Jesus says that on judgment day, we will be give an account for every careless word we speak (Matthew 12:33-37). But why do such small and mundane and everyday things like words have so much gravity to God? In the wisdom of the New Testament Proverbs given by James, we find that words have far-reaching, even eternal consequences, beyond what we could ever imagine. Words become self-fulfilling prophecies. We speak them and then they speak over us. If only we could take them back and filter them! If only we had a heart that overflowed with, well, God's words!
Are we saved by faith or by works? Brilliant minds wrestle with the question. But the answer involves less brilliance and more simplicity. Come get answers this Sunday.
God’s royal law is a law of freedom reflected in mercy. Does that describe you? Let’s explore God’s truth this Sunday with special guest, Dr. Jim Masteller.
Throughout history elitism has caused countless wars and barrels of bloodshed. But it’s particularly dangerous when it makes its way into church. Let’s look at elitism through the lens of James who also gave us the antidote for this dreaded condition of the soul.
Read that verse again. The “law of liberty” seems to be an oxymoron. “Law” restricts and “Liberty” sets free. However, without God, the liberty to self-destruct is a reality. But he who listens to God will be blessed in what he does. Let’s explore the Scripture this Sunday and extract the treasures of true liberty.
The Father of Lights is the unquenchable Source of all that is good, honorable, wholesome, virtuous and reliable, and He raises up ordinary people like you and me to represent all that He is in a darkened world all around us.
Temptations is nothing new. It goes back to the Garden of Eden. Joseph, Sampson, Solomon, David, even Jesus was tempted, and you will be, too. Martin Luther wrote about temptation: “You can’t keep birds from flying over your head, but you can keep them from building nests in your hair.” James gives us a fresh look at temptation and a way to escape its lure. Let’s study James together and develop a solid strategy.
Two brothers in Christ stroll through a wooded area together, and one looks around and says, “God is good.” The other answers, “All the time.” Then, in harmony they respond, “And all the time, God is good.” So true! God displays His goodness everywhere. Come to our Vision Sunday, and let’s muse together on God’s “Covenant of Goodness” for 2025-2026.
No one wants trials. But everyone wants gold! The verse above states the very thing we lest want is the means of getting what we want most! Gold? Not really. But I really want to be Christlike. However, Christlikeness has a price, and God richly supplies all we need to pay the bill. So, let’s be encouraged this Sunday as we study this section of Holy Scripture.
Everyday Faith From the Book of James - An Introduction
Who was James? Was he the brother of Jesus? And why did he write the Book of James? Does the Book of Acts or Church History give us any clues? And equally as important, what relevance does James have in our 21st Century?
How should we approach a new year? Some make resolutions, some start cleaning, others start buying for the next year. Most of us dread going back to the grindstone or the same old ways of life. But what if we could do so with a new way of looking at our place in life? What if we could approach our work, our family, our ministry, our web of relationships, all of our domain with a new sense of mission and purpose? In this short passage we will see how we can adopt Jesus' mission statement no matter our life situation and imbue it with new meaning and power from the same Spirit that worked in Him.
We can't wait to gather together in worship on Sunday as our very own Tyrone shares a powerful message "Hope that is Renewed." We'll journey through the life of Elijah – from the depths of hopelessness to experiencing God's incredible miracles and unwavering faithfulness. If you've ever felt discouraged or in need of fresh hope, this is for you. God is still in the business of turning despair into miracles!
We are fond of the Christmas story and the rich heritage surrounding it. But what will most-certainly change over the years, and what will never change about Christmas? Let’s explore those details together.
We were so blessed to welcome Todd & Donna Funk! In 2004, Todd, Donna, and their daughters Alixx & Nikki left the comfort of their teaching careers in the USA and moved halfway across the world to New Zealand… simply because they said “Yes” to God’s call. Since then, God has flung doors wide open! They’ve preached, taught, and trained believers in the USA, New Zealand, Ukraine, Australia, the Pacific Islands, and beyond. Hear their incredible story of obedience, adventure, and Kingdom impact.
Heritage Kids take the stage to present: “A Christmas to Believe In” This heartfelt children’s Christmas play follows characters who start out skeptical about the miracle of Jesus’ birth… and discover the life-changing truth of the Nativity when they simply open their hearts to learn more. Through beautiful performances, laughter, and wonder, our kids and adults alike will be reminded what it really means to believe in Christmas.
We’ve explored the Book of Hebrews for 26 weeks. Like buried treasure, the subject matter has been deep and rich. But something very fundamental lies right on the surface. Come see!
