2 Peter 3:13 says According to His promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. One day, all things will be made new. All the brokenness, injustice, wickedness, worldly systems of thought will dissipate, and Jesus will make all things right. As Christ followers, what does it look like to wait for that day? How does knowledge of that coming day transform the way we live now? Pastor Rich answers these questions in this message titled “The Kingdom of God”.

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. That is 2 Peter 3:10 and the key text for today’s message. A verse like this might seem terrifying, but it isn’t if you have been reconciled with God. It isn’t if you are clothed in the righteousness of Jesus. It isn’t if God the Father has adopted you as His child. In this message titled “The Judgment of God” , Pastor Rich walks through what God’s Word tells us about the coming return of Jesus. Let’s Listen in.

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. That is 2 Peter 3:10 and the key text for today’s message. A verse like this might seem terrifying, but it isn’t if you have been reconciled with God. It isn’t if you are clothed in the righteousness of Jesus. It isn’t if God the Father has adopted you as His child. In this message titled “The Judgment of God” , Pastor Rich walks through what God’s Word tells us about the coming return of Jesus. Let’s Listen in.

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. That is 2 Peter 3:10 and the key text for today’s message. A verse like this might seem terrifying, but it isn’t if you have been reconciled with God. It isn’t if you are clothed in the righteousness of Jesus. It isn’t if God the Father has adopted you as His child. In this message titled “The Judgment of God” , Pastor Rich walks through what God’s Word tells us about the coming return of Jesus. Let’s Listen in.

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed. That is 2 Peter 3:10 and the key text for today’s message. A verse like this might seem terrifying, but it isn’t if you have been reconciled with God. It isn’t if you are clothed in the righteousness of Jesus. It isn’t if God the Father has adopted you as His child. In this message titled “The Judgment of God” , Pastor Rich walks through what God’s Word tells us about the coming return of Jesus. Let’s Listen in.

Perhaps you have heard the expression, “Don’t be so heavenly minded, that you are of no earthly good,” but a heart set on a biblical view of God is free and burning to love and serve others with abandon, just as the Lord Jesus did. A heart fixed on God is free to take risks to benefit others and glorify Him, no longer ruled by the drive for self-protection and self-preeminence. In 2 Peter 3:4-9, the apostle describes the character of God, calling His people to remember and reflect on who He is so that God can transform their hearts. Let’s listen to this message titled The Character of God

Perhaps you have heard the expression, “Don’t be so heavenly minded, that you are of no earthly good,” but a heart set on a biblical view of God is free and burning to love and serve others with abandon, just as the Lord Jesus did. A heart fixed on God is free to take risks to benefit others and glorify Him, no longer ruled by the drive for self-protection and self-preeminence. In 2 Peter 3:4-9, the apostle describes the character of God, calling His people to remember and reflect on who He is so that God can transform their hearts. Let’s listen to this message titled The Character of God

Perhaps you have heard the expression, “Don’t be so heavenly minded, that you are of no earthly good,” but a heart set on a biblical view of God is free and burning to love and serve others with abandon, just as the Lord Jesus did. A heart fixed on God is free to take risks to benefit others and glorify Him, no longer ruled by the drive for self-protection and self-preeminence. In 2 Peter 3:4-9, the apostle describes the character of God, calling His people to remember and reflect on who He is so that God can transform their hearts. Let’s listen to this message titled The Character of God

Perhaps you have heard the expression, “Don’t be so heavenly minded, that you are of no earthly good,” but a heart set on a biblical view of God is free and burning to love and serve others with abandon, just as the Lord Jesus did. A heart fixed on God is free to take risks to benefit others and glorify Him, no longer ruled by the drive for self-protection and self-preeminence. In 2 Peter 3:4-9, the apostle describes the character of God, calling His people to remember and reflect on who He is so that God can transform their hearts. Let’s listen to this message titled The Character of God

In 2 Peter 3:1-2, the apostle says he is writing the letter to stir up their sincere minds by way of reminder, that they should “remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior” Peter’s plea to God’s people is that they will remember. Why? God transforms human hearts through the continual encounter with the truth of His Word. Setting our hearts on what God has done through His Son, Jesus, and what He will do in the days to come will transform the way we view every challenge, every victory, and all the moments in between. Let’s listen to this message titled The Revelation of God.

In 2 Peter 3:1-2, the apostle says he is writing the letter to stir up their sincere minds by way of reminder, that they should “remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior” Peter’s plea to God’s people is that they will remember. Why? God transforms human hearts through the continual encounter with the truth of His Word. Setting our hearts on what God has done through His Son, Jesus, and what He will do in the days to come will transform the way we view every challenge, every victory, and all the moments in between. Let’s listen to this message titled The Revelation of God.

In 2 Peter 3:1-2, the apostle says he is writing the letter to stir up their sincere minds by way of reminder, that they should “remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior” Peter’s plea to God’s people is that they will remember. Why? God transforms human hearts through the continual encounter with the truth of His Word. Setting our hearts on what God has done through His Son, Jesus, and what He will do in the days to come will transform the way we view every challenge, every victory, and all the moments in between. Let’s listen to this message titled The Revelation of God.

In 2 Peter 3:1-2, the apostle says he is writing the letter to stir up their sincere minds by way of reminder, that they should “remember the predictions of the holy prophets and the commandment of the Lord and Savior” Peter’s plea to God’s people is that they will remember. Why? God transforms human hearts through the continual encounter with the truth of His Word. Setting our hearts on what God has done through His Son, Jesus, and what He will do in the days to come will transform the way we view every challenge, every victory, and all the moments in between. Let’s listen to this message titled The Revelation of God.

The Nature of LiarsAfter making some rather provocative statements, Jesus asked His disciples if they would turn from Him. Afterall, many in the crowd did. It was Peter who answered, “To whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life!” Decades after that moment, Peter writes his second letter to believers, warning them about the dangers of listening to false teachers, teachers leading men and women away from the One with the words of eternal life, Jesus of Nazareth. What motivates false teachers to push people from Christ and why are many enticed by their teachings? From our text, 2 Peter 2:17-22, Pastor Rich shares a message titled “The Nature of Liars”.

The Nature of LiarsAfter making some rather provocative statements, Jesus asked His disciples if they would turn from Him. Afterall, many in the crowd did. It was Peter who answered, “To whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life!” Decades after that moment, Peter writes his second letter to believers, warning them about the dangers of listening to false teachers, teachers leading men and women away from the One with the words of eternal life, Jesus of Nazareth. What motivates false teachers to push people from Christ and why are many enticed by their teachings? From our text, 2 Peter 2:17-22, Pastor Rich shares a message titled “The Nature of Liars”.

The Nature of LiarsAfter making some rather provocative statements, Jesus asked His disciples if they would turn from Him. Afterall, many in the crowd did. It was Peter who answered, “To whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life!” Decades after that moment, Peter writes his second letter to believers, warning them about the dangers of listening to false teachers, teachers leading men and women away from the One with the words of eternal life, Jesus of Nazareth. What motivates false teachers to push people from Christ and why are many enticed by their teachings? From our text, 2 Peter 2:17-22, Pastor Rich shares a message titled “The Nature of Liars”.

The Nature of LiarsAfter making some rather provocative statements, Jesus asked His disciples if they would turn from Him. Afterall, many in the crowd did. It was Peter who answered, “To whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life!” Decades after that moment, Peter writes his second letter to believers, warning them about the dangers of listening to false teachers, teachers leading men and women away from the One with the words of eternal life, Jesus of Nazareth. What motivates false teachers to push people from Christ and why are many enticed by their teachings? From our text, 2 Peter 2:17-22, Pastor Rich shares a message titled “The Nature of Liars”.

With so many voices seeking to influence, how do we know who to follow? The Bible warns against false teachers, but we can be easily deceived without discernment. Thankfully, 2 Peter 2:10-16 lays out for us the character of false teachers. Pastor Rich unpacks how effectively the passage describes lying voices around us today, and he warns us about the pitfalls we face when we entrust ourselves to lies.

With so many voices seeking to influence, how do we know who to follow? The Bible warns against false teachers, but we can be easily deceived without discernment. Thankfully, 2 Peter 2:10-16 lays out for us the character of false teachers. Pastor Rich unpacks how effectively the passage describes lying voices around us today, and he warns us about the pitfalls we face when we entrust ourselves to lies.

With so many voices seeking to influence, how do we know who to follow? The Bible warns against false teachers, but we can be easily deceived without discernment. Thankfully, 2 Peter 2:10-16 lays out for us the character of false teachers. Pastor Rich unpacks how effectively the passage describes lying voices around us today, and he warns us about the pitfalls we face when we entrust ourselves to lies.

With so many voices seeking to influence, how do we know who to follow? The Bible warns against false teachers, but we can be easily deceived without discernment. Thankfully, 2 Peter 2:10-16 lays out for us the character of false teachers. Pastor Rich unpacks how effectively the passage describes lying voices around us today, and he warns us about the pitfalls we face when we entrust ourselves to lies.

Because God is good, we can know with confidence that He will oppose evil. In 2 Peter 2:4-9, Peter warns that God will judge false teachers. How crucial it is that we guard against worldly ideologies! David Wells defines worldliness as a “system of values that displaces God and His truth from the world”, making “sin look normal and righteousness seem strange.” Embracing any way of thinking that distorts God’s Word is to choose a path that takes us away from our very lifeline, our source of life and meaning. It is no light matter to distort the beautiful gospel we've received. Let’s listen to this message titled: God’s Judgment on Lies.

Because God is good, we can know with confidence that He will oppose evil. In 2 Peter 2:4-9, Peter warns that God will judge false teachers. How crucial it is that we guard against worldly ideologies! David Wells defines worldliness as a “system of values that displaces God and His truth from the world”, making “sin look normal and righteousness seem strange.” Embracing any way of thinking that distorts God’s Word is to choose a path that takes us away from our very lifeline, our source of life and meaning. It is no light matter to distort the beautiful gospel we've received. Let’s listen to this message titled: God’s Judgment on Lies.

Because God is good, we can know with confidence that He will oppose evil. In 2 Peter 2:4-9, Peter warns that God will judge false teachers. How crucial it is that we guard against worldly ideologies! David Wells defines worldliness as a “system of values that displaces God and His truth from the world”, making “sin look normal and righteousness seem strange.” Embracing any way of thinking that distorts God’s Word is to choose a path that takes us away from our very lifeline, our source of life and meaning. It is no light matter to distort the beautiful gospel we've received. Let’s listen to this message titled: God’s Judgment on Lies.

In school you may have read the famous epic poem called The Illiad. In it, Homer tells of a brilliant ploy the Greeks used to break into the enemy city of Troy. They sent a gift to the Trojans, a massive wooden horse. But the gift was the downfall of the Trojans, for inside the horse, the Greek soldiers hid. The Trojans opened themselves up to the enemy, falling for this great deception. Our enemy uses similar tactics, though, doesn’t he? We are not tempted to believe lies that are blatantly false. Satan often wraps his lies in a cloak of truth. Peter addresses this very concern in 2 Peter 2:1-3. He warns his readers that false teachers will secretly introduce false teachings among them. Distortions of God’s revealed truth often water down His Word or deny key truths within it. Today, Pastor Rich lays out the damage such distortions bring to the one who believes them, and shares with us how to recognize and counter the subtle lies we encounter.

In school you may have read the famous epic poem called The Illiad. In it, Homer tells of a brilliant ploy the Greeks used to break into the enemy city of Troy. They sent a gift to the Trojans, a massive wooden horse. But the gift was the downfall of the Trojans, for inside the horse, the Greek soldiers hid. The Trojans opened themselves up to the enemy, falling for this great deception. Our enemy uses similar tactics, though, doesn’t he? We are not tempted to believe lies that are blatantly false. Satan often wraps his lies in a cloak of truth. Peter addresses this very concern in 2 Peter 2:1-3. He warns his readers that false teachers will secretly introduce false teachings among them. Distortions of God’s revealed truth often water down His Word or deny key truths within it. Today, Pastor Rich lays out the damage such distortions bring to the one who believes them, and shares with us how to recognize and counter the subtle lies we encounter.

In school you may have read the famous epic poem called The Illiad. In it, Homer tells of a brilliant ploy the Greeks used to break into the enemy city of Troy. They sent a gift to the Trojans, a massive wooden horse. But the gift was the downfall of the Trojans, for inside the horse, the Greek soldiers hid. The Trojans opened themselves up to the enemy, falling for this great deception. Our enemy uses similar tactics, though, doesn’t he? We are not tempted to believe lies that are blatantly false. Satan often wraps his lies in a cloak of truth. Peter addresses this very concern in 2 Peter 2:1-3. He warns his readers that false teachers will secretly introduce false teachings among them. Distortions of God’s revealed truth often water down His Word or deny key truths within it. Today, Pastor Rich lays out the damage such distortions bring to the one who believes them, and shares with us how to recognize and counter the subtle lies we encounter.

In school you may have read the famous epic poem called The Illiad. In it, Homer tells of a brilliant ploy the Greeks used to break into the enemy city of Troy. They sent a gift to the Trojans, a massive wooden horse. But the gift was the downfall of the Trojans, for inside the horse, the Greek soldiers hid. The Trojans opened themselves up to the enemy, falling for this great deception. Our enemy uses similar tactics, though, doesn’t he? We are not tempted to believe lies that are blatantly false. Satan often wraps his lies in a cloak of truth. Peter addresses this very concern in 2 Peter 2:1-3. He warns his readers that false teachers will secretly introduce false teachings among them. Distortions of God’s revealed truth often water down His Word or deny key truths within it. Today, Pastor Rich lays out the damage such distortions bring to the one who believes them, and shares with us how to recognize and counter the subtle lies we encounter.

In school you may have read the famous epic poem called The Illiad. In it, Homer tells of a brilliant ploy the Greeks used to break into the enemy city of Troy. They sent a gift to the Trojans, a massive wooden horse. But the gift was the downfall of the Trojans, for inside the horse, the Greek soldiers hid. The Trojans opened themselves up to the enemy, falling for this great deception. Our enemy uses similar tactics, though, doesn’t he? We are not tempted to believe lies that are blatantly false. Satan often wraps his lies in a cloak of truth. Peter addresses this very concern in 2 Peter 2:1-3. He warns his readers that false teachers will secretly introduce false teachings among them. Distortions of God’s revealed truth often water down His Word or deny key truths within it. Today, Pastor Rich lays out the damage such distortions bring to the one who believes them, and shares with us how to recognize and counter the subtle lies we encounter. Let’s listen to this message titled The Impact of Lies.

In school you may have read the famous epic poem called The Illiad. In it, Homer tells of a brilliant ploy the Greeks used to break into the enemy city of Troy. They sent a gift to the Trojans, a massive wooden horse. But the gift was the downfall of the Trojans, for inside the horse, the Greek soldiers hid. The Trojans opened themselves up to the enemy, falling for this great deception. Our enemy uses similar tactics, though, doesn’t he? We are not tempted to believe lies that are blatantly false. Satan often wraps his lies in a cloak of truth. Peter addresses this very concern in 2 Peter 2:1-3. He warns his readers that false teachers will secretly introduce false teachings among them. Distortions of God’s revealed truth often water down His Word or deny key truths within it. Today, Pastor Rich lays out the damage such distortions bring to the one who believes them, and shares with us how to recognize and counter the subtle lies we encounter. Let’s listen to this message titled The Impact of Lies.

In school you may have read the famous epic poem called The Illiad. In it, Homer tells of a brilliant ploy the Greeks used to break into the enemy city of Troy. They sent a gift to the Trojans, a massive wooden horse. But the gift was the downfall of the Trojans, for inside the horse, the Greek soldiers hid. The Trojans opened themselves up to the enemy, falling for this great deception. Our enemy uses similar tactics, though, doesn’t he? We are not tempted to believe lies that are blatantly false. Satan often wraps his lies in a cloak of truth. Peter addresses this very concern in 2 Peter 2:1-3. He warns his readers that false teachers will secretly introduce false teachings among them. Distortions of God’s revealed truth often water down His Word or deny key truths within it. Today, Pastor Rich lays out the damage such distortions bring to the one who believes them, and shares with us how to recognize and counter the subtle lies we encounter. Let’s listen to this message titled The Impact of Lies.

