No Other Foundation: Recent Episodes
Pastor Phil McKay
No Other Foundation is the Bible teaching ministry of Pastor Phil McKay of Calvary Chapel Reno Sparks.
There's no limit to the amazing things you can see happen through one person to reach the world for Christ. As Pastor Phil's going to show you in the message today, God's not looking for perfect. He's not looking for qualified. He's looking for humility, obedience, and willingness. If God calls you, would you go?
The heart needs God. He should be where your hope is for eternity, through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, and where your joy and strength should be now. Pastor Phil's going to encourage you today to make sure you keep Jesus your heart's priority: always attentive to His voice and willing to go wherever He calls you.
The world can throw anything at the Christian that's firmly rooted in Christ and in The Bible, and it won't be able to shake them. As you'll get to see in today's message with Pastor Phil, the safest place for your heart to be focused is only on Jesus and doing what He would do. In Him is a joy that the world can't take away.
No matter what you are able to hide from people, everything that you've ever done will be brought before God. He knows all the intentions of your heart and knows everything you've ever done. Today, Pastor Phil's going to remind you to keep your heart focused on God and ready for that day when you stand before Him.
One small sin can lead to many down the road, even if seems harmless at first. Today, Pastor Phil's going to encourage you to stay firmly rooted in God's Word and in serving Him, so you won't be so susceptible to temptations when they come. It's important to stay close to God and spend time with Him every day.
No situation is too difficult to get through with God's help. His strength is made more glorious in your weakness, and He'll move in you in great ways if you remain humble and focused on serving Him. As Pastor Phil's going to show you today, God wants you to lean on Him when you need the strength to face what's ahead.
God can use anyone where they're at to accomplish His will. He just wants your heart to be ready. That's how it was with Jeremiah. As Pastor Phil's going to show you today, we're all designed to glorify our Creator, and He's only waiting for you to give up the sin and commit to serving Him. You'll see Him move in you.
Do you know what the gift of grace is? See, everyone is born into a life of sin, and this sin is what separates you from eternal life from God. But God loves you so much, that He sent His only Son, to die for your sin. That’s why Pastor Phil tells you today, about your two options: reject God’s gift, or accept it.
Have you ever found yourself stuck in doubt? Maybe you’re going through a season of hardships that closes off your mind. This kind of mindset can be dangerous. That’s why, in today’s message, Pastor Phil explains the power of your attitude toward God’s Word. When you allow God to change your mind, He’ll change your life.
Have you ever wondered what will happen during the millennial kingdom…the thousand-year reign of Jesus here on earth? As we just heard a moment ago from Pastor Phil, there will be NO loss in pregnancy and childbirth. Maybe you’re listening and you’ve experienced miscarriage … in the millennial kingdom, this will not happen.
The millennial kingdom is something that has been talked about in the church a lot. It’s a topic that can be confusing. Today Pastor Phil will bring some clarity to this murky subject. You’ll learn that, as a follower of Jesus, there will be NO DEATH. We will join Jesus in ruling and reigning here on earth. YOU will have a specific job in this millennial kingdom.
Today Pastor Phil shares with us how important it is to allow the Word of God to be our STANDARD for all that we do. There are a lot of practices in the church that may not match up with the Word of God. Stop and ask yourself… “Am I lead by my emotions or am I lead by the Word of God?” Today you’ll learn that the Word of God MUST BE central!
You may be surprised to learn that a life pursuing Jesus doesn’t guarantee a life of comfort. Often, it is quite the opposite. You may be pushed into uncomfortable situations on a daily basis. Today, Pastor Phil explains that although life may be distressing, it will lead to the greatest reward and the least amount of regret.
Many people may feel that being a follower of Christ allows them to judge the lives and choices of others. In today’s message, Pastor Phil explains Jesus is the only One who has been entrusted by God to carry out the judgment of sin. Christians have not been entrusted by God to judge, only to follow Christ.
Have you ever tried doing something on your own, and eventually you physically couldn’t try anymore? It takes an injury or complete exhaustion for you to realize you need help. In today’s message, Pastor Phil will show you how sometimes God will take away your strength, so you will learn to cling to Him.
People living a life without knowing Jesus may be physically fit, and appear to be healthy, but they feel sick, or like something is missing. They may try several different methods to feel better, but living in sin prevents complete healing. Today, Pastor Phil points out that Jesus brings healing to the entire body, mind, and heart.
Have you ever thanked God for being the Fruit of the Spirit living in you? It's not something most of us think about, but today Pastor Phil reminds you why you should. It’s important to share God’s word with others, but more important to turn back to Him and offer praise for the opportunities and the gifts He has given you.
Have you ever stopped to think about the consequences of sin? Maybe you thought about how it impacts you or those closest to you. But what about the impact it has on your relationship with God? Today Pastor Phil describes this impact using direct quotes from scripture painting a clear picture of its severity.
Has your heart been changed by your faith? Has anyone ever approached you with a question because they could just tell that you were a Christian? If so, then Pastor Phil is talking about you today, but also offering a word to those who only play Christian. You are to be a light in this world every day, not just Sunday.
Have you ever practiced fasting for reasons other than a fad diet? It's not so common anymore, but during Isaiah’s day, it was a common practice. If you have ever practiced fasting, or if you plan to, then today Pastor Phil wants you to know that there is a right way and a wrong way, but there is only one way to fast in the Name of God.
Pastor Phil asks a simple question today…Do you want to live with God in eternity? If you answered yes, then you should know that it starts now, and Pastor Phil wants you to know that there is always a condition in every deal. This doesn’t mean that God’s love is conditional, but it does mean that to follow Him is to reject a sinful life.
