Some may conclude, “If 1 Samuel was a movie, King David would be the main character.” But I don’t think so. I believe God is the main character, manifesting Himself in the lives of people. Certainly, you’ve heard of King David, and perhaps, Saul Jonathan or Abagail. But have you heard of Ichabod, Agag, Doeg, Achish, Nabal and many others? These are different lives, but they all encounter the same unchanging God.
13 sermons covered a variety of topics. Love, faithfulness, humility, rest, worship, dependence. What else could be said of Christlikeness, of living like Christ? We close the series by exploring the idea that to live like Christ is to acknowledge that you are a member of his kingdom, and that he is the unchanging king.
What you think about God regulates your “worldview”- your morals, your thoughts toward others, current behavior, and most importantly, your future. A few of us discuss a survey, “The State of Theology,” given to Evangelical Christians.
We all want to be faithful. But left to our own efforts, we often grow weary and discouraged. Faithfulness is a fruit of the Spirit taught to us by God. Let’s explore the subject as we conclude our series on Christlikeness.
Whether you are a new Christian or a seasoned saint, temptation is never too far away. Jesus was tempted, and you will be also. But temptation is designed for your growth, to make you more like Jesus.
Jesus displays his immense love for us in four distinct ways in the story of the resurrection of Lazarus. His affection for Mary, Martha, Lazarus, and his disciples are distinct and give compelling insight into the love of God.
Pure-hearted worship, birthed from a holy fear of God, fosters life for individuals and nations. If we desire to live like Jesus, then let’s understand its significance.
Faithfulness, like patience, remains unseen until it’s brought to its end. Only after being brought to the depths of discouragement does faithfulness shine, and the strength of God maintains us.
Have you ever wondered what humbleness is? Why is it so important? What effect does it have on us and others? How do we become more humble? In this message, we will see how Christ displayed true humility unlike the world had ever known, and different than the world defines it now. We should desire to develop humility as it paves the way for us to be like Christ in His other character traits. By following His lead we will develop a foundational character quality that He has always possessed and that we so often overlook.
esus taught simple truth, and His disciples were simple men. But “simple” does not mean, “ignorant, ill-equipped or unimaginative.” They lived their lives free of the clutter and encumbrances of the world.
Jesus said, “Come unto Me all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Could Jesus rest in the middle of a storm? Sounds impossible, but it’s true.
Throughout all of human history, no one changed the world more than the disciples of Jesus. Their influences, however, were not due to who they were, but Who they were with. They were CHRISTLIKE- They emulated Jesus.
Paul closes his opus by remembering many small acts of kindness from his friends. This focus on the actions of people serves as a fitting end to his book on theology. Hear the importance of people, unity, and the strength of Christ.
The Apostle Paul had a plan. I have a plan. I think we all make plans for our future. But plans change, too. Why? Various reasons. But in our changing world, we can be assured, “A man’s heart plans his ways but the LORD directs his steps.” Come this Sunday and let’s glean from the life of Paul and his example of God’s divine guidance.
Satan torments people; chains them in dark places, and leaves them hopeless. But we bear the light of hope; the gospel of forgiveness and the saving grace of Jesus. Our message reflects our titles, “Ambassadors of Hope.”
We were so blessed to have, theologian and apologist, Finney Premkumar speak to us on Sunday. It was a powerful message of Christ’s love, influence and transformation.
Trouble is no stranger to a thriving church. Forces of darkness attempt to stumble, mislead or distract believers. But as we discover in Romans 14, Paul nurtures the unity of the faith on unshakable foundations.
Romans 13 began by giving us vertical advice and telling us how to live under the authority of God appointed leaders, and ends by giving us horizontal advice by telling us how to fulfill the law by loving one another, walking properly, and wearing the attributes of Jesus himself.
Life is full of challenges. But for the Christian, there is the hope of knowing he is not alone. God helps him in his “mortal body,” and more, fills Him with Resurrection Life.
One definition of, “Passion” is, “Suffer, or to have sorrow.” Jesus is our Comforter and further, our Example when it comes to the sorrows of life. Pastor Tom drives into Passion Week, the Character of Jesus and the model we are to follow.
