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.
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.
The Happiest Book in the Bible - Grace & Peace, Part 2
What an amazing and life-changing declaration, “Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners of whom I am the foremost”. This concept is at the very core of what we believe as Christians. We have to acknowledge our inherent sinfulness in order to realize our need for Christ. As Pastor Ricky leads us through today's message, we can take great encouragement and knowing that despite the great debt of sin, in an overwhelming act of grace, Jesus Christ died for us.
The Happiest Book in the Bible - Grace & Peace, Part 1
There are many in our world that have been deceived into thinking that they are inherently good. As we start to dig into the book of Philippians with Pastor Ricky, our eyes will be open to our true state of sinfulness. When we take an honest look at our lives, the outward actions, as well as the inward thoughts and feelings, we’ll start to realize that we're desperately in need of grace. We deserve death but the good news is that grace and redemption are available because of Jesus’ death and resurrection.
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.