Hebrews 12:2 calls Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.  What a joy to know that He carries out the work from start to finish.  As we entrust ourselves to the Savior, He does a mighty and beautiful work in His children, one that could only be accomplished by our mighty trail-blazer.  Let’s Listen to this message titled: Fixing our Eyes on Jesus, The Finisher

Hebrews 12:2 calls Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.  What a joy to know that He carries out the work from start to finish.  As we entrust ourselves to the Savior, He does a mighty and beautiful work in His children, one that could only be accomplished by our mighty trail-blazer. 

As we entrust ourselves to the Savior, He does a mighty and beautiful work in His children, one that could only be accomplished by our mighty trail-blazer.

Hebrews 12:2 calls Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.  What a joy to know that He carries out the work from start to finish.  As we entrust ourselves to the Savior, He does a mighty and beautiful work in His children, one that could only be accomplished by our mighty trail-blazer. 

Turn your eyes upon Jesus, Look full in His wonderful face, And the things of earth will grow strangely dim, In the light of His glory and grace. These lines from Helen Lemel's famous hymn couple well with our text for today.  Hebrews 12:2 says, “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”  In this message, Pastor Rich challenges us to follow closely behind our leader and our trail-blazer.

Turn your eyes upon Jesus Look full in His wonderful face And the things of earth will grow strangely dim In the light of His glory and grace These lines from Helen Lemel's famous hymn couple well with our text for today.  Hebrews 12:2 says, “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.”  In this message, Pastor Rich challenges us to follow closely behind our leader and our trail-blazer.

"Turn your eyes upon Jesus Look full in His wonderful face And the things of earth will grow strangely dim In the light of His glory and grace" These lines from Helen Lemel's famous hymn couple well with our text for today.

Hebrews 12:1 offers this encouragement: Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.  We have a race to run.  And when we feel the strong draw to drift, we can remember that many have faithfully run it before us.  How burdensome the race becomes when we carry the weight of sin along with us!  We can only run effectively when we surrender the baggage of our own self will.  Listen as Pastor Rich encourages us to press toward the goal with our eyes on the Savior.

We have a race to run.  And when we feel the strong draw to drift, we can remember that many have faithfully run it before us. 

Hebrews 12:1 offers this encouragement: Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.  We have a race to run.  And when we feel the strong draw to drift, we can remember that many have faithfully run it before us.

Richard Dalhstrom reminds us that “the good life is never defined by Jesus in terms of either length or comfort.  To the contrary, Jesus says that those who seek to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their lives (spilling them out generously in service to others because of love for God) will find them.  Living by Faith requires making bold choices for our Master.  He calls us to be salt, and if salt is going to do anything worthwhile, it has to get out of the comfort and safety of the saltshaker.  As we lean on our Lord Jesus, He gives us all we need to live bold lives of abandon as we walk by faith. 

Richard Dalhstrom reminds us that “the good life is never defined by Jesus in terms of either length or comfort.  To the contrary, Jesus says that those who seek to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their lives (spilling them out generously in service to others because of love for God) will find them.  Living by Faith requires making bold choices for our Master.

Richard Dalhstrom reminds us that “the good life is never defined by Jesus in terms of either length or comfort.  To the contrary, Jesus says that those who seek to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their lives (spilling them out generously in service to others because of love for God) will find them.  Living by Faith requires making bold choices for our Master.  He calls us to be salt, and if salt is going to do anything worthwhile, it has to get out of the comfort and safety of the saltshaker.  As we lean on our Lord Jesus, He gives us all we need to live bold lives of abandon as we walk by faith.

ur destination and our confident hope in God’s promises are the frame of reference for life’s circumstances and our direction.  Our certain future anchors us while narrowing and clarifying our purpose

Our destination and our confident hope in God’s promises are the frame of reference for life’s circumstances and our direction.  Our certain future anchors us while narrowing and clarifying our purpose.

C.S. Lewis said, “Aim at heaven, and you get earth thrown in, Aim at earth, and you get neither.”  We are continuing a subseries within our study of Hebrews called Living by Faith.  Today Pastor Rich shows from the text that People who walk by faith move toward the goal.  Our destination and our confident hope in God’s promises are the frame of reference for life’s circumstances and our direction.

C.S. Lewis said, “Aim at heaven, and you get earth thrown in, Aim at earth, and you get neither.”  We are continuing a subseries within our study of Hebrews called Living by Faith/

Hyrum W. Smith says, “Your behavior is a reflection of what you believe.”  If someone truly believes his house is on fire, he will grab his family and get out.  What we believe will change what we do.  People who Live by Faith will take action.  Today Pastor Rich looks into the lives of the people mentioned in Hebrews 11 whose faith was evident by their obedience and actions.

Hyrum W. Smith says, “Your behavior is a reflection of what you believe.”  If someone truly believes his house is on fire, he will grab his family and get out.  What we believe will change what we do.  People who Live by Faith will take action

Hyrum W. Smith says, “Your behavior is a reflection of what you believe.”  If someone truly believes his house is on fire, he will grab his family and get out.  What we believe will change what we do.

In today’s message we continue through Hebrews with this subseries on Living by Faith.   The word faith can be ambiguous and confusing today.  We hear the word often enough, but what does the Bible mean when it calls us to live by faith?  In today’s message Pastor Rich teaches from Hebrews 11:1-6, explaining the difference between biblical faith and positive thinking or hoping blindly on a whim.  Sometimes we see faith as a tool to help us feel better or to cope with life’s circumstances, but Rich shares the far greater purpose for us to walk by faith: the pursuit of God Himself.

In today’s message we continue through Hebrews with this subseries on Living by Faith.   The word faith can be ambiguous and confusing today.  We hear the word often enough, but what does the Bible mean when it calls us to live by faith?  In today’s message Pastor Rich teaches from Hebrews 11:1-6, explaining the difference between biblical faith and positive thinking or hoping blindly on a whim. 

In today’s message we continue through Hebrews with this subseries on Living by Faith.   The word faith can be ambiguous and confusing today.  We hear the word often enough, but what does the Bible mean when it calls us to live by faith?

Today is the first message in a subseries called Living By Faith.  The word faith is thrown around in both religious and secular circles.  You might hear it on a Disney movie, at a football game, or at a healing service.  The word faith can be ambiguous and confusing today.  What does the Bible mean when it calls us to live by faith?  In today’s message Pastor Rich teaches from Hebrews 11:1-6, explaining the difference between biblical faith and hoping blindly on a whim.  He also explains that the objective of faith is not to feel better, and shares the real reason for walking by faith.

What does the Bible mean when it calls us to live by faith?  In today’s message Pastor Rich teaches from Hebrews 11:1-6, explaining the difference between biblical faith and hoping blindly on a whim.

Today is the first message in a subseries called Living By Faith.  The word faith is thrown around in both religious and secular circles.  You might hear it on a Disney movie, at a football game, or at a healing service.  The word faith can be ambiguous and confusing today.  What does the Bible mean when it calls us to live by faith?

On the cross, as Jesus completed the great sacrifice on behalf of our sins, the curtain of the temple that separated The Holy of Holies was torn from top to bottom.  Now through the blood of Christ we can enter the holy place and come before God the Father, not just as His servants but as daughter and son.  Everything has changed.  Our life objective has a name.  Our source of life has a name.  His name is Jesus.  Our beautiful confidence and safety in our relationship with God flows out in streams of living water in outward expression.  It looks like boldness in the way we live and love.  Listen as Pastor Rich unpacks Hebrews 10:19-25 in this message titled “What Boldness Looks Like”

On the cross, as Jesus completed the great sacrifice on behalf of our sins, the curtain of the temple that separated The Holy of Holies was torn from top to bottom.  Now through the blood of Christ we can enter the holy place and come before God the Father, not just as His servants but as daughter and son.  Everything has changed.

On the cross, as Jesus completed the great sacrifice on behalf of our sins, the curtain of the temple that separated The Holy of Holies was torn from top to bottom.  Now through the blood of Christ we can enter the holy place and come before God the Father, not just as His servants but as daughter and son.

