In today's teaching, Pastor Ricky will be explaining that the marriage between a man and woman is meant to symbolize the intimate union between Jesus and the Church. The Church is called the bride of Christ and we as the church are called to submit to our groom, Jesus, in the same way the wife is to submit to her own husband. The husband is called to lay down his life for his wife just as Jesus laid down His life for the church. As we obey God's call, we will show God's love to the world through our marriage.
Christ Was Born For You - Born for the Forgotten, Part 2
Can you see clearly? Have you had your eyes checked lately? As Pastor Ricky teaches today, you’ll learn just as we take care of our physical eyesight sometimes we feel our spiritual eyes might also need an adjustment. Trusting in Christ when you can't see very well is the answer. Pastor Ricky reminds us that it's usually because God intends to fulfill your promises in a better way than you could ever imagine, something beyond what you could even envision. Now that's a better way to see.
Christ Was Born For You - Born for the Forgotten, Part 1
Do you remember that song you might have sung as a kid, “He's got the whole world in His hands”? It’s simple right? But it's also true. As Pastor Ricky teaches us today, you're going to learn how God is involved in every story. He hasn't forgotten His people. He hasn't forgotten you. Pastor Ricky reminds us that God is present in Mary’s song, giving her the proper perspective on such life-changing events that she didn't ask for. You can trust Him with your story today. He hasn't forgotten you.
Christ Was Born For You - Born to Those Far Off, Part 2
Have you ever stopped to consider how amazing even the simple Christian actions you do really are? As Pastor Ricky teaches today, you learn that because of Jesus, sometimes it looks too easy and therefore less impressive. But peace in the midst of turmoil, or kindness in the face of evil, those are actually radical acts. It comes when we live according to God's kingdom and His principles. Pastor Ricky reminds us that the power to do those things comes from the power of the King of Kings.
Christ Was Born For You - Born to Those Far Off, Part 1
Do you ever think that Jesus didn't come for a certain type of person? Well as Pastor Ricky teaches today, you'll learn that Christ came for everyone. There's no ethnicity, or look, or behavior that qualifies you to sit at His table. At Christmas, we celebrate the fact that Jesus came for you, no matter where you've been or what you've done. As Ricky reminds us that you're invited today to respond to that call. You can live under the good reign of Jesus forever and find fulfillment like none other.
Christ Was Born For You - Born to Those With Nothing, Part 2
In a world full of religious options there are many choices, some require looking inward, and others require outward actions of good or sacrifice in order to be faithful. As Pastor Ricky teaches you today, you’ll learn that once you decide to follow Jesus and sit at His table, it's exclusive. No longer can there be a sampling of other religions or systems. It's a narrow gate to pass through for salvation, it's only found in Christ. Pastor Ricky reminds us that you've got to go all in. He has more than enough for you.
Christ Was Born For You - Born to Those With Nothing, Part 1
Do you consider yourself to be a self-sufficient person? As Pastor Ricky teaches today, you'll learn how this kind of independence sometimes comes as a crutch. In our hearts we often want to take credit and say I did this, I got here. In our society, there's something to be said for personal responsibility and taking action but today Pastor Ricky reminds us that when it comes to our salvation may we never forget that it was all on Christ to save us. Nothing we did had the ability to solve that problem.
Christ Was Born For You - The Waiting, the Wolves, and the Good Shepherd, Part 2
God is always on the way. Isn’t that a great thought? As Pastor Ricky teaches today, you’ll learn that throughout history God has always been right around the corner, on His way to be your rescuer and problem solver. That's the good news of Christmas as well. Pastor Ricky reminds us that it may have felt like an eternity in Isaiah’s day but the true light was coming to shine brightly, save us from our sins, and be the bridge to a perfect relationship with God.
Christ Was Born For You - The Waiting, the Wolves, and the Good Shepherd, Part 1
Don't you just hate waiting? These days lines seem out of control and there seems to be a delay on everything. As Pastor Ricky teaches today, you’ll learn how Isaiah is building up the good news of something great on its way but there's a delay. What do you do in the in-between? Pastor Ricky reminds us that in the waiting you can find joy in the meantime. There was an explosion of joy during the time of anticipation of the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world.
Against The World For the World - A Counter-Cultural Marriage, Part 2, Part 1
As Pastor Ricky continues his teaching series on the counter-cultural marriage, he'll be explaining that both the husband and the wife are called to portray the excellencies of Jesus in their marriage and household. The role of the man is not more important than the role of the woman, and vice-versa. Both genders have different, yet co-equal roles that bring glory to the Lord. The Bible exhorts both men and women to submit one to another in the fear of the Lord.
