Preacher - Phil Reynolds

“Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you.” — 1 Peter 3:15

That verse assumes something important: Christians have a hope that other people can see.

In this lesson, we explore how our lives can make people curious about Jesus. Philippians 2:14–16 calls Christians to shine as lights in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation. Matthew 5:16 tells us to let our light shine so others can see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven.

That light is especially noticeable when the world around us is filled with anger. When others are furious, we can be peaceful. When others are cruel, we can be kind. When people assume the worst, we can be gracious. When rumors spread, we can care about truth. And when the world seems hopeless, Christians can demonstrate the “living hope” described in 1 Peter 1:3.

Our goal is not to win every argument or prove how much better we are. Romans 5:8 reminds us that “while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” We are people who needed rescuing ourselves.

We cannot convert anyone by force or argument. God gives the increase. But we can live so that someone eventually asks, “Why are you different?” When that happens, we have an opportunity to point beyond ourselves and say, “Let me tell you what Christ has done for me.”

Give them a reason to ask.

Preacher - Phil Reynolds

It's easier to remember we're Christians when we're surrounded by Christians. But what happens when Sunday worship ends?

Jesus didn't say, “You are the light of the church building.” He said, “Ye are the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14–16). In this practical lesson, we explore how our daily Christian walk can shine before others through the way we speak, listen, serve, forgive, handle inconvenience, and respond when life doesn't go according to plan.

From Paul's instruction to do everything in the name of Jesus in Colossians 3:17, to Peter's call to live honorably and “be ready always to give an answer” in 1 Peter 2:12 and 3:15, Scripture reminds us that people are watching how Christians live. Even Paul and Silas, imprisoned and suffering, prayed and sang praises to God—and “the prisoners heard them”(Acts 16:25).

The challenge for this week is simple: each morning ask God, “Help me represent Christ well today.” Then look for a person to encourage, an opportunity to help, and an opportunity to mention your faith naturally.

Don't merely attend church on Sunday. Be the church wherever you go Monday through Saturday.

Preacher - Phil Reynolds

Every Christian is building something. The question is: Are we building others up, or slowly tearing them down?

In this lesson, we examine Paul’s command in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 to “encourage one another and build each other up.” The church should be a place where wounded people heal, struggling Christians find support, new Christians grow, and every person is strengthened by being part of the body of Christ.

Through passages including Romans 14:19, Romans 15:2, Ephesians 4:29, Proverbs 12:18, Proverbs 16:28, Philippians 2:3, 2 Thessalonians 3:11, 1 Timothy 5:13, and Hebrews 10:24, we’re challenged to examine our words, attitudes, and influence on others. Are our words construction materials or demolition tools? Do we pursue peace and edification, or allow criticism, gossip, pride, and careless words to create cracks in the church?

Christianity is not merely about what we stop doing—it is about what we are becoming and what we are building. God calls us to encourage, strengthen, restore, serve, and help one another grow.

So take an honest look at your influence on the people around you and ask: What are you building?

Preacher - Phil Reynolds

Sin rarely begins with an action. It begins with an idea, a desire, a lingering thought—something entertained internally before it ever appears externally.

In this lesson, we explore the biblical battle for the mind. From Sarah’s inward laughter in Genesis 18:12–15 to Jesus recognizing the scribes’ unspoken thoughts in Matthew 9:3–4, Scripture makes clear that God sees beyond our outward appearance. He knows what occupies our hearts and minds.

Paul calls us to bring “every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5), while Philippians 4:8 gives us a practical standard for deciding which thoughts deserve our attention. Instead of feeding bitterness, lust, fear, resentment, or imaginary arguments, we can fill our minds with Scripture, prayer, gratitude, encouragement, and Christ.

Preacher - Phil Reynolds

Jesus gives a sobering warning in Matthew 18:6 about causing “little ones” who believe in Him to stumble. But His warning also points us toward an important question: What kind of influence are we having on the people who are watching us?

In this lesson, we consider how children, new Christians, and others searching for Christ often learn as much from the way we live as from the words we speak. Deuteronomy 6:6–7 reminds parents to diligently teach God’s words to their children, while Titus 2:7–8 calls us to become a “pattern of good works.”

