Messages
New Series: What Drives Spiritual Service
8-6-23 "The Individual Call to Service" - Isaiah 6:1-5a - Why me Lord? Have you ever asked that question? It is not by chance that God called you into this relationship with Him. Before God ever created, He chose you! Before the universe knew anything of you, God knew you and had ordained you. Why? That is the purpose of the five message series. God doesn’t make mistakes. Others may wonder, “Why you?” but God never has.
8-13-23 "Your Spiritual Call to Serve” - It is a great privilege to belong to the King of the universe. Along your way, God has revealed Himself to you and if you see Him in His Holiness and Glory, you will never be the same. God gave those whom He saved their physical life and the promise of eternal life in His Heavenly Kingdom. Paul calls the followers of Jesus to their "reasonable service" to be a living sacrifice to God (Romans 12:1-2).
8-20-23 "What Now?" - Along with Isaiah and his vision, we got to see the Lord, high and lifted up. With Isaiah we are moved by the power, holiness and worship of the Lord. Once we see the Lord, we also see ourselves in our sinfulness characterized by unclean lips. We also see that those we dwell among are a people of unclean lips. The Lord must cleanse Isaiah the same way He cleanses us and then He asked the question, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” We acknowledge that the Lord has saved us for a purpose. Our response should be that of Isaiah when he responds, “Then said I, Here am I; send me.” If we have followed this response, now what?
9-3-23 "The Body of Christ" - Do you go to church or are you the church? There is a difference in how you answer that question. The Bible teaches that when a person comes to faith in Jesus Christ, they are added to the church, which is also called The Body of Christ. Most of the work of the Body of Christ is done in tandem with the church. The church has issues today. Let’s examine those who make up the church, the Body of Christ.
The Storms of Life
5-21-23 - "Jesus in the Storm" - One of the purposes of the written Word is for “instruction in righteousness.” That phrase implies that we need to be taught right thinking and living from God’s Word. That is never truer than when we encounter the storms of life. As we embark on this series let us learn from the disciples themselves in the midst of the storm.
6-4-23 "Divorce" (Part 1) Matthew 19:1-9 - As I was preparing this message I was focusing on the storm of divorce. I immediately came to a roadblock. You can’t deal with divorce without first defining marriage. Today we will look at what God designed marriage to be. Marriage is one of the greatest blessings of God, but the enemy has the ability to take good things and make them a source of great pain and sorrow.
6-11-23 "Divorce" (Part 2) Matthew 19:1-9 - No couple planning their marriage today is anticipating a divorce. When they come to their vows, both the man and the woman are sincere in their love and commitment to the other. But, for many something changes. Getting married is stressful and two people become one. Getting divorce is even more stressful as a one relationship is once again torn into two. As the storms of life go, divorce can do much damage. Marriage is in trouble. If you are in a good marriage know it is under attack. Marriage is one of God’s greatest gifts to man and draws the attention of the one who wants to destroy. The best marriage you will ever be in is the one you are in now.
6-25-23 "The Valley of the Shadow of Death" (2 Corinthians 15:50-58) - We all learn at an early age that death is a reality of life. If people die, then those I love will die and ultimately, I will die. To be obsessed with death drains all the joy from life, but sometimes we must face its reality. Death is not an end, but rather an experience we must go through – like a valley. We will look at the storms that produce the shadow in the valley of death.
7-9-23 - "The Storm of Lost Faith" - We have a propensity to lose heart. The longer we are required to trust, the less likely that we will continue. God has placed a divine high value upon faith - our continuing trust in God. Thousands, if not millions of Christians in our world today are not actively trusting God. Something happened, whether in an instant or over time, that caused them to stop trusting God. They couldn’t weather the storm of lost faith.
7-23-23 "The Storm of Uselessness" - The storms of life do not always come into our lives suddenly and with vengeance, some storms come quietly and over time. It is possible to wake up one day and find that you have been the victim of such a storm. In this message, I have defined these storms as storms of drought. One day you wake up and look out to see only dryness and bareness. Everyone goes through these types of dryness. How you respond to them is of great importance.
7-30-23 "The Storm of Marriage" - Anything with a great potential for good and blessing also has the potential for great hurt and cursing. Marriage was designed by God for mankind to be joyful and fulfilling. The institution of marriage has been under attack through the years and that attack has gotten even greater in this modern culture. Marriage has the potential for joy, companionship and intimacy if done right. If not, marriage can start as a sunny day and end with terrifying monsoons.
