Christian Counterculture
Is there a solution to the problem of poverty? As Pastor Chris looks at James 1:9 - 11, he digs into this question, reminding us that God has blessed us to be a blessing. God has no problem with people having things; but He does have a problem with those things not being used to help others. The antithesis to poverty is not material prosperity; the antithesis to poverty is enough. The Church must not get swept into the mainstream thought of collecting things just to have the most things. We must see our blessings as a means to bless the less fortunate.
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- Jan 16, 2022Christian Counterculture
Christian CountercultureIs there a solution to the problem of poverty? As Pastor Chris looks at James 1:9 - 11, he digs into this question, reminding us that God has blessed us to be a blessing. God has no problem with people having things; but He does have a problem with those things not being used to help others. The antithesis to poverty is not material prosperity; the antithesis to poverty is enough. The Church must not get swept into the mainstream thought of collecting things just to have the most things. We must see our blessings as a means to bless the less fortunate.
- Jan 9, 2022Wonderful Wisdom
Wonderful WisdomWe live in a time of escalating availability and accessibility of knowledge. But, there is a world of difference between knowledge and wisdom. In this message, Pastor Chris teaches from James 1:5 - 8 the difference between knowledge and wisdom. He encourages us, as we see the world around us devolve despite the prevalence of knowledge, to have the prayer readily available on our lips, "God, give me wisdom!"
- Jan 2, 2022Blessings and Battles
Blessings and BattlesOnce we become believers, our lives become smooth and easy...right? In this message, Pastor Chris reminds us that, as believers, we are fighting a real war against an enemy whose intentions for us and ours are not good. And, just because we find ourselves in the midst of a struggle does not mean that we missed God. He points out several observations from James 1:1 - 4 and brings encouragement to press on in God.
- Dec 19, 2021The Infinite Became an Infant
The Infinite Became an InfantWhat is the true message of Christmas? A baby in a manger? Shepherds and angels? The wise men? In this message, Pastor Chris looks at 2 Corinthians 8:1 - 9 to reveal the true message of Christmas--Jesus emptying Himself for our sake. In this passage, Pastor Chris points out that Paul referenced the ultimate illustration of generosity, the ultimate example of giving, the quintessential picture of what a life of giving looks like for every believer, everywhere. During this season that has morphed into a "what will I get" attitude, let us remember and exemplify Jesus' attitude at the first Christmas, "what can I give".
- Dec 5, 2021We Have Come to Worship Him
We Have Come to Worship HimOne of the greatest miracles we can experience in the Christmas season is to get our mind around the visit of the Magi from the east and understand their purpose in coming. Their reason--to worship Messiah. The goal of our lives should be to bring honor and reverence to God. In this message, Pastor Chris looks at the account of the Magi in Matthew 2:1 - 12 and brings out three points from their worship that we need to incorporate in our worship of Jesus.
- Nov 28, 2021Conformed or Transformed?
Conformed or Transformed?Holy Spirit's work is making us into the image of Christ Himself. As we offer ourselves before the Lord, as a living sacrifice, there is something that goes on within us where we are being transformed. In this message, Pastor Chris encourages us from Romans 12:1 and 2, reminding us that we ultimately become what we worship and that God is looking for people who will not only die for Him, but people who will live for Him.
- Nov 21, 2021When Thanks is Tough
When Thanks is Tough"When it comes to life, the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude." G. K. Chesterton. One of the marks of real spiritual maturity is the ability to give thanks when life gets tough. In this message, Pastor Chris marks out three things, from 1 Thessalonians 5:16 - 18, that thanksgiving does in our lives. There is something to be said for the great grace that is exemplified in a heart of thanksgiving.
- Nov 14, 2021Three Stone Cold Lead Pipe Locks
Three Stone Cold Lead Pipe LocksWhat are the immovable, non-negotiable tenants of our faith? In the depths of our souls, we must have a bedrock foundational belief that is unshakable. In this message, Pastor Chris points to three of those "lead pipe locks" found in Ephesians 3:14 - 21.
- Nov 7, 2021Does God Really Want Me Happy?
Does God Really Want Me Happy?What is happiness really? Everybody wants to be happy, but few would say that they have ever found it. The Bible, however, is filled with the idea of happiness, using the word "blessed". These blessings are gifts from God that are not contingent upon life's circumstances. In this message, Pastor Chris takes us through Psalm 1, and gives us three points to finding our happiness in our relationship with God.
- Oct 31, 2021Your Attitude Determines Your Altitude
Your Attitude Determines Your AltitudeSomeone with a bad attitude almost always cannot be helped. But it is too easy to get caught up in negativity when we do not guard our hearts. While under house arrest, Paul maintained a proper attitude and was able to encourage the Philippian church to rejoice in God. In this message, Pastor Chris takes a deep dive into Philippians 4:4 - 7 and highlights three aspects of real joy. He also points out that our level of joy is based on what is going on within us rather than what is going on around us.