Hebrews 10:16 and 17 tell us that in this new covenant through Jesus, God will put His law on our hearts and write it on our minds and that He will remember our sins no more. Our status and our future are sealed through Jesus’ sacrifice, and as we pursue the heart of our Lord, He continually works to change us, not our outside only, but starting with our attitudes and desires.  Let’s Listen to today’s message from Hebrews 10:11-23 titled “It is Accomplished: Man’s Righteousness.

Hebrews 10:16 and 17 tell us that in this new covenant through Jesus, God will put His law on our hearts and write it on our minds and that He will remember our sins no more. Our status and our future are sealed through Jesus’ sacrifice, and as we pursue the heart of our Lord, He continually works to change us, not our outside only, but starting with our attitudes and desires.

Hebrews 10:16 and 17 tell us that in this new covenant through Jesus, God will put His law on our hearts and write it on our minds and that He will remember our sins no more.

The Old Testament sacrificial system was a picture, a shadow of the One who would truly atone for our sins.  Jesus came to do what the sacrifice of bulls and goats could never accomplish.  On the cross, He fulfills the Father’s will, offering His body as the only true sacrifice that could, according to Hebrews 10,  take away sins and make perfect those who draw near.  Today, Pastor Rich talks about the heart of grace God has for us, the powerful work of Jesus, and what it means that we who are in Christ are made perfect.

The Old Testament sacrificial system was a picture, a shadow of the One who would truly atone for our sins. Jesus came to do what the sacrifice of bulls and goats could never accomplish. On the cross, He fulfills the Father’s will, offering His body as the only true sacrifice that could, according to Hebrews 10, take away sins and make perfect those who draw near.

The Old Testament sacrificial system was a picture, a shadow of the One who would truly atone for our sins.  Jesus came to do what the sacrifice of bulls and goats could never accomplish.

If a single drop of poison falls into a gallon of water, the whole gallon becomes deadly.  Likewise, sin is not just a small part of us.  It has infiltrated and polluted humanity.  God opposes that which destroys good, just as doctors try to eliminate cancerous cells that destroy the body.  In the Old Testament, animal blood made atonement for sin, so that God could draw near to His people, but this was a temporary covering- a shadow pointing to the One who would come.  Hebrews 9: 26 says that Christ has appeared to put away sin.  How? By the Sacrifice of Himself.  Only Jesus could fully and permanently atone for our sin, eradicating the poison, transforming hearts.  Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world.  Thank you, Jesus.  Let’s listen in on this sermon from Hebrews 9 titled, “Based on His Ultimate Sacrifice:

If a single drop of poison falls into a gallon of water, the whole gallon becomes deadly.  Likewise, sin is not just a small part of us.  It has infiltrated and polluted humanity.  God opposes that which destroys good, just as doctors try to eliminate cancerous cells that destroy the body.

If a single drop of poison falls into a gallon of water, the whole gallon becomes deadly.  Likewise, sin is not just a small part of us.

Hebrews 8 speaks of the new covenant that has been forged through Christ’s blood payment.  How is this covenant different from the first covenant that God made with His people?  Hebrews 8 says this new covenant has better promises than the first.  Just what are those promises?  Today, Pastor Rich unpacks the promise God gives in this new covenant, promises that are guaranteed through our High Priest Jesus.  Let’s Listen in.  

Hebrews 8 says this new covenant has better promises than the first. Just what are those promises?

Hebrews 8 speaks of the new covenant that has been forged through Christ’s blood payment.  How is this covenant different from the first covenant that God made with His people?

In Revelation 5:6 John saw that in the midst of the throne of God stood a Lamb as though it had been slain.  That Lamb is Jesus.   He went to the cross so He could bring us with Him into the presence of God.  Even now, Jesus, our High Priest, stands in the presence of the Father and speaks on our behalf, having taken the punishment for our every sin.  In today’s message, Pastor Rich pulls from Hebrews 8:1-5 and chapter 9:1-11 to show the beautiful duty Christ performs on our behalf: interceding for us in the presence of God.  Let’s listen in.

In Revelation 5:6 John saw that in the midst of the throne of God stood a Lamb as though it had been slain.  That Lamb is Jesus.   He went to the cross so He could bring us with Him into the presence of God.  Even now, Jesus, our High Priest, stands in the presence of the Father and speaks on our behalf, having taken the punishment for our every sin.  In today’s message, Pastor Rich pulls from Hebrews 8:1-5 and chapter 9:1-11 to show the beautiful duty Christ performs on our behalf: interceding for us in the presence of God.

In Revelation 5:6 John saw that in the midst of the throne of God stood a Lamb as though it had been slain.  That Lamb is Jesus.   He went to the cross so He could bring us with Him into the presence of God.  Even now, Jesus, our High Priest, stands in the presence of the Father and speaks on our behalf, having taken the punishment for our every sin.  In today’s message, Pastor Rich pulls from Hebrews 8:1-5 and chapter 9:1-11 to show the beautiful duty Christ performs on our behalf: interceding for us in the presence of God.

Jesus Christ intercedes for me in the presence of the Father to guarantee the promise based on his redemptive sacrifice. As Charitie Bancroft penned in a poem that is now a well-known Hymn: Before the throne of God above, I have a strong and perfect plea, A great High Priest whose name is Love Who ever lives and pleads for me. Because the sinless Savior died, my sinful soul is counted free; For God the Just is satisfied to look on Him and pardon me.

What is the function of a priest? What does it mean that Jesus Christ is our high priest? These are questions Pastor Rich answers from today’s text in Hebrews 7:20-28. Jesus guarantees that those who are in him are acceptable to God. This is vital to us because our ultimate objective is to draw near to God. So it makes sense that Jesus would be the one to say, “no one comes to the Father but by me.”

We who are “in Christ” can seize the hope set before us. This hope is the opposite of despair. Instead, we can patiently endure, looking toward our anticipated destination which is God himself who has drawn us to himself.  In the rescue boat of Christ, we may get splashed by the sea of unrighteousness, but we are guaranteed safe arrival, and are ultimately unaffected by the splash. This is a strong encouragement because what we know about our future impacts how we experience the present.

Today, Pastor Rich interviews Chris Wittlinger the director of Grace Counseling Ministry. Grace Bible Church's counseling ministry provides biblical counseling and support for those who are struggling with common yet burdensome life challenges. Listen in as Christ shares about the soul care that is happening in the Grace Counseling Ministry, and about how you can find help in your own walk through life's hardships.

Romans 1:18 informs us that the wrath of God is revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men But the good news is that the Creator looks to our Self-focused land of doom in the sea of unrighteousness, and He makes a promise of rescue. The only rescue we have from the coming tsunami of God’s holy wrath is in God himself. Jesus Christ is our rescue boat who takes to the Father. As people who are in the rescue boat – in Christ – we are people of hope because we have an anchor of the soul that guarantees our safe arrival home. This is part two of the message entitled “The Anchor of our Soul”. It was first preached on July 29th, 2012.

If God is not the answer to the basic questions of life – the questions of origin, meaning, purpose and destiny – then you’ve affirmed yourself as the greatest and most important reality with nothing to live for but yourself.  That disposition leaves you with one destination – despair.

Genuine faith does not remain alone and hidden.  It produces evidence of itself the more it matures.  Today Pastor Rich looks at how a mature faith in Christ will manifest itself, both out front and behind the scenes.  Rich speaks from today's text, Hebrews 6:9-12.

In Revelation 5:6 John saw that in the midst of the throne of God stood a Lamb as though it had been slain.  That Lamb is Jesus.   He went to the cross so He could bring us with Him into the presence of God.  Even now, Jesus, our High Priest, stands in the presence of the Father and speaks on our behalf, having taken the punishment for our every sin.  In today’s message, Pastor Rich pulls from Hebrews 8:1-5 and chapter 9:1-11 to show the beautiful duty Christ performs on our behalf: interceding for us in the presence of God.

Genuine faith does not remain alone and hidden.

If you are merely associated with Christ you will be frustrated and fall away from Him. You must surrender to Christ to move on to complete faith in Him. Investigation is not enough.  God calls us to immerse ourselves fully.

If you are merely associated with Christ you will be frustrated and fall away from Him. You must surrender to Christ to move on to complete faith in Him.