Mark Twain once said that the trouble with the world is not that people know too little, it is that they know so many things that just aren’t so. There is a barrage of opinions available to us. Plenty of voices claiming to have the answers. Where is your truth coming from? We want to know truth. We crave a higher purpose and an ultimate good- that’s part of being made in the image of God. Thankfully, God gives the truth of His Word- truth that transcends all boundaries, It is the truth for all people. A robust memory of His WOrd is vital to a meaningful life because, in it, He tells us who we are and why we are here. His Word tells us our greatest need and heaven’s most beautiful answer to that need. Let’s listen to this message titled Transcendent Truth.

Mark Twain once said that the trouble with the world is not that people know too little, it is that they know so many things that just aren’t so. There is a barrage of opinions available to us. Plenty of voices claiming to have the answers. Where is your truth coming from? We want to know truth. We crave a higher purpose and an ultimate good- that’s part of being made in the image of God. Thankfully, God gives the truth of His Word- truth that transcends all boundaries, It is the truth for all people. A robust memory of His WOrd is vital to a meaningful life because, in it, He tells us who we are and why we are here. His Word tells us our greatest need and heaven’s most beautiful answer to that need. Let’s listen to this message titled Transcendent Truth.

Mark Twain once said that the trouble with the world is not that people know too little, it is that they know so many things that just aren’t so. There is a barrage of opinions available to us. Plenty of voices claiming to have the answers. Where is your truth coming from? We want to know truth. We crave a higher purpose and an ultimate good- that’s part of being made in the image of God. Thankfully, God gives the truth of His Word- truth that transcends all boundaries, It is the truth for all people. A robust memory of His WOrd is vital to a meaningful life because, in it, He tells us who we are and why we are here. His Word tells us our greatest need and heaven’s most beautiful answer to that need. Let’s listen to this message titled Transcendent Truth.

Mark Twain once said that the trouble with the world is not that people know too little, it is that they know so many things that just aren’t so. There is a barrage of opinions available to us. Plenty of voices claiming to have the answers. Where is your truth coming from? We want to know truth. We crave a higher purpose and an ultimate good- that’s part of being made in the image of God. Thankfully, God gives the truth of His Word- truth that transcends all boundaries, It is the truth for all people. A robust memory of His WOrd is vital to a meaningful life because, in it, He tells us who we are and why we are here. His Word tells us our greatest need and heaven’s most beautiful answer to that need. Let’s listen to this message titled Transcendent Truth.

Plenty of people claim to have answers and solutions to our problems. Opinions are abundant wherever we look. But the Bible is different. It is, as D. Helm put it, the true and authoritative story of God as He enters human history. Biblical faith, far from being man-made, is a response to God’s self-disclosure. He has turned on the light for us through His Word. Scripture is reliable and trustworthy. It holds the answers for the greatest longings of our soul. Today we are tuning in to this message titled Written Authority. This is part 2 of the message first preached on August 6th, 2025 at GBC. It is part of a sermon series through 1 Peter titled Live as People who Remember.

Plenty of people claim to have answers and solutions to our problems. Opinions are abundant wherever we look. But the Bible is different. It is, as D. Helm put it, the true and authoritative story of God as He enters human history. Biblical faith, far from being man-made, is a response to God’s self-disclosure. He has turned on the light for us through His Word. Scripture is reliable and trustworthy. It holds the answers for the greatest longings of our soul. Today we are tuning in to this message titled Written Authority.

Plenty of people claim to have answers and solutions to our problems. Opinions are abundant wherever we look. But the Bible is different. It is, as D. Helm put it, the true and authoritative story of God as He enters human history. Biblical faith, far from being man-made, is a response to God’s self-disclosure. He has turned on the light for us through His Word. Scripture is reliable and trustworthy. It holds the answers for the greatest longings of our soul. Today we are tuning in to this message titled Written Authority.

Plenty of people claim to have answers and solutions to our problems. Opinions are abundant wherever we look. But the Bible is different. It is, as D. Helm put it, the true and authoritative story of God as He enters human history. Biblical faith, far from being man-made, is a response to God’s self-disclosure. He has turned on the light for us through His Word. Scripture is reliable and trustworthy. It holds the answers for the greatest longings of our soul. Today we are tuning in to this message titled Written Authority.

Plenty of people claim to have answers and solutions to our problems. Opinions are abundant wherever we look. But the Bible is different. It is, as D. Helm put it, the true and authoritative story of God as He enters human history. Biblical faith, far from being man-made, is a response to God’s self-disclosure. He has turned on the light for us through His Word. Scripture is reliable and trustworthy. It holds the answers for the greatest longings of our soul. Today we are tuning in to this message titled Written Authority.

In the United States, it is common to find a Bible in your hotel room or waiting room. Many of us have multiple physical copies in our homes and instant digital access to a plethora of translations on our computers or phones. But let us never allow this easy access to keep us from remembering what we hold- God’s self-disclosure. The words of our very Creator and Redeemer. In this message Pastor Rich lays out the prophecy and promises of God’s Word and the life-changing implications that come with them

In the United States, it is common to find a Bible in your hotel room or waiting room. Many of us have multiple physical copies in our homes and instant digital access to a plethora of translations on our computers or phones. But let us never allow this easy access to keep us from remembering what we hold- God’s self-disclosure. The words of our very Creator and Redeemer. In this message Pastor Rich lays out the prophecy and promises of God’s Word and the life-changing implications that come with them

In the United States, it is common to find a Bible in your hotel room or waiting room. Many of us have multiple physical copies in our homes and instant digital access to a plethora of translations on our computers or phones. But let us never allow this easy access to keep us from remembering what we hold- God’s self-disclosure. The words of our very Creator and Redeemer. In this message Pastor Rich lays out the prophecy and promises of God’s Word and the life-changing implications that come with them

In the United States, it is common to find a Bible in your hotel room or waiting room. Many of us have multiple physical copies in our homes and instant digital access to a plethora of translations on our computers or phones. But let us never allow this easy access to keep us from remembering what we hold- God’s self-disclosure. The words of our very Creator and Redeemer. In this message Pastor Rich lays out the prophecy and promises of God’s Word and the life-changing implications that come with them. Let’s listen in.

In the United States, it is common to find a Bible in your hotel room or waiting room. Many of us have multiple physical copies in our homes and instant digital access to a plethora of translations on our computers or phones. But let us never allow this easy access to keep us from remembering what we hold- God’s self-disclosure. The words of our very Creator and Redeemer. In this message Pastor Rich lays out the prophecy and promises of God’s Word and the life-changing implications that come with them

Myths & Legends are common to mankind. They are inventions of human speculation and imagination without historical context. In other words, they have no correspondence to reality.So, when it comes to the matter of faith, you might have heard it said, “I don’t trust faith, I trust facts.” The truth is that faith and facts are not mutually exclusive. Belief without foundation is mere credulity – not faith. As Peter calls us to live as people who remember, he points outthe foundation of information provided through revelation and history. He makes it clear that our faith has solid footing in objective reality – the life, works, death & resurrection of Jesus.

Myths & Legends are common to mankind. They are inventions of human speculation and imagination without historical context. In other words, they have no correspondence to reality.So, when it comes to the matter of faith, you might have heard it said, “I don’t trust faith, I trust facts.” The truth is that faith and facts are not mutually exclusive. Belief without foundation is mere credulity – not faith. As Peter calls us to live as people who remember, he points outthe foundation of information provided through revelation and history. He makes it clear that our faith has solid footing in objective reality – the life, works, death & resurrection of Jesus.

Myths & Legends are common to mankind. They are inventions of human speculation and imagination without historical context. In other words, they have no correspondence to reality.So, when it comes to the matter of faith, you might have heard it said, “I don’t trust faith, I trust facts.” The truth is that faith and facts are not mutually exclusive. Belief without foundation is mere credulity – not faith. As Peter calls us to live as people who remember, he points outthe foundation of information provided through revelation and history. He makes it clear that our faith has solid footing in objective reality – the life, works, death & resurrection of Jesus.

Myths & Legends are common to mankind. They are inventions of human speculation and imagination without historical context. In other words, they have no correspondence to reality.So, when it comes to the matter of faith, you might have heard it said, “I don’t trust faith, I trust facts.” The truth is that faith and facts are not mutually exclusive. Belief without foundation is mere credulity – not faith. As Peter calls us to live as people who remember, he points outthe foundation of information provided through revelation and history. He makes it clear that our faith has solid footing in objective reality – the life, works, death & resurrection of Jesus.

What would life be without the ability to remember? It would be chaotic and largely meaningless. Memory allows individuals to draw upon past events to frame their understanding and behaviorin the present. What we remember also provides a framework for us to make sense of the present and future. Peter calls God’s people to remember the gospel of Jesus as itwas accomplished in history because such memory provides stability, understanding, wisdom and hope. None of us can afford to leave remembering up to chance – like when a friend says to you, “If you happen to remember…” We learn from the Scriptures that worship is what stirs ourcapacity to remember the vital things. The Psalmist proclaimed,“Bless the lord, o my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” Let’s listen to this message titled The Power of Remembering from 2 Peter 1:12-15.

None of us can afford to leave remembering up to chance – like when a friend says to you, “If you happen to remember…” We learn from the Scriptures that worship is what stirs our capacity to remember the vital things. The Psalmist proclaimed,“Bless the lord, o my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”

None of us can afford to leave remembering up to chance – like when a friend says to you, “If you happen to remember…” We learn from the Scriptures that worship is what stirs our capacity to remember the vital things. The Psalmist proclaimed,“Bless the lord, o my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”

None of us can afford to leave remembering up to chance – like when a friend says to you, “If you happen to remember…” We learn from the Scriptures that worship is what stirs our capacity to remember the vital things. The Psalmist proclaimed,“Bless the lord, o my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”

None of us can afford to leave remembering up to chance – like when a friend says to you, “If you happen to remember…” We learn from the Scriptures that worship is what stirs our capacity to remember the vital things. The Psalmist proclaimed,“Bless the lord, o my soul, and forget not all his benefits.”

Most Christians want to have a confident and compelling walk with the Lord. Simply knowing God’s Word is not enough to create such a walk. We must remember daily the truth He has spoken through His Word, abiding in Christ and keeping in step with the Spirit in the day to day attitudes and decisions. How encouraging that as we make every effort to follow after Him, God is completing the work in us, teaching us to be Kingdom People. Let’s listen to this message from 2 Peter 1:10-11 titled Kingdom People

Most Christians want to have a confident and compelling walk with the Lord. Simply knowing God’s Word is not enough to create such a walk. We must remember daily the truth He has spoken through His Word, abiding in Christ and keeping in step with the Spirit in the day to day attitudes and decisions. How encouraging that as we make every effort to follow after Him, God is completing the work in us, teaching us to be Kingdom People. Let’s listen to this message from 2 Peter 1:10-11 titled Kingdom People

Most Christians want to have a confident and compelling walk with the Lord. Simply knowing God’s Word is not enough to create such a walk. We must remember daily the truth He has spoken through His Word, abiding in Christ and keeping in step with the Spirit in the day to day attitudes and decisions. How encouraging that as we make every effort to follow after Him, God is completing the work in us, teaching us to be Kingdom People. Let’s listen to this message from 2 Peter 1:10-11 titled Kingdom People

Most Christians want to have a confident and compelling walk with the Lord. Simply knowing God’s Word is not enough to create such a walk. We must remember daily the truth He has spoken through His Word, abiding in Christ and keeping in step with the Spirit in the day to day attitudes and decisions. How encouraging that as we make every effort to follow after Him, God is completing the work in us, teaching us to be Kingdom People. Let’s listen to this message from 2 Peter 1:10-11 titled Kingdom People

Most Christians want to have a confident and compelling walk with the Lord. Simply knowing God’s Word is not enough to create such a walk. We must remember daily the truth He has spoken through His Word, abiding in Christ and keeping in step with the Spirit in the day to day attitudes and decisions. How encouraging that as we make every effort to follow after Him, God is completing the work in us, teaching us to be Kingdom People. Let’s listen to this message from 2 Peter 1:10-11 titled Kingdom People

Remembering Your Awesome Grant: Effective and Fruitful Faith 50 minutes2 Peter 1:5-7 says to make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. In today’s message, Rich reminds us that all of these qualities are directly tied to our attitudes and our affections. We cannot develop these qualities through personal will power. No, only Christ can work such change in us. As we know and remember the riches of His grace, He transforms our attitudes and our affections so that we can live fully for Him. Not out of duty, but from a free and grateful heart!

Remembering Your Awesome Grant: Effective and Fruitful Faith 50 minutes2 Peter 1:5-7 says to make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. In today’s message, Rich reminds us that all of these qualities are directly tied to our attitudes and our affections. We cannot develop these qualities through personal will power. No, only Christ can work such change in us. As we know and remember the riches of His grace, He transforms our attitudes and our affections so that we can live fully for Him. Not out of duty, but from a free and grateful heart!

Remembering Your Awesome Grant: Effective and Fruitful Faith 50 minutes2 Peter 1:5-7 says to make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. In today’s message, Rich reminds us that all of these qualities are directly tied to our attitudes and our affections. We cannot develop these qualities through personal will power. No, only Christ can work such change in us. As we know and remember the riches of His grace, He transforms our attitudes and our affections so that we can live fully for Him. Not out of duty, but from a free and grateful heart!

Remembering Your Awesome Grant: Effective and Fruitful Faith 50 minutes2 Peter 1:5-7 says to make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. In today’s message, Rich reminds us that all of these qualities are directly tied to our attitudes and our affections. We cannot develop these qualities through personal will power. No, only Christ can work such change in us. As we know and remember the riches of His grace, He transforms our attitudes and our affections so that we can live fully for Him. Not out of duty, but from a free and grateful heart!

Remembering Your Awesome Grant: Effective and Fruitful Faith 50 minutes2 Peter 1:5-7 says to make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. In today’s message, Rich reminds us that all of these qualities are directly tied to our attitudes and our affections. We cannot develop these qualities through personal will power. No, only Christ can work such change in us. As we know and remember the riches of His grace, He transforms our attitudes and our affections so that we can live fully for Him. Not out of duty, but from a free and grateful heart!

Part of loving God is loving His people. We could have all the knowledge about Him and all the faith, all the works, but 1 Cor. 13 says that without love, these all fall short. Today as part of our series titled Live as People who Remember, Pastor Rich takes a deep dive into 1 Peter 1:7, focusing on how our awareness of all God has done for us will produce love for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

Part of loving God is loving His people. We could have all the knowledge about Him and all the faith, all the works, but 1 Cor. 13 says that without love, these all fall short. Today as part of our series titled Live as People who Remember, Pastor Rich takes a deep dive into 1 Peter 1:7, focusing on how our awareness of all God has done for us will produce love for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

Part of loving God is loving His people.  We could have all the knowledge about Him and all the faith, all the works, but 1 Cor. 13 says that without love, these all fall short.  Today as part of our series titled Live as People who Remember, Pastor Rich takes a deep dive into 1 Peter 1:7, focusing on how our awareness of all God has done for us will produce love for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

Part of loving God is loving His people. We could have all the knowledge about Him and all the faith, all the works, but 1 Cor. 13 says that without love, these all fall short. Today as part of our series titled Live as People who Remember, Pastor Rich takes a deep dive into 1 Peter 1:7, focusing on how our awareness of all God has done for us will produce love for our fellow brothers and sisters in Christ.

Benjamin Franklin set his mind to ethical perfection when he wrote out 13 virtues and created a plan for mastering them. He realized that as he became stronger in certain virtues, he struggled with the sin of pride over his progress. Morality without a heart change is really just behavior management, isn’t it? Today’s message reminds us that virtue is the outer flow of inward righteousness. Instead of self-governance, God calls us to surrender to His transforming work. As we abide in our Lord Jesus, He gives us the power to be transformed for His glory. Let’s listen in.

Benjamin Franklin set his mind to ethical perfection when he wrote out 13 virtues and created a plan for mastering them. He realized that as he became stronger in certain virtues, he struggled with the sin of pride over his progress. Morality without a heart change is really just behavior management, isn’t it? Today’s message reminds us that virtue is the outer flow of inward righteousness. Instead of self-governance, God calls us to surrender to His transforming work. As we abide in our Lord Jesus, He gives us the power to be transformed for His glory.

Benjamin Franklin set his mind to ethical perfection when he wrote out 13 virtues and created a plan for mastering them. He realized that as he became stronger in certain virtues, he struggled with the sin of pride over his progress. Morality without a heart change is really just behavior management, isn’t it? Today’s message reminds us that virtue is the outer flow of inward righteousness. Instead of self-governance, God calls us to surrender to His transforming work. As we abide in our Lord Jesus, He gives us the power to be transformed for His glory.

