SPEAKING THE TRUTH IN LOVE // Sunday, August 10, 2025 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor

Sunday, July 27, 2025

Real People

Living in the Real World

Loving the Real God

Speaking the Truth in Love

When Someone You Love

is Making Bad Decisions

We must be aware of the Exploitation of Christian compassion

Ephesians 4: 11 - 15 (NLT)

    Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. 13 This will continue until we all come to such unity in our faith and knowledge of God’s Son that we will be mature in the Lord, measuring up to the full and complete standard of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be immature like children. We won’t be tossed and blown about by every wind of new teaching. We will not be influenced when people try to trick us with lies so clever they sound like the truth. 15 Instead, we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 

Distorted Views that Prevent us from Speaking the Truth in Love

1.              A distorted view of grace and love.

Proverbs 28: 23 (NASB)

   One who rebukes a person will afterward find more favor than one who flatters with the tongue.

2.              A distorted view of the Christian life.

Ephesians 4: 25 (ESV)

   Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another.

3.              A distorted view of the bible.

Matthew 7: 1 – 3 (NLT)

   “Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. 2 For you will be treated as you treat others. The standard you use in judging is the standard by which you will be judged.   3 “And why worry about a speck in your friend’s eye when you have a log in your own?

Why is it so hard to confront someone I love?

Because it’s hard!

Why should we speak the truth in love?

1.              It follows the example of Jesus.

2.              Love requires it.

1 Corinthians 13: 6 (ESV)

   Love… does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.

3.              It produces growth.

Ephesians 4: 15 (NLT)

 …we will speak the truth in love, growing in every way more and more like Christ, who is the head of his body, the church. 

4.              Because the stakes are high.

James 5: 19 & 20 (NLT)

   My dear brothers and sisters, if someone among you wanders away from the truth and is brought back, 20 you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back from wandering will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins.

I must care more about their relationship with God than their response to me.

Am I willing to be misunderstood or even rejected?

Practical steps to speaking the truth in love:

1.              Be clear about the issue.

Is the issue unbiblical, unwise, or unimportant?

2.              Discern if you are the one to address the issue.

Proverbs 27:6 (NLT)

   Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.

3.              Pray that they will be open and receptive.

4.              Address the issue in person.

5.              Be gentle and wise in your approach but be truthful.

Galatians 6: 1 (NLT)

 Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself. 

6.              Realize you may not be able to save them from the consequences of their actions.

7.              Assure them of God’s forgiveness.

1 John 1: 9 (ESV)

   If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins                                                                               

   and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

WALKING IN WISDOM - Peace In The Family // Sunday, August 3, 2025 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor

Sunday, August 3, 2025

Walking in Wisdom

God’s Guidance for Daily Living

Healthy People Grow

Growing People Change

Changed People, Change People

Real People

Living in the Real World

Loving the Real God

Peace in the Family

Romans 12: 18 (NASB) 

   If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people.

The cause of quarrels: 

Conflicting Desires

James 4: 1 (NLT)

   What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you?         

A.              Three basic desires that cause quarrels:

1.              The desire to have (possessions)

James 4: 2 (NLT)

   You want what you don’t have...You are jealous of what others have…                                                            

      2. The desire to feel (pleasure).

James 4: 3 (NLT)

 ...you want only what will give you pleasure.

3.     The desire to be (pride)

Proverbs 13: 10 (NLT) 

 Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise.

B.  Why aren’t our desires fulfilled?

James 4: 2 & 3 (NLT)

   You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. 3 And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong —  you want only what will give you pleasure.

B.              Conflict with God.

James 4: 4 - 6 (NLT)

   You adulterers! Don’t you realize that friendship with the world makes you an enemy of God? I say it again: If you want to be a friend of the world, you make yourself an enemy of God. 5 Do you think the Scriptures have no meaning? They say that God is passionate that the spirit he has placed within us should be faithful to him. 6 And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”                                                                                                                              

II. The cure for quarrels:  Humility

James 4: 6 & 10 (NLT)

   ...“God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble...” 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.             

A.    Steps to defusing quarrels:

1.              Give in to God.

James 4: 7 (NLT)

   So humble yourselves before God.                      

Colossians 3: 15 (NLT)

   And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.                       

