Blue Ridge Community Church Sermons: Recent Episodes
Preaching Team
We're a 3 year old church in Cullowhee, NC (near Western Carolina University). We're committed to glorifying God by being and becoming a Christ-centered, Holy Spirit - empowered, worshiping community growing in our love for God, our love for people and promoting Jesus in all we do because He is worth it! Our sermons are typically preached by Pastor Darryl Handy with various other guest preachers and participating aspiring preachers.
When people say “turn to the Lord,” what do they mean? Idols are a thing of the past, right? Surely there are no idols of the 21st century; right? Wrong. Many idols are different in 2014, but God’s answer for them has remained beautifully unchanged.
Sometimes, people can seem so big and God can seem so distant. Acts 17:22-28 reminds us that the true God is very near and very involved in our daily lives. Those who love him have an important role to play in what God is doing. Join us as we listen.
There is a time for silence. There are also times where remaining silent would be the most hurtful, hateful and unloving thing to do. Join us as we hear from Acts 17 and learn about the time to speak.
When God is in us, we see the world differently. When God is in us, our lives look different to the world. Are you consistently making the decision to live for Jesus? Acts 17 gives us a great example of what it looks like for Christ to lead a life. Join us as we listen.
Christian leaders are important, so is every other person who calls on the name of the Lord. Leader or not, we all have a part to play in honoring Jesus in this world. Do you live like your part is needed and beneficial?
We can dabble in God and take little bites of his Word. Or, we can be all in. Be all in with God’s Word! Better yet, let God’s Word be all over your life!
There is help for the darkest, most painful and confusing situations in our lives. Take the help, find freedom that lasts.
How can we worship God if we don’t understand the implications of his grace? How can we share the Gospel if we haven't understood what's actually good about the “Good News?” God, our king, calls us to faithfulness with our minds. We need to think.
Authority is a bad word for many people. What does God say about the matter? How should we -who have a perfect leader, Jesus Christ- live with earthly leaders? Acts 16 gives us an example to follow; and it leads to great things!
Are you a worshiper? God wants us to cultivate a life of worship that takes us beyond Sunday morning and into every hour; in celebration or trial. Join us as we hear from Acts 16:25-34…
Do you connect your choice to follow Christ with the way you live every day? Choosing to follow Jesus is a choice to see better and to live differently. This is Sunday's sermon from Acts 16:19-24.
"Go," Jesus said, "make disciples!" So much is wrapped up in that statement! Making disciples isn't a religious event; it's the overhaul of life so that the Spirit of God begins to reign. Acts 16 shows the freedom God brings by His Spirit! Join us!
We tend to hold onto things that we love. Our love for God is often shown by what we give up. How much of you is yielded to the King of Kings? Will you give him your plans? Join us in hearing from Acts 16 and the apostles' decision to do just that!
What do personal identity, martyrdom and evangelism numbers have in common? Way too often, the answer is "self." God's Word shows us the remedy for this common problem of putting ourselves before Jesus Christ. Join us as we hear from Acts 16.
So often, the work of the Lord often gets forgotten, or more often, completely left for others. Acts 15 helps combat some of the common lies that keep us on the sidelines of our faith. Join us in listening…
Joy doesn't have to be an accident or rare surprise. Acts 15 served us as a great reminder of what to rejoice in. Join us as we hear from God's Word, some characteristics of joy. Also, check out the additional handout for help cultivating joy.
God's ways are different than ours and when we follow Christ, it means change; but the change is so good. Join us as we hear the call to live all for Jesus in freedom and purity from Acts 15.
When the going gets tough, where do you go? The early Church looked to faithful leaders. The question is not if we need leaders, it's what kind of leaders do we need? Acts 15 gives us a great example of what kind of leaders to look for; what kind to be.
God is faithful! We spent the first 15 min. of this sermon hearing impromptu testimonies of God's faithfulness to people in the congregation. Acts 14 records the example of two faithful men. Will you allow God to make you faithful like He is? I hope so.