Benjamin Franklin set his mind to ethical perfection when he wrote out 13 virtues and created a plan for mastering them. He realized that as he became stronger in certain virtues, he struggled with the sin of pride over his progress. Morality without a heart change is really just behavior management, isn’t it? Today’s message reminds us that virtue is the outer flow of inward righteousness. Instead of self-governance, God calls us to surrender to His transforming work. As we abide in our Lord Jesus, He gives us the power to be transformed for His glory.

Benjamin Franklin set his mind to ethical perfection when he wrote out 13 virtues and created a plan for mastering them. He realized that as he became stronger in certain virtues, he struggled with the sin of pride over his progress. Morality without a heart change is really just behavior management, isn’t it? Today’s message reminds us that virtue is the outer flow of inward righteousness. Instead of self-governance, God calls us to surrender to His transforming work. As we abide in our Lord Jesus, He gives us the power to be transformed for His glory.

As we preach truth to ourselves, God transforms our affections and attitudes, stirring us up to good works. The inner transformation flows out into our actions. Let’s listen to this message titled “Remembering Your Awesome Grant by Faith, Stirs Up Virtue & Knowledge”

We are continuing our series in 2 Peter titled “Live as People who Remember”. On a weightier note, if the people of God forget who He is, what He has done, and what He promises us, the repercussions will be great. As we preach truth to ourselves, God transforms our affections and attitudes, stirring us up to good works. The inner transformation flows out into our actions. Let’s listen to this message titled “Remembering Your Awesome Grant by Faith, Stirs Up Virtue & Knowledge”

We are continuing our series in 2 Peter titled “Live as People who Remember”. c” On a weightier note, if the people of God forget who He is, what He has done, and what He promises us, the repercussions will be great. As we preach truth to ourselves, God transforms our affections and attitudes, stirring us up to good works. The inner transformation flows out into our actions. Let’s listen to this message titled “Remembering Your Awesome Grant by Faith, Stirs Up Virtue & Knowledge”

We are continuing our series in 2 Peter titled “Live as People who Remember”. c” On a weightier note, if the people of God forget who He is, what He has done, and what He promises us, the repercussions will be great. As we preach truth to ourselves, God transforms our affections and attitudes, stirring us up to good works. The inner transformation flows out into our actions. Let’s listen to this message titled “Remembering Your Awesome Grant by Faith, Stirs Up Virtue & Knowledge”

We are continuing our series in 2 Peter titled “Live as People who Remember”. On a weightier note, if the people of God forget who He is, what He has done, and what He promises us, the repercussions will be great. As we preach truth to ourselves, God transforms our affections and attitudes, stirring us up to good works. The inner transformation flows out into our actions. Let’s listen to this message titled “Remembering Your Awesome Grant by Faith, Stirs Up Virtue & Knowledge”

Today's message is taken from 2 Peter 1: 3-9 "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.5 For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; 7 and to godliness, mutual affection; and to mutual affection, love. 8 For if you possess these qualities in increasing measure, they will keep you from being ineffective and unproductive in your knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But whoever does not have them is nearsighted and blind, forgetting that they have been cleansed from their past sins."

"His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness." That’s 2 Peter 1:3 and part of the text for today’s message. God has packed in around the believer rich promises and resources that enable us to live meaningful lives that magnify our Lord. We have but to remember, keeping our eyes fixed on our Provider. Let’s listen in.Today message is taken from 2 Peter 1:3-9 "His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires."

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness. That’s 2 Peter 1:3 and part of the text for today’s message. God has packed in around the believer rich promises and resources that enable us to live meaningful lives that magnify our Lord. We have but to remember, keeping our eyes fixed on our Provider. Let’s listen in."His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires."

His divine power has given us everything we need for life and godliness. That’s 2 Peter 1:3 and part of the text for today’s message. God has packed in around the believer rich promises and resources that enable us to live meaningful lives that magnify our Lord. We have but to remember, keeping our eyes fixed on our Provider. Let’s listen in."His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires."

The old hymn goes, “prone to wander, Lord, I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love.” How easily we forget the biblical truths we hold! And when we do, lies are waiting in the wings to take their place. Today, we kick off a brand new series through the book of 2 Peter called “Live as People who Remember”. Oh, the delight of staying near to our Savior and remembering who we are and all that He has done and will do. Let’s listen in

The old hymn goes, “prone to wander, Lord, I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love.” How easily we forget the biblical truths we hold! And when we do, lies are waiting in the wings to take their place. Today, we kick off a brand new series through the book of 2 Peter called “Live as People who Remember”. Oh, the delight of staying near to our Savior and remembering who we are and all that He has done and will do. Let’s listen in

The old hymn goes, “prone to wander, Lord, I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love.” How easily we forget the biblical truths we hold! And when we do, lies are waiting in the wings to take their place. Today, we kick off a brand new series through the book of 2 Peter called “Live as People who Remember”. Oh, the delight of staying near to our Savior and remembering who we are and all that He has done and will do. Let’s listen in.

Today, we kick off a brand new series through the book of 2 Peter called “Live as People who Remember”. The old hymn goes, “prone to wander, Lord, I feel it. Prone to leave the God I love.” How easily we forget the biblical truths we hold! And when we do, lies are waiting in the wings to take their place. There is great satisfaction in the delight of staying near to our Savior and remembering who we are and all that He has done and will do

April 21, 2019You’ve likely seen a video of someone putting their whole weight on something that could not truly hold them up. Whether it is a man swinging from a worn out rope or a woman standing on a decrepit ladder, the result is never good. These people put their confidence in something that failed them! We realize that we can’t move forward with confidence unless the object of our trust is truly trustworthy. In today’s message, Pastor Rich shows that following Jesus is not at all a blind leap as some have suggested. We can move forward with confidence because the object of our trust is the greatest of strongholds. Let’s listen in.

You’ve likely seen a video of someone putting their whole weight on something that could not truly hold them up. Whether it is a man swinging from a worn out rope or a woman standing on a decrepit ladder, the result is never good. These people put their confidence in something that failed them! We realize that we can’t move forward with confidence unless the object of our trust is truly trustworthy. In today’s message, Pastor Rich shows that following Jesus is not at all a blind leap as some have suggested. We can move forward with confidence because the object of our trust is the greatest of strongholds

You’ve likely seen a video of someone putting their whole weight on something that could not truly hold them up. Whether it is a man swinging from a worn out rope or a woman standing on a decrepit ladder, the result is never good. These people put their confidence in something that failed them! We realize that we can’t move forward with confidence unless the object of our trust is truly trustworthy. In today’s message, Pastor Rich shows that following Jesus is not at all a blind leap as some have suggested. We can move forward with confidence because the object of our trust is the greatest of strongholds

What is your idea of peace? Well, people have varying views of how things ought to be and on how to attain that place of peace, but God has laid out for us in His Word both the true nature of peace and how we can have it. Sadly, mankind has often turned aside from God’s way. C.S. Lewis points out that human history is the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy.” Proverbs 14:12 reminds us that there is a way that seems right to a man that is actually the path to death. In today’s message, Rich lays out for us God’s gracious path to peace through a life of faith. Let’s listen in.

What is your idea of peace? Well, people have varying views of how things ought to be and on how to attain that place of peace, but God has laid out for us in His Word both the true nature of peace and how we can have it. Sadly, mankind has often turned aside from God’s way. C.S. Lewis points out that human history is the long terrible story of man trying to find something other than God which will make him happy.” Proverbs 14:12 reminds us that there is a way that seems right to a man that is actually the path to death. In today’s message, Rich lays out for us God’s gracious path to peace through a life of faith. Let’s listen in.

Living by faith means walking in wisdom. Psalm 37:30-31 tells us that the righteous speak wisdom and that the law of their God is in their hearts. The truth of His Word captivates our hearts, yes, bit it doesn’t stop there. We speak it, we share it with those around us. See, part of following Jesus is helping others follow Jesus. What a joyous calling we've been given- to strengthen and encourage others with the very truth God has used to bolster our own souls

Living by faith means walking in wisdom. Psalm 37:30-31 tells us that the righteous speak wisdom and that the law of their God is in their hearts. The truth of His Word captivates our hearts, yes, bit it doesn’t stop there. We speak it, we share it with those around us. See, part of following Jesus is helping others follow Jesus. What a joyous calling we've been given- to strengthen and encourage others with the very truth God has used to bolster our own souls

Living by faith means walking in wisdom. Psalm 37:30-31 tells us that the righteous speak wisdom and that the law of their God is in their hearts. The truth of His Word captivates our hearts, yes, bit it doesn’t stop there. We speak it, we share it with those around us. See, part of following Jesus is helping others follow Jesus. What a joyous calling we've been given- to strengthen and encourage others with the very truth God has used to bolster our own souls

We clearly live in a world where something has gone terribly wrong. Where do we find security when surrounded by so much uncertainty? One whose life is built upon God, who banks it all on the truths of His Word, will find himself anchored and secure.

We clearly live in a world where something has gone terribly wrong. Where do we find security when surrounded by so much uncertainty? One whose life is built upon God, who banks it all on the truths of His Word, will find himself anchored and secure.

C.S. Lewis said “The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.” See, goodness is a natural outflow of a life of faith in Christ. A life surrendered to Him will be a life that leaves footprints to help others move toward the Lord. We are continuing through Psalm 37 in this series titled Living by Faith. In today’s message, Pastor Rich focuses on how goodness is branded into the life of God’s people. Let’s listen in.

C.S. Lewis said “The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.” See, goodness is a natural outflow of a life of faith in Christ. A life surrendered to Him will be a life that leaves footprints to help others move toward the Lord. We are continuing through Psalm 37 in this series titled Living by Faith. In today’s message, Pastor Rich focuses on how goodness is branded into the life of God’s people. Let’s listen in.

C.S. Lewis said “The Christian does not think God will love us because we are good, but that God will make us good because He loves us.” See, goodness is a natural outflow of a life of faith in Christ. A life surrendered to Him will be a life that leaves footprints to help others move toward the Lord. We are continuing through Psalm 37 in this series titled Living by Faith. In today’s message, Pastor Rich focuses on how goodness is branded into the life of God’s people. Let’s listen in.

A church walking by faith will be a glad and generous people. A giving spirit will be the outflow of a God-trusting heart. Generosity comes from a heart anchored and secure in the character and promise of God. He frees us from the desperate grasping for control that often rules the lives of mankind. As we continue our Living by Faith series, we will take a look at the connection between what we believe to be true about God and His heart for us and the way that we give.

A church walking by faith will be a glad and generous people. A giving spirit will be the outflow of a God-trusting heart. Generosity comes from a heart anchored and secure in the character and promise of God. He frees us from the desperate grasping for control that often rules the lives of mankind. As we continue our Living by Faith series, we will take a look at the connection between what we believe to be true about God and His heart for us and the way that we give.

A church walking by faith will be a glad and generous people. A giving spirit will be the outflow of a God-trusting heart. Generosity comes from a heart anchored and secure in the character and promise of God. He frees us from the desperate grasping for control that often rules the lives of mankind. As we continue our Living by Faith series, we will take a look at the connection between what we believe to be true about God and His heart for us and the way that we give.

Better is the little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked. That’s Psalm 37:16. It reminds us that earthly abundance- wealth, fame, power- will all come up short. Can our souls ever be fully satisfied with anything other than the Maker for which they were made? We are continuing our Living by Faith series, focusing today on the satisfaction that comes from a confidence and surrender to the Savior. Let’s listen in.

This podcast excerpt features Rich Powell, pastor of Grace Bible Church, discussing Psalm 37:16-20 within his "living by faith" sermon series. Rich emphasizes that true satisfaction stems not from earthly possessions but from a relationship with Christ. Pastor highlights three key aspects: God's unwavering support of the righteous, God's providential care over believers' lives, and the eternal inheritance awaiting believers. He connects these concepts to New Testament teachings, asserting that a believers' value and worth are found in Christ, not worldly measures. Finally, he encourages listeners to find satisfaction in God's approval rather than societal standards.

Better is the little that the righteous has than the abundance of many wicked. That’s Psalm 37:16. It reminds us that earthly abundance- wealth, fame, power- will all come up short. Can our souls ever be fully satisfied with anything other than the Maker for which they were made? We are continuing our Living by Faith series, focusing today on the satisfaction that comes from a confidence and surrender to the Savior. Let’s listen in.

Self-preeminence says, “I will advance myself”. Biblical meekness says, “I am free through submission to Christ, and I will advance others toward Him.” What God says to us in His Word, about Himself and about His relationship to us, will free us from the preoccupation to protect ourselves and seek more and more for ourselves. It frees us to be meek.

Self-preeminence says, “I will advance myself”. Biblical meekness says, “I am free through submission to Christ, and I will advance others toward Him.” What God says to us in His Word, about Himself and about His relationship to us, will free us from the preoccupation to protect ourselves and seek more and more for ourselves. It frees us to be meek. Let’s listen as Pastor Rich shares this message titled Living by Faith: Meekness

Self-preeminence says, “I will advance myself”. Biblical meekness says, “I am free through submission to Christ, and I will advance others toward Him.” What God says to us in His Word, about Himself and about His relationship to us, will free us from the preoccupation to protect ourselves and seek more and more for ourselves. It frees us to be meek.

Henry Thoreau observed that “the mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” In our culture of pressure and noise, true quietness of soul is somewhat of a rarity. The American heart is often filled with anxiety and stress. But the metanarrative of God’s Word offers freedom from the frantic search for continual control. Psalm 37 holds rich truth to help us view the world around us with confident faith- a faith in our Father that allows our souls to rest. Let’s listen to this message titled: Living by Faith: Quietness

Henry Thoreau observed that “the mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” In our culture of pressure and noise, true quietness of soul is somewhat of a rarity. The American heart is often filled with anxiety and stress. But the metanarrative of God’s Word offers freedom from the frantic search for continual control. Psalm 37 holds rich truth to help us view the world around us with confident faith- a faith in our Father that allows our souls to rest. Let’s listen to this message titled: Living by Faith: Quietness

Henry Thoreau observed that “the mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.” In our culture of pressure and noise, true quietness of soul is somewhat of a rarity. The American heart is often filled with anxiety and stress. But the metanarrative of God’s Word offers freedom from the frantic search for continual control. Psalm 37 holds rich truth to help us view the world around us with confident faith- a faith in our Father that allows our souls to rest. Let’s listen to this message titled: Living by Faith: Quietness

The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand. That’s Psalm 37:23-24 and part of the text from today’s message. Pastor Rich lays out what it looks like to walk through life trusting the very One who establishes our steps. How boldly and freely we can live life when we are devoted to the Omipotent, All-Knowing Master who uses His power on our behalf! Let’s listen in.

The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand. That’s Psalm 37:23-24 and part of the text from today’s message. Pastor Rich lays out what it looks like to walk through life trusting the very One who establishes our steps. How boldly and freely we can live life when we are devoted to the Omipotent, All-Knowing Master who uses His power on our behalf! Let’s listen in.

The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way; though he fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the LORD upholds his hand.

Who was this baby Jesus, lying in a makeshift bed made for animal feed? The Christmas song, “Sing We the Song of Emmanuel” lays out the mind-bending beauty like this: Helpless He lay, the Invincible. Maker of Mary, now Mary’s Son. The Creator Himself became one of His own creation in order to catch us up out of the grasp of the Enemy- to free us from the debt of our sin and the separation from Himself. That is very good news. In this message titled The Infinite Creator, Pastor Rich takes us to Hebrews chapter 1.

Who was this baby Jesus, lying in a makeshift bed made for animal feed? The Christmas song, “Sing We the Song of Emmanuel” lays out the mind-bending beauty like this: Helpless He lay, the Invincible. Maker of Mary, now Mary’s Son. The Creator Himself became one of His own creation in order to catch us up out of the grasp of the Enemy- to free us from the debt of our sin and the separation from Himself. That is very good news. In this message titled The Infinite Creator, Pastor Rich takes us to Hebrews chapter 1.

Who was this baby Jesus, lying in a makeshift bed made for animal feed? The Christmas song, “Sing We the Song of Emmanuel” lays out the mind-bending beauty like this: Helpless He lay, the Invincible. Maker of Mary, now Mary’s Son. The Creator Himself became one of His own creation in order to catch us up out of the grasp of the Enemy- to free us from the debt of our sin and the separation from Himself. That is very good news. In this message titled The Infinite Creator, Pastor Rich takes us to Hebrews chapter 1.

