Sermon Series - Fearless

Fearless I - Gideon

Fearless II - Shadrach Meshach and Abednego

Fearless III - Benaiah

Fearless IV - Jonathan

Fearless V - David and Goliath

Advent Sermon Series / The Realities Of Christmas

Christmas Realities - Part 1. Will you stand out from the crowd this Christmas season?

Are We Any Different - 1 Corinthians 1:1-9

Christmas Realities - Part 2. This Christmas we need to check the reliability of our message because the reality is that there is a lot of fluff out there.

Is Our Message Any Different - Mark 1:1-8

Christmas Realities - Part 3. Is our world any different because of Christmas?

Narnia: What If There Was No Christmas - Isaiah 61:1-11

Chrismtas Realities - Part 4. What happens when God interrupts your plans and your world gets turned upside down?

An Unwanted Gift: When God Messes Up Your Plan - Luke 1:26-38

Lent Sermon Series

Encounters With Christ

1. Jesus & the Man Born Blind - John 9:1-12
2. Jesus and Mary and Martha - Luke 10:38-42
3. Jesus and Nicodemus - John 3:1-10
4. Jesus and the Woman at the Well - John 4:7-15
5. Jesus and James and John - Matthew 20:20-28
6. Jesus and Caiaphas - Matthew 26:58-6
7. Jesus & Mary Magdalene - Mark 16:1-7

Lent Sermon Series

The Healing Power Of The Christ

1. The Healing Of Simons Mother-in-Law - Mk 1:21-28
2. The Healing of the Man with the Withered Hand - Mk 3:1-6
3. The Healing of the Gerasene Demoniac Mk 5:1-20
4. The Healing of Jairus Daughter and Hemorrhaging Woman - Mk 5:21-43
5. The Healing of Blind Bartimaeus - Mk 10:46-52
6. The Healing Power of the Cross - Mk 15:33-41
7. The Healing Power of the Resurrection - Jn 20:1-18 or Lk 24:1-10

I Need Real Love

Sermon Series: I Need Real Love
How to Love God
How to Love Yourself
How to Love Other People
How to Love the Community

The Cost of Discipleship

Have you ever wondered whether or not you are as mature in your Christian Discipleship as your should be?

Do you have a desire to deepen your walk with God?

Do you feel that you need a refresher Biblical study in your discipleship?

Are you new to the Christian faith and desire to learn the ways and the will of God?

If you can relate to any of the above questions or you have a personal desire to become a better Christian, I am inviting you to join us in one, a couple or all of our Bible studies for the month of March. I promise you will be blessed.

Part 1: True Discipleship Will Cost You Some Relationships
Whenever we are growing in our relationship with God, one of the hardest things we have to do is sometimes let go of friendships/relationships that are unhealthy for our committment to God. Come and learn how to let go in a way that is pleasing to God!

Part 2: True Discipleship Will Cost You Some Selflessness
As a Christian, we are called to put others before us. This call is a serious challenge to humanity which rides on the ideology of "Self Preservation." This session will help us understand how to become a servant to others as we serve God.

Part 3: True Discipleship Will Cost You Some Sacrifices
Contrary to popular belief, there is no Christian growth without sacrifices. Come and learn the importance of sacrifices and the various ways that one can make sacrifices while on your Christian journey.

Part 4: True Discipleship Will Cost You Some Finances
Do you struggle with tithing? Have you struggled with when to help someone who is asking? "It is more blessed to give than receive" This is a Biblical principal that we must put into practice. Malachi teaches us that we must give. This session will focus on the importance of (1) Tithes, (2) Offerings, and (3) Charities. Remember, you can't beat God's giving, no matter how hard you try.

Turning it Around

Part I - I am Ready to Surrender to God
Are you tired of trying to handle your life issues on your own? Are you looking for a power greater than your own? God wants to help you and He is waiting for you to surrender.

Part II - I am Ready to Take Responsibility
God has equipped all of us to be responsible. If you find yourself blaming others for circumstances, we invite you to come and allow God's Word to show and teach you how to take responsibility for your own life. Remember, at the end of the day, you are responsible for your outcome with the power of God on your side.

Part III - I am Ready to Forgive and Let Go
Have you been holding onto a grudge for weeks, months or even years towards someone for something they did? Remember, forgiveness is not about letting the other person off of the hook, but it is about freeing yourself. Come and hear God's Word show you how to let go of past hurts and live your life.

Part IV - I am Ready to Follow Jesus All the Way
It's time that we quit being Christians just on Sunday mornings and decide to follow Jesus all the way. This is a sermon that will help you in your daily struggles stay connected to God when you feel like going another way...as we all do at times if we are honest. Come and be blessed and make the committment to FOLLOW GOD!