2.              Get wise to Satan.

James 4: 7 (NLT)

  ...Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

2 Corinthians 2: 11 (NLT)

     So that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.  

3.              Grow closer to God.

James 4: 8 (NLT)

   Come close to God, and God will come close to you.

Isaiah 26: 3 (NLT)

   You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!    

4.              Gain God’s grace.

James 4: 8 & 9 (NLT)

   …Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.  9 Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. 

WALKING IN WISDOM- An Honorable Life // Sunday, July 27, 2025 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor

Sunday, July 20, 2025

Walking in Wisdom

God’s Guidance for Daily Living

Healthy People Grow

Growing People Change

Changed People, Change People

Real People

Living in the Real World

Loving the Real God

An Honorable Life

James 3: 18 (NLT)

   ... those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.                   

How do we sow seeds of peace in relationships?   Wisdom!

¨ Wisdom is a lifestyle.

James 3: 13 (NLT)

   If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.

¨ Lack of wisdom causes problems.

James 3: 14 - 16 (NLT)

   But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying.  15 For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic.16 For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.

How can you relate wisely with others? 

1.              I won’t compromise my integrity.

James 3: 17

   ...the wisdom from above is first of all pure …

1 John 3: 3 (NLT)

   ...all who have this eager expectation will keep themselves pure,

   just as he is pure…                               

Proverbs 10: 9 (ESV)

   Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.

2. I won’t antagonize your anger.

James 3:17 (NLT)

   ...the wisdom from above is...also peace loving ...

Proverbs 20: 3 (NLT)

   Avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; only fools insist on quarreling.                  

     A.  Three agitators of anger:

             1) Comparing 

       2) Condemning

             3) Contradicting

3. I won’t minimize your feelings.

James 3: 17 (NLT)

   ...wisdom from above is ...gentle at all times …

Proverbs 15: 4 (ESV)

   A gentle tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it breaks the spirit.   

4. I won’t criticize your opinion.

James 3:17 (NLT)

  ...wisdom from above is...willing to yield to others.

Proverbs 12: 15 (NLT)

   Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others. 

5. I won’t focus on your mistakes.

James 3: 17 (NLT)

   ...wisdom from above is ...full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds.                                                                  

Proverbs 17: 19 (ESV) 

   Whoever loves transgression loves strife…

6. I won’t disguise my own weaknesses.  

James 3: 17 (NLT)

   ...wisdom from above is ...shows no favoritism and is always sincere. 

Proverbs 28: 13 (NLT)

   People who conceal their sins will not prosper, but if they confess and turn from them, they will receive mercy.

If I lack wisdom, I need to ask God for it.

James 1: 5 & 6 (NLT) 

   If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. 6 But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 

If I lack wisdom, I need Jesus in my life.

Colossians 2: 3 (NLT) 

In him lie hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

WALKING IN WISDOM -Taming Your Tongue // Sunday, July 20, 2025 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor

Sunday, July 20, 2025

Walking in Wisdom

God’s Guidance for Daily Living

Healthy People Grow

Growing People Change

Changed People, Change People

Real People

Living in the Real World

Loving the Real God

Taming Your Tongue

James 3: 1 & 2 (NLT)

      Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.                   

Why must I watch what I say?

1. My tongue directs where I go.

A.              The tongue is small,

but powerful!

James 3: 3 (NLT)

   We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth.  

B.              My tongue determines the

course of my life!

James 3: 4 (NLT)

   ...a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go,   

   even though the winds are strong.

Proverbs 18: 21 (NASB)

   Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.

Proverbs 18: 21 (AMP)

   Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it and indulge it will eat its fruit and bear the consequences of their words.

2. My tongue can be destructive!

A.              A careless word can destroy

my blessings.

James 3: 5 & 6 (NLT)

   ...a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. 6 And among all the parts of the body, the tongue is a flame of fire.

B.              My tongue can create a chain

reaction!

James 3: 6 (NLT)

   …It (the tongue) is a whole world of wickedness, corrupting your entire body. It can set your whole life on fire, for it is set on fire by hell itself.                                                    

God’s advice:

Proverbs 21: 23 (NLT)

   Watch your tongue and keep your mouth shut, and you will stay out of trouble. 