What is the best form of government? As Americans, we hold the flag of democracy high, as well we should. It doesn’t take a deep look into history to see how quickly power corrupts. vThe One who would take the savage death of the cross for us, who would be rejected and punished for us. What if we lived under a monarchy where the High King was Jesus? The Bible teaches that a day is soon coming where Jesus will indeed govern the people of heaven and earth. Listen as Pastor Rich shares the hope of the coming reign of our beautiful and gracious King

What is the best form of government? As Americans, we hold the flag of democracy high, as well we should. It doesn’t take a deep look into history to see how quickly power corrupts. vThe One who would take the savage death of the cross for us, who would be rejected and punished for us. What if we lived under a monarchy where the High King was Jesus? The Bible teaches that a day is soon coming where Jesus will indeed govern the people of heaven and earth. Listen as Pastor Rich shares the hope of the coming reign of our beautiful and gracious King

What is the best form of government? As Americans, we hold the flag of democracy high, as well we should. It doesn’t take a deep look into history to see how quickly power corrupts. vThe One who would take the savage death of the cross for us, who would be rejected and punished for us. What if we lived under a monarchy where the High King was Jesus? The Bible teaches that a day is soon coming where Jesus will indeed govern the people of heaven and earth. Listen as Pastor Rich shares the hope of the coming reign of our beautiful and gracious King

What is the best form of government? As Americans, we hold the flag of democracy high, as well we should. It doesn’t take a deep look into history to see how quickly power corrupts. We can find a long trail of injustice and oppression wherever we find a single ruler who held control over a nation. But what if that ruler is the Benevolent Sovereign of the Universe, the very One who lowered Himself to become one of us, to be born in a dirty animal pen, born into poverty. The One who would take the savage death of the cross for us, who would be rejected and punished for us. What if we lived under a monarchy where the High King was Jesus? The Bible teaches that a day is soon coming where Jesus will indeed govern the people of heaven and earth. Listen as Pastor Rich shares the hope of the coming reign of our beautiful and gracious King

All of mankind worships. We are all captivated and defined by something or someone. The question is not whether or nor we will worship, but what the object of our worship will be. In today’s message, Rich lays out four reasons that Jesus is the only one who is worthy of our worship. He is the One worthy of our full surrender and devotion. Let’s listen to this message from our Christmas series from the book of Hebrews chapter 1.

All of mankind worships. We are all captivated and defined by something or someone. The question is not whether or nor we will worship, but what the object of our worship will be. In today’s message, Rich lays out four reasons that Jesus is the only one who is worthy of our worship. He is the One worthy of our full surrender and devotion. Let’s listen to this message from our Christmas series from the book of Hebrews chapter 1.

All of mankind worships. We are all captivated and defined by something or someone. The question is not whether or nor we will worship, but what the object of our worship will be. In today’s message, Rich lays out four reasons that Jesus is the only one who is worthy of our worship. He is the One worthy of our full surrender and devotion. Let’s listen to this message from our Christmas series from the book of Hebrews chapter 1.

All of mankind worships. We are all captivated and defined by something or someone. The question is not whether or nor we will worship, but what the object of our worship will be. In today’s message, Rich lays out four reasons that Jesus is the only one who is worthy of our worship. He is the One worthy of our full surrender and devotion. Let’s listen to this message from our Christmas series from the book of Hebrews chapter 1.

As an illustration of the corrupting power of sin, let us consider a pitcher of pure, refreshing water. If we were to add even the slightest bit of sewage to that container, none of us would have any interest in drinking it. The entire pitcher is completely contaminated. Sin completely contaminates and corrupts our human nature. In the Old Testament, the sacrificial system became a picture, a foreshadowing of the only one who could cleanse us from that corrupting force wrapped around our souls. In that sacrificial system, animals were killed and their blood spilled out onto the altar, year after year. But Jesus would pay our debt once for all then sat down at the right hand of the Father, the ultimate and final sacrifice complete. This series from the beginning of the letter to the Hebrews unpacks all that Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection mean for us.

As an illustration of the corrupting power of sin, let us consider a pitcher of pure, refreshing water. If we were to add even the slightest bit of sewage to that container, none of us would have any interest in drinking it. The entire pitcher is completely contaminated. Sin completely contaminates and corrupts our human nature. In the Old Testament, the sacrificial system became a picture, a foreshadowing of the only one who could cleanse us from that corrupting force wrapped around our souls. In that sacrificial system, animals were killed and their blood spilled out onto the altar, year after year. But Jesus would pay our debt once for all then sat down at the right hand of the Father, the ultimate and final sacrifice complete. This series from the beginning of the letter to the Hebrews unpacks all that Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection mean for us.

As an illustration of the corrupting power of sin, let us consider a pitcher of pure, refreshing water. If we were to add even the slightest bit of sewage to that container, none of us would have any interest in drinking it. The entire pitcher is completely contaminated. Sin completely contaminates and corrupts our human nature. In the Old Testament, the sacrificial system became a picture, a foreshadowing of the only one who could cleanse us from that corrupting force wrapped around our souls. In that sacrificial system, animals were killed and their blood spilled out onto the altar, year after year. But Jesus would pay our debt once for all then sat down at the right hand of the Father, the ultimate and final sacrifice complete. This series from the beginning of the letter to the Hebrews unpacks all that Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection mean for us.

As an illustration of the corrupting power of sin, let us consider a pitcher of pure, refreshing water. If we were to add even the slightest bit of sewage to that container, none of us would have any interest in drinking it. The entire pitcher is completely contaminated. Sin completely contaminates and corrupts our human nature. In the Old Testament, the sacrificial system became a picture, a foreshadowing of the only one who could cleanse us from that corrupting force wrapped around our souls. In that sacrificial system, animals were killed and their blood spilled out onto the altar, year after year. But Jesus would pay our debt once for all then sat down at the right hand of the Father, the ultimate and final sacrifice complete. This series from the beginning of the letter to the Hebrews unpacks all that Christ’s sacrifice and resurrection mean for us.

Dark rooms are scary. Walk into a dark place and you want to get the light on as soon as you can because you need to see what's around you and where to go. But humans want more than just seeing. We are unique in creation because we long to be part of something greater than ourselves and we believe that there should be ultimate good. That's because we were created in God's image -- He made us for Himself. Within each of us is a longing that only God can satisfy. That is why Christmas is a deeply meaningful holiday. We celebrate the time that God directed his light into our darkness. When Jesus came to us he was the radiance of the glory of God. This series from the beginning of the letter to the Hebrews unpacks all that that means for us.

Dark rooms are scary. Walk into a dark place and you want to get the light on as soon as you can because you need to see what's around you and where to go. But humans want more than just seeing. We are unique in creation because we long to be part of something greater than ourselves and we believe that there should be ultimate good. That's because we were created in God's image -- He made us for Himself. Within each of us is a longing that only God can satisfy. That is why Christmas is a deeply meaningful holiday. We celebrate the time that God directed his light into our darkness. When Jesus came to us he was the radiance of the glory of God. This series from the beginning of the letter to the Hebrews unpacks all that that means for us.

Dark rooms are scary. Walk into a dark place and you want to get the light on as soon as you can because you need to see what's around you and where to go. But humans want more than just seeing. We are unique in creation because we long to be part of something greater than ourselves and we believe that there should be ultimate good. That's because we were created in God's image -- He made us for Himself. Within each of us is a longing that only God can satisfy. That is why Christmas is a deeply meaningful holiday. We celebrate the time that God directed his light into our darkness. When Jesus came to us he was the radiance of the glory of God. This series from the beginning of the letter to the Hebrews unpacks all that that means for us.

Dark rooms are scary. Walk into a dark place and you want to get the light on as soon as you can because you need to see what's around you and where to go. But humans want more than just seeing. We are unique in creation because we long to be part of something greater than ourselves and we believe that there should be ultimate good. That's because we were created in God's image -- He made us for Himself. Within each of us is a longing that only God can satisfy. That is why Christmas is a deeply meaningful holiday. We celebrate the time that God directed his light into our darkness. When Jesus came to us he was the radiance of the glory of God. This series from the beginning of the letter to the Hebrews unpacks all that that means for us.

In Psalm 37:3-4 we find five life habits that God calls us to, followed by the promise that God will give us the desires of our hearts. That’s a lot to pack into two verses. What are the five habits? And if you follow them, will God give you whatever your heart desires? Let’s listen as Pastor Rich unpacks these two verses in a message titled, “Living by Faith: Faithfulness”.

In Psalm 37:3-4 we find five life habits that God calls us to, followed by the promise that God will give us the desires of our hearts. That’s a lot to pack into two verses. What are the five habits? And if you follow them, will God give you whatever your heart desires? Let’s listen as Pastor Rich unpacks these two verses in a message titled, “Living by Faith: Faithfulness”.

In Psalm 37:3-4 we find five life habits that God calls us to, followed by the promise that God will give us the desires of our hearts. That’s a lot to pack into two verses. What are the five habits? And if you follow them, will God give you whatever your heart desires? Let’s listen as Pastor Rich unpacks these two verses in a message titled, “Living by Faith: Faithfulness”.

In Psalm 37:3-4 we find five life habits that God calls us to, followed by the promise that God will give us the desires of our hearts. That’s a lot to pack into two verses. What are the five habits? And if you follow them, will God give you whatever your heart desires? Let’s listen as Pastor Rich unpacks these two verses in a message titled, “Living by Faith: Faithfulness”.

We are naturally bent toward belief in karma- the idea that our actions are the deciding factor for our future well-being. We crave justice and rightness. It is something to grapple with when we see the evil person prospering. Thankfully, Psalm 37 reminds us of the framework from which we can view life. And when we look at life through the truth of God’s word, it can inform our attitudes and our emotions. Let’s listen in to this message from Psalm 37:1-2 titled Living by Faith: Contentment.

We are naturally bent toward belief in karma- the idea that our actions are the deciding factor for our future well-being. We crave justice and rightness. It is something to grapple with when we see the evil person prospering. Thankfully, Psalm 37 reminds us of the framework from which we can view life. And when we look at life through the truth of God’s word, it can inform our attitudes and our emotions. Let’s listen in to this message from Psalm 37:1-2 titled Living by Faith: Contentment.

We are naturally bent toward belief in karma- the idea that our actions are the deciding factor for our future well-being. We crave justice and rightness. It is something to grapple with when we see the evil person prospering. Thankfully, Psalm 37 reminds us of the framework from which we can view life. And when we look at life through the truth of God’s word, it can inform our attitudes and our emotions. Let’s listen in to this message from Psalm 37:1-2 titled Living by Faith: Contentment.

As we, the redeemed people of God, gaze on His character and work, our hearts will be drawn to thanksgiving. He is just, right, good, and powerful. He uses his power and sovereignty to work for our good and for His glory. When we find ourselves prone to a complaining spirit, we must run to our Savior’s feet to remember and reflect on who He is and what He has done. Let’s listen to this message from Psalm 107 titled Let the Redeemed of the Lord Say So.

That’s Psalm 107 verses 1-2 and the starting point for today’s message.  As we look at who God is and what He has done, we may find ourselves completely gripped by the beauty and goodness of our Great God, the same way the psalmist was.  May God give us eyes to see His great might that works on our behalf so that our hearts can be filled to the brim with gratefulness.  Let’s listen to this message titled Let the Redeemed of the Lord Say So.

That’s Psalm 107 verses 1-2 and the starting point for today’s message. As we look at who God is and what He has done, we may find ourselves completely gripped by the beauty and goodness of our Great God, the same way the psalmist was. May God give us eyes to see His great might that works on our behalf so that our hearts can be filled to the brim with gratefulness. Let’s listen to this message titled Let the Redeemed of the Lord Say So.

That’s Psalm 107 verses 1-2 and the starting point for today’s message. As we look at who God is and what He has done, we may find ourselves completely gripped by the beauty and goodness of our Great God, the same way the psalmist was. May God give us eyes to see His great might that works on our behalf so that our hearts can be filled to the brim with gratefulness. Let’s listen to this message titled Let the Redeemed of the Lord Say So.

May God give us eyes to see His great might that works on our behalf so that our hearts can be filled to the brim with gratefulness.

Psalm 107 verses 1-2 are the starting point for today’s message. As we look at who God is and what He has done, we may find ourselves completely gripped by the beauty and goodness of our Great God, the same way the psalmist was.

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,     for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the Lord say so,     whom he has redeemed from trouble[a] That’s Psalm 107 verses 1-2 and the starting point for today’s message.  As we look at who God is and what He has done, we may find ourselves completely gripped by the beauty and goodness of our Great God, the same way the psalmist was.  May God give us eyes to see His great might that works on our behalf so that our hearts can be filled to the brim with gratefulness.  Let’s listen to this message titled Let the Redeemed of the Lord Say So.

That’s Psalm 107 verses 1-2 and the starting point for today’s message. As we look at who God is and what He has done, we may find ourselves completely gripped by the beauty and goodness of our Great God, the same way the psalmist was. May God give us eyes to see His great might that works on our behalf so that our hearts can be filled to the brim with gratefulness. Let’s listen to this message titled Let the Redeemed of the Lord Say So.

We are naturally bent toward belief in karma- the idea that our actions are the deciding factor for our future well-being.  We crave justice and rightness.  It is something to grapple with when we see the evil person prospering.  Thankfully,  Psalm 37 reminds us of the framework from which we can view life.  And when we look at life through the truth of God’s word, it can inform our attitudes and our emotions.  Let’s listen in to this message from Psalm 37:1-2 titled Living by Faith: Contentment. 

We are naturally bent toward belief in karma- the idea that our actions are the deciding factor for our future well-being.  We crave justice and rightness.  It is something to grapple with when we see the evil person prospering.  Thankfully,  Psalm 37 reminds us of the framework from which we can view life.  And when we look at life through the truth of God’s word, it can inform our attitudes and our emotions.  Let’s listen in to this message from Psalm 37:1-2 titled Living by Faith: Contentment. 

We are naturally bent toward belief in karma- the idea that our actions are the deciding factor for our future well-being.  We crave justice and rightness.  It is something to grapple with when we see the evil person prospering.  Thankfully,  Psalm 37 reminds us of the framework from which we can view life.  And when we look at life through the truth of God’s word, it can inform our attitudes and our emotions.  Let’s listen in to this message from Psalm 37:1-2 titled Living by Faith: Contentment. 

How do we respond to the wickedness and the brokenness of this life under the sun? Fear and anger are natural emotions in the face of evil or destruction. What do we do with those emotions? In this message, Pastor Rich answers these questions from Habakkuk 3, where we find a highly emotional plea for justice, a cry for help in the face of evil. Let’s listen to this message titled Faith: Seeing God’s Work.

How do we respond to the wickedness and the brokenness of this life under the sun? Fear and anger are natural emotions in the face of evil or destruction. What do we do with those emotions? In this message, Pastor Rich answers these questions from Habakkuk 3, where we find a highly emotional plea for justice, a cry for help in the face of evil. Let’s listen to this message titled Faith: Seeing God’s Work.

How do we respond to the wickedness and the brokenness of this life under the sun? Fear and anger are natural emotions in the face of evil or destruction. What do we do with those emotions? In this message, Pastor Rich answers these questions from Habakkuk 3, where we find a highly emotional plea for justice, a cry for help in the face of evil. Let’s listen to this message titled Faith is seeing God Work.

How do we respond to the wickedness and the brokenness of this life under the sun? Fear and anger are natural emotions in the face of evil or destruction. What do we do with those emotions? In this message, Pastor Rich answers these questions from Habakkuk 3, where we find a highly emotional plea for justice, a cry for help in the face of evil. Let’s listen to this message titled Faith: Seeing God’s Work.

2 Corinthians 5:15 says that Christ died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. A life surrendered to Christ requires giving up our own life of autonomy in exchange for a life of following after Him. And in Him, we turn away from the small life of pleasing self to become children of the Good and Gracious King!

2 Corinthians 5:15 says that Christ died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. A life surrendered to Christ requires giving up our own life of autonomy in exchange for a life of following after Him. And in Him, we turn away from the small life of pleasing self to become children of the Good and Gracious King!

2 Corinthians 5:15 says that Christ died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised. A life surrendered to Christ requires giving up our own life of autonomy in exchange for a life of following after Him. And in Him, we turn away from the small life of pleasing self to become children of the Good and Gracious King!

