Hickory Ridge-cast

One of the most common questions we have about Christianity is about the existence of hell. What is it really? What purpose does it serve? And how can a God who describes himself as fully loving send people there?In this message, Pastor Justin explores the topic of Heaven and Hell using the full-breadth of the Bible and what Jesus teaches as a guide to help answer these difficult questions.

Everyone knows John 3:16. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only son..." We understand that God loves the world, but we struggle to believe that He really loves us individually, and uniquely. How could God love us when He knows all the bad things we've done? How can He love us when we hate ourselves, and when we feel unlovable?In this message, Pastor Justin breaks down how each person is valuable to God, why we're valuable to Him, and how when we believe and receive His love, our life can change in amazing ways!

As we close out the book of Jonah, these are three truths and lessons that we can find in the final chapter. Truth's that remind us that it's not all about us!

Do you ever feel like you've messed up too many times? Has the fear set in that you've used up too much of God's grace, and too many of His "second chances"?If that's you, we want you to know that there is no distance that God won't cross to win you back, and welcome you home!In this message, Pastor Aaron breaks down Jonah Chapter 3 to look at how when we repent, and turn to God, He is faithful to relent from His anger, and give us the grace to try again. Not grace that just "barely" accepts us, but a grace that boldly loves us, beyond our wildest imaginations!

Ever been in a season of waiting? Where you feel trapped, and that there's nothing you can do? At some point or another, we all find ourselves there.In this message, Pastor Justin shares from the Book of Jonah, where we can learn how to find God's provision in the face of our problems... How we can cry out to Him, no matter what, and how when we commit our ways to the Lord and praise Him, that a second chance and new beginning will find it's way to us; even if it's messy, and not what we thought it would look like!

Most of us have heard of Jonah and the famous whale or big fish. But the Book of Jonah isn't really about a whale. It's about what happens when our plans and desires run counter to God's plans. What should we do when God tells us something we don't want to hear? How do we choose obedience instead of choosing our own way?In this message, Pastor Justin breaks down the first chapter of Jonah to share the fact that running from God is never a good choice, and that disobedience never makes life better.

One day Jesus' disciples began arguing about status, power, and prestige. Jesus pulled them aside, and shared that while the world cares about those things, it should be "not so for you."In this message, Pastor Justin breaks down how those four words still apply to us today (not so for us) as His followers. Because what's easiest, most fun, most comfortable, or gives us the most glory, can't be what we're about. Easy isn't part of the Christian life... sacrifice is!As Jesus said, even He didn't come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life away.

"He must increase, but I must decrease." A famous Bible verse that is jam-packed with truth for our lives. Choosing to decrease our own following, our own glory, our own finances, to give Jesus the honor is a must for all Christians. And when we begin to walk it out, we are rewarded with deep and lasting joy!Check out this week's special message from Mike Steinsdoerfer where we explore all of that through the lens of Jesus' cousin, John the Baptist.

When we become followers of Jesus, He becomes the new standard for our lives. Not our old way of living, or what comes easily or naturally to us. How can we walk out the difficult call to SUBMIT to Jesus, and DIE to ourselves?In this message, Pastor Andy explores the story of the rich, young ruler found in Mark chapter 10 to share how we can learn from this pivotal biblical moment!

Jesus invites us to a different way of life - one that often seems completely backward from how our hearts and this world tell us to live. Our culture tells us to strive for more; more followers, more clicks, more power, more money, and more influence. To climb our way to the top... But Jesus was at the top and left it all to make Himself nothing. He became poor, lived a humble life, and chose to die on the cross. In doing so, He demonstrated that the path to greatness is not by climbing higher, but by choosing to lose!

We all wish we could go back in time and talk to our past self. But what if you could talk to your future self?Turns out you don't need to.The actions we take today, determine where we will end up. And the greatest impact on your future you is your current you.In this message, Pastor Justin breaks down how we can make sure our actions are positive, and take us to a future we can be excited for!

"I tried to ____ and I failed.""Well, I tried my best, and it wasn't good enough."We've all "tried" at things in life. In fact, many of us are tired of trying!But what if we told you that changing your mindset to a biblical worldview of seeing struggles as "training" may be what finally propels you to success?In this message, Pastor Justin explores 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 and 1 Timothy 4:7 to break down the key differences between trying and training, and how when we stop trying and allow God to train us, we can begin to walk in greater victory and success!

Never underestimate how God can change your whole life through making a small spiritual change! If you are ready to add simple, practical, spiritual habits to your life, this is the message for you.Pastor Justin shares how to begin adding things like prayer, fasting, or meditation to your life, in a way that you will stick with for good!