Someone once told me, “To understand the nature of God is to understand everything else important in life.” Wisdom, knowledge and understanding are the fruits of a deep relationship with God. Come this Sunday as we begin to close our study of the Book of Hebrews, and deepen your relationship with your Creator.
We are honored to welcome Dr. Jim Masteller as our special guest speaker! He has served as an Army Chaplain for 20 years, a pastor for 9 years and has been the founder and director of CIFT for more than 20 years. He currently continues to provide oversight to CIFT and is part of the leadership team for a church plant and serves on the Board for Overseas Missionary Fellowship International. Come hear timeless wisdom from this Godly man whose life has been poured out in service to Christ and others.
The greatness of a runner is not in how he begins a race, but how he finishes. Paul writes, “Let us run in such a way that we might win” (1 Corinthians 9:24). God certainly sets the course of our lives, however, we are to run the race with the durability to finish well. Does Hebrews 12 give us any suggestions? Come find out this Sunday.
We are all given a race to run. The good news is, God is our Personal Trainer. It’s not a sprint. It’s a marathon full of obstacles, snares and many hindrances. And although the way is narrow and difficult, there’s more good news! God has set the course and designs us to finish it well. Are you ready to run?
We are born with five senses- to hear, see, smell, taste and touch. They help us make correct decisions. However, is faith a sixth sense? As Pastor Eric pointed out last week, faith also fits the category! Come hear why as we conclude Hebrews 11.
Every great sport has a Hall of Fame. Christianity is no different. Hebrews chapter 11 gives us a thrilling series of examples of faith. However, no one should look up to their heroes more than the ultimate hero Jesus Christ. Sunday will be a lesson on faith, works, and aiming your eyes towards the ultimate prize, which is Jesus Christ.
Would you trust a Bible teacher who only teaches God’s goodness, and never His judgment? The writer of Hebrews is faithful to address both. So will we. Come this Sunday.
Why am I a Christian? Honestly, it’s because I’m a little selfish. Well, maybe a lot selfish to hold fast to the good things God promises to those who love Him. The vibe of Hebrews 10 speaks to the blessings that come from following Jesus.
In the ultimate ‘if this, then that” statement, Hebrews 9:15 begins with a powerful “Therefore.” Because Jesus offered the ultimate sacrifice, he is positioned to offer the ultimate reward to those who seek him. The Book of Hebrews hinges on the supremacy of Jesus Christ, and this passage offers the most precise explanation of the redeeming power of Christ. Come Sunday to hear what a vs 15 “therefore” is there for, and to be offered the hope of the second coming of the Great Mediator.
From the garden of Eden, to the tabernacle, to the temple, to the cross, there has been a need for blood to cover sin. The Bible tells a beautiful story of redemption several thousand years long, which foreshadows a perfect sacrifice. At long last, Jesus spilled blood that needs no more foreshadowing. Come Sunday to hear the story of your redemption, your purchase, because you were expensive and worth buying.
We live in a world regulated by legal, political and social covenants. All three bring people together. But all three are different than “a Better Covenant” offered by Jesus. What is the nature of God’s covenant and why is it important in my day-to-day life?
Hebrews tells us that all men, including Abraham, Moses, the high priests, and even the Tabernacle were nothing more than “copies and shadows” of our LORD JESUS. Pastor Tom will take this theme and share three lessons learned over 55 years of being a Christ follower.
Looking back over 55 years of following Jesus, He often waits to the last minute to answer my prayers; silent when I plead for guidance, or invisible when I need Him the most, but in the end, God remains incredibly faithful! He saves to the uttermost! Come search the Scripture on this aspect of God’s character as we explore Hebrews 7.
A call to action and a call to hope. The author of Hebrews calls the hearer to action and to receive mature truths, then turn them into patient, living hope. This Sunday will encourage hearers to receive the blessings of God and turn them into steadfast action.
As parents, we insist our children grow. God insists that we grow, too. But growth can be painful. Perhaps that’s why we have all seen kids in adult bodies acting like spoiled children. Let’s explore God’s plan for spiritual growth together.
Some seek the praises of men, especially if it involved public accolades, their names in lights and perhaps a ticker-tape parade in their honor. But the Scripture speaks of an honor that no one wants- an honor recognized by God and embraced by Jesus. Let’s explore it together this Sunday.
God loves “The Secret Place,” a unique, one-of-a-kind place carved out for just you and God. Hebrews calls it the place of rest, but whatever we call it, this “place” is only a means to an even-greater end. Let’s find out what, this Sunday.