Stick around for a word of encouragement from pastor Phil today! With so much bad news out there it’s nice to get some good news every once in a while. You serve an almighty God, and while you know it's true, it can be hard to believe at times. But to follow God by faith is to accept that God is going to do the impossible!
If you are looking for evidence that as a nation we aren’t following God’s command, then look no further. Today Pastor Phil shares some staggering statistics about decisions made throughout our recent history. These details have a direct correlation to many of the challenges you are facing in today’s ever-changing reality.
Why is it that so often we encounter poor leaders? Whether you look at government, business, or even local organizations and churches, there seems to be an endless supply. Today Pastor Phil discusses a few reasons why this may be happening, and it all stems from a pattern of decision making that’s opposed to God’s plan.
Have you accepted Christ as your Lord and Saviour? If the answer is yes, then you have received so much more than just a relationship with God. Today Pastor Phil says you have received the ultimate blessing and promise. All you have to do is be faithful to God; seek God in your life; and He takes care of the rest.
How do you pursue your relationship with God? Are you pursuing what He wants for your life, or offering what you want as a substitute? Today Pastor Phil says God wants you to follow Him in “obedience out of love”. He wants you to get to know Him so that through this relationship you can be renewed by the Spirit.
Have you ever felt like you were lacking something in God? He owns the cattle on a thousand hills, He has more power than the sun, and He is able to supply all of your needs in accordance with His riches and glory! Pastor Phil makes it clear today that all you need to do is ask, seek, read, and follow His Word, to experience His blessing!
Let’s not forget to honor the Word of God for what it is. It is truth and life to all who find it. If we ever forget that, we’re never going to fulfill our assignment here on earth! We must let the milk, water, and wine of the Word transform us to be image-bearers of God. Today, Pastor Phil will talk about what this looks like, in a personal way.
Did you know that you’re called to be a part of the great commission? Today, Pastor Phil teaches that you don’t have to be a prophet to know that God has a plan and purpose for your life! He chose you to be exactly where you are, in the group of people you’re influencing. Why? To give them the same good news that saved you!
Have you ever caught yourself being flippant about your sin? Have you become too casual with the Commander of Angel armies? Or has your walk started to drift, because you made yourself a god, rather than representing God’s image? Pastor Phil reminds you today about God’s holiness, apart from your sin.
Has your view of Jesus changed, since the first day you followed Him? In the Scriptures, even the most religious of people, who dedicated their lives to God, couldn’t recognize Him - when He finally came. Today, Pastor Phil explains that Jesus came as a lamb, but the people expected a lion. Jesus made it clear who He was all along.
“You only live once!” “Live it up while you can!” These phrases permeate society today. As a result, people live their lives pursuing the greatest pleasure and comfort. Well, today Pastor Phil will challenge you to instead recognize that this life is ultimately empty and fleeting. Only eternity with Jesus will last.
God’s people over and over turned to idols, and away from Him. So, in judgment, God separated Himself from them for a time. He allowed them to be taken in captivity. But He didn’t forget them forever. As Pastor Phil teaches today, God in His love and grace, calls His people back to Himself. He wants all sinners to turn to Him for salvation!
It can appear, upon first glance, that God’s heart and eternal plan are only for His people Israel. Yet, Jesus’ death upon the cross and the salvation of souls is for all who’d believe. Pastor Phil explains today that the salvation Jesus accomplished is too beautiful, too big of a thing to limit it. It’s for ALL people who believe.
When evil seems to be winning, and God’s children seem to be falling away, it can feel a little scary. You may think that God is losing ground and your hope begins to fade. Well, today, Pastor Phil will explain that God is forever and solidly in control. Nothing will ever thwart His plan and purpose for salvation.
Many people, sadly, go around professing belief in the Lord, yet, live lives that lack true faith, true sincerity, and deep trust in God. And as Pastor Phil teaches today, God does not want this type of “Christianity”. He called His people Israel out for doing this, and He’ll call it out in your life too. He desires a relationship with you and your deep faith in Him.
All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God! In today’s message Pastor Phil, reminds you how easy it is to lose sight of the Lord and to start to imitate the world. That’s why it’s important to renew your mind daily by meditating on God’s Word. Ask the Lord to help you to walk in a way that brings Him glory.
Are you self-reliant or God-reliant? As you listen to today’s message from Pastor Phil, he encourages you to put all of your trust and hope in the Lord. You and others will ultimately fall short. However, God will never fail you. He is completely faithful! Lean into the power of His Holy Spirit to lead you in all that you do.
No matter what kind of situations come your way and no matter how strong of an opposition you face, God can get you through it. He can give you the strength you need to go where He calls you. As you’ll get to see today with Pastor Phil, God can restore you wherever you are and move in you if you turn to Him and ask.
There’s one place to gain the strength to not give in to temptation when it comes. There’s one you can look to for guidance when you don’t know what to do. There’s one that can give you peace for your soul that lasts for eternity. Today, Pastor Phil’s going to point you to God for anything you need in life, big or small.
Your goal as a Christian every day should be to grow closer in your relationship with God and to live more like Him. Pastor Phil’s going to remind you today that it might not be in major ways, but you should always see yourself closer to God in every season of your life. In big ways and small, God will move if you let Him.
What Christianity’s all about is Jesus. Jesus and His love for us. Pastor Phil is going to show you the story of Hezekiah today to remind you where to look when times are good and when there are troubles. Jesus alone can give you rest when you’re weary, strength when you’re weak, and hope when you feel lost.
Who do you trust to do what they say they will do every time? Maybe a parent or grandparent? Friend or coworker? Well, there’s one person who not only SAID what they were going to do, but they even had it written down as proof that what they said would happen…did…and will. It’s called the Bible…God’s word.