If you are merely associated with Christ you will be frustrated and fall away from Him.

Pastor Rich shares from the text what that maturity in Christ looks like, pointing out that Bible knowledge, intelligence, and how long someone has been saved don’t lead to maturity in and of themselves.

As long as you abandon Christ, you abandon all hope because He alone is the only one who can reconcile you to God.

Pastor Rich shares from the text what that maturity in Christ looks like, pointing out that Bible knowledge, intelligence, and how long someone has been saved don’t lead to maturity in and of themselves.  Let’s listen to this message titled On to Maturity.

Pastor Rich shares from the text what that maturity in Christ looks like, pointing out that Bible knowledge, intelligence, and how long someone has been saved don’t lead to maturity in and of themselves.

Solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.” God birthed us into His family with the expectation that we would grow up.

In Hebrews 5:11-14, the author calls believers to maturity. He says, “Though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God.

Jesus is our perfect High Priest, one of us, but without the gruesome stain of sin. Fully God and fully man. Our great Mediator. Today, Pastor Rich looks into Jesus’ role as our High Priest from Hebrews 5:1-10

Because of Christ, we gain access to a relationship with the great and holy God.

Jesus entered into our experience, so that by faith, His experience becomes ours.

When Adam and Eve rebelled against God in the garden, we became like a branch that sawed itself off from the tree.  In our attempt to find satisfaction apart from God, we separated ourselves from our very life source.  But God was not willing to leave us in our brokenness.  Jesus comes as our High Priest, the only one who could be the go-between, the only one who could truly restore us to the Father.  The Old Testament ritual of the high priest was a shadow of what Jesus would complete for us.  Hebrews 4:14 says Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.  As servants of Christ, a truth like this infuses courage into our hearts and bolsters our resolve.  We can draw near to the throne, confident that we have a High Priest who has experienced what it is to be one of us, confident that His work doesn’t just cover sin, but transforms us.  Let’s Listen in as Rich unpacks Hebrews 4:14-16 .

The Old Testament ritual of the high priest was a shadow of what Jesus would complete for us.  Hebrews 4:14 says Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.  As servants of Christ, a truth like this infuses courage into our hearts and bolsters our resolve.

When Adam and Eve rebelled against God in the garden, we became like a branch that sawed itself off from the tree.  In our attempt to find satisfaction apart from God, we separated ourselves from our very life source.  But God was not willing to leave us in our brokenness.  Jesus comes as our High Priest, the only one who could be the go-between, the only one who could truly restore us to the Father.  The Old Testament ritual of the high priest was a shadow of what Jesus would complete for us.

When Adam and Eve rebelled against God in the garden, we became like a branch that sawed itself off from the tree.  In our attempt to find satisfaction apart from God, we separated ourselves from our very life source.

The Bible is God’s self-disclosure to us.  It is through His Word that we see God and see ourselves as we really are.  In today’s passage, Hebrews 4:11-13, we see that His Word is alive and powerful.

The Bible is God’s self-disclosure to us.  It is through His Word that we see God and see ourselves as we really are.  In today’s passage, Hebrews 4:11-13, we see that His Word is alive and powerful.

Hebrews 4:1-10 A clear view of God’s character and purpose will make us intensely aware of our own brokenness.  Surrendering makes us whole again.  Today, Pastor Rich continues in Hebrews 4:1-10, showing how finding our rest in God frees us from the desperate striving to find meaning and purpose on our own. Let’s listen in.

Surrendering makes us whole again.  Today, Pastor Rich continues in Hebrews 4:1-10, showing how finding our rest in God frees us from the desperate striving to find meaning and purpose on our own.

A clear view of God’s character and purpose will make us intensely aware of our own brokenness.  Surrendering makes us whole again.  Today, Pastor Rich continues in Hebrews 4:1-10, showing how finding our rest in God frees us from the desperate striving to find meaning and purpose on our own. Let’s listen in.

Hebrews 3:12 puts us on high alert to a great danger: “Take care, brothers,  lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God.” We must cultivate a surrendered, trusting heart toward our Father, but Pastor Rich points out the traps in our thought life that will quickly lead us to a hardened heart.  Hebrews 3:7-19 holds important wisdom for us on how to avoid a heart of unbelief.  Let’s listen in.

Hebrews 3:12 puts us on high alert to a great danger: “Take care, brothers,  lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God.” We must cultivate a surrendered, trusting heart toward our Father, but Pastor Rich points out the traps in our thought life that will quickly lead us to a hardened heart.

Hebrews 3:12 puts us on high alert to a great danger: “Take care, brothers,  lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God.” We must cultivate a surrendered, trusting heart toward our Father, but Pastor Rich points out the traps in our thought life that will quickly lead us to a hardened heart.  Hebrews 3:7-19 holds important wisdom for us on how to avoid a heart of unbelief.  Let’s listen in.

Hebrews 3:12 puts us on high alert to a great danger: “Take care, brothers,  lest there be in any of you an evil, unbelieving heart, leading you to fall away from the living God.”

Believers have a calling to faithfully center our attention on Christ.  He is our reference point for all of life.  While the calling is the same, the faithful stewardship of that calling will look a little different within the unique context in which God has placed us, each investing in the relationships around us.  Today Pastor Rich looks into Hebrews 3:1-6 to help us better define what it looks like to be faithful as we point others to the Savior.

Believers have a calling to faithfully center our attention on Christ.  He is our reference point for all of life.  While the calling is the same, the faithful stewardship of that calling will look a little different within the unique context in which God has placed us, each investing in the relationships around us.

Believers have a calling to faithfully center our attention on Christ.  He is our reference point for all of life.

Believers have a calling to faithfully center our attention on Christ.

Jesus is the Great Rescuer, but not as some distant, unattached hero. No, He makes you His Brother. He became one of us to rescue us, then He made us family.  From Hebrews 2:5-18, Pastor Rich lays out a clear account of the Gospel message, reminding us that Jesus is the main point.  Let’s listen to today’s message titled The Best Brother You Could Ever Have.

From Hebrews 2:5-18, Pastor Rich lays out a clear account of the Gospel message, reminding us that Jesus is the main point

From Hebrews 2:5-18, Pastor Rich lays out a clear account of the Gospel message, reminding us that Jesus is the main point. 

Jesus is the Great Rescuer, but not as some distant, unattached hero. No, He makes you His Brother. He became one of us to rescue us, then He makes us family. 

Many of us are being pulled in so many directions with life’s challenges and responsibilities, it can be easy to put some areas of our lives on autopilot.  But Are we still paying attention where it counts?  Our text from Hebrews 2:1-4 challenges us with this: We must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.  We don’t drift in a positive direction.  Spiritual drift leads to destruction. Therefore we must devote ourselves to God’s truth, allowing it to inform our decisions and attitudes.  C.S. Lewis pointed out that Christianity, if false, is of no importance, and if true, of infinite importance. The one thing it cannot be is moderately important.

Many of us are being pulled in so many directions with life’s challenges and responsibilities, it can be easy to put some areas of our lives on autopilot. But Are we still paying attention where it counts? Our text from Hebrews 2:1-4 challenges us with this: We must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. We don’t drift in a positive direction. Spiritual drift leads to destruction. Therefore we must devote ourselves to God’s truth, allowing it to inform our decisions and attitudes.

Many of us are being pulled in so many directions with life’s challenges and responsibilities, it can be easy to put some areas of our lives on autopilot.  But Are we still paying attention where it counts?  Our text from Hebrews 2:1-4 challenges us with this: We must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.

Many of us are being pulled in so many directions with life’s challenges and responsibilities, it can be easy to put some areas of our lives on autopilot.

Verse 1 tells us that God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son.  God did not speak from afar, but drew near, through the person of Jesus Christ. Let’s listen in.

You cannot read the biblical account about Jesus and remain neutral.  In his book Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis points out that based on the things Jesus said, you cannot simply call him a great human teacher.  “you can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him as a demon, or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God.”  Jesus demands a response.  Our text, Hebrews 1:5-14, reminds us that He is ever worthy of our worship.

