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Are you asking God to deliver you from temptation while continuing to put yourself in situations that lead you straight back to it? In this challenging message, Brother Jim continues the journey through the Lord’s Prayer, focusing on the words found in Matthew 6:13: “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” Using the familiar image of playing too close to a fire, Brother Jim reminds us that we don't have to jump into the flames to get burned. Sometimes, simply getting too close to sin can lead to consequences we never expected. While temptation itself is not a sin, entertaining it, feeding it, and deliberately placing ourselves in its path can weaken our walk with Christ. Drawing from James 1:13–15 and Matthew 26:41, this sermon challenges us to examine our own hearts, recognize our weaknesses, and stop making excuses for the habits, relationships, influences, and situations that pull us away from God. Whether it's anger, gossip, bitterness, entertainment, social media, or something else, we must be honest about our struggles and willing to make changes. The message is simple but powerful: Stop playing with sin. Pride tells us we can handle it, but wisdom knows when it's time to walk away. God calls us to be spiritually alert, take responsibility for our choices, and depend on Him for the strength to resist temptation. Brother Jim also challenges the church to take prayer seriously, remain watchful in a world filled with spiritual battles, and consider whether we are truly prepared for the return of Jesus Christ. Are you keeping the door cracked open for the very thing you're asking God to remove from your life? It's time to close that door, strengthen your walk with Christ, and stop testing your strength against the things that have already shown your weakness. Scripture References: Matthew 6:9–13, James 1:13–15, and Matthew 26:41. Sometimes the most spiritual thing you can do is walk away.

Have you ever prayed about a burden, surrendered it to God, and then found yourself worrying about it all over again? In this powerful sermon, “Fighting Battles That Are Already Won,” we are reminded that we were never meant to carry every burden, control every outcome, or fight every battle in our own strength. Drawing from 2 Chronicles 20 and the story of King Jehoshaphat, this message explores the powerful truth found in God's Word: “The battle is not yours, but God's.” Through Scripture, we discover how to face fear, trust God's timing, release the need for control, and find peace even when our circumstances haven't changed. This message reminds us that faith doesn't mean we will never face hardship. It means we can trust God in the middle of it. Because of the victory Jesus Christ secured through His death and resurrection, we can face life's battles with hope, knowing that trouble does not have the final word. Discover practical ways to surrender your worries to God, distinguish your responsibilities from the things you cannot control, turn anxiety into prayer, and anchor your mind in the promises of Scripture. You don't have to know how God will work everything out to trust that He is still in control. Whatever battle you're facing today, remember that you are not alone, His grace is sufficient, and your ultimate victory is secure in Christ. Join us for this encouraging message, and be reminded that sometimes the greatest act of faith is to stop striving, trust the Lord, and let Him lead the way. “Be still and know that I am God.” — Psalm 46:10

What does it truly mean to belong to Jesus? In this powerful and challenging sermon, Brother Jim explores the meaning of baptism and the life-changing commitment behind the words, “I belong to Jesus.” As the church prepares for Baptism Sunday, this message reminds us that baptism is about far more than getting wet or continuing a religious tradition. It is a public declaration of faith, an act of obedience to Christ, and a reminder that we are called to live a new life in Him. Drawing from Matthew 28:18–20, Romans 6:1–4, and Galatians 3:26–29, Brother Jim explains how baptism points to Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection—and to the new life we are called to live as His followers. But the message goes deeper, challenging us to examine whether our everyday lives reflect the faith we profess. Does our attitude, our speech, our relationships, and the way we treat others show that we truly belong to Jesus? This sermon also reminds us that baptism is not the finish line of our Christian journey; it is the starting line. We are called to grow in prayer, worship, Scripture, service, forgiveness, and love. The church family shares in that responsibility, especially when it comes to encouraging new believers and teaching the next generation what it means to follow Christ. Most importantly, Brother Jim delivers a powerful reminder that your past does not have the final word—Jesus does. No one is too broken, too far gone, or beyond the reach of God's grace. Jesus isn't asking for perfection; He is calling us to surrender our hearts and follow Him wholeheartedly. As you listen, consider the question at the heart of this message: Do you belong to Jesus, and does your life show it? Whether you've been baptized for years, are considering baptism for the first time, or simply need a reminder of God's amazing grace, this message is an invitation to move beyond routine religion and embrace a genuine, life-changing relationship with Christ. Scripture References: Matthew 28:18–20; Romans 6:1–4; Galatians 3:26–29. Baptism isn't about showing the world how perfect you are. It's about declaring, with your whole heart and your whole life: “I belong to Jesus!”