What a blessing it is to have that one friend or group of friends you can turn to for whatever the need is…they’re there for you and you're there for them. What an even greater blessing it is to know you have a friend in Jesus…someone who met your greatest need by going to the cross and dying for your sins.
Did you ever try to hide something from your parents? And… somehow…they always found out, didn’t they? Well, if you think it was hard hiding something from your parents, try hiding it from God…He knows everything. So, the best thing to do is confess it and repent from it…the sooner the better.
Sinning is like taking a cross-country road trip. When you start out, everything seems fine. You even get to your final destination without any issues…compared to others. But, your final destination is not what you expect…and actually it’s hell. So, before you go any farther, turn around and head towards Jesus.
When the cupboards are full and the bank account is large, it’s easy to feel secure. But what happens when the material things of life start to erode away? Temporary things will never bring lasting peace. Today Pastor Phil teaches you to put your trust in the only everlasting source of peace and joy: Jesus Christ!
Have you tried to assemble a piece of furniture without consulting the manual? You may be feeling pretty confident in your own abilities, but when you’re not sure how the pieces all fit, you will realize your need for help. Today Pastor Phil encourages you to not go through life without consulting God’s manual.
When you make a mistake, it’s good to learn from it and not make it again. It’s even better if you can avoid the mistake altogether and learn from someone else’s errors. But as Pastor Phil shows you today, we humans have a tendency to do neither. Yet even through our constant waywardness, God remains faithful.
Are you willing to give others a second chance? Or do you find yourself moving on quickly after someone has wronged you? Today Pastor Phil shows you that God gives second chances. The people of Moab were born out of sin and evil. But God still had a heart for them and wanted to see them restored to Himself.
When you first meet someone, you probably have very little reason to trust them. But as you get to know them and they prove themselves over and over, your trust in them will also increase. Well, as Pastor Phil shows you today, God has gone above and beyond to prove Himself and His Word trustworthy.
There's an amazing eternal home waiting for you with God in Heaven, and a glorious victory you'll get to see over evil. Pastor Phil's going to encourage you today to put your hope in God for eternal life and peace. The end of anyone who doesn't is full of suffering and pain, but in Jesus, there's life and joy unending.
Everything you need to live out the life God calls you to is going to be provided when you're truly living according to God's plan for you. Today, Pastor Phil's going to encourage you that no matter how hard it might be to be a Christian, God will always be there when you need Him to give guidance and comfort to you.
There's an exciting and magnificent future for anyone who turns to God for salvation. It's a life forever praising God and living with Him in Heaven. As Pastor Phil's going to show you today, the promise is for anyone who turns to God for forgiveness of their sins. It's one choice away, and God's waiting for you to come.
God has amazing plans for everyone who submits to Him and lives according to His Word. Today, Pastor Phil's going to show you how seriously He looks at sin, and how His promise to forgive Judah if they turned to Him is still true for you today. In God is eternal joy and peace that the world can never give.
No matter how lost in sin you've become, or how far you might have strayed from God, He'll accept you wherever you are. He just wants your submission to His Will so He can work in and through you. Today, Pastor Phil is going to show you how important it is today to make sure your relationship with God is good.
There's one place the credit and glory for every accomplishment should go for a Christian: to God. And He's where we should look for guidance on how to live. Today, Pastor Phil's going to show you how awesome of a God you serve and how there's a lost world in need of the good news of salvation that you have.
Words can't describe the characteristics of God in ways we can understand. Yet, He chooses to work and move in us and give a hope for eternal life through Jesus. Today, you're going to look at how awesome of a God you serve with Pastor Phil, You'll get to see glimpses of what God's throne looked like from Isaiah.
God can't work in someone when their hearts aren't surrendered to Him. That's how Judah had let their hearts get. Today, Pastor Phil's going to show you how easy it could have been for them to be forgiven and be saved. Just like for you today, they just had to turn to God for the forgiveness of their sins and live for Him.
Isaiah brought a clear message to Judah: to turn their hearts back to God and to live for Him. He told them about the goodness of God and the blessings that come from following Him. Today, Pastor Phil's going to encourage you to be the same light to people around you so they can have the same hope you have.
Isaiah brought a message of warning from God to Judah when they strayed too far into sin. Today, Pastor Phil's going to show you though that they ignored that message and didn't look back to God. You'll see the punishment God brought to them and look at how God's warnings to them apply to you today, too.
The Bible lays out clear instructions for different kinds of prayers - one of which is a prayer for healing by the elders of the church. Pastor Phil will talk through these prayers today, but will ultimately remind you of a powerful truth: God is the one in control. The answer to prayer will always fall within God’s plan for you!
Pastor Phil begins his wrap-up of the book of James today with a simple theme - PRAY. This is essentially what the final verses of James tell you to do - pray all the time, in the good and the bad. When you’ve sinned - pray! When you’ve been blessed - pray! In every moment, every circumstance, connect with your Heavenly Father!
Are you willing to stand strong for the things of God? Are you willing to defend the values that come with following Christ? This is an important question that every Christian needs to ask themselves. So today, as you join Pastor Phil in the book of James, don’t be afraid to ask yourself - are you willing?
The things you possess here on earth can either be good or bad - that depends more on you and your relationship with it. But in the end, every piece of clothing, furniture, property - all that “stuff” means nothing for eternity. As Pastor Phil will remind you today, the only thing that will matter in the end is your relationship with Jesus Christ!
Sin is sin - whether it’s something you do or something you know you should do, but don’t…that’s what Pastor Phil is talking about today. Every sin you commit disqualifies you from being in the presence of God - and we have ALL sinned. But, God - who is perfect - has made a way for you to be forgiven forever - through Jesus!
