HighRidge Church Longview
We're living in constant fear, but that's nothing new. How can we treat fear differently? When we give in, fear can cause us to actually rebel against God, like ten of the Israelite spies who surveyed the Promised Land. If fear is paralyzing you, keeping you from stepping into your calling, there's good news! Pastor Tim shares how we can instead rebel against the fear while submitting to God.
No matter who you are, we've all got a little rebellion inside of us. Can God actually use it to further His purposes? He can, but only if we have a submitted spirit that's ready to follow Him. How can we redirect our hearts to rebel against the things that He doesn't want for our lives?
"If Satan can shift our focus, he can affect our faith." What are some of the big things that can shake our focus off of God? If we get off track, what can help us to refocus? Kristen Utter shares insights from the Word of God and from her own personal faith journey.
Biscuits and gravy, chips and salsa, peanut butter and jelly...some things just link together well! Did you know that there are also links in our spiritual maturity as believers? God designed certain things to go together like faith and love, and wisdom and revelation. Are you allowing Him to actively develop these holy pairings in your life?
In a world of divisions, we find less and less common ground. But, as Pastor Tim Ingram explains, God's Word points us in a different direction. Why is unity so important for our spiritual health, and how can we fight for it?
"A broken world needs the healthy church." How can we become a church that effectively reaches and disciples people for Christ? It's going to take some work. We have to value growth over comfort and progress over perfection. Pastor Tim Ingram explains that when each of us takes personal responsibility and stands behind the vision, the message of the Gospel goes further and deeper!
Do you want to be everything that God wants you to be? Do you want to reach your potential in Him? Pastor Stephen Warnock encourages us to get planted! Never underestimate what He can do with your life, family, and calling when you choose to grow God's way.
Joy. It's not something that you hear a lot about in our anxiety-riddled world, but it's a vital part of this Christian life. Did you know that we can actively choose joy? Pastor Tim Ingram explains that it's not "fake it till you make it," but through intentionality and with the help of the Holy Spirit, joy can become a part of our daily lives no matter what comes our way.
Ever felt like you were drowning? Hurt, pain, or even the pull of our own desires can make us feel like we're going under, but Pastor Ryan Sims encourages us to answer the call to go deeper with God during these times.
"Gossip = when a negative is discussed with someone who can't solve the problem." What does the Bible have to say about gossip? Why is it so destructive? What are we supposed to handle it when we have the opportunity to participate in it? As we search the scriptures with Matt Johnson, we find that God's people are called to use words to build others up, and to overlook offenses. If we follow His ways, He can transform us from gossipers into Gospel-bringers.
Have you ever found yourself in a season of waiting? Where you've prayed for something but you're just not seeing God answer? Pastor James challenges us--"Don't waste your wait." Waiting well teaches us some valuable lessons about who we are and what's in our hearts. If we surrender to the process, we'll eventually see that what He does during the wait is often just as important as the answer that we are waiting for.
How do you handle fear? What do you run to when the unknown overwhelms you? The Psalms of the Bible offer some good answers and advice. As we read through them, Pastor Tim shows us that, ultimately, the safest we can ever be is next to our Father in the center of His will for our lives.
Praise and blessing--Psalm 103 is all about these. But do we really know what it looks like? Pastor Tim shows us through this passage that praise is a command before it's a habit, that it has to start inside before it becomes an outward expression, and that it's ultimately a response to God--Who He is, what He's already done, and what He's going to do in the future. When we praise with these things in mind, our entire focus can change for the better!
Psalm 23 is the most well-known of them all. You've probably heard it before, but do you know how to truly "lie down in green pastures" and let Him restore your soul? In the season for vacationing and finding rest, Pastor Tim's got some valuable tips for how to do it all God's way.
Road trip music--that's what Psalm 121 feels like! It's about stepping out of our comfort zone into the unknown. As we walk the journey of life, we can move with courage and shift our focus as needed, assured and aware of His presence beside us.
We know it's spelled "summer," but we couldn't resist :) Psalms is one of the most beloved parts of Bible. As we wind our way through this deep well of wisdom, literature, praises, prayers, and questions, we're reminded of the wide array of human emotion that the writers experienced. The psalms can even give us glimpses of Jesus. As we look at Psalm 1 today, we find some valuable life lessons about friendship, character, and doing things God's way.
Have you ever wondered why sometimes it is so hard to live for Jesus even though you love Him? Today, Pastor Zach Gryder talks about a seemingly small but incredibly destructive thing called SHAME. What behaviors stem from it? What are its effects on the brain? And most importantly, how can we deal with shame so that it doesn't have devastating effects on our souls?
It's the final week of The Unmentionables series! Today, we turn to the thief who hung beside Jesus on the cross. As Pastor Tim Ingram digs in to the story, we can pull out some powerful truths about sin, suffering, and the unfathomable cost of grace.