A look at the authority of God reveals that God has, is, and always will be in perfect control of the affairs of his beloved children.Eric explores this idea throughout the old and new testaments, and conclude that God wants what is best for us after all.
The world is full of evil, you agree? But evil fades in the presence of good, just as darkness fades in the presence of light. “Being about your Father’s business,” is letting your light shine in dark places.
The person placed in the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is the most revered soldier in America. He had to meet three requirements: He was militarily trained. He gave his life in battle. He never made a name for himself. Sounds like a lot of Christians I’ve known.
God keeps many things a mystery, but one thing He makes crystal clear- His unlimited mercy upon all those with humble, contrite hearts. Pastor Tom explores the “Mercy Mystery” and concludes Romans 11.
Old branches find new roots as a remnant of the faithful are predetermined for salvation and sanctification. A throwback story of a hairy hero at his lowest moment, and the integration of the Gentile world into the faith of Christ.
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the English language is made up of 171,146 different words, and the use of words can bring forth death or life; evil things and good treasure. Romans 10 speaks of the “Good Treasure”.
God works all things for “the good,” or some say, “our good.” But what is the good he works all things for? Why would He alter realities to make them turn out good for us? If “God works everything out” why do so many things not seem very worked out? So what does this passage truly mean anyway? Tyson Vincent will share key parts of his testimony and draw from truths in this beautifully mysterious and challenging, sometimes unbelievable, other times offensive, but often quoted passage.
The natural default of man is to go the way of his own self-destruction, but God, Who is rich in mercy, plants the seeds of revival to turn him back to his Creator. Simple faith in the power of the Gospel keeps a man in perfect peace as he contemplates the future.
God draws people to Himself, but sometimes those whom He draws don’t look or act the way we think they should. If God was to bring revival, would we be ready to receive the broken and disenfranchised of this world? Paul speaks wisdom to his fellow Jews that needs to be heard today.
God uses His church to repair the lives of those breached and broken by this world. As a body of believers, we introduce people to Jesus and watch Him restore what has been broken down. With unity, purpose and focus, let’s ponder our mission as we consider the fruit of 2022 and the vision for 2023.
Perhaps the most hotly contested, apparently complicated topic in the Bible can actually be viewed as a simple choice. Romans 9 offers an earth shattering, simple question for Christians at any point in their faith. Come Sunday to hear that The Past is irrelevant, The present is important, and The future is determined.
Greek philosopher, Epictetus once said, “You become what you give your attention to.” There exists no greater way to improve your life and the lives of those around you than to give your full attention to Jesus.
Traditionally, many Americans begin a new year with a resolution, a promise, if kept, helps them live a better life. Are you planning to make a “New Year’s Resolution”? Do you want some counsel from Scripture?
Our Kiwi missionary friends from New Zealand, Todd Funk and Donna Funk, will be with us Sunday. Join us and hear both what God is doing in New Zealand and a word of encouragement for the church family.
Jesus was the ultimate outsider. He came against popular people and ideas, and ultimately, was crucified for it. Jesus also taught, “If they persecute Me, they will also persecute you.” Are you okay with that?
The Holy Spirit brings light to a dark world. The Holy Spirit uses you to do it. Ordinary people make the difference between life from death; good from evil, or freedom from bondage. It’s the work of the Holy Spirit Who works through you to bless the world around you.
The principal role of the Holy Spirit is the conform us into the image of Christ. Obviously, it’s a process, and as long as you belong to Christ, the process is ongoing! The process is easier for some, and harder for others. What’s the difference?
The law is explained as a tool to clarify right living, and a tool to define spiritual health. When the law exposes our sin Paul asks: Who can deliver me?, not What can deliver me.
We are all slaves to something, but to what or to whom, determines our true freedom. Paul encourages us to, “Stand fast, therefore, in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.” (Galatians 5:1)
Do you know the difference between “Justification” and “Sanctification”? One sets you free from the penalty of sin and the other from the power of sin. With one, sin is pardoned; with the other, sin is subdued. One has everything to do with salvation, and the other with discipleship.
A beautiful argument unfolds that builds upon justification by grace through faith. The next level of growth goes through hardship into joy, from wrath into complete reconciliation.
“What good is unanswered prayer?” Much in every way, but the flesh never likes waiting. Could it be that the benefits of today’s waiting are far greater than tomorrow’s answered prayer?
