Cross of Grace Church Sermons

Pastor Ricky Alcantar's sermon examines the central importance of resurrection in the Christian faith from 1 Corinthians 15:35-58. Drawing from the Latin phrase "Memento mori, memento resurrexit, memento vivere" translating to "Remember, you will die, remember, you will rise again, remember to live," Pastor Ricky emphasizes the intertwining inevitably of death, resurrection, and the essence of living. He challenges believers to live with eternal focus and steadfast faith, knowing that their labor in the Lord is significant. He concludes by reminding the congregation of Christ's triumph over death, encouraging them to hold onto the hope and comfort offered by the promise of resurrection and eagerly anticipate the Day of Christ's return and final victory over death.

The sermon emphasizes the hope and power of Christ's resurrection and its significance in the congregation's faith. By focusing on 1 Corinthians 15:12-34, he highlights the necessity of Christ's resurrection for their belief and reassures them of its reality. It concludes with a reminder of the promise of eternal life through Jesus' victory over death.

This Father's Day sermon explores biblical manhood through the examples of Adam and Jesus, emphasizing principles like rejecting passivity and leading courageously. The crisis of manhood in society is discussed, attributing it to a misunderstanding of manhood. The sermon contrasts the failures of Adam with the successes of Jesus as the ultimate example of biblical manhood. Overall, the sermon challenges men to embrace their God-given roles and follow the example of Jesus.

Pastor Ricky Alcantar stresses the importance and transformative nature of Jesus' resurrection, based on 1 Corinthians 15. The gospel's ongoing relevance is emphasized, supported by historical and eyewitness evidence. Belief in the resurrection is portrayed as a life-altering force that should shape our every decision and perspective.

Pastor Ricky Alcantar's sermon focuses on the Corinthians disregarding God's order for the church, urging a humble perspective and living submitted lives. Paul addresses the disorder in the Corinthian church in 1 Corinthians 14 and two destructive mindsets: a self-centered approach to church meetings and a disregard for any authority beyond themselves. Paul urges submission to God's authority for unified church gatherings. In a poignant conclusion, he calls for surrender to Jesus' authority for true rest and fulfillment.

The sermon "To Build or Not to Build? That is the Question" focuses on unity and proper use of spiritual gifts in the Corinthian church from 1 Corinthians 14. Love is highlighted as the key ingredient behind the exercises of these gifts, emphasizing building up the church. The sermon encourages believers to pursue love, desire spiritual gifts, and build up the church by promoting unity and rejecting destructive behaviors like gossip and selfishness.

Pastor Ricky Alcantar's sermon delves into the empowering force of the Holy Spirit for believers' service to God. Beginning with Pentecost, he demonstrates the Spirit's role in commissioning believers to spread the gospel, referencing Paul's ministry as a prime example. The sermon conveys that the same Spirit that worked through historical figures alongside Jesus is available to all believers today.

Pastor Ricky Alcantar's sermon explores the Holy Spirit's work in believers' lives, emphasizing the importance of understanding and using spiritual gifts for Christ. The sermon addresses common questions and controversies related to spiritual gifts. The pastor discusses specific gifts like prophecy, tongues, and healing, encouraging the congregation to discover and utilize their gifts for the glory of Christ in everyday service.

Pastor Ricky Alcantar's sermon focuses on carrying the fire of the Spirit, emphasizing the importance of experiencing God's presence and the process of sanctification. He discusses living as the light of the world and being witnesses for Christ. The sermon encourages a deeper relationship with God and allowing the Holy Spirit to transform us.

Pastor Ricky Alcantar's sermon explains that Christianity is a supernatural religion only lived in the power of the Holy Spirit. The sermon stresses that the Holy Spirit is the power given to each believer that enables them to understand and believe in Jesus. Believers are urged to rely on the Holy Spirit as the ever-present helper, advisor, and counselor; and to carry the fire in their lives and to the world around them.