What does it really mean to pray? In this powerful and challenging sermon, Brother Jim takes us beyond simply reciting familiar words and asks a question that can be uncomfortable—but necessary: Do we really mean what we pray? Using the Lord’s Prayer as a guide, Brother Jim explores what it means to pray, “Our Father,” “Hallowed be Thy name,” “Thy kingdom come,” and “Thy will be done.” Are these simply words we have memorized, or have they become the genuine cry of our hearts? Through Scripture, personal stories, humor, and some straight-shooting “tough love,” this message challenges us to examine whether our Sunday faith carries over into Monday morning. Are we honoring God with the way we live, treat others, respond to frustration, forgive those who hurt us, and handle the circumstances of everyday life? Brother Jim also challenges us to consider whether we're building God’s kingdom or our own kingdom. What happens when God asks us to step outside our comfort zone, forgive someone, serve others, surrender our plans, or simply trust Him? The Lord’s Prayer was never meant to be empty words or a spiritual checklist. It is an invitation to deeper relationship, surrender, faith, and genuine communication with God. Are your prayers connected to your life—or are you simply going through the motions? This message challenges us to stop treating prayer like an emergency button and start making it a real connection with the God who already knows what we need. “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done.” The question is simple: Do we really mean it?

In this Sunday morning sermon message, Brother Jim challenges us to take a closer look at one of the most important aspects of our relationship with God: prayer. Why do you pray? Is it simply because you were taught to pray, because you need something from God, or because prayer is something you believe Christians are supposed to do? Or do you pray because you genuinely desire to know God more deeply? Brother Jim explores the difference between simply using prayer and living a life of prayer, reminding us that prayer isn't merely a religious activity or a spiritual checklist—it is an opportunity to have a genuine relationship with the Creator of the universe. Through Scripture, personal testimony, humor, and honest reflection, this message looks at our dependence on God, the power of prayer to change us from the inside out, and the peace God can provide even when our circumstances don't immediately change. We are reminded that we don't pray because God needs us—we pray because we need God. We need His wisdom, His strength, His direction, His forgiveness, and His presence. As Brother Jim asks, perhaps the most important question isn't simply “What can God do for me?” but: “Do I truly have a relationship with God?” Join us for this challenging and encouraging Sunday morning sermon as we examine our prayer lives and consider what it really means to draw closer to God.

What does biblical fasting really mean? Is it about going without food, getting God’s attention, or convincing Him to give us what we want? In this Sunday morning message, Brother Jim begins a powerful teaching on spiritual fasting and prayer, challenging us to look beyond the physical act of fasting and examine what is happening within our hearts. Biblical fasting isn't about manipulating God, earning His love, or proving how spiritual we are. It is about surrender—giving God our desires, our plans, our fears, our distractions, and ultimately our whole hearts. Through Scripture and practical examples, this message challenges us to consider what controls us, what occupies our time and attention, and whether we have allowed the things of this world to take the place that belongs to God. Are we developing a genuine relationship with Christ, or have we settled for a convenient, “fast-food” faith? As we begin this series on fasting, we're reminded that God isn't simply interested in changing our circumstances. Sometimes He wants to first reveal what needs to change within us. The question isn't simply, “Are you getting fed?” The question is: “What are you feeding your soul?” This message is an invitation to slow down, seek God, examine our hearts, and discover what may be standing between us and a deeper relationship with Him.

Do This in Remembrance of Me It’s easy for something we do often to become something we do without really thinking about it. In this powerful message, Brother Jim takes us back to the Lord’s Table and asks a simple but important question: Why do we take communion? Through Luke 22:14–20 and 1 Corinthians 11:26, we are reminded that communion is far more than a religious tradition. The bread points us to Christ’s body given for us. The cup points us to His blood and the new covenant. And the table points us directly to the cross, where Jesus paid a price we could never pay ourselves. Brother Jim challenges us to remember that salvation is not about how good we have been, what we have accomplished, or how religious we appear. It is about what Jesus Christ has done for us. Communion also calls us to examine our hearts, surrender the things we've been hiding, forgive as we've been forgiven, love as we've been loved, and remember that we are not alone. At the table, we are reminded that despite our differences, we are one body in Christ. And while communion looks back to the cross, it also looks forward. Jesus died. Jesus rose. Jesus saves. And Jesus is coming back again. So as we approach the Lord’s Table, may we come with humble, grateful, repentant, and expectant hearts. May we slow down, remember the sacrifice, celebrate the grace, and never forget the Savior who gave Himself for us. Do this in remembrance of me.

