In our text today, the Apostle Peter exhorts the church not to be surprised when they experience fiery trials. Fiery trials are not just hardships of inconvenience but they're painful and can give extreme anguish to the soul. Pastor Ricky will be encouraging us to rejoice during trials as well as fiery trials because God will use them to work within us something great. As a Christian, God will work all things out for good in your life, even the worst of tribulations.
Against The World For the World - The Same Kind of Different, Part 2
As a Christian, you are an essential part of the body of Christ. You've been given by God specific spiritual gifts and talents that He wants you to use in order to bring Him glory and help further His kingdom here on earth. If If you're not sure what your spiritual gifts are, pray to the Lord and ask Him to reveal them to you. God desires you to know what His will for your life is so when you pray, expect an answer. Whatever your gifts may be, purpose to use them, get involved in the church.
Against The World For the World - The Same Kind of Different, Part 1
As Pastor Ricky continues his teaching series through the book of 1st Peter, he'll be teaching us the most important aspect of building relationships with others. The key to building relationships is unconditional love. As the Apostle Peter encourages the church through his letter he tells them that above all, love one another. The most important thing you can do to show the world that Jesus lives within you is to have unconditional love toward others.
Against The World For the World - The Time Is Short, Part 2
The time is short. Jesus can return at any moment because there are no more prophecies that need to be fulfilled in order for Him to return. As the end draws near, the world will become more and more angry with Christians. If you are living for the Lord, the world will mock you for not partaking in the same wickedness that they are indulging in. Pastor Ricky will be encouraging you to take heart because one day you will be with Jesus in paradise and He will judge those who rebelled against Him.
Against The World For the World - The Time Is Short, Part 1
Have you ever gone through a season that caused you to think that perhaps you've done something to upset God because of all the trials you've experienced? Pastor Ricky will be continuing his teaching through 1st Peter explaining that Jesus Himself went through severe trials and tests so you, as His servant, shouldn't be surprised when you go through them as well. Jesus said if the world hated me, it will hate you also. No servant is greater than his master.
Against The World For the World - Your Blessed Life Now, Part 2
In this life you will suffer through trials and tribulations. Jesus said that if you want to live a godly life, you will be persecuted. These are promises we don't like to name and claim. We like to place our faith in happy promises that will give us joy and blessings in our lives. Pastor Ricky will be explaining that when we go through persecutions because of simply being a Christian, we can rejoice because we will receive a blessing in eternity. As you obey God, you're storing up for yourself treasure in heaven.
Against The World For the World - Your Blessed Life Now, Part 1
Did you know that there are two kinds of blessings that the Bible talks about? Pastor Ricky will be explaining how there are blessings that belong to us and are secure because we are God's children but there are also blessings that are conditional based upon our obedience to our Father in heaven. If you're choosing to disobey God in a certain area, you can’t expect Him to reward your disobedience by giving you blessings in that area of your life. Don’t rob yourself of experiencing the best life you can live.
Against The World For the World - A Counter-Cultural Marriage, Part 3, Part 2
In today's teaching, Pastor Ricky will be focusing on exhorting the men to love their wives and to lay down their life for them just as Jesus laid down His life for the church. As a husband and father, you're called to lead your family in the way of godliness. The only way you can truly lead your family in the ways of the Lord is if you’re first living for God in your own personal life. Once you purpose to live for God and have a deeper intimate relationship with Him, your family will naturally follow.
Against The World For the World - A Counter-Cultural Marriage, Part 3, Part 1
As Pastor Ricky continues his series on a counter-cultural marriage through the book of 1 Peter, he'll be exhorting the women today to submit to their own husbands. Peter uses Sarah as an example of a Godly submissive woman. She had respect for her husband, even when her husband made the wrong choices and decisions. This is not a natural response. You must tap into the power of the Holy Spirit to be able to live a submissive life.
Against The World For the World - A Counter-Cultural Marriage, Part 2, Part 2
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.