How often do you forget things? When I ask the question, you are likely immediately thinking about missed meetings, a failure to take the trash can to the road on pick-up day, or the errand you forgot to complete. While there are important self-management tricks we can deploy to avoid these mistakes, there are more […]
Off the Bench: Covenant
October 16, 2022Pastor Ricky Smith Sermon Notes Exodus 24:1Then he said to Moses, “Come up to the Lord, you and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and worship from afar. I. Do We Say Yes Too Quickly? Exodus 24:2-3Moses alone shall come near to the Lord, but the others shall […]
Off the Bench: Worship
October 9, 2022Pastor Alan Smith Sermon Notes I. The Object of Worship Exodus 20:22-23And the Lord said to Moses, “Thus you shall say to the people of Israel: ‘You have seen for yourselves that I have talked with you from heaven. You shall not make gods of silver to be with me, nor shall you […]
Holiness and Power
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 […]