The sermon this week, Brother Jim tackles one of the most uncomfortable subjects in the church: money. But this message is about much more than dollars and cents—it is about the condition of our hearts. Drawing from Matthew 6:19–21 and the biblical principles of stewardship, Brother Jim reminds us that everything we have ultimately belongs to God. Our time, talents, possessions, opportunities, and finances have been entrusted to us, and the question is not simply, “How much do I give?” but rather, “Who truly has my heart?” Join us as we explore the difference between ownership and stewardship, why giving should never be about guilt or manipulation, and how generosity is an act of worship rooted in trust. From the widow’s small offering to the call to give God our first and best, this episode challenges us to examine what our priorities and our giving reveal about our faith. God does not need our money—He wants our hearts. And when He truly has our hearts, our hands begin to open, our priorities change, our faith deepens, and His kingdom is advanced. So ask yourself: When God has your heart, does He have your finances?

What does God see when He looks at our giving, our service, and our faith? In this powerful episode, Brother Jim explores the story of the poor widow in Mark 12 and the two tiny coins she placed in the temple treasury. While everyone else saw a gift that seemed insignificant, Jesus saw something completely different—a sacrifice born from complete faith and trust in God. Through this story, Brother Jim challenges us to look beyond appearances and ask the questions that truly matter: Are we giving God our leftovers or our best? Are we serving Him only when it is comfortable and convenient? And how much of our lives truly belongs to Him? From a remarkable story of a Vietnamese family who sacrificed their prized water buffalo for the work of the Gospel, to the ultimate example of sacrificial giving found in Jesus Christ, this episode reminds us that God measures sacrifice, not size; faithfulness, not recognition; and the heart, not the outward appearance. Brother Jim encourages us to consider what God has entrusted to each of us—our time, talents, resources, finances, and opportunities—and challenges us to stop asking, “God, what can You give me?” and start asking, “God, what can I give You today?” Because Jesus sees what everyone else misses. Key Scriptures: Mark 12:41–44, 1 Samuel 16:7, James 4:10, John 3:16–17, and 2 Corinthians 9:6–8. Listen, reflect, and ask yourself: What has God entrusted to me, and what am I doing with it for His glory?

This episode asks one of Jesus' most challenging questions: "Who is my neighbor?" As Brother Jim begins a two-part study of the Parable of the Good Samaritan, he explores far more than a familiar Bible story. Through the conversation between Jesus and the expert in the law, we're confronted with the difference between knowing God's Word and living it. What does it mean to truly love your neighbor? Why did the priest and the Levite walk past a man in desperate need? And what does their response reveal about our own hearts? This message challenges listeners to examine whether their faith is marked by compassion or merely by religious routine. Brother Jim also reflects on the wounded condition of our world, the dangers of empty religion, and the call for believers to move beyond simply seeing needs to actually meeting them. It's a timely reminder that genuine Christianity is demonstrated through mercy, love, and action—not just words. Join us for Part 1 of this powerful study as we prepare to meet the most unlikely hero of the story next week and discover what it truly means to love as Christ has loved us. In this episode: Why Jesus told the Parable of the Good Samaritan The difference between religion and a transformed heart What the priest and Levite teach us about compassion Why seeing a need is not the same as meeting a need How believers are called to live out their faith through mercy and action Be sure to subscribe so you don't miss Part 2, where we'll meet the Good Samaritan himself and uncover the powerful lessons Jesus has for every believer today.

What kind of faith causes Jesus Himself to stop and marvel? In this powerful episode, we dive into the remarkable story of the Roman centurion in Luke 7—a man whose unwavering trust in Christ became one of only two instances in the Gospels where Jesus was amazed. While many witnessed Jesus' miracles, this unlikely soldier believed that Christ's authority was so absolute that He only needed to speak a word for healing to take place. Together, we'll explore what genuine, biblical faith looks like: a faith rooted in humility, complete trust in God's authority, compassion for others, and confidence in God's promises even before we see the outcome. Along the way, we'll confront some challenging questions: Would Jesus marvel at our faith today? Are we trusting Him completely, or are we placing our confidence in the things of this world? This message also challenges believers to move beyond religious routine and embrace a faith that loves without prejudice, serves with humility, and boldly proclaims the hope found in Jesus Christ alone. Whether you're facing fear, uncertainty, disappointment, or simply longing for a deeper walk with God, this episode offers biblical encouragement to strengthen your trust in the One who still has all authority in heaven and on earth. Join us as we discover what it means to have a faith that amazes Jesus—and how that kind of faith can transform our lives, our families, our churches, and our witness to the world.