Sermon series from Hebrews: You cannot read the biblical account about Jesus and remain neutral.  In his book Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis points out that based on the things Jesus said, you cannot simply call him a great human teacher.  “you can shut him up for a fool, you can spit at him as a demon, or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God.”  Jesus demands a response.  Our text, Hebrews 1:5-14, reminds us that He is ever worthy of our worship.

You cannot read the biblical account about Jesus and remain neutral.  In his book Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis points out that based on the things Jesus said, you cannot simply call him a great human teacher.

Today we begin a new series through the book of Hebrews titled The Supremacy of Christ.  Pastor Rich will be in chapter 1:1-4 as we look at God as the Great Communicator.  Verse 1 tells us that God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son.  God did not speak from afar, but drew near, through the person of Jesus Christ. Let’s listen in.

Pastor Rich will be in chapter 1:1-4 as we look at God as the Great Communicator.  Verse 1 tells us that God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son.  God did not speak from afar, but drew near, through the person of Jesus Christ. Let’s listen in.

Today we begin a new series through the book of Hebrews titled The Supremacy of Christ.  Pastor Rich will be in chapter 1:1-4 as we look at God as the Great Communicator.  Verse 1 tells us that God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son.  God did not speak from afar, but drew near, through the person of Jesus Christ. Let’s listen in.

These are the last sermons in a series on 1 Peter titled "Live as People who are Free."  As we look at chapter 5:12-14, Pastor Rich looks at Peter’s closing paragraph in this letter and identifies 5 qualities of standing firm

What if you could have deep satisfaction in your heart, even in the hardest circumstances?  What if our joy did not hinge on having what we want and being rid of what we don’t want in our lives? 1 Peter 5:10-11 reminds us of the truths that, when we fully embrace them, will bring that kind of joy and satisfaction.  The kind that we find only in the person of Jesus.  Let’s listen in.

What if you could have deep satisfaction in your heart, even in the hardest circumstances?  What if our joy did not hinge on having what we want and being rid of what we don’t want in our lives? 1 Peter 5:10-11 reminds us of the truths that, when we fully embrace them, will bring that kind of joy and satisfaction.  The kind that we find only in the person of Jesus.

What if you could have deep satisfaction in your heart, even in the hardest circumstances?  What if our joy did not hinge on having what we want and being rid of what we don’t want in our lives? 1 Peter 5:10-11 reminds us of the truths that, when we fully embrace them, will bring that kind of joy and satisfaction.  The kind that we find only in the person of Jesus.

What if you could have deep satisfaction in your heart, even in the hardest circumstances?  What if our joy did not hinge on having what we want and being rid of what we don’t want in our lives? 1 Peter 5:10-11 reminds us of the truths that, when we fully embrace them, will bring that kind of joy and satisfaction.  The kind that we find only in the person of Jesus.

In Christ, we have both a beautiful freedom and an unchanging security. But it is possible to live life unaware of these graces, like a freed prisoner still carrying around the ball and chain of his former life.  Today Rich shares 5 Habits we can develop to enjoy our freedom and security in Christ.

In Christ, we have both a beautiful freedom and an unchanging security. But it is possible to live life unaware of these graces, like a freed prisoner still carrying around the ball and chain of his former life.  Today Rich shares 5 Habits we can develop to enjoy our freedom and security in Christ.  1 Peter 5:6-9.

This series on 1 Peter is titled Live as People who are Free.  Today Rich looks at 1 Peter 5:5-6, pointing out our need for humility and submission within the community of believers.  What does true humility really look like?  And how can freedom come from surrender? And what are the blessings that come from Christlike humility?

This series on 1 Peter is titled Live as People who are Free.  Today Rich looks at 1 Peter 5:5-6, pointing out our need for humility and submission within the community of believers.  What does true humility really look like?  And how can freedom come from surrender? And what are the blessings that come from Christlike humility?

This series on 1 Peter is titled Live as People who are Free.  Today Rich looks at 1 Peter 5:5-6, pointing out our need for humility and submission within the community of believers.  What does true humility really look like?  And how can freedom come from surrender? And what are the blessings that come from Christlike humility?  Let’s listen in as Pastor Rich answers these questions from today’s text.

This series on 1 Peter is titled Live as People who are Free.  Today Rich looks at 1 Peter 5:5-6, pointing out our need for humility and submission within the community of believers.  What does true humility really look like?  And how can freedom come from surrender? And what are the blessings that come from Christlike humility?  Let’s listen in as Pastor Rich answers these questions from today’s text.

What images come to mind when you hear the word “leader”? The world’s leader seeks power and renown, and is lifted up based on talent, appearance, and cunning.  But1 Peter 5:1-4  portrays the biblical image of the leader as a servant. . Today, Rich unpacks the text to show how a leader must think and function within the church.  God’s Word presents church leadership as a weighty responsibility that requires a constant view toward the cross and eternity.

What images come to mind when you hear the word “leader”? The world’s leader seeks power and renown, and is lifted up based on talent, appearance, and cunning.  But1 Peter 5:1-4  portrays the biblical image of the leader as a servant. . Today, Rich unpacks the text to show how a leader must think and function within the church.  God’s Word presents church leadership as a weighty responsibility that requires a constant view toward the cross and eternity.

What images come to mind when you hear the word “leader”? The world’s leader seeks power and renown, and is lifted up based on talent, appearance, and cunning.  But1 Peter 5:1-4  portrays the biblical image of the leader as a servant. . Today, Rich unpacks the text to show how a leader must think and function within the church.  God’s Word presents church leadership as a weighty responsibility that requires a constant view toward the cross and eternity.

What images come to mind when you hear the word “leader”? The world’s leader seeks power and renown, and is lifted up based on talent, appearance, and cunning.  But1 Peter 5:1-4  portrays the biblical image of the leader as a servant. . Today, Rich unpacks the text to show how a leader must think and function within the church.  God’s Word presents church leadership as a weighty responsibility that requires a constant view toward the cross and eternity.

None of us looks forward to experiencing hardship in our lives.  It is human nature to avoid pain and look for pleasure instead.  Yet Christians who have faced adversity often speak of it as a time of deep growth in their lives- learning truths that they believe they would’ve missed in the ease of life.  In this message from 1 Peter 4:17-19, Rich shares four ways that God’s people can face hardship well, reminding us that Suffering is Sanctifying in the hands of our Redeemer.

None of us looks forward to experiencing hardship in our lives.  It is human nature to avoid pain and look for pleasure instead.  Yet Christians who have faced adversity often speak of it as a time of deep growth in their lives- learning truths that they believe they would’ve missed in the ease of life.  In this message from 1 Peter 4:17-19, Rich shares four ways that God’s people can face hardship well, reminding us that Suffering is Sanctifying in the hands of our Redeemer.

None of us looks forward to experiencing hardship in our lives.  It is human nature to avoid pain and look for pleasure instead.  Yet Christians who have faced adversity often speak of it as a time of deep growth in their lives- learning truths that they believe they would’ve missed in the ease of life.  In this message from 1 Peter 4:17-19, Rich shares four ways that God’s people can face hardship well, reminding us that Suffering is Sanctifying in the hands of our Redeemer. 

Today, As we continue this sermon series titled How Free People Suffer,  Rich challenges us to reframe the way we view suffering.  He shows us from God’s Word that suffering is sacred. The apostles knew this about their own suffering.  After receiving a beating for sharing the gospel of Christ in Acts 5, the apostles “left rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.”  Listen as Pastor Rich unpacks 1 Peter 4:14-16 to show that suffering is a unique opportunity to engage in the highest purpose.

Listen as Pastor Rich unpacks 1 Peter 4:14-16 to show that suffering is a unique opportunity to engage in the highest purpose.

Today, As we continue this sermon series titled How Free People Suffer, Rich challenges us to reframe the way we view suffering. He shows us from God’s Word that suffering is sacred. The apostles knew this about their own suffering. After receiving a beating for sharing the gospel of Christ in Acts 5, the apostles “left rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. Listen as Pastor Rich unpacks 1 Peter 4:14-16 to show that suffering is a unique opportunity to engage in the highest purpose.