It’s far too easy to justify your actions with a “well, everyone else is doing it” attitude. Does group participation make your lie, your gossip, or any other sin you’re participating in right? According to the Bible, the answer is NO - and Pastor Phil will be reminding you today how that kind of thinking can reveal a deeper issue of pride!
You’re in enemy territory. You don’t want to be there, but you don’t know how to get back to your allies. Today, Pastor Phil wants you to know that when you’re living for this world, you’re in enemy territory, and that makes you an enemy of God. You’re playing for the other team. But there’s a way out; God is the way!
An affair is something that seems enticing and pleasurable, at first. But as time goes on, the guilt starts to eat away at you, and you suddenly feel empty and scared. Today, Pastor Phil expresses the need for true fulfillment, which is in Jesus Christ, not in the pleasures of this world - that your fleshly heart wants.
Many important facets make up Biblical Wisdom. One of these is mercy. As Pastor Phil just explained, to be merciful to others is to show them the same grace that God has shown you. How do you fare when the time comes to show mercy? Are you a natural, or does it pain you? What does that say about your Biblical Wisdom today?
Did you catch that? Anybody who has wisdom will hate evil and live righteously! This raises an interesting question: Do you have wisdom? To answer such a query, one must know what the Bible says wisdom is; luckily, you're in the right place! Because in today's message, that's just what Pastor Phil intends to teach us!
What inspires and directs your actions and words? Is it your reason? Is it the approval of others? In today’s message, as Pastor Mckay continues our study of the book of James, we’ll be reminded that Jesus is the source of living water and true life. Let Him be your guide and provide strength and wisdom for your daily life.
What are you using your speech for? Are you speaking life and grace into the lives of the people around you or condemnation? What are you telling your own heart? Today, Pastor Mckay will remind us of the power of our tongues – such a small part of our body, yet incredibly influential in our world.
When you look at the people around you, do you judge them based on their outward appearance or performance? Or do you look at them as living creations of our loving God? As Pastor Mckay will remind us today, we need to look past the external and see the intrinsic, God-given value that every human holds.
All people should feel welcomed when they come into the doors of a church or when they interact with believers outside of its walls. This doesn’t mean we turn blind eyes to sin, but as Pastor Mckay will remind us today, it means we humbly approach them with grace and kindness, just as our Savior demonstrated towards us.
Mirrors reveal what you truly look like. But, if you only glance at it, you don’t get a true sense of yourself. God’s word is a mirror as well. It reveals your true soul character. And if you walk away, not recognizing you need to change, as Pastor Phil teaches today, you’ll never grow as a believer. Allow God’s word to reach into you and make you better!
Anger seems to bubble just under the surface for most people these days. And whether it’s disrespectful kids or a rotten driver on the road, your anger may just erupt at any moment. Today, Pastor Phil will challenge you to deal with the issue of anger. Don’t let it control you. You’re a child of God, and thus shouldn’t be out of control in this way.
Sometimes, people will blame God for their sins, or accuse God of making them sinful. However, as Pastor Phil will explain today, God would never create sin in a person, nor does He cause them or tempt anyone to sin. Sin in you is because you live in a fallen world. And God wants to save you and rescue you from it!
If you consider yourself a Christian, yet your faith wavers, and is divided, you won’t stand firm on Christ in the trials that will come in life. Today, Pastor Phil challenged you, believer, to pray to believe and trust that God will work. Don’t waiver in your faith when things are difficult. Stand firm in the promises of God and don’t lose heart!
As much as you would wish it, no one can avoid trials, suffering, or difficulties in life. Today, Pastor Phil will challenge you, believer, to handle your struggles as a true, faithful follower of Christ would. Remember that God will use them for your good and He wants you to pray to Him constantly about all of it.
The law of God has been used to guilt and shame people for many years... But that was never the purpose of the Bible... And in today's message, Pastor Phil will remind you that purpose of the Bible isn't meant to guilt you or shame you, it's meant to simply show your need for a savior. When you choose to study the Bible and learn it for yourself, you learn more and more about the character of God. And with the Holy Spirit guiding your life, you can be made into a new creation, more and more like Christ.
Many people have often asked what it is that they're supposed to do with their lives... It's an age-old question that not everyone finds the answer to... And in today's message, Pastor Phil will share with you that the answer is Jesus! If you want to know what God's will is for your life, get to know Jesus! Pray, read your Bible, and spend time alone with the Lord. Jesus is the ultimate revelation of God and through Him, you learn just how God wants to use your unique gifts and talents for the kingdom.
The Lord our God is a righteous and just God. He rules with justice in mind for all people and yet not without mercy and grace. So in today's message, Pastor Phil will ask you a very important question, what will you do when you stand in the court of the Lord? How will you plead the case for yourself? For anyone who pleads their own case, it simply won't cut it... But when Jesus is in your corner, having given you salvation, your sins are washed away... You have a right standing with God.
Everyone who is in a position of authority was placed there by God. And for those of you who are Christians in places of authority, God wants to use you to enact change and share the Gospel with those around you... And in today's message, Pastor Phil will remind you that your job isn't just a job. Your workplace could be your number one place of ministry! The way that you interact with coworkers and show your work ethic, says a lot about God to those who might not yet believe in Christ.
In our world today, with the prevalence of social media and targeted advertising, it’s so hard not to long for and crave what everyone else has. But, this coveting will steal the joy that the Lord has for you! As Pastor Phil teaches today, God is enough for you! Do you realize this? All He’s given you is a gift. So, it’s important to be content with what you have. Because when you covet and desire another’s wealth, power, or even their spouse, you disregard what God has given you. Live with contentment in Christ!