“Paul’s a poor communicator!” some thought. “His letters are weighty… and his speech contemptible” (2 Corinthians 10:10). But his critics failed to recognize that TRUTH can be weighty and contemptible. Paul is the king of the run-on sentence, but he’s also the champion of Truth! Some believe this single run-on sentence is perhaps the greatest sentence ever written. Come find out why this Sunday as Pastor Tom continues through the Book of Romans.
We are being transformed into God's image through His Spirit and the relationship we have with Him, so that we boldly represent Him to the world as we offer newer, better news through the New Covenant.
Everyone makes mistakes; says something he shouldn’t or in anger, reacts and later regrets it. And everyone who calls himself a Christian practices forgiveness. We offer second chances, don’t we? We release wrongdoers from guilt and help redirect their lives with mercy and grace.
God is our Creator, Maker and Maintainer of both life and faith. As such, what is His final goal for us? According to Paul, it’s “being transformed into the same image...” So, what does that look like?
A mountaintop experience for the ages. An aging father is tested with the ultimate show of faith. A loving God dreams of a future better than our best dreams.
The blind man… No one could have been worse off! He lived without sight, without family, community or mercy, and worst of all- He lived without HOPE. But then, Jesus came along and changed everything! So many people live blind, but redemption is only a decision away!
According to this proverb, everyone makes mistakes, even “righteous men”. Blunders and miscalculations are a part of life, and sometimes one-right-after the other! But the process is the Master Craftsman’s way of molding us according to His Divine design.
“Wisdom.” King David is quoted by Solomon, defining wisdom as, “the principal thing”, meaning, “Foundational, something by which all else rests steadfast; essential and absolutely necessary to help us navigate through life. How do I get wisdom? How will it benefit me, and why does God put such priority on it?
“You are the Potter; I am the clay…”. These are the lyrics to a modern Christian song that speak of God as our Master Craftsman. As the clay, no one minds the Father remaking him, but before that can happen, clay has to be crushed… and no one likes that!
Thirteenth-century Theologian, Thomas Aquinas, challenged himself with three questions: What is my purpose? How am I to succeed? Why was I born at this time in history? We are born not knowing the answers to these questions, but we are born to know our Creator. And the closer we are to God, the more we come to know the answers to all of life’s questions.
Paul walks the reader through the old testament, laying out a perfect case for the total depravity of man. Paul explains the power of the law to make clear the knowledge of sin.
When God speaks, Light overcomes darkness; order prevails over chaos and peace takes the place of fear. As it was at Creation itself, so it is today with every human soul who seeks his Creator. God speaks and reveals Himself, and His love conquers all of life’s fears.
A battle rages over the hearts and minds of our children today. Public schools, the entertainment industry and politics, together, undermine the traditional values that have protected our children. But nothing is more powerful than a mother’s influence! Mothers, take courage, as we look into the Scriptures and explore the God-induced power of “Mom”.
Paul writes, “…The goodness of God leads us to repentance.” But not enablement! What’s the difference? Come find out as Pastor Tom breaks down Romans 2:1-11.
Years ago, NBC ran a public broadcast entitled, “The More You Know”. Remember it? It promoted education with an assumption, “The more you know, the better off you are!” Generally, most would agree with that, but it all depends on what you want to know! Come listen to the knowledge that lured the Romans in the 1 st Century, and how it’s not much different from what lures us today.
No matter how bad you might think the world is today; no matter the burdens you carry, the uncertainty you undergo or pain you suffer, Christ’s Resurrection triumphs over it all with the assurance that God is with you, and your best days are yet to come.
The crowd rejoiced over the king of Israel, but Jesus wept over Jerusalem because they knew not the time of His visitation. They were looking for what was never meant to exist and missed something far greater, the prince of Peace, King of Kings.
A study on general and special revelation that leaves none with an excuse for ignoring the supremacy of their creator. The wrath of God is revealed. An exchange of glory for misery.
“The just shall live by faith.” This short, little sentence spoke powerfully to people in Hubakkuk’s day; it spoke powerfully to people in Paul’s day, and it will speak powerfully to us in our day!
