We are a church that exists to Know Christ and to make Him Known both in our city but also to the ends of the earth.
Unpacking the heart of Philippians 1:12-18.1. They become channels for the gospel!2. They unleash bold witness in others!3. They expose hearts, yet Christ is proclaimed!
Finding joy in the proclamation of the gospel in all situations.
LAKE TRAVIS - Paul's letter, written from prison, challenges us to find joy in Jesus, not in our circumstances. We kick off our series on the book of Philippians by covering:1. Our identity is found in Christ, not in our culture, career, or failures.2. Gospel partnership goes deeper than friendship—it's a Spirit-forged fellowship in mission. The Philippian church started with diverse backgrounds united by grace, and we're called to join in the mission shoulder-to-shoulder, not just as spectators.3. True gospel partnership creates deep bonds of love that transcend circumstance, reflecting Christ's own affection.4. Spiritual growth is measured by love that abounds with discernment, leading to fruitful lives that bring glory to God.As a church, we need to embrace a vision "Beyond the Walls"—to step out in faith, serve, give, and pray for God's kingdom to advance.
JOHNSON CITY - Paul's letter, written from prison, challenges us to find joy in Jesus, not in our circumstances. We kick off our series on the book of Philippians by covering:1. Our identity is found in Christ, not in our culture, career, or failures.2. Gospel partnership goes deeper than friendship—it's a Spirit-forged fellowship in mission. The Philippian church started with diverse backgrounds united by grace, and we're called to join in the mission shoulder-to-shoulder, not just as spectators.3. True gospel partnership creates deep bonds of love that transcend circumstance, reflecting Christ's own affection.4. Spiritual growth is measured by love that abounds with discernment, leading to fruitful lives that bring glory to God.As a church, we need to embrace a vision "Beyond the Walls"—to step out in faith, serve, give, and pray for God's kingdom to advance.
As we finish the book of Jonah we examine Jesus' statement in Matthew 12 that "something greater than Jonah is here." Jonah ran from the city of Nineveh, but we are called to go to every single Nineveh. So we look at Jonah vs Jesus, and our call today, weaved into our response to the tragic deaths of Charlie Kirk, Iryna Zarutska, and challenges with the economy and our church finances.
JOHNSON CITY - As we finish the book of Jonah we examine Jesus' statement in Matthew 12 that "something greater than Jonah is here." Jonah ran from the city of Nineveh, but we are called to go to every single Nineveh. So we look at Jonah vs Jesus, and our call today.
What does it mean to 'walk with the Holy Spirit'? Is the Christian life merely 'sin management' or something more?
God's mercy extends to all, even those we might not expect or desire Him to bless. This challenges us to align our hearts with God's compassionate nature, rather than holding onto anger or narrow perspective.
Jonah was offended when God was full of grace toward those Jonah hated.
Restoring three things back to the church:1. The preeminent pursuit of Jesus.2. Returning to the biblical church design.3. The call of God to the nations.Also includes the deacon ordination!
Jonah now reaches Nineveh - and finds a response he never expected.
Jonah now reaches Nineveh - and finds a response he never expected.
Unpacking Jonah 1:17-2:10 and ordaining new deacons!
The Lord churns up a storm for Jonah, but did the Lord create it? Or did Jonah? For, after all, if Jonah had not gone on to Tarshish, would the storm have happened?
Jonah resisted God's call. But do we? Often in ways we don't even realize!
Jonah resisted God's call. But do we? Often in ways we don't even realize!
We have a desperate need for both an initial revelation of Jesus for salvation and ongoing, fresh revelation for sanctification. Revelation often confronts pragmatism and requires obedience.
Jesus is coming back. How do we get ourselves ready? And what will He expect to find when He arrives?
Marcus Herbert (Cornerstone Church, South Africa; NCMI team) shares with us how the Church is not meant to be an ocean liner but an aircraft carrier - for jets to take the gospel to the world.
We're encouraged in our world to build many things. A business. Our nation. Our career. Our family. These are all good things. But they can become idols if they're not placed in the context of God's Kingdom and His purposes in our world.Join us as we unpack what it means to build the Kingdom - and how everything else falls into place when we “seek first the Kingdom”! (Matthew 6:33)
We're encouraged in our world to build many things. A business. Our nation. Our career. Our family. These are all good things. But they can become idols if they're not placed in the context of God's Kingdom and His purposes in our world.Join us as we unpack what it means to build the Kingdom - and how everything else falls into place when we “seek first the Kingdom”! (Matthew 6:33.)
As we look at the present season, one of the things God has been highlighting to the elders is the story of the ten spies in Exodus 13. Two spies wanted to advance in God's promises, while ten wanted to shrink back. The outcome for each was vastly different.How do we cultivate a “two-spy” attitude and heart? A conquering attitude? We cannot have any other attitude for the present season, or we, like the ten, will perish!
Our preaching series on the book of Colossians has been such a wonderful encouragement. We've looked at how Christ is the center of it all, the King of Kings who has supremacy in and over everything. Toward the end of the book, we've looked at Christian living in the family and in our relationships. To end it all, we'll be looking at what it means to finish strong and live the “sent life” for the King.
