Training to Overcome the Natural Man and Lead with Purpose

In this bold and convicting message from our Rise Up series, men are called to reject passivity and embrace godly discipline. Pastor challenges every man to rise above the natural desires that sabotage our leadership, homes, and spiritual lives.

With practical clarity, he lays out five essential disciplines—daily prayer, knowing God's Word, faithful church attendance, radical generosity, and intentional evangelism. These are not optional extras—they are the foundation for men who want to lead well, love deeply, and live powerfully.

This isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being prepared. It’s time to stop making excuses and start building spiritual muscle. God is calling men to stand up, speak out, and live differently. Will you answer the call?

Key Scriptures Highlighted:

Proverbs 14:27 – “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life…”

Matthew 6:5–8 – “When you pray, go into your room and shut the door…”

Joshua 1:8 – “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth…”

Hebrews 10:24–25 – “Do not neglect meeting together…”

Proverbs 3:9–10 – “Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits…”

Romans 1:16 – “I am not ashamed of the gospel…”

2 Corinthians 5:17–20 – “You are ambassadors for Christ…”

Rediscover who God created you to be—and why fearing the Lord is the foundation of real leadership.

Men, you were formed from the dust—but created for God’s glory and purpose.

In this powerful sermon, Pastor Ron kicks off our men’s series by calling every man back to the foundation: a holy fear of the Lord. Through Scripture and honest reflection, you’ll be challenged to reboot your life, take responsibility, and rise into the calling God has placed on you from the beginning of time.

Are you ready to surrender? Are you ready to lead?

The Divine Call for Men to Lead: A Biblical Perspective on Masculine Leadership

In this powerful message, we're challenged to embrace our God-given role as leaders. The sermon takes us back to the creation story in Genesis, revealing how God designed men to lead from the very beginning. This isn't about inequality or endorsing abuse, but about fulfilling our divine purpose. We're reminded that leadership isn't just a responsibility—it's how we're wired. The message encourages us to be proactive leaders in our marriages, families, and spiritual lives. It's a call to step up and lead before crises hit, to pursue our spouses, engage with our children, and most importantly, to chase after God with all our hearts. This isn't just about personal growth; it's about protecting and guiding those entrusted to our care. The sermon challenges us to reflect on how we're living out this calling and inspires us to lead with confidence, knowing that God has equipped us for this very purpose.

We can’t wait to celebrate our amazing Awana kids and all the hard work they’ve done this year!

Join us tonight for a night of recognition as we honor their hard work and dedication.

Let’s come together to cheer on these young hearts!

#AwanaAwards #MountainCityKids #CelebrateFaith #ScriptureChampions

In this powerful message, we're challenged to consider the most radical act in history: Christ's crucifixion. The sermon delves into 1 Corinthians 1:23, revealing how Jesus' death was a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles. We're reminded that the cross, now a familiar symbol, was once shocking and offensive. This radical act defied expectations, contradicted worldly wisdom, and was entirely undeserved. Most astoundingly, it was voluntary - Jesus chose to die for us. As we contemplate this profound sacrifice, we're called to follow Christ's example by 'dying to self' daily. This means crucifying our sinful thoughts, emotions, and actions, allowing Christ to live through us. By doing so, we can transform our relationships, navigate trials more effectively, and improve our ministry. This message challenges us to recover our awe of the cross and embrace the radical, transformative power of Christ's love in our lives.

1 Corinthians 1:23

Deuteronomy 21:23

John 10:18

John 10:11

Mark 10:45

Luke 9:23

Galatians 2:20

James 4:1

1 Corinthians 13:7

Matthew 28:19-20 (Great Commission, alluded to but not directly quoted)

Mark 16:15 (Great Commission, alluded to but not directly quoted)

Luke 24:46-48 (Great Commission, alluded to but not directly quoted)

Acts 1:8

Additional relevant verses that align with the main themes discussed:

Romans 6:11 - On dying to self and living for Christ

Colossians 3:3 - On our life being hidden with Christ

2 Corinthians 5:17 - On becoming a new creation in Christ

Philippians 1:21 - On living is Christ and dying is gain

1 Corinthians 15:31 - On dying daily

Romans 12:1-2 - On offering ourselves as living sacrifices

Matthew 16:24-25 - On taking up one's cross and following Jesus

1 Corinthians 3:6-8 - On planting, watering, and reaping in ministry (alluded to near the end of the sermon)