Messages from Liberty Church from Havelock NC. Updated about once a week.

This Christmas Eve at Liberty Church, we gather to celebrate more than a moment in history...we remember a decision God made out of love. Christmas is not only about a baby in a manger, but about God stepping into our broken world to pay a debt we could never repay, where His justice was satisfied by His mercy.

As Christmas approaches, life feels full…not always with bad things, just too many things. In this message, we look at the familiar story of the birth of Jesus and see that He wasn't rejected by hostility, but by a lack of room. But the call to “prepare the way” can be found all throughout scripture...from Isaiah to John the Baptist. Holiness isn't gained by "earning God's favor", but simply by making space for His presence to reign in our lives. This is an honest opportunity to examine what has crowded our hearts and to clear room for the King who still comes to those who are ready to receive Him.

This sermon is a call to move from attendance to belonging, and from belonging to real relationships. Starting in Acts 2, we see the early church become a family marked by shared life, shared burdens, shared meals, and shared mission, showing us that God doesn't just save individuals…He places the lonely in families. This message challenges the myth that you have to become something before you belong in a church. Belonging comes first, and God uses community to form who we are. Let's take an intentional step toward connection, whether through membership, groups, serving, or simply choosing to be present, as we build a church where Jesus is the cornerstone and love is the evidence that we are His disciples.

In this message, we explore prayer as a real conversation that forms a real relationship. Through what we know as "The Lord's Prayer" in Matthew 6, this sermon challenges us to learn both how to talk with God honestly and how to hear Him clearly. Prayer is where connection replaces confusion, where heaven meets everyday life, and where God speaks to ordinary people who are willing to listen.

Unwrapping the Story is a call for our church to return to the foundation that leads us home…the Word of God. In this message, Pastor Blake teaches how Scripture is more than ancient text. It is the living voice of God, speaking into our everyday lives with power and direction. Through practical steps, personal stories, and clear biblical teaching, this message encourages you to open Scripture with both hunger and humility, knowing that you can't fall behind…you can only choose faithfulness today.

What if the God you picture…isn't the God Jesus came to reveal? In this message, we revisit the story of the prodigal son. But this time it's not to focus on the son's failure, but rather to rediscover the Father's heart. Through the scriptures (and maybe even a game of hot potato), we expose how distorted views of God shape our identity and how Jesus came to rewrite that narrative. No matter what kind of father you had on earth, this message reveals the running, restorative love of the Father you've always needed.

Scripture describes Leviathan as the “twisting serpent”…it represents pride, division, and words turned sideways. The enemy loves to stir up misunderstanding, but God calls us to something better: humility, unity, and Spirit-led communication. Don't miss this message…it may hit closer to home than you think.

We live in a culture full of visible battles: politics, division, anger, and fear. But Scripture reminds us that our real fight is not against flesh and blood. In this message, Pastor Blake unpacks Ephesians 6 and 2 Corinthians 10 to show how the enemy hides behind lies, strongholds, and systems of thought. Through the story of David and Goliath, and the example of the Corinthian church, we'll see why worldly weapons never win spiritual wars. Instead, God calls us to put on His armor so we can walk in the freedom Jesus already secured.

In Session 11: Exiles Who Discern (2 Peter 2:1–22), we unpack Peter's urgent warning about false teachers and the damage they cause. He reminds believers that while arrogance and empty promises may sound appealing, they always lead to destruction. Using vivid examples from Scripture, Peter shows both God's judgment on the wicked and His rescue of the faithful. This lesson challenges us to sharpen our spiritual discernment, recognize deceptive voices both then and now, and cling to the truth that anchors us in Christ.

Personal transformation in Christ starts within each of us. But, this process was never designed to remain in isolation. The change that begins in us is strengthened and supported through true fellowship with other believers. This fellowship is deeper than surface relationships or Sunday morning greetings...it involves active and authentic participation from each and every one of us.