Oswald Chambers said that “Faith is the deliberate confidence in the character of God whose ways you may not understand at the time.” There are times when God’s apparent inaction to our circumstances may seem inconsistent with what we know of His character. This is the wrestling of the prophet in Habakkuk 1, and in Habakkuk 1, God voices a response, leaving for us a helpful view into His heart.

Oswald Chambers said that “Faith is the deliberate confidence in the character of God whose ways you may not understand at the time.” There are times when God’s apparent inaction to our circumstances may seem inconsistent with what we know of His character. This is the wrestling of the prophet in Habakkuk 1, and in Habakkuk 1, God voices a response, leaving for us a helpful view into His heart.

Oswald Chambers said that “Faith is the deliberate confidence in the character of God whose ways you may not understand at the time.” There are times when God’s apparent inaction to our circumstances may seem inconsistent with what we know of His character. This is the wrestling of the prophet in Habakkuk 1, and in Habakkuk 1, God voices a response, leaving for us a helpful view into His heart.

If I believe something strongly enough, does it make it so? Is faith separate from logic and evidence? Where does faith get its strength? Listen in with us as Pastor Rich answers these questions in this message titled What is Faith?

What does the Bible mean when it uses the word “faith”? If I believe something strongly enough, does it make it so?

Faith is a word batted around in both religious and secular circles. But what does the Bible mean when it uses the word “faith”? If I believe something strongly enough, does it make it so? Is faith separate from logic and evidence? Where does faith get its strength? Listen in with us as Pastor Rich answers these questions in this message titled What is Faith?

It is the desire for God which is the most fundamental appetite of all, and it is an appetite we can never eliminate. We may seek to disown it, but it will not go away. If we deny that it is there, we shall in fact only divert it to some other object or range of objects. And that will mean that we invest some creature or creatures with the full burden of our need for God, a burden which no creature can carry. Our Father offers us Himself. He is the only place we will find true satisfaction. Yet we are prone to wander and seek our own way!In this message from Isaiah 55, Pastor Rich points us to God’s invitation to come to Himself, to the One our heart was made for. Let’s listen to this last message from the series Behold Your God.

If we deny our desire for God, we shall in fact only divert it to some other object or range of objects. And that will mean that we invest some creature or creatures with the full burden of our need for God, a burden which no creature can carry.

It is the desire for God which is the most fundamental appetite of all, and it is an appetite we can never eliminate. We may seek to disown it, but it will not go away.

As we consider what God has to say to His people in Isaiah 54, an image of His heart emerges clearly. God brings His people from shame into honor, from emptiness to abundance. He is a God of relationship, redemption, and restoration. Because of Christ, we move from lonely despair into the tender care of our heavenly Father.

As we consider what God has to say to His people in Isaiah 54, an image of His heart emerges clearly. God brings His people from shame into honor, from emptiness to abundance. He is a God of relationship, redemption, and restoration. Because of Christ, we move from lonely despair into the tender care of our heavenly Father.

As we consider what God has to say to His people in Isaiah 54, an image of His heart emerges clearly. God brings His people from shame into honor, from emptiness to abundance. He is a God of relationship, redemption, and restoration. Because of Christ, we move from lonely despair into the tender care of our heavenly Father.

Centuries before Christ was born, Isaiah prophesied that one would come to bear the sin of many and to make many to be counted as righteous. Isaiah 53 gave ancient Israel a peek at the mighty and gracious work God would complete through His Son’s death- A plan that would bring us near to Himself. In today’s message, Pastor Rich shares what Isaiah 53 can show us about the character of our God.

Centuries before Christ was born, Isaiah prophesied that one would come to bear the sin of many and to make many to be counted as righteous. Isaiah 53 gave ancient Israel a peek at the mighty and gracious work God would complete through His Son’s death- A plan that would bring us near to Himself. In today’s message, Pastor Rich shares what Isaiah 53 can show us about the character of our God.

Centuries before Christ was born, Isaiah prophesied that one would come to bear the sin of many and to make many to be counted as righteous. Isaiah 53 gave ancient Israel a peek at the mighty and gracious work God would complete through His Son’s death- A plan that would bring us near to Himself. In today’s message, Pastor Rich shares what Isaiah 53 can show us about the character of our God.

Forgiveness is not earned, but freely given. Our God offers it freely, but it was not free. Our sin requires an accounting, a payment. That payment was exacted from the Son of God who gave Himself up for us. For those who repent and entrust themselves to the Lord Jesus, that deep and costly forgiveness changes everything. Let’s take a deeper dive into the forgiveness of God from Isaiah 52.

Forgiveness is not earned, but freely given. Our God offers it freely, but it was not free. Our sin requires an accounting, a payment. That payment was exacted from the Son of God who gave Himself up for us. For those who repent and entrust themselves to the Lord Jesus, that deep and costly forgiveness changes everything. Let’s take a deeper dive into the forgiveness of God from Isaiah 52.

Forgiveness is not earned, but freely given. Our God offers it freely, but it was not free. Our sin requires an accounting, a payment. That payment was exacted from the Son of God who gave Himself up for us. For those who repent and entrust themselves to the Lord Jesus, that deep and costly forgiveness changes everything. Let’s take a deeper dive into the forgiveness of God from Isaiah 52.

C.S. Lewis wrote, “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen; not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” Today we are looking at Isaiah 51 with Pastor Rich as he asks us to consider how God’s righteous character is the great reference point for all of life. It is by His revealed self-disclosure that we can clearly see everything else about our world and ourselves.

C.S. Lewis wrote, “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen; not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” Today we are looking at Isaiah 51 with Pastor Rich as he asks us to consider how God’s righteous character is the great reference point for all of life. It is by His revealed self-disclosure that we can clearly see everything else about our world and ourselves.

C.S. Lewis wrote, “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen; not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.”  Today we are looking at Isaiah 51 with Pastor Rich as he asks us to consider how God’s righteous character is the great reference point for all of life.  It is by His revealed self-disclosure that we can clearly see everything else about our world and ourselves.  Let’s listen in. 

In Ephesians 1, Paul prays that the eyes of God's people would be opened to the immeasurable greatness of God's power toward us who believe. Today Let us consider from Isaiah 50 the power and omnipotence of our great God. He has the authority and power over all creation. And He has chosen to use that power for our benefit, through His Son Jesus

In Ephesians 1, Paul prays that the eyes of God's people would be opened to the immeasurable greatness of God's power toward us who believe. Today Let us consider from Isaiah 50 the power and omnipotence of our great God. He has the authority and power over all creation. And He has chosen to use that power for our benefit, through His Son Jesus

According to the Bible, God is Holy and just, necessarily opposing evil, including the evil that runs through the heart of every person. God is also full of compassion and tender love. He is deeply moved by our broken and lost state…but How can his justice and compassion meet? Well, the two are most beautifully displayed to us in the person of Jesus Christ- the Son of God bearing the just wrath and punishment meant for man because of His great love for us and for His father. What a Savior! Let's take a closer look at His character in this message from Isaiah 49.

According to the Bible, God is Holy and just, necessarily opposing evil, including the evil that runs through the heart of every person. God is also full of compassion and tender love. He is deeply moved by our broken and lost state…but How can his justice and compassion meet? Well, the two are most beautifully displayed to us in the person of Jesus Christ- the Son of God bearing the just wrath and punishment meant for man because of His great love for us and for His father. What a Savior! Let's take a closer look at His character in this message from Isaiah 49.

According to the Bible, God is Holy and just, necessarily opposing evil, including the evil that runs through the heart of every person. God is also full of compassion and tender love. He is deeply moved by our broken and lost state…but How can his justice and compassion meet? Well, the two are most beautifully displayed to us in the person of Jesus Christ- the Son of God bearing the just wrath and punishment meant for man because of His great love for us and for His father. What a Savior! Let's take a closer look at His character in this message from Isaiah 49.

The Greek gods and goddesses worshiped thousands of years ago were portrayed as better, more powerful versions of humanity. They could still be capricious, and full of the same vices found in man. Not so with the God of the Bible. It is easy to see throughout the narrative of Scripture that God is unlike us. He is holy-set apart, completely other. God Himself is the very definition of what is good, beautiful, and right. His person invokes awe in those who observe it. In today's message from Isaiah 48, Pastor Rich lays out the holiness- the otherness- of God, along with a challenge for us to consider. Do we view God as simply a larger, better version of ourselves? Are we guilty of treating him as common? May God enlighten our hearts to the beauty and greatness of Himself today.

The Greek gods and goddesses worshiped thousands of years ago were portrayed as better, more powerful versions of humanity. They could still be capricious, and full of the same vices found in man. Not so with the God of the Bible. It is easy to see throughout the narrative of Scripture that God is unlike us. He is holy-set apart, completely other. God Himself is the very definition of what is good, beautiful, and right. His person invokes awe in those who observe it. In today's message from Isaiah 48, Pastor Rich lays out the holiness- the otherness- of God, along with a challenge for us to consider. Do we view God as simply a larger, better version of ourselves? Are we guilty of treating him as common? May God enlighten our hearts to the beauty and greatness of Himself today.

The Greek gods and goddesses worshiped thousands of years ago were portrayed as better, more powerful versions of humanity. They could still be capricious, and full of the same vices found in man. Not so with the God of the Bible. It is easy to see throughout the narrative of Scripture that God is unlike us. He is holy-set apart, completely other. God Himself is the very definition of what is good, beautiful, and right. His person invokes awe in those who observe it. In today's message from Isaiah 48, Pastor Rich lays out the holiness- the otherness- of God, along with a challenge for us to consider. Do we view God as simply a larger, better version of ourselves? Are we guilty of treating him as common? May God enlighten our hearts to the beauty and greatness of Himself today.

The Greek gods and goddesses worshiped thousands of years ago were portrayed as better, more powerful versions of humanity. They could still be capricious, and full of the same vices found in man. Not so with the God of the Bible. It is easy to see throughout the narrative of Scripture that God is unlike us. He is holy-set apart, completely other. God Himself is the very definition of what is good, beautiful, and right. His person invokes awe in those who observe it. In today's message from Isaiah 48, Pastor Rich lays out the holiness- the otherness- of God, along with a challenge for us to consider. Do we view God as simply a larger, better version of ourselves? Are we guilty of treating him as common? May God enlighten our hearts to the beauty and greatness of Himself today.

Isaiah 47:8 God speaks to Babylon, saying, Hear this now, you who are given to pleasures, who dwell securely, who say in your heart, “I am, and there is no other besides me.” Throughout the chapter, God has severe warnings for Babylon, a nation often symbolic in Scripture of organized rebellion against God through self-exaltation. Humanity is greatly drawn to self-preeminence, but it is God who rules in the kingdom of man. Without Him, we are lost. Every other object of trust, including a trust in ourselves, will leave us utterly unsatisfied.

Humanity is greatly drawn to self-preeminence, but it is God who rules in the kingdom of man. Without Him, we are lost. Every other object of trust, including a trust in ourselves, will leave us utterly unsatisfied.

Isaiah 47:8 God speaks to Babylon, saying, Hear this now, you who are given to pleasures, who dwell securely, who say in your heart, “I am, and there is no other besides me.” Throughout the chapter, God has severe warnings for Babylon, a nation often symbolic in Scripture of organized rebellion against God through self-exaltation. Humanity is greatly drawn to self-preeminence, but it is God who rules in the kingdom of man. Without Him, we are lost. Every other object of trust, including a trust in ourselves, will leave us utterly unsatisfied.

Isaiah 47:8 God speaks to Babylon, saying, Hear this now, you who are given to pleasures, who dwell securely, who say in your heart, “I am, and there is no other besides me.” Throughout the chapter, God has severe warnings for Babylon, a nation often symbolic in Scripture of organized rebellion against God through self-exaltation. Humanity is greatly drawn to self-preeminence, but it is God who rules in the kingdom of man. Without Him, we are lost. Every other object of trust, including a trust in ourselves, will leave us utterly unsatisfied.

Isaiah chapter 46 contrasts the gods of the day with Jehovah God, bringing out a clear picture of the sovereignty and power of our God. He is the one we can confidently and safely commit ourselves to. His character evokes awe and worship.

Isaiah chapter 46 contrasts the gods of the day with Jehovah God, bringing out a clear picture of the sovereignty and power of our God. He is the one we can confidently and safely commit ourselves to. His character evokes awe and worship.

Isaiah chapter 46 contrasts the gods of the day with Jehovah God, bringing out a clear picture of the sovereignty and power of our God. He is the one we can confidently and safely commit ourselves to. His character evokes awe and worship.

If the message of Scripture is true- if there is one God and Savior, the Sovereign and Benevolent Creator, then there is but one response: Complete surrender and worship. Isaiah 45 portrays this great God who is working out His grand purposes in all the happenings around us. And His purposes are for the good of His people.

If the message of Scripture is true- if there is one God and Savior, the Sovereign and Benevolent Creator, then there is but one response: Complete surrender and worship. Isaiah 45 portrays this great God who is working out His grand purposes in all the happenings around us. And His purposes are for the good of His people.

If the message of Scripture is true- if there is one God and Savior, the Sovereign and Benevolent Creator, then there is but one response: Complete surrender and worship. Isaiah 45 portrays this great God who is working out His grand purposes in all the happenings around us. And His purposes are for the good of His people.

Thus says the Lord, the king of Israel, and His Redeemer, the Lord of hosts, I am the first and I am the last. Besides me there is no other God. That's Isaiah 44 verse 6. In today's sermon we focus on how the living God, eternal and reigning over all, is an invitational God. We see His love in that He initiated our restoration through Christ and invested In us, giving us Himself. Let's listen to this message from Isaiah 44.

Thus says the Lord, the king of Israel, and His Redeemer, the Lord of hosts, I am the first and I am the last. Besides me there is no other God. That's Isaiah 44 verse 6. In today's sermon we focus on how the living God, eternal and reigning over all, is an invitational God. We see His love in that He initiated our restoration through Christ and invested In us, giving us Himself. Let's listen to this message from Isaiah 44.

Thus says the Lord, the king of Israel, and His Redeemer, the Lord of hosts, I am the first and I am the last. Besides me there is no other God. That's Isaiah 44 verse 6. In today's sermon we focus on how the living God, eternal and reigning over all, is an invitational God. We see His love in that He initiated our restoration through Christ and invested In us, giving us Himself. Let's listen to this message from Isaiah 44.

Isaiah 43 gives us another look at our great Creator-Redeemer as we continue our series through Isaiah titled Behold Your God!

We can find our own story, our own purpose clearly brought to life in light of His character and plan.

It is only in submitting ourselves to God's authority, will we find our freedom.

God is the most important and greatest reality.

God is the greatest reality.

Through His Word, the Bible, God has clearly revealed Himself to us, in vivid detail. Through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, our compassionate Creator has made a way for us to be drawn into caring community with Him. Today’s message from Isaiah 42 shines light on who our God is and what a beautiful plan He has laid out for the children of men

Through His Word, the Bible, God has clearly revealed Himself to us, in vivid detail. Through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, our compassionate Creator has made a way for us to be drawn into caring community with Him. Today’s message from Isaiah 42 shines light on who our God is and what a beautiful plan He has laid out for the children of men

Through His Word, the Bible, God has clearly revealed Himself to us, in vivid detail. Through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, our compassionate Creator has made a way for us to be drawn into caring community with Him. Today’s message from Isaiah 42 shines light on who our God is and what a beautiful plan He has laid out for the children of men

We make a grave mistake when we put our hope and trust in anything other than our sovereign Creator. In this message from Isaiah 41, Pastor Rich points to a God who is the Lord of history and yet deeply and intimately involved. May our hearts be drawn to Him as we look into his character today.

We make a grave mistake when we put our hope and trust in anything other than our sovereign Creator. In this message from Isaiah 41, Pastor Rich points to a God who is the Lord of history and yet deeply and intimately involved. May our hearts be drawn to Him as we look into his character today.

We make a grave mistake when we put our hope and trust in anything other than our sovereign Creator. In this message from Isaiah 41, Pastor Rich points to a God who is the Lord of history and yet deeply and intimately involved. May our hearts be drawn to Him as we look into his character today.

Today, we begin a new series titled Behold Our God, its a study on the character of God from Isaiah 40-55. In this first message, we see the beautiful picture of our Creator from the vantage point of Isaiah 40. Seeing the Lord as He is will equip us against the temptation to seek our satisfaction from things other than our Creator. Things that will leave us empty and unsatisfied. Let’s listen in.