What is the driving force in your life? So many people are looking for that one, big purpose to live for. So few people have a passion that would move them to serve beyond the norm. Do you? Acts 14:19-23 points us to the best purpose any of us could have.
Paul and Barnabas weren't just missionaries, they were examples for all followers of Christ -not just missionaries, but all those who belong to Jesus. They lived the calling to stay focused and faithful to Christ despite distractions. Will you?
Christianity is not chiefly about comfort or self-expression. It's the Lord who we serve. So, when we have opportunity, we want to grow to be useful to the Lord. Join us as we hear from Acts 14, and Paul and Barnabas' example, serving the Lord faithfully.
Where we put our trust is not just a matter of what we say, but what we do. Where do you put your trust? In Jesus? Does your life show your answer to be true? Join us in Acts 13:44-52 as we see where Christians get our confidence and how to live like it.
It is easy to picture Jesus in His earthly ministry, or even rising from the tomb. But that's not where He is now. Where He is now makes a big difference in our lives and can change our faith and life! Join us as we listen to Rev. Mitch Schultz.
Chocolates and bunnies and eternity-altering, life-giving, earth-quaking events, oh my! Christ's resurrection has meaning if we're willing to see it and live it. Join us for the sermon from Sunday, April 20, 2014; Easter Sunday. Christ is Risen!-
At the first Palm Sunday, the majesty of the King who rode on the donkey was beyond what eyes alone could tell. God is still surprising people and where the Spirit of the Lord shows up today might surprise you! Join us for this sermon from Acts 13:4-12.
The voice of God entering the chaos of men brings life and peace…but are we really listening? Will you act when you hear? Join us as we hear how God speaks to people, even today!
The Church (all who have ever been redeemed by their Savior, Jesus), is called the Bride of Christ, and her future gown is the righteous actions done in this life. Join us as we hear from God's Word about how to be clothed in beauty before God.
Such a simple phrase: "trust in the Lord," but it carries with it such vast meaning and implications. Are you trusting in the Lord, with all of your heart? Listen in with us as Elliott Knoch preaches from Proverbs 3:5-6.
God’s story of grace is throughout the Scriptures and it’s also written on the lives of those who trust Him. Will you draw near to the Lord when it’s hardest? There’s a special gift available for those who do. Join us as we listen...
When things seem out of hand and all that surrounds us is out of whack, there is a privilege and a responsibility unique to Christ-followers, do you embrace it? Do you live it? Join us as we are moved to learn from the early Church's example…
Ministry faithfulness is not just for super-saints, pastors, teachers or missionaries. It’s for every one who worships and loves Jesus.
People can make life really difficult sometimes, "them" and "us." In Christ, we have a way to live above the challenges of difficult people; Acts 11:1-18 gives us an example of what that looks like and the results are awesome! Listen in with us...
The hard reality of life is that suffering is inevitable. We don't have to suffer needlessly, though. As we follow Christ, we can suffer with the hope of God's glory. Join us as we listen.
No gadgets, technology; not pictures, friends, family, jobs, problems, successes, ministry labors or even our very selves. No, none of these things is the joyful center or glory of our lives. God alone is the center! Listen in with us...
What can we learn about a faithful life from buried treasure? The answer might surprise you but not after you see Peter’s example in Acts 10. Join us as we listen!
The Lord is the Creator and Sustainer and Savior. He deserves all that we bring him. What are you bringing to the King of Kings?
What do we have that the Lord needs? Nothing. What do we have that the Lord wants? Everything! Devotion is not just a little 300 word happy thought to read before getting into our day. Devotion is kindling that the God of Heaven and Earth can ignite!
Who goes to the threatened and the distant? In our culture, it's the Fire Dept. and Rescue Squads who are trained to go. What about for spiritual matters of life and death? The plans of God for emergencies may surprise you! Listen in with us...
