Posts with the tag “church”

Where are you looking for hope? In the news? The economy? The next election? Like Francis Scott Key searching through smoke for the American flag during the War of 1812, we're all looking for something to assure us everything will be okay. But what if lasting hope isn't found in any of those places? The Apostle Paul wrote to a fiercely patriotic church in Philippi with a radical message: "Our citizenship is in heaven." He wasn't dismissing their love for their country—he was elevating their identity beyond it. When we anchor our hope in something greater than circumstances, we become the kind of people who actually transform our communities. Paul shows us three directions to look: ahead (stop living in yesterday), around (follow the right examples), and up (something better is coming). This week, which direction do you need to focus on most?  Read More

Thirteen years ago, a 100-foot tree in East Texas fell on Pastor Sam Storms' father, causing catastrophic injuries—broken ribs, exploded vertebrae, punctured lungs. But in the hospital room, despite excruciating pain, his father overflowed with unexplainable joy. "Jesus didn't even have pain medication," he kept saying, quoting Scripture through tears. In that moment, Sam witnessed a profound truth: the deepest connection with God often happens in our darkest valleys. The Apostle Paul discovered this same paradox, writing from prison that knowing Christ is worth more than any worldly achievement. His radical equation still holds true today: every gain without Christ equals loss, but every loss with Christ equals gain. This isn't about loving suffering—it's about loving the One we meet there.  Read More

Most people work out to look good—to show off their gains at the gym or the beach. But spiritual growth has a completely different purpose. You're not called to showcase your own righteousness or impress others with how holy you've become. Instead, you're invited to shine Christ's light into a dark world. When people see you dealing with mistakes honestly, growing in character, and loving sacrificially, they're not seeing your greatness—they're catching a glimpse of Jesus working in you. The question isn't whether you're spiritually strong enough to impress others. It's whether you're willing to let God's light shine through you to point others to Him.  Read More

What if everything you've been told about achieving happiness is backwards? Baylor's championship-winning basketball coach Scott Drew built his program on a simple acronym: JOY—Jesus, Others, You. It sounds counterintuitive in a world that tells us to put ourselves first, but this 2,000-year-old principle might be the key to the fulfillment we're all searching for. Discover why stepping down to lift others up creates a paradox that actually works—and how one small shift in your thinking this week could change everything.  Read More

As we journey together, let’s commit to being living stones in God’s spiritual house. Let’s build our lives on the unshakable foundation of Christ and display His glory to the world. If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out to your church community and discover how you can be part of this incredible mission. By embracing our role as living stones, we can experience the fullness of God’s plan and make a lasting impact in our world. Let’s build together on the cornerstone of Christ.  Read More

Orderly worship is not just a matter of tradition or preference. It’s a biblical principle that helps us focus on what truly matters: the life-changing message of Jesus Christ. By participating in worship with a heart of submission and a desire to build up the church, we can help others encounter the transformative power of the Gospel. As we gather to celebrate Easter, let’s remember that our worship is ultimately about pointing to the One who died and rose again for us.  Read More

Jesus wants us to use our gifts to build up His church and make His love known. What will you do this week to use your gifts in a way that clearly communicates Christ’s love? How can you ensure that your actions are attracting people to Jesus rather than distracting them? Remember, without taking this step, you might miss out on the incredible impact God wants to make through you.  Read More

By understanding that our crucifixions are not just random acts of suffering but are part of God's divine plan, we can begin to see them as opportunities for growth. This perspective shift allows us to move from a place of bitterness and blame to one of acceptance and transformation. As we align our will with God's, we open ourselves to the healing and resurrection that only He can provide.  Read More

The sermon invites us to reflect on the role of spiritual gifts in our lives and encourages us to live out our faith with love as the guiding principle. Whether you find yourself aligned with cessationism, continuationism, or somewhere in between, the call to love remains constant. As we seek to understand and embrace the gifts of the Spirit, let us do so with hearts open to the transformative power of God's love.  Read More

Love is not just a feeling; it’s a series of actions that reflect the character of Jesus. By focusing on these actions, we can learn to love more deeply and authentically. Remember, without taking this step, you might miss out on the fullness of what Jesus wants for you. As you strive to embody the colors of love, you’ll not only transform your relationships but also reflect the love of Christ to the world around you.  Read More

The love that Paul speaks of in 1 Corinthians 13 is not just a lofty ideal but a practical guide for living a life that truly matters. By focusing on the love of Jesus and allowing it to transform us, we can turn our spiritual gifts into powerful tools for serving others. This love is the key to a life that is not only meaningful but also impactful. As we embrace this love, we become conduits of God's grace, bringing hope and healing to a world in need. Let us strive to know and show the love of Jesus in all that we do.  Read More

Embracing unity in the Spirit and discovering your role in the body of Christ is not just a personal journey but a communal one. It's about being part of something greater than yourself and allowing God to work through you to impact the world. So, take the next step, and see how God can use you in ways you never imagined.  Read More

The Apostle Paul's message to the Corinthians is as relevant today as it was then. We are called to worship the Giver, not the gift. Our spiritual gifts are not about us; they are about serving others and glorifying God. By focusing on Jesus, the true Lord of our lives, we find the joy and fulfillment that comes from living a life centered on Him. So, let's use our gifts for the common good, keeping our eyes on the One who gave them to us.  Read More

Communion is more than a ritual; it's a profound expression of God's love and a call to unity. As we partake in the Lord's Supper, we remember Jesus' sacrifice and anticipate His return. It's a time to reflect on our relationship with God and others, seeking forgiveness and extending grace. By approaching communion with reverence and reflection, we can experience the depth of God's love and share it with those around us.  Read More

Understanding God's design for headship, worship, and partnership is not about adhering to outdated cultural norms but about embracing a biblical model that honors God and reflects His glory. By serving under Christ's authority and valuing the interdependence of men and women, we can live out these principles in a way that is both faithful to Scripture and relevant to our lives today.  Read More

Communion is a powerful reminder of our relationship with Jesus and our unity with fellow believers. It’s a time to remember His sacrifice and to celebrate the grace and love He offers us. As you partake in the Lord’s Supper, let it be a moment of deep spiritual connection and reflection. Embrace the unity and love that communion represents, and let it transform your life and your relationships with others.  Read More