Skycrest Community Church

Description:

Explore encouragement through Barnabas, emphasizing generosity, belief, and grace, with family as a spiritual renewal hub, reflecting God's character.

Chapters:

0:00 Opening

00:00:23 The Power of Encouragement

00:07:47 Paul the Son of Encouragement

00:15:54 Barnabas the Charismatic

00:16:29 Paul the Apostle

00:25:25 Paul's Encouragement starts with Barnabas

00:33:27 Barnabas the Encourager

00:37:57 The Call to Encouragement

Recorded on May 18, 2025 at Skycrest Community Church. Skycrest Community Church · 125 N Belcher Road, Clearwater, FL 33765

Sundays: Group Bible Studies 9:00 AM · Worship 10:30 AM

Wednesdays: Pastor's Bible Study 6:30 PM

Plan your visit, watch live, or give: https://skycrestfamily.org

Questions or prayer requests: [email protected] · (727) 791-7107

odcast for May 12, 2025

TWL - Parables S5E9 5.13.25

Description:

Pastor Chris explores Luke 16's parable, urging mercy, timely action, and reliance on Scripture for eternal impact and righteous living.

Chapters:

0:00 Opening

00:01:35 Jesus' Parable of Lazarus

00:04:26 The Rich Man and the Beggar

Recorded on May 12, 2025 at Skycrest Community Church. Skycrest Community Church · 125 N Belcher Road, Clearwater, FL 33765

Sundays: Group Bible Studies 9:00 AM · Worship 10:30 AM

Wednesdays: Pastor's Bible Study 6:30 PM

Plan your visit, watch live, or give: https://skycrestfamily.org

Questions or prayer requests: [email protected] · (727) 791-7107

Family Legend EP3

Description:

Discover how to leave a godly legacy through character development, family investment, and embracing one's divine role, inspired by Proverbs 31.

Chapters:

0:00 Opening

00:01:17 Family Legend

00:09:11 Proverbs 31: The Aspirational Values

00:11:52 The Virtues of the Noble Woman

00:21:56 The Truth of God's Teaching

00:24:12 The Role of Moms in the Family

00:30:54 A Legacy of Love

Recorded on May 11, 2025 at Skycrest Community Church. Skycrest Community Church · 125 N Belcher Road, Clearwater, FL 33765

Sundays: Group Bible Studies 9:00 AM · Worship 10:30 AM

Wednesdays: Pastor's Bible Study 6:30 PM

Plan your visit, watch live, or give: https://skycrestfamily.org

Questions or prayer requests: [email protected] · (727) 791-7107

TWL - Parables S5E8 5.6.25

Description:

Exploring Jesus' parable, the sermon highlights humility's protection over dignity, contrasting worldly pride with divine rewards for selflessness, inspired by Christ's ultimate humility.

Recorded on May 5, 2025 at Skycrest Community Church. Skycrest Community Church · 125 N Belcher Road, Clearwater, FL 33765

Sundays: Group Bible Studies 9:00 AM · Worship 10:30 AM

Wednesdays: Pastor's Bible Study 6:30 PM

Plan your visit, watch live, or give: https://skycrestfamily.org

Questions or prayer requests: [email protected] · (727) 791-7107

## Exploring the Legacy of Boaz: A Family Legend

In the second episode of the "Family Legend" series, we delve into the story of Boaz from the Book of Ruth. This sermon explores the characteristics that define a family legend and how we can leave a God-honoring legacy for future generations.

### The Legend of Boaz and Ruth

The story of Boaz, found in the Book of Ruth, is a tale of faith, providence, and legacy. During a time of famine, Naomi and her daughter-in-law Ruth return to Bethlehem after suffering great loss. Ruth, a Moabite, pledges her loyalty to Naomi, famously stating, "Where you go, I will go, and where you stay, I will stay" (**Ruth 1:16-17**). Upon their return, they encounter Boaz, a man of standing and integrity, who plays a pivotal role in their story.

### Characteristics of a Family Legend

The sermon outlines four key characteristics that Boaz exemplified, which we can cultivate to become legends for our families:

1. **Prayerful**: Boaz's life was steeped in prayer, even in his greetings and interactions. His blessing upon his workers and his prayer for Ruth's well-being were sincere acts of faith. "May the Lord repay you for what you have done" (**Ruth 2:12**).

2. **Perceptive**: Boaz noticed Ruth, a foreigner, working in his fields. His awareness of her presence and situation highlights the importance of being perceptive and attentive to the needs around us.

3. **Protective**: Understanding the potential dangers Ruth faced, Boaz ensured her safety by instructing his men not to harm her and providing her with water. This reflects the protective nature legends must embody to safeguard their families.

4. **Provider**: Boaz empowered Ruth by allowing her to glean in his fields, respecting her dignity and encouraging her independence. He provided opportunities rather than handouts, fostering growth and faith in God.