C.              I must rely on God to help me

tame my tongue.

James 3: 7 & 8 (NLT)

   People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, 8 but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison.

3. My tongue displays who I am. 

A.              I am inconsistent.

James 3: 9 & 10 (NLT) 

   Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God.   10 And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right!

B.              What’s in the well comes out in

the water.

James 3: 11 & 12 (NLT)

   Does a spring of water bubble out with both fresh water and bitter water? 12 Does a fig tree produce olives, or a grapevine produce figs? No, and you can’t draw fresh water from a salty spring.

 The root of the problem is my heart!

Matthew 12: 34 & 35 (NLT) 

    You brood of snakes! How could evil men like you speak what is good and right? For whatever is in your heart determines what you say.  35 A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart.                                                                                                      

What is the solution? 

1. I need a new heart.

Ezekiel 18: 31 (NLT) 

   Put all your rebellion behind you, and find yourselves a new heart and a new spirit…

 How do I get a new heart?

2 Corinthians 5: 17 (NKJV)

   ... if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

2. Ask God for help every day!

Psalm 141: 3 (NLT) 

   Take control of what I say, O Lord, and guard my lips.

 3. Think BEFORE you speak!

James 1: 19 (NLT)

   Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.

WALKING IN WISDOM- Authentic Christianity // Sunday, July 13, 2025 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor

Sunday, July 13, 2025

Walking in Wisdom

God’s Guidance for Daily Living

Healthy People Grow

Growing People Change

Changed People, Change People

Real People

Living in the Real World

Loving the Real God

Ephesians 2: 8 - 10 (NIV)

    For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith — and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God — 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

1. Authentic Christianity is NOT    

     something you say.

James 2: 14 (NLT)

 What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? 

1. Authentic Christianity is not  

     something you feel.

James 2: 15 & 16 (NLT)

    Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, 16 and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well” —but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?

Authentic Christianity is practical!

1 John 3: 17 (NLT)

    ...if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need,

    yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?

Authentic Christianity is generous!

2 Corinthians 9: 7, 10 & 11 (NLT)

    7You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. “For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.” 10For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you. 11Yes, you will be enriched in every way so that you can always be generous. And when we take your gifts to those who need them, they will thank God.

Luke 6: 32-33 (NLT)

“If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! 33 And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much!

Galatians 6: 8 – 11 (NLT)

    Those who live only to satisfy their own sinful nature will harvest decay and death from that sinful nature. But those who live to please the Spirit will harvest everlasting life from the Spirit. 9 So let’s not get tired of doing what is good. At just the right time we will reap a harvest of blessing if we don’t give up. 10 Therefore, whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith.

We’re better at verbalizing our faith than practicing it!

1. Authentic Christianity is not something you think!

James 2: 18 (NLT)

 Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.”                                                

Authentic Christianity is visible, apparent… You can see it!

2 Corinthians 5: 17 (ESV) 

   ...if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away;

behold, the new has come.

Authentic Christianity ALWAYS produces a changed life!

1. Authentic Christianity is not something you believe!

James 2: 19 (NLT)

 You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God.  Good for you!

Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror.                                                        

1. Authentic Christianity is something you do!

James 2: 20 (NLT)

   How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless?

James 2: 21 - 26 (NLT)

Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete. 23 And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” He was even called the friend of God.

24 So you see, we are shown to be right with God by what we do, not by faith alone. 25 Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road. 26 Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.               

Authentic Christianity is demonstrated by our actions!

WALKING IN WISDOM How Should We Treat People? // Sunday, July 6, 2025 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor

Sunday, July 7, 2025

Last week…

1.              Tuttle Twins

2.              Brave Books

3.              Prager U.

4.              Wall Builders

The Hebrew Republic

The concept:

God

1.              Is watching me.

2.              Wants me to be fair.

3.              Will hold me accountable.

Creates conviction of the Holy Spirit

Walking in Wisdom

God’s Guidance for Daily Living

How Should We Treat People

Outreach, July 17th

James 2: 1 (NLT)

   My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?    

1.              The Principle:  Don’t show    

                          favoritism!

