Pastor Mac McCurry’s sermon celebrated Pleasant Valley North’s 175-year legacy, highlighting God’s unwavering faithfulness and the enduring commitment of its congregation. Reflecting on challenges like world wars, economic crises, and spiritual growth, Pastor Mac emphasized that the church’s strength comes from standing on the shoulders of those who came before. He encouraged the congregation to focus on four core missions: reaching people for Christ through evangelism, teaching God’s Word with discipleship, sowing seeds of love through ministry and missions, and growing closer to God and one another through worship and fellowship. Looking forward, he inspired hope that the church’s best days lie ahead, grounded in faith, unity, and dedication to spreading the gospel locally and globally. The message called for gratitude for the past and a resolute vision for the future, proclaiming God’s work is ongoing and the church’s mission is far from over.

This Sunday, Pastor Mac McCurry continued his series on the Fruit of the Spirit, focusing on kindness as outlined in Galatians 5:22-23. He emphasized that kindness, rooted in the love and mercy of God, reflects His character and calls us beyond mere politeness to selfless acts of care for others. Pastor Mac highlighted the connection between the Greek word chrestotes (kindness) and the Hebrew hesed (loving-kindness), showing how God's steadfast love compels us to extend grace even to those who are difficult to love. Drawing from Matthew 5, he reminded the congregation that true kindness requires stepping out of self-centeredness to be a blessing, driven by the Holy Spirit's work in us. "We are saved to be different and to make a difference," he concluded, encouraging believers to embody God's love through intentional acts of kindness.

Pastor Mac McCurry’s sermon this Sunday focused on Galatians 5:22-23, specifically exploring the virtue of goodness as part of the fruit of the Spirit. In his series on the nine “flavors” of the Spirit, Pastor Mac emphasized that while the works of the flesh are numerous, the fruit of the Spirit is singular, embodying the character of Christ through nine interconnected virtues.

Pastor Mac began by contrasting the plural deeds of the flesh with the singular nature of the fruit of the Spirit. He pointed out that goodness is described as “holiness in action” or “righteousness expressed through deeds.” Unlike human efforts to achieve virtue, true goodness is produced by the Holy Spirit working in those who yield to God’s will. Pastor Mac reassured those who may feel inadequate due to past failures or struggles with sin that no one is inherently good—“No, not one”—but God’s Spirit enables believers to grow in goodness.

He highlighted the process of sanctification, which starts at the moment of conversion and continues throughout a believer’s life. As God’s Spirit reshapes hearts and minds, Christians begin to reflect Jesus’ character. This transformation helps uproot negative traits like bitterness and selfishness, replacing them with godly virtues such as love, joy, and peace. Pastor Mac illustrated this with the song “God’s Still Working on Me,” reminding everyone that spiritual growth is ongoing and that sanctification is a lifelong journey.

A key point in the sermon was that goodness should be directed outward for the benefit of others, not for personal recognition. Pastor Mac explained the Greek word agathosune, meaning integrity and uprightness, to underscore that true goodness involves selfless acts aimed at helping others. Examples included visiting the sick, showing kindness and compassion, and aiding those in need—not for glory, but as an expression of Christ’s love.

Pastor Mac used the imagery of the cross to illustrate the balance between loving God and loving others. He explained that the vertical beam represents loving God with all one’s heart, while the horizontal beam symbolizes loving others. “It’s not an either-or,” he said, “but a both-and.” To follow Christ genuinely, one must demonstrate goodness through actions motivated by righteousness and compassion.

In conclusion, Pastor Mac called on the congregation to let the Holy Spirit work in them to produce the fruit of goodness. Whether through acts of giving, volunteering, or simple daily kindness, Christians are called to mirror Jesus’ character and be a blessing to others, growing in goodness and fulfilling their role as God’s representatives on earth.

n this week's message, Pastor Mac McCurry takes us to Galatians 5, exploring the fruit of the Spirit with a focus on faithfulness. Pastor Mac reminds us that faith isn’t just believing in God—it’s living with conviction, loyalty, and courage. Drawing from Hebrews 11, we see examples of biblical figures like Noah and Abraham who embodied faith by putting their trust into action, even when it seemed irrational or unpopular.

