This world is comprised of so many different ethnicities, backgrounds, interests, and more. It can be hard to find common ground with others. We may try to create a connection based on one of those but that one thing may not last. Today Pastor Ricky shares with us the only common ground that can connect each individual, Jesus. Jesus does not discriminate against anyone but instead offers forgiveness and life to everyone. Adopting Jesus’ attitude will change how we see the world.
Jesus, Family, Mission - It's All About Jesus, Part 2
People will say that they are exploring religion or that they don't have all the answers yet so they aren’t settling on one thing. However Pastor Ricky today points out to us that we have all the answers. The Bible is packed full of information about God and His love for us. It gives us the truth we are searching for. God also provides answers to us through time spent worshipping Him and conversing with Him. The more time we spend with Him, the closer we will get to Him and the more trust will grow and remain.
Jesus, Family, Mission - It's All About Jesus, Part 1
Did you catch Pastor Ricky's life-altering declaration for us? In case you didn't hear it, here it is again, “This life is not about us”. We are not here on earth to have the most money, or the biggest house, or the best car, or to get to the top rung of the corporate ladder, or be famous. You're here to do something for God. Today we will be reminded that each job that God has for the people He created is different but in the end, the mission is similar, loving people as God loves them. God wants to bless us as we bless others.
Jesus, Family, Mission - My Kingdom is Not of This World, Part 2
There's a reason why we get so worked up over politics and injustice in our nation, as well as the injustices all around the world. Today Pastor Ricky’s explanation for this deep desire for us to see wrongs made right and to see leaders of nations fix what's wrong in the world is that we long for the second coming of Jesus. We long for the day that Jesus will rule as king during His millennial reign in Jerusalem. Only until our Lord rules and reigns will there be peace and prosperity.
Jesus, Family, Mission - My Kingdom is Not of This World, Part 1
As Pastor Ricky continues his teaching series through the Gospel of John, he'll be emphasizing the importance for us to keep our eyes focused on eternity. Even the disciples that were with Jesus had an earthly kingdom on their minds when Jesus talked about His coming kingdom. The disciples thought Jesus was going to overthrow Rome and set free the Jews from oppression. Jesus however was talking about his heavenly kingdom and we need to continually reorient our focus toward that kingdom.
Jesus, Family, Mission - My Kingdom is Not of This World, Part 2
There's a reason why we get so worked up over politics and injustice in our nation, as well as the injustices all around the world. Today Pastor Ricky’s explanation for this deep desire for us to see wrongs made right and to see leaders of nations fix what's wrong in the world is that we long for the second coming of Jesus. We long for the day that Jesus will rule as king during His millennial reign in Jerusalem. Only until our Lord rules and reigns will there be peace and prosperity.
Jesus, Family, Mission - Hated by the World, Part 2
Today Pastor Ricky will be challenging us to be compassionate and loving instead of being confrontational just for the sake of winning an argument. You're called to preach the gospel and to make disciples and yes, we will have to defend our faith by speaking the truth that will sometimes offend. But the only way to do this while properly reflecting Jesus’ character is by being moved by compassion. Don't argue with unbelievers. Love them and allow the Holy Spirit to minister through you.
Jesus, Family, Mission - Hated by the World, Part 1
There is a demonic spiritual battle being waged against the children of God that has been waged since God created man and woman. Satan can't overthrow God so his main goal is to hurt God by hurting His children. As Pastor Ricky continues this teaching series through John, he’ll be encouraging us to remain faithful, even during times of persecution. The Bible says that those who want to live a Godly life will be persecuted.
Jesus, Family, Mission - Great Fear, Greater Comforter, Part 2
Have you ever felt rejected? Of course. Perhaps you've had a bad experience as a child being rejected by a parent or family member. We can go throughout our lives being let down by many different people. There's one person who will never let you down. As a Christian, you have an eternal Father in heaven who loves you with an unconditional and sacrificial love that no earthly parent or person can provide. The Bible says that you are beloved by the Heavenly Father regardless of your past.
Jesus, Family, Mission - Great Fear, Greater Comforter, Part 1
As Pastor Ricky continues his teaching series, he'll be exhorting us to wholly commit ourselves over to the lordship of Jesus. When we were told that if we receive Jesus we would be forgiven of our sins, many of us jumped on board without hesitation at that invitation. However, when we were told to rid ourselves of certain things like sexual immorality or having to love unconditionally, we may grow fearful or hesitant. God is faithful, when we take a step of faith to obey Him He’ll bless that path.
