Revelation 3:14-21
You can boil down the entire message of Scripture to: God loves us. Israel had idols and God didn't have a place of prominence in their lives, so God took them from their own land and into exile to remind them that God loved them. Why? Because our good God will ruin you for your own good and for His glory. Galatians 3:26-29Isaiah 42:23-25Isaiah 43:1-7Luke 9:30-31
Do you pray like you are standing in the presence of God? Do you know who you are praying to? You need to understand exactly Who this God is that you are praying to, and understand he may not be who you've made Him to be in your mind. Kenny Nix, Simple Church pastorPray, part 3Revelation 4 & 5
Easy is not a requirement for doing something. There will be times, many times, when you will tell people the truth, they will not listen, and the will be closed off. So, how long do you continue to keep telling them the truth? You are a messenger of God even if it falls on blind eyes, deaf ears and hard hearts. Kenny Nix, Simple Church PastorIsaiah 6:8-12; Acts 28:17-28
What are we even saying when we pray? Do we even know who we are praying to? Are we really talking to God or are we just talking to be talking? He wants you to trust Him. He knows what needs to happen and we trust His desired outcome. Kenny Nix, Simple Church PastorPray, part 2Matthew 6:5-15
Why are we here - on this earth, in this church, in this place? The Gospel is the whole purpose. How dies that word, the Gospel, effect you? The things we are searching for in sin can only be found in God. Keith WilsonIsaiah 53Romans 3:21-22
We think of prayer as us bringing our request to God with a list of things we'd like "yes" to. But we can't just make prayer what we want it to be instead of what it really is: prayer is all about how God is going to use us for His glory. He wants you to communicate with Him. He wants you to trust Him. PrayerEphesians 6:18-20
Fun and games and laughter are important in youth ministry. But what's of greatest importance is a focus on the holiness of God and the sinfulness of sin. When we stand before God and truly realize who He is it makes us painfully aware of who we are not. And in the midst of being ruined before a holy God, He invites us to Himself. Isaiah 6:1-8
Why is it, most of the time, we give with the expectation of getting something in return? Christmas presents, monetary gifts to the church, our time. We have a expectation that some how it will pay off for us in the end. But with God, we give for one reason - The Gospel. And our gift isn't measured in dollars. Giving, part 3Matthew 16:24-28
A disciple is one who is taught and obeys the teaching that is taught. Being a disciple is hard. And the more you teach someone what it really means to be a Christian the harder it is to reach people. Discouragement. Set backs. Being wounded. What are we to do?Go. Go now. And tell people who want to hear the truth about Jesus. Discipleship, part 4 - Luke 10:1-24
Do you think it's possible to write God a check and have your giving taken care of? We are ordinary people called by God to do extraordinary things. And that requires that we give everything to Jesus, and it has nothing to do with your checkbook.
Giving, part 2
Luke 20:45 - 21:6
2 Corinthians 9:6-11
At the end of our life, what we really want is to know we squeezed every last drop out of life. We know trials are coming. And our hearts are heavy because we can't seem to get away from the sin of this world. Take heart -- God's grace is there. Our Call1 Peter 1:13-20
To give -- to truly surrender -- your life to Christ will cost you more than you think. It's like writing a blank check to Jesus for Him to fill in any way He wants to. What if what gets filled in that blank check is putting someone in your place of honor, your place of care and comfort? What if what gets filed in that check is the monumental task of loving God with all your hear, with all your mind, with all you soul and with all your strength? It's the constant battle of loving God more. Giving - Luke 10:25-37
There was good news because God had a plan. Mary should have been stoned. Joseph's betrothed is pregnant and the baby isn't his. Shepherds are outcast. The king is mad. But it was all part of the plan. A plan that had been set in motion at creation, moved forward with the exile of the Israelites, and then was glorified through the birth of a baby. It's good news that doesn't look like good news, but God had a plan. GloryLuke 2:10Luke 1:26-38Luke 1:46-56Luke 2:8-20Matthew 2:1-12Matthew 2:13-18
What's so good about the Good News? Jesus repeatedly told people they had to give up everything to follow Him, and even hate their family in comparison to how much they loved Him. Why would He do that? Unless, whatever He has for you is not everything you need. Keith WilsonLuke 14:25-35 - Discipleship