New Year, new me, right? Not necessarily - unless God is at work! This message was distributed as a workbook/packet to be completed together on Sunday morning as a church. It is available as a PDF to download and complete on your own.
Is Christmas just a time off for you or is it real and a real time for reflection, worship and Jesus? Listen in as Allen Painter guided the church through some weighty Biblical considerations about Christmas.
Christmas is a season of light and life but it can sure turn to stress and chaos in a hurry! Tune in with us to learn about two of the gifts Christ brings to a life. Are you living in them? Listen with us...
Hoping in God is the best place to fix our hearts. Through the darkness of trials and suffering, God can be trusted, not only for our salvation, but for our good every day! Listen in with us to Sunday's sermon...
Advent is a season to remember the light that Christ has brought to the world and especially to those who believe. The life of Saul is a demonstration of the great need we all have to be freed from darkness.
Cave fish and hard hearts and God's grace, Oh my! Nothing is more important than our access to God. It is closed. But grace has the final word.
There's nothing casual about interaction with the God of heaven and earth. He has made us. He has loved us. He has graciously saved us. That truth and life itself are reminders that we need the Lord every day. For guidance and for power. Join us in Acts 8
Decisions, decisions, decisions! On a gameshow, decisions are entertaining. In real life, they’re of eternal importance. Make the right call with Christ first as King!
On Nov. 3, Blue Ridge Community Church enjoyed an all worship, prayer and praise service with a time of devotion and celebrating the Lord’s Table (Communion) together.
When God is at work in his people, things don’t just change, in-house, they consume the house and benefit the surroundings as well. God doesn't keep the best things to Himself. Neither should we.
The simplicity of following Christ according to the Scriptures is often overlooked. Today, we turn our hearts to consider how sufficient and wonderful is the Word of God as we seek to be God's people in every way.
In every situation we face, in every life, there is a path that leads to what is right and best; that path is found only when we yield to the Holy Spirit. Join us as we let God’s Word instruct us on how to do it.
What gets your heart pumping and feet ready for action? Facts are important. Good ideas are helpful. But when you're in the heat of the battle, neither of these are anywhere near as good as...well, let's listen in and see what Acts 7:54-60 is all about.
Taking a stand is important, but if you stand for the wrong things you're wasting your time. Stephen was an ordinary man but he made the right choice in the extraordinary stand he took. Join us as we hear of Stephen's faithfulness & the God he stood for.
Argued with, lied about, hassled, arrested & thrown in front of a jury of powerful know-it-alls daring you to disagree with their tactics & ideas. How would you respond? Acts 7 shows the clear and direct response of Stephen, the faithful messenger.
Opposition to the exclusivity of Christianity is a common reality. Authentic Christians responding with grace, love and contentment is uncommon. Acts 6 gives us a great example of the power of God in the face of opposition. Listen in with us…
We are a culture of commitment-phobes. But the life of the godly is not bound to this cultures phobias or limits. Step up to follow Christ in committed community. Step up and find the joy of partnership in grace!
Christianity is no fool's religion. It's a call to faithfulness and wisdom. Learn to put God's ways above your own senses and honor Christ above all substitutes- especially from the examples in Acts 5.
Substitutes are appealing because they are similar to the real thing but cost much less. When it comes to genuine faith though, substitutes are not just cheaper, they're deadly and powerless. Acts 5 gives great guidance for holding onto authentic faith!
Sometimes, the darkness is all we can see. Sometimes, hard days are more frequent than good ones. Sometimes, it seems like there is more against us than there is strength to stand. But the darkness is not all there is. Join us as we listen to Acts 5...
We need substance, not masks. We need truth, not just appearances. We need authentic, authenticated heroes. God has built the Church with just that! Listen in with us to see God has built and what He’s used…
Ho hum. Life as usual, up, down, in, out, sin, confess, restored, sin, confess, restored. Hear some cool truths, read a cool Bible verse. Ho hum. This is not all there is to Christianity. Do you believe it? Are you hungry for more? We are too...