           A.  Favoritism:

           B. Common areas of    

          discrimination:

1)  Appearance          2)  Ancestry

3)  Age                       4)  Achievement 

5)  Affluence

James 2: 2 - 4 (NLT)

   For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. 3 If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”  —well,4 doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives? 

2. The Problem. 

            A.  Favoritism is ungodly!

Romans 2: 11 (NLT)

   ...God does not show favoritism.

Also:  Acts 10: 34 & 35; 

Ephesians 6:9;  Colossians 3: 25

1 Samuel 16: 7 (NLT) 

   …People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.                                                 

B.  Favoritism is unreasonable!

James 2: 5 - 7 (NLT)

   Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him?  6 But you dishonor the poor! Isn’t it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? 7 Aren’t they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear?

C.  Favoritism is unloving!

James 2: 8 (NLT) 

   Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 

1 John 4: 20 & 21 (NLT)

   If someone says, “I love God,” but hates a fellow believer that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see?  21 And he has given us this command: Those who love God must also love their fellow believers.

D.  Favoritism is unlawful!

James 2: 9 - 13 (NLT)

   But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law.10 For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws. 11 For the same God who said, “You must not commit adultery,” also said, “You must not murder.” So if you murder someone but do not commit adultery, you have still broken the law.12 So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free.13 There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you.

How can I live free from the sin of favoritism? 

Galatians 5: 14 (NLT) 

    ...the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”             

3. The prescription.

A.              Accept everybody!

Romans 15: 7 (NLT)

   Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.                     

    B.  Appreciate everybody. 

Philippians 2: 3 - 4 (NLT)

   Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4 Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

B.              Affirm everybody.

1 Thessalonians 5: 11 (NLT) 

   ...encourage each other and build each other up…

Sunday, June 29, 2025 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor

WALKING IN WISDOM The Bible Didn't Bless Me Until I Did It // Sunday, June 22, 2025 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor

A FATHER'S LEGACY // Sunday, June 15, 2025 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor

BGMC SUNDAY // Sunday, June 8, 2025 // Ryan Jackson, Children's Pastor

Sunday, June 1, 2025 // Roger Coleman, Executive Pastor

Sunday, May 25, 2025 // Roger Coleman, Executive Pastor

Sunday, May 25, 2025

Walking in Wisdom

God’s Guidance for Daily Living

The Bible Didn’t Bless Me –

Until I Did It

Healthy People Grow

Growing People Change

Changed People, Change People

How to be blessed by the Bible: 

1.              Calm your spirit.

James 1: 19 (NLT)

   Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.

 2. Clear your mind of worldly attitudes.

James 1: 20 (NLT)

   Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.                                                             

3. Clarify your morality.

                                James 1: 21 (NLT)

   So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives… 

Galatians 5: 19 - 21 (NLT) 

   When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures,   20 idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God.      

4.    I must receive God’s Word.

James 1: 21 (NLT)

   ...humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts…                                                                          

I must be compliant / teachable / willing to change!

5.  I must reflect on God’s Word.

James 1: 22 – 25 (NLT)

   But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.   23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.      

How do I reflect on God’s Word? 

   A.  Read it! 

   B.  Research it! 

   C.  Review it!  

   D.  Remember it!

WALKING IN WISDOM: God's Guidance For Daily Living // Sunday, May 18, 2025 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor

Sunday, May 18, 2025

Walking in Wisdom

God’s Guidance for Daily Living

Tests and Temptations

The Bible talks about two types of testing:  peirasmos

1.              Trials (From God) –

To cause us to grow.

Healthy People Grow

Growing People Change

Changed People, Change People

Convoy of Hope

$33,200.00

2.              Temptations (From Satan) –

To cause us to sin.

James 1: 12 – 15 (NLT)

    God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.  13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong,  and he never tempts anyone else. 14 Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.15 These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.

The process of overcoming temptations:

1.              Be realistic.  

When you are being tempted… (V13)

1 Corinthians 10: 13 (NLT)  

   The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

 Temptation proves you are human.

Hebrews 4: 15 (ESV)

   For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.  

2. Be responsible.

James 1: 13 (NLT)

   ...remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else.                                      

3. Be ready.

James 1: 14 (NLT) 

   Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away.

A.              How do I prepare for temptation?

Know your enemy!