We're learning lessons from nobodies in the Bible, people who aren't named but had a big impact. This week, Pastor Tim shares about the Canaanite woman who begs Jesus to heal her demon-possessed daughter. Through her story, we can learn a lot about faith, persistence, even racism. What will the Holy Spirit speak to you about through the message?
Jesus told a story about a servant who was released from owing a huge debt. When we really dig into it with Pastor Tim, we find that forgiveness is one of the most difficult and yet most important practices for Christians. It's a hard topic, but let's allow our hearts to be open to the Lord as we listen.
We don't know her name--only her circumstances--but she made history with one sacrificial act. Pastor Tim points out that when we take a look at the widow who gave all that she had, we learn that Jesus knows both the culture we live in and our circumstances, and we find that in His kingdom, generosity isn't measured by sum but by sacrifice.
You can find fantastic wisdom in obscure places in the Bible if you really look. One unnamed person is the woman who was caught in adultery. Pastor Tim Ingram explains that, when she (involuntarily) crosses paths with Jesus, He separates sin from identity, exposes hypocrisy, and gives us a beautiful glimpse of His grace and truth.
Since the beginning, people have worked to make a name for themselves, and we still fight this same mindset today. But God's Word shows us the miracles that He can do with some faithful, insignificant folks that choose to do things His way. Pastor Tim explains that, when we pursue His presence and purposes, He empowers us to influence both the sacred and the secular.
"Can God use a nobody like me?" In a culture that's hyper-focused on "building your brand" or "making a name for yourself," where do the rest of us fit? Well, the Bible is actually full of nobodies that made a big difference! Come along on the next few weeks as Pastor Tim highlights some of the unnamed people that God worked through.
The Easter story—how Jesus died and was raised to life—is at the center of Christianity. It's been told so many times and in so many different ways as people have tried to make it more relevant, more palatable, or more memorable. But what happens when we simply read account that's written in the scriptures? What message does the story in its simplest form tell me and you?
It's Palm Sunday, when we celebrate Jesus riding into Jerusalem before His death and resurrection. The King of Kings chose to ride in on a donkey. What can this story tell us about Jesus? About ourselves? Pastor Tim Ingram shows us that ultimately, the honor of serving Jesus is all ours, and the glory is all His.
Our culture today has this wanderlust, making it easy to bounce around and never settle down, but as a society, we are disconnected, lonely, and unfulfilled on the whole. What would our lives look like if we learned to practice the Vow of Stability--putting down roots and embracing commitment and community? Pastor Daniel Grothe from New Life Church expounds on this crucial missing piece and what it means for the church.
Do you ever wish there was a magical "reset" button that you could press on life? According to the Bible, there is something that is so simple and so powerful, yet often overlooked. What is it? Giving thanks. It's God's will for us to practice gratitude, and it actually comes with several benefits. If you're needing a reset today, be sure to tune in to this message.
It's possible to have a healthy body and a corrupted soul, and it's possible to have a healthy soul and be spiritually dead. In order to experience real health, we need to address all three of these areas--spirit, soul, and body. Some things are our responsibility to work on, while other things can only be done by the Lord. As we wrap up this series, Pastor Tim and Tina offer some practical tips on becoming a healthier you all around.
We were created for community. Even in the perfect, sinless Garden of Eden, God said, “It's not good for man to be alone.” Yet in today's culture, it's more difficult than ever to really connect with others. How can we find and maintain good, biblically healthy friendships in a sea of broken trust and toxic tendencies? Hang with us as Pastor Tim shares the Top 10 Tips for Biblically Healthy Relationships.
For the next three weeks, we'll be focusing on healthy relationships--marriage, friendships, and even yourself. To start things off, Pastor Tim and Tina talk about marriage. What are some practices that can lead to a vibrant, joyful relationship with your spouse? As we follow principles from God's Word, we can trust that good things are waiting on the other side of our discipline and prioritization!
"What in the world is going on?" Is this question on your mind? As we see events happening around us, it can be tempting to look for answers in places other than God's Word. But nothing takes Him by surprise, and Pastor Jeff Klingenberg explains that as we search the scriptures in Genesis and Jesus' words in Matthew, we find that God already knew what was coming and has a plan in place.
From paint on a cave wall to social media and digital footprints, everyone has a desire to leave their mark on the world. Every person wants their life to matter. The problem is, none of us can make an ETERNAL difference outside of the call of Christ. Pastor Tim shares a few key things--the long-lost recipe--for allowing the Lord to use us for His glory.
Pastor Tim explains that man's search for purpose is universal, but modern culture wants to solve that issue outside of God's Word. What does finding meaning in following Christ look like? What ingredients do we need to make sure we're hitting the target and fulfilling our God-given purpose?
Pastor Tim Ingram has been sharing about how spiritual disciplines are like long-lost recipes. This week, he focuses in on things that lead to real freedom. What "ingredients" are needed to help us continue walking in the liberty that Jesus purchased for us through the cross? The answer may surprise you!