How comfortable are you with the Lord? Are you too comfortable? Is it possible to be too comfortable with God? When we consider who He is, the answer might surprise you.
Our relationships need refining. Friendships, marriage, family - all of the above need help. Fortunately God, who is at work making us his witnesses, is also at work refining our relationships. Tune in to Acts 5:1-12 with us to see how.
There's a tug of war going on between our selfishness and the love that God wants to display in and through Christians in the world. Fortunately, there is someone to help win the battle decisively...and He has all the power we need.
Relationships are some of the most treasured and treasurable parts of life on this planet. God will improve those when we yield to him too! Not just our "souls" for "someday," but relationships...now. Listen in with us - from Acts 4:23-31...
When times are hard, opposition is harder, you're tired and weak, how do you stay faithful to Christ? Can you pull yourself up by your bootstraps? Acts 4 gives us the best example of where to turn when things fall apart. God is the hero of our story.
Ever have one of those moments where you see something that reminds you that there's a God in Heaven? What do you do with those times? How do you respond? Acts 3:11-26 gives the ultimate and best response. Listen in with us...
God is powerful and God can change lives...our own and others through us if we'll let Him! God moved in power in the early days of the Church! Join us as we celebrate and consider the impact of these things on our life today.
We are thieves, the lot of us! We steal glory that only belongs to God and he is not pleased. How we think of the Church (local and global) reflects how we think of the Lord. Are you stealing glory? Tune in with us.
For God's people, hospitality is not an optional choice on a given day, it is the overflowing way of life as we humbly yield to and follow Jesus Christ. Listen in with us as we explore God's calling to hospitality.
This is a message about prayer: "Don't put on a show for God, he doesn't need a show. He needs you. He wants your heart. Pray. Pray confidently."
"Jump in! It will be fine!" Ever heard those words related to jumping into a swimming pool? They may seem comforting to the experienced swimmer but only produce anxiety for those who hate water. God calls us to fellowship listen in so you can dive in!
The early church experienced God at work in mighty ways, living out the hard realities of life after the big miracles! How do we live day-to-day life with our hearts in heaven and our feet on the earth? Acts 2 helps us in this. Listen in with us.
Christianity: a strong, holy Savior and people who become strong and holy! Is that the message you have heard? Is that the message that you live? Listen in with us to see what happens when the Lord moves his people with bold, clear communication.
At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit came down to live in all who trust in Christ by faith. That has some awesome implications for our lives now. Are you living in light of the Lord's ways? Or the worlds? Listen in with us as we find out about God's ways.
Lots of people try to sell us things. To make a good purchase, though, we need to know if we really need what's being offered. 1 Corinthians 15 gives answers to the question: Who in the World Needs a Risen Savior? Listen in w/us for the answer.
Everything we do needs power. Try to live for Jesus and you will quickly see that you need power for faithfulness too! In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost that year, and He brought the power we need and the presence we want. Listen in with us.
The early church was no time of fairytale-happy land. It was a time of real pains, real questions, real people. If we look to God's Word, we'll find courage, hope and guidance because the Mission we're on is God's mission; difficulties, failures and all.
Living well is not just a matter of learning how to go, go, go. We also need to learn how to slow down at the right times and wait on the Lord. Acts 1:12-14 is a great example of God leading people to wait when they might have wanted to run. Join us..
The Ascension of Jesus Christ was a phenomenal event. It affirmed the faith of those watching and it can affirm our faith today. The Ascension also had lasting impact on followers of Christ because of what it points to. Listen in with us to Acts 1:9-11.
Christ gave a commission to his first followers. He has work for us to do today. Are you on board with his calling? Do you consider yourself a Christian? If so, are you doing what he said to do? Listen in with us to see what that is; from Acts 1:8.
Jesus told his Disciples that they would be his witnesses. What gives Him the right? Acts 1:8 serves as a commission and a reminder that each day, we have a choice of what we're building, His Kingdom or our own. Tune in and be challenged with us.