2 Corinthians 2: 11 (NLT)

   So that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.                                     

B.  How temptation works:

1)              Desires. 

   Temptation comes from our own desires… (V14)

2)              Deception.  

...which entice us and drag us away.     (V14)

a.              Drag us away — 

Snared in a trap.

b.              Drag us away —

Lured by bait.

3)              Disobedience. 

   These desires give birth to sinful actions.

           a.  Attention.

           b.  Attitude.

           c.  Action.

   4)  Death. 

   ...when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death.       (V15)

3.              Be refocused. 

James 1: 16 & 17 (NLT)

So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.

Philippians 4: 8 & 9 (NLT)

   And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.

4.              Be Reborn. 

James 1: 18 (NLT)

   He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.      

1 Kings 18: 21 (NASB)

    Elijah came near to all the people and said, “How long will you hesitate between two opinions? If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, follow him.”

Matthew 6: 24 (NASB)

    No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and wealth.

MOTHER'S DAY // Sunday, May 11, 2025 // Sharon Coleman, Guest Speaker

WALKING IN WISDOM pt 2 // Sunday, May 4, 2025 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor

Sunday, May 4, 2025

Walking in Wisdom

God’s Guidance for Daily Living

Practical Application of Biblical Truth

How do you live a Christian life in this post-Christian culture?

Healthy People Grow

Growing People Change

Changed People, Change People

Make Up Your Mind

The quality of your life will be determined by the decisions you make.

James 1: 5 – 8 (ESV)

    If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

God’s process for making decisions:

The Problem

The Process

The Promise

1.              The problem is indecision.

Being indecisive causes us to be unstable in our…

a.              Emotions

b.              Relationships

c.              Spiritual Life

2.              The prescription is to get wisdom

Steps for acquiring wisdom from God:

a.              Admit you need wisdom.

   …if any of you lack wisdom…

Proverbs 11: 2 (NLT)

   Pride leads to disgrace, But with humility comes wisdom.

b.              Ask God for wisdom.

…he should ask God…

Proverbs 2: 6 (NLT)

   For the Lord grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

c.              Anticipate God to answer you.

   But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt…

Hebrews 11: 6 (ESV)

   …without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.

3.              The promise is that God will give you wisdom.

James 1: 5 (ESV)

   If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach,

How does God impart wisdom?

a.              Continually

b.              Generously

c.              Gladly

Two truths to remember:

1.              God will not make decisions for us.

2.              God’s wisdom is found in God’s Word.

Psalm 119: 105 (ESV)

   Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.

Fact:

You will live by chance or by choice.

How can you get Godly wisdom if you don’t have a relationship with God?

WALKING IN WISDOM // Sunday, April 27, 2025 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor

Sunday, April 27, 2025

Walking in Wisdom

God’s Guidance for Daily Living

Practical Application of Biblical Truth

How do you live a Christian life in this post-Christian culture?

Healthy People Grow

Growing People Change

Changed People, Change People

Philippians 3: 8 (NLT)

   Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ.

Philippians 1: 9 – 11 (NLT)

   I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. 10 For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return.  11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.

Philippians 3: 12 – 14 (NLT)

    I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead,14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

God wants each of us to grow and mature.

Hebrews 6: 1 & 2 (NLT)

   So let us stop going over the basic teachings about Christ again and again. Let us go on instead and become mature in our understanding. Surely we don’t need to start again with the fundamental importance of repenting from evil deeds and placing our faith in God. 2 You don’t need further instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment.

Maturity is not…

• Age

• Appearance

• Achievement

• Academics

Godly maturity is determined by attitude & character,

1 Samuael 16: 7 (NLT)

   …The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.

James 1: 1 (NLT)

   This letter is from James, a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. I am writing to the “twelve tribes”—Jewish believers scattered abroad. Greetings!

James 1: 2 - 4 (NLT)

   Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

What is your attitude toward life’s challenges?

How do you handle problems?

A healthy perspective to problems

1.              Problems are inevitable.

…WHEN troubles…

John 16: 33 (NLT)

   …Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.

1 Peter 4: 12 (NLT)

   Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through,

   as if something strange were happening to you.

