Explore the profound meaning of following Christ in this powerful sermon. Discover how true discipleship involves a deep relationship with Jesus, embracing His accomplishments, practicing self-denial, and committing to daily death to self. Learn how humility and trust are key to living a life worthy of imitation, and be challenged to align your will with God's purpose for your life.

Explore the foundational truths of following Christ in this powerful sermon. Discover how Jesus fulfills God's promises and offers unconditional love, changing our perspective on spiritual growth. Learn to trust in Christ's worthiness and accept His ministering nature, transforming your relationship with God and approach to the Christian life.

This sermon titled "Because Jesus - Hebrews 7 - Jesus the Advocate" delivered on Sunday, March 10, 2024, centers on the theme of Jesus as our eternal advocate, drawing on the example of Melchizedek and the priesthood to illustrate Jesus' unique role.

The sermon then delves into Hebrews 7:1-28, discussing the mysterious figure of Melchizedek, a king and priest who represents the coming of an eternal Priestly King, Jesus, who blesses with bread and wine and to whom Abraham gave a tithe. This serves as a precursor to Jesus’ priesthood, which is superior to the Levitical priesthood, not based on genealogy but on an eternal life.

Chris shares that spiritual maturity lies not in knowing about Melchizedek, but in recognizing Christ in all scriptures and understanding His completed work. The sermon emphasizes that being a follower of Jesus means seeing scripture through the lens of Christ's sacrificial work as our advocate. Jesus is presented as the Great High Priest who intercedes for us, drawing a distinction between earthly priests and Jesus' unique role as the mediator between God and humanity.

An important point made is that many people spend their lives seeking validation and proving their worth to others, yet deep inside, there is a yearning for someone to advocate on our behalf before God due to our inherent sinfulness. Jesus, as our advocate, satisfies this need perfectly because he is willing, qualified, and capable. Unlike any human advocate, Jesus doesn’t need to argue for mercy but points to His sacrificial death as the payment for our sins, ensuring a not-guilty verdict for those who draw near to Him.

The message concludes by challenging listeners to reflect on how their lives would change if they truly believed in Jesus as their advocate. It suggests that this belief would bring profound changes like relinquishing control, experiencing deeper peace and joy, viewing possessions and relationships differently, and living a life driven not by guilt but by the freedom found in Christ's advocacy.

We are invited to reflect on this truth and consider what needs to be confessed or prayed for in light of it, ending with a call to communion as a symbol of Jesus’ sacrifice and our acceptance of Him as our eternal advocate.

"Navigating Complex Faith Journeys: Understanding Hebrews 5:11-6:20"

Title: "Because Jesus: Exploring Trust in Our Spiritual Journey - Hebrews 4:14-5:10"

Title: "Because Jesus: Embracing True Rest in a Restless World - Hebrews 4:1-13"

In this powerful sermon delivered by Chris Richards on YouTube, he emphasizes the importance of not hardening our hearts against God's promises and falling into rebellion. Richards begins by referring to the common question of whether we want to hear the good news or the bad news first. He then introduces Hebrews 3:7-11 and Psalm 95 to illustrate his point.

The overall message of the sermon is to encourage our church to believe in Jesus as the Resurrection and Life and to let go of their doubts and fears, emphasizing the transformative and life-changing impact of this belief.

This sermon, titled "I AM - Resurrection and Life," delivered by Pastor Chris Richards on October 15, 2023, explores the significance of the "I AM" statement made by Jesus in John 11:25-26. The objective of the sermon is to highlight that everything changes when Jesus is recognized as the Resurrection and Life. The sermon is divided into several sections:

**Introduction:**

- The sermon begins by acknowledging the presence of multiple church buildings in the city but also mentions a growing number of religiously unaffiliated individuals in society.

- The concept of agnosticism is introduced, particularly "theistic agnosticism" or "Agnostic Christian," individuals who believe in God but question the existence of concrete evidence.

- The sermon quotes Russell Moore, highlighting the disconnect between what the church teaches and what some perceive the church to believe.

**Exposition:**

- The passage under discussion is John 11, which contains a significant "I AM" statement.

- The story revolves around the death of Lazarus, a close friend of Jesus.

- Various characters, including Mary and Martha, display their emotions, desperation, and doctrinal beliefs.

- Jesus' response is characterized by emphasizing His glory and eternal perspective.

- Jesus identifies Himself as the Resurrection and Life, inviting the audience to believe in Him and His ability to give life.

- The audience is challenged to press into this reality of life and overcome their struggles.

**Congregational Questions:**

- The sermon includes questions for the congregation to ponder, such as the nature of their beliefs, their view of God's involvement, and the limits of their rationality.

**Conclusion:**

- The sermon concludes by emphasizing that the resurrection changes everything.

- Reference is made to R.C. Sproul's assertion that without the resurrection, Christianity is empty and irrelevant.

- The audience is encouraged to grasp the concept of life beyond physical death and to overcome their fears.

**Key Points:**

- The sermon examines the tension between faith, logic, and the desire for tangible evidence.

- It highlights Jesus' emotional and human response to the death of Lazarus, demonstrating His understanding of human struggles.