Sometimes, we can look around and see the others as more "worthy" of being used by God. In fact, the Bible tells a very different story of the kind people God uses. Tune in to Acts 1:8 with us; it may surprise you.
Dealing with disappointment is real and difficult. If we let God be God, our desires change from empty to satisfying. The start of the Church was no different for the disciples! Tune in with us and study as we begin our study in the book of Acts.
We cannot be the church of only "nice" and the Church of the living God simultaneously. Matthew 18 gives some specific guidance for the sobering reality of church discipline. Listen in as we hear from God's Word.
Sometimes, confrontation is the most loving thing we can do. That's one of the House Rules that God has given Christians; and as we yearn to have the best community possible, Jesus' words and example lead us in the way we should go.
If we ever want to enjoy the best possible Christian community, we have to learn how to handle sin. Sin in our own lives and sin committed against us can both shipwreck our lives. 1 Peter gives some surprising instructions. Join us as we dive in...
At the end of Ephesians, we get a rare glimpse into the lives of two Godly men. As we consider their example, let's see how our lives reflect the character of God in the area of faithfulness. Listen in with us as we delve into the Word of God.
God gives us all the tools we need to live for Jesus. No armor is complete, however, without the ability to communicate with headquarters. Prayer is our vehicle for communicating with God. Listen in as Rev. Allen Painter shares on prayer.
This week's gathering was a combination of worship and corporate meditation on Psalm 5. We alternated between the Biblical passages and corporate worship! The attached PDF can help you to do the same on your own!
This week, we celebrated the Lord's Table. To do this, we split up into groups and traveled to 5 stations in the woods where there were meditations on 5 unique aspects of communion. The attached file gives you the same opportunity!
Those who want to live a life that God blesses have to do so amidst the many philosophies, opinions, chaos and difficulties of life. Are you settling for half-truth in your life or learning to love and depend upon the Word of God? Tune in with us...
Head wounds are the worst kind of wounds In Eph. 6:17, we're told to keep salvation as a head covering. Great! But do you know what we're saved from? Really? Do you live according to the reality of salvation's necessity for yourself? For others?
Following Christ by faith is so much more than Sunday dresses and church barbecues. God calls us to arm ourselves with the tools he gives us. This week's armor: the shield. Are you using it right? Tune in with us to Ephesians 6:16.
How good is the Good News? Is it valuable for your life? Has it moved you to action? Tune in with us as we hear from God's Word in Ephesians 6:15 and we're challenged to apply the Gospel in every one of our lives.
War is sobering, so when God tells us we're engaged in a spiritual war, we pay attention. Where are truth and righteousness in your life? Are you ignoring reality or ready for battle?
At great cost to himself, Jesus brought us some very high value intel about the spiritual realities and battles around us. Will you set aside your techniques and embrace the victory strategy of God? Join us as we dig in to Ephesians 6:10-12.
No good thing done for the Lord will go unrewarded. Whether it is done in a church, a home, a classroom, an office or the greasy kitchen of a restaurant. Tune in as we explore Ephesians 6:5-9 and hear from God's Word for our lives.
The Gospel is the power of God for salvation; but it's not just salvation "one day" up in the clouds somewhere. The Gospel is the key that unlocks every other benefit there is to be gained from God. If you live in it! Are you living the Gospel?
What does God have to say about church and what we're all about? This week, we started the summer's series about BRCC Vision, Mission, Values & Membership. Maybe you weren't there for the joint discussion, but this guide can still be a help- we hope!
Summer's here! For many people, that means fun, rest and vacation! What do you really know about rest? Did you know that God wants us to be genuinely rested? Tune in as we prepare our hearts for a summer of fruitful and genuine rest.
If parents aren't as smart as their kids, do the kids still need to follow them? When do we get to stop honoring our parents? Is there ever a time for that? Ephesians 6:1-4 guides us to a path of God-borne righteousness as we read and obey the Lord.
