Risen Church NC

Being a Jesus follower means we've received a brand new identity, with access to a brilliant, unbelievable opportunity in God's Kingdom.

In this message, we consider the wonder of Jesus' invitation to us all and how privileged we are to be included in God's plan. In spite of who we are compared to Him, He has chosen us to be key players in His mission to save the world and offers us an out-of-this-world anointing and purpose.

Everybody wants to be great. We want to be great in every category and on every level. Politicians promise greatness. Advertisement campaigns are all about making people feel and look great.

Revelation looks forward to the final kingdom of man, which in many ways is the ultimate form of all the preceding kingdoms. Revelation 18 refers to Babylon as being great, exceeding everyone's expectations. However, it also previews Babylon and all of its greatness going down in flames.

In this message, we take a look at how greatness according to this world is so vastly different than greatness according to God. Jesus came to a people so desperate to be greater than all the rest and showed them a brand new way forward.

Listen as we discuss what makes one great in the Kingdom of God and how futile it is to chase greatness in this world.

Presiding over every kingdom of man, permeating the structures on every level of society is the spirit of Babylon. This agenda has long been leveraged by the Enemy to solidify and further the separation between God and man.

In this message, we look at how the beastly kingdoms have always deceived the masses with illusions of power, treasure, and pleasure. These all have proven to be empty promises to every generation that falls for the traps set by the devil. What outwardly presents as beautiful, appealing to our flesh and pride, only ever leads to loss and death.

In an age of multitasking, we are also prone to multi-worship - that is, split our devotion between God and many other masters. We may not bow at idols like the ancient pagans, but we certainly order our lives around vain, lifeless rulers.

In this message, we examine the many idols we have elevated above God and realize that much of our behavior reveals the altars we bow at. If we are going to follow Jesus, we must unfollow any and all that competes for first place in our lives.

Good things that we've made ultimate. People that we've elevated to unholy heights. The things that our time, talent, and treasure flows to. All of these can become idols that not only rival God, but take His place in our hearts.

Revelation 16 gives us a glimpse of the day on which Earth's last mortal kingdom will fall. No matter how peaceful, prosperous, or powerful any nation or empire of this world may seem, there is an expiration date on them all.

In this message, we look at the series of plagues that will fall on the earth in the last days. These all serve as judgements on a world that has believed itself to be invulnerable and self-sufficient. Truthfully, our world is pummeling towards a final day of distress and conflict. Our only hope is in the King above all kings, and His Kingdom to come.

Are you really following Jesus? It's one thing to say we believe or to obey certain religious commands, but following Jesus is truly measured in how we behave and live out our daily lives.

In this message, we hold ourselves up to the ultimate litmus test of Christianity - The Sermon on the Mount. In this famous message, Jesus lays out a practical path for every disciple to walk. If we are truly His followers, it will show up in our real lives.

There have been many reminders of our world's fallen, fragile nature throughout the generations. As the Day of the Lord draws near, nature and society will fracture and crack even more. All of these things should cause us to look up... for our redemption is coming soon.

In this series, we go back to the basics (and the Bible) to discover the most essential truth about Christianity. That is, there is no version of the Christian faith where following Jesus is not at its heart.

Our modern world defines Christianity dozens of different ways, with various degrees of severity and flexibility. However, according to God's Word, there is only *one way* to be a Christian- Be a Follower of Jesus.

What does that mean? What does that look like? Listen to find out the simple, yet convicting foundation of our faith.

In this message, we consider the justice, severity, and necessity of God's wrath.

As merciful as our God is and as many chances as we are all afforded, eventually our earthly lives will come to an end. This doesn't take anything away from His grace, but points to God's sovereign plans and our finite nature. He's given us an opportunity to live for His glory and eventually, that opportunity will end.

Our lives may end, but our stories will go on and be remembered forever. How we respond to God's grace all throughout our lives will determine how our stories play out and the legacy that will go with us into eternity.

Listen as we consider the tragic story of Israel's last king and how a series of foolish decisions eventually led to the entire nation's defeat. Nobody in the story believed that the end would come so soon, until it was unfortunately too late. At that point, there would be no "come backs", but a reckoning for all that had led to this moment.