Paul writes to Timothy from his cell while Timothy faces a church brawl-- quarrelling controversies, counterfeit teaching. It feels less like a sanctuary and more like a saloon as chaos spreads. In moments like that, what does a servant of Jesus do? Paul aims Timothy's heart--see the goal, examine yourself, refuse foolish fights, and display the measured strength of Christ. Conviction with gentleness, clarity with patience, for the good of God's household and a watching world.
Pass the Torch - Remember, Remember the Flame and the Ember, Part 2
As Paul writes his final words to Timothy, his body may be chained, but his hope is free. Nothing can silence the gospel's advance. Empires crumble, leaders fade, yet Christ's work keeps moving forward, alive and unbound. Even in the fog of war, when faith feels fragile, we're called to remember the one we follow and the message we carry.
Pass the Torch - Remember, Remember the Flame and the Ember, Part 1
Paul’s final letter to Timothy was written from a prison cell, a message born in the fog of war. Both men were weary and surrounded by uncertainty, yet Paul's words cut through the chaos with a single command: remember. When life feels cluttered by fear or suffering, remembering Christ rekindles our faith and helps us see through the storm. In this moment of deep clarity and conviction, Paul passes the torch once again.
Pass the Torch - Notice the Hands of a Christian Worker, Part 3
In every generation, the gospel advances through ordinary people with extraordinary perseverance. Paul's words remind us that following Christ isn't polished work; it's patient, steady labor done with calloused hands and steadfast hearts. Like a soldier who won't abandon his post, an athlete who endures the strain, and a farmer who waits for the harvest, we are called to endure for what lasts forever. This is how faith is forged and passed on.
Pass the Torch - Notice the Hands of a Christian Worker, Part 2
Paul reminds us that true strength doesn't come from effort but from grace, the kind that grows as we lean fully on the Lord. Like a climber trusting the rock beneath him, we find stability not in control but in independence. Faith is shaped through daily reliance on God's strength rather than our own. The hands of a Christian are strengthened by grace, joined with others, and marked by faithful work that carries the Gospel forward.
Pass the Torch - Notice the Hands of a Christian Worker, Part 1
Paul’s final instructions to Timothy paint a vivid portrait of Christian discipleship: strength that comes from grace, a trust that passes truth to others, and a willingness to suffer for Christ. In just a few verses, he calls us to the kind of rugged faith you can feel in the hands—hands strengthened by Christ, linked to others, and ready to work the field God assigns. This is not a theory, it's the shape of a life.
Pass the Torch - Tigthen Your Grip on the Gospel, Part 2
Paul writes from death row, but his words burn with unshakable confidence. Awaiting the executioner’s call, he proclaims that Jesus has abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel. For Paul, the cross is not defeat, it’s victory. Shame may come with the message, but eternal gain far outweighs it. His charge to Timothy still calls to us today: hold fast to the gospel that gives life.
Pass the Torch - Tigthen Your Grip on the Gospel, Part 1
Paul’s final letter carries the weight of a man who knows his time is short. From a Roman cell, he writes with urgency, handing Timothy the sacred trust of the Gospel, a message to be guarded, proclaimed, and lived. This charge echoes across centuries, reminding us that the faith we hold was preserved at a great cost. The call is the same today: tighten your grip on the Gospel and hold fast to the truth that saves.
Pass the Torch - The Lifeblood of the Christian Church, Part 2
Paul was the purest of the pure, a Pharisee of Pharisees, trained by the most prominent scholars. Timothy, by contrast, came from a mixed home, uncircumcised, belonging to neither side. By every natural measure, their paths should not have crossed, but Christian relationships are forged by the gospel of Jesus Christ. In Christ, barriers fall, lives are rewritten, and strangers become brothers. That is the heartbeat of 2 Timothy and our series, Pass the Torch.
Pass the Torch - The Lifeblood of the Christian Church, Part 1
For generations, the flame of the Olympic torch has been passed from hand to hand, symbolizing endurance and unity across the world. In the same way, Paul's final letter to Timothy calls us to carry forward something far greater, the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Today, Pastor Ricky begins our new series, Pass the Torch, walking through the book of 2 Timothy. Together, let's discover how the good news is entrusted to us— to live it, love it, and pass it on to the next generation.
