In our age of science and reason, we struggle with the idea of the supernatural. Quite often, those who lean into this realm are considered crazy or radical, and in many cases, that description is accurate. But as Pastor Ricky begins his new series, Carry the Fire, in today's message, he'll remind us that the Holy Spirit is essential in the life of every believer. The only way that we can experience the Holy Spirit is supernaturally. His presence can't be physically measured. He connects with us in our spirit.
Gospel Culture - Why Is Gospel Ministry So Costly, Part 2
Our world pushes the message that we need to lookout for number one. If you've got some money or resources leftover, sure, give that away, but only once you get all of your personal needs and desires. As Pastor Ricky points out in today's message, we see something very different demonstrated in Scripture. The focus is never on self. The focus is on leaning into our Provider in complete faith. When we trust that God will meet all of our needs, we can hold our money and stuff a lot more loosely.
Gospel Culture - Why Is Gospel Ministry So Costly, Part 1
Generosity always stands out in a world that puts itself first. We often see it with a dose of skepticism. We wonder what strings are going to be attached. Well, as Pastor Ricky examines the generosity of the early church in 1 Corinthians, we’ll be challenged to increase this aspect of our Christian lives. We've seen far too many cases of corruption in the church throughout the years and we've built up a distrust in how we give but God calls us to give generously, so we need to lean into it with discernment.
Gospel Culture - How Do We Face Death, Part 2
What an incredible image of what we have to look forward to. Heaven is unimaginable and the bodies we will be given in eternity will be just as amazing. We’ll be fully focused on using those bodies for the glory of the Savior as we see His face and bask in His love for all of eternity. As Pastor Ricky encourages us in today's message, this life with all its pain and decay and struggle will be just like a blip in the scope of the time that we'll spend in the perfect restoration that God has planned for us.
Gospel Culture - How Do We Face Death, Part 1
The older you get, the easier you get hurt. Pain and discomfort just become an accepted part of life for many of us as our bodies age and break down. It can be a depressing thought, but as Pastor Ricky reminds us in today's message, because of Jesus we have reason for hope. Death may come suddenly, and it could be soon, or it could be decades down the road but ultimately as believers, it's not our end. In Christ, we have the promise that we will rise again with perfect and eternal bodies.
Gospel Culture - Why Should I Believe in the Resurrection, Part 2
The power of the Resurrection isn't just the idea of it. It's not just an inspirational story that can motivate us to be better people. As Pastor Ricky reminds us in today's message, the power of the Resurrection is that Jesus was and is alive and bore the punishment for all the sin of the world by dying on the cross. Then, He rose from the dead, demonstrating His power over sin and death and inviting us to participate and live in that same power. We get to live resurrected lives free from sin because of Him.
Gospel Culture - Why Should I Believe in the Resurrection, Part 1
As you live out the Christian journey in this fallen world, you're going to face pressure from all sides to water down or even abandon the critical elements of your faith. The Bible and everything it teaches will be called into question, and people, even within the church, are going to find ways to make it align with the world's agenda. As Pastor Ricky continues our study in the book of 1 Corinthians, we're going to be challenged to stand fast in what we believe and the truth that we've learned from the Scriptures.
Gospel Culture - Why Can't I Just Do What I Want in Church, Part 3
Is every area of your life submitted fully to the Lord? If you answered yes, you likely need to submit your pride, self-righteousness, and self-awareness to Him. Every single believer has areas of life that aren't fully submitted to God. As Pastor Ricky points out in today's message, we love to point our fingers at other people that have allowed very external and visible sins to remain in their lives and we give ourselves a little pat on the back, but that pride is just as sinful in God's sight.
Th Gospel and the Home - Fathers, Part 2
Paul is exhorting the fathers of the church to urge the young men to live soberly and to live a self-controlled life. There are so many horrible father figures in the world today that are leading the young generation of men astray. Being a man is not drinking beer and vegetating on the couch watching sports all day. Being a man is who you are in Christ. A man works hard and provides for his family. A man of God produces the fruit of the Spirit and is an example to the younger generation. Are you a godly man?
Gospel Culture - Why Can't I Just Do What I Want in Church, Part 2
God created men and women equal, and both bear His image. But the mistake that's often made in today's culture is thinking that equal means that we're the same. From the beginning, God built us with clear and obvious differences, both on a physical level as well as on a mental, emotional, and spiritual level. As Pastor Ricky warns us in today's message, when we disregard and even openly reject God's design, we invite destruction in the here and now, as well as eternally.
