A soldier is trained to carry out their mission, overcome their enemy, and endure to the end. Imagine if you were at war and carrying out orders from your commander to carry out covert operations behind enemy lines. You would be on high alert, be suspicious of any interaction with others, and be unwavering in […]
Rally Point – Week 2
July 25, 2021Pastor Ricky Smith Sermon Notes I. Insanity Hebrews 10:11And every priest stands daily at his service, offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. II. Intervention Hebrews 10:12-14But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting […]
Shadows and Copies
An expert violinist can demonstrate mastery over an instrument that soothes the mind, stirs emotions, and stimulates the heart. However, three beginners all learning a violin at the same time, from the same instructor, in a small room is the complete opposite. In fact, I may call that a torture tactic. As a middle school […]
Rally Point: Week 1
July 18, 2021Pastor Ricky Smith Sermon Notes I. Imperfect Shadows Hebrews 10:1-4For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near. Otherwise, would they […]
Experiencing Freedom
I grew up in a Bapticostal culture. That means there was a heightened emphasis on expressions of worship, and sometimes things could get a little out of control. While there are days that I do miss that abandon and freedom in worship, I do not miss the emphasis on feeling over faith. Regardless of our […]
Psalms of Summer: Trust
June 20, 2021Pastors Ricky Smith & Philip Harike Sermon Notes 1. Into the unknown Psalm 25:1-10To you, O LORD, I lift up my soul. O my God, in you I trust; let me not be put to shame; let not my enemies exult over me. Indeed, none who wait for you shall be put to […]
Praise That’s Contagious
Our campus was recently blessed to host a film crew for an upcoming feature film that will highlight a story of adoption and the sanctity of life. It was fascinating to watch the crew work with efficiency and teamwork. Our campus looked like a swarm of ants came in and took over. After a week […]
Psalms of Summer: Praise
June 6, 2021Pastors Ricky Smith and Alan Sinquefield Sermon Notes Hebrews 12:28-29Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire. Psalm 100:1-5Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth!Serve […]
Patterns of Regression
Back in 2016 I realized how overweight and unhealthy I had become. Stress, bad habits, and plain laziness had crept into my routine and resulted in increased blood pressure, heart palpitations, and tipping the scales more than ever. Something had to change! I was on a dangerous path. The awakening I experienced became motivation for […]
One of a Kind Faith
May 30, 2021Pastor Ricky Smith Sermon Notes I. Junk Food Hebrews 5:11-1211 About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the […]