Pastor Mac also shares some light-hearted humor and encourages us not to be “fair-weather” followers of Christ, challenging us to remain steadfast regardless of circumstances. In a world filled with shifting values, this message calls us to hold firm to God’s truth, embracing faithfulness as a lifestyle.

Join us as we dive deeper into the Word and grow in understanding of God’s unwavering faithfulness toward us.

Join us for an inspiring journey through Galatians 5 as Pastor Mac McCurry delves into the fruit of the Spirit, focusing on the profound power of gentleness. This message, part of our new series on the fruit of the Spirit, challenges us to embody the virtues of a Spirit-led life, and today, we’re exploring what true gentleness means as a Christian.Pastor Mac teaches that gentleness is not weakness but “power under control.” Just as a powerful horse becomes guided by a saddle and bridle, we, too, are called to submit our strength to God, following His Spirit to harness this virtue in our lives. With references to Greek definitions and scriptural insights, Pastor Mac illuminates how gentleness is deeply connected to humility, patience, and self-control. It’s a calling to embody the love and strength of Jesus in a way that transforms relationships and reflects His character.The fruit of the Spirit, as Pastor Mac explains, is one fruit with nine different flavors: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. When led by the Spirit, our lives should show evidence of all these qualities as interconnected virtues, each growing as we draw closer to Christ. Through Bible study, prayer, and Christian fellowship, we grow to be more like Jesus, allowing Him to work within us.Pastor Mac also brings powerful imagery to gentleness by referencing Christ’s humility. Jesus, all-powerful and omnipotent, entered the world in meekness, born in a humble stable and later choosing a donkey as His vehicle of triumph into Jerusalem. This humbling act reflects His divine strength controlled by love and grace—a reminder of the depth and beauty of gentleness.As Pastor Mac guides us in exploring the life-changing fruit of the Spirit, let’s open our hearts to embody this transformative gentleness that can only be found in Christ. Join us on this journey of growth, surrender, and faithful living, as we strive to be more like Jesus in our daily walk.

In this week’s sermon, Pastor Mac McCurry dives into Galatians 5, focusing on self-control as one of the "flavors" of the singular Fruit of the Spirit. Using real-life stories, Pastor Mac humorously illustrates how self-control is less about personal strength and more about surrendering to the Holy Spirit. Through examples of everyday struggles, like road rage and distractions, we are reminded that true spiritual growth comes from walking in step with the Spirit, allowing Him to cultivate self-control in our lives.

#FruitOfTheSpirit #SelfControl #Sermon #PastorMacMcCurry #Galatians5 #HolySpirit

Welcome to this Sunday's sermon by Pastor Bob Agan! In today's message, we dive deep into Colossians chapter 1, focusing on the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ. Pastor Bob reminds us of the foundation upon which the church is built, drawing parallels between the church in Colossae and the cultural pressures we face today. This powerful passage speaks directly to us, challenging how we view Christ in a world that often seeks to diminish His importance.

In Colossians 1:15-20, Paul writes about the preeminence of Christ, describing Him as the "image of the invisible God" and the "firstborn of all creation." Pastor Bob explains that these phrases affirm Christ's divine nature, emphasizing that Jesus is not just a moral teacher or historical figure—He is God in the flesh. He is the Creator and Sustainer of all things, from the visible to the invisible, including thrones, dominions, and authorities. Everything was made *by Him*, *through Him*, and *for Him*.

