We've all heard the phrase “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,” but what does it really mean? If we're honest, many of us can identify areas in our lives where we fear the opinions of man more than we fear God. In this week's sermon, Pr. Marc reminds us that those who truly fear God recognize His greatness and authority. When we lose that reverent fear, we can drift into emotionally driven faith, self-guided morality, and compromise. Ultimately, if you serve a god you don't fear, that god becomes yourself. As you reflect on this message, ask yourself: Do I truly fear God? Choose to trust Him, obey Him, and follow Him no matter what it may cost!

What does it really mean to FEAR the Lord? In this week's sermon, Pr. Mark Thomas breaks down the true biblical meaning of the fear of God as a deep awe, reverence, and worship of God for who He is. He walks us through scripture that reminds us that God delights in those who fear Him and that living in the fear of the Lord, rather than the fear of man, brings wisdom, protection, and provision from the Lord!

James 5:16 tells us that the prayers of the righteous accomplish much! This week, Pastor Marc helps us reflect on the fact that the giants of the faith mentioned in scripture, Elijah, Moses, Noah, etc., were ordinary men who prayed. We walked through passages that answer the question “What makes a person righteous”?, and we are reminded that you cannot be a slave to righteousness and a slave to sin at the same time. Be encouraged by the fact that God can use ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things!

In scripture, we see Jesus protecting His prayer life. As followers of Christ, we are called to follow His example and do the same! In this week's message, Pr. Marc breaks down what prayer is….fellowship with God, and challenges us to make time for prayer daily. If Jesus made time for prayer, how much more do we need it in our lives?

Ever say to yourself, “God, I know you can do it, but will you do it for me?” In this week's message, Pastor Marc emphasizes the point that we worship God by faith. He tells us that faith is not demanding of God, but rather trusting Him! By this faith, we live a life of ‘because God says' and we don't live a life according to our understanding or desires.

Romans 10:17 states that “….faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God.” Pr. Mack reminds us that in scripture, the disciples' faith led them to leave everything behind to follow Christ. To them, it was worth the sacrifice of leaving it all behind!

“He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep, to gain what he cannot lose.” -Jim Elliott

There is danger in something that looks good but is not God. In this last part of the Mercy & Grace series, Pr. Marc reminds us that we cannot always trust that inner voice, nor every outer voice. We are to test every spirit as the scripture instructs us. Wisdom has us ask the question, “What did God actually say?” Are you willing to sacrifice what seems good….for what is God?

In this continuation of the Mercy & Grace series, Pr. Marc reminds us that the Christian life is not about avoiding sin; It is about learning to walk with Christ through the wisdom that grace teaches! We are encouraged to ask the question, “Is this helping me pursue Christ, or slowing me down?” He goes over the differences between Internal Weights and External Weights to help us identify the weights we may be carrying in our walk. What weights may be slowing down your walk? Commit to seeking the Wisdom of GOD!

This may be a hard pill to swallow, but we may be more like the older brother in the Prodigal story than we think! In this continuation of the Mercy and Grace series, Pr. Marc explains the difference between True Religion and False Religion and what they can produce in our walk. We are reminded that our obedience does not put God in debt to us. Obedience is a privilege…not leverage!

If you know who you are in Christ, what can man's opinion do to you? In Part II of this series, Pastor Marc walks through Scripture to reveal the heart of the Father: patient, compassionate, and pursuing you! God's mercy withholds what we deserve. Grace is receiving what you don't. Jesus provides grace so that faithfulness can happen. Grace saves, and grace empowers you to endure to the end!