Today, As we continue this sermon series titled How Free People Suffer,  Rich challenges us to reframe the way we view suffering.  He shows us from God’s Word that suffering is sacred. The apostles knew this about their own suffering.  After receiving a beating for sharing the gospel of Christ in Acts 5, the apostles “left rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.”  Listen as Pastor Rich unpacks 1 Peter 4:14-16 to show that suffering is a unique opportunity to engage in the highest purpose.

Today, As we continue this sermon series titled How Free People Suffer,  Rich challenges us to reframe the way we view suffering.  He shows us from God’s Word that suffering is sacred. The apostles knew this about their own suffering.  After receiving a beating for sharing the gospel of Christ in Acts 5, the apostles “left rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name.”  Listen as Pastor Rich unpacks 1 Peter 4:14-16 to show that suffering is a unique opportunity to engage in the highest purpose.

Rejoicing in the face of suffering seems counterintuitive. We might expect surprise, worry, fear, or anger in the face of hardship, but 1 Peter 4:13 calls us to rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. How do we rejoice when we share Christ's sufferings? Today Rich shares the confident expectation we can have that will lead to settled satisfaction in the middle of deep pain. Let’s listen to this message titled suffering is shared.

Rejoicing in the face of suffering really seems counterintuitive.   We might expect Surprise, worry, fear, or anger in the face of hardship, but 1 Peter 4:13 calls us to rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.  But how do we do that?  Today Rich shares the confident expectation we can have that will lead to settled satisfaction in the middle of deep pain.  Let’s listen to this message titled suffering is shared.

Rejoicing in the face of suffering really seems counterintuitive.   We might expect Surprise, worry, fear, or anger in the face of hardship, but 1 Peter 4:13 calls us to rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.  But how do we do that?  Today Rich shares the confident expectation we can have that will lead to settled satisfaction in the middle of deep pain.  Let’s listen to this message titled suffering is shared.

Rejoicing in the face of suffering really seems counterintuitive.   We might expect Surprise, worry, fear, or anger in the face of hardship, but 1 Peter 4:13 calls us to rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed.  But how do we do that?  Today Rich shares the confident expectation we can have that will lead to settled satisfaction in the middle of deep pain.  Let’s listen to this message titled suffering is shared.

The Bible explicitly teaches that suffering is to be expected in the Christian life.  Today’s text, 1 Peter 4:12 says 12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. So why are we so often blind-sided when hardship and hurt come our way? Pastor RIch answers this question in today’s message titled  Suffering is not Strange.  Listen as Rich contrasts our natural response to suffering to a response hinged on God’s self-disclosure.

The Bible explicitly teaches that suffering is to be expected in the Christian life.  Today’s text, 1 Peter 4:12 says 12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. So why are we so often blind-sided when hardship and hurt come our way? Pastor RIch answers this question in today’s message titled  Suffering is not Strange.  Listen as Rich contrasts our natural response to suffering to a response hinged on God’s self-disclosure.

The Bible explicitly teaches that suffering is to be expected in the Christian life.  Today’s text, 1 Peter 4:12 says 12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. So why are we so often blind-sided when hardship and hurt come our way? Pastor RIch answers this question in today’s message titled  Suffering is not Strange.  Listen as Rich contrasts our natural response to suffering to a response hinged on God’s self-disclosure.

The Bible explicitly teaches that suffering is to be expected in the Christian life.  Today’s text, 1 Peter 4:12 says 12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. So why are we so often blind-sided when hardship and hurt come our way? Pastor RIch answers this question in today’s message titled  Suffering is not Strange.  Listen as Rich contrasts our natural response to suffering to a response hinged on God’s self-disclosure.

Christians, we have a race to run, a mission and calling for today.  God calls us to a disciplined life.  For some of us, that word “discipline” may have connotations of striving in our own strength to follow rules, as if God saves us by grace, then sends us off to the  exhausting and impossible task of  being worthy of that salvation.  But no.  God’s beautiful grace follows us in its transforming work.  We must discipline our hearts to abide in Christ, to live with the end in view, to surrender to His work, to His heart.  But God does not send us out alone.  He gives us the Spirit to walk with us and Christ’s example to empower us.  Today, Rich unpacks 1 Peter 4:7-11 in this message titled, Disciplined for the Goal.

Christians, we have a race to run, a mission and calling for today.  God calls us to a disciplined life.  For some of us, that word “discipline” may have connotations of striving in our own strength to follow rules, as if God saves us by grace, then sends us off to the  exhausting and impossible task of  being worthy of that salvation.  But no.  God’s beautiful grace follows us in its transforming work.  We must discipline our hearts to abide in Christ, to live with the end in view, to surrender to His work, to His heart.  But God does not send us out alone.  He gives us the Spirit to walk with us and Christ’s example to empower us.  Today, Rich unpacks 1 Peter 4:7-11 in this message titled, Disciplined for the Goal.

Christians, we have a race to run, a mission and calling for today.  God calls us to a disciplined life.  For some of us, that word “discipline” may have connotations of striving in our own strength to follow rules, as if God saves us by grace, then sends us off to the  exhausting and impossible task of  being worthy of that salvation.  But no.  God’s beautiful grace follows us in its transforming work.  We must discipline our hearts to abide in Christ, to live with the end in view, to surrender to His work, to His heart.  But God does not send us out alone.  He gives us the Spirit to walk with us and Christ’s example to empower us.  Today, Rich unpacks 1 Peter 4:7-11 in this message titled, Disciplined for the Goal.

Christians, we have a race to run, a mission and calling for today.  God calls us to a disciplined life.  For some of us, that word “discipline” may have connotations of striving in our own strength to follow rules, as if God saves us by grace, then sends us off to the  exhausting and impossible task of  being worthy of that salvation.  But no.  God’s beautiful grace follows us in its transforming work.  We must discipline our hearts to abide in Christ, to live with the end in view, to surrender to His work, to His heart.  But God does not send us out alone.  He gives us the Spirit to walk with us and Christ’s example to empower us.  Today, Rich unpacks 1 Peter 4:7-11 in this message titled, Disciplined for the Goal.

For believers, our freedom is anchored in the cross of Jesus.  Because of that, the way we process life must be cross-centered.  As we surrender daily  to Christ’s work, our attitudes and affections will be transformed by Him.  Only then can we do life well.  A cross-centered life will look drastically different from the world’s system of living, but we can swim against the current with the confident expectation of a glorious future with our Savior.  Listen as Rich brings a message from 1 Peter 4:1-6 titled Distinguished by Grace.

For believers, our freedom is anchored in the cross of Jesus.  Because of that, the way we process life must be cross-centered.  As we surrender daily  to Christ’s work, our attitudes and affections will be transformed by Him.  Only then can we do life well.  A cross-centered life will look drastically different from the world’s system of living, but we can swim against the current with the confident expectation of a glorious future with our Savior.  Listen as Rich brings a message from 1 Peter 4:1-6 titled Distinguished by Grace.

For believers, our freedom is anchored in the cross of Jesus.  Because of that, the way we process life must be cross-centered.  As we surrender daily  to Christ’s work, our attitudes and affections will be transformed by Him.  Only then can we do life well.  A cross-centered life will look drastically different from the world’s system of living, but we can swim against the current with the confident expectation of a glorious future with our Savior.  Listen as Rich brings a message from 1 Peter 4:1-6 titled Distinguished by Grace.

For believers our freedom is anchored in the cross of Jesus. Because of that the way we process life must be cross-centered.

The Gospel is hope in a dark world. Apart from the suffering of Christ there would be no possibility that we could be rescued from the necessary wrath of God. This rescue is God's free gift of love to any who will accept it. Forgiveness of sin, reconciliation with our Creator, fellowship with God's people.

The passage we deal with today is perhaps one of the most enigmatic of all scripture, 1 Peter 3:18-20 "For Christ also suffered for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring you to God. He was put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, in which he also went and made proclamation to the spirits in prison who in the past were disobedient, when God patiently waited in the days of Noah while the ark was being prepared. In it a few ​— ​that is, eight people ​— ​were saved through water." Rather than spend time dealing with all the ways theologians have wrestled with this text over the millennia, Pastor Rich gets us right to the known point.