- The central theme is the transformative power of recognizing Jesus as the Resurrection and Life.

- The sermon challenges the audience to press into the reality of life beyond death.

The central message revolves around recognizing Jesus as the Good Shepherd who knows us intimately, enabling us to know Him in return and live in His care and guidance.

Here's a summary of the sermon titled "I AM series - Good Shepherd" preached by Chris Richards on October 8, 2023, based on John 10:11 and Psalm 23:

**Objective:**

The sermon aims to help the audience understand the significance of knowing the Good Shepherd because they are known by Him.

**Key Points:**

- The sermon connects with the events of John 9, where Jesus heals a man born blind, challenging the cultural religious norms. The specific religious leaders excommunicate the man who was healed, making him an outsider.

- In the midst of the crowd and the religious leaders, Jesus proclaims that He is the only way into His sheepfold, emphasizing that He is the door to His kingdom, which comes with the promise of abundant life.

- Jesus not only justifies for salvation but also sanctifies. He challenges those who rely on their efforts and wander aimlessly.

**Teaching from John 10:11-15:**

- Jesus identifies as the Good Shepherd, drawing from biblical prophecies that compare God's care for His people to that of a shepherd.

- The passage prompts self-reflection on who or what serves as one's shepherd in life. The Good Shepherd is a guide, protector, physician, and provider.

- The sermon explores each part of Psalm 23:

- The Lord as the Shepherd, a firm truth.

- A true shepherd's commitment to his flock and willingness to lay down his life for them.

- Questions regarding who or what is guiding one's life and whether it's leading them to look more like Christ.

- Psalm 23 is a litmus test for the listener's current reality and an invitation to make it a prayer of request and praise.

**Further Explorations of Psalm 23:**

- "He makes me lie down in green pastures" indicates the Shepherd's care in providing rest and safety. Lack of belief in one's acceptance can prevent one from finding rest.

- "He leads me beside quiet waters" signifies the Shepherd's provision for every aspect of one's being. It asks the listener to reflect on what well they are drinking from in life.

- "He restores my soul" emphasizes the Good Shepherd's ability to bring life back and liberate individuals from clinging to false sources of life.

- "He guides me in the paths of righteousness" reinforces that righteousness is only found in Christ, and the paths He guides lead one to look more like Him.

- The valley of the shadow of death represents the necessary journey where discomfort, fears, and tears must be faced to fully experience the Shepherd's care.

- Jesus' presence is emphasized in times of fear, signifying His full knowledge of the valley's challenges.

- The Good Shepherd's rod and staff provide comfort, offering protection and guidance, settling the sheep.

- The Shepherd prepares a table in the presence of enemies, anoints heads with oil, and fills cups to overflowing, representing abundant provision.

**Conclusion:**

The message concludes with the proclamation that through Jesus, the listeners are known and can also know Him. The Good Shepherd's intimate knowledge of each person's life, along with His unconditional love, liberates from pretense, humbles pride, and fortifies for life's difficulties.

The sermon encourages the audience to embrace the assurance that they are known by the Good Shepherd, fostering trust and confidence.

The central message revolves around recognizing Jesus as the only door to salvation and abundant life and the need to trust in His work for acceptance.

Here's a summary of the sermon titled "I AM - Door" preached by Chris Richards on October 1, 2023, based on John 10:7-11:

**Introduction:**

- The sermon is part of the "I AM" series, which began with Jesus declaring, "I AM the Light of the World" in John 8.

**Key Points:**

- The sermon references the events in John 9 where a man born blind is miraculously healed. This healing took place outside of the religious structures, and it incited the anger of the religious leaders who cared more about their own power and influence.

- The congregation is asked to consider how they often pursue their own deals on their terms and trade time, talent, and treasure for lesser returns.

- The sermon starts with a reference to the game show "Let's Make a Deal," where contestants make deals in exchange for prizes behind different doors.

- Jesus presents Himself as the door, drawing on the analogy of sheep.

- The analogy of sheep highlights their defenselessness, need for guidance, and propensity to wander.

- The Pharisees, and many people today, build impenetrable walls around themselves, like Door 1 (religion/works-based), but fail to find a way in for themselves. They can't meet their own expectations.

- Some people prefer Door 2 (irreligion/relativism), which offers the illusion of freedom but lacks solid foundations.

- Door 3 represents God's kingdom, with pre-built, secure walls, promise, and abundant life.

- Jesus proclaims, "I am the door," and emphasizes that He designed, prepared, built, and secures it. It offers salvation, protection, safety, and promise.

- Through the death of Christ, we gain access to life.

- The heart of the message focuses on obtaining abundant life through a relationship with Jesus.

- The sermon encourages self-reflection and a connection with Jesus, emphasizing that Christ has done all the work, and you are accepted in Him.

**Conclusion:**

- The sermon encourages the audience to embrace the truth that Jesus is the one and only door to salvation and abundant life. No work is needed, no truth needs to be developed. If you've confessed Jesus as Lord, you are accepted.

- The invitation is extended for people to rest in the assurance that they are accepted in Christ.