2.              Problems are unpredictable

…when troubles…come your way…

Peripipto – To fall into unexpectedly

3.              Problems are diverse

…troubles of any kind…

4.              Problems have a purpose

   …your endurance has a chance to grow…

Signs of God’s empowerment:

·       Patience:  Applies to people.

·       Endurance:  Applies to problems.

5.              Problems purify my faith.

Job 23: 10 (NLT)

   But he knows where I am going. And when he tests me, I will come out as pure as gold.

6.              Problems refine my character.

…you will be perfect and complete…

God’s goal is that we would reflect Him in this world.

Ephesians 4: 24 (ESV)

   … put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

How should I face problems?

1.              Perspective

   …consider it an opportunity for great joy. 

2.              Petition

James 1: 5 (NLT)

   If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.

3.              Peace

James 1: 6 – 8 (NLT)

    But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. 7 Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Their loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.

Do you know God?

TEXT   MORE

HE'S COMING AGAIN // EASTER SUNDAY, April 20, 2025 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor

Sunday, April 20, 2025 

He’s Coming Again

The historical Jesus is an irrefutable fact.

Albert Schweitzer 

It must be admitted that there are few characters of antiquity about whom we possess so much indubitably historical information, of whom we have so many authentic discourses. 

Jesus did in fact die of Crucifixion

Jesus rose from the dead

Titus 2: 11 – 14 (NLT)

   For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people. 12 And we are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We should live in this evil world with wisdom, righteousness, and devotion to God, 13 while we look forward with hope to that wonderful day when the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ, will be revealed. 14 He gave his life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds.

2 Timothy 4: 1 – 8 (NLT)

   I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom:   2 Preach the word of God. Be prepared, whether the time is favorable or not. Patiently correct, rebuke, and encourage your people with good teaching. 3 For a time is coming when people will no longer listen to sound and wholesome teaching. They will follow their own desires and will look for teachers who will tell them whatever their itching ears want to hear. 4 They will reject the truth and chase after myths. 5 But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. 6 As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. 7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. 8 And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.

He’s Coming Again

2 Attitudes about Christ’s return 

1.              Ignore it.

2.              Eagerly anticipate it.

Philippians 3: 8 (NLT)

   Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ.

Compartmentalize 

Pre-Jesus   -   Jesus   -   Heaven

          Past    -     Present   -   Future

Our Past is redeemed in Christ

Augustine 

Let us not resist His first coming

so that we may not dread His second coming.

1 Corinthians 5: 17 (NLT)

   …anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

Psalm 103: 12 (NLT)

   He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.

Colossians 1: 3 – 5 (NLT)

   We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God’s people, 5 which come from your confident hope of what God has reserved for you in heaven. You have had this expectation ever since you first heard the truth of the Good News.

Tom Clark…

Present – Sanctification

Philippians 1: 9 – 11 (NLT)

   I pray that your love will overflow more and more, and that you will keep on growing in knowledge and understanding. 10 For I want you to understand what really matters, so that you may live pure and blameless lives until the day of Christ’s return. 11 May you always be filled with the fruit of your salvation—the righteous character produced in your life by Jesus Christ—for this will bring much glory and praise to God.

Philippians 3: 12 – 14 (NLT)

    I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Future 

The return of Christ is the culminating event of history

Ephesians 1: 3 (NLT)

   All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.

Ephesians 2: 6 (NLT)

    For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus.

Revelation 22: 12 (NLT)

   “Look, I am coming soon, bringing my reward with me to repay all people according to their deeds. 13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” 17The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Let anyone who hears this say, “Come.” Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life.

Text Pray

FAITH, HOPE, & LOVE // Sunday, April 13, 2025 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor

Sunday, April 13, 2025

Faith, Hope and Love

The Great Commandment

(Love God & Love People)

Mark 12: 29 – 31 (NLT)

   “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. 30 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ 31 The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”

The Great Commission

Matthew 28: 18 – 20 (NLT)

    Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

1.              Bill & Melissa Chappel

The process of Faith, Hope & Love

The process begins with HOPE.

Hope leads to FAITH.

Faith leads to LOVE.

The Three Circles

John 20: 17

   …go to my brothers and tell them…

John 20: 21

   As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.

