When most unbelievers are asked about what they think about church, a common response is that they believe the church is full of hypocrites. The truth of the matter is that there are many imperfections within the church. One thing we all need to remember is that the church is for those who are sick and in need of help. It's not for those that are well. Jesus said that He was the Great Physician, that He came for those that knew they were sick and in need of a savior.
Jesus, Family, Mission - Love, Failure, and the Imperfect Family of God, Part 1
We've been commissioned to go out into all the world, preaching the gospel and to make disciples. The question is, are you obeying this great commission of Jesus? Today Pastor Ricky will be continuing to emphasize the importance of making Jesus preeminent over our lives as well as being a functioning member of the body of Christ and obeying the mission God has for us. We’re all commissioned to preach the gospel and make disciples but we also have individual callings as well.
Jesus, Family, Mission - Consumers to Servants, Part 2
As Pastor Ricky continues his teaching series through the Gospel of John, he'll be reminding us that not only should we be servants, but we should be servants even to those that don't deserve it. Jesus washed the feet of His disciples even though He knew one would betray Him and another would deny Him three times. We aren't called to simply serve and love those that are lovable but to bless those that curse us and persecute us. We should bless and pray for those that despitefully use us.
Jesus, Family, Mission - Consumers to Servants, Part 1
In ancient times, for someone to take off their garments and begin to wash the feet of others, it meant they were lowly and of extremely low position in culture. Today Pastor Ricky will be encouraging us to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and to allow ourselves to take the humble position of a servant. The Bible says that a servant isn’t greater than his master. If Jesus being God in the flesh, humbled Himself and served others, how much more should we.
Jesus, Family, Mission - Jesus' Missionary Family, Part 2
The language of scripture often calls the church the household of God. In that time period, a household was made up of not only the immediate family but extended family members as well that would add to the home. Today Pastor Ricky will be encouraging us to have fellowship with other believers and to remember that Jesus made the church to be a family, a warm loving household. The Apostle Paul also exhorts us not to forsake the fellowship of the brethren.
Jesus, Family, Mission - Jesus' Missionary Family, Part 1
Today, Pastor Ricky will be explaining the importance of Jesus being the center of our family and how we should be obeying God's call for our family, to be a light to the world. Jesus is not just a superhuman guy with supernatural abilities. He is God, in the flesh, who created the heavens and the earth. When we truly believe that Jesus is more than a good teacher and more than a prophet and that He is God in the flesh, our lives reflect that belief. Our families will look different than the families of the world.
Behold - How to Find God's Favor, Part 2
If you have pride in your heart, you may approach scripture with an attitude that you think you know better in certain areas, or you simply find it hard to listen and obey. Yet as Pastor Ricky will point out today, that as you approach scripture humbly and receive it as authoritative, you'll get to know God more deeply and as you get to know God, you'll grow in wisdom and faith. If you see God as He is in His Word, you'll recognize how much you need Him to speak to you. Receive the Word of God with reverence daily.
Behold - How to Find God's Favor, Part 1
Do you live your life trying to do certain things or avoid others in order to get the attention and favor of God? Well, the Bible is clear. The Lord looks with favor on the humble. It's not about trying to find the magic formula of religious activities but instead, it's about recognizing yourself rightly in relationship to God. Today Pastor Ricky will emphasize the importance of having a contrite heart and humility in recognizing your need of God. The Lord offers grace and forgiveness. Turning to Him is the only way to be saved.
Behold - Final and Forever Christmas, Part 3
There is a deep longing in believers for the new heaven and new earth the Lord will bring someday. Conflict, violence, and hurt will be replaced by peace, love, and harmony. Looking ahead to this should bring you great joy and hope as you wait. Today, Pastor Ricky will encourage you to look forward to this future made possible because of Jesus’ sacrifice, believe in Jesus as your Savior and King. When you know that that future is there and is certain, it should transform you and strengthen you in all you do.
Behold - Final and Forever Christmas, Part 2
When you look toward the future on earth, there's often fear of what might happen because this world is a broken place. Because you can't control all things, you might have a dread deep inside about what will happen to you or those you love. Yet as Pastor Ricky will remind you today, God is preparing a new heaven and a new earth for all believers that replaces terror with blessing. You'll have peace because you'll have nothing to fear and the nearness of God will be better than anything you can imagine.
