Giving up everything probably sounds horrible to most of us. If we're honest with ourselves, we love our stuff and because we love stuff, we live lives that are preoccupied with getting more of it. Yet, even when we get that new car, or TV, or whatever that thing may be, we find ourselves longing for more. As Pastor Ricky examines the example of Paul, we’re reminded that there is only one way to find true and lasting joy and contentment. That is when we let go of everything until the only thing left is Christ.
The Happiest Book in the Bible - To Live is Christ, To Die is Gain, Part 2
Wow, those are some powerful words. Something deep down resonates when we hear that Christ is worth more than all of those things that are so valuable to us in this life. At the same time, our desire to serve self makes us question that statement. As Pastor Ricky challenges us in today’s message, when we start living in a way that acknowledges the insignificance of our most prized possessions, relationships, or goals, it will result in a radical change of focus from serving self to all-out service to our Savior.
The Happiest Book in the Bible - To Live is Christ, To Die is Gain, Part 1
Because of sin, mankind has inherited death and as a by-product, the fear of death. Entire industries have sprouted out from this common anxiety. We try so hard to find ways to prevent or at least delay this inevitable part of life but as Pastor Ricky reminds us in today's message, for believers death does not represent the end but the beginning of a glorious eternity with our Savior Jesus Christ. We may not look forward to the process and pain of dying but just as Paul explains in today's message, it's all worth it for the sake of Christ.
Little Town of Bethlehem - God's Kindness in Human Form, Part 3
All of us encounter difficult situations that drain us emotionally or even spiritually. Not only does that destroy us but it also imprisons us by preventing us from seeing a way out. Do you know who can save us? Today Pastor Ricky discusses how God is able to break any chain in our lives. Even if it seems like there's no other option, you can have confidence in the fact that our God is the Redeemer and will always come to our aid. Through Jesus who gave His life on the cross to atone for our sins, God saved us all.
Little Town of Bethlehem - God's Kindness in Human Form, Part 2
Humans tend to be selfish a lot of the time. We just consider our own interests and we prioritize ourselves over assisting others but does God call for us to do that? Pastor Ricky tells us in today's lesson how we can start putting others’ needs ahead of our own. When you put others needs before your own you become righteous in God's eyes and receive benefits in accordance with your deeds. God will reward you and provide for your necessities if you help those that are around you in need.
Little Town of Bethlehem - God's Kindness in Human Form, Part 1
Have you ever had a toy that you cherished but you lost it for some reason? After searching for it for a while you will do whatever it takes to recover it. Do you realize how much God values you and sees you as His priceless possession? Pastor Ricky describes today how God has protected you from eternal death. Jesus, God's only son, was sent into this world to die on the cross in order to atone for all of our sins. We can now have a relationship with the Father and experience eternal life thanks to Jesus.
Little Town of Bethlehem - The Posture of Kindness, Part 3
Have you ever encountered a challenge in life that leaves you on the verge? It affects your emotions as well as breaking you mentally. Difficulties often creep in when you choose to walk in God's path, even if you are a believer. You might even start to doubt God's judgment. Today Pastor Ricky explains how God shields you under His protection. You can always cry out to God for assistance when you have nowhere else to turn and you can trust that He will always keep you safe from all danger.
Little Town of Bethlehem - The Posture of Kindness, Part 2
When challenged, humans always have the tendency to back out of their commitments. We make an effort to maintain our word but all too often we fall short. But does God think that way too? Pastor Ricky shows us in today's message how God always fulfills His promises for your life. He's not only pleased but He also confirms you of that commitment to you when you search after and remind Him of His promises for your life. God only wants what is best for your life. You just have to rely on His grace and His promises.
Little Town of Bethlehem - The Posture of Kindness, Part 1
Just about everybody is afraid of making a significant life change. Whether it's doing something they have little experience with or moving forward in a relationship. But we frequently want to talk about how kind God has been to us. Does that apply to us specifically? Today Pastor Ricky explains how you might develop a dependence on God's goodness. You can put your trust in God and follow through when He instructs you to take a daring move. You can feel His kindness in your life when you take that risk.
Little Town of Bethlehem - Displaying the Kindness of God, Part 2
There's days in life when we simply feel like everything's going our way. Our daily lives become more positive as a result, in addition to boosting our self-confidence. Is it a coincidence though? Pastor Ricky tells us in today's message how you can experience God's goodness in your everyday life. You might believe that you have exceptional luck but in reality, God is showing you kindness. God only wants what is best for your life. He voluntarily chooses the route that He wants you to go.