Today, we begin a new series titled Behold Our God, its a study on the character of God from Isaiah 40-55.  In this first message, we see the beautiful picture of our Creator from the vantage point of Isaiah 40.  Seeing the Lord as He is will equip us against the temptation to seek our satisfaction from things other than our Creator.  Things that will leave us empty and unsatisfied. 

Today, we begin a new series titled Behold Our God, its a study on the character of God from Isaiah 40-55. In this first message, we see the beautiful picture of our Creator from the vantage point of Isaiah 40. Seeing the Lord as He is will equip us against the temptation to seek our satisfaction from things other than our Creator. Things that will leave us empty and unsatisfied.

In this last message from our series on 2 Corinthians, Pastor Rich fleshes out what it looks like to speak and act in truth and meekness, just as our Lord displayed for us in His earthly life. Let's listen in.

In this last message from our series on 2 Corinthians, Pastor Rich fleshes out what it looks like to speak and act in truth and meekness, just as our Lord displayed for us in His earthly life. Let's listen in.

In this last message from our series on 2 Corinthians, Pastor Rich fleshes out what it looks like to speak and act in truth and meekness, just as our Lord displayed for us in His earthly life. Let's listen in.

We want to walk alongside fellow believers in a Godward direction, But what does that look like In a culture that insists loving someone means affirming their actions and attitudes? Is it love to avoid and ignore sin we notice in the lives of our brothers and sisters of the faith? Today, Pastor Rich answers these questions from 2 Corinthians 12:20-13:6 in this message titled strong exhortation.

We want to walk alongside fellow believers in a Godward direction, But what does that look like In a culture that insists loving someone means affirming their actions and attitudes? Is it love to avoid and ignore sin we notice in the lives of our brothers and sisters of the faith? Today, Pastor Rich answers these questions from 2 Corinthians 12:20-13:6 in this message titled strong exhortation.

We want to walk alongside fellow believers in a Godward direction, but what does that look like In a culture that insists loving someone means affirming their actions and attitudes? Is it love to avoid and ignore sin we notice in the lives of our brothers and sisters of the faith? Today, Pastor Rich answers these questions from 2 Corinthians 12:20-13:6 in this message titled strong exhortation.

Helping others follow Jesus – cannot be done purely out of self-will. It requires love – the power to love beyond what man alone can produce. For this kind of love we must look to our Savior who has loved us, spending Himself so fully for us on the cross. Today's message titled Sincere Love comes from 2 Corinthians 12:11-19.

Helping others follow Jesus – cannot be done purely out of self-will. It requires love – the power to love beyond what man alone can produce. For this kind of love we must look to our Savior who has loved us, spending Himself so fully for us on the cross.

Helping others follow Jesus – cannot be done purely out of self-will. It requires love – the power to love beyond what man alone can produce. For this kind of love we must look to our Savior who has loved us, spending Himself so fully for us on the cross.

Helping others follow Jesus – cannot be done purely out of self-will. It requires love – the power to love beyond what man alone can produce. For this kind of love we must look to our Savior who has loved us, spending Himself so fully for us on the cross.

In 2 Cor. 12:7-13, Paul begs God to remove the “thorn” in his flesh, but God chooses to let it remain, encouraging Paul that God’s own grace will be enough. None of us relishes suffering in our lives, but often it is the very thing God uses to wake us up and help us focus our eyes more intently on our Lord Jesus. Let’s listen in on this message titled Sufficient Grace.

In 2 Cor. 12:7-13, Paul begs God to remove the “thorn” in his flesh, but God chooses to let it remain, encouraging Paul that God’s own grace will be enough. None of us relishes suffering in our lives, but often it is the very thing God uses to wake us up and help us focus our eyes more intently on our Lord Jesus. Let’s listen in on this message titled Sufficient Grace.

In 2 Cor. 12:7-13, Paul begs God to remove the “thorn” in his flesh, but God chooses to let it remain, encouraging Paul that God’s own grace will be enough. None of us relishes suffering in our lives, but often it is the very thing God uses to wake us up and help us focus our eyes more intently on our Lord Jesus. Let’s listen in on this message titled Sufficient Grace.

In 2 Corinthians 12:1-6, Paul tells of an event in which God caught him up into the third heaven, unfolding great revelations to him. but In spite of these stunning experiences, Paul’s boast was in Jesus. When many may have used such an experience to build up their own kingdoms and reputations, Paul’s focus remained on sharing the gospel. Let’s listen to this message titled Speak Truth.

In 2 Corinthians 12:1-6, Paul tells of an event in which God caught him up into the third heaven, unfolding great revelations to him. but In spite of these stunning experiences, Paul’s boast was in Jesus. When many may have used such an experience to build up their own kingdoms and reputations, Paul’s focus remained on sharing the gospel. Let’s listen to this message titled Speak Truth.

In 2 Corinthians 12:1-6, Paul tells of an event in which God caught him up into the third heaven, unfolding great revelations to him. but In spite of these stunning experiences, Paul’s boast was in Jesus. When many may have used such an experience to build up their own kingdoms and reputations, Paul’s focus remained on sharing the gospel. Let’s listen to this message titled Speak Truth.

God’s power and glory are often made most evident in our weakness. But we tend to avoid situations that reveal our areas of frailty. Instead, we seek comfort, safety, and control. Today’s passage from 2 Corinthians 11:22-33 gives us a portrait of Paul’s dangerous and sacrificial ministry as he attempted to spread the gospel through Gentile regions. Paul counted all his accomplishments as worthless in light of Jesus, and his weakness takes on value because it points most clearly to our great Savior. Let’s listen in.

God’s power and glory are often made most evident in our weakness. But we tend to avoid situations that reveal our areas of frailty. Instead, we seek comfort, safety, and control. Today’s passage from 2 Corinthians 11:22-33 gives us a portrait of Paul’s dangerous and sacrificial ministry as he attempted to spread the gospel through Gentile regions. Paul counted all his accomplishments as worthless in light of Jesus, and his weakness takes on value because it points most clearly to our great Savior. Let’s listen in.

God’s power and glory are often made most evident in our weakness. But we tend to avoid situations that reveal our areas of frailty. Instead, we seek comfort, safety, and control. Today’s passage from 2 Corinthians 11:22-33 gives us a portrait of Paul’s dangerous and sacrificial ministry as he attempted to spread the gospel through Gentile regions. Paul counted all his accomplishments as worthless in light of Jesus, and his weakness takes on value because it points most clearly to our great Savior. Let’s listen in.

John Ortberg said that to truly care for people requires not caring too much about their approval or disapproval. In today’s message from 2 Corinthians 10 and 11, Pastor Rich differentiates between true service and ministry done for our Master Jesus and ministry done to build our own personal kingdoms instead.

John Ortberg said that to truly care for people requires not caring too much about their approval or disapproval. In today’s message from 2 Corinthians 10 and 11, Pastor Rich differentiates between true service and ministry done for our Master Jesus and ministry done to build our own personal kingdoms instead.

John Ortberg said that to truly care for people requires not caring too much about their approval or disapproval. In today’s message from 2 Corinthians 10 and 11, Pastor Rich differentiates between true service and ministry done for our Master Jesus and ministry done to build our own personal kingdoms instead.

As an apostle, Paul had authority to boldly present the truth he received from God. In 2 Cor 10:1-11, some were seeking to minimize Paul’s influence in the church, questioning his right to give them instruction. In this message, Pastor Rich examines not only the authority that Paul was given, but also the authority the gospel has in the life of a believer and the ideas that can rise up in our own sinful hearts against that authority.

As an apostle, Paul had authority to boldly present the truth he received from God. In 2 Cor 10:1-11, some were seeking to minimize Paul’s influence in the church, questioning his right to give them instruction. In this message, Pastor Rich examines not only the authority that Paul was given, but also the authority the gospel has in the life of a believer and the ideas that can rise up in our own sinful hearts against that authority.

As an apostle, Paul had authority to boldly present the truth he received from God. In 2 Cor 10:1-11, some were seeking to minimize Paul’s influence in the church, questioning his right to give them instruction. In this message, Pastor Rich examines not only the authority that Paul was given, but also the authority the gospel has in the life of a believer and the ideas that can rise up in our own sinful hearts against that authority.

1 Samuel 16:7 tells us that man looks on the outward appearance but God looks on the heart. So when it comes to our giving, why we give matters just as much as what we give. Let's do a heart check today as Pastor Rich digs into 2 Corinthians 9 in this message titled, “Liberality with Alacrity”.

1 Samuel 16:7 tells us that man looks on the outward appearance but God looks on the heart. So when it comes to our giving, why we give matters just as much as what we give. Let's do a heart check today as Pastor Rich digs into 2 Corinthians 9 in this message titled, “Liberality with Alacrity”.

1 Samuel 16:7 tells us that man looks on the outward appearance but God looks on the heart. So when it comes to our giving, why we give matters just as much as what we give. Let's do a heart check today as Pastor Rich digs into 2 Corinthians 9 in this message titled, “Liberality with Alacrity”.

The way the body of Christ gives and stewards what is given should make Christ beautiful. The church must wisely manage what is given to leave no avenue to discredit the gospel of Christ. Today Pastor Rich lays out six principles for responsible giving from 2 Corinthians 8:16-24.

The way the body of Christ gives and stewards what is given should make Christ beautiful. The church must wisely manage what is given to leave no avenue to discredit the gospel of Christ. Today Pastor Rich lays out six principles for responsible giving from 2 Corinthians 8:16-24.

The way the body of Christ gives and stewards what is given should make Christ beautiful. The church must wisely manage what is given to leave no avenue to discredit the gospel of Christ. Today Pastor Rich lays out six principles for responsible giving from 2 Corinthians 8:16-24.

Your Christian generosity does not depend on your socio-economic station in life, but on abiding in the Vine – it is the outflow, the fruit. Humankind looks at giving differently than God. When watching the rich throw their offerings into the temple treasury, Jesus remarked that the widow who gave out of her poverty was the one who had put in more than the others. In today’s message we will look at how God sees our giving from 2 Corinthians 8:8-15.

Your Christian generosity does not depend on your socio-economic station in life, but on abiding in the Vine – it is the outflow, the fruit. Humankind looks at giving differently than God. When watching the rich throw their offerings into the temple treasury, Jesus remarked that the widow who gave out of her poverty was the one who had put in more than the others. In today’s message we will look at how God sees our giving from 2 Corinthians 8:8-15.

Your Christian generosity does not depend on your socio-economic station in life, but on abiding in the Vine – it is the outflow, the fruit. Humankind looks at giving differently than God. When watching the rich throw their offerings into the temple treasury, Jesus remarked that the widow who gave out of her poverty was the one who had put in more than the others. In today’s message we will look at how God sees our giving from 2 Corinthians 8:8-15.

Generosity is the result of a grateful heart. The grace of God shifts our focus away from building our own kingdoms and calls us to lives of stewardship. All we have becomes a gift from the Lord to invest for the Lord. Let’s listen to this message titled Liberality that Abounds from 2 cor 8:1-7

Generosity is the result of a grateful heart. The grace of God shifts our focus away from building our own kingdoms and calls us to lives of stewardship. All we have becomes a gift from the Lord to invest for the Lord. Let’s listen to this message titled Liberality that Abounds from 2 cor 8:1-7

Generosity is the result of a grateful heart. The grace of God shifts our focus away from building our own kingdoms and calls us to lives of stewardship. All we have becomes a gift from the Lord to invest for the Lord. Let’s listen to this message titled Liberality that Abounds from 2 cor 8:1-7

Generosity is the result of a grateful heart. The grace of God shifts our focus away from building our own kingdoms and calls us to lives of stewardship. All we have becomes a gift from the Lord to invest for the Lord. Let’s listen to this message titled Liberality that Abounds from 2 cor 8:1-7

When the Church is the Church, She is beautiful! What glory God receives when a messy group of people from different backgrounds come together under the cross in love and unity! In 2 Corinthians 7:13-16, Paul joyfully commends the church of Corinth for being what God made it to be.

When the Church is the Church, She is beautiful! What glory God receives when a messy group of people from different backgrounds come together under the cross in love and unity! In 2 Corinthians 7:13-16, Paul joyfully commends the church of Corinth for being what God made it to be.

When the Church is the Church, She is beautiful! What glory God receives when a messy group of people from different backgrounds come together under the cross in love and unity! In 2 Corinthians 7:13-16, Paul joyfully commends the church of Corinth for being what God made it to be.

In Matthew 5:4 Jesus said, Blessed are those who mourn. Yet when we feel sadness, regret, or guilt, most would rarely describe that pain with the word “blessing”. The Bible teaches us that there is a good sorrow, a sorrow that teaches us, heals us, and draws us near to the Savior. What does that good sorrow look like? Is there a right way to sorrow over sin? What is the difference between worldly sorrow that binds and godly sorrow that frees us? Today Pastor Rich answers these questions from our passage in 2 Corinthians 7:1-12.

In Matthew 5:4 Jesus said, Blessed are those who mourn. Yet when we feel sadness, regret, or guilt, most would rarely describe that pain with the word “blessing”. The Bible teaches us that there is a good sorrow, a sorrow that teaches us, heals us, and draws us near to the Savior. What does that good sorrow look like? Is there a right way to sorrow over sin? What is the difference between worldly sorrow that binds and godly sorrow that frees us? Today Pastor Rich answers these questions from our passage in 2 Corinthians 7:1-12.

In Matthew 5:4 Jesus said, Blessed are those who mourn. Yet when we feel sadness, regret, or guilt, most would rarely describe that pain with the word “blessing”. The Bible teaches us that there is a good sorrow, a sorrow that teaches us, heals us, and draws us near to the Savior. What does that good sorrow look like? Is there a right way to sorrow over sin? What is the difference between worldly sorrow that binds and godly sorrow that frees us? Today Pastor Rich answers these questions from our passage in 2 Corinthians 7:1-12.

2 Corinthians 6:14 says, do not be yoked together with unbelievers. Is this a call for Christians to disassociate with those who aren’t Christians? What does “yoked together” mean? What are the dangers of being yoked with an unbeliever? Today Pastor Rich answers these questions, explaining the difference between engaging with unbelievers and buying into unbelief and the behavior that comes with it.

2 Corinthians 6:14 says, do not be yoked together with unbelievers. Is this a call for Christians to disassociate with those who aren’t Christians? What does “yoked together” mean? What are the dangers of being yoked with an unbeliever? Today Pastor Rich answers these questions, explaining the difference between engaging with unbelievers and buying into unbelief and the behavior that comes with it.

2 Corinthians 6:14 says, do not be yoked together with unbelievers. Is this a call for Christians to disassociate with those who aren’t Christians? What does “yoked together” mean? What are the dangers of being yoked with an unbeliever? Today Pastor Rich answers these questions, explaining the difference between engaging with unbelievers and buying into unbelief and the behavior that comes with it.

We share a common brokenness with our fellow man. And also a common Redeemer. If we Understand that the darkness and hardness of heart is natural to me as much as to another and know the life-giving, freeing work of the Savior on our behalf. How then can we not be FOR one another? Jen Hatmaker writes What if we were intentionally sent to this world – not to stand in judgment of it, not to remain separate in our safe Christian confines – but to be for it; to be representative of Jesus, to bear the good news everywhere we go? Let’s listen as Pastor Rich shares this message titled Set Apart to Serve.

We share a common brokenness with our fellow man. And also a common Redeemer. If we Understand that the darkness and hardness of heart is natural to me as much as to another and know the life-giving, freeing work of the Savior on our behalf. How then can we not be FOR one another? Jen Hatmaker writes What if we were intentionally sent to this world – not to stand in judgment of it, not to remain separate in our safe Christian confines – but to be for it; to be representative of Jesus, to bear the good news everywhere we go?

We share a common brokenness with our fellow man. And also a common Redeemer. If we Understand that the darkness and hardness of heart is natural to me as much as to another and know the life-giving, freeing work of the Savior on our behalf.

A description of those who live as people who mirror Jesus.

As the CityAlight song proclaims: What gift of grace is Jesus my Redeemer! It is lavish and life-changing! Yet Paul warns us in 2 Corinthians 6:1 Not to receive the grace of God in vain. What does he mean by the grace of God? And how do we receive that grace as God intended us to?

As the CityAlight song proclaims: What gift of grace is Jesus my Redeemer! It is lavish and life-changing! Yet Paul warns us in 2 Corinthians 6:1 Not to receive the grace of God in vain. What does he mean by the grace of God? And how do we receive that grace as God intended us to?