Behold - Final and Forever Christmas, Part 1
This journey through life can be difficult at times. There’s sorrow, brokenness, death, and futility. God sometimes seems far away yet in Isaiah, God gives a beautiful glimpse of the new heaven and new earth to come. Today, Pastor Ricky will walk you through the beautiful place that God will bring about someday. All creation will be renewed and glorious, unmarked by sin anymore. Sorrow will be replaced by never-ending joy. If you look ahead knowing that this is coming, it should strengthen you in your walk of faith.
Behold - Longing for More, Part 2
Underneath all of the longings that you have for your life, there's a deeper longing to be in relationship with the Lord. It's how He created you. Yet you are even unfulfilled in that because of sin. You can never bring yourself closer to God in your own efforts. Today, Pastor Ricky will explain how you must come to the end of yourself, acknowledge your sin and ask Him to act, and the beautiful news is that He will. He sent Jesus to bridge the gap between our sin and God's holiness and to bring all people back into a relationship with Him.
Behold - Longing for More, Part 1
There is within each person a fundamental longing. Believers and non-believers all long for love, safety, peace, and honor. Today, Pastor Ricky will explain how God created everyone to long for these things from Him. God can uniquely and fully love and protect you because of who He is. He created you for a relationship with Him. Instead of turning to the world for these things that you long for and excluding God, turn first to Him. He'll fulfill all of your longings in amazing ways and transform your heart.
Behold - Don't Stop Now, Part 2
For the believer, this world is not your home. There's something much greater to come. God calls you to live differently than the world while you're here in the world. Pastor Ricky explains today that you should feel a bit restless as you long for eternity to come. He encourages you as you give up desires and lose things you love to remember that every loss will be redeemed more than you can even imagine. Have the perspective that the good to come will far overshadow anything you lose now. God will restore all things on that day.
Behold - Don't Stop Now, Part 1
The world today lives for the here and now, wrapped up in all the pleasure and comfort of the moment. Yet Isaiah encourages God’s people to fix their eyes on eternity instead. There's something much better to come. Today, Pastor Ricky will challenge you to have God’s longing for the full salvation of His people. Yes, you experienced a bit of salvation life now, but the complete glory and righteousness to come are more than you can imagine. Creation will be redeemed completely. You’ll be fully restored and perfect for eternity.
Jesus, Family, Mission - Great Fear, Greater Comforter, Part 2
Have you ever felt rejected? Of course. Perhaps you've had a bad experience as a child being rejected by a parent or family member. We can go throughout our lives being let down by many different people. There's one person who will never let you down. As a Christian, you have an eternal Father in heaven who loves you with an unconditional and sacrificial love that no earthly parent or person can provide. The Bible says that you are beloved by the Heavenly Father regardless of your past.
Behold - People of Destiny, Part 2
Despite what the world tells you, God is bringing His people to a great and glorious future. Even if you struggle to believe you are worthy of a God using and desiring you, He promises a beautiful gathering of all who believe. Today, Pastor Ricky will explain some of the glory to come. God will carry you to perfect completion and righteousness. The Godly will triumph over this world and ultimately the glory to come is better than you can even imagine. Don't give up on your Christian walk. The future to come will be amazing.
Behold - People of Destiny, Part 1
Do you ever wonder if this Christian life you’re living will ever go anywhere? You might feel doubtful based on your ability to live in obedience. You may struggle to believe because the world seems to be victorious. Yet as Pastor Ricky will remind you today, God is bringing His people to glory. God's people reflect His glory and God will gather all people for a beautiful complete family. Instead of wondering where this journey of faith is going, just know and believe it’s going somewhere good.
Behold - Welcome to the Family
Do you feel like you're on the outside of the family of God? Like it's for someone with a better past or a Christian upbringing or for someone with good Bible knowledge only? Today, Pastor Ricky will encourage you greatly with the truth that God made a way for all outsiders to be welcome in the forever family of God. Don't buy into Satan's lie that you don't belong and exclude yourself. Bring your messy lives and come to God through faith in Jesus. He longs for you to believe. He welcomes you into His family forever.
Behold - The Great Exchange, Part 2
All of humanity, because of sin, is wicked. Every person has chosen to reject the Lord by choosing sin and for that, death is deserved. Today, Pastor Ricky will explain that God, who is righteous, must bring justice to the world. Yet instead of judging them rightly and simply wiping out all people, He sent Jesus to bear the weight of all sin on the cross. Jesus willingly chose to give His life in exchange for your redemption and forgiveness. He paid it all. He completed the work. Will you accept His perfect sacrifice?