Tune in here to hear the professions of faith of the seven people who elected to be baptized on April 29, 2012! Praise the Lord that he's still moving in hearts and changing lives!
There's lots of confusion about the nature and purpose of baptism today. Fortunately, God's Word speaks clearly on the subject if we're willing to listen. Tune in with us as we hear about a beautiful, encouraging, commanded practice of baptism.
Even though submission is culturally frowned-upon, Christ-centered intentionality in dating and marriage is the norm for Christians. When Christ is the motive, submission is a beautiful thing. Tune in to Ephesians 5:21-33 with us to see why…
It's hard to live in a world that is increasingly dark. We could choose to stay on the outside, aloof & judgmental about what goes on, but that doesn't please the Lord. Eph. 5:11-20 shows us how changed people relate to the world. Listen in w/us.
The Gospel frees us to serve the Lord diligently. Listen in with us and then spend some time on your own with the important worksheet found on the website (http://theblueridgechurch.com/sites/default/images/brccmar182012notes.pdf).
Bracelets, t-shirts, movies & politicians talk about following Jesus. Ephesians 5 shows us that one of the highest motivations for living right before God is the same motivation that led Jesus to stay on the Cross! Tune in with us as we see what it is!
Recipients of the Gospel don't always reflect the Gospel. There are some ways that we can live that please the Lord and others that don't. Ephesians 4:30-32 helps us see what ways of living please the awesome, committed Savior of our souls. Listen w/us.
Have you kept the Holy Spirit at an arms length because you don't understand Him? What's your level of understanding & intimacy with the third person of the Trinity? This study aims to help us gain a Biblical perspective for who He is. Tune in with us!
You probably know what the Bible says about theft. "Don't do it," right? Well, that's true; God doesn't want people to be thieves but the purpose for God's command here could change the world. Will you let it change you?
Cupcakes and kittens and anger. Oh my! How is your habit of dealing with anger? Are you taking God at His Word? Tune in to join us as we consider how to be thoroughly Christ's according to Ephesians 4:26-27.
Every Christian is called to "go" in some way. Do you know the reasons NOT to go? Do you know the reasons to go? This morning, Allen Painter shared about the purpose, place and most of all the person who has called Christians to serve and go. Tune in!
Time for a change? Not your clothes, but your actions; that way Jesus Christ can get the most glory from your life and show Himself through your life. Tune in to consider one of the changes God wants to make in us: learning to speak the truth.
Sin is a personal violation of a personal God who is holy. Want to follow Jesus? Then we must gain an accurate understanding of who Jesus is AND what we are turning from so that we can live for Christ fully. Ephesians 4 guides us there...
Christianity is a relationship w/God built on unmerited favor given to his enemies. Grace is our motive for righteousnes. Have you embraced this reality? See additional files at theblueridgechurch.com/sermons for help making Gospel-motivated choices.
Summit Church in Asheville, NC is sister church to BRCC. We were so glad to have Pastor Nick Cerda with us that day as Pastor Darryl preached at First Alliance Church in Franklin. Tune in to hear Nick Cerda's heart on God's holiness and our response.
Down with the false gospels of churchiness, good works, "fix yourself up," "I'm avoiding judgment from Christians." Up with the authentic, life-changing, life-giving, insanely beautiful, honest Gospel of Jesus Christ. Tune in with us...
One day, Christ will set all things straight. Until then, what are we here to do? The Church is not a social club, it's got a role to play, battles to win and work to do. Listen in to hear God's plan for our growth as his people.
Do you want to be a part of the world changing that the Lord of the Universe is accomplishing? Are you "IN" on the life, hope, peace and freedom He's bringing? Want the King of the Universe to lead your life by the Holy Spirit? Tune in to hear more...
We were so glad to have Peter and his family join us for worship! They are engaged in such Christ-honoring ministry in the Dominican Republic and all over the world! Tune in to hear the heartbeat of this equipping ministry and one of its key leaders!
