Costa Rica is one of the most beautiful countries I’ve ever visited. I am a softie for mountains and the ocean from the same viewpoint. When you add bright Tico culture, fresh pineapple, and active volcanoes to the mix, then you have a very special place. Having been blessed to embark on several mission trips […]
Off the Bench: To Fear or Not to Fear
October 2, 2022Pastor Ricky Smith Sermon Notes I. React Out of Fear Exodus 20:18-19Now when all the people saw the thunder and the flashes of lightning and the sound of the trumpet and the mountain smoking, the people were afraid and trembled, and they stood far off and said to Moses, “You speak to us, […]
Honor Code?
The “Mandalorian” streaming show has engaged the Star Wars fan base. The storyline is well written, the videography is cutting edge, and the characters are captivating. I will be the first to admit I’ve consumed every episode! Early on in the series, you learn that the Mandalorian live by a code that shapes how they […]
Off the Bench: Loving Others
Pastor Ricky SmithSeptember 25, 2022 Sermon Notes Exodus 20:12-17Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you. You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. You shall […]
Practicing the Sabbath Well
I have a confession. I realize that sometimes when pastors make confessions, there is an avalanche of drama that comes with it. Relax for a minute and follow along. I must confess that I do not practice Sabbath well. Am I a workaholic? Maybe. I don’t take a day off regularly. When I do take […]
Off the Bench: Rhythm of Rest
September 18, 2022Pastor Ricky Smith Sermon Notes I. We Will Remember Exodus 20:8Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. A weekly rhythm of rest reminds us whose we are and why we are here II. Work By God’s Design Exodus 20:9-10Six days you shall labor, and do all your work, but the seventh day […]
Carrying His Name
Vintage TV at its finest could be found in the Andy Griffith Show and/or Gomer Pyle. I spent many hours as a kid laughing at this character played by the late Jim Nabors. Whether it was the Gomer Pyle show as a Marine or the Andy Griffith show as a gas station attendant, you could […]
Off the Bench: Loving God
September 11, 2022Pastor Ricky Smith Sermon Notes I. Relationship is the Starting Point Exodus 20:1-3And God spoke all these words, saying, “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of slavery. “You shall have no other gods before me. God’s words are for our […]
Modeling Graciousness
Even a Georgia Bulldog fan can acknowledge greatness from opponents. A few years ago, I was able to hear the late Coach Bobby Bowden share his heart and reflect on his coaching experience at a local Fellowship of Christian Athletes banquet. I was blown away by his clear mission to develop boys into men! In […]
Off the Bench: Fire on the Mountain
September 4, 2022Pastor Ricky Smith Sermon Notes I. Present Yourselves to God Exodus 19:16-17On the morning of the third day there were thunders and lightnings and a thick cloud on the mountain and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled. Then Moses brought the people out of the […]