Jesus, Family, Mission - The Way, The Truth, The Life, Part 4
Medical research continuously comes out saying heart disease is the leading cause of death among men, cancer is one of the leading causes of death among women, and suicide is the leading cause of death among teenagers. Pastor Ricky will be reminding us that sin is the true leading cause of death among all people. The Bible says that death spread to all men because all men sin. The only hope we have to be cured of death is to be born again into the kingdom of God.
Jesus, Family, Mission - The Way, The Truth, The Life, Part 3
One of the biggest lies that the enemy has told the world is that truth is relative. Today Pastor Ricky will be explaining that Jesus Himself said that He is the only way to get to heaven. This truth of Jesus being the only way of salvation goes against the very fiber of the world’s system that’s teaching that all religions lead to the same God. This is a deceptive heresy that has unfortunately even crept into some churches. Don’t be deceived, there are indeed universal truths and relativism is a lie.
Jesus, Family, Mission - The Way, The Truth, The Life, Part 2
There is an extremely dangerous heresy that many of the world believe in and that some of the church even believe in. That false teaching is the belief that all roads lead to the same God. Today Pastor Ricky will be explaining how Jesus Himself said that there is no way to the Father except through Him. Regardless of popular opinion or what your feelings tell you, Jesus is the only way, truth, and life. No one comes to the Father except through Him.
Jesus, Family, Mission - The Way, The Truth, The Life, Part 1
As Pastor Ricky continues his teaching series through the Gospel of John, he'll be encouraging us to have faith in God's perfect plan even when we are in the midst of a storm. The disciples believe that Jesus was the Messiah. They saw many miracles and knew He was sent by God but they still had doubts. The disciples weren't told every detail of the plan of God. They had to exercise faith. Just like the disciples, we too need to exercise our faith and trust in His character and plans.
Jesus, Family, Mission - Love, Failure, and the Imperfect Family of God, Part 2
When most unbelievers are asked about what they think about church, a common response is that they believe the church is full of hypocrites. The truth of the matter is that there are many imperfections within the church. One thing we all need to remember is that the church is for those who are sick and in need of help. It's not for those that are well. Jesus said that He was the Great Physician, that He came for those that knew they were sick and in need of a savior.
Jesus, Family, Mission - Love, Failure, and the Imperfect Family of God, Part 1
We've been commissioned to go out into all the world, preaching the gospel and to make disciples. The question is, are you obeying this great commission of Jesus? Today Pastor Ricky will be continuing to emphasize the importance of making Jesus preeminent over our lives as well as being a functioning member of the body of Christ and obeying the mission God has for us. We’re all commissioned to preach the gospel and make disciples but we also have individual callings as well.
Jesus, Family, Mission - Consumers to Servants, Part 2
As Pastor Ricky continues his teaching series through the Gospel of John, he'll be reminding us that not only should we be servants, but we should be servants even to those that don't deserve it. Jesus washed the feet of His disciples even though He knew one would betray Him and another would deny Him three times. We aren't called to simply serve and love those that are lovable but to bless those that curse us and persecute us. We should bless and pray for those that despitefully use us.
Jesus, Family, Mission - Consumers to Servants, Part 1
In ancient times, for someone to take off their garments and begin to wash the feet of others, it meant they were lowly and of extremely low position in culture. Today Pastor Ricky will be encouraging us to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and to allow ourselves to take the humble position of a servant. The Bible says that a servant isn’t greater than his master. If Jesus being God in the flesh, humbled Himself and served others, how much more should we.
Jesus, Family, Mission - Jesus' Missionary Family, Part 2
The language of scripture often calls the church the household of God. In that time period, a household was made up of not only the immediate family but extended family members as well that would add to the home. Today Pastor Ricky will be encouraging us to have fellowship with other believers and to remember that Jesus made the church to be a family, a warm loving household. The Apostle Paul also exhorts us not to forsake the fellowship of the brethren.
Jesus, Family, Mission - Jesus' Missionary Family, Part 1
Today, Pastor Ricky will be explaining the importance of Jesus being the center of our family and how we should be obeying God's call for our family, to be a light to the world. Jesus is not just a superhuman guy with supernatural abilities. He is God, in the flesh, who created the heavens and the earth. When we truly believe that Jesus is more than a good teacher and more than a prophet and that He is God in the flesh, our lives reflect that belief. Our families will look different than the families of the world.