One word that aptly describes our culture today would be, distracted. How many of us have spent more time watching shows or browsing social network feeds than we did reading the Bible and praying this week? As Pastor Ricky warns in today's message, these distractions while not bad in and of themselves, are designed to be addicting. If our time with God is taking second place to the diversions of life, the intimacy He desires to have with us is guaranteed to suffer.
Jesus is Greater - Than Wins and Losses, Part 2
As Pastor Ricky continues his teaching series on how Jesus is greater, he'll be exhorting us to rid ourselves of any known sin that has taken over our lives. When we choose to sin we're believing that what sin has to offer is far greater than what Jesus has to offer. Don't buy into the lie that sin can satisfy. The Bible says that sin is pleasurable for a season. Of course, sin is fun, otherwise, nobody would be doing it but the fun and pleasure only lasts for a season. Jesus satisfies the soul in the long run.
Jesus is Greater - Than Wins and Losses, Part 1
Today Pastor Ricky will be explaining how Jesus turns our so-called gains in the world into losses and turns the losses we experience into gains. Jesus asked the question, what does it profit a man to gain the whole world but to lose his soul? When we come to Jesus as our Lord and Savior, He puts everything into proper perspective. We realize the things that used to make us feel good don't really satisfy the longing of our souls.
Jesus is Greater - Than Karma and Wrath, Part 2
In today's message, Pastor Ricky compares a cultural idea of karma versus Jesus’ sacrificial love. The cultural idea of karma insists that we should receive treatment from others based on how good or bad we are but truly understanding the depth of our human sinfulness would mean that we would not earn anything good. However, Jesus sacrificially took upon Himself the punishment for which you and I were destined. Therefore, you and I receive God's love and life instead of what we deserve.
Jesus is Greater - Than Karma and Wrath, Part 1
Have you ever thought about karma? In our culture today, karma can often be seen as the question of, do nice things and get nice things back or do bad and get bad in return. In today's message, Pastor Ricky discusses this cultural notion of karma which reveals the God-given ability to desire fairness and justice. If we always receive what we deserve, our sin would earn us punishment and death. But Jesus is greater than our sin and He frees us from the wrath of God, giving us grace and mercy.
Jesus is Greater - Than Mountains & Galaxies, Part 2
In today's message, Pastor Ricky paints an extraordinary picture of the incredible scope of this universe, and knowing that this universe is so complex and vast, Paul's description of Jesus as being over all of creation is awe-inspiring. If Jesus then can rule over all of creation, He can certainly care for our lives. Isn't it amazing that the God who created all that is with His immense power, directs His attention and love toward us through His Son.
Jesus is Greater - Than Mountains & Galaxies, Part 1
The name and person of Jesus can be polarizing in our world today. For Christians, Jesus is the center of their faith for He is God and Savior but for others in our world, Jesus and His teaching is opposed. In today's message, Pastor Ricky says it's actually a good thing that Jesus is polarizing because He's radical and it may be worse to be comfortable and complacent with Jesus. As God, Jesus is greater than the mountains and galaxies and He can radically transform your life.
Behold Your God - Behold His Plan, Part 2
Today Pastor Ricky will be warning us against building up our own cities here on earth rather than putting our trust and faith in our eternal city with the Lord. What is in your life that you hold precious that cannot be shaken? The only thing in your life that cannot be moved is your eternal destination with the Lord. Be careful to not build up your own empire here on earth rather than focusing on building up the kingdom of God. Keep an eternal perspective. The kingdom of God cannot be shaken.
Behold Your God - Behold His Plan, Part 1
If you place your hope in the temporal things of earth, you will become greatly disappointed and depressed. As a Christian, you have a heavenly city and eternal home with the Lord. You don't need to seek the things of the world to find fulfillment. Purpose to seek the city that is to come, whose maker and builder is God. You're a pilgrim just passing through this world. You should have an anticipation for eternity to come. If Christ came back today, would you be ready and excited, or ashamed?
Behold Your God - Behold The Servant, Part 2
Jesus Christ is the perfect picture of a true servant. When Jesus had the Last Supper with his disciples, He took the lowliest of jobs and washed their feet. You should look at Christ’s example and purpose to imitate Him daily. Whenever you read of Jesus, you will find Him always pouring Himself out and serving His community. Are you radiating the presence of Christ in your community by your service? The only reason why God hasn't taken you home yet is because He has service for you to do.