Special Series: Made New
4-9-23 - "Faith in Jesus Christ Makes Us New" - This is a four part series on "Made New." The first message is the Easter message. At the time of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ, the disciples had scattered in fear of their lives. One exception was the disciple, John who remained with Jesus through the crucifixion and all that followed. John’s relationship with Jesus was more than being a disciple, it was also being a friend. And friends don’t leave friends. Once the resurrection took place and Jesus appeared to the disciples, everything changed. Everything was made new. When a person experiences the power of the resurrection by trusting in Jesus, everything is made new.
4-16-23 - "Moving Past Your Past" - Often one of the greatest obstacles to growing in our relationship with Jesus Christ is to accept the forgiveness of God for our past sins. God invites us to live with a future focus, rather than dwelling on the past and look forward with anticipation for what our new life has ahead. My past does not define me. God does.
4-23-23 - "The Family of God" - And Jesus said, “… and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it.” Matthew 16:18. There are three things that Jesus tells us about the church in this one statement. First, the church is built on the confession of Peter that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of the living God. Second, Jesus calls the church “My church.” The church belongs to Jesus Christ. Third, the church is powerful, because the gates of hell shall not stand against it. The church was established for the family of God.
4-30-23 - "Faith in Action" - The Gospel is often advertised as simply a way of going to heaven instead of going to hell. The Gospel is so much more than that. Matthew 28:20 reads, “…and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” The Gospel is accepted through faith and the Christian life is lived out in faith. The Gospel is a “now” thing where those who have been Made New are made alive to walk with God.
The Miracles and Parables of Jesus, the Christ"
8-21-22 "Capernaum and Nicodemus" - Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. (Romans 10:17) The Word of God is the means by which God gives faith. It is by that faith the need of the sinner is awakened unto his need of salvation. Much evangelism is driven by emotions rather than God’s Word which might explain why those who make a decision seem not to be born again by the Spirit, but rather still born spiritually. After salvation, it is by God’s Word that our faith grows and matures. Few Christians know the Word. Know the Word!
8-28-22 "Capernaum and Nicodemus" (Continued)
9-11-22 "Jesus Turns Water Into Wine" - Attending a wedding is something that most people can identify with. In fact, we have a couple of weddings coming up, and many of us will be in attendance. Weddings are focused on the couple and the vows they make before God and to each other. It is a serious institution, followed by a celebration. Jesus affirmed marriage by His attendance. Marriage is a good thing. So is celebration!
9-25-22 "The Parable of the Sower" - In the introductory message to this series, we looked at the reason Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables. The parable of the sower is only one of two that Jesus explained to the disciples. The other parable is the parable of the darnel or the weeds sown among the wheat. Because Jesus explains this parable, we will have an advantage in knowing exactly what Jesus was teaching. Let’s learn from Jesus’ red words in our Bibles.
10-2-22 "The Healing of the Nobleman's Son" - “God never wastes a hurt.” Kenny Shadday coined this statement years ago. How a person responds to a hurt is something with eternal value. For some, a hurt creates a bitterness toward God. For others, a hurt awakens them to their need of God. For a Christian, a hurt is a means of God to refine and shape him. The key element in dealing with a hurt is faith.
10-16-22 "The Pearl of Great Price" - Matthew 13 is a powerful chapter. In this chapter there are two parables – The Sower and the Wheat and the Tares. Both parables are explained to the disciples by Jesus. In this chapter, there are also five metaphors – The Mustard Seed, The Leaven, The Hidden Treasure, The Pearl of Great Price, and The Dragnet. In this chapter, Jesus is illustrating the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven.
10-23-22 "Healing the Man at the Pool of Bethesda" - In the miracles and the parables of Jesus, there are always other things taking place. That is more obvious in this miracle than in others. Jesus decided to perform this miracle on the Sabbath. He knows that doing that would raise the ire of the Jewish leaders. There are also two other things that need to be mentioned. First, the heart of Jesus was that of compassion. Second, the religion of the Pharisees had no compassion.
10-30-22 "The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares" - There are two parables about sowing in Matthew 13. The first is the parable “a Sower went forth to sow,” and the second “the parable of the wheat and the tares.” Both parables are presented to those Jesus is teaching and then later they are explained to the disciples. As disciples, we are blessed to have Jesus’ explanation for a better understanding. The parable of the wheat and the tares has much to teach us about the age in which we are presently living.
