The Story of Jesus

How To Be A Pharisee

December 8, 2024 • Ray Jones • Mark 7:1–13

No Food... No Problem!

December 1, 2024 • Ray Jones • Mark 6:30–44

In this powerful exploration of the feeding of the 5,000, we're reminded of God's limitless provision and the importance of faith in seemingly impossible situations. This pivotal miracle, recounted in all four Gospels, teaches us that Jesus not only meets our physical needs but also nurtures our spiritual growth. As we face our own 'impossible' challenges, we're encouraged to bring what little we have to God, trusting Him to multiply it beyond our imagination. The story beautifully illustrates how God uses ordinary things - like five loaves and two fish - to accomplish extraordinary feats. It challenges us to examine our own faith: do we truly believe God can work miracles in our lives? This message urges us to pursue Jesus wholeheartedly, knowing that He has compassion on us and sees our deepest needs. Let's be inspired to step out in faith, offering our 'loaves and fishes' to God, and watch in awe as He transforms them for His glory.

How Not To Respond When Jesus Shows Up

November 24, 2024 • Ray Jones

A Tale Of Two Troubles

November 10, 2024 • Ray Jones • Mark 5:21–42

It has been said that “Suffering is actually at the heart of the Christian story.” Pastor Ray shares a message from his series The Story of Jesus titled, “A Tale of Two Troubles.”

Of Pigs And People

October 13, 2024 • Ray Jones • Mark 5:1–10

Watchman Nee wrote, “I need forgiveness for my sins, but I need also deliverance from the power of sin... I appreciate the blessed fact of God's forgiveness, but I want something more than that: I want deliverance. I need forgiveness for what I have done, but I need also deliverance from what I am.” Pastor Ray continues his series, The Story of Jesus with a message titled “Of Pigs and People.”

The Heart Of The Matter

September 29, 2024 • Ray Jones • Mark 4:1–9

In this powerful exploration of the Parable of the Sower, we delve into the four types of soil representing different conditions of the human heart. This parable, found in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, offers profound insights into why people respond differently to God's Word. We're challenged to examine our own hearts: Are we the hard path where the Word is easily snatched away? The rocky ground where faith withers under pressure? The thorny soil where worldly concerns choke our spiritual growth? Or are we the good soil, producing a bountiful harvest? This message reminds us that our response to God's truth isn't just about hearing, but about how deeply we allow it to take root in our lives. It's a call to cultivate a receptive heart, one that not only perceives God's Word but preserves and produces fruit from it. As we reflect on this, we're encouraged to consider the authenticity of our faith and the fruit it bears in our daily lives.

A Call To Action

September 22, 2024 • Ray Jones • Mark 3:13–21

Billy Graham said, “To be a disciple is to be committed to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and committed to following Him every day.” Pastor Ray shares a message titled, “A Call to Action” from his series, The Story of Jesus.

Lessons From A Leper

September 8, 2024 • Ray Jones • Mark 1:40–45

Robert Murray McCheyne said, “Affliction brings out graces that cannot be seen in a time of health. It is the treading of the grapes that brings out the sweet juices of the vine; so it is affliction that draws forth submission, weanedness from the world, and complete rest in God. Use afflictions while you have them.” Join us this Sunday as Pastor Ray shares a message titled, “Lessons From A Leper.”

Jesus Is Still The Answer

September 1, 2024 • Ray Jones • Mark 1:29–39

This week, we're reminded that Jesus is still the answer to all of life's questions and challenges. The Gospel of Mark shows us Jesus' threefold ministry of healing, deliverance, and declaration. We see how Jesus healed Peter's mother-in-law and many others, demonstrating that He still heals today through medicine, miracles, or by taking us to heaven. The message encourages us to trust in Jesus' healing power, even when outcomes differ from our expectations. We're also challenged to embrace our own ministry of reconciliation, sharing the good news of Christ with others.

The Demons Worst Nightmare

August 25, 2024 • Ray Jones • Mark 1:21–28

C.S. Lewis wrote, “The spiritual battle is not between flesh and blood, but between the forces of light and darkness.” Join us Sunday as Pastor Ray shares a message titled, “The Demons Worst Nightmare” from his series The Story of Jesus.

Let's Follow Jesus

August 19, 2024 • Ray Jones • Mark 16

This week we explore the call of Jesus to discipleship through Mark's Gospel. We're reminded that following Jesus is not just about salvation, but a complete surrender of our lives. The story of Jesus calling His first disciples teaches us that God often chooses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. We're challenged to consider our own response to Jesus' invitation: 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.' This call isn't just for vocational ministry, but for all believers to live purposefully for God's kingdom. The message emphasizes that it's not about our qualifications, but our willingness to say 'yes' to Jesus immediately and wholeheartedly.

Jesus Gets Baptized

August 11, 2024 • Ray Jones • Mark 1:9–11

Bro. Ray begins a BRAND NEW sermon series called "The Story Of Jesus." We explore the significance of baptism through the lens of Jesus' own baptism in the Jordan River. We learn that baptism is not just a ritual, but a profound act of obedience and identification with Christ. Biblical baptism is by immersion, as demonstrated by Jesus Himself. This act symbolizes our repentance and new life in Christ. We're reminded that there's a strong connection between our obedience to God and experiencing His power in our lives. Just as the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus after His baptism, we too can experience the filling and anointing of the Spirit when we surrender control of our lives to Him. This message challenges us to examine our own obedience and commitment to Christ, urging us to take that first step of faith through baptism if we haven't already done so.

Ridgecrest Baptist Church - AL

Lessons From The Gospel of Mark