Vulnerability is crucial in the life of a believer. First and foremost, we make ourselves vulnerable before Christ, acknowledging that we are weak and need Him to empower us. Secondly, we need to open up and recognize our need for fellow believers. As Pastor Ricky challenges us in today's message, we need to be honest about our shortcomings and bravely reach out to our brothers and sisters, to walk alongside us and provide accountability and guidance as we see Christ together.
The Happiest Book in the Bible - Speak to Shine, Part 2
Many of us love to complain. It may be over the actions of others or the way the world seems bent against us. If we really want to, there's no shortage of material to fuel our grumbling. As Pastor Ricky continues to lead us through Paul's letter to the Philippians, we’re reminded what our speech should sound like as believers. Complaining doesn't belong in that speech. No matter how bad it may seem, we can view it as an opportunity to rely on and glorify Christ despite the circumstances.
The Happiest Book in the Bible - Speak to Shine, Part 1
We live in a dark, broken world. We were born into it and our lives were full of sin before we met Christ. We didn't have to clean ourselves up and make ourselves righteous for Him to love us. He saw us in our weakness and had compassion on us. As Pastor Ricky reminds us in today's message, when we accepted Christ's gift of salvation, He came in and started to change us from the inside out. He is light and as we surrender ourselves to Him we reflect that light more and more brightly.
The Happiest Book in the Bible - Low, Lower, Highest, Part 2
Many believers have fallen into the trap of allowing the cross to become just another Christian symbol. We see it at the front of a church perhaps, on our walls at home, and many wear it around their necks. It's become just a cultural icon. As Pastor Ricky warns in today's message, when we cease to be shocked at the intense sacrificial love that was expressed on the cross, we need to take a step back and survey our hearts. It’s truly incredible what Christ did for us on that tree.
The Happiest Book in the Bible - Low, Lower, Highest, Part 1
Living for Christ goes beyond avoiding sin and sharing the gospel with the people around you. To follow Jesus means to take on His mindset. As Pastor Ricky will explain in today's message, Jesus humbled Himself to our level, and even lower to bring us freedom. His entire existence as a human was one of humble service. When we take on that mindset, there's nothing too low for us. From inconvenience to outright suffering, we should be willing to go great lengths for the people in our lives.
The Happiest Book in the Bible - Serving in a Selfie World, Part 2
Most of the decisions we make in life naturally stem from a desire to do what will benefit ourselves. In our families, churches, or workplaces, how often do we take the time to think about how a choice might harm or benefit those around us? As Pastor Ricky continues to lead us through Philippians in today's message, we’re challenged to step outside of our selfie culture and start living lives that are focused on serving Christ and others over our own interests.
The Happiest Book in the Bible - Serving in a Selfie World, Part 1
In our selfie culture, many are preoccupied with putting on a good face and making themselves lovable. We take pictures of ourselves in our most ideal moments and then plaster them all over social media, painting a picture that says life is perfect when in fact it's far from it. As Pastor Ricky examines today's passage and how it applies to us in our culture, we’ll learn what it means to live outward and upward. Our lives will feel so much more fulfilled as we surrender ourselves to Christ and His mission in this world.
The Happiest Book in the Bible - Gospel Citizens, Part 2
Being a part of God's kingdom will cost us. It's comforting to dwell on the positive aspects of living as citizens of the gospel but the truth is we can expect suffering and hardship to be an unavoidable part of our journey. As Pastor Ricky examines what it means to live as members of this eternal kingdom, we're reminded that while we experience pain and persecution, we can have joy in knowing that our lives are bringing glory to Christ and spreading the life-giving knowledge of His kingdom.
The Happiest Book in the Bible - Gospel Citizens, Part 1
Jesus himself commanded us to give to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God’s. We’re to be good citizens in the country we dwell in. This means respecting the laws in so far as they don't contradict scripture. As Pastor Ricky continues to explore the first chapter of Philippians in today's message, we are reminded of our greater citizenship. As believers, we’re members of God's kingdom. His kingdom is one of grace, love, and justice and those values should govern every aspect of our lives.
The Happiest Book in the Bible - To Live is Christ, To Die is Gain, Part 3
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.