11-13-22 "The Miracle of Catching Fish and Catching Peter" - Paul’s letter to the Colossians gives us some vital information concerning Jesus’ miracles and parables. Paul writes, “For by Him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers; all things were created by Him and for Him: And He is before all things, and by him all things consist.” Colossians 1:16-17 Jesus Christ, the Son is the Agent and Sustainer of all creation. Therefore, He has the power over all things. Whether it is fish, or a man, Christ has the power to perform His will.
11-20-22 "The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats" - In Jesus’ teaching He has been presenting something that has been designated the Olivet Discourse. Jesus is teaching about those things that will take place in the future. The event that marks this time is the second advent. We are preparing for His first advent, which is the Incarnation, celebrated as Christmas. That advent marked the birth of Christ and His work of redemption. Jesus leaves the disciples and the Gospel to be preached to the world. The time between the first advent and the second advent is the church age. Jesus presents the parable of the sheep and the goats.
11-27-22 "The Miracle of the Healing of the Ten Lepers" -The miracles and parables are timeless glimpses into the mind and heart of Jesus. The accounts in the Gospels are rich in knowledge of how and why Jesus took on flesh and dwelt among men and women. The miracle of the ten lepers reminds us of our expected response to our redemption from sin and our gratitude for the One who has given us new life.
12-4-22 "The Parable of the Good Samaritan" - The story Jesus told here has become known at the parable of the good Samaritan. Some have questioned whether this story was a parable, an earthly story with a heavenly means, or an actual account. Surely the event shared about the road from Jerusalem to Jericho often happened, as it was an occurrence due to the thieves who robbed travelers on that road. Regardless, this parable is one of the best known that Jesus shared. We will explore the one asking Jesus the questions, the response of Jesus to the questions, and the story’s teaching for the lawyer or scribe. We will also see its truth for us the hearers today.
12-18-22 "The Miracle of the Incarnation" - It is easy to see that the world has made the coming of Jesus into something it was never intended to be. In fact, the early church never commemorated the birth of Jesus as a celebration at all. I am afraid that we as Christians have also made the coming of Jesus, God in flesh, something it was never intended to be. This message today is simply to look at the purpose of why and the promise to whom God sent with His Son. We need to read the card.
12-25-22 "Like Christ – Emulating Jesus Christ’s Offer of Peace" - At His birth, Jesus received gifts from the wise men that came to worship Him. The narrative doesn’t say there were three wise men, but it does tell the reader there were three gifts. The gift of gold was a gift fitting for a King. The gift of frankincense was a gift fitting for God. The gift of myrrh was a gift to be used in death. The gifts of the wise men were all symbolic of Who, what, and why Jesus Christ was born. Today, gift giving to one another is the big focus of Christmas. This series is about gift giving as well. The axiom of “Tis better to give than to receive” is something we all learn to be true as we get older. This gift of peace is truly a gift that blesses the giver, often more than the one who receives it.
1-22-23 "The Parable of the Rich Fool" - Luke 12 is a “loaded” chapter. This chapter is loaded with Jesus truths that come rapid fire. The main focus is the parable of the rich fool, but Jesus says much more, but we will need to listen fast.
2-19-23 "“The Miracle of the Demoniac of Gadara” - R. C. Sproul stated that there is nothing so frightening to man than the Holy. In expounding, man is a spiritual being and experience of spiritual evil is one of a person’s most terrifying experiences. Jesus had come to set the prisoners free from both physical and spiritual bondage. The account of the demoniac of Gadara was such an encounter.
2-26-23 "The Parable of the Great Supper" - Have you ever found yourself in an awkward social situation? If you have, you're in good company. In Luke 14, Jesus finds Himself in a setup social situation. Jesus has been invited to lunch at the home of a Pharisee and his friends who were Pharisees and lawyers. Jesus, knowing all things, took advantage of the situation to instruct and correct those present. May God give you the grace to do the same.
3-5-23 "The Miracle of the Woman Who Touched His Garment" from Luke 8:43-48 - Each of us believe something that’s not true. Do you recoil at that statement with the thought, I know the truth? The woman in this miracle believed something that wasn’t true, yet Jesus honored her faith. Does that mean that God doesn’t honor our faith? The things that we have wrong, God will use those to bring us to truth.
3-12-23 "The Parable of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin" from Luke 15:1-10 - Many of us have dimmed spiritual vision. Because our vision is not vivid, we tend to not see things the way God does. Often, we need to allow God to change the way we see the things that really matter in our world and in our life. Consider the message today an eye exam.