We cannot control every voice in the world, but we can control the kind of example we set. Through our worship, conversations, priorities, repentance, forgiveness, kindness, and love, we can make following Jesus seem either more difficult or more desirable.

Our greatest legacy may ultimately be this: Did the people who watched our lives find it easier or harder to follow Jesus because we were there?

Preacher - Phil Reynolds

Many people have been hurt by someone who claimed to follow Christ. While those wounds are real, they should never become the reason we reject the One who never failed us.

This lesson explores why the Bible openly records the failures of believers while pointing us to the sinless life of Jesus. Through Matthew 5:16, Galatians 2:13, 3 John 9–10, Revelation 2–3, and Hebrews 4:15, we're reminded that salvation has always depended on Christ's faithfulness—not ours.

If you've ever struggled with disappointment in Christians, this lesson invites you to look beyond people and fix your eyes on Jesus. Discover how God's Word addresses hypocrisy with truth, grace, and a call to genuine faith, reminding us that Christianity stands or falls on Christ alone—not on imperfect people. 

Preacher: Phil Reynolds

Growth in the Lord's church doesn't happen by accident—it happens when every Christian embraces their God-given role. Drawing from Ephesians 4:16, this lesson challenges each member to move beyond simply hoping for growth and instead commit to helping the body of Christ flourish.

Through passages including 1 Corinthians 12, Matthew 9:37, and 1 Corinthians 15:58, we're reminded that every ability, every act of service, every invitation, and every faithful presence matters in God's kingdom. Whether your gift is teaching, encouraging, serving behind the scenes, or simply being consistently present, God uses every member to strengthen His church.

Join us as we consider how commitment, unity, and faithful labor allow God to give the increase, planting seeds today for the future of His church.

Preacher: Phil Reynolds

In a world filled with constant notifications, endless distractions, and growing anxiety, God's invitation remains the same: "Be still, and know that I am God" (Psalm 46:10). This sermon explores why anxiety has become so prevalent and how Scripture calls us to exchange fear for faith. Through Matthew 6:25-34, Philippians 4:6-7, and 1 Peter 5:7, we're reminded that while life's troubles are real, we don't have to carry them alone. Learn how stillness, prayer, and trusting God's sovereignty can replace worry with the peace that surpasses all understanding. Turn down the noise, lift your eyes to God, and discover the peace only Christ can give.

Preacher: Phil Reynolds

Lesson: Jesus declared, "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5), but what does that promise really mean? This lesson challenges the common misconception that meekness is timidity or passivity. Instead, Scripture reveals meekness as strength submitted to God's will.

By examining the lives of Jesus, Moses, Peter, Paul, and Stephen, we'll see how believers are called to be bold without becoming arrogant, courageous without becoming prideful, and humble without becoming weak.

Featured Scriptures include Matthew 5:5, Psalm 37:11, Numbers 12:3, Matthew 21:12, Proverbs 16:32, Acts 4:29, 1 Corinthians 16:13, Ephesians 4:15, and 1 Peter 2:23.

God's kingdom belongs not to those who seize power for themselves, but to those who faithfully surrender their strength to Him.

Preacher: Phil Reynolds

In this lesson, we examine the difference between compassion that restores and compassion that enables. Scripture calls Christians to love deeply, but true love never compromises truth. Through Galatians 6:1, we explore our responsibility to lovingly restore those overtaken in sin with a spirit of meekness, rather than remaining silent out of fear or a desire to avoid conflict.

Along the way, we consider the wisdom of Proverbs 27:6, the warning of Leviticus 19:17, the accountability found in Ezekiel 33:8, and Paul's reminder in Galatians 1:10 that our goal is to please God rather than people. We also reflect on Jesus' example with the woman caught in adultery, balancing mercy with His call to "go and sin no more."

Biblical compassion doesn't ignore sin—it seeks restoration. Our goal isn't simply to make people comfortable today, but to love them enough to help them reach eternity with Christ.