ROMANS ROAD GRAPHIC

(YELLOW)

Sin

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.                Romans 3: 23 (NASB)

(BLACK)

Death

For wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ our Lord.                  Romans 6: 23 (NASB)

(RED)

Love

But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners,  Christ died for us.         Romans 5: 8 (NASB)

(GREEN)

Life

   ...if you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; 10 for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses resulting in salvation.                Romans 10: 9 &10 (NASB)

Romans 10: 13 – 15 (NLT)

   “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”  14 But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? 15 And how will anyone go and tell them without being sent? That is why the Scriptures say, “How beautiful are the feet of messengers who bring good news!

OUTREACH SUNDAYS: 

May 18th                          June 22nd

July 20th                August 17th

September 14th     October 19th

The Bridge Illustration

FAITH, HOPE, & LOVE // Sunday, April 6, 2025 // Jeff Hines, leader pastor

Sunday, April 6, 2025

Faith, Hope and Love

The Great Commandment

(Love God & Love People)

Mark 12: 29 – 31 (NLT)

   “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. 30 And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ 31 The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”

The Great Commission

Matthew 28: 18 – 20 (NLT)

    Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. 19 Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. 20 Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

The process of Faith, Hope & Love

Colossians 1: 3 - 5 (NLT)

    We always pray for you, and we give thanks to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 4 For we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and your love for all of God’s people, 5 which come from your confident hope of what God has reserved for you in heaven. You have had this expectation ever since you first heard the truth of the Good News.

The process begins with HOPE.

1.              Gas Guage 

2.              Hunger 

3.              Restroom

Hope leads to FAITH.

4.              Billboard

Faith leads to LOVE.

5.              Truck Stop

The power of the Gospel

Colossians 1: 5 - 8 (NIV)

   …the faith and love that spring from the hope stored up for you in heaven and about which you have already heard in the true message of the gospel 6 that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world — just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. 7 You learned it from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf 8 and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.  

·       The gospel is True.

·       The gospel is Universal.

·       The gospel is Spreading / Growing.

·       The gospel is Personal…

               It’s delivered by people!

What is the Gospel?

1.              Who made us?

To whom are we accountable?

We are accountable to God.

2.              What is our problem?

Our problem is OUR sin against Him.

3.              What is God’s solution to our problem?

Salvation through Jesus Christ.

4.              How can I be included in His solution?

We come to be included in that salvation by faith and repentance.

The Three Circles 

The Three Circles in Action

Step Out Of Your Tent pt 2 // Sunday, March 30, 2025 // Jeff Hines, Lead Pastor

Sunday, March 30, 2025

Step Out of Your Tent II

Genesis 15: 5 (NLT)

   Then the LORD took Abram outside and said to him, “Look up into the sky and count the stars if you can. That’s how many descendants you will have!”

Take an honest self-assessment

Discerning God’s Will

1.              God’s will is not a feeling.

2.              God’s will is not a formula.

3.              God’s will is a friendship.

God’s will is a long-term process to

make us like Jesus… 

The right attitude is FAITH!

God’s will is challenging

2 Corinthians 11: 23 - 29 (NIV)

    …I have worked much harder, been in prison more frequently, been flogged more severely, and been exposed to death again and again. 24 Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea,  26 I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. 27 I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked. 28 Besides everything else, I face daily the pressure of my concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?

We are concerned about our needs.

Matthew 6: 33 (NASB)

   …seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided to you.

God’s will is for us to mature.

Healthy People Grow

Growing People Change

Changed People, Change People

Colossians 1: 9 (NIV)

   For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you.  We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives.

Knowledge:  epignōsis - 

Spiritual Intelligence

Wisdom:  Sophia –

God’s insight into human life

Understanding:  synesis -

The practical application of that wisdom

God’s will is that we would live a life worthy and pleasing to Him.

Colossians 1: 10 (NIV)

      So that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: 

   bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,

 Bearing Fruit

Growing in knowledge of God.

Ephesians 2: 20 (KJV)

   Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us.

Colossians 1: 11 (NIV)

Being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience. 

Being strengthened with God’s power.

Signs of God’s empowerment:

·       Patience:  Applies to people.

·       Endurance:  Applies to problems.

Colossians 1: 12 (NIV)

 …giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light.