In a world of unrelenting information, God promises a sweet release from the barrage of noise. Christianity offers rest, true rest for those willing to believe in the promises of his goodness and act on it. This Sunday will explore a beautiful story of a patient God, waiting for his wayward children to enter the rest they were born for.
Many Christians grow stronger in the LORD as each day passes, while others are so quick to lose their grip on God, backslide or settle for various levels of compromise. What’s the difference? Let’s explore Hebrews 3 for solid answers and encouragement to stay resilient in God.
Jesus was fully God, but did He ever stub His toe? Let’s continue the study from last week, exploring how Jesus became the perfect Savior, being fully Divine, yet cloaked in full humanity, and the benefit there is to us.
The author of Hebrews confronts a pressing issue of their day directly by clarifying that Jesus was fully human and mysteriously fully divine. This Sunday the divine nature of Christ, the ruling nature of man, and essential nature of angels will be explored through the eyes of the Hebrews.
ome are tempted to break all ties with Christ in one intentional decision. But for most of us, the temptation comes slowly and unintentionally, one small step at a time. Looking back at how we sometimes drift, it almost seems like it all happens in slow motion. But one thing is for sure: not planning to anchor down to Christ is a plan to drift away from Him. What are the signs that we might be drifting? How could we know for sure that we are drifting? And what specific reasons does God's word give us for not drifting? Let's see in this week's scripture from Hebrews 2.
A spirit of Antichrist looms in our world, transcendent across race, culture, ancestry, geography or era. Its invisible presence produces quantitative destruction to governments, law-and-order, the Church, marriages and family. Only God can destroy it, but the Church binds it with the proclamation of the Gospel and the exaltation of Christ as Lord. Let’s dive deeper this Sunday.
An active, unseen world of angels and demons exists just beyond our senses. And God uses both to benefit us. He uses angels to comfort a child, or sometimes to chart the course of history. As we venture through Hebrews, we are introduced to angels and their benefit to us all.
The brightness of God’s glory; the expressed image of His Person, and the Word of His power, all three, change us in very tangible ways for our benefit.
In our introduction of Hebrews, we discover that what we think about GOD becomes the foundation of all that shapes us. And when GOD speaks, He makes Himself known. Let’s begin our exploration of Hebrews with ears to hear His Word and hearts open to apply it.
Mary, the mother of our Savior, was always there for Jesus. In the stable at His birth; near the the Cross at His death; with the disciples at His Resurrection and in the Upper Room with the Early Church. Mary understood both the joy and grief of motherhood. Mothers always do! Let’s celebrate the precious women of our church this Sunday.
The rich, young ruler had a lot of issues, the least of which was his money. Let’s explore how Jesus compassionately steers this young man toward a fruitful relationship with God with wisdom we all could use.
Abram is comfortable, a little too comfortable. Everything changes when he encounters Christ, follows the high call to adventure, and lives the life he was always meant to live. This Sunday we will learn from a beautiful, old Christ encounter.
The Spirit behind Creation itself, is the same Holy Spirit Who raised Christ from the dead; and is the same Spirit Who restores, transforms, and uses us in a world full of darkness, trauma and pain. And soon, this same Holy Spirit will resurrect all things and make them new, including us!
Life isn’t easy. God designed it that way. God gave Jesus “the cup” of suffering. We have our own cups, too. But the life of a Christian faces every challenge with the same courage and grace Jesus Himself faced. The Father, who gives the cup, also gives divine courage and grace.
According to Scripture, forgiveness is in a category of its own. God grants to us the ability to set others free from guilt and shame. How? By forgiveness… and often to those who don’t deserve it.
Jesus only says his name twice in the Bible. These final words of Jesus are spoken directly to you. Come Sunday to encounter Jesus as he equips his followers for the tough road during the final days of this world.
Teaching on the Last Days is not supposed to be complicated. And if that’s so, what does a faithful and wise servant know for sure about the end of days?
God keeps secrets, revealing them to those who love Him and seek His will. This Sunday, let’s explore one of the great secrets revealed to the disciples about the end of the age.
Peter, like all of us, fails Jesus completely. The story of his forgiveness, restoration, and commission provides hope, encouragement, and inspiration for all who fall short of perfectly following Jesus.
Whether an unbelieving secularist or a Born-Again Christian, no greater question could be asked to anyone. Peter’s response chartered the course of his future. Come Sunday to explore why your answer means everything.