One day, when you are talking to people about Christmas, maybe you can turn to Matthew 2 and show someone that God has been preparing a hope for the word in Jesus Christ for thousands of years. There was a dark side to that first Christmas. But God saw there tears, and there was hope. Matthew 1:25 - 2:18 - Glory
Do you know what you are supposed to care about more than your family? Do you know what you're supposed to care about more than your possessions? Being a Christian and being a disciple are the same thing. Being a disciple means that compared to how much you love Jesus, your care for everything else looks like hate. Luke 9:57-62 - Discipleship, part 2
The most familiar verse in all of the Bible are in the middle of a story about a man who took a chance to believe Jesus when other's didn't. There were rumors that the reason Jesus could perform miracles was because He was of satan. Religious leaders looked for reason to discredit Him and call Him a liar. But one of their peers went to Jesus in the cover of darkness believing He was exactly who He said He was - our only hope. Thankful - John 3:1-21
A small portion of discipleship is meeting over coffee and going through the Word. Instead, it's more like sharing our lives with each other. That's what Jesus did. He didn't have huge crowds. He had twelve guys that He trained, challenged, corrected, and sent them out to do the work. He talked to them about God in everyday life as they walked together, were going places together, and doing everyday life together. And He begged the question of them: what needs to be done, and how can you be a part of doing it? Discipleship - Ephesians 4:11-16
Having leprosy meant never being able to touch another human being. It meant moving away from your family and friends. Having leprosy meant life was irreparably different and hard and awful.
Ten men saw a Man pass by, and they'd probably heard the stories of His miracles. So they cried out because He was their only hope. But, only one of them wanted Jesus for Who he was not just what He could do for them.
If you take a look over a period of time in someone's life you can see if they want to be with Jesus or they don't. Is it Jesus they want? Or only what He can do for them?
Thankful - Luke 17:11-19
Being yoked is being in the same boat, doing the same thing, for the same purpose. So, where does God fit in the picture of a relationship between two people? Partly, in waiting on Him to fulfill His promises and His plan. Abram and Sarai didn't wait on God. And their sin had dire consequences for the entire world and to this very day. Yoked, part 6 - Genesis 16
Everything to the glory of God alone! Simple Church celebrates one year together with stories from how Simple Church began to how the temple was rebuilt in Jerusalem in Ezra chapter three. The first thing we are to do is worship. Before the temple was even rebuilt in Jerusalem they worshiped the Lord in festivals and with sacrifices. Worship is so much more than only good music. Worship is everything you do that glorifies God. Ezra 3:1-13
The old opinion that is contrary to the Word of God needs to die. There's a true spiritual battle that draws us to an opinion away from God doing a great work in our lives, and it has to die.
Sometimes, in that battle, we feel like the struggle is too much and we can't take it any more. We want to pull the covers over our head and make the world disappear forever.
Elijah wanted that, too, and Jesus came to fix Elijah's meals and care for him body and soul.
Spiritual Warfare - 1 Kings 19:1-18
A lot of times the Christian walk is lonely so you can answer the question, "Is Christ alone enough?" To be single in today's society means there must be something wrong with you. But that's a lie. The idea that another human being can complete me is a lie. Paul flies in the face of culture and explains that the most important things, whether married or single, is to glorify God. Jesus is the most important thing. To be yoked with Christ is enough. Yoked - Singleness, 1 Corinthians 7:8-9; 25-40
"How long will you waiver between opinions?" Elijah's life is on the line, and his desire for people to worship God and love God for who He truly is, is something Elijah's willing to die for.
There are churches that tell half truths to get people to go a certain way or make a certain commitment. The truth is that following Jesus is a call to die. And the beauty of it all is that when you see God for who He truly is, and you see yourself for who you truly are, it changes everything.
