Some things are too important to fire off in a text or email. We need to practice “face to face” time with friends if we are going to lose the loneliness and experience true community as God designed it. And He gives us the manual on how to do this well, especially utilizing the Matthew 18:15 Principle. Listen as Pastor Rick helps us navigate the tricky waters of dealing with difficult people as we go deeper in relationships that matter.

We all wear masks at times. We do some pretending and hiding behind these masks because we need to function in this world. Some masks are worse than others as some are meant to deceive while others are used to simply cope with life. Join us as we look at the importance of removing our masks in the context of biblical community so that we can love others and allow ourselves to be loved.

We have got to move beyond thinking of church as the worship service that takes place each Sunday and engage in the relationships God is providing in the Community He is building. Jesus didn’t just meet with his disciples on the Sabbath—they did life pretty much 24/7 together. When we break out of the building and begin entering one another’s lives, that’s when we begin to be the Church. And we must let those who are desperately lonely and isolated know they have a place of belonging around God’s table with us.

Today we are more connected than ever, yet more people say they are lonely than at any other time in history. A reality series currently on The History Channel, Alone, features contestants trying to survive on a remote island with zero human contact, and most are coming to the painful realization that we were never meant to live life on our own. If isolation and loneliness is our struggle, community is God’s answer. And in Life Groups, each of us finds that sense of belonging and connection with each other and with God as we learn to worship together, practice community together, and serve others together.

Have you ever considered Jesus fully expects you as his follower to do the same things he did? Do you realize you can make disciples (followers) by leading them to faith and baptizing them? Do you know you can teach others to observe all the things Jesus commanded? Jesus didn’t commission professional to lead others to faith and teach them to fully follow Jesus; he commissioned all his children to participate in the family restoration business.

Have you ever heard someone say, "those are fightin' words?" Jesus made a statement at a dinner with friends that folks have often used as "fightin' words." Join us as we attempt to hear the heart behind those words found in the 14th chapter of John.

A little light makes a big difference! When Jesus said, "I am the light of the world" what did He mean and why does it matter today?

Ever said "yes" to something you wish you would have said "no" to?

Ever done something that felt right in the moment but in the end it was all wrong? We all have. Check out this message and in this new year may you come to better know the God of endless second chances!