Christ Encounters: Caught Catching a Glimpse of God
We often wonder if we would be able to get a glimpse of God, we would have finally caught Him for ourselves. Little did Peter know that catching a glimpse of God would mean God would catch him. What actually happens when we encounter God? What pattern does it set for our future and our past? What will it mean for our new and old life?
Death can be haunting, because it’s inevitable and inescapable. Every living thing on the planet dies. But Jesus will fix our broken planet. So, what does that mean? Let’s finish the story of Lazarus from John 11, and get a few clues.
A man cursed to suffer from birth with blindness is made new in an act of faith. Religious leaders miss the lesson, again, and when confronted with the facts a division occurs that holds true today. Come Sunday to be confronted with the facts of an active, living, healing God.
History repeats itself. Solomon suggests that history is made up of patterns that allow us to know our place in God‘s plan. Come this Sunday and meet the Heritage leadership and staff, and let’s explore our significance as a church at this time.
Every mother wants what is best for her children. However, no matter how good the parenting, and how well children are nurtured, only God can is able to prepare them for their destinies. Let’s take a Sunday and ponder the Providence of God over our lives.
Jesus reshaped Saul in a one-on-one encounter that completely change his identity. He went from being a zealous, Christ-hating pharisee to a born-again child of God. Your identity matters! How you see yourself will govern your actions and shape your purpose.
Two no-name men of no reputation are dejected and filled with the blues until Jesus comes along to walk with them on the road to Emmaus. Jesus reveals the grand plan of the Christ to them and has an encounter that changes their life forever. If you are filled with the post holiday blues then come Sunday to hear about an encounter that will leave you filled with the optimism of a new creation, commissioned by Christ to spread good news in 2025.
The story of the first Christmas present -the greatest Christmas present- shows that not everyone will understand what Christmas is all about. Jesus, Himself, the first Christmas present, shows that we should celebrate above all else the greatest Christmas present, which is His presence in our lives. Also, the first Christmas present shows that we should all eagerly await more of His presence in our lives.
Jesus warns, “Beware of covetousness…” Jesus knew that everything you desire to possess can easily possess you. In this week’s one-on-one encounter, Jesus addresses the power of money and our daily choices that can lead to good and prosperity or evil and poverty.
A lawyer was out to test Jesus. Jesus was out to save a lawyer. Who do you think won? In today’s Great Cosmic Struggle over the souls of men, it’s to our benefit to model Jesus’ example.
Christ Encounters: Seeking the Lost in the land of the Gadarenes
Generational sin and a normalization of deviance has had a predictable outcome in the land of the Gadarenes. A man is tormented, a people are compromised and the Lord is in pursuit of a one on one encounter with a demon possessed man. Sunday will explore the terrible wages of a life of sin and the transforming power of a life of faith.
Today, Christ encounters people, and their lives change. Jesus has a one-on-one encounter with a leading citizen of Jericho. He was very wealthy but very lost, until he met Jesus.
When Christ encountered people, they’re lives changed. One-on-one, Jesus was God’s Force for good in the lives of everyone He encountered. Is it possible for us to have the same impact on others? It’s not only possible, it’s inevitable!
The Church of the Laodiceans is in big trouble from within. An overinflated view of themselves has disconnected them from the source of all that is good. The church of a lost letter finds itself lost from the sustaining word of God and in need of a heavenly wake up call. The final letter to the seven churches ends with a glorious promise worth hearing.
Jesus has words for the “city of brotherly love” that teach them the will of God, guide them through the trial of God, and promise the reward of God. Sunday will reveal an inspiring message about facing God’s challenges while knowing that God’s will is perfect, and His reward is worth the trial of a lifetime.
Over the last 50 years, many of us have watched the death of powerful, mega-church ministries, while other smaller churches continued to live and thrive. Does a successful church take more than a large property, big crowds, full bankrolls, powers speakers and talented music? Let’s explore why some churches die while others thrive.
Jesus Rebukes a Church for Tolerating the Intolerable
The Church of Thyatira was being pressured by outward forces and yet attacked from within by (the prophecies of) a certain influencer. This tolerant voice played a pivotal role between the hard realities of the pagan culture and the core truths of their faith. Is all tolerance sinful? Not necessarily. But Jesus reveals that some forms of tolerance are completely intolerable to Him. In a time when "tolerance" has been all the buzz, what should we tolerate and not tolerate as Christians?
Jesus has unflinching words for his enemies and empowers his followers to go on the offensive and conquer the enemies of the kingdom. Sunday’s teaching will reveal a hidden source of unfailing power and a new identity for all of God’s beloved children.