Spiritual Warfare - 1 Kings 18:20-40
This is the time of year when people love to watch scary movies. And this the scariest message in the Bible. What's different about the narrow road? It's truth. It's not the stuff you want to hear. But it's the only thing that will get you to eternity with Jesus. Halloween - Matthew 7:13-33
You have an enemy and he is trying to destroy you. There are days we can't figure out why, but life is hard and heavy. Sometimes it's hard to remember how and why God is good. We are spiritual blinded. Elisha faced an enemy and all he did was pray to God. And word got out about Elisha, because even your enemies know when you are talking to God. Spiritual Warfare, part 4 - Elisha - 2 Kings 6:8-23
If Hollywood has the best of everything why do we not see their relationships working out the best? Because Jesus is missing. Making it work starts with the beginning of Ephesians 5 and being Spirit filled. If you don't know Jesus, how will you really know what love is? There is freedom when submit to Christ. Yoked, part 3 - Husbands and Wives - Ephesians 5:15-33
Guest speaker - Greg Ragsdale We want to finished well. But finishing well doesn't begin when you start to retire. Now is the time to set up barriers around you home and family for protection and full knowledge of God. Knowing God isn't just abstract knowledge. Knowing God is confession, repentance and ultimate love. Naked and Afraid - Hebrews 12:1-3
Paradise. The perfect couple. The perfect food supply. The perfect place. Then, satan comes along. What were relationships supposed to look like? What do they look like now that sin has entered the world. The best new: once sin enters the world, it is immediately defeated. Yoked, part 2 - Genesis 2:15-25, 3:1-21
If you are wanting to avoid spiritual warfare...do nothing. Because when Paul describes how to put on spiritual armor he's talking to people who are actually going into battle. And the people who are really ready to go into battle better put on the armor.
We have the wrong idea if we think that when we are doing something for God it should be easy. Just ask Nehemiah.
Spiritual Warfare, part 3 - Nehemiah 4
What percentage of the time do you think we see guys bringing a girl to church instead of the other way around? What percentage of faithful church attendees stop attending church altogether once they get involved in a new relationship with someone? A young couple are pledged to be married, and miraculously the girl comes up pregnant. He's hurt. He's done. But he's in love with both the girl and the God he serves. Before Mary and Joseph were ever betroth to be married they separately already had a foundation of righteousness before God. Even in the midst of things, seemingly, not working out like Joseph wanted them to he still obeyed the Lord. Joseph was seeking the Lord before all that started, and that formed his obedience during the most difficult times. Yoked - Matthew 1:18-25
"This war is not fought on foreign ground. This war is fought in our backyard; it's in our home." Satan tried to disrupt. Jesus was (and is) the answer.Evil spirits beat up a false Christian. Jesus was honored. Evil confessed. And the Gospel spreads. The Name of Jesus is not something to be played around with. Spiritual Warfare, Part 2 - Acts 19:8-20
We don't give the Holy Spirit enough credit of what He can do in our life. He will one day raise us from the dead; He will bring us to live with Him forever. Then why don't we think He is powerful enough right now to help us walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh today? No longer slaves to sin, but slaves to righteousness. Romans, Part 5 - Romans 8:1-11
Faith brings joy. We get distracted by all the stuff right next to us because it's the closest to us. We have to remember God is near. The hard times - life, work, circumstances, relationships - it's temporary. And the trials God brings our way don't just pile up against us - they are FOR us. The trials bring a hope of salvation that we could not otherwise experience. Jesus dying on the cross seemed awful, but it was the best thing that could have ever happened. Romans, Part 4 - Romans 5:1-11
Ransom. The price that is paid for a hostage. The price that is paid to get someone back. Redeemed isn't just about Ruth and Naomi or Gomer and Hosea; it's about us. It's our story. There was a price that had to be paid for our redemption and Jesus was the only one that could pay it. Jesus looked at His life as a servant and a ransom because He wants a relationship with me more than I want a relationship with Him. Redeemed - Ransom for Many - Mark 10:35-45
What do you have to do to be able to share the Gospel? Share your story. And the beauty of it is that when we share Jesus with others we are all the same - we are all sinners. Everything in history points to the same place - faith in Jesus. Old Testament animal sacrifices, the way the enemy was punished in the Garden of Eden, and the heroes of our faith. It all points to a faith in Jesus. Romans, Part 3 - Romans 3:21-31
What God asked Hosea to do was crazy. But what God was asking Hosea to do wasn't just about him; it was so that God could be glorified and the people would know of His love. Sin led Gomer to chase after things that would only leave her empty time and time again. It's the double trap of sin: sin entices you away from God and then condemns you after you've done it. And yet, even through all the sin in Gomer's life, all her husband wanted was her. All God wants is you. Redeemed - Hosea 1:1-9; 3:1-5; 6:1-6
September 6 - Ruth to Redeemed
Boaz was a man of integrity, and Ruth and Naomi were in great need. And with six scoops of barley, he gave them the assurance of a promise to cover them during their time of need. They needed provisions. They needed hope. They needed a redeemer.
Ruth had a one time been with people who did terrible things in the sight of The Lord. And now, when all hope nearly seemed lost, and in a way that only God could orchestrate, she was about to be in the lineage of Jesus - our Redeemer.
