Nehemiah Series - Resolving Internal Conflict - Sermon 5

The only way we are going to serve successfully and answer the call to build the walls in the face of external opposition and internal conflict is by humbling ourselves to serve one another in the humility, meekness, and love of Christ.  Nehemiah demonstrated it and the Apostles reiterated it: The Return to Selflessness is the key to it all. 

So when we face internal conflict in our individual lives, in our marriages, in our families, in our homes, and even in our work places and communities, let’s remember to:

1.    Remove the Ambiguity – Walk in Truth

2.    Recognize the Impact of our Choices – Personally, Spiritually, and Publicly

3.    Respond with Repentance and Restoration – As Required

4.    Return to Selflessness – As a Way of Life

D O U B T

On this Sunday of Saint Thomas, Pastor Rick deals with the specter of Doubt.

"Doubt.  What does the word conjure up for you?  It is a word that is not generally associated with pleasantness, happiness, or peace.  Instead, it is associated with discomfort, uncertainty, and fear.  Doubt is in the uplifted eyebrow, the wrinkling of the forehead, or in the wide eyes and open mouth.  Doubt is that feeling you feel when you take your driver’s test…can you make it?  Doubt is that feeling you feel when you stand at the edge of a jump into water below.  Doubt is the feeling of uncertainty when you quit your job without another in sight.  Doubt is that inner response when you hear something unlikely or unbelievable. Doubt usually isn’t any fun."

I recommend to you a book that will help you clarify your understanding of doubt further after today’s message.  The book is available for free online here: http://www.garyhabermas.com/books/dealing_with_doubt/dealing_with_doubt.htm.  The book is titled, “Dealing with Doubt,” by Gary Habermas.  Dr. Habermas is a well-known apologist specializing in matters to do with the resurrection and Christian faith.  

The Way of the Cross

"...the rich young ruler is one of the last few specific people Jesus met on his way to Jerusalem.  As he left Ephraim where he had fled with his disciples to avoid the attacks of the priests, he began to make his way to Jerusalem.  On that journey toward the cross, the Scriptures record only five specific people interactions besides his disciples, Lazarus’ family, and the general crowds. 

When you realize these people met Jesus on his way to the cross, their stories somehow mean more.  In them I see that Jesus places emphasis on

• Healing the unclean
• Child-like humility and faith
• Full surrender and Abandonment
• Healing those who cannot see
• Rescuing the most despised

And all of these share the message of redemption, restoration, and relationship with God.  Those are powerful messages on the way to the cross.  If you also study the parables and teachings of Jesus in these final weeks, you also discover that some of the most important recorded teachings of Jesus were shared during this time.  In the next few weeks we will look at some of them.

However, today, I felt my heart drawn to the story of the rich young ruler who was called to follow the way of the cross."

A Line in the Sand: Choosing Always to Follow Christ

Pastor Rick uses historical events, a legend, and the story of the rich ruler to weave together a message about the importance of choosing always to follow Christ.  As always, we pray you will be blessed.

"Today, I would say that choosing to walk without Christ and/or choosing to leave His ways behind might result in eternal fatality.  This is why the choices we make are so crucial and why we must be so careful to make the right ones.  I encourage us all today to be sure that we “draw a line in the sand” and determine to follow Christ no matter what – to walk with Him at any cost and not leave His pathway.  Choose always to follow Christ."

The Gospel of John - The Witness of Surrender

Listen as Pastor Rick talks about living surrendered. What does the "Best Man" of the bridegroom have to do with it?  Listen and see.   Is your life surrendered to the will of God?

The Gospel of John Series - God SO Loved

Listen as Pastor Rick shares perspective on the most famous verse in Scripture: John 3:16. Word by word Pastor Rick draws out the beauty of this verse.  Do you realize how MUCH God loves you?  No matter your sin, God loves you and gave His only begotten son for you.  Will you surrender to Him?

YOLO - Words of Earth - Wisdom of Heaven Series

Listen as Pastor Rick preaches another message from the Words of Earth - Wisdom of Heaven series.  Is YOLO a philosophy Christians should live by?

Contagious Christians - Lesson 4: Authenticty Attracts

Listen as Pastor Rick re-approaches this series and shares the importance of being REAL: how to avoid hypocrisy and live an authentic witness based on the book by Bill Hybels & Mark Mittelberg.