### Lessons in Legacy

The overarching message is that legends are those who fear God and prioritize the well-being of others over mere happiness. Boaz's actions were not just about meeting needs but about creating opportunities for Ruth to experience God's provision and grow in faith. His life serves as a template for how we can influence our families positively through:

- **Prayer**: Inviting God into every aspect of life, trusting Him to work in the lives of those we love.

- **Perception**: Being aware and attentive to the needs and situations of our family members.

- **Protection**: Safeguarding our loved ones from harm and guiding them through life's challenges.

- **Provision**: Empowering others to stand on their own, fostering independence and faith.

### Conclusion

Boaz's story teaches us that a true family legend is someone who leaves a legacy of faith and integrity. By cultivating these characteristics, we can inspire our families to follow God and live lives of purpose and significance. As Boaz was to Ruth and Naomi, we too can be guiding lights, pointing our loved ones to the path of righteousness and God's enduring love.

For more insights, you can explore the full story in the [Book of Ruth](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ruth+1-4&version=NIV). Skycrest Community Church · 125 N Belcher Road, Clearwater, FL 33765

Sundays: Group Bible Studies 9:00 AM · Worship 10:30 AM

Wednesdays: Pastor's Bible Study 6:30 PM

Plan your visit, watch live, or give: https://skycrestfamily.org

Questions or prayer requests: [email protected] · (727) 791-7107

Family Legend EP1

Description:

Pastor Chris explores Samuel's legacy, emphasizing integrity, adaptability, and continual learning from God, while acknowledging the influence of free will on those we guide.

Chapters:

0:00 Opening

00:00:38 What Makes a Legend?

00:04:23 3 Characteristics of Samuel

00:13:02 The Legacy of First Samuel

00:21:51 Samuel

00:30:56 Samuel the Hebrew: Change Your Approach

00:35:44 The Characteristics of a Legend

Recorded on April 27, 2025 at Skycrest Community Church. Skycrest Community Church · 125 N Belcher Road, Clearwater, FL 33765

Sundays: Group Bible Studies 9:00 AM · Worship 10:30 AM

Wednesdays: Pastor's Bible Study 6:30 PM

Plan your visit, watch live, or give: https://skycrestfamily.org

Questions or prayer requests: [email protected] · (727) 791-7107

Description:

Pastor Chris explores Easter's victory over all enemies, highlighting Satan's tactics and affirming believers' unbreakable connection to God's love through Christ's resurrection.

Chapters:

0:00 Opening

00:00:09 Easter: A Celebration of Victory

00:02:21 Death is the Only Final Enemy

00:06:39 All of Our Enemies

00:15:55 2 The Righteous Among Us

00:22:47 3 Reasons Why God Loves Me (Suffering)

Recorded on April 20, 2025 at Skycrest Community Church. Skycrest Community Church · 125 N Belcher Road, Clearwater, FL 33765

Sundays: Group Bible Studies 9:00 AM · Worship 10:30 AM

Wednesdays: Pastor's Bible Study 6:30 PM

Plan your visit, watch live, or give: https://skycrestfamily.org

Questions or prayer requests: [email protected] · (727) 791-7107

Podcast for April 13, 2025

More Than Conqueror's EP14

Description:

Explores Palm Sunday, highlighting God's unexpected work and the Holy Spirit's role in our weakness, emphasizing peace through spiritual connection over fixed circumstances.

Chapters:

0:00 Opening

00:01:01 The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem

00:11:58 The People of God

00:16:50 How to Recognize and Trust God in Our Weakness

00:27:36 Proscriptions on Praying in Tongues

00:38:02 Why We Should Trust God

00:42:30 Have You Placed Your Faith in Jesus?

Recorded on April 13, 2025 at Skycrest Community Church. Skycrest Community Church · 125 N Belcher Road, Clearwater, FL 33765

Sundays: Group Bible Studies 9:00 AM · Worship 10:30 AM

Wednesdays: Pastor's Bible Study 6:30 PM

Plan your visit, watch live, or give: https://skycrestfamily.org

Questions or prayer requests: [email protected] · (727) 791-7107

# Finding Joy in the Parables

In this week's sermon, we delve into the profound lessons embedded within the parables of **Luke 15**. These stories, often associated with themes of loss and redemption, offer a deeper exploration into the nature of joy as intended by Jesus.

## The Joy of the Lord

The sermon begins by reminding us of two critical truths from Scripture: the joy of the Lord is our strength, and Jesus desires for us to live with His joy, making our joy complete. This joy is not just an emotion but a life-animating force that is deeply connected to Jesus's presence and purpose in our lives.

Despite this promise, many of us struggle to experience this joy. Pastor Chris suggests that the parables in **Luke 15** might hold the key to understanding and living with this joy.

