October 24, 2021Pastor Ricky Smith Sermon Notes I. Faith at Work When on the Run Hebrews 11:29By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land, but the Egyptians, when they attempted to do the same, were drowned. Faith Looks for Breakthrough When the Walls Are Closing In II. Faith at Work When […]
Risk & Reward
In my mid-20’s I waded into the waters of the stock market for the first time. Living off of a private school teacher’s salary I had little to play with anyway, but with a friend’s help, I went “all in” on a dot com mutual fund of penny stocks. I was so proud of being […]
Living Legends
Each month one of our pastors will sit with men at the Gardens for coffee and donuts. We are grateful that our chaplain, Neil Stephens, organizes these gatherings. I am personally grateful for my time with these living legends of faith. We may talk about memories of childhood, wartime deployments, or life experiences. No matter […]
Hebrews 11:22 – Second Wind Week 8
October 10, 2021Pastor Ricky Smith Sermon Notes I. Enter the Matrix Hebrews 11:22aBy faith Joseph, at the end of his life, God Is Not Only Growing a Dream, He Is Also Growing the Dreamer A. Helping him win dependency B. Helping Joseph win within C. Helping Joseph to win with others D. Helping Joseph win […]
Scars Tell a Story
My finger was cut off once, and I have a scar to prove it. Stitches, scars, surgeries, and more tell stories of a life lived, adventures taken, mistakes made, and humility gained. Every scar I bear is a story of my mistakes, but also a story of others who served and helped me heal. Every […]
Hebrews 11:21 – Second Wind Week 7
October 3, 2021Pastor Ricky Smith Sermon Notes Hebrews 11:21By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff. I. Not how you start but how you finish YOU ARE NEVER TOO FAR GONE TO BE RESTORED II. Not how you finish but how He […]
Courage and Confidence
Who we take advice from matters! Their level of experience and expertise can move us to act with a level of faith and even be willing to do extreme adventures for the first time. For example, I’ve successfully zip-lined in Costa Rica and in South Atlanta at professional courses, with pro-grade equipment, and with experienced […]
Hebrews 11:17-20 – Second Wind 6
September 26, 2021Pastor Ricky Smith Sermon Notes I. Test of Faith Hebrews 11:17-18By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises was in the act of offering up his only son, of whom it was said, “Through Isaac shall your offspring be named.” Genesis 22:1After these things […]
Waiting is Hard
Years of trials and testing caused my wife and I to question if we would ever be able to get pregnant. We struggled with God’s plan, explored options for adoption, and worked with our doctors to determine if there was a problem. Needless to say, we were ecstatic when a routine doctor visit revealed we […]
Hebrews 11:11-16 – Second Wind Week 5
September 19, 2021Pastor Ricky Smith Sermon Notes I. Nothing to Laugh About Hebrews 11:11-12By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised. Therefore from one man, and him as good as dead, were born descendants as many as the stars of […]