Anxiety, chronic sadness, fear or anger can result from a world addicted to “bad news”. The messages of today invade the peace of even the strongest Christian. However, Paul models a Christlike mindset to the Romans that allows us to rise above the trauma of today’s world.
One of the greatest missionaries, Paul, appeals to the church by Christ Himself and by the love they have because of the Holy Spirit to pray for him, that words may be given to him so that he will fearlessly make known the mystery of the gospel and also for his deliverance. Paul believed that prayer was effective, powerful, and necessary.
Are you feeling underwater and overwhelmed by uncontrollable forces in life? Would it surprise you to know that Paul’s greatest accomplishments, including the writing of Romans, occurred when he felt the most inadequate? Let’s explore the man behind the letter and make sense as to why God allows us to be the most overwhelmed at the most inconvenient times.
Welcome Autumn and Richard Acheampong from City of Refuge Ministries Ghana! City of Refuge Ministries exists to provide holistic restoration for children who have been liberated from exploitation, abuse, or trafficking.
No other force in history can unify a disparate church like the supremely powerful Jesus Christ. Paul must lay a bedrock foundation In order for the rich theology to follow. He begins with the best point, the only point that truly matters, and opens his theological treatise with the idea that Jesus Christ is the only name, and that there is no other name under heaven by which mankind can be saved.
The Book of Romans was written during a pivotal moment in the Early Church. Only a miracle would save the Church from disappearing entirely. But Jesus said, “I will build My church and the gates of hell would not prevail against it.” Jesus is still building, right? And as it was in the Early Church, today Romans continues to be foundational for our personal faith, and further, for the advancement of the Body of Christ.
In a world of increasing threats and worldly pressure, this is God’s description of His people. Throughout 2021, Heritage has been no stranger to threats and worldly pressure, but have we lived up to the prophet’s description? We will recap 2021 and look at our vision for 2022.
The Hallmark word of 2022 is, “Simplicity”. Routinely, Jesus took what was confusing and complex and made it simple to understand. In fact, that’s the hallmark of a great teacher.
The birth of Solomon was surrounded by a deep series of sins, but deeper repentance and forgiveness. God showcased his long-suffering and redeeming power in the story of David and Bathsheba. The death of a child and accompanying grief left the couple in a moment of crisis - where do they go from here? This message will highlight David’s complete repentance, God’s total forgiveness, and the roadmap to joyful living
What’s the difference between a “good” church and a “great” church? What’s the difference between a good Christian and a great Christian? Most believers would have a lot to say about that. Whole books and ministries are dedicated to the subject. So, how would you answer? The Apostle Paul answers both questions with one simple word.
The birth of the Messiah triggered an international event. This message will dispel common myths about the “three” wise men and explain the purpose of the gifts given. Listeners will come away with an appreciation for the significance of the arrival of the messiah as a prophet, priest, and King.
The LORD said, "I myself will search for my sheep and look after them. As a shepherd looks after his scattered flock when he is with them, so will I look after my sheep."
Why does living and working for the Lord matter now? How will we be rewarded? What will heaven look like? Will we work and have purpose in heaven? What will we look like? Will we know each other? What kind of relationships will we have?
God has future plans for His Church. So, what will heaven be like for us? Will we recognize places and people? Will heaven have any similarities to our present world? Will we have a purpose? What will we be like?
Are we nearing the Last Days? Will we face persecution? I’m not so worried about myself, but what about our children? How will God care for His Church? Let’s explore the Scripture and understand God’s love and care for His people, especially in the Last Days.
[This world is a broken place] “Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips, giving thanks to His name.” Hebrews 13:15 The Bible is full of incredible miracles that often took place during dark moments. And the darker the moment, the greater the miracle. Great moments and great miracles follow those who put their trust in God.
Ask yourself, “How is my definition and priority of worship different from God’s definition and priority of worship?” Jesus said, “True worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and in Truth.” What exactly does that mean? How pleasing to God is my worship now?
Empty works, no matter how diligent, will not result in a thriving relationship with Jesus. A thriving relationship with Jesus is the result of the narrow way, and a focus on one’s own faults. The church is a collection of individual relationships with Jesus, joined together in unity.
As every good parent delights in the growth of his child, so God delights in your growth. Growth, however, occurs in the rich soils of relationship. Who is God using to cause growth in you?
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