## The Parables of Luke 15

The parables in **Luke 15** are responses to the Pharisees and teachers of the law, who were upset with Jesus for associating with sinners. These stories include:

- **The Lost Sheep**: A shepherd leaves 99 sheep to find the one that is lost, rejoicing upon its return.

- **The Lost Coin**: A woman searches diligently for a lost coin and celebrates with her neighbors when she finds it.

- **The Prodigal Son**: A father welcomes back his lost son with open arms and a celebratory feast.

## The Message of Joy

While these parables are often viewed through the lens of searching for the lost, they also emphasize the joy that follows when the lost is found. Each story concludes with a celebration, highlighting the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.

The sermon underscores that joy comes not from obtaining everything we desire or from strict adherence to religious practices, as the Pharisees believed. Instead, joy is found in aligning ourselves with God's purpose—seeking and saving the lost, and celebrating their return.

## Joining the Search and Celebration

To experience the joy of Jesus, we are encouraged to join in both the search for the lost and the celebration of their return. This involves:

- **Embracing God's Purpose**: Understanding that what brings joy to God should bring joy to us.

- **Loving Others**: Prioritizing love and compassion over self-righteousness.

- **Celebrating Redemption**: Rejoicing in the repentance and restoration of others.

## Conclusion

The sermon concludes with a call to action: to pursue joy by participating in God's mission. This pursuit is a truth worth living, promising peace and joy as we align our lives with Jesus's purpose. As we go forth, may we find strength in the joy of the Lord and share in the heavenly celebrations that occur when the lost are found.

This reflection on **Luke 15** invites us to reconsider where true joy originates and challenges us to live out this joy in our daily lives. Skycrest Community Church · 125 N Belcher Road, Clearwater, FL 33765

Sundays: Group Bible Studies 9:00 AM · Worship 10:30 AM

Wednesdays: Pastor's Bible Study 6:30 PM

Plan your visit, watch live, or give: https://skycrestfamily.org

Questions or prayer requests: [email protected] · (727) 791-7107

# The Conqueror's Path to Glory

In the latest installment of our series, "More than Conquerors," we delve into **Romans 8** to explore the profound journey of faith and the role of suffering in the life of a believer. This journey, as outlined by Paul, is marked by the dichotomy of present sufferings and future glory.

## Key Themes Explored

- **Adoption into God's Family**: As believers, we are not only saved but also adopted into God's family. This relationship allows us to call God "Abba, Father," a term of intimacy and trust, highlighting our close relationship with Him.

- **Inheritance and Suffering**: While being heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ promises us the riches of heaven, Paul reminds us in **Romans 8:17** that suffering is a necessary part of this journey. Just as Christ endured suffering, so must we, to share in His glory.

- **Purpose of Suffering**: Suffering is not without purpose. Paul reassures us in **Romans 8:18** that our sufferings pale in comparison to the glory that awaits us. This perspective is crucial to maintaining faith through trials.

## Creation and Redemption

Paul paints a vivid picture of creation groaning in anticipation of its redemption, paralleling the believer's journey. Creation's current state of decay is a result of mankind's sin, yet it eagerly awaits the revelation of the sons of God, which will coincide with the second coming of Christ.

- **Romans 8:19-22**: These verses emphasize that creation's struggles mirror our own, as both await liberation from the bondage of decay.

## The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit is our guide and comforter, providing us with the firstfruits of the Spirit, a foretaste of the glory to come. This presence assures us that our journey will culminate in victory.

- **Romans 8:23-25**: As we groan inwardly, the Spirit strengthens our hope, reminding us that our current struggles are temporary and will lead to ultimate redemption.

## Perseverance through Faith

Drawing from **Hebrews 12:1-2**, the sermon encourages believers to emulate Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy set before Him. This passage serves as a powerful reminder that our path to holiness requires perseverance, much like the saints who have gone before us.

## Anticipation of Glory

The anticipation of Christ's return is likened to waiting eagerly at an airport for a loved one's arrival. Though we endure suffering now, the joy of reunion with Christ will far outweigh our current trials.

- **Romans 8:18**: Our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. This future glory is assured, and our hope is anchored in the promise of Christ's return.

## Conclusion

The journey of faith, marked by suffering and hope, is a testament to God's redemptive plan. As believers, we are called to endure, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. Through suffering, we are transformed, and our ultimate victory is secured in Christ.

In this profound message, we are reminded that while suffering is part of our earthly journey, it is the path to experiencing the fullness of God's glory. Let us embrace this journey with hope and anticipation, knowing that we are indeed more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Skycrest Community Church · 125 N Belcher Road, Clearwater, FL 33765

Sundays: Group Bible Studies 9:00 AM · Worship 10:30 AM

Wednesdays: Pastor's Bible Study 6:30 PM

Plan your visit, watch live, or give: https://skycrestfamily.org

Questions or prayer requests: [email protected] · (727) 791-7107