Sometimes, what the world sees in a church is dissension and anger, when what they should see is an abundance of love among everyone. One of the marks of a believer in Christ is that we each show love and kindness to our brothers and sisters. Pastor Phil teaches today that Jesus calls you to exhibit affection toward each other which will radiate out to the world. Christ loved you enough to die in your place, and you are now to love others as well! It’s not always easy, but it’s so important to love your brother!
God gave the law on Mount Sinai. In a constant effort to try to find righteousness, the Jewish people would add laws to the laws to try to obey. But now there’s a better way! Jesus came as your savior and offers grace and forgiveness when you believe and come to Him. Today, Pastor Phil will remind you that you’re under Christ’s grace, not under condemnation. You don’t need to come to Him because you have to, but because He offers salvation and mercy! Come boldly to His throne!
By faith in Jesus, you become a child of God. He’s your Abba, daddy. But, even though He’s your good father, it’s important to remember the Holiness and power of Almighty God. Today Pastor Phil wants to remind you of the reverence and respect you should have for God. God is so holy and righteous that He could not be seen or approached by His people before Jesus. Jesus, at His death on the cross, He made you right with God again. So you can now, by faith approach almighty God.
Sometimes, situations in life will cause a root of bitterness to grow within you. When something isn’t right or doesn’t feel good, you grow discontent or discouraged. This root of bitterness, Pastor Phil explains today, will pull you away from God and cause you to look to other things for purpose and pleasure. It will poison your heart and grow and spread to those around you. Bitterness must be dealt with. Bring it to God in confession, get your heart right with Him and renew your faith and trust in Him.
There are so many things to pursue on earth. You may chase hard after wealth, popularity, power, or comfort. And the world expects you to do this. But, God, has something different for you to pursue. Today, Pastor Phil will explain the exhortation to pursue peace and holiness. It involves making daily, practical choices in the pursuit of holiness. It involves stepping away from things that lead you far from God. It’s about loving others and living as Jesus lived. What choices can you make today to pursue holiness more?
Discipline and correction are sometimes seen as bad words in our culture. It can be presented as more loving to allow all behaviors. And people generally bristle at correction. It’s not really fun to be disciplined. But, as Pastor Phil explains today, it’s crucial for a father, much like God our father, to chasten and correct a child. It’s actually a very loving thing to do. It shows you love someone enough to guide them away from what will destroy them and to the best way to live and thrive.
Our culture today is muddying up the concepts of masculinity, manhood, and even fatherhood. God has given men definite and defined character qualities that are essential in the family, in the community, and in the church. Society is ruining all constructs that God has set in place. Today, Pastor Phil will encourage you to look to Jesus as your example of manhood. Don’t rely on culture’s definition of what a man is but instead model your life after the perfect man, Jesus. Sacrificial. Strong. Wise. Loving.
The apostle Paul relates your life of faith to a race. You’re to run your race with preparation, endurance, and effort. But, it’s important to remember, Pastor Phil teaches today, that you must keep your eyes fixed on the prize – Jesus, as you run. If you take your eyes off of Him, you’re likely to go off course, fall down, or forget why you’re even running. He’s the reason you’re running. He’s your strength for running. Focus on Him and always seek to know and love Him better!
Running is hard and can be exhausting! A life of faith is much like running a race. And in every race, there are moments of excitement and anticipation, but there are also moments of weariness and pain. Today, Pastor Phil explains the race that a believer is to run in life. God has set this race in front of you, and it will require effort and commitment. You can’t just sit out on your life of faith! And though your salvation rests securely on Jesus’ sacrifice, you’re to train, prepare and exert effort in faith.
Is your past full of shameful decisions and things you regret? You may fear these choices will lead God to simply forsake you as a lost cause. However, as Pastor Phil teaches today, God loves and accepts anyone who believes in Him regardless of their past. A prostitute named Rahab believed in God and saved His people, and she was forgiven of her sins and accepted by God. She was loved deeply and fully redeemed. Her life was completely changed. She was made new and you can be too by faith in Him.
There is so much in life that can cause fear to take over and block out your faith. Even when you’re walking with God, you’ll experience things that cause you to fear. Following God’s call for your life will often lead you to unknown places. In these moments of uncertainty, you have the choice to allow fear to overtake you or rest in your faith and trust God. Today, Pastor Phil will encourage you to grow and strengthen your faith through time in His word and in prayer. As you do, fear fades and peace remains.
It would be easy to assume that God would, or at least He should choose the best to accomplish His work here on earth. Yet, as Pastor Phil teaches today, God uses flawed and broken people and covers them with His grace. Despite our tendency to fall back into sin, God will still use His chosen for His purposes. His plans and purposes won’t be derailed. He’ll wrestle with you, convict you and change you into His perfect vessel to do this specific thing. Surrender to Him even now!
Trusting in God and His promises isn’t easy when you can’t see any hint of its fulfillment. Abraham struggled at first to continue to trust God. He even stumbled as he waited. Yet, because of God’s faithfulness, Abraham’s faith and trust grew. Today, Pastor Phil will explain how Abraham continued to see God’s faithfulness and goodness, and that was enough to grow His faith. You can see throughout God’s word the truth of His faithfulness and this is a powerful testimony to help you believe while you wait.
Sometimes it can be hard to believe God’s promises. Sometimes you have to wait and have faith. God promised Abraham a child. And He promised Him a Promised Land and an inheritance. But, before he saw these things, Abraham had to trust and obey God. He was called to go to an unknown land and do something he’d never done. As Pastor Phil teaches today, Abraham obeyed the call to follow and serve God, even in the mystery. He clung to God’s promises by faith and moved forward obediently and expectantly.