Pastor Tim Ingram explains that there are some spiritual disciplines that aren't super popular, but God really values them. In His eyes, humility and brokenness still matter a lot. It's only when we've laid aside our will that we find His, so add obedience to the mix, and you've got a long-lost "recipe" for God's favor and purpose in our lives.
"What will I face this year?" While we can't always know specifics, we can guarantee that there are both known and unknown battles ahead. Instead of sitting passively or fearfully, we can prepare ourselves to expertly maneuver through the storms of life by seeking the Lord on the front end, and creating a plan of action with strategy from the One who knows all things. Pastor Tim and Tina Ingram explain that when we do this, we can actually expect victory as He begins to fight unseen battles for us!
As we think back on the recent past, before we look ahead to the future, we need to take the time to fully acknowledge the good things that the Lord has done and evaluate where our faith is at. "Did my faith walk make a difference this year?" "What can I thank God for?" Pastor Tim Ingram challenges us to get the new season off to the best start possible--with a grateful heart.
"What has the Lord been leading us to do, and have we been faithful with our time and resources to that end?" Legacy Sunday is where we answer these questions. As we look back and celebrate what we've been able to accomplish together over the year for the kingdom, just imagine what we could do if all of God's people started working together without caring about who gets the credit?
Why is it important to process the amazing things that God does? Well, we tend to forget, attribute things to someone/ something other than Him, or miss what He's trying to show us. Instead, He wants us to start to see His patterns and begin to understand His heart. Pastor Tim Ingram explains how our faith is strengthened when we remember God's goodness and believe that what He has done, He will do again!
"No one's paying attention." "What I do and say has no real impact on others." Have you ever believed these mistaken notions? Bill Leckie explains that, as followers of Christ, we need to be reminding ourselves Who we belong to and Who we represent in our daily walk into the world. What should that walk look like, and how can we begin to start walking that way?
When you think about who God is, what comes to your mind? One of the most famous passages in the Bible compares Him to a shepherd caring for His sheep. James Williams explains that whether we are anxious about having our needs met or whether we're tempted to leave the pasture He's provided, we can trust that His guidance, provision, and protection are what we truly need.
Pastor Tim Ingram asserts that "the healthy, mobilized church is the hope for the world." God is passionate about His people making a difference. He calls us to be "salt" and "light" wherever we are. In fact, the mark of a true believer is the effect we have on the world around us. So let's start throwing off the things that keep us ineffective--refuse to live a life that makes no difference!
“The two greatest days in a person's life are the day you're born and the day you figure out why.” –Mark Twain Did you know that God is passionate about us discovering our unique purpose? We all have things that make us tick, but passion that doesn't result in bringing Him glory isn't what He intended. As Pastor Tim explains, we can develop skills and accomplish great things, but a life of purpose is only discovered when we submit our desires to Him.
Pastor Tim explains that God is passionate about FREEDOM. He wants to set us free and to help us stay free. What captures our hearts is important to Him, because He knows how those things can lead us back into spiritual slavery. But when we invite the Holy Spirit into our struggles and daily choices, we begin to live life to the fullest as He changes us from the inside out.
What are you passionate about? If you don't know, you may find the answer somewhere in the intersection of what makes you tick and what ticks you off! But perhaps the better question is, "What is GOD passionate about?" Let's do our best to search it out, because as Pastor Tim explains, it's when His passions become our passions that real life change begins to happen.
Did you realize that there's a battle going on for your courage? You see, God knows how to give us courage, and the enemy is skilled at taking it away. Start fighting back! Join us as Pastor Brady Boyd from New Life Church teaches about what causes discouragement, why it's such a big deal, and how to strategically fight the battle for courage.
"God loves to reveal His power through what's not enough." A lot of us have been raised to believe that vulnerability and humility are synonymous with weakness. But things are upside-down in God's kingdom, so a healthy relationship with Him and with others actually requires and open and unmasked heart. What the world exploits, God expands, so let's take up Pastor Tim's challenge to let the Lord reveal His power through our brokenness.
Do you ever think about what you're leaving behind? When we talk about a legacy of faith, what comes to mind? Though it may feel overwhelming, Pastor Tim clarifies how we can start taking a few small steps to benefit those who come behind, knowing that our faith legacy can bring healing to the past, blessing to the present, and hope for the future.
"Who is going to step out in faith for me when I can't step for myself?" We can't keep up this Christian walk for long without some help from the outside. Pastor Tim Ingram encourages us to stop and take a look at our circle of friends--do you have any that are faith-filled? What does a faith-filled friend look like, and why is it so critically important to have them in our lives?
This might very well be the hardest step of faith for some of us. Trusting God with our sin, our children, our job, and our eternity is often easier than trusting Him with our money. Why is it such a struggle? We want to be more generous, but we need helping to step into it. As Pastor Tim shares the truth of God's Word and offers a different perspective, we can come to the realization that, in giving we lose nothing, and we can start to prove that our faith does not depend upon our finances.