What kind of person am I?What kind of situation am I in?What does someone like me do in a situation like this?Psychologists have determined these three questions flash subconsciously through our minds right before we make any decision. So clearly, God designed us in such a way that our identity, our self-worth, and how we view ourselves is of extreme importance to our daily lives.In this message, Pastor Justin breaks down the process to begin to shut out the lies and negativity we believe about ourselves, and how we can instead, counter with the life-giving truth of who God says we are.

Ever feel trapped in the same patterns? Do you want to be different, and experience growth and breakthrough, but feel trapped... stuck in the same old habits?In this message, Pastor Justin shares that real change requires character transformation. And that transformation cannot happen by our own strength, will, or power. But only when God works through us!

Mentioned in the same section of scripture as characters like Moses and Abraham is Rahab. This prostitute turned favored spy put her life on the line to help God's people, and saw with eyes of faith what others around her could not. She was blessed for her obedience, and eventually came to be part of the lineage of David and Jesus! There is a lot to learn from her story about how God can use us no matter what is in our past.

We all want God's blessing... But how do we grab hold of it?And beyond that, what if our very idea and perspective of what "blessing" looks like is flawed? Often in the Bible, those who are blessed by God are also broken, and in in pain.That doesn't sound like a blessing!In this message, Pastor Justin looks at the topic of blessing, and shares how God's blessing is not for us to be comfortable, it's for us to be changed.

Maybe you've been hurt, wounded, or abused by someone. What they did to you wasn't right, and it never should have had to happen.But it's also not God's best for you to carry bitterness and unforgiveness for the rest of your life. How can you expect to experience what God has next for you if you're stuck in the pain of your past?In this message, Pastor Aaron shares how when we take even a single step towards forgiveness, God can help us find the way back to others.

When we feel lost, confused, or afraid, and the path we thought we were on falls apart, it's easy to want to rely on a plan. When tragedy strikes, we want to try and map out what went wrong and what to do next.We believe that if we just knew what was going to happen next, or had a five-step process to moving forward, we would feel better.But in reality, it's not a plan that brings us peace, but a person.It's in turning to Jesus, and being close to Him, that we actually find our hope and our peace... even in the midst of turmoil and chaos.

What if gratitude, and a thankful heart, are some of the main keys to growing closer to God?Many times the Bible calls us to enter into God's presence with praise and thanksgiving. But instead, we often begin our prayers by asking for something - rather than thanking God for what He has already done!In this message, Pastor Justin breaks down the topic of gratitude, and how we must each find ways to grab hold of gratitude, and give up our grudges.

Behind promises, miracles, and blessings is honor. We are told numerous times, and numerous ways throughout the Bible to be HONORING if we want things to go well with us. Honoring towards God, parents, spouses, those in authority, and spiritual leaders.But how do we walk out this ever-important important virtue?In this message, Pastor Justin explores the topic of honor, and shares how without honor, we limit how God can work in our lives!

Tired? Burned out? Ready to give up? We all have times in life where it feels like everything is going wrong, and we're never going to make it through.There are months that feel like years, and years that feel like decades... Times where everything in us wants to stop moving forward.Yet were made by a God who can give us strength to keep going, and to persevere even in difficulty!

In today's day and age, it seems like integrity is a thing of the past. But God has called each of us to be men and women of integrity!In this message, Pastor Justin looks at the biblical definition of integrity, and challenges us to ask God to search us, and guide us in every area of our lives, so we can truly walk in integrity!

John was a man called "greatest of all" by Jesus. John was Jesus' cousin, and he helped launch Jesus' ministry, and even baptized him. But when John was sent to prison, he waited for Jesus to send help, supplies, or a miracle, and Jesus didn't do any of those things. So John began to doubt in Jesus, and feel despair in his circumstances.Many of us have experienced those same feeling of doubt and despair when Jesus doesn't move or answer our questions.In this message, Pastor Justin explores the story of John the Baptist and what Jesus has to say to all of us when we begin to doubt Him.

When God hasn't answered your prayers, or fulfilled the promise He made to you months, years, or decades ago, it can shatter your faith. How do we learn to walk in peace, and in belief, when we're reaching the end of things, with no resolution in sight?In this message, Pastor Justin shares truth and encouragement for anyone who has ever felt like God has abandoned His bargain.

We all know life is full of difficulty. Those times when God seems far away - like He does not hear our cries and prayers for help. But we must remember that Jesus weeps with us even when we blame Him... and our circumstances are not indicative of God's absence. In this message, Pastor Justin shares the hope and peace that we can find, even when God seems absent.