Peter knows his time is short, so he leans in on one big theme: don't forget what's true. We'll look at why reminders matter, how Peter's eyewitness account anchors our faith, and why God's Word shines like a lamp in the dark...and how to discern modern “prophetic” voices without drifting from Scripture.

Peter reminds us that God has already given us everything we need to live a godly life. This week we'll explore how faith matures into goodness, knowledge, self-control, endurance, godliness, and love…and why growing in these qualities keeps us effective and fruitful for Christ.

Real change doesn't come from trying harder...it comes from living by the power of the Holy Spirit. In this message, we'll see that while the flesh fights to hold us back, the Spirit sets us free. And as we learn to abide in God's presence, fruit begins to grow that no amount of trying could ever produce. This is where transformation becomes more than a dream...it becomes your new reality.

Peter closes his letter with encouragement, greetings, and a final reminder of God's grace. We explored the cultural weight of names like Silas and Mark, how to both lead and follow with humility, and we even discussed the meaning behind the “kiss of love.” This session reminded us that the church is more than an institution...it's a family marked by loyalty and grace...and must have a foundation in Christ.

In Session 7 of our Exiles series, “Exiles With Purpose” (1 Peter 4:1–19), we discover that suffering in the life of a believer is never wasted; it's part of God's refining work and can become a powerful witness to the world. Peter calls us to arm ourselves with the mindset of Christ, live on purpose in a dying world, and trust God's justice even when the fire feels intense. This teaching unpacks how to endure trials today with courage, serve with the gifts God has given us, and keep our eyes fixed on eternity.

This message kicks off our Changed series by focusing on where transformation truly begins: the mind. Drawing from Romans 12, Luke 9, and 1 Corinthians 2, we'll explore how surrender is the starting line and renewal is a daily rhythm. True change isn't about trying harder; it's about thinking differently through the power of the Holy Spirit. Before your life can be transformed, your mind must be renewed.

What if your daily grind is affecting more than just your stress level?God's wisdom isn't just about surviving your to-do list…it's about protecting what matters, building what lasts, and finding rest that actually restores your soul.Join us as we unpack what Proverbs says about work, long-term fruit, and how it all impacts the people and church we're called to build together.

In this session, Peter calls believers to stand firm when their faith is tested with courage, clarity, and a clear conscience. We'll explore how to respond when obedience leads to opposition, unpack what it means that Jesus “preached to the spirits in prison,” and dive into the purpose and meaning of baptism. Even in suffering, Peter reminds us: Jesus has already won.

This message continues our journey through Proverbs with a reminder: emotions are powerful, but they make terrible guides. Drawing from Proverbs 9 and 10, this message explores how the voices of Wisdom and Folly both call out to us and how our responses shape the direction of our lives. We dive deep into the dangers of unguarded hearts, the importance of correction, and the daily choice to let God lead. With examples from Scripture, honest reflection, and practical steps for walking wisely, this sermon equips us not only to protect what's within, but to walk forward with intention, discipline, and grace.

What if wisdom isn't just knowing the right answer, but knowing the right Person? In Part 1 of our Way of Wisdom series, we unpack how true wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. It must be a reverent, humble posture that surrenders to God's voice over our own. Through Proverbs 1–6, a wild true story of buried treasure, and Paul's powerful words in 1 Corinthians 1, we discover that Jesus doesn't just give wisdom...He is Wisdom. This message will challenge you to stop chasing shallow answers and start digging for the kind of wisdom that changes everything.

Loyalty That Lasts dives into the power of friendship through the lens of Mark 2:1–12, where a group of faithful friends tear through barriers to bring someone they love to Jesus. This message explores four iconic biblical friendships that show us what it means to encourage, confront, carry, and grow together. Whether you're longing for deep connection or being challenged to become a better friend yourself, this sermon reminds us that loyalty isn't just about who's been there the longest—it's about who helps you get closer to Jesus.