3-19-23 "The Miracle of the Man Born Blind" from John 9 - There are two considerations that the reader of Scripture must remember concerning the miracles of Jesus. First, every miracle that Jesus performed was done by “divine appointment.” Second, with each miracle Jesus not only heals the physical ailment, but He also heals the spiritual ailment of sin that separates from God.
4-2-23 - "The Parable of the Prodigal Son" - Luke 15 is perhaps the best known and loved chapters in the teachings of Jesus. Jesus had already spoken the parable of the lost sheep and He followed with another parable of the lost coin. The shepherd and the woman had both gone to great lengths to find the sheep and the coin. When those things were found, they called their friends to celebrate that what had been lost was now found. The first two illustrations built up to something that was even of more value – a lost son.
Special PEARL:
12-11-22 "P stands for Pray" - Our Small Groups, Inc. are embarking on a series of PEARL. This is the first video in the PEARL series featuring the letter P which stands for Prayer. The acronym of PEARL is P-Prayer; E-Eat; A-Ask; R-Reveal; L-Love. We will be presenting a video each month in our Sunday morning service.
1-29-23 "E" stand for Eat" - Our Small Groups, Inc. are embarking on a series of PEARL. This is the second video in the PEARL series featuring the letter E which stands for Eat. The acronym of PEARL is P-Prayer; E-Eat; A-Ask; R-Reveal; L-Love. This month we are on "E" for Eat.
3-26-23 "A" stands for Ask" - Our Small Groups, Inc. are embarking on a series of PEARL. This is the second video in the PEARL series featuring the letter E which stands for Eat. The acronym of PEARL is P-Prayer; E-Eat; A-Ask; R-Reveal; L-Love. This month we are on "A" for Ask.
5-28-23 "R" Stands for Reveal" - Our Small Groups, Inc. are embarking on a series of PEARL. This is the second video in the PEARL series featuring the letter E which stands for Eat. The acronym of PEARL is P-Prayer; E-Eat; A-Ask; R-Reveal; L-Love. This month we are on "R" for Reveal.
7-16-23 "L" Stands for Love" - This is the last video of the series of PEARL
Special Messages:
5-1-22 The Heart of Worship The church, the Body of Christ, is vital in the individual follower of Jesus heart. Jesus built the church to meet the needs of those He would call to eternal life. As His church, it is imperative that we do all we can, by His guidance, to serve those in His call. We have learned in the Purpose Drive ministry that there are five purposes for the church which include, worship, fellowship, discipleship, ministry and mission. All of these purposes are important, but today we will focus on worship.
6-12-22 "Being the Body" - Everybody has needs. Every day a portion of our time is preparing our body for the day ahead. The older you are, the longer it takes. The church is also a body. The church is referred to in the Scripture as the “Body of Christ.” As members of His body, we also have responsibilities to care for the church and minister through it and to it. Today’s message is a reminder of the needs of this body, the church. Once again, open your heart and hear what the Spirit says to you.
7-24-22 "The Dangers of Being Rich" - America has been blessed in so many ways. You have also been blessed in so many ways. Though many of these blessings seem to be in dire straights we are still living in the greatest country in the world. We often need to have our vision corrected. What we think we are seeing is totally different than reality. You are rich and your riches can have the ability to build a wall between what you want and what God wants. When is the last time you and the true Owner of what you possess had a talk about what He has given to your trust? Like Jesus said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”
9-4-22 "Pastor Phil's Trip to Israel Report" Pastor Phil McKeown took us along on his journey through slides and exciting information about his recent trip to Israel.
11-6-22 "International Day of Prayer"
1-8-23 - "The Barnacles of the Devil" - Peter, Jesus’ right hand man, has some words of advice to the Christians as we start into our new year of 2023. In 1 Peter 5:8 Peter says, “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.” This time of year we think of resolutions as we go forward. This time of year we need to be reminded that we have an enemy and his tactics.
7-2-23 - "The Blessing of Giving to God" - We all deal with money. The Bible has much to say about money. Today, I need to talk with you about money. Giving to God is not a burden, but a blessing. God blesses those who honor Him with their money.
9-24-23 "Control/Alt/Delete" - There are certain Scriptures that helped those in the day which they were written and also helps us to understand the times in which we live. The Bible is a Living Book and from its writings we can find truth for today. The Scripture tells us that are some things that we see as impossible, but with God, “…all things are possible.”
