Everyone hopes for something. Some people’s hope is hanging by a thread while other’s hope seems to carry a lot more confidence. What is the difference and how can we get from lack of expectation to confident hope empowered by faith? Advent is the perfect time to strengthen our hope.
How to Become Confidently Hopeful
Advent 1
December 2, 2018 • Mike Stubbs
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Christian Character in a Culture of Charisma and Celebrity
May 5, 2024 • Pastor Mike Stubbs • Matthew 7:15–21
We live in a culture built upon celebrity and charisma. People are seldom celebrated for their core Christ-like character but for their power of influence. It can be intoxicating, even in the church. Yet no one has established such significant or sustained influence as Jesus Christ Himself. He modeled and established virtues that were nearly completely uncelebrated in His time like taking the low seat, caring for the widow and orphan, strengthening the weak, embracing the infirmed, and loving our enemies. As cultures prosper, they tend to forget Christ-like virtues, but God is calling us back to these most important qualities and judgment is happening more publicly all the time for misbehavior. Numbers 32:23 is being played out before our eyes – “But if you fail to keep your word, then you will have sinned against the LORD, and you may be sure that your sin will find you out.”
Pride: What's the Big Deal?
April 28, 2024 • Susan Livingston
God hates pride because of how subtle and deceitful this relationship, marriage, home, and nation destroying sin is. We have all struggled with this mindset which removes us from God's blessing. Since Jesus came to save us from the enemy's plan to steal, kill, and destroy, we need to turn to God's truth and prayer to have it healed from our lives.
The Unity of the Church
April 21, 2024 • Pastor Mike Stubbs, Lindsay Smith, Sydney Farney • Ecclesiastes 4:9–12
As soon as a body of believers starts making a profound influence in a community, the enemy will come and sow seeds of discord. He knows that he cannot defeat God’s people unless they are unblessed and unempowered by Jesus Christ. This can only happen when they willfully reject wisdom from above and embrace worldly rhetoric and its devises. As the body of Christ, we are always in a winning position of power and influence when we operate in the unity of the Spirit compelled by the love of the Father. This message begins with Lindsay Smith and Sydney Farney giving a report and sharing testimonies about the local Radical Life ministry that strives to build healthy families in the community.