In this opening session of our 1 & 2 Peter study, we explore what it means to be Exiles With Hope. Peter writes to believers scattered and struggling, reminding them that they are not forgotten—they are chosen, known, and set apart by God. We unpack how our identity in Christ anchors us through trials, how living hope shapes our response to suffering, and how even angels marvel at the grace we've received. This passage challenges us to see hardship through the lens of eternity and to rejoice in the refining work of God, knowing our faith is more valuable than gold.

This message describes how marriage was designed to reflect the love of Jesus, not just satisfy our personal happiness. Looking at the story of the wedding at Cana, we see that Jesus cares deeply about relationships and steps in when the joy runs out...if we invite Him. This sermon challenges us to examine what we're pouring into our marriage and how our love can lead our spouse to see Jesus more clearly. Whether your relationship feels full or empty, Jesus still knows how to turn water into wine.

This session brings the book of James to a powerful close. In these final verses, James paints a picture of a faith-filled community marked by honesty, prayer, restoration, and healing. He calls us to speak truthfully, pray boldly, confess honestly, and care deeply for those who are hurting or wandering. More than a closing, this is a blueprint for a church that truly looks like Jesus, where grace is lived out, healing is pursued, and no one walks alone.

This sermon wraps up the All Along series by exploring one powerful truth: Jesus has been present in every moment of history, including the moments of your own life. From the pillar of cloud in Exodus to the voice in the burning bush, from the words “I AM” in John 8 to the promise of Psalm 110, this message shows how Christ has always been near, even when we didn't recognize Him. If you've ever wondered where God is in your story, this message will help you see that He's been there all along.

In this session, James confronts the pull of comfort, the pain of waiting, and the power of endurance. He warns against selfish luxury, calls out grumbling, and urges believers to wait like farmers, trusting God for what only He can bring. Drawing from the lives of prophets and the story of Job, James shows us that patience is actually spiritual strength in motion.

What if the resistance you're facing isn't the enemy—but Jesus? In this message from the All Along series, we explore how Christ shows up not only in comfort and silence but also in battle and correction. From Joshua's encounter with the Commander of the Lord's Army, to Balaam's divine interruption, to David's brokenness and mercy at the threshing floor, we see that Jesus doesn't just join our plans—He calls us into His. This sermon invites us to surrender control, recognize divine redirection, and find hope even when we've failed. Because the same Savior who stands in judgment… also stands in mercy. And He's been with us, leading us, all along.

In this session, James challenges believers to stop speaking against one another and to stop living like tomorrow is promised. True faith doesn't just avoid obvious sin—it listens, obeys, and follows through. We explore the difference between judging others and exercising discernment, and we're reminded that life is a vapor. Whether it's in how we speak or how we plan, James calls us to humble obedience. When we know what God asks of us, faith doesn't delay… it responds.

Do you ever feel like you've missed your moment? Like you're too late, too broken, or not qualified for the calling you once dreamed about? In this message, we explore powerful moments in the lives of Hagar, Moses, and Gideon where Jesus shows up before they even know who He is. From a desert well to a burning bush to a winepress of fear, we'll see how God gives promises and guidance even when we're unsure of the path. If you've been feeling unseen or uncertain about your purpose, this message might be the reminder you didn't know you needed: He's been with you… all along.

In this honest and challenging passage, James uncovers the root of conflict...not just in our relationships, but within our own hearts. He exposes the war between our selfish desires and God's will, calling it what it truly is: spiritual adultery. But rather than leaving us in guilt, James offers a path forward! It's through submission, resistance, repentance, and humility. This session is a bold reminder to step off the throne of our lives and let God take His rightful place. Because when we truly submit, grace flows freely…and the nearness of God is closer than we think.

This is a message for anyone who has ever wrestled with God's will or felt abandoned in the quiet. Through the stories of Jacob and Elijah, we see that Jesus has always stepped into our darkest places, long before the cross. Whether we're fighting for clarity or barely holding on, His presence meets us there to strengthen us and to speak for us when we can't. This message reminds us that some of the clearest views of Christ come in the moments we'd rather skip… and that He's been with us all along.