Are you waiting for a promise to be kept? For the harvest to come from the seeds you've planted? For the prayers you've prayed, prayed, and prayed again to be answered? We know that God is faithful - but what should we do, or NOT do while waiting?In this message, Pastor Justin closes out our series on Galatians by exploring the idea of waiting on the Lord.

Our Children's Director, Carly Ogren, takes the stage this week to explore Galatians 5 and the truths found within! Join us as we look at the freedom we can find in Christ, and how by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can live transformed lives!

People need to taste and see that the Lord is good. One of the biggest ways we can help people do that is by showing them how we love one another. But until we get to the point where we stop fighting, and stop seeing other people as the enemy, we can never unite and make a difference.

Many Christians fall into the trap of legalism. This has been a problem since people began to follow Jesus over 2,000 years ago. In fact, Paul addresses legalism in the second chapter of his letter to the church in Galatia. In this message, Pastor Justin explores Galatians chapter two, and shares why it's grace - not rules - that are most important in Christianity!

As Christians, we must not live for the likes and approval of others. But whether it's because of our own insecurity, or our own ego, we often gravitate towards living for just that very thing! As we begin this series on Galatians, let's look at how Paul reminds us to live for the approval of our Savior, not our spectators!

In this message, special guest speaker Ethan Mast shares from scripture and the story of Moses... exploring the idea of surrendering our future to God - even in the face of the unknown!

The church is a place. The church is a people. The church has a purpose. God made the church for so much more than our own enjoyment!In this message, Pastor Justin takes a look at the purpose for the church, and our place in it!

Ever wondered how God wants us to see ourselves?When it comes to our relationship with God, we most often think about our soul or spirit. We talk about our mind and thought life, too... but the Bible makes it clear that God cares about our physical bodies as well!In this message, Pastor Justin explores how we can learn to love the bodies God gave us, and honor God with them!

Every person God has ever used had past hurts. And while you cannot change your past, God can change your future, and His power is greater than your past hurts.

It's time to get up from the table of selfishness, kneel down, and serve others. Because if you aren't willing to SERVE others, you aren't really loving them!

To really follow Jesus is to accept His desire, direction, and design for your life! If your life has been a series of "you doing what you want" decisions, than you haven't really been following Him.In this message, Pastor Justin breaks down the need to give up EVERY area of our life to God. Not just the areas we want!

Join us as we wrap up our "More Than Enough" series.

If we say that God is all-powerful, all-loving, all-good, and will never leave us or forsake us, than why do so many of us struggle when it comes to actually TRUSTING God? Especially with our finances?Most often it's because of a little thing called fear! In this message, we'll look at what it takes to move from a mindset of fear, to a mindset of "more than enough!"

Few things are as important - and as difficult - as parenting with love, patience, and humilityIn this message we'll explore how to emotionally engage with your children, handle conflicts, and embody Christ's love to help guide your children towards a life-long relationship with God and healthy relationships with others.

When it comes to our relationships - be it with a spouse, friend, child, or parent, we have to make sure we are building them up, and not tearing them down. Sounds easy, right?However, in an imperfect world full of frustrations, cutting sarcasm, hurt feelings, and ongoing conflict, it can be hard to do!Let's take a look at how to a life of kindness, how to build up those around us, and how to effectively, honestly, APOLOGIZE when we fall short.

Join us as we take a look at the process of earning your children's respect through Christ-like love and patience. We'll look at how to transform your parenting by putting your children's needs first... and learn how to discover God's vision for their lives!

To parent well, we must have a target we are aiming for! In this message, Pastor Justin looks at what the Bible teaches us about raising kids, and which targets are worth aiming for!

In this special "tag-team" message, Pastor Andy and his wife, Suzanne, share four keys found in Luke 2:52 that shed light on how to raise kids for God!

When we start out as parents, we all have priorities - they're the things we think are most important for our child to have as they become adults... success, well-roundedness, financial independence, a strong will, education, or culture.None of these qualities are inherently bad. They are all often marks of having had a "good life." Yet giving your child a "good life" cannot be your goal in raising a child. There are much higher, and more important standards we need to aim for!In this message, Pastor Justin breaks down what the Bible says is truly important in raising children - and in living our own life! Because children mimic much more what they SEE as opposed to what we SAY...

In this message, Pastor Justin explores the biblical perspective on death, emphasizing freedom from fear through Christ's sacrifice and the acknowledgment of death as an enemy. Because each of us must find a balance between fearlessness and reverence for life, echoing Paul's sentiment in Philippians, that "to live is Christ, and to die is gain."