LIFE|CHURCH Chico

A remarkable journey unfolds as Saya transitions from struggling under Congo's dictatorship to becoming a transformative peacemaker in both the United States and Africa. Through God's grace, he established the Good Friend ministry in Kikwit, Congo, serving albinos, teen mothers, and people with disabilities. This ministry exemplifies true peacemaking by addressing internal conflicts and challenging societal strongholds that create brokenness. The work continues to grow, focusing on practical needs like construction, water access, and medical supplies, while inspiring others to become peacemakers in their own communities.

The gift of faith stands distinct from natural faith, saving faith, and the fruit of faithfulness as a supernatural surge of confidence from the Holy Spirit. This divine gift operates beyond human possibilities, manifesting in moments when natural abilities reach their limits. Throughout scripture, from Daniel to Paul, we see examples of this supernatural faith enabling ordinary people to face extraordinary circumstances. This gift often works in conjunction with other spiritual gifts, leading to miracles and healing when believers step out in obedience.

Words of knowledge and wisdom are distinct spiritual gifts that allow God to communicate supernatural information and guidance to believers. While words of knowledge provide divinely revealed information, words of wisdom offer divine guidance about how to apply knowledge effectively. These gifts operate through various means including mental pictures, inner conviction, and dreams. They differ from psychic abilities as they stem from submission to God's will rather than personal power. Understanding and properly using these gifts requires humility, confirmation through prayer, and a focus on relationship with God.

The Holy Spirit empowers believers with spiritual gifts like wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, and prophecy to serve and bless others. These gifts are not permanent personal possessions, but rather manifestations of the Spirit working through willing believers. The Spirit determines how and when to distribute gifts, operating within the body of Christ for the common good. To effectively use spiritual gifts, believers must maintain a relationship with Jesus, remain filled with the Spirit, and respond with humility when prompted to minister to others.

Experience the transformative journey of the Road to Emmaus, where two disciples encounter the risen Christ in an unexpected way. Discover how Jesus reveals Himself in our daily walks, transforms our understanding through Scripture, and meets us in our moments of doubt. This powerful message explores spiritual transformation, divine encounters, faith journey, biblical teaching, and personal revelation. Learn practical ways to recognize God's presence in your life, understand biblical prophecy, and experience spiritual growth. Perfect for those seeking deeper faith, dealing with doubt, or wanting to understand how God works in their daily lives. Explore themes of hope, redemption, spiritual awakening, and divine presence in everyday life.

A transformative journey of faith began with a simple invitation from a neighbor  twenty-four years ago. Through authentic Christian community and unconditional acceptance, one family discovered the profound difference between worldly values and Jesus' kingdom principles. This story illustrates how genuine transformation occurs when we embrace Jesus' way of humble service over worldly power, leading to lasting personal and family change. The journey teaches us about the impact of authentic Christian love and the importance of extending invitations that could transform others' lives.

Forgiveness stands as a fundamental command in the Christian faith, directly impacting our relationship with God and others. When we harbor unforgiveness, our hearts become crowded with negative emotions, leaving little room for God's work. The principle of 'No one owes me anything' helps release others from our judgments and expectations. By choosing to forgive immediately and completely, we open ourselves to experience God's presence and power in unprecedented ways.

The Holy Spirit bestows unique spiritual gifts upon believers for the purpose of serving others and strengthening the church community. These gifts, including wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, and prophecy, all flow from one Spirit but manifest differently in each person. While doubt and fear often hold people back from utilizing these gifts, the key is understanding that effectiveness comes from God's power, not personal ability. The focus should be on making ourselves available as vessels for God's work rather than questioning our capabilities.

The Holy Spirit remains an active and powerful force in modern times, equal in the Trinity with the Father and Son. As our Advocate, Comforter, and Guide, He empowers believers through various spiritual gifts including wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, and prophecy. These gifts are meant to build up the church and advance God's kingdom, not for personal glory. The key is maintaining a humble heart while eagerly desiring these gifts, always exercising them with love as the foundation.

The Great Commission calls believers to balance their relationship with God and active service. True discipleship involves remaining connected to Jesus while engaging in His mission to make disciples. This requires creating intentional space for God, removing distractions, and letting ministry flow from a genuine relationship with Him. Through the Holy Spirit's power, believers can overcome fear and effectively share their faith, remembering that obedience is the key focus while God handles the results.

Biblical confession encompasses both acknowledging our sins and declaring our faith in God. It serves as a powerful tool for spiritual growth, helping us maintain a balanced view of ourselves while deepening our relationship with God. Through regular confession, we can experience healing, restoration, and freedom from shame. This practice isn't about self-condemnation but rather about experiencing God's restorative love and grace in our lives.

Sharing faith is a vital part of the Christian journey, not just reserved for pastors or specially gifted individuals. While many believers face common barriers like feeling unqualified or fearing judgment, effective evangelism stems from genuine love, humility, and attentive listening. God is already working in people's lives, and our role is simply to be obedient to His prompting. By focusing on treating people as individuals rather than projects and sharing our own authentic stories, we can effectively communicate God's message of hope and reconciliation.

Discover the transformative power of spiritual remembrance and its impact on faith, purpose, and daily living. Learn practical ways to keep God's goodness in focus through worship, Scripture, and testimony sharing. Explore how remembrance combats doubt, strengthens faith, and leads to spiritual growth. Understanding the dangers of spiritual forgetfulness and the importance of maintaining a strong connection with God. Perfect for anyone seeking to deepen their faith, overcome spiritual dryness, or find practical ways to strengthen their relationship with God. Topics include spiritual disciplines, Christian living, faith development, worship, prayer, Bible study, testimony, spiritual growth, Christian meditation, devotional practices, spiritual formation, and discipleship.