Revelation - Only God Can Judge Me, Part 3
The approaching judgment can make us a bit uncomfortable as Christians. Even though we can have confidence in our salvation by the blood of Christ, the idea of hell might sound a bit harsh. But as Pastor Ricky points us today, Revelation tells us that we will actually be rejoicing at the coming judgment. God will enact justice for all the evil deeds of humanity. Furthermore, we’ll rejoice in the salvation that we received, knowing that we too deserve to be thrown into hell, but have been saved by Jesus’ sacrifice.
Revelation - Only God Can Judge Me, Part 2
What the Bible says about hell tends to make us uncomfortable. It’s a difficult teaching to accept but that doesn’t stop Jesus from talking about it. While some label Jesus’ words about hell as unkind, the reality is that warning about hell is an act of love. As Pastor Ricky points out today, knowing the truth about hell allows us to be adequately warned to know the true consequences of our actions. Jesus didn’t tell us about hell and then leave us to suffer, He sacrificed Himself to provide salvation.
Revelation - Only God Can Judge Me, Part 2
What the Bible says about hell tends to make us uncomfortable. It’s a difficult teaching to accept but that doesn’t stop Jesus from talking about it. While some label Jesus’ words about hell as unkind, the reality is that warning about hell is an act of love. As Pastor Ricky points out today, knowing the truth about hell allows us to be adequately warned to know the true consequences of our actions. Jesus didn’t tell us about hell and then leave us to suffer, He sacrificed Himself to provide salvation.
Revelation - Only God Can Judge Me, Part 1
In America, people love to say, “Don’t judge me”. The irony is that Americans also love to judge others. Whether it be family members, coworkers, or the celebrities on tv, judgment is a common American pastime. Today Pastor Ricky reminds us that our hope is in the one that judges justly. In this life we may get worried about the ways others are judging us, maybe a boss or a peer, maybe even a family member, but in the end, only God’s judgment really matters and He’ll judge righteously and perfectly.
Revelation - The Return of the King, Part 3
Jesus warned us that the Christian walk would involve suffering but He also gave us the book of Revelation and today, Pastor Ricky reminds us of the encouragement that this book gives us. The day is coming when Christ will return and set everything right. Although we might feel like we’re losing in life, the reality is that followers of Jesus will win in the end. As Pastor Ricky explains, we don’t know what the next chapters of our lives entail but we do know how the story ends, with the victory of Christ.
Revelation - The Return of the King, Part 2
The Bible declares that Jesus is King over every king, and Lord over every lord. Yet all over the earth, people are fighting for power. Pastor Ricky reminds us today that no matter how strong someone seems, their power is insignificant compared to that of King Jesus. The book of Revelations shows us that one day, Jesus’ reign and sovereignty will be total and every knee will bow to His authority. For those of us that follow Jesus, this is great news. Our King will reign with justice and goodness.
Revelation - The Return of the King, Part 1
Pastor Ricky reminds us today that we are at war. While life might seem peaceful and mundane at times, as Christians we recognize that there is a spiritual war taking place and it’s important that we keep this in mind because otherwise, it’s easy to get sidetracked. While there are many important things in our lives like careers and relationships, and politics, we need to keep everything in perspective. As the apostle Paul points out, soldiers don’t get caught up in civilian affairs, and neither should we.
Revelation - He Still Calls Her His Bride, Part 2
The Bible refers to Christians as members of a larger body, the church, and the church is also referred to as the bride of Christ. Today Pastor Ricky reminds us of the implications of these truths. The Christian walk isn’t designed to be taken alone. As followers of Jesus, we need the church just as a hand is useless if not attached to the body. It’s not always easy. The church is full of sinful people and serious wounds take place within the church but even still, the church is Christ’s bride.
Revelation - He Still Calls Her His Bride, Part 1
Pastor Ricky points out today that many Christians want Jesus but don’t want the church. The problem is as Pastor Ricky explains, having Jesus without the church isn’t an option. Christ loves the church so much that He shed His blood for it. The church is constantly referred to throughout the scriptures as the bride of Christ. Jesus chooses to pour His love into the church, broken as it might be, so if we love Jesus we can’t then hate the very church that Jesus loves and gave Himself for.
Revelation - The Siren Song, Part 3
The book of Revelation sheds light on some deeply ingrained lies in this world. As Pastor Ricky points out today, Revelation speaks of the ways the world promises to fulfill us but the truth is the world can’t deliver on these promises and that genuine fulfillment for now, and all eternity, can only be found in Jesus Christ. True joy doesn't come by indulging our flesh but by dying to it and pursuing Christ instead. He’s the one that satisfies us and in the end, the corrupt world will only experience His judgment.