He’d never heard of a flood. Or of rain, for that matter. But Noah heard God’s word and heeded the warning. He obeyed God and built the boat, despite the craziness of the command. He believed God and understood the judgment He was sent on the earth. Noah recognized God’s power. Pastor Phil will encourage you to take seriously the warnings of things not yet seen as Noah did. And seek to share the way to be saved before that judgment comes on the unsaved.
Many times believers will seek God to fill all their needs and wants and offer to serve Him for the rewards He gives. Yet, God desires, instead, for you to seek Him to know and love Him apart from what He gives you. Today, Pastor Phil will explain true faith and how to pursue God. You must genuinely believe He exists and seek Him with a sincere heart. You can’t seek Him, demanding your own will, but sincerely and humbly desire His will. Recognize how much you need God in your life and come to Him for help!
Can you say that you walk with God daily, moment by moment in an intimate relationship with Him? Do you seek Him in prayer in all your thoughts and decisions? Today, Pastor Phil will encourage you to stop viewing God as a far-off, unknowable God, but instead as your Father who wants to be with you every moment. In faith, turn to Him, seeking His peace, guidance, and wisdom. He desires this kind of faith and loves it when His children come to Him seeking Him diligently!
God's creation can be truly breathtaking, from the Grand Canyon to Mount Everest, the world is full of God's divine creativity... And in today's message, Pastor Phil will encourage you to take a deeper look at the creation around you... God's creation isn't only to be beautiful, its very existence shows that God's power and His presence are always near to you. He's never far from you and your situation, only as far as the grass outside your front door or the sunlight shining on your face. God can be found in nature.
The world around you has been telling you your whole life that if you want something, you have to work for it. And while good work ethic and self-motivation are both valuable skills, there is one thing in life that we can't work hard for... Salvation. In today's message, Pastor Phil will remind you that, unlike your degree, car, or home, the free gift of salvation is 100% just that, a gift. The price of Jesus' life on the cross is beyond measure and yet He expects no repayment, He just wants a relationship with you.
Do you remember a time in your childhood when a parent told you that couldn't do something, and you just couldn't understand why? It's most likely that your parent saw something that could potentially harm you, so they made a choice to keep you safe... And in today's message, Pastor Phil will remind you that God is much like a wise and caring parent. While you may not see it or understand it, God sees something that could harm you and so He may remove the danger in your life... Or allow you to choose.
Today, Pastor Phil will share with you an aspect of forgiveness that you may not think of regularly. Did you completely stop sinning when you became a Christian? No! On this side of eternity, we're all still imperfect in communion with a perfect God... And yet through salvation, we have forgiveness... But forgiveness is not just a one-time event. Forgiveness is a continuous process that happens each and every day, molding you to become more and more like Jesus with each passing year.
Exhort. Now, this isn't really a word that you might be using in your everyday vocabulary but its importance in your life and the lives around you are incredible... So in today's message, Pastor Phil will share with you that the Bible calls Christians to exhort one another. To exhort means to walk with someone, particularly through something difficult. We've all been in situations where we could have used some sound advice or just someone to say that they understand. As Christians, we can do that for one another.
Sometimes the Christian faith and life can become confused with serving on Sunday, volunteering at Christian events, or volunteering in the community. Now while these things are all well and good, in today's message, Pastor Phil will remind you that God's favor can't be earned. God didn't send Jesus because He felt humanity had earned a permanent sacrifice. He sent Jesus because it was the ultimate expression of love, the priceless gift of salvation with no expectation of payment on our end.
In today's message, Pastor Phil will remind you that not only will the world try to define who you are but so will the enemy of your soul. Satan will try to destroy you and your relationship with Christ through doubt in yourself. Thoughts like Christ couldn't possibly forgive you, love you, or have died for you are all lies from the enemy himself. When you're struck with these kinds of lies, it's important to combat them with the truth from God's Word. You can find encouragement after encouragement.
In today's message, Pastor Phil will remind you that as a Christian, your identity is found in Christ and nothing else! The world around you will try to tell you that your identity is found in your job, relationships, or what you can give to others... But when you choose to live into the identity that the world gives you, it clouds how God sees you and it clouds the path that God has chosen you for. When you allow Christ to define who you are, His righteousness is imputed to you and you're right in His eyes.
Perfection can be viewed as the thing you need in order for God to love you... And today, Pastor Phil will remind you that that couldn't be further from the truth. God loves all of His children, whether they're imperfect, trying their best, or breaking His heart. The truth is, that God knows that perfection isn't something that can be achieved in this life. That's why He offers believers His Holy Spirit to enable the power to fight sin. No amount of perfection grants love, God loves you and your journey to be more and more like Him.
The Old Testament followers of God went to offer sacrifices once a day and on the holy day of atonement. If sin was committed, they had to wait until the next sacrifice to be made right with God again... And today, Pastor Phil will remind you that you can ask for forgiveness at any time. There's no special time or place, all you need to do is confess your sin and ask God to forgive you. He promises that He will forgive! So the next time that you ask for forgiveness, be reminded of the blessing of talking right to your Lord.
In today's message, Pastor Phil will remind you of the good news that Jesus is coming again! He will return to the Earth to destroy evil, defeat satan, and bring true peace. For those of you who have accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, you'll be raptured. Raptured just means that someday, at any time, Jesus might decide to take you to be with Him before you pass... And at another time, Jesus will return to the Earth to fulfill the book of Revelation and restore the world to its original sinless beauty.
Since the fall of humanity in the garden of Eden, sin has proven itself over and over to be deadly. The consequences of sin, no matter how small, always catch up. All those nights of excessive drinking, drugs, and other destructive behaviors will eventually cause problems... And in today's message, Pastor Phil will remind you that because sin leads to death, forgiveness leads to life. When God forgives you of your sin, you're raised from the dead. Sin no longer has a hold on you because of Jesus.