This means that in my daily life, I live for the opinion of One - my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ before whom I will one day gave an account.

1 Peter 3:14-22. As Rich digs into this passage he challenges us to champion what is right, true and good regardless of what it might cost. Because of our reality in Christ, our position before God and the promises that become ours in Christ, we can face suffering and ridicule with a calm assurance and trust for the sake of the Gospel.

1 Peter 3:14-22. As Rich digs into this passage he challenges us to champion what is right, true and good regardless of what it might cost. For the sake of the Gospel we can endure ridicule and scorn with calm assurance and trust.

You should be a person of reason and truth. How I feel is not what determines what is true.

Our passage 1 Peter 3:8-13 reminds us to love regardless of how others treat us in return.

Our acceptance into God's eternal community equips us to love and bless our earthly community. We can love because we have been fully loved.The love we experience from being loved by God allows us to build bridges into the lives of others.

Our acceptance into God's eternal community equips us to love and bless our earthly community. We can love because we have been fully loved.

Do you understand your wife? It's going to take a lifetime, she's complicated.... God made her that way. It's not a bad thing it's a good thing and men are called to live with them with an understanding heart.

This is the eighth part of a sub-series entitled "12 Characteristics of People Who are Free." This is about men who are living in a marriage relationship. 1 Peter 3:7 says, "Likewise husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as to a weaker vessel since they are heirs with you of the grace of life." A man faithfully following his Savior with a tender heart is a gift to his family.

This is the eighth part of a sub-series entitled "12 Characteristics of People Who are Free." This is about men who are living in a marriage relationship. 1 Peter 3:7 says, "Likewise husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as to a weaker vessel since they are heirs with you of the grace of life." A man faithfully following Jesus with a tender heart is a gift to his family.

This is the eighth part of a sub-series entitled "12 Characteristics of People Who are Free." This is about men who are living in a marriage relationship. 1 Peter 3:7 says, "Likewise husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as to a weaker vessel since they are heirs with you of the grace of life."

Despite the message we are getting from Western culture, God designed women and men to function differently. Rich unpacks the beauty of that in 1 Peter 3:1-6 for a message entitled "Admirable Women."

Are you cultivating a heart ruled by trust in Jesus? Are you allowing God's grace to transform your attitudes and affections? Christ frees us from the chains of impossible beauty standards so we can live for the audience of One - Jesus.

A stained glass window sparkles and shines when the sun is out and light is coming throug it. But in dark times that beauty cannot be seen unless there is light from the inside. Our culture places an impossible standard on women when it determines value by outward appearance. God's Word shows us to place importance where God does: on the imperishable beauty of the heart.

In dark times beauty is seen only when there is light inside. Our culture places value on a woman's outward appearance, but God's Word tells us that it is within a woman that makes her beautiful, and effective in a dark culture.

Christ did the great work on our behalf, clearing the way for us to have a restored relationship with God.- our sins forgiven. Our suffering brought our healing. Now He calls us to take up our cross and follow Him. 1 Peter 2:21 says, " For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps." Those who follow Christ are called to a life of sacrifice, kdying to self and willing to do what is difficult and costly for the sake of our Savior.

Christ did the great work on our behalf, clearing the way for us to have a restored relationship with God.- our sins forgiven. Our suffering brought our healing. Now He calls us to take up our cross and follow Him. 1 Peter 2:21 says, " For you were called to this, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps." Those who follow Christ are called to a life of sacrifice, dying to self and willing to do what is difficult and costly for the sake of our Savior.

Those who follow Christ are called to a life of sacrifice, dying to self and willing to do what is difficult for the sake of the Gospel.

Overcoming evil with good.

Freedom the subverts human schemes

Christ did the great work on our behalf, clearing the way for us to have a restored relationship with God. Our sins forgiven, His suffering brought our healing. Now He calls us to take up our cross and follow Him.

Faithful through sorrow. This is the final part.

This is a repeat of Part 2

Today is the final session in this study of 1 Peter 2:18-20.

My reflection of Christ and the glory of God are higher priorities than protecting my rights, my comfort and my survival.

This world is passing and we are free to live for the greater reality that full righteousness and satisfaction are coming when we are eternally with Christ. There is only one before whom we will stand in the end.

Edwin Clowney wrote, "It is the privilege of those who are sons and daughters of the most high, to imitate the magnificence of their Father's mercy. They rise above simple justice to reflect God's goodness and love. We are called to overcome evil with good. As people who are free, it is our privilege to champion what is true, right and good.

1 Peter 2:16 teaches us to be free though surrender to God.

Is freedom the complete absence of boundaries? 1 Peter 2:16 challenges this notion by asserting that people without boundaries are not free, in reality they are slaves to their own short-sighted view of what is good. Freedom doesn't mean we have no boundaries. We are free within God's loving boundaries. They are for our good, because God is good. The Christian's element is in Christ, it is there that we thrive and find our greatest freedom.

Freedom doesn't mean we have no boundaries. We are free within God's loving boundaries. They are for our good, because God is good.

Is freedom the complete absence of boundaries? 1 Peter 2:16 challenges this notion by asserting that people without boundaries are not free, in reality they are slaves to their own short-sighted view of what is good.

When we abide in Christ and let His word inform and transform our desires and affections, the fruit in our lives will be a product of our genuine satisfaction in Christ.

We know that the Christian life calls us to live differently than we lived before coming to Christ. But we're not called to keep up appearances or simply manage our sin. That would be like tying apples on a hemlock tree and calling it an apple tree. Instead, we have a radical call to abide in Christ., to let his word inform and transform our desires and affections. The fruit in our lives will be a product of our genuine satisfaction and confidence in Christ.

We know that the Christian life calls us to live differently than we lived before coming to Christ. But we're not called to keep up appearances or simply manage our sin. That would be like tying apples on a hemlock tree and calling it an apple tree. Instead, we have a radical call to abide in Christ., to let his word inform and transform our desires and affections. The fruit in our lives will be a product of our genuine satisfaction and confidence in Christ.

Have you tasted that "the Lord is good"? He knows me absolutely, totally, intimately yet He still loves me.

Your interactions, your relationships are an outflow of your theology. What you think of God will be reflected in how you treat each other.

What we do with Jesus will mean everything to our standing and identity before God. Christ is the cornerstone, you cannot be indifferent about Jesus Christ. If you ignore him you will fail at life.

What we do with Jesus will mean everything to our standing and identity before God. Christ is the cornerstone, you cannot be indifferent about Jesus Christ. If you ignore him you will fail at life.

1 Peter 2:1 calls us to rid ourselves of five sins from our former lives. These are destructive to others and dead weight in our own lives. How do we cast off sinful patterns that come so easy to us? Todays sermon is an encouraging word to help us in our battle against sin and the flesh.

1 Peter 2:1 calls us to rid ourselves of five sins from our former lives. These are destructive to others and dead weight in our own lives. How do we cast off sinful patterns that come so easy to us? Todays sermon is an encouraging word to help us in our battle against sin and the flesh.

1 Peter 2:1 calls us to rid ourselves of five sins from our former lives. These are destructive to others and dead weight in our own lives. But how do we cast off sinful patterns that come so easily to us. Peter answers that question in the next two verses: by feasting on the goodness of the Lord.

God calls us to live for a higher purpose than we would on our own. As we abide in Christ and the truths in His word, He begins to change our desires. "When Christ changes our desires our conduct is an outflow of the changes of our heart- fruit growing from a healthy vine." Today, Rich continues our series from 1 Peter "Live As People Who are Free."

God calls us to live for a higher purpose than we would on our own. As we abide in Christ and the truths in His word, He begins to change our desires. When Christ changes our desires our conduct is an outflow of the changes of our heart- fruit growing from a healthy vine.

God calls us to live for a higher purpose than we would on our own. As we abide in Christ, he begins to change our desires.

The reason why Jesus Christ is uniquely qualified to be your object faith is because He alone can bring you from meaningless to ultimate good.

1 Peter 1:13 says "therefore preparing your action and being sober minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ."

An attitude is simply a habit of thought. Our attitudes can sabotage or aid us in our love for God.

