In this powerful message, we're challenged to view giving not as a burden, but as a joyful act of worship that honors God and fuels His mission. The central theme revolves around Proverbs 3:9, which calls us to honor the Lord with our substance and firstfruits. This isn't about legalism; it's about prioritizing God in every aspect of our lives, including our finances. We're encouraged to test God's faithfulness by giving our first and best, trusting that He will provide for our needs. The early church in Acts 4 serves as a compelling example of radical generosity, reminding us that our giving reflects God's heart and builds unity within the body of Christ. As we consider our own giving, let's ask ourselves: Are we giving out of obligation, or are we giving as a response to God's overwhelming generosity towards us? This message invites us to experience the joy and spiritual growth that comes from sacrificial giving.

Our Speaker, Eric Stovall, is a missionary with his family in Nakuru, Kenya.

In this profound exploration of God's mission, we're invited to reframe our understanding of evangelism and discipleship. Rather than starting with ecclesiology (how to build the church), we're challenged to begin with theology - who God is. The mission of God is His sovereign initiative to make Himself known and glorified among all nations, encompassing creation, redemption, and ultimate restoration. This mission flows from God's very nature as a relational, loving, holy, and just being. We're reminded that we're not just characters in God's story, but active participants in His ongoing work. The incarnation of Jesus, as described in John 1:14, serves as the ultimate example of God's missional nature - the Word becoming flesh and dwelling among us. This challenges us to move beyond impersonal evangelism methods and instead embody Christ's example of dwelling with others, bringing God's presence into our neighborhoods and relationships.

In this powerful message, we're challenged to confront the question: 'If not now, when?' The sermon delves into the dangers of spiritual procrastination, urging us to seize the present moment in our faith journey. We're reminded of Jesus' words in Matthew 16:24-26, calling us to take up our cross and follow Him. This isn't just a one-time decision, but a daily commitment to surrender ourselves to God's will. The message draws a striking parallel between fixing a leaky tire and addressing our spiritual needs, emphasizing that delay can lead to dire consequences. We're encouraged to view our faith journey as a continual act of growth, much like building physical strength through consistent exercise. The urgency of this message is underscored by the reality of hell and the importance of embracing Christ as our Savior. As we reflect on this, let's consider: How can we make our faith more active and present in our daily lives? What areas of our spiritual journey have we been postponing, and how can we address them today?

In this powerful exploration of Matthew 5:14-16, we're challenged to embrace our identity as 'the light of the world.' Jesus calls us to shine brightly, not hiding our faith but letting it illuminate every aspect of our lives. The imagery of a city on a hill and a lamp on a stand reminds us that our light is meant to be visible and impactful. We're urged to consider: Are we allowing busyness or laziness to cover our light? Our purpose isn't self-glorification, but to direct others to God through our good works. This message invites us to live authentically, letting our transformed lives become a testament to God's grace. As we reflect on this, we're encouraged to ask ourselves: How can we let our light shine more brightly in our homes, workplaces, and communities?

In this powerful message, we're challenged to embrace our identity as 'the light of the world.' Drawing from Matthew 5:14-15, we're reminded that this isn't just a lofty ideal, but a present reality for those who follow Christ. The imagery of light is traced from God as the eternal flame, through Jesus as the incarnate light, to us as bearers of that divine radiance. This progression emphasizes our role in God's grand narrative of redemption. We're called to shine boldly, not hiding our faith under a basket, but letting it illuminate the darkness around us. This isn't about our own glory, but about reflecting the transformative power of Christ in our daily lives, workplaces, and relationships. The message challenges us to move beyond mere Sunday Christianity and live out our faith authentically every day, recognizing that our light, no matter how small it may seem, has the power to overcome darkness and lead others to the glory of God.

The Babylonians were grotesque in their treatment of criminals — especially through capital punishment. They didn't just kill people; they made a show out of it. They were so twisted that they threw an elderly man into a den of lions as the public peered over the ledge of the pit. In one of the most popular stories in all scripture, Daniel found himself surrounded by blood-thirsty lions with no escape. His response exemplifies boldness. Let’s examine three character traits of a bold life: perseverance, protection, and prayer.

In this powerful exploration of Matthew 5:13, we delve into the profound meaning behind Jesus' words 'You are the salt of the earth.' This isn't just a metaphor; it's a call to action for every believer. We're challenged to consider how we, as Christians, can be a purifying, preserving, and flavor-enhancing force in our world. The message draws fascinating parallels between the historical importance of salt and our role in society today. Are we truly living as 'salt,' bringing out the best in others and preventing moral decay? This teaching urges us to reflect on our impact and asks us to consider: Are we losing our 'saltiness,' or are we actively seasoning the world with God's love and truth? It's a call to live distinctively, to be the change-makers Jesus intends us to be in our families, workplaces, and communities.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego stood up for God with extreme boldness. They chose to worship God, even though the consequence of their choice would be death by a fiery furnace.

This can teach us a lot about how we walk through the fires of life. The way we live in the face of adversity is often our most valuable testimony. When everything seems dark, let your light shine. People will notice, and God will be glorified.

Are we spectators or players in God's mission? This powerful message challenges us to step out of our comfort zones and onto the field of evangelism. Drawing from Jesus' calling of the disciples in Matthew 4, we're reminded that God uses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. Just as fishermen became fishers of men, we too are called to share the transformative power of Christ. The story of the paralyzed man in Luke 5 illustrates how faith in action can overcome obstacles and bring others to Jesus. Are we willing to go to great lengths to help someone encounter Christ? This isn't about perfection or talent, but about availability and obedience. As we reflect on who our 'one' might be - that person God is calling us to reach - let's remember that discipleship begins with individuals and multiplies exponentially. We're not just called to follow Christ, but to fish for people, making His mission our own.

Just like Daniel striving to live pure in Babylon, we must set ourselves up for success in a culture that demands excess. Our culture is constantly encouraging you to "defile yourself" with addictive substances, the pursuit of prosperity, selfish ambitions, and finding purpose in all the wrong places. Victory is on the other side of discipline.

Do you want to be like Daniel? Then you need to be disciplined. This story gives us two powerful principles to help us live a life of discipline despite challenges.