Ruth to Redeemed - Ruth 3 & 4
These are real people, with real struggles, and a real history. And the lesson they have to teach is that God is in the seemingly mundane details of our lives no matter how distant He feels at the moment. Ruth encounter a man that will provide for her in a way that is both surprising and foreshadowing of the Messiah that is to come and ultimately provide for all our needs. Not only did Boaz, and the Lord, say they would take care of her…they actually did. Ruth, chapter 2
Shortly after Jesus has been crucified, Rome isn't a happy place for Christians. Christians were being fiercely persecuted, and yet there were people still following Jesus and, additionally, Paul is telling the Christians to put their lives on the line for the privilege of sharing the Good New about Jesus to others. Because when you surrender your life to following Jesus life instantly becomes about sharing that Good News with someone else. Romans - Romans 1:1-7, 16-23
Moab wasn't a place where people worshipped the one true God. But godly people were going to an ungodly place because they were hungry. Life wasn't pretty; it wasn't easy. But, in the everyday drudgery of life, God was in the details. Even when we can't see it at the moment, God IS in the details. Time had passed and Naomi knew God was in control. It wasn't an easy life, and she wasn't happy about how things were turning out, but she knew who was in control. She was bitter, she was broken, and she was going home to the land where people were worshiping God. Miraculous - Ruth, chapter 1
Peter had denied ever even knowing Jesus at the moment of His greatest need. Jesus knew Peter would deny Jesus, and now, after it was all said and done, Peter knew it, too. But when Jesus came back from the dead He didn't just reappear to some of the disciples and tell them to spread the word. Jesus told them specifically to tell Peter. Jesus called Peter by name. Later, Peter and the disciples were fishing, Jesus tells them how to catch the fish (again), He calls them all on shore for breakfast, and it's all Cokes and jokes until breakfast is over and Jesus ask a question. "Do you love me?" And Jesus already knew the answer. Miraculous - John 21:1-19
August 12 - Miraculous
Jesus knows that one of them is a betrayer. He'll be sold for the same price as a slave. Judas saw Jesus as a means to an end, and that end was money.
Sin was going to cost Jesus His life. They are coming to take Jesus by force, but He isn't intimidated by the situation.
Peter and the rest of the disciples only had the ability to see things from a human perspective. The end they were looking at wasn't good from their perspective. But sin had to die. The Kingdom had to come. Sin had to die.
Our vision is short-sided. But, Jesus saw the salvation of the world was at stake.
Miraculous - Matthew 26:47-56; Matthew 16:21-23
Church planters Matthew and Kathryn Nunnelley share their vision for church planting in Montpelier, VT.
What's the big deal about a fig tree? So what if it doesn't bear fruit. Doesn't that happen sometimes? Just a few days before this miracles of Jesus, He's entered Jerusalem with great fan fare on Palm Sunday. Jesus had been in and throughout the city for several days now, and what He's seeing isn't just troubling but absolutely infuriating. There's a whole lot of activity in the city, but not a whole lot of fruit. Just like the fig tree. Miraculous - Matthew 21:18-22
The humanity of Jesus is seen in His closest relationships. He loved people. He cared about what they cared about. He's not a distant God that is removed from what His people are going through. But there are moments that it feels like He isn't there when He should be. Like, when His good friend has died. The problem was Jesus had information nobody else had - sickness isn't unto death. And the ultimate purpose was the glory of God. Miraculous - John 11:1-44
The moment Jesus declared Himself God, there was a target on His back. Even in the midst of running for His life, He stops with compassion and heals a man that had never before seen the light of day. Was the man blind because of his parents sin? Because of his own sin? Or could this be the moment his whole life up until that point had been leading to? What if we looked at every circumstance and situation as an opportunity to glorify God? Miraculous - John 9:1-12
July 26 - Miraculous
Jesus had just feed 5,000 people (really, about 25,000 men, women and children), then He insist that they leave. Jesus sent them all home. Not only that, He sent the disciples ahead of Himself to the other side of the sea.
Then He left to go and pray, alone.
And, wouldn't you know it, as the disciples are working their way across the sea there's a bit of a storm that's come up on the water.
The disciples had been in this situation before. I can only imagine they wished so badly that Jesus was with them instead of left behind. But, nothing could keep Jesus from the people He loved. Not the wind, not the waves, not distance, not a storm, not anything. He went to them. Walking on the water.