Christmas Messages:
12-25-22 Christmas Message - "Like Jesus - Emulating Jesus Christ's Offer of Peace" - At His birth, Jesus received gifts from the wise men that came to worship Him. The narrative doesn’t say there were three wise men, but it does tell the reader there were three gifts. The gift of gold was a gift fitting for a King. The gift of frankincense was a gift fitting for God. The gift of myrrh was a gift to be used in death. The gifts of the wise men were all symbolic of Who, what, why Jesus Christ was born. Today, gift giving to one another is the big focus of Christmas. You have probably come from that tradition to church this morning. This message is about gift giving as well. The axiom of “Tis better to give than to receive” is something we all learn to be true as we get older. This gift of peace is truly a gift that blesses the giver, often more than the one who receives it.
Special Day Messages:
6-19-22 - The Importance of Just One Man" - FATHER'S DAY - Perhaps one of the enemy’s great ploy today is to make people feel insignificant – especially men, especially fathers. Men in general are suffering for lack of community. A man is blessed if he has good friends. In order for a man to have friends, he must make the effort to be a friend. Abraham is a great example for being a friend. Abraham received a distinction of being called “the friend of God.”
7-3-22 - "Dual Citizenship" - The world is not a Christian world. The nation in which we live is called a “Christian Nation” but that has ceased to be true. The Scriptures tells us that this world is at enmity with God. James 4:4. This weekend, we celebrate the founding of this nation. This nation was founded on Christian values and the belief in God. We have been fortunate to have been born in the United States, still our greatest allegiance is not to this nation, but to the Kingdom of God. We have dual-citizenship – one is temporary and the other is eternal.
2-12-23 "The Grace of Giving" - One characteristic of spiritual growth and maturity is becoming and being active in the grace of giving. To become faithful in your Christian stewardship, you need to understand what God expects and how to fulfill that expectation under grace. Today’s message was a reminder of our Christian stewardship.
5-7-23 "Mission Possible" - Nothing happens by chance. Years ago, God placed this church at 1010 E. Alice Avenue in Phoenix AZ. Through time much activity has happened in this church at this location and at locations around the world. Today, you are going to have an opportunity for home missions placed before you as we see the group of men that God has brought to this location, the Knights of the Round Table. I hope that you will see three things in this message. First, the men that God has brought to our church property. Second, the calling God has given our church, our people, to minister to those men. Third, your part in being used of God to reveal His glory, His Son. and His Gospel to these men.
5-14-23 "What Mothers Really Do" (MOTHER'S DAY) - God never does anything except by the counsel of His own will. He spoke the universe and the world into existence as a part of a master plan of creation. Mothers are a major part of God’s plan for procreation. God ordained that every child should have a mother. Though sin has created issues for this plan, God still has His purposes and plans that He accomplishes through mothers. Solomon admonished, “and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.” Proverbs 1:8
6-18-23 "In Our Father's Image" (FATHER'S DAY) James16:18 - This Sunday is Father’s Day. We will be honoring all fathers who are present. My message this Sunday will be “In Our Father’s Image” from James 1:16-18. Father’s Day is a day set aside to honor fathers. A father is a man who with his wife bring forth children. The term father is the defining term God has taken for Himself. The Scripture tells us that God created man in His own image. “So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” Genesis 1:27. Sunday we will explore God’s father characteristics which men need to duplicate as fathers to their children.
Special Speakers:
7-10-22 Steve Evers, In Touch Mission International
7-31-22 Ray L'Amoreaux, Victorious Christian Living
8-7-22 Fred Paine, Victorious Christian Living "Don't Worry ... Be Happy!"
9-18-22 Craig Clapper "Jesus the Benefactor"
10-9-22 Gary Howell, special Speaker - The Five Truths of Break Throughs"
1-1-23 Kenny Shadday, special speaker - "Fresh Start" It's another day and another time and the Lord has made it new. Did you know our English word "new" appears 171 times in the Bible? The word new is filled with promise, with hope, and with potential. It signifies the ending of some things and the beginning of new things. The word new is a word in the Bible that is synonymous with God's grace. It is synonymous with God's power that can bring new life to those who He calls. Think on the new things God has given you.
9-10-23 Kenny Shadday, special speaker - "Real Saving Faith" (Part 1) - Salvation is only by a working faith. In short, good works are the fruit of saving faith. They are also the proof of saving faith in that which casts itself on God for life or death.
9-17-23 Kenny Shadday, special speaker - "Real Saviing Faith" (Part 2)