As the CityAlight song proclaims: What gift of grace is Jesus my Redeemer! It is lavish and life-changing!

The Bible teaches that salvation is a free gift for us, that we can be reconciled to God, our sins forgiven by placing our faith in Jesus. But it is only free because the Son of God paid a most costly price. William Barclay writes that God alone can pay the terrible price that is necessary before men can be forgiven. Forgiveness is the most costly thing in the world.” In today’s message, Pastor Rich examines the ultimate reconciliation.

The Bible teaches that salvation is a free gift for us, that we can be reconciled to God, our sins forgiven by placing our faith in Jesus. But it is only free because the Son of God paid a most costly price. William Barclay writes that God alone can pay the terrible price that is necessary before men can be forgiven. Forgiveness is the most costly thing in the world.”

The Bible teaches that salvation is a free gift for us, that we can be reconciled to God, our sins forgiven by placing our faith in Jesus. But it is only free because the Son of God paid a most costly price. William Barclay writes that God alone can pay the terrible price that is necessary before men can be forgiven. Forgiveness is the most costly thing in the world.” In today’s message, Pastor Rich examines the ultimate reconciliation.

In an article in Christianity Today, Russell Moore says, “ for too long, we’ve called unbelievers to “invite Jesus into your life ". Jesus doesn’t want to be in your life. Your life is a wreck. Jesus calls you into His life. And his life isn’t boring or purposeless. It’s wild and exhilarating and unpredictable.`` When we come to Christ, he doesn’t just polish up what is already there. He makes us a new creature. The old is passed away. We become dead to self and alive to Christ. Listen as Pastor Rich shares what it looks like to be made new in Christ from 2 Corinthians 5:12-17.

In an article in Christianity Today, Russell Moore says, “ for too long, we’ve called unbelievers to “invite Jesus into your life ". Jesus doesn’t want to be in your life. Your life is a wreck. Jesus calls you into His life. And his life isn’t boring or purposeless. It’s wild and exhilarating and unpredictable.`` When we come to Christ, he doesn’t just polish up what is already there. He makes us a new creature. The old is passed away. We become dead to self and alive to Christ. Listen as Pastor Rich shares what it looks like to be made new in Christ from 2 Corinthians 5:12-17.

Jesus doesn’t want to be in your life. Your life is a wreck. Jesus calls you into His life.

In an article in Christianity Today, Russell Moore says, “ for too long, we’ve called unbelievers to “invite Jesus into your life ".

In 2 Corinthians 5:9, Paul says that “we make it our aim to please God for we all must appear before the judgment seat of Christ” So, how do we aim to please God when only Christ’s blood can satisfy Him? If the gospel teaches that Jesus did the work on our behalf, what is our role in pleasing God? Today Pastor Rich answers these questions, explaining our call to please God within the context of the grace of the gospel. Let’s listen in.

In 2 Corinthians 5:9, Paul says that “we make it our aim to please God for we all must appear before the judgment seat of Christ” So, how do we aim to please God when only Christ’s blood can satisfy Him? If the gospel teaches that Jesus did the work on our behalf, what is our role in pleasing God? Today Pastor Rich answers these questions, explaining our call to please God within the context of the grace of the gospel. Let’s listen in.

In 2 Corinthians 5:9, Paul says that “we make it our aim to please God for we all must appear before the judgment seat of Christ” So, how do we aim to please God when only Christ’s blood can satisfy Him? If the gospel teaches that Jesus did the work on our behalf, what is our role in pleasing God? Today Pastor Rich answers these questions, explaining our call to please God within the context of the grace of the gospel.

In 2 Corinthians 5:9, Paul says that “we make it our aim to please God for we all must appear before the judgment seat of Christ” So, how do we aim to please God when only Christ’s blood can satisfy Him? If the gospel teaches that Jesus did the work on our behalf, what is our role in pleasing God? Today Pastor Rich answers these questions, explaining our call to please God within the context of the grace of the gospel.

2 Corinthians 5:1-8 remind us that we groan in these early bodies, longing for the eternity with God we were made for.

C.S. Lewis said, “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.”. There are longings within all human hearts that can only be filled by the One we were made for. 2 Corinthians 5:1-8 remind us that we groan in these early bodies, longing for the eternity with God we were made for.

C.S. Lewis said, “If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world.”

If the universe is without a designer, if life holds no purpose, if we are only material and all of life’s happenings are random acts of chance, what hope do we have? But the Bible teaches us that we don't have to live in such despair. What delight to know that even in the face of great difficulty, we need not lose heart! God’s character and purpose reverberate loudly through the pain and frustration of this fallen world! Let’s listen as Pastor Rich unpacks 2 Cor. 4:16-18 in this message titled Delight instead of Despair.

If the universe is without a designer, if life holds no purpose, if we are only material and all of life’s happenings are random acts of chance, what hope do we have? But the Bible teaches us that we don't have to live in such despair. What delight to know that even in the face of great difficulty, we need not lose heart! God’s character and purpose reverberate loudly through the pain and frustration of this fallen world! Let’s listen as Pastor Rich unpacks 2 Cor. 4:16-18 in this message titled Delight instead of Despair.

If the universe is without a designer, if life holds no purpose, if we are only material and all of life’s happenings are random acts of chance, what hope do we have? But the Bible teaches us that we don't have to live in such despair. What delight to know that even in the face of great difficulty, we need not lose heart! God’s character and purpose reverberate loudly through the pain and frustration of this fallen world! Let’s listen as Pastor Rich unpacks 2 Cor. 4:16-18 in this message titled Delight instead of Despair.

If the universe is without a designer, if life holds no purpose, if we are only material and all of life’s happenings are random acts of chance, what hope do we have? But the Bible teaches us that we don't have to live in such despair. What delight to know that even in the face of great difficulty, we need not lose heart! God’s character and purpose reverberate loudly through the pain and frustration of this fallen world!

Today’s message from 2 Cor. 4:7-15 is titled Sacrifice Outlives Survival. Our life on this earth, as Job put it, is few days and full of trouble, but we have immortal souls. We are meant to spend eternity with our Maker. It is clear that Paul believed this truth down to his core through his willingness to take risks for Christ and live with abandon. Malcolm Muggeridge writes, “ I can say that I never knew what joy was like until I gave up pursuing happiness, or cared to live until I chose to die. For these two discoveries I am beholden to Jesus”.

Today’s message from 2 Cor. 4:7-15 is titled Sacrifice Outlives Survival. Our life on this earth, as Job put it, is few days and full of trouble, but we have immortal souls. We are meant to spend eternity with our Maker. It is clear that Paul believed this truth down to his core through his willingness to take risks for Christ and live with abandon. Malcolm Muggeridge writes, “ I can say that I never knew what joy was like until I gave up pursuing happiness, or cared to live until I chose to die. For these two discoveries I am beholden to Jesus”.

Today’s message from 2 Cor. 4:7-15 is titled Sacrifice Outlives Survival. Our life on this earth, as Job put it, is few days and full of trouble, but we have immortal souls. We are meant to spend eternity with our Maker. It is clear that Paul believed this truth down to his core through his willingness to take risks for Christ and live with abandon. Malcolm Muggeridge writes, “ I can say that I never knew what joy was like until I gave up pursuing happiness, or cared to live until I chose to die. For these two discoveries I am beholden to Jesus”.

“The first duty of every man is to find, not his freedom, but his master” Who or what then is Master of your life? And what have you done with Jesus Christ? For those who have placed Him on life's throne, he calls you to live out bold compassion to those around you. Today Pastor Rich talks about what that kind of compassion looks like from our passage in 2 Cor 4:1-6.

Who or what then is Master of your life? And what have you done with Jesus Christ?  For those who have placed Him on life's throne, he calls you to live out bold compassion to those around you.

P.T. Forsythe said that, “The first duty of every man is to find, not his freedom, but his master.” Who or what then is Master of your life? And what have you done with Jesus Christ? For those who have placed Him on life's throne, he calls you to live out bold compassion to those around you. Today Pastor Rich talks about what that kind of compassion looks like from our passage in 2 Cor 4:1-6.

On Mount Sinai, Moses got a glimpse of the glory of God. and his face shone brightly. But 2 Corinthians 3:7-15 compares what Moses had to what we can have in Christ through the new covenant. Why is the new covenant superior to the Old? This is the question P. rich answers in today's msg, Let's listen in.

On Mount Sinai, Moses got a glimpse of the glory of God.  and his face shone brightly.  But 2 Corinthians 3:7-15 compares what Moses had to what we can have in Christ through the new covenant.

On Mount Sinai, Moses got a glimpse of the glory of God.  and his face shone brightly.

The power of the gospel is evident in the transformed lives of those who surrender themselves to Jesus. Ephesians 2:5 says that even when we were dead in our trespasses, God made us alive together with Christ, by grace you have been saved. That is a dramatic change. In today’s message, Pastor Rich talks about the glory of God manifested through changed lives. Our text comes from 2 Corinthians 3:1-6.

In today’s message, Pastor Rich talks about the glory of God manifested through transformed lives.

The power of the gospel is evident in the transformed lives of those who surrender themselves to Jesus.

When we surrender our lives to the Master, our Messiah, God does a work that others will notice.  Our lives can be a pleasing aroma of Christ to all who see.  In today’s message titled The Aroma of a Godward Life,  Pastor RIch digs into 2 Corinthians 2:15-17 to show how His transformative work in His people proclaims Him to be worthy of worship.

When we surrender our lives to the Master, our Messiah, God does a work that others will notice.  Our lives can be a pleasing aroma of Christ to all who see.  In today’s message titled The Aroma of a Godward Life,  Pastor RIch digs into 2 Corinthians 2:15-17 to show how His transformative work in His people proclaims Him to be worthy of worship.

When we surrender our lives to the Master, our Messiah, God does a work that others will notice.  Our lives can be a pleasing aroma of Christ to all who see.  In today’s message titled The Aroma of a Godward Life,  Pastor RIch digs into 2 Corinthians 2:15-17 to show how His transformative work in His people proclaims Him to be worthy of worship.

When we surrender our lives to the Master, our Messiah, God does a work that others will notice.  Our lives can be a pleasing aroma of Christ to all who see.  In today’s message titled The Aroma of a Godward Life,  Pastor RIch digs into 2 Corinthians 2:15-17 to show how His transformative work in His people proclaims Him to be worthy of worship.

Author Kay Warren recalls her visit to Rwanda not long after the horrific 1995 genocide that left 1 million dead.  She expected to find monsters there- men and women with leering menacing faces.  Instead she found people smiling, chatting, caring for their children, living life.  Upon her return she wrote, “There were no monsters in Rwanda, just people like you and me.” She writes, You might as well face the shameful truth: You and I, put in the right situation, will do absolutely anything. Given the right circumstances, I am capable of any sin.   All of mankind is broken- the beautiful image of God in each of us is distorted and marred by our sin nature.  The world offers a thousand fixes, but we find ourselves irreparable.  So the question is, “Can anything make a difference?Is there a remedy for broken souls?  In today’s message, Pastor Rich addresses this question from our text in 2 Corinthians 2.

Author Kay Warren recalls her visit to Rwanda not long after the horrific 1995 genocide that left 1 million dead.  She expected to find monsters there- men and women with leering menacing faces.  Instead she found people smiling, chatting, caring for their children, living life.  Upon her return she wrote, “There were no monsters in Rwanda, just people like you and me.” She writes, You might as well face the shameful truth: You and I, put in the right situation, will do absolutely anything. Given the right circumstances, I am capable of any sin.   All of mankind is broken- the beautiful image of God in each of us is distorted and marred by our sin nature.  The world offers a thousand fixes, but we find ourselves irreparable.  So the question is, “Can anything make a difference?Is there a remedy for broken souls?  In today’s message, Pastor Rich addresses this question from our text in 2 Corinthians 2

Author Kay Warren recalls her visit to Rwanda not long after the horrific 1995 genocide that left 1 million dead.  She expected to find monsters there- men and women with leering menacing faces.  Instead she found people smiling, chatting, caring for their children, living life.  Upon her return she wrote, “There were no monsters in Rwanda, just people like you and me.” She writes, You might as well face the shameful truth: You and I, put in the right situation, will do absolutely anything. Given the right circumstances, I am capable of any sin. 

You might as well face the shameful truth: You and I, put in the right situation, will do absolutely anything. Given the right circumstances, I am capable of any sin.   All of mankind is broken- the beautiful image of God in each of us is distorted and marred by our sin nature.  The world offers a thousand fixes, but we find ourselves irreparable.  So the question is, “Can anything make a difference?Is there a remedy for broken souls?  In today’s message, Pastor Rich addresses this question from our text in 2 Corinthians 2.

This is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments.  Today’s message titled The Last Word, is the final message in our series on Ecclesiastes titled Living a Good Life: Making Sense of the Journey.  Let’s listen in as rich unpacks Solomon’s final thoughts for us.

In the first chapter of Proverbs, Solomon writes that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.  It is meaningful that in his old age, he wraps up the book of Ecclesiastes with the same motto:  This is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments.  Today’s message titled The Last Word, is the final message in our series on Ecclesiastes titled Living a Good Life: Making Sense of the Journey.  Let’s listen in as rich unpacks Solomon’s final thoughts for us.

In the first chapter of Proverbs, Solomon writes that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.  It is meaningful that in his old age, he wraps up the book of Ecclesiastes with the same motto:  This is the conclusion of the matter: Fear God and keep His commandments.  Today’s message titled The Last Word, is the final message in our series on Ecclesiastes titled Living a Good Life: Making Sense of the Journey.  Let’s listen in as rich unpacks Solomon’s final thoughts for us.

In todays poetic passage, Solomon calls us to live an informed life, especially in our youth.

After this short life, we will meet our Creator, the One we were made for.

Ecclesiastes 12:1 urges us : Remember your Creator     in the days of your youth, before the days of trouble come     and the years approach when you will say,     “I find no pleasure in them” There is wisdom in living life in context of eternity, remembering the gravity of approaching death.  After this short life, we will meet our Creator, the One we were made for. 

Ecclesiastes 12:1 urges us to "Remember your Creator in the days of your youth."

You’ve Heard the expression work hard play hard.  Well, both Working and enjoying are built into life. In Ecclesiastes 11, Solomon offers us wisdom for both areas, reminding us that both must be anchored in an accurate view and submission to our Heavenly Father.

You’ve Heard the expression work hard play hard.  Well, both Working and enjoying are built into life. In Ecclesiastes 11, Solomon offers us wisdom for both areas, reminding us that both must be anchored in an accurate view and submission to our Heavenly Father.  Let's listen in.

You’ve Heard the expression work hard play hard.  Well, both Working and enjoying are built into life. In Ecclesiastes 11, Solomon offers us wisdom for both areas, reminding us that both must be anchored in an accurate view and submission to our Heavenly Father.

You’ve Heard the expression work hard play hard.  Well, both Working and enjoying are built into life God has given us. In Ecclesiastes 11, Solomon offers us wisdom for both areas, reminding us that both our work and play must be anchored in an accurate view of eternity and a submission to our Heavenly Father.

This life is a stewardship entrusted to us by our Creator.  We dare not live it out mindlessly.  Today’s passage is Ecclesiastes 10:12-20 in which Solomon calls us to discipline and grace in the way we communicate and the way we conduct our daily affairs.  Listen to Rich’s challenge to keep our eyes fixed on Jesus and the life to come so that we can do the hard things in this life.

This life is a stewardship entrusted to us by our Creator.  We dare not live it out mindlessly.  Today’s passage is Ecclesiastes 10:12-20 in which Solomon calls us to discipline and grace in the way we communicate and the way we conduct our daily affairs.

This life is a stewardship entrusted to us by our Creator.  We dare not live it out mindlessly.  Today’s passage is Ecclesiastes 10:12-20 in which Solomon calls us to discipline and grace in the way we communicate and the way we conduct our daily affairs.

We are working through a study in the book of Ecclesiastes called “Living a Good LIfe: Making Sense of the Journey”.  In the last message, we saw from Ecclesiastes 9 that, in spite of our best efforts, we are not in control of our circumstances.  But we will see today from chapter 10 that there is an advantage in life for those who live with wisdom.

In the last message, we saw from Ecclesiastes 9 that, in spite of our best efforts, we are not in control of our circumstances.  But we will see today from chapter 10 that there is an advantage in life for those who live with wisdom.  Let’s listen in.