Behold Your God - Behold The Servant, Part 1
As Pastor Ricky teaches through the book of Isaiah, he will be teaching us how the prophet Isaiah is speaking of Christ the Servant. Now that Christ lives inside of you, you're now a servant in the Kingdom of God. The Lord delights in you and pours out His spirit on you in order to equip you to further the Kingdom of God. The mission of the servant is to act rightly in accordance with the Word of God, and to draw others to redemption in Christ. Are you accurately representing Christ?
Behold Your God - Behold His Sovereignty, Part 2
There is a common thread among believers that live in fear. That common thread is that they consider the temporal more dear to their hearts than the eternal. God's purposes for you will not be frustrated. He is in control of your life. He has plans to prosper you and give you hope. The Lord desires that you live for eternity and not for the temporal things of the world. When you keep your priorities in order, your fear of losing the temporal will begin to dissipate.
Behold Your God - Behold His Sovereignty, Part 1
The essence of the gospel is that those who should live in fear have been brought near as friends. Pastor Ricky will be teaching on the importance of living a faith-filled life rather than living in fear. Fear is the antithesis of having faith in God. The prophet Isaiah in this text will be explaining to the Israelites that there is nothing to fear as a child of God because God is sovereign and in control of the universe. If you're battered by fear, cling to the rock that is Christ and He will give you His peace.
Behold Your God - Behold His Power, Part 2
Pastor Ricky will be continuing his teaching on God versus idols through the book of Isaiah. Israel turned away from God and focused their attention on things that God created. The Lord is rebuking Israel in this text for not loving and worshipping Him. The definition of idolatry is loving something and giving adoration to something, or someone, more than you love and adore God. Is there anything or anyone that draws your attention and devotion away from God?
Behold Your God - Behold His Power, Part 1
Pastor Ricky will be asking you this question today, do you place all your trust in God or in idols? Your actions will reveal if you place your trust in God. You can't say that you believe God will provide for you and then live and worry and forsake the call God has on your life in order to stock up on money and resources. When times get tough do you run to the world for comfort? Or do you turn to Christ? There is nothing that can save you and give you peace like God Almighty. Turn to Him alone.
Behold Your God - Behold Your God, Part 2
Pastor Ricky will be teaching today about the importance of beholding our God and falling deeper in love with Him. The only way that you can become more Christ-like, the only way you can rid yourself of sin, is if you focus on Christ and His presence. When you spend that intimate time with Christ in communion, you will naturally begin to become more and more like Him. Don't allow sin to be your main focus. Have Christ as your main focus and He will enable you to live for Him.
Behold Your God - Behold Your God, Part 1
God has created man with a longing for the Lord. Before you came to the Lord, you had a God-shaped void in your heart that only God could fill and satisfy. Now that you've received Christ into your heart, you have the peace of God that surpasses all understanding, but you still have the flesh within you that tries to sway you into longing for everything other than God. Always remember your first love and pursue God. He will satisfy you.
Ordinary - Redefining Ministry, Part 2
God wants us to become disciples of Christ. He also wants us to become disciple-makers. Today Pastor Ricky will teach us that the way this happens is by living life together with others. The early church disciples would study, read scripture and pray together, Therefore as they would live life together ultimately, they would be growing together as well. Together they become more and more devoted to Jesus and more and more like Him. Who can you live together? Who will you reach out to?
Ordinary - Redefining Ministry, Part 1
Today Pastor Ricky will remind us that early in the first church, all the people were together, and God continued to add to their numbers. As they were coming to Him, God was reshaping them, He was transforming them. As they became disciples, everything they did changed. It was all built around Jesus as they were totally devoted to Him. He became their identity. We will learn that this is what God desires for us, to be so devoted to Jesus that we become disciple-makers for Him.
Ordinary - Redefining Mission, Part 2
We’ve learned that God handed the mission of the church to ordinary people. We also learned that God gave them the power to accomplish it. Today Pastor Ricky will teach us that the way this was accomplished was through everyday life. We will hear that the people were dedicated to fellowship, teaching, praying, and taking care of each other‘s needs. As they were living life on a day-to-day basis, and pursuing Jesus more and more, people came to know Him. Is your life a witness for Him?