Gospel Culture - Why Can't I Just Do What I Want in Church, Part 1
As Pastor Ricky examines today's passage from 1 Corinthians, we're reminded of an important question that we need to ask in all sectors of church life, “Does the particular act, behavior, or event glorify God and edify our fellow believers?” Nobody can deny that tongues is a gift that the Bible describes. It's a real thing, and there's people who legitimately have this gift even today but does it belong in church services if it's not bringing benefit to others and glorifying God?
Gospel Culture - Why Are Christians Killing the American Church, Part 2
We normally like to do things our way, be it at work or in our daily lives. It happens so frequently that we begin to express our views about how churches are managed. People may advise the pastor on how to adjust some aspects to suit their own preferences, but have you ever realized that God has already set the boundaries in a church? In today's message, Pastor Ricky explains how to remain within your bounds. Instead of pushing your beliefs into the church, you can allow the Holy Spirit to take control.
Gospel Culture - Why Are Christians Killing the American Church, Part 1
Watching other believers doing amazing things might lead you to wonder if you have the same spirit as them. You may begin to wonder why you're unable to do what they can. You might even question whether God has any plans for your life. Today Pastor Ricky teaches how we can serve God. When you were lost to sin, Jesus came to bring you back to Himself and He gave you the same Holy Spirit as everyone else but with unique skills and talents that are tailored to you. All you need to do is seek God's direction.
Gospel Culture - What If I Don't Like the People At My Church?, Part 2
Quite often we race to prove to others that somehow, we're superior, whether it's physically or professionally, and even though that creates a divide amongst us, it's usually how the world operates. But do you wonder if it's the same way in the church? Today Pastor Ricky shows us how everyone is treated equally at church. When you come to God's house, you're reminded that God has blessed you and built you back up from nothing. How can you start maintaining that same mentality outside of the church?
Gospel Culture - What If I Don't Like the People At My Church?, Part 1
When you attend church, there might be parts of the service that you don't find to your liking. Maybe it's the worship music or the sermon. In fact, you might want to look for a church that's wonderful in every way. But in today's message, Pastor Ricky clarifies why we ought to drop our consumer mindset when it comes to church. We should always remember that we go to church to praise and honor God as a community. It's not about what we want but what God wants and what He wants us to be a part of.
Gospel Culture - Who Defines Gender and What Does It Mean?, Part 3
You might have observed on social media, or in your daily life, that there's a continuing feminism debate in which women argue that they don't need males and can live without them. Even guys claim to have no need for women. But is that the truth? Today Pastor Ricky discusses how men and women rely on one another. God created humans in such a way that they're interdependent in all situations. He's designed you and your spouse to function as a team. That's the only way you can both grow.
Gospel Culture - Who Defines Gender and What Does That Mean, Part 2
When God finished creating all of creation, He declared it good. Every single human being is a part of that creation. However, you might feel that God made a mistake in giving you a specific gender, but is that really the case? In today's message, Pastor Ricky talks about how God sees you as flawless. When He created you, He pronounced you perfect just as you were. Instead of trying to manipulate your appearance simply thank God for your life and consider how you can serve Him with all of your heart.
Gospel Culture - Who Defines Gender and What Does That Mean, Part 1
People tend to change their appearance and personality based on their preferences or, to fit into the society which they inhabit. But do you realize that by doing so, they're violating both natural laws and God’s standards? In the message today, Pastor Ricky describes how God has assigned specific roles and genders to each person on earth. You don't need to modify your appearance because your Creator has made you and declared you perfect in His sight. You are loved by God just as you are.
Carry the Fire - What About Spiritual Gifts, Part 3
Satan has this little game that he likes to play in people's minds. It's a really old game. In fact, it's quite literally one of the oldest tricks in the book, found in the earliest chapters of Genesis. It's a little game called comparison. Have you heard of it? Today, Pastor Ricky teaches that this game of comparison is especially rampant in the age of social media but we can't let it win. Your spiritual gifts might look different from somebody else’s, but the Holy Spirit has blessed you with a beautiful gift that is unique to you.
Gospel Culture - If I'm Free in Christ, Do I Just Do What I Want?, Part 2
Not everything you do is necessarily the right thing. You may have friends who are a bad influence on you, or maybe you're battling an addiction that's difficult to overcome. Today, Pastor Ricky tells you that staying close to other Christ followers will help you in your walk with God. Instead of hanging out with people that are indulging in sin, you can choose to seek out someone who has a strong relationship with God. That person can build up your faith in Jesus and help you get back on track.