Summer isn't just a season—it's a powerful reminder of how God works through the hottest moments of our lives. In this episode, Ryan Best explores how the intense heat of summer serves as a metaphor for the trials, pressures, and refining seasons every believer faces. Drawing from Scripture, he shares six biblical truths that reveal how God uses life's difficulties to strengthen our faith, purify our hearts, and deepen our dependence on Him. From Genesis to Revelation, discover how God ordains every season, why trials are never wasted, and how the "refiner's fire" transforms ordinary believers into faithful servants of Christ. Ryan also reflects on encouraging signs of spiritual revival among today's younger generation and reminds us that even in the most difficult seasons, God is preparing a greater harvest. If you've ever wondered why God allows hardship—or if you're walking through a difficult season right now—this message offers biblical hope, practical encouragement, and the assurance that the same God who brings the heat also provides the living water. Scripture References: Genesis 8:22, Psalm 19:6, Zechariah 13:9, 1 Peter 1:6-7, Malachi 3:2-3, Matthew 11:28-30, John 4, Revelation 7:16 Join us as we discover that the heat of life's trials isn't meant to destroy our faith—it's meant to refine it.

What happens when life turns up the pressure? In this thought-provoking episode, Brother Jim uses a simple orange to illustrate a profound spiritual truth: when you're squeezed, what comes out reveals what has been inside all along. Whether it's anger, fear, bitterness, or the love of Christ, life's trials expose the condition of our hearts. Drawing from Genesis, Romans, Proverbs, Luke, and the Psalms, this message challenges believers to examine their own lives before fulfilling the Great Commission. It also serves as a heartfelt reminder that our children and grandchildren are constantly watching, listening, and learning from the example we set. What are we pouring into them? What "juice" are they seeing when life squeezes us? This episode is both an invitation to personal reflection and a call to spiritual renewal. If you've ever wondered how your faith holds up under pressure—or how your daily walk impacts the next generation—this message will encourage you to allow the Holy Spirit to transform your heart so that the love, grace, and peace of Jesus overflow in every circumstance. In this episode you'll discover: Why pressure doesn't create your character—it reveals it. What Scripture teaches about guarding your heart. How your reactions influence your family and those around you. The importance of filling your life with God's Word instead of the world's values. How to let the "juice of Jesus" flow when life gets difficult. When the pressures of life come—and they will—what comes out of you? Tune in and be challenged to become someone whose life consistently reflects the goodness, grace, and love of Christ.

As America celebrates 250 years of independence, what does the phrase "One Nation Under God" really mean? In this thought-provoking episode, we explore the relationship between patriotism and faith, reminding listeners that while we should honor our nation and those who sacrificed for its freedoms, our ultimate hope has never rested in a government—it rests in Jesus Christ. Through Scripture and practical application, we examine the responsibilities that come with freedom, the importance of passing our nation's history and values to the next generation, and why America's deepest problems are ultimately spiritual rather than political. This message challenges believers to stop merely complaining about the darkness and instead become the salt and light Christ has called them to be. Join us as we reflect on the cost of both earthly and eternal freedom, the call to revival in our own hearts, and the powerful reminder that while flags may fade and kingdoms may change, the Gospel remains forever. Whether you're reflecting on Independence Day or simply seeking encouragement to live out your faith with conviction, this episode offers a timely reminder that the greatest citizenship we hold is in the Kingdom of God. Scripture References: Romans 13:1–7, Psalm 33:12, Galatians 5:13, 2 Chronicles 7:14, Matthew 5:13–16, John 8:36.

Storms are an unavoidable part of life—but they don't have to define your faith. In this powerful message, we dive into the familiar account of Jesus walking on water in Matthew 14 and discover that this miracle isn't just about Christ's power over nature—it's about Peter's willingness to step out of the boat. While the other disciples watched from a place of safety, Peter experienced the impossible because he responded to Jesus' invitation to "Come." Whether you're facing financial hardship, health struggles, family challenges, anxiety, or uncertainty about the future, this episode offers timeless encouragement that Jesus still meets us in the middle of life's storms. You'll be reminded that: Obedience doesn't always prevent storms—but God uses them to grow our faith. Even when you can't see Jesus, He has never taken His eyes off you. Fear distorts our perspective, but faith keeps our focus on Christ. The greatest miracles often happen outside our comfort zones. God's grace reaches us immediately when we cry out to Him. If you've been feeling overwhelmed by the waves around you, this message will encourage you to lift your eyes above the storm and trust the One who walks on it. Key Scripture: Matthew 14:22–33 Step out in faith. Keep your eyes on Jesus. And discover that the Savior who called Peter onto the water is still calling you today.