Miraculous - Mark 14:22-33
5 loaves and 2 fishes. Thankfully one momma thought about packing her little boy a lunch for the day. The crowd wanted to see tricks, and the disciples were getting hungry. The compassion of God was overwhelming. Even though some people only followed Jesus to see what He could do for them, He fed them anyway. Even after feeding them, when it came to the seriousness of truly following Jesus many turned away. They didn't just need the bread to fill their stomachs, they needed the Bread of Life. Miraculous - Mark 6:30-44
At first glance it looks like Jesus has missed his opportunity. The opportunity has come and gone and Jesus has missed it. He didn't get there on time; it's too late. Why couldn't He just have been a little bit quicker getting to the house? They must have been devastated. God does His best work in seemingly hopeless situations. With God, what seems like impossible becomes favorable. Miraculous - Mark 5:21-45
Why did Jesus want them to get in the boat if He knew a storm was coming? And He KNEW a storm was coming. In a very real display of the humanity of Jesus, He's resting; asleep in fact. The disciples, however, are wide awake and scared to death. Do you ever feel like your surroundings press in so hard you won't survive? And at that same time does it ever feel like God is asleep during your struggle? Jesus was growing their faith. They would need it in the days to come when they would be tortured for believing. He was calming more than just the storm.
Miraculous - Mark 4:35-41
Jesus liked fishermen and ordinary men.
Jesus was in a boat with some fishermen, and He was using that platform to teach people. But, it went from Jesus speaking to the crowd to Jesus speaking directly to Simon Peter. Simon thought he knew what he was doing and Jesus didn't now what He was talking about, but Simon obeyed Jesus anyway. The result was Simon seeing who he truly was, and seeing Jesus as He truly is. But it didn't end there.
Miraculous - Luke 5:11
If service is not part of your heart then you probably don't need to join Simple Church. A lot of people have a Christian label, but they are't doing anything. At Simple Church, we have to do something. A man who questioned Jesus about the law has memorized the words, but the man's life and actions didn't reflect what he had learned. Jesus tells the story of a man in a desperate situation and the one that was willing to help in his time of need. At Simple Church, we have to to be the people that are known for seeing the need and going toward the need. What is Simple Church? Serve - Luke 10:25-37
None of this has any power or purpose without Jesus Christ. Because of Jesus, we get to have a relationship with God. And it’s our responsibility to teach others. We have to teach in the power of Jesus. If what you are hearing from the pulpit isn’t rooted in the Word of God it won’t make any difference in your life, it may only put you to sleep. There has to be a change inside of you that makes you a new creation. But, how will that happen if we don’t teach truth.
What is Simple Church? Teach - John 5:30-47
Reach. Teach. Serve. What does that even mean? If you attend Simple Church, what does that mean for you? Simple Church is not for your fellowship and opportunity to eat donuts. We have made life into something it was never intended to be - it's not about us. There are people overwhelmed by life. Those are the people we want to reach out to and bring in with us. What is Simple Church? - Matthew 11:25-30
Simple Church enjoyed a message from Ken Nix, Sr. Service comes in all shapes and sizes, and often times in way that we weren't expecting to be used. Service starts with unconditional love of people. Everyone has a story. And everyone is worth our time. How will you use your time in service to others? Matthew 22:36-40; 1 Corinthians 13
Life gets hard. In Rome, at the time of the New Testament, you could be killed for following Jesus. The Holy Spirit reminds us that there is a future hope for us.
When you don’t know how to pray, the Holy Spirit prays for us. When you can’t remember who you are, the Holy Spirit reminds us we are His. When we can’t remember the scripture we’ve read, the Holy Spirit brings it back to mind in our time of need.
We are weak and on the verge of death. And that’s how we approach God.
And read all of Romans 8 for yourself. It’s life changing.
The Holy Spirit, Part 6 – Romans 8:18-28
In God’s creation are both the beautiful park to enjoy and the sewage treatment plant. And you have a choice in which one you will choose to be. God presents us with a similar choice: walk in the Spirit, or walk according to the sinful flesh.
God gives us practical advice on how to live. Life is hard. And follow God.
Living like you're person that knows God is really difficult some days. It’s simple; but not easy. Take off the old sinful desires, AND put on the new. Live like you know God.