For every impure thought, an unkind word, or sinful action, there must be atonement. There must be something to balance the scale because, without atonement, sin just keeps piling up and up until it crushes you... And in the Old Testament, the blood of animals was offered as a sacrifice for sin. Bulls, goats, rams, and doves were common sacrifices that had to be made daily... Because the blood of animals was only good for so long. The blood of Jesus is eternal, it is holy and makes us whole.
What would you do if you could do the impossible? Fly? Well in today's message, Pastor Phil will remind you that God is beyond our finite understanding of the impossible. There is no impossible for God. For every terminal diagnosis, accident, or bodily abuse, The Lord sees the impossible as possible, with faith. So while something makes look and feel impossible to you, please know that in faith and in prayer, God can do the impossible on your behalf. Prayer brings about a real-world change in an incredible way.
God is not a god of shame. God is not a god of shame, this is a message that many people need to understand. God will never shame you for your mistakes... He only wants to repair the relationship you have with Him so that sin is no longer the divide... And in today's message, Pastor Phil will remind you that God's forgiveness is unlike any other. God's forgiveness is permanent, He casts your sin as far as the East is from the West... And He sure won't bring it up a few months from now.
In the Old Testament, the levitical priesthood was appointed by God to go before God as mediators for the children of Israel. The priests would care for the temple and offer sacrifices as atonement for sin for the Israelites... But the Levitical priesthood was done away with when Jesus offered Himself as the eternal sacrifice for all sin. From that moment on, anyone who called on the name of Jesus for forgiveness would be forgiven and saved... Jesus is your high priest, you're a part of a royal priesthood.
The Law of the Old Testament appoints God’s priesthood to the tribe of Levi. So when the New Covenant places Jesus – from the tribe of Judah – as our new high priest, it seems to pose a problem for Jewish Christians. Today Pastor Phil walks us through a passage of Hebrews that sets out to resolve this tension. God made a promise to raise up a high priest who is outside the traditional lineage because He has always been and always will be greater. And, as you’ll hear today, Jesus is the fulfillment of that promise.
The letter of Hebrews, written to first-century Jewish followers of Christ, can be a bit confusing for modern readers. But today, Pastor Phil dives into the book and unpacks some of the Old Testament contexts in order to help us better understand what the author is trying to communicate. Today Pastor Phil shows us how, while the Old Covenant was good, the New Covenant of Christ is so much better! This is because Christ is the only one suited to offer Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for the sins of the world.
Pastor Phil reminds us today that God is trustworthy! Unlike humans, who often say one thing and do another, God always keeps His promises! And this is good news, considering God has promised to save anyone who would turn from their own ways and follow Jesus. And Jesus has already paid the penalty for our sins! Pastor Phil reveals to us how, as explained by the writer of Hebrews, understanding God’s promise and knowing God’s character leads to being anchored in the assurance of faith.
The Bible tells us that God has saved us by His grace – no tradition or ritual or good work can save, but only faith in Christ. Yet it’s so easy for us to doubt that truth. Today, Pastor Phil assures us of Christ’s love and sacrifice for us, and reminds us that our faith can be steadfast if we hold to the truth of who God is. He reminds us that the Bible says Abraham was considered righteous by God because he took Him at His word; Pastor Phil encourages us to be anchored in faith like Abraham was.
If you've been a Christian for any amount of time, you know that the life of a believer is a process. It's a journey of faith that God walks us through, and we grow in maturity and closeness because of Jesus and the help of the Holy Spirit. Pastor Phil will be sharing some misconceptions that people have regarding salvation, whether one can “lose it” and the evidence that one “has it”. He will also warn us from turning to works-based salvation, which will fall terribly short of the work of Jesus.
Is it possible for some to receive salvation but IMPOSSIBLE for others? Pastor Phil will be looking at the warning in the Book of Hebrews, to the Jewish people regarding those who have turned away from Jesus. It's a warning that is repeated in the new testament, that good works, sacrifices, and righteous deeds will never be enough to save us from our fallen state. What Jesus did in his death, burial and resurrection is our only hope for salvation, and He gives salvation to those humble enough to accept it.
It's a pretty graphic scene to imagine, a sacrifice to deal with the sin of man. We sometimes forget the weight and cost of sin, and sometimes even trivialize it as a way to sort of protecting ourselves from its egregiousness. Pastor Phil will remind us that this is exactly why we need to rely entirely on Jesus, and his equally graphic sacrifice made on our behalf. Our connection with that is only the starting point, once we've been bought with that price, there is a life to live that demonstrates that exchanged life.
I don't know about you, but I love to eat all sorts of different foods, and I am always looking to try something new. I can't imagine going back to the same milk or formula diet that I would have had as a baby, can you? Pastor Phil will show us from today's passage, that maturity in Christ, is very much like growing up physically. The things that were acceptable for sustenance and growth when we were younger, are now less than adequate if we want to maintain good spiritual health.
Jesus knew the pain, rejection, humiliation, and torture He would experience when He went to the cross. But, as Pastor Phil teaches today, the hardest part of Jesus’ death would be the separation from God His Father that He’d experienced as the weight of the world’s sin was upon Him on the cross. He was willing to die as payment for man’s sin, but He dreaded that moment when God would have to turn away. And the grief of knowing some still wouldn’t believe in Him caused Him great sadness.
Israel was God’s chosen, special people who were to bring the light of God to the world. And they were to look to the High Priest to guide them in Holy living. And, as Pastor Phil teaches today, you as a believer in Christ are a special, chosen people as well. You now have a better High Priest. Jesus. He understands what you’ll experience, has great compassion for you, and is the only one qualified and able. He will guide you to true Holy living so you can now be God’s light for unbelievers.
