Higher Aim with Dr. Curt Dodd

As we continue our conversation around what we believe as followers of Jesus, we are going to reiterate some very important truths today. We’re going to look at why we believe what we believe surrounding communion and baptism and how these are symbols in our faith walk, but not the things that actually save us. Let’s dive in together.

We are in week three of our series entitled, “What We Believe.” In this series, we’re discussing just that: what we believe. We’re diving into Scripture and making sure we have a clear understanding of our beliefs and our faith so that we are prepared to give a reason regarding the hope that is in us, as Peter says in his first epistle. Today, we’re going to continue this conversation by discussing what we believe about salvation and church membership. Let’s dive in together.

Living a life fully committed to Christ requires that you know what you believe. Last week, we began a series talking about what we believe as Christians and why we believe it. Today, we’re going to continue that discussion, so let’s dive in.

If you’re going to live a life committed to Jesus, you need to know what you believe. While there is such a thing as blind faith, there is no such thing as blind belief. It is absolutely vital that you know what Scripture says and what Jesus teaches so that you can have a strongly rooted belief in your relationship with the Lord.

Do you know who you are? I pray that you do. The greatest problem for believers is that they do not actually know who they are. From a spiritual sense, I pray that you know who you are beyond just what you are called. Faith is the ability to take God at His Word in every area of life. It is a gift from God, not something we produce ourselves. Without faith, we cannot repent, trust in Christ, or embrace the life God has called us to. Today, we will look at the life of Moses and how faith shaped his journey.

Acts Chapter 8 describes a time of great difficulty for the early church. Being a follower of Jesus does not mean we are exempt from problems. In fact, sometimes our greatest trials can lead to our greatest growth. As Erma Bombeck once said, "When life deals you lemons, make lemonade." Today, we will explore how God uses problems for His greater purpose and our spiritual maturity.

Have you ever found something valuable you didn’t know you had, like hidden cash? Rediscovering it feels like an extra gift. Sometimes, in the Christian life, we don’t realize the treasures we have in Christ. The story of Stephen, one of the first deacons and the first martyr of the Christian Church, is a powerful reminder of these gifts. Stephen’s boldness and sacrifice reveal what makes believers different, showing that when we follow Christ, there is a magnetism about us that words can hardly describe.

Gratitude is a powerful force that can transform our lives. It shapes our perspective, deepens our faith, and strengthens our relationships. While it’s easy to be thankful when things are going well, true gratitude is a daily practice that remains steady even in challenges. The Bible teaches us that a grateful heart leads to joy, peace, and contentment. Today, we will explore the biblical principles of gratitude and how embracing them can positively impact our lives.

Sometimes, things happen that don't compute in our minds. Life doesn’t always make sense. This can even be the case for people who have God's Hand upon their lives. In this message, as we look at the life of John the Baptist, we’re going to discuss some critical principles to remember when life doesn't make sense.