God is amazing! His choice, his grace, purpose, presence, Church, the unity Christ brings- all these are amazing. Christ has also given tools to each Christian, but sometimes we wonder, will the tools work? Will they last? Listen in for the answer...
God is perfect! He dwells in unapproachable light; but sin separates us from this holy God. What is the hope for those who are so tempted by and lost in sin? Listen in to find our one, true hope.
Jesus prayed for unity for all his followers. Still, church history show that unity is seldom cherished or fought for by Christians. Why does this happen? How do we return to Jesus' heart on the matter? Ephesians 4 shows how God's grace leads us there...
If we're honest, many will admit that sometimes, Christ's ways seem like they won't lead to the results we're hoping for. Ephesians 4 gives us a clear look at the ways and fruit of following Christ according to the grace we've received in Him.
The God of the Universe has called us! Sadly, many people only hear of the high calling but fail to hear of or understand the joy, freedom & peace that motivates our lives in Christ. The lead of grace makes God's calling not only bearable but desirable.
Life is hard. Are you plugged into the source of strength daily challenges? Are you tapped into the source or daring catastrophe to strike because of your unpreparedness? Paul's words and example call us to plug in. The power we need is in God alone.
Can a murderer be any use to God? How about a liar? A cheat? In the Gospel, there's hope for every one of us to join the movement of God as he shines in the world. Because of Jesus, none of us has to be excluded. The Gospel Means: Even Me. Even You.
No beatings, nails, chains, cultural, or historic barriers could silence this message; but what are you doing w/the Gospel? Have you heard it? Believed it? Are you living according to the freedom that comes through it? Listen in...
Not global hugs, not T-shirts, water bottles or conferences. No, merely human solutions can bring us the lasting change we need. Why? Because only Christ has dealt with our deepest, abiding needs & created the best structure for peace, hope & change.
Not by finger-wagging or scolding, but by his own amazing character, commitments & actions; in Christ, God has accomplished for us what we could never possibly do for ourselves; He's removed our ability to foolishly boast in self by saving us himself!
Sin is real. It's consequences are desperate but God has spoken and acted in love to stop the terrible pattern. How does your life line up with what God has said and done!? Listen in and consider carefully what the Bible teaches in Ephesians 2:1-7...
The Gospel offers more than something to do on the weekends; God offers a Hero. Not just anybody's hero, The Hero of Heaven, and Earth, and all the Universe! Want to see the beauty of this Hero? It's hidden but available to you. Listen to hear more...
Everyone who consistently invests themselves in the Christ-centered growth and well-being of others is a kind of shepherd. What does it say about God that He's given shepherds to His people? What should we do in response? Listen in to find out!
Some people think Christianity is just rule keeping & boredom. With the Holy Spirit, though, we live joyfully, powerfully, with great comfort and lasting peace. How do we gain access to the Holy Spirit and what good is He in my life? Listen in...
"How should we pray?" What a huge question the first disciples asked Jesus. Like most everything Jesus did, his answer changed the world. It's often called the Lord's prayer because Christ, taught it, but the riches of this prayer are for us!
In Christ there are many benefits, joys & life-changing realities to be enjoyed. Many don't delight in these realities b/c they are tucked away in God's Word. As we begin this series, we look forward to unlocking these, the true riches of life in Christ!
Many Christians don't engage in Christ's mission b/c of: a) fear of their own unworthiness b) belief that what others believe makes no difference c) misunderstanding of our task as witnesses. Mark 16 destroys these lies; frees & excites us to serve.
As long as we are human, uncertainty is part of life. That doesn't mean that uncertainty has to shipwreck our lives! God gives us help! Lessons from Mark 16 help us to respond to uncertainty with faithfulness and confidence!
Who we trust & what we give in trust are some of the most important decisions of life. The decision to trust people vs. the Lord sounds obvious, but is very difficult in reality. Jeremiah 17:5-8 makes a compelling case for which one to choose; listen in.