The core of today’s message is centered on two key doctrines: the supremacy and sufficiency of Christ. Pastor Bob unpacks how the church in Colossae, much like today’s church, struggled with cultural influences—Jewish mysticism, legalism, and Greek philosophy—that began to distort the simplicity and power of the gospel. But Paul’s message is clear: Jesus is enough. His work on the cross is sufficient for our salvation, and He reigns supreme over all creation.

As Pastor Bob reflects on the text, he highlights how the culture’s influence on the church can distract us from the central truth of Christ’s supremacy. He encourages us to stand firm against the pressures of today’s world by rooting ourselves in the gospel, reminding us that we, too, were created by Him, through Him, and for Him. This truth is personal—it means that our lives are meant to glorify Jesus in everything we do.

Pastor Bob also challenges us to evaluate our own lives: Are we putting Christ before everything else? Are we truly living with Him as the foundation of our lives? This message calls for introspection, urging us to make Christ the center of all we do and believe.

By the end of the sermon, the takeaway is clear: Jesus is more than enough. He is the Creator, the Sustainer, the Redeemer. Through His death on the cross, He has reconciled all things to Himself, making peace by His blood. Pastor Bob reminds us that this foundational truth is the cornerstone for both the church and our individual lives.

Thank you for joining us today. As you reflect on this message, let’s commit to keeping Christ at the center of everything. If you’ve been blessed by this sermon, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share it with others. We’re excited to continue growing together in the Word of God! See you next week!

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While Pastor Mac is taking some time away to rest and recharge, Dr. Dan Allen was invited to preach this morning.

In this powerful sermon, Pastor Mac dives into the heart of true Christian service, drawing from Philippians 2 to illustrate how Jesus Christ took the form of a bondservant, humbling Himself to the point of death—even death on a cross. Pastor Mac reminds us that Christ's ultimate act of humility and love sets the perfect example for how we are to live: as servants to one another, not just in church roles like deacons, but in our daily lives as followers of Jesus.This message is especially timely as Pastor Mac reflects on the ordination of new deacons at PVN and expands the call to service beyond church leadership. Using vivid imagery from Acts 6 and John 13, he emphasizes that servanthood is not about status or recognition, but about humbling ourselves to serve others as Jesus did—even in the most menial tasks, like washing feet.Whether you’re struggling with pride, feeling overlooked, or questioning your worth, Pastor Mac reassures us that God’s love for us was demonstrated when Jesus left the glory of heaven to become a servant. In a world that tells us to "have it our way," Christ shows us the countercultural path of putting others first. It’s a call to live in humility, to serve with joy, and to follow the example of our Savior, Jesus Christ.Tune in and be encouraged by the message of God’s love, sacrifice, and the call to humble service. Let this sermon challenge you to live as a servant, reflecting Christ’s love to the world around you.

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Join us as Pastor Mac ends our series in 1 Samuel as he dives into the profound lessons from 1 Samuel 31. This sermon emphasizes the ripple effect of our actions and decisions, illustrating how what we do profoundly influences those around us. Using the tragic story of King Saul, Pastor Mac reminds us that even in our darkest moments, our choices can have far-reaching consequences.Saul's journey ends in defeat, and his decision to take his own life led to tragic outcomes for his armor bearer and the people of Israel. This narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of seeking guidance and making choices that reflect our values. Pastor Mac encourages us to reflect on our lives, especially during tough times, and to consider the impact of our actions on our loved ones and community.In addition to examining the ramifications of Saul's actions, Pastor Mac highlights the unwavering truth of God's Word, reinforcing that it remains faithful through our trials. He draws a stark contrast between Saul's despair and David's triumph, demonstrating the power of faith and resilience.This sermon not only explores themes of responsibility and the effects of our choices but also emphasizes the significance of humility, repentance, and God's grace. It’s a call to action for all of us to rise above our circumstances and to choose life, hope, and faith in God.Whether you're facing a personal battle or simply looking for inspiration, this sermon is filled with wisdom that resonates with everyone. Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe for more powerful messages that can change your life!

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