Faith in the wrong object will always lead to disappointment, no matter how strong that faith may be. Today Rich shares three reasons why Christ is uniquely qualified to be the object of our faith. Living by faith is only liberating if that faith is in Christ. Our text for today is 1 Peter 1:18-21

Today, Rich shares why Christ is uniquely qualified to be the object of our faith.

Faith in the wrong object will always lead to disappointment, no matter how strong that faith is.

Perhaps you've heard people say, "There is freedom in Christ." What exactly does that mean? Does "Freedom in Christ" only take place after we die when we will be in heaven? Or does it mean we can live in a new way now? How is living by faith in Christ liberating?

Does "Freedom in Christ" only take place after we die when we will be in heaven? Or does it mean we can live in a new way now?

Perhaps you've heard people say, "There is freedom in Christ." What exactly does that mean?

The story of redemption stretches backward to the Garden and forward into eternity.

1 Peter 1:10-12 Concerning the salvation of your souls Peter speaks of the freedom we have in Christ. The salvation Christ offers us is the richest gift. Scripture tells us the ancient prophets searched to understand and see it.

1 Peter 1:10-12 Concerning the salvation of your souls Peter speaks of the freedom we have in Christ.

God gives us His Spirit, and that Spirit witnesses that we are joint heirs in Christ.

How does the freedom Christ bought for us change the way we face hardship? Genuine faith in Christ endures through trials. 1 Peter 1:6-9 explores the beautiful work God accomplishes in his people through hardship.

How does the freedom Christ bought for us change the way we face hardship? Genuine faith in Christ endures through trials.

How does the freedom Christ bought for us change the way we face hardship?

Jesus shared the parable of a man who after finding a treasure in a field, sold all he had to buy the field. Jesus is the great treasure our hearts long for. When we realize the inheritance we have in him,  we loosen our grip on everything else.  Christ is our highest good and our deepest satisfaction. Pastor Rich finishes our short study of 1 Peter 1:3-5.

Jesus shared the parable of a man who after finding a treasure in a field, sold all he had to buy the field. Jesus is the great treasure our hearts long for. When we realize the inheritance we have in him,  we loosen our grip on everything else.  Christ is our highest good and our deepest satisfaction.

Jesus shared the parable of a man who after finding a treasure in a field, sold all he had to buy the field. Jesus is the great treasure our hearts long for. When we realize the inheritance we have in Him, we loosen our grip on everything else. God is our highest good and our deepest satisfaction.

Jesus shared the parable of a man who after finding a treasure in a field, sold all he had to buy the field. Jesus is the great treasure our hearts long for.

Christ came to set us free, but what does it look like to live as people who are free? Are we freed only from the consequence of our sin, left to figure out the rest on our own. How does our new identity in Christ change the way we view hardship, relationship and life purpose? 1 Peter 1:1-3

Christ came to set us free, but what does it look like to live as people who are free? Are we freed only from the consequence of our sin, left to figure out the rest on our own. 1 Peter 1:1-3 

Christ came to set us free, but what does it look like to live as people who are free? Pastor Rich begins a new series from 1 Peter with this introduction in chapter 1, verses 1-3.

The apostle Paul ends his letter to the church in Ephesus by sharing the hope he has for his brothers and sisters in the faith. Today Pastor Rich wraps up our study of Ephesians with this final episode that began October of 2022. This is the final part of a message that closes out our study of Ephesians by looking at Ephesians 6:21-24.

Today Pastor Rich wraps up our study of Ephesians with this final episode that began October of 2022.

The apostle Paul ends his letter to the church in Ephesus by sharing the hope he has for his brothers and sisters in the faith.

There is a real struggle that comes from following Christ because we have an adversary determined to undermine our faith. God doesn't leave us to struggle in our own strength, He gives us tools to thrive in the struggle. God equips us to advance productively not just in the things that matter today,  but in the things that matter for eternity.

There is a real struggle that comes from following Christ because we have an adversary determined to undermine our faith. God doesn't leave us to struggle in our own strength, He gives us tools to thrive in the struggle.

There is a real struggle that comes from following Christ because we have an adversary determined to undermine our faith.

We are well aware that the walk of faith will involve struggle. As Christians deal with struggles they will encounter a worldly system of thought that is contrary to Biblical Truth. Though our Enemy works to undermine our faith, God has lavished us with abundant resources. to stand and resist. Pastor Rich speaks from Ephesians 6:10-20. "Finally, be strengthened by the Lord and by his vast strength. Put on the full armor of God so that you can stand against the schemes of the devil. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this darkness, against evil, spiritual forces in the heavens. For this reason take up the full armor of God, so that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having prepared everything, to take your stand. Stand, therefore, with truth like a belt around your waist, righteousness like armor on your chest, and your feet sandaled with readiness for the gospel of peace. In every situation take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit ​— ​which is the word of God. 18 Pray at all times in the Spirit with every prayer and request, and stay alert with all perseverance and intercession for all the saints. Pray also for me, that the message may be given to me when I open my mouth to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel. For this I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I might be bold enough to speak about it as I should. -- Ephesians 6:10-20 (CSB)

We are well aware that the walk of faith will involve struggle. As Christians deal with struggles they will encounter a worldly system of thought that is contrary to Biblical Truth.

We are well aware that the walk of faith will involve struggle.

How does the Gospel change the way we think about and engage our work? Believers should view their jobs as an extension of their ministries and worship. Pastor Rich examines Ephesians 6:5-9 to show eight characteristics of a Biblical work ethic.

How does the Gospel change the way we think about and engage our work?  Believers should view their jobs as an extension of their ministries and worship.

How does the Gospel change the way we think about and engage our work?

Today Rich explains "Gospel Living" between parents and their children from Ephesian 6:1-4.

Inward heart change in our families allows us to reflect God's love to each other and to the world.

As we experience heart change through the redemptive work of Christ, that heart change will flow out into our relationships with others.

If we want to walk in wisdom we have to keep our purpose in sharp focus. Through Christ's work, God grants us a stewardship, a beautiful opportunity to glorify God for His great redemptive work. We can't lose sight of that purpose, or the one we serve.

If we want to walk in wisdom we have to keep our purpose in sharp focus. Through Christ's work, God grants us a stewardship, a beautiful opportunity to glorify God for His great redemptive work. We can't lose sight of that purpose, or the one we serve.

If we want to walk in wisdom we have to keep our purpose in sharp focus. Through Christ's work, God grants us a stewardship, a beautiful opportunity to glorify God for His great redemptive work. We can't lose sight of that purpose, or the one we serve.

Without Christ we were in a dark prison cell of self-preeminence. But the work of Christ has the power to penetrate that darkness.God has changed us from the inside so we are now light in the Lord. Light and darkness are not equal opposites. Light is an entity, darkness is the absence of light. This means that light can invade darkness and make it go away.

Without Christ we were in a dark prison cell of self-preeminence. But the work of Christ has the power to penetrate that darkness. God has changed us from the inside so we are now light in the Lord.

Without Christ we were in a dark prison cell of self-preeminence. But the work of Christ has the power to penetrate that darkness.

Christ has given us a beautiful picture of sacrificial love. This begins a study of Ephesians 5:1-7. Today's message highlights the clear contrast between pure true love modeled after Christ and sin which is disordered love. Is our interactions with others based on what you can do for me, or do you approach them asking how can I invest in you?

Christ has given us a beautiful picture of sacrificial love. Today's message highlights the clear contrast between pure true love modeled after Christ and sin which is disordered love. Ephesians 5:1-7.

Christ has given us a beautiful picture of sacrificial love. This begins a study of Ephesians 5:1-7. Today's message highlights the clear contrast between pure true love modeled after Christ and sin which is disordered love.

The mouth is the exhaust system of the heart. When you're bumped, that is what comes out.

As we surrender ourselves to Christ's work , God changes our affections and our attitudes. Four ways the transforming power of the Gospel changes our attitudes and our actions with others. When we live fully surrendered to Christ we being to see and treat others the way Christ did.  Ephesians 4:25-32.