What difference does it make that Jesus died? Isn't it enough to think he was in a coma, or asleep or just that his divinity kept him from dying? No, it makes a huge difference! God wants us to be clear on this issue. Read Mk. 15 and listen to see why.
There's a difference between confidence and carelessness. How do you approach God in prayer? In your life? With others? An accurate view of God's holiness obliterates any confidence we might have in approaching Him. Except for this: the veil was torn!
How do we endure? There's lots of tools to help us endure in life's physical challenges. What is there to help us endure spiritual hard times that require so much? Mark 15:22-37 shows Jesus' endurance and encourages us in our own challenges as well!
Earthquakes, economies, chaos; sometimes it's hard to hold on to the hope that God is indeed the One in control. Mk 15 shows us that God was on His Throne in the time of earth's worst catastrophe & points us to some ways God can be visibly enthroned now.
How do we respond when people we should trust fail us? What about when we're being falsely accused? What about when we're physically attacked? In His shining, and terrible hour, Jesus provided a powerful example for us to follow in His strength.
How can we pursue Jesus Christ with all our energy; especially when the world around us is so alluring?
What's it cost to tell the truth? Sometimes, very high. What is the cost of telling lies? Eternal. God puts a high value on loving, speaking and living by the truth. Mark 14 helps us see the high standard and God's remedy for our failures.
Every day we make crucial decisions; we're trading one thing for another. We can't retrieve the choices we make, no matter how hard we try. So the question is this: Will you choose to follow Jesus no matter the cost? He's worth it!
What's the difference between a super-long, exhausting trip and a super-long trip you enjoy? For drivers, the difference is cruise control. For Christians, the difference is living in God's power versus your own. Mark 14:26-42 helps us see & learn.
What is the deal with communion? Eucharist? The Lord's Supper? Whatever you have heard it called, it's essential to know what this practice is all about and why we celebrate it together as a church. Mark 14:22-25 helps us do just that!
The Hubble telescope uses mirrors to see distant objects very clearly. Similarly, we can learn a lot by watching those who were closest to Jesus. In Mark 14:12-21, we see how Christ's followers served Him, obeyed Him and clung to him as examples for us.
Nothing stays the same when Jesus is nearby. That's who Jesus is; he moves men. This week's sermon is from Mark 14:1-11 and we will see how Jesus moves men, not just in the direction you'd think!
Ball games, movies, music, friendships, joys and pains. All these things can lure us away from the truth- that we need to live in a state of readiness; always alert, always prepared. Are you awake spiritually? How do you know? Stay awake in Christ.
Jesus, comforts, teaches and warns his followers. Jesus warns all who would listen about coming days of trial & hardship. He tells us to be on our guard so we won't be misled in coming days of hardship. Are you on your guard?
What do world-class athletes and faithful Christ-followers have in common? Laser-like focus! Jesus the Great Shepherd wants his followers to be focused on things that last and matters of ultimate importance.
There's lots of confusion about Apocalyptic or "End Times" passages in the Bible. Why preach through them if there are so many other passages to preach? Pastor Darryl answers that question in this rare departure from the normal preaching schedule.
What kind of giving does Jesus commend? Do we please God by giving big gifts even if we do it with a bad attitude? Tune in to Mark 12:41-44 to find out!
We want to know truth but even the most accurate polygraph can't tell us what God can about leaders and their teachings. God has the unique role of Shepherd, won't you listen to Him and let him protect you? Exalt Jesus by listening to Him.
Have you accepted Jesus as your king or just agreed with the facts of his kindness and goodness?
Love is more than a fleeting feeling or mushy romantic thought. For followers of Jesus Christ, Love is the banner that God has placed over us!
What is the most important thing to God? This sermon is from the first service of Blue Ridge Community Church!
What's up with missions? What is God saying by sending his people out from their comfort zones? He's saying something and it's loud and clear for those who will listen!