We all want to be faithful to God, especially if things get worse for the Church in America. God has given us the Christians in Smyrna as our examples. Let’s take a deeper dive into their faith.
Churches can be great places for teaching, missions, worship and ministry, but without loving Jesus as the foremost priority, we will most certainly drift away.
In this jarring picture of Jesus, He reveals Himself as prophet, priest and king. He reveals Himself to John in order to comfort, alert, and give a fuller understanding of his message to the churches. A picture like this not only makes sense of His message to the churches in revelation, but helps us to more fully understand who He was prophesied to be, truly is right now, and will be in the near future when He comes again. Let's become all that we were meant to be in light of who we understand Him to be!
God is sovereign! So, why would a good God allow evil? That’s a very good question, and asked by many in our world today. Let’s take a Sunday to explore the answer.
We live in a chaotic world full of threats and uncertainties, and if anyone should be calm in the storms of life, it should be the born-again, Bible-believing Christian. Why? Because we believe in the Sovereignty of God. But what exactly does that mean?
Rest appeals to every human being on the planet, and our planet was created to be restful. But nature cannot provide the rest we long for. True rest is found in nature’s Creator.
Mankind was born to walk his creator in the cool of the evening. We are born with an ache to communicate with the divine. This Sunday we will explore three prayers that model effective communication with our God.
An “Epitaph” is a life summarized into a simple phrase usually written on a tombstone. Both King Saul and King David were given epitaphs. Someday we will receive one, too. As we look back on this past year, what major lessons can we take away from 1 Samuel?
Throughout Scripture, we find the worst of circumstances brings out the best in God’s people. God uses the worst possible circumstances to bring out the best in David’s Mighty Men. God is committed to bring out the best in us, too!
Sorrow. We do everything to avoid it. Ironically, it’s the instrument God uses to make us most Christlike. As we explore 1 Samuel 29-30, we discover how sorrow prepared David to be a king.
Lies are told all the time and everywhere. Lies will be far more deceptive as we approach the end times. Can we identify a lie, and can we counter it with the Truth of Scripture? Let’s take a special Sunday and explore the nature of a lie, its consequences and effective ways to identify and defend the Truth.
Saul is at a loss to make a decision and performs all the acts of Christian living with none of the true meaning of obedience. The prophet Samuel makes an otherworldly appearance and a witch is shocked to learn that her charade is over. Sunday will explore what it takes to hear the voice of the Lord in your life.
In 1 Samuel 27, David is in “the pits!” He’s tired of fighting. He’s tired of running, and seeks relief from the heartbreak and pain. He runs away from God’s people. He runs from his calling. But no matter how far he runs, he can’t run from God and His amazing grace!
We all tend to get discouraged and lose heart, especially when you’re serving God. However, discouragement can be a good thing if we react to it according to the Word. Let’s watch how David reacted to it 1 Samuel 27. His reaction might surprise you!
All of us desire more faith. Ironically, it’s often produced by unanswered prayer, or “things not (yet) seen.” King David, like most Christians, are on a quest to know God’s will, but ironically, the knowledge of His will remain elusive at times. Let’s explore divine irony in 1 Samuel 26.
Justice is from God, while revenge is from the flesh, and often a very thin line separates the two. King David wrestles with both, justice and revenge, in a set of circumstances, if understood, fosters both wisdom and Christlikeness.
Jesus once took his disciples up on a hillside to sit in the grass surrounded by oak trees in order to teach them the secret to unending happiness and fruitfulness in their lives. This Sunday we sit near a hillside, surrounded by oak trees to hear eight beatitudes that teach us how our attitude should be.
Something deeply transformative was happening inside of David during his stronghold experiences and what better way for God to touch his heart than through three different mothers: His own mother, his great grandmother, and a spiritual mother-in-law in his family line. This Mother's Day, come hear how important motherhood can be to our walks of faith and how it can have a ripple effect of faith and faithfulness for many generations. Consider how your role as a mother, spiritual mother, grandmother, or mother-in-law can have a lasting effect on God's Kingdom.
Life is risky, especially as a Christ follower, because Christ followers are trained to love others even as Jesus loved. And Jesus loved even though He knew it would hurt.
Life can be hurtful. Hurt can drive us to live behind walls. Like David on the run, we feel safe in strongholds. But God won’t let us stay there for long. Let’s study how God dealt with David, and prepared him to be Israel’s greatest king.
In his moment of lowest grief David pens psalms of highest praise. Sunday will explore the grief of David, the rage of Saul, and the never failing goodness of a God who hears the cry of his beloved children.
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