Our preaching series on the book of Colossians has been such a wonderful encouragement. We've looked at how Christ is the center of it all, the King of Kings who has supremacy in and over everything. Toward the end of the book we've looked at Christian living in the family and in our relationships.To end it all, we'll be looking at what it means to finish strong and live the “sent life” for the King.
Usually, at the end of Paul's letters, there are “greetings” to Paul's friends, which most of us probably skim over or ignore. But yet within these greetings there are some wonderful challenges and insights - and this week's greetings fit very well into Father's Day!
Usually, at the end of Paul's letters, there are “greetings” to Paul's friends, which most of us probably skim over or ignore. But yet within these greetings there are some wonderful challenges and insights - and this week's greetings fit very well into Father's Day!
We're nearing the end of the book of Colossians! This week, we looking at Paul's heart for evangelism and his understanding of prayer. He also mentions the “mystery of Christ”. What does that mean?
We're nearing the end of the book of Colossians! This week, we looking at Paul's heart for evangelism and his understanding of prayer. He also mentions the “mystery of Christ”. What does that mean?
“Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.”Well, now we're hitting some controversial scriptures! Was Paul condoning slavery? Do these exhortations still hold relevance for us today? What principle can we glean from this?
“Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.”Well, now we're hitting some controversial scriptures! Was Paul condoning slavery? Do these exhortations still hold relevance for us today? What principle can we glean from this?
“Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands…”“Husbands, love your wives…”“Children, obey your parents…”These are instructions that speak right to the heart of our homes. How are we to live these out - and live them out well?
“Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands…”“Husbands, love your wives…”“Children, obey your parents…”These are instructions that speak right to the heart of our homes. How are we to live these out - and live them out well?
As we look at the present season, one of the things God has been highlighting to the elders is the story of the ten spies in Exodus 13. Two spies wanted to advance in God's promises, while ten wanted to shrink back. The outcome for each was vastly different.How do we cultivate a “two-spy” attitude and heart? A conquering attitude? We cannot have any other attitude for the present season, or we, like the ten, will perish!
JOHNSON CITY - Steve Barr (NCMI; One Life Church, Houston) unpacks the New Testament model of church and the role of elders.
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…”How is it that Paul could speak of the message of Christ as something that can dwell in you? Or how could the writer of Hebrews say that the Word is ‘living and active'? (Hebrews 4:12.) Surely he is talking about more than words on a page! What exactly is he getting at?
“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…” How is it that Paul could speak of the message of Christ as something that can dwell in you? Or how could the writer of Hebrews say that the Word is ‘living and active'? (Hebrews 4:12.) Surely he is talking about more than words on a page! What exactly is he getting at?
Putting on the new self and being clothed with Christ means putting off the spirit of religion!
“Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved…” How wonderful is this news! To be dearly loved by the Lord of all creation; the King of Kings; the God of the universe!After having covered sinful deeds, that lead to death, in the previous few verses, Paul now turns his attention to positive deeds that bring life.But there is still an enemy hidden in all of this: the spirit of religion. It's time to address it!
LAKE TRAVIS - How do we ‘put on the new self' and what does this even mean?
“Put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator. Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.”
Celebrating the resurrection of our King!
Celebrating the resurrection of our King!
LAKE TRAVIS - PALM SUNDAY / PASSION SUNDAY - They expected a king and a political leader when Jesus arrived in Jerusalem. What did they get instead?
JOHNSON CITY - PALM SUNDAY / PASSION SUNDAY: They expected a King and political leader when Jesus arrived in Jerusalem. But what did they get instead?
LAKE TRAVIS - This Sunday service at Hope Rock Church (Lake Travis) emphasizes freedom in Christ, urging us to focus on God's grace, not self-righteousness, and set our hearts on things above!
JOHNSON CITY - "Since then, since you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above…” (Colossians 3:1)The gospel is about seeing things as they really are. However, we've got to set our minds and hearts on the things above.
There is an ongoing challenge of false teachings within the church. Believers need to remain vigilant and grounded in true doctrine.- Counterfeit Christianity can only be discerned by understanding authentic Christianity and the gospel message.- Counterfeit gospels may seem close to the truth but must be rejected.- Counterfeit Christianity is linked to sinister spirits and not just differences of opinion.(This recording also includes a testimony from Stacy Flores on the Hope Rock Ladies Conference).
There is a lot of philosophy and ideology in the world. Much of it is very convincing and sounds extremely reasonable. Until you dig under the surface and discover it can lead to dangerous, even terrible places.What can we build our lives on that will truly lead to freedom from our sinful inclinations?
Key takeaways:1. The concept of a translocal church and obedience to God's calling.2. Discussion on Colossians 2:16-19 and addressing Gnosticism.3. The church's role as salt and light in the world.4. Warning against legalism and self-righteousness.5. The importance of contextualizing the gospel for different cultures.6. Emphasis on Christ-centered living and missional success.7. Cooperation with God as a privilege and responsibility.8. Confidence and courage in the gospel's power to change the world.9. The responsibility of discipleship and multiplying God's work in others.
Being Christ-Centered takes commitment. It's so easy to fall into legalism, or fall into glorifying experiences and making these the central focus of our Christian lives. Both of these may look like religion but are empty without Christ.Paul, in Colossians 2:16-19, deals with both legalism and a fascination with the mystical, showing that Christianity is lived in true power and redemption when Christ is the Head.
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