Practicing therapist and pastor Derrick Collins returns to Ringgold Church to reflect on the parable of the 10 virgins--5 wise, 5 foolish, all symbolically referred to as believers. In addition to the sobering reminder this parable offers to those in the church, Collins highlights the importance of the oil and the lamp. His challenge to us: How can we remember the gifts/talents described in this and its partner parable (parable of the talents), remember their source, and best point others to that source?

Sermon by Derrick Collins, recorded on May 3, 2025, at the Ringgold Seventh-day Adventist Church.

There's plenty we do in life that is the same (in task) and, yet, different (in execution) over time: Our first steps, for instance, are quite different from how we walk now. For ages, believers have spent time in prayer and communion with God, and, yet, had much to learn from the request, "Lord, teach us to pray...." Listen as Pastor Greg breaks down the lasting impression Jesus' model prayer has on our lives today.

Sermon by Pastor Greg Hudson, recorded on April 26, 2025, at the Ringgold Seventh-day Adventist Church.

In a recent BBC poll, a staggering 25% of Christian participants said they did not believe in the resurrection. But in 1 Corinthians 15, we're told in no uncertain terms we don't have salvation or a Savior without a crucified and resurrected Christ. So lest we leave anyone struggling with 1 Corinthians 15, Pastor Greg steps us through the resurrection with any investigator's most fundamental tools: The 5 W's.

Sermon by Pastor Greg Hudson, recorded on April 19, 2025, at the Ringgold Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Though there may be other Bible characters we would describe as friends of God, guest speaker Wayne Owens points out that Abraham seems to be the only one actually given that title in scripture. God made a special covenant, a contract, with Abraham, and this covenant echoes over and over through scripture. Chaplain Wayne encourages us to set our anchor on the same, certain God of that covenant, as He continues to uphold and fulfill that for us today.

Sermon by Chaplain Wayne Owens, recorded on April 5, 2025, at the Ringgold Seventh-day Adventist Church.

When posed with the question of what one thing he wanted from God, Solomon chose wisdom. When awarded also with riches and power, Solomon dove into the great experiment of finding meaning and purpose in life in those other blessings...in departure from the very One who blessed him. Wonder with Pastor Mike: Can we avoid the same trial and error, and instead learn from Solomon and other great thinkers since their conclusion of the meaninglessness of life apart from God?

Sermon by Pastor Mike Lombardo, recorded on March 29, 2025, at the Ringgold Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Pastor Greg relays a funny college memory as a reminder that our sins have a tendency to find us out. We understand that in judgment, our deeds will be accounted for. However, the sanctuary service that is the blueprint for judgment and salvation will also come full circle. Listen and take courage that with Christ in our lives, we have nothing to fear in judgment.

Sermon by Pastor Greg Hudson, recorded on March 22, 2025, at the Ringgold Seventh-day Adventist Church.

"Pilate's Staircase" is a famous landmark unlikely to be the genuine article, but it's nonetheless attracted many Christian pilgrims, notably including Martin Luther. Our speaker today, Dr. Steven Grabiner, uses Pilate's staircase as a metaphor for the steps that Pilate took from intrigue (even mild belief) to self-righteous departure from Jesus. These steps are a cautionary tale for us--are we slowly distancing ourselves from and denying Christ, or choosing to surrender ourselves to Him as we know we should? Do we see ourselves in some of the steps Pilate took?

Sermon by Dr. Steven Grabiner, recorded on March 15, 2025, at the Ringgold Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Have you ever met your doppelganger, or known someone who claims to have met them? Well, prophets told Israel (and us) that Elijah would have a doppelganger of sorts, in spirit and power, preparing the way the Messiah's first arrival as well soon before the "dreadful day of the Lord" that is yet to come. Pastor Greg challenges us, how can we--as a church and individuals--reflect the spirit and power of Elijah in Earth's last days?

Sermon by Pastor Greg Hudson, recorded on March 8, 2025, at the Ringgold Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Our audio kicks on part way through intro, where the speaker briefs us on the state of the Israelite nation leading up to its 70-year captivity. As Israel lost focus on the source of their blessings and started building an empire unto itself instead of unto God, their empire crumbled. Near the end of their period of captivity, when they began to forget the lessons learned along the way, they risked the restoration of their homeland. Speaker Florence Phillips finds a warning for us today, in this story and later related prophecies.

Our guest speaker, Florence Phillips, is a former student of Pastor Greg's and a Georgia-Cumberland Academy alumni. Nowadays, she is studying medicine in Argentina.

Sermon by Florence Phillips, recorded on March 1, 2025, at the Ringgold Seventh-day Adventist Church.

A few brave adventurers have looked for their thrills atop Mount Everest. In a less literal sense, others seek their rousing mountaintop moment with God, hoping for God to reveal Himself spectacularly as He did for Elijah and Israel on Mount Carmel. But what good was that mountaintop moment for Elijah when, hours later, he forgot his God and ran for his life? Pastor Greg reflects on Elijah's experience and encourages seeking God not simply in the extremes of life, but also the quiet places.

Sermon by Pastor Greg Hudson, recorded on February 22, 2025, at the Ringgold Seventh-day Adventist Church.