The Holy Spirit, Part 5 – Ephesians 4:16-32
Peter was filled up, fed up, then he stood up. At the end of your life the only thing that will matter is if you profess Jesus. It won't matter what your friends or co-workers think about you; only Jesus. The Fruits of the Spirit have things to teach us about ourselves, how we should behave toward others, and how we actually do it. The first step toward following Jesus is alway the hardest. Today, say YES to Jesus, and then do what He says. The Holy Spirit, Part 3 - Galatians 5:13-26
"I can't tell people to follow the Holy Spirit if I won't in this morning's service." Sometimes we have a tendency to hold back. Don't hold back today. Give your life to following the leading of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, Part 4 - Acts 5:12-32
There was only one reason the man who had once denied he even knew Jesus was now shouting the gospel message to thousands of people - the power of the Holy Spirit.
There is no other name by which we are save - only Jesus.
It's time for you to stand up.
The Holy Spirit, Part 2 - Acts 2:14-41
We talk about the Holy Spirit a whole lot. We talk about baptizing in the name of the Holy Spirit, how the Holy Spirit is moving in this place, and how the Holy Spirit is stirring people’s hearts and the power of the Holy Spirit.
But Who is the Holy Spirit? What is His purpose? What does He do through us?
When the Holy Spirit tells you to do something you don’t have to worry. Christian, you have the supernatural power of God living inside you.
The Holy Spirit - Acts 1:1-5; 2:1-13
Once Jesus wrecks your life, and puts it back together again, you are able to clearly see what He has been doing FOR you.
Three days after Jesus died the women went to the tomb to take care of His body because they simply wanted to be near their loved one. But He wasn’t there. He was still King! And whether or not you call Him King doesn’t change His authority.
Immediately after His return, there was work to be done.
The Victory – Matthew27:62-66; 28:1-10; 28:16-20
Who do you say that Jesus is?
Every person in the Easter story has a different interaction with Jesus. You are either indifferent to Him, threatened by Him, or you realize that He is King.
Pilate thought he was in control of the situation surrounding Jesus. To pacify the crowd he handed Jesus over to be crucified. But, control was an illusion. Jesus went to the cross on His own; He didn’t need the people shouting, “Crucify him!”
It is incomprehensible that a King would die for His servants. Yet, that is exactly what Jesus did.
The Penalty – Matthew 26:1-5; 27:11-26; 25:31-40
March 22 – Who do you say I am?
Is He who you have made Him to be in your mind? Or is He the God of Scripture? Who is God, really, to you? Matthew shows us that Jesus is King.
In Matthew 8, Jesus has just healed a man with leprosy. Nobody wanted to be around people who had leprosy…but Jesus did. They were unclean, and that’s who Jesus wanted to hang around. Jesus was the only one that could take away the pain and anguish. If Jesus becomes big in our lives, then everything else becomes small.
Who do you say I am? Part 1 - Matthew 16:13-20; 8:5-13
March 15 – I AM, Part 5
Just look up. That’s all you have to do for Jesus to come and rescue you.
God gave the Israelites everything they needed to survive, and they hated it. God sees beyond this life right now. Sometimes God allows things in our life to put pressure on us to show us we only need God. For Moses and the Israelites, salvation from their sickness came in simply looking up the pole God has provided. For us, salvation for eternity comes from looking up at the cross of Jesus.
I AM, Part 5 – Numbers 21:4-9, John 3:14-16, Isaiah 45:22-25
Homerun Sunday
Perspective – you have a choice in how you choose to see things.
Take the blinders off and open your eyes to what Jesus can do in your life. But doing that requires you to allow your heart and ears to be open. The struggles we face every day make it feel like we aren’t getting anywhere. Let Jesus lighten the load. Let Him transform everything about you through the difficulties.
Jesus is the answers for every need you have in life.
2 Corinthians 4:7-18
Do you ever feel like your back is against the wall?
God makes a way when there seems to be no way. It seems like no matter how much God reveals Himself to us a lot of times we say we don’t know if it was God or not. The Lord had miraculously provided a way for the Israelites to be set free, but now that they found themselves in the dessert their they feared they had been better off as slaves.
Some people today would say that they’d almost rather go back to slavery because it’s more comfortable than the struggle of following God in the wilderness; slavery is more familiar to them. Because comfort is more important to them than being set free.
Some are like that when it comes to surrendering to Christ.
Jesus sets a new path and a new way. The I AM makes a way!
