Simple Church

Paul writes to encourage Timothy to continue on in his calling and to remember who he is in Christ. While in prison, Paul reminds his brother in the faith to be ready to suffer for the gospel and rely on God's strength that is in him. 

As followers of Christ, we are reminded Jesus defeated death and gives light to all those who follow Him. Because of our new heart, God has given us a new spirit of power, love and self-discipline. We walk in the truth of the Spirit and are not ashamed to tell others about Christ and all He has done for us. We can encourage other believers to continue in the faith, remember the joy we have in Christ and fully trust God, just as Paul did with Timothy. 

2 Timothy 1:1-18

Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor

As we continue in our series, "Act: What The Modern Church Isn't Doing", Kenny explains it is not the role of the pastor to fill in all the gaps. God has called pastors to devote themselves to teach His word. The percentage of partners who are actually serving in the church is low in comparison to those who attend. In American culture, if we are not excited, we are bored. If things are not new and fresh, many of us will look elsewhere. 

We cannot bring the American culture attitude into the church. As followers of Christ, we are called to keep going, even and especially when the excitement has diminished. We are called to meet the need when we see the need. Our focus has to be on Christ and the message of His gospel. If we continue to be inwardly focused, the needs around us will not be seen or met. War must be waged against our internal thinking. 

It is not the job of the pastor to fill the gaps. It is not someone else's responsibility to make sure everything is just the way it should be. As a believer, YOU are as responsible as anyone else to see needs and meet them. 

Acts 6:1-7

Kenny Nix, Pastor

As Keith explains how sin causes us to die spiritually, he also speaks of the hope and freedom we have in Christ. Paul tells us in this passage, once we count the cost of following Christ and live for Him, sin has no power over our lives. Jesus defeated death and His life gives glory to God, as ours should. 

Keith plainly explains we are no longer slaves to sin once we are in pursuit of Jesus. We are truly set free at the time of complete surrender. Our hope lies in the defeat of death, the resurrection of Christ and the grace God gives that is far greater than our sin.

Romans 6:5-14

Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor

As we look at the first evangelists, we see true motivation to "go" comes from being changed by God. The shepherds who first received news of Jesus' birth could not help but to go and see. The shepherds hurried to see this prophecy come to life in Bethlehem. The long awaited, foretold promise of God had come to pass! Once the shepherds saw the Messiah just as the angel had said, the shepards told everyone about their visit from the angel and all that happened. 

When you and I see our Salvation and it changes our lives, we are driven by the Spirit to seek Him for ourselves. It is a personal connection to God when Jesus transforms your rebel heart and gives you a new life. This is our motivation to "go" and tell everyone all that He has done for us. 

David was driven to go up against Goliath for tormenting God's children and bringing shame to the name of the Lord. He refused to stand by and not do something to honor God and stand in the gap for His people. David was not about to back down, even if it had cost him his life. He knew God was fighting for him. God helped David defeat Goliath that day in the valley of Elah. In an even greater way, Jesus has defeated death. There is no more shame being brought to the name of the Lord, no more waiting for our salvation to come and no more fearing an enemy. Jesus has won and He is for us! Live in the joy of His salvation and hurry to tell everyone all He has shown to you through the power of His living word. 

Luke 2:9-20; 1 Samuel 17

Kenny Nix, Pastor

Do not miss Jesus.

John 1:1-17, Hebrews 2:9-18

Dawn Hedgepeth

In Acts 5, we see Ananias and Sapphira had a chance to do the right thing and be honest about withholding a portion of the money they made from the land they sold. Being reconciled to God through Christ, we have the same opportunity.

We find our identity in Christ. Jesus is the cornerstone and if we remain connected to Him, we are able to show others the goodness of God. We, as followers of Christ have been called out of the darkness and into the light so others can see and know God who is alive in us. 

1 Peter 2:4-12

Kenny Nix, Pastor

So often, we pray against difficulties in our lives. Many times, we equate "God's blessings" with things that have little to do with God and more to do with our selfish desires. The human nature in each one of us craves easy, comfortable and safe; Jesus' followers faced the opposite and prayed for great boldness in the face of opposition. 

As Kenny leads us in our fourth message of "Acts: What The Modern Church Isn't Doing", one overarching truth is seen time and time again in the lives of Christ followers. Our ultimate goal is to be closer to Jesus, not for life to be easy. 

Acts 4:23-31

Kenny Nix, Pastor

If you are a believer in Christ and a follower of Him, you are alive in Christ. We are free to live because God raised Jesus from the dead. We can live with great expectation and look forward to an eternity with Jesus. That is our hope. 

"True hope lies in what happens after we die." - Keith Wilson

1 Peter 1:1-7

Keith Wilson, Youth Pastor

In this message from John Henderson, we see no matter where we go, we cannot outrun God. John shares with us the story of Jonah, in the book by the same name, and how trying to take matters into our own hands will only lead to our ultimate ruin. Just like Jonah, we have all determined at some point we have a "better idea" than the one God has placed on our heart. Oftentimes, it takes a major wake up call to get our attention and realize God is sovereign and obedience is what He desires from us.

Jonah 

John Henderson