Against The World For the World - A Counter-Cultural Marriage, Part 1, Part 2
As Pastor Ricky continues his teaching through the book of 1 Peter, he'll be explaining how men and women are both equal in value but have different roles in the household. Men have been given the role of being the authority in the household but are told to sacrifice themselves for their wives just as Christ laid down His life for the church. The wife is called to submit to her husband as the church submits to Jesus. Both genders have perfectly equal value but different rules in order for there to be perfect order in the household.
Against The World For the World - A Counter-Cultural Marriage, Part 1, Part 1
Contrary to popular belief, marriage is not all about you and what you can get out of it. Marriage should first and foremost be about God and how you can glorify Him through your relationship with your spouse. Pastor Ricky will be explaining that when you keep God first in your marriage and you focus on how to please the Lord, your marriage will be more blessed. As you fall more in love with the Lord, you'll naturally love your spouse unconditionally and become more selfless.
Against The World For the World - Caught Between Authority & A Hard Place, Part 2
Submitting yourself to your boss at work, especially when your boss is unfair and ungodly, is a great opportunity for Gospel proclamation. Your Godly submissive conduct toward your ungodly boss is a great way for you to shine a bright light in a dark place. Pastor Ricky will be encouraging us to turn the other cheek, pray, and bless those who persecute us or treat us badly. This isn't an easy thing to do. It takes the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit in your life to enable you to live this Christ-like life.
Against The World For the World - Caught Between Authority & A Hard Place, Part 1
As Pastor Ricky teaches on the importance of submitting to what our earthly master wants us to do, he'll be reminding us that this scripture can be practically applied to our workplace. We no longer have slavery in our society so when we read scriptures about submitting to our earthly masters we should apply this to our boss at work. This scripture is in no way validating slavery. It's simply encouraging those that had masters over them to show others the light of Jesus by their submission and godly conduct.
Against The World For the World - God and Government, Part 2
As Christians, we are called to restrain evil and to encourage good. In our society, we've been blessed with a democracy which allows us to have a voice in politics. If there is a politician that is talking about passing policy and making laws that are contrary to God's Word, we can vote against that person. At the same time, we should be giving our resources and time to encouraging good works in the world. There are many organizations that we can get involved with that are doing good.
Against The World For the World - God and Government, Part 1
Today Pastor Ricky will be explaining how we as Christians are commanded to submit to the governing authorities that have been placed over us. People in general don't like the word “submission”. The last thing they want to do is submit to authority. As believers, we are called to follow the example of Jesus and the Lord practiced humility by submitting Himself under the authority of the Father. The only time we don't submit to authority is when we are asked to do something contrary to God's Word.
Against The World For the World - Missional Holiness, Part 2
As Pastor Ricky continues his teaching series through 1 Peter, he’ll be exhorting us to cooperate with the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. As born-again Christians, we have the Holy Spirit of God living within us and have the same power that rose Jesus from the dead to guide us. You're no longer enslaved to sin because the Bible says that sin no longer has dominion over you. God is doing the work of holiness and sanctification in your life and the only one holding this work back is you.
Against The World For the World - Missional Holiness, Part 1
Have you ever felt like this world is not your home and doesn't offer much satisfaction? There's a reason why many people are left feeling unfulfilled in this life. The reason is because they were created for a much greater purpose and their home is heaven. Pastor Ricky will be explaining that humanity has been in exile ever since Adam and Eve disobeyed God and were kicked out of the Garden of Eden. The only way you can have satisfaction for your soul is when you become born again.
Against The World For the World - Once, But Now, Part 2
As Pastor Ricky continues his series on what we once were without the Lord and what we can experience now as believers, he’ll be focusing on the grace and mercy we now have been given. Once we were without grace and mercy, were dead in our trespasses and sins but now we can enjoy an abundant life with the Lord having fullness of joy. Since the Lord has given us so much mercy shouldn't we be a people that shows others mercy and forgiveness as well?
Against The World For the World - Once, But Now, Part 1
In our text today, Pastor Ricky will be encouraging us to remember that once we were not a people. In the past, we lived in darkness without hope, joy, or satisfaction but now God is in our lives. We aren't called to dwell on our past failures and reflect continuously on the evil we once did but it's always good to remember God's goodness and how He transformed us. This is extremely important to remember when preaching the gospel to unbelievers because now you can be more approachable and relatable.