Four ways the transforming power of the Gospel changes our attitudes and our actions with others. Pastor Rich continues our study in Ephesians 4:25-32

Christ makes us new, He calls us to a new path, a new focal point... a radically new way of living. It's not a call to look right on the outside, God gives us a new heart and a new identity. Ephesians 4:17-24. As we surrender ourselves to Christ's work , God changes our affections and our attitudes.

Christ makes us new, He calls us to a new path, a new focal point... a radical way of living. It's not a call to look right on the outside, God gives us a new heart and a new identity. Ephesians 4:17-24.

Following Jesus means helping others follow Jesus.

When a church functions according to design, it is a beautiful thing.

God's grace is not meant simply for our own personal pleasure. He doesn't give us grace just for our own salvation but so that we can also walk with others in a godward direction. As we are transformed by the truth of the gospel we can genuinely invest in others contributing to the health and growth of the body.

God's grace is not meant simply for our own personal pleasure. He doesn't give us grace just for our own salvation but so that we can also walk with others in a godward direction.

God's grace is not meant simply for our own personal pleasure.

One who is at peace inside will promote peace outside. Brought into right relationship with Jesus we're able to love and invest in others. When we love and invest in others we are able to walk with them in a Godly direction.

One who is at peace inside will promote peace outside. Brought into right relationship with Jesus we're able to love and invest in others.

One who is at peace inside will promote peace outside. Brought into right relationship with Jesus we're able to invest in others.

God calls his people to live a life with a radically different purpose than the one we would live in our flesh. In His goodness God equips us with everything we need to live a life with a radically different purpose. We're continuing our study of God's equipping in Ephesians 4:1

Without Christ we were in a dark prison cell of self-preeminence. But the work of Christ has the power to penetrate that darkness.

Without Christ we were in a dark prison cell of self-preeminence. But the work of Christ has the power to penetrate that darkness. God has changed us from the inside so we are now light in the Lord. 

God calls his people to live a life with a radically different purpose than the one we would live in our own flesh. In His goodness God equips us with everything we need to live out that calling vibrantly.

God calls his people to live a life with radically different purpose than the one we would live in our flesh.

How quickly we fall into striving in our Christian walk when God has offered us something far greater. The "far greater" is the opportunity to know Him and delight in Him. To see and delight in His beauty will keep us soaring in our walk with Him.

How quickly we fall into striving in our Christian walk when God has offered us something far greater. The "far greater" is the opportunity to know Him and delight in Him

How quickly we fall into striving in our Christian walk when God has offered us something far greater

When Christ is glorified, all things are made new, we can experience the height of our humanity

Many would look at the history of Christ and consider it a tragedy, but God displays a different outcome.

Many would look at the history of Christ and consider it a tragedy, but God displays a different outcome.

Only the one who knows the Father can take us to the Father. This is the good news of the arrival of the Son of God, Jesus

Christmas is the good news that God has spoken to us in person. Jesus Christ is the visible image of the invisible God. In Christ, God has come to us in a comprehensible way, how do we benefit from that?

Christmas is the good news that God has spoken to us in person. Jesus Christ is the visible image of the invisible God.

<!--td {border: 1px solid #cccccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}-->In all circumstances, whether in the comfortable or in the groaning of this temporary life our delight in his person in his character can be an anchor  a balm for the soul.

In all circumstances, whether in the comfortable or in the groaning of this temporary life our delight in his person in his character can be an anchor  a balm for the soul.

We can experience a sense of delight in God, and it isn't a religious exercise reserved for Sundays

In Christ we have direct and free access to God, the holy and infinite sovereign of the universe. We can confidently approach Him to obtain all we need  - without judgment or fear. We come to God not on our own merit, but because of what Jesus has done.

We can confidently approach Him to obtain all we need - without judgment or fear. Learn more about Pastor Rich's book: "7 Words That Can Change Your Life"

In Christ we have direct access to the Creator of the Universe.

In Christ we have free and direct access to God, the holy and infinite sovereign of the universe.

Today we'll consider how the Apostle Paul used the gifts God gave him to build up and minister to the Church.

How are we using the gifts God has given us to invest in others?

It is important for us to consider the gifts and resources God has given us.

Let's join pastor Rich as he unpacks Ephesians 2:19-22

Everything about the Church is related to the character and purpose of Jesus Christ. With Christ as the cornerstone and builder, God can transform anyone anywhere into a beautiful reflection of himself.

When Adam and Eve chose to seek their own way in the Garden mankind became a branch that essentially severed itself from the tree.

In Ephesians 1:15-23, Paul ends his prayer with this request: that we would grasp the beauty of the Church and the greatness of our Savior. We are to be an intentional and accepting family in a culture of discipleship.

In Ephesians 1:15-23, Paul ends his prayer with this request: that we would grasp the beauty of the Church and the greatness of our Savior. We are to be an intentional and accepting family in a culture of discipleship.

In Ephesians 1:15-23, Paul prays for the church, making requests far beyond the temporal wants and needs that sometimes hold our focus in prayer. Paul asked that God would open the eyes of their hearts, that the church would gain a fuller grasp of what was already theirs in Christ.

In Ephesians 1:15-23, Paul prays for the church, making requests far beyond the temporal wants and needs that sometimes hold our focus in prayer. Paul asked that God would open the eyes of their hearts, that the church would gain a fuller grasp of what was already theirs in Christ.

In Ephesians 1:15-23, Paul prays for the church, making requests far beyond the temporal wants and needs that sometimes hold our focus in prayer. Paul asked that God would open the eyes of their hearts, that the church would gain a fuller grasp of what was already theirs in Christ.

Pastor Rich reminds us that Christ is our greatest benefit and pleasure.  A day is coming when God will bring all things back to the main point.  The main point is not a concept, but a person.  Our Savior Jesus Christ.  He is the focal point of all time and history.

Pastor Rich reminds us that Christ is our greatest benefit and pleasure.  A day is coming when God will bring all things back to the main point.  The main point is not a concept, but a person.  Our Savior Jesus Christ.  He is the focal point of all time and history.

Pastor Rich reminds us that Christ is our greatest benefit and pleasure.  A day is coming when God will bring all things back to the main point.  The main point is not a concept, but a person.  Our Savior Jesus Christ.  He is the focal point of all time and history.

Pastor Rich reminds us that Christ is our greatest benefit and pleasure.  A day is coming when God will bring all things back to the main point.  The main point is not a concept, but a person.  Our Savior Jesus Christ.  He is the focal point of all time and history.

Against the dark backdrop of humanity's brokenness, God's great love shines vividly bright.

Against the dark backdrop of humanity's brokenness, God's great love shines vividly bright.

Against the dark backdrop of humanity's brokenness, God's great love shines vividly bright.

The Bible teaches that those who surrender to Christ as the only solution to our sin probelm recieve a new status before God: forgiven, adopted, forever in Christ.

The Bible teaches that those who surrender to Christ as the only solution to our sin probelm recieve a new status before God: forgiven, adopted, forever in Christ.

The bible teaches that those who surrender to Christ as the only solution to our sin probelm recieve a new status before God: forgiven, adopted, forever in Christ.

God calls us to dwell in Christ, to abide in Him, because that is the place in which we will prosper and grow. In Christ, we are redeemed, beloved, and free.

God calls us to dwell in Christ, to abide in Him, because that is the place in which we will prosper and grow. In Christ, we are redeemed, beloved, and free.

God calls us to dwell in Christ, to abide in Him, because that is the place in which we will prosper and grow. In Christ, we are redeemed, beloved, and free.

The book of Ephesians overflows with the message of our marvelous inheritance in Christ. As we dig into this study, we will go behind the scenes to get a glimpse into the world of ancient Ephesus.

<!--td {border: 1px solid #cccccc;}br {mso-data-placement:same-cell;}-->Our element is the state in which we most naturally thrive. What is a Christian's element? Where do we thrive and flourish?

Our element is the state in which we most naturally thrive. What is a Christian's element? Where do we thrive and flourish?

Join us for Delight in Grace, the teaching ministry of Rich Powell - lead pastor of Grace Bible Church in Winston-Salem. To discover how to live by grace, tune in to Delight in Grace weekdays at 10 AM.