Sermon Series: What's the Big Deal About Jesus?

Part 1 - Jesus, the Light of the World
Have you ever felt as if your life was filled with dark experiences? If so, Jesus is the One who can give light to your life that will make a difference in your home, job, relationships and your spiritual development.

Part 2 - Jesus, the Great Encourager
Have you ever been discouraged in life? In areas such as esteem, family, apperance, education, or career? What about in your spiritual walk? Jesus is the greatest encourager that we have. He always comes to encourage us and remind us that when He is on our side, there is nothing that we cannot do.

Part 3 - Jesus, the Friend of the Fallen
Have you made mistakes in life and peopel pulled away from you? Have you ever felt as if no one will ever trust you again or give you another chance because of past errors? I want you to know that Jesus is a friend who demonstrates unconditional love to all of us regardless of our past. This is something that once you learn, your life becomes limitless inspite of spotty past.

Part 4 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd
Are you really looking for direction in your life when it seemd as if you are going off course? Have you ever wished there was someone who can help you stay focused when troubles come your way? Jesus is our Good Shepherd. Like sheep we all go astray emotionally, spiritually, family, etc. The good news is that Jesus used his rod to keep our enemies away and He uses His staff to pull us back when we have fallen off course.

The 3G Network

3 Part Series
God's I (Inspirational) Pad: 3G

G1 -GRACE
What is God's GRACE?. Do you have a proper understabing of the Grace of God? Have you taken full advantage of the Grace of God? God offers us His grace and He gives it to us freely. Come and learn more about the unmerited gift that God has given to each of His children.

G2 - GROWTH
What Are Signs of True Spiritual GROWTH? Are you growing spiritually or do you just attend church? Do you have a desire to grow deeper in your walk with God? God has a plan that can help you become stronger in your faith. Meet us at Bible Study we learn how to grow spiritually in our faith in God.

G3 - GIFTS
How Do I Recognize My Spiritual GIFT? Do yo know that every person has at least one spiritual GIFT from God? Do you know what yours is? Would you like to come and discover how to learn what your spiritual gifts is? God has the Biblical direction for us in His Word. Come and share with us as we develop our gifts together with you as a family.

“What’s in a Name?”

Series Title: “What’s in a Name?”

Focus: To discover the character and love of God through a study of the names for God in the Bible.

Notes: Each week we printed the name of God we were studying in the nametag and used it on the bulletin and as a background to worship slides.

Names we covered:
1. YHWH (The God who is)
2. Jehovah Rophe (Our healer)
3. El Roi (The God who sees us)
4. El Shaddai (The God who is sufficient)
5. Adonai (Our Lord and Master)
6. Jehovah Raah (Our Shepherd)
7. Jehovah Mekoddishkem (The God who sanctifies)
8. Elohim (Our creator)
9. Abba (Our Father)

Wired For Worship

Part I: Substance over Style

Many times we get caught up in the style or place of worship. Dr. Merritt tells us that God is not concerned with where, when or even the way you worship. What concerns God is the substance of your worship. In other words - what is in your heart when you worship?

Part II: God and Your Bod

The word "worship" usually brings to mind church, sermons, stained glass and hymns. How about these words: eyes, ears, mouth, hands, legs and feet? Do you ever associated them with worship? Worship is not just spiritual. It's physical. It involves your whole body. The Bible tells us that our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit. That means God lives in us. Therefore, our bodies are to be wired for worship in everything we do.

Part III: Just the Two of Us

When you think about it, the only way you can really get to know someone is by spending time with them. You have to share the good times - when life is just plain 'ol fun. You have to share the bad times - when you feel like your world could end at any moment. When you spend time with someone, you learn to trust them and rely on them. God, wants to spend time with you. Even though you can't see Him, you can spend time in prayer - letting His Spirit speak to your soul. When you spend daily time with God, you learn that He loves you so much, He not only can, but wants to take care of every care and worry that comes into your life!

Part IV: Worship Rocks

Worshiping God doesn't have to be boring. God is exciting and our worship of Him should be too! This sermon tells us that we should be enthusiastic, thankful, excited, and energized when we worship. Our God is the God of life and our worship of Him should be a celebration of the great things He has done!

The Table

This foundational 3-part series by Ed Young hones our skills as hosts and hostesses for the Kingdom of God. In a creative take on the various aspects of preparing for a special meal, we are reminded that there's always room at the table.