I AM, Part 4 – Exodus 14:5-22; Psalm 136:10-16
Your greatest need is not to decide what to do with your life. You're greatest need is to decide who to follow. The Israelites had to be ready to move at a moment's notice when God told them to go.
Inasmuch as God came to save the Israelites from slavery, Jesus came to save us from our sin. The I AM was now, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life" through Jesus.
I AM, Part 3 - Exodus 7:8-22, 8:5-19, 12:1-14; Matthew 26:17-28
Identity crisis. We've all faced it at some point. Who are we really meant to be? Moses found himself in a land where he felt didn't belong, and God telling him to go back to help a people he'd run from. But, "now was the time to act" for Moses.
What breaks your heart? God called, and Moses answered, "Here I am!" To follow Jesus is God's ultimate plan for your life. If you follow that, you really don't have that much to worry about.
Simple, but not easy.
I AM, Part 2 - Exodus 2:11-15; 3
Have you ever felt like God had just passed you by? That even in the midst of your desperate situation, God has forgotten you? That your tears go unnoticed?
Times were desperate for the mother of Moses. When the baby was placed in the basket to be taken to wherever God would have him go, he landed in the arms of the daughter of the one that wanted him killed. Can you imagine the overwhelming sense of “God is here” when the baby is, unknowingly, taken back to his mother.
Don’t tune out the story of Moses because it’s familiar.
You are NOT forgotten.
I AM, Part 1 - Exodus 1, 2:1-10
The greatest gift we have as followers of Christ is the gift of opportunity. What do you do with the opportunities you have been given? From the beginning of your testimony you have at least one talent you can share with others - your story.
When God comes in and wrecks your life it begins to overflow. The evidence of God at work in you is there.
The master said the same thing to the man with 5 talents that he did the one who had two: what have you done with what I gave you?
ReGifted, Part 4 - Matthew 2514-30
Simple Church worship leader, Kayla Wright, shares about her trip to Tanzania as their team boldly shared the gospel with people who had never heard the name of Jesus. You are given certain abilities when you are born. But when the Holy Spirit of God comes to live within you, He re-gifts you with supernatural abilities beyond what you can naturally do.
It's a simple process. We have gifts simply for the purpose of sharing with others. People need to hear that our message is simple: God loves you and Jesus died for you. What are you going to do with the gifts God gave you? The day is coming when we will have to give an answer to our holy God for how we used the gifts He gave us. Will you? Will you build the kingdom? And, if the answer is yes, what will you build with? ReGifted, Part 3 - 1 Cor 3:10-17; Matthew 6:19-21
We all are gifted to do something. When God saves us, He gives us gifts. God has put you in a specific place, for a specific purpose, to use those gifts. On the way to where you think your destination is, is where god may be calling you to pour your life into others. Do something great with the gifts God has given you.
Re-Gifted, Part 1 - Romans 12:6-8; Acts 8:26-40
What if "not conforming to the pattern of this world" wasn't only about avoiding sin but serving others? Once you put yourself last it transforms how you see the world. It transforms what we do. When you are at your closest moment with Jesus, see what He is challenging and calling you to do. Stop listening to yourself and start listening to what God is telling you. How do you show people you love them? Serve them. Re-Gifted - Romans 12:1-8
Do you ever struggle with doubt? John the Baptist was the greatest misfit of them all. But, he was also called the greatest born among women. The religious leaders of that day were more concerned about appearances. But, Jesus looked at the heart. Today, I want to do something different. All Misfits Welcome Here, Part 2 - Matthew 3
Have you ever felt not "good enough"? Have you ever asked, "Why am I in this situation?" Do you feel like your history is hold you back? Do you wonder if you can ever overcome the past? You can over come the past because you are not defined by your past! God has gone before us! What He wants from you is for you to have a seeking heart, not a perfect life.
Gone B4 - Joshua 2
Jesus came to rescue the misfits. This gospel was brought to those that don't exactly fit in and are messed up. All the misfits that don't fit in somewhere else, fit in here. Our God didn't go to the high priest, religious rulers, or military leaders of the day to announce the birth of the King. He went to the lowly shepherds.
All Misfits Welcome Here, Part 1 - Luke 2
"God, are you sure you really are calling me to do this? Are you sure?"
Joshua was preparing to cross the Jordan River. When we take those single steps of obedience, God strengthens our desire to do what He's called us to do, strengthens our passion, and strengthens our faith to rely on the One that has gone before us.
Gone B4 - Joshua 5 & 6