We are working through a study in the book of Ecclesiastes called “Living a Good LIfe: Making Sense of the Journey”.  In the last message, we saw from Ecclesiastes 9 that, in spite of our best efforts, we are not in control of our circumstances.  But we will see today from chapter 10 that there is an advantage in life for those who live with wisdom.  Let’s listen in.

Life offers uncertainty. We cannot control or predict our circumstances.  Yes, much about life is unknown.  So where do we go for wisdom for how to think about and engage with life and its uncertainty? Many of the voices elevated in our culture appeal to our senses and desires, but offer foolish advice.  In this message from Ecclesiastes 9:11-18, pastor Rich reminds us that we must tune in to Jesus’ quiet words of wisdom, allowing His work on our behalf to guide our choices and attitudes.

Life offers uncertainty. We cannot control or predict our circumstances.  Yes, much about life is unknown.  So where do we go for wisdom for how to think about and engage with life and its uncertainty? Many of the voices elevated in our culture appeal to our senses and desires, but offer foolish advice.  In this message from Ecclesiastes 9:11-18, pastor Rich reminds us that we must tune in to Jesus’ quiet words of wisdom, allowing His work on our behalf to guide our choices and attitudes.

Life offers uncertainty. We cannot control or predict our circumstances.  Yes, much about life is unknown.  So where do we go for wisdom for how to think about and engage with life and its uncertainty?  Many of the voices elevated in our culture appeal to our senses and desires, but offer foolish advice.  In this message from Ecclesiastes 9:11-18, pastor Rich reminds us that we must tune in to Jesus’ quiet words of wisdom, allowing His work on our behalf to guide our choices and attitudes.

What does it look like to live it out in light of eternity? Let's listen as Rich answers this question from the text.

In this message, Pastor Rich reminds us that Whatever difference we can make for eternity happens now.  This life is a gift entrusted to us for a time.

In Ecclesiastes 9, King Solomon confronts the idea of death and offers us wisdom about how to live in a way that prepares us for death

Solomon has some key advice for us about how to enjoy life.  In this message, Pastor Rich looks at Ecclesiastes 8:14-17 to give us truths for facing the beauty and pain of life with God-honoring success. Let’s listen in.

Solomon has some key advice for us about how to enjoy life.  In this message, Pastor Rich looks at Ecclesiastes 8:14-17 to give us truths for facing the beauty and pain of life with God-honoring success.

Solomon has some key advice for us about how to enjoy life.  In this message, Pastor Rich looks at Ecclesiastes 8:14-17 to give us truths for facing the beauty and pain of life with God-honoring success.

With the presidential primaries upon us, it is a good time to ask ourselves, How does God call us to treat those put in authority over us?  How should we react in the face of injustice?  Today’s broadcast addresses these questions from Ecclesiastes 8:1-13 in this message titled Making Sense of Justice.

With the presidential primaries upon us, it is a good time to ask ourselves, How does God call us to treat those put in authority over us?  How should we react in the face of injustice? 

With the presidential primaries upon us, it is a good time to ask ourselves, How does God call us to treat those put in authority over us?

An attitude is a habit of thought nurtured by our self-talk.  So what message are we preaching to ourselves?  What is informing my attitude?  In this message, Pastor Rich walks us through a reality check on our attitudes from  Ecclesiastes 7:14-29.

An attitude is a habit of thought nurtured by our self-talk.  So what message are we preaching to ourselves?

In this time in history, we have many voices seeking claim over our heart.  But in Ecclesiastes 7, Solomon points out that this is not a new problem.  Mankind has always had to answer the question, “who will inform my beliefs on how life ought to be?”  In this message titled Making Sense of the Voices, Pastor Rich gives us some practical advice on how to discern the value and truth behind those voices.

In this time in history, we have many voices seeking claim over our heart.  But in Ecclesiastes 7, Solomon points out that this is not a new problem.  Mankind has always had to answer the question, “who will inform my beliefs on how life ought to be?”

In this time in history, we have many voices seeking claim over our heart.

In a well-known quote, Augustine tells the Lord, “you have made us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in Thee.” The created can never satisfy a heart meant for the Creator. In Ecclesiastes 6, Solomon bemoans the fact that wealth does not satisfy the soul.  In today’s message, we consider our appetite for gain as a human race, why it fails to satisfy, and what we can do about it. Let’s listen to this message titled, “Making Sense of Your Appetites."

In a well-known quote, Augustine tells the Lord, “you have made us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in Thee.” The created can never satisfy a heart meant for the Creator. In Ecclesiastes 6, Solomon bemoans the fact that wealth does not satisfy the soul.

In a well-known quote, Augustine tells the Lord, “you have made us for Yourself, and our hearts are restless till they find their rest in Thee.” The created can never satisfy a heart meant for the Creator.

What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?  The book of Mark reminds us that we can be wildly successful in things that, once we have them, turn out to be utterly meaningless.  Are we striving for the wrong goals, all the while neglecting true and lasting success?  Today, Pastor Rich shares 7 ways we mis-define success and 7 guiding truths from Ecclesiastes 5 to help us realize our true purpose before God. 

What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? The book of Mark reminds us that we can be wildly successful in things that, once we have them, turn out to be utterly meaningless.

What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul?

Pastor Rich answers our questions about worship from Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

Did God require a different kind of worship in the Old Testament than in the New?  What does true worship look like?  What does it mean to worship God?  And what foolish pitfalls must we watch for as we cultivate a rhythm of worship? 

Did God require a different kind of worship in the Old Testament than in the New?  What does true worship look like?

We all have a God-given drive for success, but who is defining what success really means?  What is our ambition rooted in?  Today, Pastor Rich unpacks Ecclesiastes 4 and helps us see the difference between the way the world thinks about success, a self-preeminent striving to achieve and God’s design for success under His purpose and community.  Let’s listen in.

We all have a God-given drive for success, but who is defining what success really means? What is our ambition rooted in?

We all have a God-given drive for success, but who is defining what success really means?  What is our ambition rooted in?

As image bearers of our great God, we are hardwired for justice, yet injustice often seems to reign all around us.  It is not surprising to read Solomon’s frustration in Ecclesiastes 3  over the abundance of injustice.  He also grieves that men have no more power to avoid death than the beasts in the wild.  Life under the sun without the self-disclosure from our good Father would leave our hearts to despair over the pain and injustice of this life.  But God gives us Himself and the beautiful truths from His word change everything.  Let’s listen in.

As image bearers of our great God, we are hardwired for justice, yet injustice often seems to reign all around us.  It is not surprising to read Solomon’s frustration in Ecclesiastes 3  over the abundance of injustice.

As image bearers of our great God, we are hardwired for justice, yet injustice often seems to reign all around us.  It is not surprising to read Solomon’s frustration in Ecclesiastes 3  over the abundance of injustice.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 makes it clear who orders our life.  God is Master of life and gives life to us as a gift to be well-stewarded.  How do I turn control of my life over to the Master of my life? This message continues the series on Ecclesiastes titled Living a Good Life: Making Sense of the Journey.  It was first preached on March 18th, 2018 at Grace Bible Church in Winston Salem. Listen in with us as Pastor Rich describes the Master’s purpose in life and our beautiful role within that purpose.

If we could see the end from the beginning and understand how God is weaving together billions of lives in a tapestry of grace for His glory, we would be God. So how do we make sense of what God is doing in this moment, in this time? Listen as Pastor Rich describes how we make sense of the journey.

 Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 makes it clear who orders our life.  God is Master of life and gives life to us as a gift to be well-stewarded.  How do I turn control of my life over to the Master of my life? This message continues the series on Ecclesiastes titled Living a Good Life: Making Sense of the Journey.

King Solomon found his ambition, efforts, and accomplishments to be grasping at wind.  Even the noble call of pursuing wisdom came up short when he realized that, for all his efforts, he would die just like the fool who shunned instruction.  There would be no difference.  What then makes life purposeful?  And how do we pursue meaning in this life that will carry us through eternity?

For all his efforts, Solomon realized he would die just like the fool who shunned instruction. There would be no difference. What then makes life purposeful?

King Solomon found his ambition, efforts, and accomplishments to be grasping at wind.  Even the noble call of pursuing wisdom came up short when he realized that, for all his efforts, he would die just like the fool who shunned instruction.

In Ecclesiastes 2, Solomon says that he denied his heart no pleasure.  The result? Nothing was gained.  It was a chasing after wind.  Pleasure is a poor substitute for our hearts greatest need.  As Blaise Pascal said, this infinite abyss can only be filled with an infinite and immutable object; in other words, God Himself.

In Ecclesiastes 2, Solomon says that he denied his heart no pleasure.  The result? Nothing was gained.  It was a chasing after wind.  Pleasure is a poor substitute for our hearts greatest need. 

In Ecclesiastes 2, Solomon says that he denied his heart no pleasure.  The result? Nothing was gained.  It was a chasing after wind.  Pleasure is a poor substitute for our hearts greatest need. 

In his book Living Life Backward, David Gibson says that keeping the end in view “can change us from people who want to control life for gain into people who find deep joy in receiving life as a gift.”   We were designed for God.  If we try to find our identity and satisfaction in God’s stuff instead of in God Himself, we will always be left unsatisfied. Thank you for joining us in this series on Ecclesiastes titled Living a Good Life: Making Sense of the Journey.  This message unpacks chapter 1 verses 12-18.  Let’s listen in.

In his book Living Life Backward, David Gibson says that keeping the end in view “can change us from people who want to control life for gain into people who find deep joy in receiving life as a gift.”   We were designed for God.  If we try to find our identity and satisfaction in God’s stuff instead of in God Himself, we will always be left unsatisfied. Thank you for joining us in this series on Ecclesiastes titled Living a Good Life: Making Sense of the Journey.  This message unpacks chapter 1 verses 12-18.

In his book Living Life Backward, David Gibson says that keeping the end in view “can change us from people who want to control life for gain into people who find deep joy in receiving life as a gift.”   We were designed for God.  If we try to find our identity and satisfaction in God’s stuff instead of in God Himself, we will always be left unsatisfied. Thank you for joining us in this series on Ecclesiastes titled Living a Good Life: Making Sense of the Journey.  This message unpacks chapter 1 verses 12-18

In his book Living Life Backward, David Gibson says that keeping the end in view “can change us from people who want to control life for gain into people who find deep joy in receiving life as a gift.”   We were designed for God.  If we try to find our identity and satisfaction in God’s stuff instead of in God Himself, we will always be left unsatisfied.

The first eleven verses of Ecclesiastes are anything but encouraging, pointing out life’s brevity and boredom, its instability and inability to satisfy.  This is a picture of life under the sun-life when we seek purpose without Christ.

Today we continue a series on the book of Ecclesiastes titled Living a Good Life: Making Sense of the Journey.  In his latter years, King Solomon reflects on the meaninglessness of life under the sun

Making sense of the Journey

This message titled The God of Peace Makes You Complete, is the final sermon in this series on the book of Hebrews.  In Hebrews 13:18-25, the author asks God’s people to pray for faithfulness and fellowship in his own life and ministry.  He also offers up a prayer on their behalf- for peace and God’s power in their lives.

This message titled The God of Peace Makes You Complete, is the final sermon in this series on the book of Hebrews.

In this message titled, Bold Salt, Pastor Rich shows the character qualities of Christ lived out in us. Let’s listen in.

As we sit at the feet of Jesus in full surrender, we will start to look like Jesus.

A genuine, healthy walk with God is going to manifest itself in transformed attitudes and practices.

The passage from Hebrews 12:25-29 offers us a glimpse of our glorious God, calling us to experience the awe of encountering the One whose voice causes the earth to shake, a consuming fire.  Verse 25 warns us not to refuse him who is speaking. Sometimes we need to check in and ask ourselves, “am I really listening? Am I embracing what God says about Himself, allowing the truths to penetrate my heart?”  Today, Pastor Rich addresses this question in the message titled “How I Know You’re Really Listening”.

Verse 25 warns us not to refuse him who is speaking. Sometimes we need to check in and ask ourselves, “am I really listening? Am I embracing what God says about Himself, allowing the truths to penetrate my heart?”

The passage from Hebrews 12:25-29 offers us a glimpse of our glorious God, calling us to experience the awe of encountering the One whose voice causes the earth to shake, a consuming fire. 

Hebrews 12:12 cheers us on, calling us to “Lift our drooping hands and strengthen our weak knees” in the middle of difficulty. If we are in Christ, then we belong to our good Father God. When we remember whose we are and the home we are heading to, we can endure with joy and patience. In today’s message, Pastor Rich unpacks the encouragement in Hebrews 12:12-24, reminding us to keep walking ahead with the end in view.

Hebrews 12:12 cheers us on, calling us to “Lift our drooping hands and strengthen our weak knees” in the middle of difficulty.  If we are in Christ, then we belong to our good Father God.  When we remember whose we are and the home we are heading to, we can endure with joy and patience.

Hebrews 12:12 cheers us on, calling us to “Lift our drooping hands and strengthen our weak knees” in the middle of difficulty.  If we are in Christ, then we belong to our good Father God.

A good parent does not immediately satisfy a child’s every want and whim because a good parent is concerned for that child’s character, future, and heart attitude.  Through Christ, God claims us as His own children.  Because of this, God is concerned with far more than our immediate comfort and pleasure.  Yes, God uses the challenges of this world to train up His children.  Hebrews 12:11 tells us that our Father’s loving discipline yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.   In today’s message, Pastor Rich unpacks the meaning of our Father’s discipline, why we need it, and how God uses hardship in our lives.  Let’s listen in now.

A good parent does not immediately satisfy a child’s every want and whim because a good parent is concerned for that child’s character, future, and heart attitude.  Through Christ, God claims us as His own children.  Because of this, God is concerned with far more than our immediate comfort and pleasure.  Yes, God uses the challenges of this world to train up His children.  Hebrews 12:11 tells us that our Father’s loving discipline yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.

A good parent does not immediately satisfy a child’s every want and whim because a good parent is concerned for that child’s character, future, and heart attitude.

Human history is a record of brokenness, oppression, conflict, and corruption.  How we long for peace and justice, even as we see the violence and instability raging in our world today.  The good news is that the Great Ruler Jesus will one day soon set up his reign.  The government that He sets up will bring peace and justice as no earthly government has ever been able to do.  While we wait for that sure and beautiful day, we can surrender our hearts to the Prince of Peace Himself and live life remembering what He has promised to do.

How we long for justice, even as we see the violence and instability raging in our world today.  The good news is that the Great Ruler Jesus will one day soon set up his reign.  The government that He sets up will bring peace and justice as no earthly government has ever been able to do.

Human history is a record of brokenness, oppression, conflict, and corruption.  How we long for peace and justice, even as we see the violence and instability raging in our world today.  The good news is that the Great Ruler Jesus will one day soon set up his reign.

Pastor Rich unpacks Isaiah 9:6, showing us Isaiah’s description of the kind of Savior that would come.  What a wonderful Savior He is.

Christmas marks the great invasion- God breaking into enemy-occupied territory to rescue the enslaved race of man. Isaiah 9 tells us that Jesus would shine light upon the people who walk in darkness.  This dark world is desperate for a Savior.  Pastor Rich unpacks Isaiah 9:6, showing us Isaiah’s description of the kind of Savior that would come.

Christmas marks the great invasion- God breaking into enemy-occupied territory to rescue the enslaved race of man.

An attitude is simply a habit of thought. Our attitudes can either sabotage or aid us in our love for God. This message is from 1 Peter 1:14.

An attitude is simply a habit of thought. Our attitudes can either sabotage or aid us in our love for God. This message is from 1 Peter 1:14.

After becoming the one and final sacrifice for sin and conquering death, Jesus sits down at the right hand of God the Father.

Jesus endured the torture and humiliation of the cross.  The Great Commander, with a host of angel armies at his call, bore it all with patient endurance.  Why?  Hebrews 12:2 tells us that He endured it for the joy that was set before Him.  He aligned His will with the Father’s to bring many people to Himself and to bring His Father glory.   John MacArthur said that Only what was at the end of the race could have motivated Jesus to leave what He did and endure what He did.  Today Pastor Rich continues this series on Hebrews, unpacking Hebrews 12:2.

Hebrews 12:2 tells us that He endured it for the joy that was set before Him. He aligned His will with the Father’s to bring many people to Himself and to bring His Father glory.

Jesus endured the torture and humiliation of the cross.  The Great Commander, with a host of angel armies at his call, bore it all with patient endurance.  Why?

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.