Little Town of Bethlehem - Displaying the Kindness of God, Part 1
Quite often we hear in church about God's generosity. The Bible describes how God is merciful to the Israelites and He's constantly meeting their needs but have you ever really been touched by God's kindness in your life? Pastor Ricky discusses in today's message how you might benefit from God's love. You can feel God's kindness in your life when you decide to trust Him in the midst of the challenges. In addition to guiding you through the difficulty, He also showers us with His unfailing grace.
Little Town of Bethlehem - Questioning the Kindness of God, Part 2
It can break our hearts when things don't turn out the way that they should. We begin to feel down and unmotivated. We start to think negatively and we anticipate problems at every turn. But is that what God intends for you to believe? Pastor Ricky shares in today's message how God wants you to always have hope. You can start to live a life of hope and stop thinking negatively by starting to believe in God's rescuing power. God always makes up for your suffering. Faith in Him is all we need.
Little Town of Bethlehem - Questioning the Kindness of God, Part 1
Quite often we want to demonstrate our faith in God by going to church on Sundays, participating in church events, and reading our Bibles. Our relationship with God is pretty good until a challenge enters our lives. We can tend to lose faith in God when the enemy puts us up against a difficulty. Pastor Ricky explains in today's message how we can boost our confidence in God. Even though we experience challenges in this life, we can always maintain our faith in God because He will deliver us in them.
The Happiest Book in the Bible - Praying For What We Really Need, Part 2
Some issues don't have a simple answer. We may respond by rebuking those who have a different opinion, throwing scripture at them, and expecting them to simply comply. Or, we may err on the side of what we think is love, extending grace and beyond that, affirmation for someone's actions or lifestyle choices. As Pastor Ricky explains in today's message, there may be a need for a mix of both but the only way we can discern the best response is through prayer and diligently seeking God's wisdom.
The Happiest Book in the Bible - Praying For What We Really Need, Part 1
Prayer may be one of the most neglected or misused gifts that God has given to the church. We frequently tell others that we’ll pray for them, and we intend to, but then we completely forget, and then it becomes simply a way of expressing sympathy. We also misuse it by praying in a way that fails to acknowledge God's will and only requests that He conforms to ours. Today’s message with Pastor Ricky will lay out a beautiful model for how we can successfully and effectively be people of prayer in the church.
The Happiest Book in the Bible - Gospel Affection, Part 2
It's easy to rush to judgment and even allow resentment to build up as we witness the choices and lifestyles of our fellow believers. It may be the smallest of offenses, or it may be something more severe, but we struggle to let go of those conflicts and love those people. As Pastor Ricky remind us in today's message, we're called to live above that. Grudges don't belong in the heart of a believer. We have been given such great grace and we need to let it overflow into our relationships.
The Happiest Book in the Bible - Gospel Affection, Part 1
Even the most affectionate relationships have moments where the love just doesn't come naturally. Whether it's a romantic connection, a family bond, or a friendship, disagreements arise and the relationship is strained. As Pastor Ricky reminds us in today's message, our relationships in the church experience the same issues but in Christ, we are to be different. Instead of shutting down or closing ourselves off, we choose to love each other in the grace that Christ has extended to us.
The Happiest Book in the Bible - Gospel Partnership, Part 2
For many, the church may have become just another part of the routine or a means of maintaining a social life. It can become very casual and we lose sight of what our real focus should be. As Pastor Ricky reminds us in today's message, the church is a beautiful result of Christ's sacrifice on the cross. We may feel isolated in our culture where so many people spend more time looking at social media than in talking face-to-face, but in the church, we're never alone. We’re united in the amazing love of Christ.
The Happiest Book in the Bible - Gospel Partnership, Part 1
The church means many different things to different people. If we're honest, many of us go primarily for what it does for us. The feeling we get, or the connections that it facilitates. Others go out of obligation, attempting to live a righteous life that will make them feel accomplished and maybe help them gain entrance into heaven. As Pastor Ricky explains in today's message, these motivations are flawed, if not entirely wrong. As we examine Paul's life and his approach to church, we’ll learn what it means to partner in the gospel.
Who Am I? - Spiritual Warfare in Christ, Part 2
Are you using the weapons that have been left for you? Today Pastor Ricky teaches us that Jesus won these spiritual weapons for us. He actually bought them with His blood. He says that Jesus died to equip us for the battle that we would endure. He knew what we would face. He knew what we would need. He was willing to give it all for us. Not only does He invite us to wear His weapons, He also gives us the power to have the victory. Are you tired of losing the battle? Turn to Jesus today.