1. The Table - Part 1

Bringing others to the table

This message takes a panoramic look at the dinner table and examines what it takes to bring a special meal from inception to implementation. And then it challenges us to use that as a model for serving others.

2. The Table - Part 2

Pushing away from the table to serve

In Part 1 we discovered that the church is the table where people come to get fed. In this talk, Ed shows us how Gods plan for the church goes far beyond just feeding and eating.

3. The Table - Part 3

Accepting Christ's invitation to the table

For all who are seeking food that will satisfy their hunger completely, this concluding message of the series extends the ultimate invitation to dine at the table with Christ and be full.

The Gospel According to the Wizard of Oz

The Gospel According to the Wizard of Oz: Dorothy (Ruth 1:6-7)

The Gospel According to the Wizard of Oz: Scarecrow (1 Kings 3:5-9)

The Gospel According to the Wizard of Oz: Tin Man (Psalm 51:10)

The Gospel According to the Wizard of Oz: The Lion (Mark 14:51-52; 2 Timothy 4:9-11)

The Gospel According to the Wizard of Oz: The Wizard (Acts 8:9-12)

The Gospel According to the Wizard of Oz: Glenda and Dorothy's Slippers (1 John 4:4)

Little Man with Big Ups!

Anthony "Spud" Webb stands as the third shortest player to be part of the NBA. After attending Midland College and North Carolina State University, he was the 4^th round draft pick by the Detroit Pistons in the 1985 Draft. In 1986, Webb entered the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, and despite being the shortest, had the highest jump of 42 inches and went on to win the contest. He spent most of his time with the Atlanta Hawks, playing six seasons with the team. Statistically, Webb had his best seasons with the Sacramento Kings where he was a starter from 1992-1995. In 1998, Webb retired from basketball after playing just one season with the Orlando Magic. He played 814 games total and scored 8072 points throughout his entire career.

Spud was a great high school star, but because of his height no college would take a chance on him, so he went to a small community college and made a name for himself. Then North Carolina State took a chance on him and he led them to the Sweet Sixteen. Then Spud graduated and again no one drafted him. Finally the Atlanta Hawks gave him a shot. He played for them for four years, and under his leadership the Hawks made the playoffs each time. He got traded the team wanted to make room for a new full‑sized college star and the team went years before making the playoffs again.

Spud said, “I used to pray that the Lord would make me taller when I was in junior high and high school, but every time I went to measure myself, or stand in front of a mirror, I’d always be the same size. And then one day I got the message, so I said to the Lord, ‘If you won’t make me bigger on the outside, will you make me bigger on the inside?’ And the Lord liked that prayer and that’s what helped me become successful.” (3) What a great attitude. The final measure of a man, or a woman, is not how big they are on the outside, but how big they are on the inside.

D.I.V.A.S.

D. - Daughters of
I. - Intelligence
V. - Virtue
A. - Anointing and
S. - Spirituality

R.E.S.P.E.C.T.

R-Restored
E-Empowerd
S-Sanctified
P-Prosperous
E-Encouraged
C-Changed
T-Triumphant

Sold Into Slavery

Some 250 years ago, two young Moravian men heard of an island in the West Indies which was virtually owned by one plantation master. He was a violent man who treated his slaves with complete contempt. He would not allow them to know anything of Christianity; no minister was permitted to come and form a church among them. So these two young Moravian men, gripped with a burden for a group of people who might never hear about the love of Jesus, sold themselves into slavery to that plantation master. The money they received for their own lives they used to pay for their passage to get to the island. They gave up their lives to go and live among that community of slaves and bring them the gospel.

Their families came to the docks to farewell them, knowing it was highly doubtful they would ever see them again. As the ship pulled out of the harbour, with mothers crying on the shore, the last words ever heard from them was when one of the young men cried out from the ship’s deck: “May the Lamb that was slain receive the reward of His suffering.” That became the catch-cry of the small Moravian community, who sent out 2158 recorded missionaries all over the world. Jesus had died for people who would never hear the gospel unless someone went to tell them.

Now when we hear of those two young men, we are tempted to think “That is not NORMAL! Selling yourself into slavery? Leaving all behind, even grieving family. That is not normal.”

Waddle or Soar

A parable is told of a community of ducks waddling off to duck church one Sunday to hear their duck preacher. After they waddled into the duck sanctuary, the service began and the duck preacher spoke eloquently of how God had given the ducks wings with which to fly.

