The “Lord of the Rings” trilogy makes for some of my favorite movies. In fact, if I am forced to list my top five movies, I will consolidate the trilogy into one movie since it is one continuous story. As the story unfolds, we see the increasing burden of Frodo as he carries the ring […]
Christ Alone: Carry Burdens
May 28, 2023Pastor Ricky Smith Sermon Notes I. Pick Others Up When They Fall Galatians 6:1Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted. Rather than writing people off, strive to restore them. II. Help […]
Feeding Our Spirit
Part of my ancestry is Native American, and I have always been fascinated by Native American history. Sitting Bull was a well-known leader in South Dakota who died in 1890. He is known for describing inner turmoil as having two dogs living inside. One dog is evil, and one is good. He concluded that the […]
Christ Alone – Exchange Passion for Pursuit
May 21, 2023Pastor Ricky Smith Sermon Notes I. Works of the Flesh Galatians 5:19-21aNow the works of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, moral impurity, promiscuity, idolatry, sorcery, hatreds, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambitions, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and anything similar. II. We Have a Problem Galatians 5:21bI am warning you about […]
Correct without Overcorrecting
When you hear the word “freedom,” what comes to mind? Perhaps a patriotic image connects or an animal released back into the wild. You may imagine emancipation or the dawn of a new day. All of those connections would fit the word. Moreso, Galatians 5:13-18 paints a picture of freedom with an expectation that leads […]
Christ Alone – Love or Hate/Flesh or Spirit
May 13, 2023Pastor Ricky Smith Sermon Notes I. Walk in God’s Intended Design Galatians 5:13For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. Liberty + Love = Service to OthersLiberty − Love = License II. Walk Counter to the […]
Sharing Burdens
Be honest here. How well are you at receiving help from others? For many, this is very difficult to do, but why? Perhaps you have a heavy object to unload and get in the house. Rather than asking for help, you might risk a hernia. Perhaps you are overwhelmed with caring for a loved one. […]
Christ Alone – Let Me “Hep” You
April 16, 2023Pastor Ricky Smith Sermon Notes I. We Are Better Together Galatians 4:12-15Brothers, I entreat you, become as I am, for I also have become as you are. You did me no wrong. You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, and though my […]
Life From Death
In 2018 California was decimated by the Woolsey Fire. Los Angeles and its surrounding areas were devastated. Charred mountains, destroyed homes, displaced people, and lost lives left the community marked and impacted. The next year my family went to Los Angeles for vacation and could not escape the visual reminders of the tragedy. Black char […]
Christ Alone – Easter
April 9, 2023Pastor Ricky Smith Sermon Notes I. Life out of Death Matthew 28:1-8After the Sabbath, at dawn on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to look at the tomb. There was a violent earthquake, for an angel of the Lord came down from heaven and, going to […]