No matter how good we think we are, we are all spotted with sin. We’ve burdened ourselves with it, with every wrong choice we’ve made. Sin destroys the things we love, our hearts, and our lives. Yet the God who created us wants us in spite of it. So much so that He willingly gave His most precious Son to unburden us of that sin. Today, as we hear about God's provision to His people as the firstborns of Egypt, we’ll begin to understand the magnitude of this gift and just how valuable it is.
Redemption - The Passover, Part 1
When the Lord prepared to bring the final plague upon Egypt, He commanded His people to do a very specific thing, a ritual sacrifice. God’s people were not going to be spared the death of their firstborn because they were sinless, far from it. In His mercy, the Lord offers a way for the people to avoid this consequence of death. As we’ll see today this ritual was not an easy task. God is just and none of us will be free from justice but He is also loving and has given us the greatest sacrifice of all.
Redemption - Above all Gods, Part 3
Every clap of thunder, every flash of lightning, is a warning that a storm is coming. Every plague brought upon Egypt was a warning as well. In this part of Exodus, we'll see how God slowly reveals His character with each new plague, not as a harsh tyrant but that of a merciful father offering chances for repentance. The Lord's justice isn't based on what we deserve, as we see through His grace throughout the whole scripture. The evidence of that grace isn’t limited to past events but runs throughout our lives.
Redemption - Above all Gods, Part 2
The plagues that afflicted Egypt were immense and punishing. When you take in just how intense these events must have been, it's such a wonder that Pharaoh's heart continued to harden against Moses and the people. Then again, it's not really that hard to imagine. As individuals, as a nation, as a world, we feel powerful. We describe ownership to everything which is a denial of the Creator. With every hardship though we can be crushed and feel powerless, then our eyes may recognize Him.
Redemption - Above all Gods, Part 1
You know when you're trying to find a radio station, and it's sort of cuts in and out until you end up with static? When you land on the station you want it's clear and in tune. Today Pastor Ricky will speak about how God reveals Himself in ways that will tune us into Him. In Exodus with the plagues, God is restoring His people back to His glory. Though the means seem harsh, we will see God's heart and what it says about His character. Today He is still proclaiming who He is and we need to respond.
Redemption - Opposition & Doubts, Part 2
As a little child, your idea of grandeur is somewhat limited. You may remember a friend's house as a mansion only to realize as an adult that it was a two-story house while yours had only a ground-floor. In comparison to God's plan for our lives, our perspective is that of a child. We may have desires that go unfulfilled because the Lord has a greater purpose for us, a life that we can't even imagine for ourselves. Today we will see God's people struggle with their inability to trust God's plan and promises.
Redemption - Opposition & Doubts, Part 1
When you’re in the thick of it, it may seem impossible to see the forest for the trees. That's where we are in Exodus today, when Moses and the people are being even more oppressed by Pharaoh. It feels like there's no way out. Even Moses will begin to waver, wondering why all this is happening. But God is great even when we’re wondering about the next chapter in our story. We may feel stuck on a particular page but He has already written a happy ending for us.
Redemption - Burning Yet Not Consumed, Part 2
Jesus went to the cross for you and for me. He is the hope that we need. He will save you from your sin so the question is, do you know Him?
Redemption - Burning Yet Not Consumed, Part 1
Today we’ll learn five characteristics of God. We will hear from the book of Exodus that God is the exact God that we need but not always the God that we want. He is in control. He is a sovereign God. When we suffer or go through a difficult time this should provide peace and comfort. Often we don't know what to do or how to fix the situation however, the God who is Sovereign over all things has everything under His care. Trust in Him today.
Redemption - Groaning for Redemption, Part 2
Today we are reminded of just how bad the Israelites were treated. The Bible says they were reduced to severe slavery. They were crying out and groaning to God. It then says that God heard their cry and remembered his covenant with Abraham. God hears your prayers as well. God knows your sorrow, He knows your circumstances. When you cry, He's listening and He's ready to keep His promises to you. Turn to Him.
Redemption - Groaning for Redemption, Part 1
Today Pastor Ricky will teach about groaning. We might groan because we've been sinned against, or we might groan because we have sinned. In today's message, we will hear that Moses committed a terrible sin. Therefore Moses fled to a new land. Moses thought he'd escaped his sin but in actuality, it cost him to groan for something more. Moses was groaning because he was not home. Moses did not belong to the land where he found himself just like we really don't belong here.
Redemption - A Covenant of Relentless Grace, Part 2
The Old Testament is really about Jesus. Jesus is a better Adam, He is a better Noah, and He is a better Abraham. Jesus was and is the solution that we need. He's the solution that God had for us all the way back in the Old Testament. After sin entered the world it became morally bankrupt. However, God loves His people and wants nothing more than to be restored with them. Therefore, He has a solution. The solution is Jesus. Will you accept Him today?
Redemption - A Covenant of Relentless Grace, Part 2
The Old Testament is really about Jesus. Jesus is a better Adam, He is a better Noah, and He is a better Abraham. Jesus was and is the solution that we need. He's the solution that God had for us all the way back in the Old Testament. After sin entered the world it became morally bankrupt. However, God loves His people and wants nothing more than to be restored with them. Therefore, He has a solution. The solution is Jesus. Will you accept Him today?
Redemption - A Covenant of Relentless Grace, Part 1
God's promises do not fail. He is a god of relentless grace. Today Pastor Ricky will show us that this is the theme throughout the Book of Genesis. We will hear that it started with Adam and Eve, went to Noah, then to Abraham. When sin entered the world humanity became weak. However, God has always had a plan. His plan is to bring Redemption to His people and restore them to Himself. Therefore He showers His love and grace down upon us and keeps His promises.
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.