He pounded the pulpit with his beak and said, with these wings, there is nowhere we ducks can not go! There is no God-given task we ducks cannot accomplish! With these wings we no longer need walk through life. We can soar high in the sky!
Shouts of Amen!¨ were quacked throughout the duck congregation. The duck preacher concluded his message by exclaiming,
With our wings we can fly through life! WE......CAN.....FLY!!!!¨ More ducks quacked out loud AMENS! in response. Every duck loved the service. In fact all the ducks that were present commented on what a wonderfully convicting message they had heard from their duck preacher....and then they left the church and WADDLED all the way home.

APPLICATION
Too often We waddle away from worship the same way we waddled in....Unchanged. It should Not Be when we Genuinely worship God we are responding to God’s grace giving Him our lives allowing Him to change us and make us better people.

Do you know him?

He is the First and Last, the Beginning and the End!
He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all!
He is the Architect of the universe and
The Manager of all times.
He always was, He always is, and He always will be...
Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone!

He was bruised and brought healing!
He was pierced and eased pain!
He was persecuted and brought freedom!
He was dead and brought life!
He is risen and brings power!
He reigns and brings Peace!


The world can't understand him,
The armies can't defeat Him,
The schools can't explain Him,
and The leaders can't ignore Him.


Herod couldn't kill Him,
The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him, and
The people couldn't hold Him!
Nero couldn't crush Him,
Hitler couldn't silence Him,
The New Age can't replace Him, and
He can't be explained away!


He is light, love, longevity, and Lord.
He is Goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God.
He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure.
His ways are right, His word is eternal,
His will is unchanging, and His mind is on me.

He is my Redeemer, He is my Savior,
He is my Guide, and He is my Peace!
He is my Joy, He is my Comfort,
He is my Lord, and He rules my life!

I serve Him because His bond is love,
His burden is light, and
His goal for me is abundant life.

I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise,
The Power of the powerful,
The Ancient of Days,
the Ruler of rulers,
The Leader of leaders,
the Overseer of the overcomers, and
The Sovereign Lord of all that was and is and is to come.

And if that seems impressive to you, try this for size.
His goal is a relationship with ME!
He will never leave me,
Never forsake me,
Never mislead me,
Never forget me,
Never overlook me, and
Never cancel my appointment
in His appointment book!

When I fall, He lifts me up!
When I fail, He forgives!
When I am weak, He is strong!
When I am lost, He is the way!
When I am afraid, He is my courage!
When I stumble, He steadies me!
When I am hurt, He heals me!
When I am broken, He mends me!
When I am blind, He leads me!
When I am hungry, He feeds me!
When I face trials, He is with me!
When I face persecution, He shields me!
When I face problems, He comforts me!
When I face loss, He provides for me!
When I face Death, He carries me Home!
He is everything for everybody, everywhere,

Every time, and in every way.
He is God, He is faithful.
I am His, and He is mine!
My Father in heaven can whip
the father of this world.
So, if you're wondering why
I feel so secure, understand this...
He said it and that settles it.


God is in control, I am on His side, and
That means all is well with my soul.
Everyday is a blessing for GOD Is!
Author Unknown

Ships of Faith: Are We Ready To Set Sail?

Sermon Series

WorSHIP
-The Call To Worship (Ps. 95:1-11)
-Worship that Works (John 4:19-23)
-When Worship Is Rejected (Isaiah 1:10-20)

DiscipleSHIP
-Defining Discipleship (Luke 14:25-35
-Discipling Mothers (1 Kings 17:8-24 or 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8)
-Discipleship: Taking Up ACross and A Shovel (Lk 6:46-49)

LeaderSHIP
-The Call to Christian Leadership (1 Samuel 16:1-13)
-Are you leading or following (Mark 7:1-13)


FellowSHIP
-Formative Fellowship (Acts 2:42-46)

StewadSHIP
-TBD
-TBD
-TBD

Bailing Out

Virginia Durr, a privileged Alabamian spent her entire girlhood never having to wonder for a single moment whether she belonged or not. She was a member of the "Magic Circle" or upper-class white society, a debutante and all that goes with it. She grew up to be the woman who, together with her husband, went down to the police station in Montgomery to bail out Rosa parks on that famous night when the bus boycott began, and nothing in the segregated South was ever the same again. After that, Clifford Durr lost his law practive, and much of white Montgomery stopped speaking to them. Mrs. Durr's autobirgraphy is called Outside the Magic Circle. The Durrs took up themselves the burden of the Son of God, who came to live among us as one outside the magic circle. Entering into the Good Friday Three Hours is to step outside with him for a space, "outside the camp" (Heb. 13:13) where the "best people" never go.

Billie Holiday Sings is Stormy Blues, "I've been down so long honey that down don't bother me." So true!
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