Before Jesus, believers in God couldn’t enter into God’s presence. But, because Jesus came, and sacrificed Himself on the cross, you can now approach God with boldness and courage. Today, Pastor Phil explains that God looks at you with love and mercy and rejoices that you desire a relationship with Him. You’re welcome to come and you belong there with Him anytime you need it. When you come, God will give you all the strength, wisdom, and ability to do what He’s calling you to do in this life.
Sometimes, believers in Christ take a laid-back approach to their faith. Praying and reading the bible when you can, fitting God in here or there as your busy life allows. But, as Pastor Phil teaches today, God wants you to enter into your faith and relationship with Him with eagerness and an intense desire. He offers you rest, but you must be diligent to enter into it. It takes prioritizing Him above all the things that fill your busy life and fully trusting Him.
Some people, who desperately need rest and peace, ironically look to enter rest by working harder, getting ahead, hoping that peace will eventually come. As Pastor Phil explains today, many early believers in Christ tended to find rest by working harder at religion and being good. However, there is no rest to be found in that. True rest, true peace is found only in Jesus. So, instead of striving, come to Jesus. Give Him your burdens. He’s offering you His rest. Trust Him with your heart and your life!
One of the things people need the most today is rest. Yet, it seems to be the one thing that some simply can’t find. It can be anything from technology, pressures of work, or constant stimulation around you and it all plays into your inability to find rest and peace. Today, Pastor Phil will explain what God’s rest really is and how you can enter into it. It’s so crucial to your soul to learn how to rest and enjoy God’s presence. God’s desire for your rest was part of His plan from the very beginning.
Many people see the works of God and recognize His power and goodness. But too often, some choose not to believe or trust Jesus. They lack belief and trust that God will do what He said He would. And as Pastor Phil teaches today, this kind of unbelief in God will eventually harden your heart to God entirely! When you harden your heart, you leave the only way to life. You lose out on the rest and provision and hope that God abundantly provides to those who trust Him and follow Him closely.
Sometimes, those who say they believe in Jesus have yet to fully trust in Jesus as their savior and completely commit their lives to Him. Sometimes it feels easier to trust in the things of the world instead of trusting in Jesus fully. Today, Pastor Phil will challenge you to consider Jesus. Pay careful attention to what He’s doing in your life and focus less on the world. Set aside time every day to look to Jesus, to think deeply about what His will is, and rely on Him in every aspect of your life.
Pastor Phil says today that Jesus loves to save people. Have you ever thought about it that way? We think a lot about Jesus in the garden begging God to find some other way. And of course in the end going through with the painful death and separation from God in order to save us. We see how much it cost him to save us. But how often do we think about how much he loves to save us? Picture his face when we recognize our need, turn to him and say, “Save me!” Have you ever seen such joy?
Fear of death seems like a pretty standard part of life, but did you know that scriptures say that the fear of death is in fact bondage for us? The fear of death holds us hostage—it paralyzes us. Just like handcuffs or bars, it keeps us from pursuing Jesus and discovering our purpose in this life. But the good news is that we are no longer in bondage to fear because Jesus died and rose again, breaking the power of fear and death and freeing us to follow him in security and in peace.
This world is broken. As the writer of Hebrews sets up the scene of the state of humanity, the picture is bleak. Humanity through Adam lost their right to rule over this world, and the enemy has come in and taken their place. Left to ourselves, we are lost and not able to do anything to help ourselves. Pastor Phil doesn't leave us hanging though. Today he'll remind us that there's a different ending already written for us. Our current state is discouraging and certainly seems dark! But we see Jesus!
God set his ultimate stamp of approval on Jesus through his resurrection, but as Pastor Phil will tell us, there are a hundred other moments filled with wonders that show God's approval of Jesus before that moment. Can you imagine being there for that first sign, when Jesus was baptized and God verbally spoke his approval? Or the next one as Jesus turned water into wine at the wedding? What a day of wonder that must have been! Are your eyes open for the wonders he continues to work today?
The Jewish people tended to reverence angels because the law, the prophesies and many important messages came to God’s people through angels. Some early Christians viewed the gospel message as inferior because it wasn’t revealed by angels. But, today, Pastor Phil will explain how Jesus is far superior to angels. He’s always existed, He’s always been God. And he was the only one worthy to enter into time to bring about salvation for all man. Angels were created by God to be a ministering spirit, by they’re not God!
The Jewish people tended to reverence angels because the law, the prophesies and many important messages came to God’s people through angels. Some early Christians viewed the gospel message as inferior because it wasn’t revealed by angels. But, today, Pastor Phil will explain how Jesus is far superior to angels. He’s always existed, He’s always been God. And he was the only one worthy to enter into time to bring about salvation for all man. Angels were created by God to be a ministering spirit, by they’re not God!
Jesus Christ will one day inherit this whole world including believers. That’s like saying, you “get” to inherit your parents’ collection of turtle figurines or their 1971 Ford Pinto. These things have no value, but they may be important to you because they were important to your parents. Similarly, Pastor Phil wants us to remember, that even though you have about as much value as the Pinto, Jesus loves you and can’t wait to spend eternity with you. You’re made in God’s image, and therefore, have worth beyond measure.
The Bible is clear: Jesus is the only way to salvation. He’s the only one capable of saving sinners because He is superior to all created beings. He was with God in the beginning, and as difficult as it is for our minds to grasp, He IS God and part of the Trinity. So when He walked this earth, He was both fully man and fully God, able to sacrifice Himself as the unblemished lamb. Today, Pastor Phil encourages us to be committed to Jesus because of His greatness. He deserves our praise, adoration, and worship!