In our hyper-connected world, finding true silence has become increasingly rare, yet it remains essential for spiritual growth. Spiritual silence and solitude create space free from external inputs to be alone with God, allowing for deep transformation. Through this practice, we encounter ourselves honestly, face spiritual opposition, and experience God's presence. By choosing quiet locations, starting with small time commitments, and practicing centering techniques, we can develop a meaningful practice of silence that leads to spiritual transformation.

Pastor Chris Reyes discusses community as a path of spiritual engagement and its importance in Christian discipleship. He emphasizes that community isn't just a physical location but is essential to reaching our full potential as followers of Christ. The sermon explores how fellowship and engagement have been part of God's plan since creation, as seen in Genesis, and continues to be vital in the New Testament church.

Fasting is more than a health practice—it's a spiritual discipline that purifies both body and soul. Just as Esther called for fasting in a time of great danger, fasting today connects us deeply with God, helping us to surrender pride, anger, and selfishness. This sermon reminds us that miraculous breakthroughs happen when we humble ourselves through fasting and prayer, trusting God in the face of challenges.

This sermon calls believers to embrace wholehearted celebration and worship of God, emphasizing that praise is a lifestyle, not a reserved act for Sundays. Drawing on examples from David's dance before the Ark, Ezra's rebuilding of the temple, Mary's song of joy, and the shepherds' awe at Jesus' birth, we are encouraged to offer authentic, uninhibited praise. In every season, through trials and triumphs, our gratitude and joy reflect God's faithfulness and goodness.

The world is filled with darkness—spiritual, emotional, and relational—but Jesus is the light that brings hope, healing, and restoration. In Him, we find freedom from sin, shame, and fear. As the light of the world, Jesus calls us to follow Him and reflect His light to others. Let His light invade every dark corner of your life, and celebrate the promise of eternal light in heaven.

In this week's sermon, we explore the power and purpose of prayer as a daily practice. It challenges believers to move beyond praying only in times of need, instead embracing prayer as an ongoing conversation with God. Through discipline and honesty, prayer cultivates intimacy with the Lord, transforming it into a natural and essential part of life. Drawing from Scripture and practical examples, the message emphasizes that prayer is about relationships, not results.

Sabbath is God's invitation to reset and rest. By stopping our work, resting deeply, delighting in His goodness, and worshiping, we realign our lives with His design for us. Sabbath isn't a burden but a practice that leads to freedom, joy, and trust in God's provision. When we embrace this gift, we work out of rest instead of striving for it.

Pastor Jeff challenges believers to move beyond spiritual cruise control and embrace a life of vibrant faith. It highlights the importance of obedience, spiritual formation, and living abundantly through Jesus. By stepping into spiritual disciplines and letting go of complacency, we are invited to experience the fullness of God's purpose for our lives.

Pastor Chris' sermon is focused on the journey of discipleship, emphasizing how God is deeply committed to forming us into the likeness of Christ. Using the imagery of the vine and branches, it taught that our spiritual growth depends on our connection to Christ. By yielding to God's pruning in our lives, we can bear fruit that reflects His love and endures eternally.

In Matthew 13, Jesus teaches the parable of the sower, illustrating how the Gospel takes root differently depending on the soil of our hearts. Through four types of soil—the footpath, rocky ground, thorny soil, and fertile ground—Jesus reveals how openness, depth, and removal of life's distractions determine the growth of His Word within us. This sermon challenges us to examine the condition of our own hearts, removing obstacles so we can flourish in our faith and bear abundant fruit.

The sermon emphasizes loving like Jesus, especially when facing difficult topics like abortion. The pastor guides the congregation to understand that life begins at conception, as supported by Scripture. The focus is on approaching such a sensitive subject with humility, conviction, and grace, recognizing that God is pro-life in the sense that He values all life, from conception to birth and beyond. The sermon also calls for a deep relationship with God, encouraging people to prioritize being with Jesus before acting for Him.

This sermon explores the theme of excuses that prevent people from fully committing to Jesus. Based on the parable in Luke 14, the pastor emphasizes how easy it is for us to justify putting other things ahead of our relationship with Christ. Whether it's material possessions, relationships, or personal desires, Jesus calls us to prioritize Him above all else. Only by centering our lives on Him can we experience true peace and fulfillment.

Using the story of Gideon, Pastor Jeff illustrates how God builds trust in His people, even through uncertainty. The message challenges us to consider the cost of not being disciples of Christ and invites everyone to place their trust in Jesus, not just for eternity but for each day.

Hear camp testimonies from our leaders, tweens, and youth group. All three services combined in one episode.

Today's sermon emphasizes the foundational importance of the Bible in our lives. By reading, understanding, and applying God's Word, we build a solid foundation that brings order, joy, peace, and divine guidance. The scripture reveals God's nature, power, rule, and reign, guiding us through life's challenges. The importance of prioritizing scripture amidst life's distractions and the spiritual warfare we face is highlighted, urging us to fight for time with God's Word to transform our lives.

Pastor Jeff Young introduces a new series about the importance of the Bible in our lives. He shares a powerful testimony about God's provision for the Freedom Center and emphasizes the transformative power of Scripture. By engaging with the word of God, we can find joy, peace, and a deeper understanding of God's will for our lives. Pastor Jeff encourages the congregation to make Bible reading a daily practice, highlighting its role in providing guidance, defending against temptation, and fostering spiritual growth.

Today's Youth Sunday featured high school interns sharing mini-sermons from the book of James. Their messages emphasized the importance of trials in building perseverance, the distinction between mere belief and active faith, and the significance of actions that reflect our Christian values. They reminded us to seek God's wisdom in our challenges and to live consistently with our faith, impacting those around us positively.