Ridgecrest Baptist Church - Sermons

In this message, Bro. Ray explores the characteristics of a mature church through the lens of 2 Corinthians 8. The Macedonian churches, despite their poverty and affliction, set an inspiring example of joyful stewardship, earnest fellowship, and devoted discipleship. We're challenged to reflect on our own generosity, not as a means to earn salvation, but as a response to God's grace. True fellowship goes beyond mere socializing; it's about unifying in purpose, edifying one another, and boldly identifying with Christ.As we consider our role in the church, we're reminded that discipleship requires commitment and sacrifice. In a world hungry for hope, we're called to be difference-makers, giving ourselves first to the Lord and then to His mission. This teaching invites us to examine our hearts and ask: Are we consumers of faith or devoted disciples ready to change the world for Christ?Ridgecrest exists to reach the lost, build the believer, and connect the people of God to the mission and purpose of God. Our sermons podcast is just one way we seek to accomplish our mission online and you can help us by leaving reviews on your podcast platform of choice or by sharing our sermons with someone you know.To let us know how we can pray for you or to find out more about Ridgecrest, take a minute to fill out our Connection Card linked below. https://my.rbcdothan.org/connectioncardIf you'd like to receive our daily devotionals in your inbox, sign up HERE free of charge: https://mailchi.mp/4bcc8628406b/daily-heart-truth-devotionsThe Journey Podcast:- Substack: https://thejourneypodcast.substack.com- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-journey/id1785079800 - Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0syXQWFX6IhTZjeJsHWxtM?si=c4c7397b153248f6Heart Truth Devotions podcast: - Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/heart-truth-devotions/id1518661566- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/339RoxzO65vb8DX1P4E0YU?si=54f4735e6cc54fefFind us online - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RidgecrestDothan- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ridgecrestbaptist/profilecard/?igsh=MWRrZHZwdXprYzhwZw==- YouTube: www.youtube.com/@rbcdothan- TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@rbcdothan?_t=ZP-8wfPSkVSuYo&_r=1- Our website https://www.rbcdothan.org- WATCH LIVE Sunday and Wednesday: https://rbcdothan.online.church

Are you ready for the most important meeting of your life? This week, we look into 2 Corinthians 5:10, exploring the profound reality of the judgment seat of Christ. This isn't about salvation, but about how you live your life as a believer. One day, you'll stand before Christ, giving an account for how you used your God-given gifts and talents. This challenges us to live with purpose, making it our aim to please God in all we do. Reflect on your own priorities - are you investing in what truly matters for eternity? It's a call to live intentionally, recognizing that your actions today have eternal significance.

In this exploration of 2 Corinthians 4, we're reminded that our struggles and tribulations are not in vain. The apostle Paul's words resonate deeply, showing us that our 'light and momentary troubles' are preparing us for an eternal glory beyond compare. We're encouraged to shift our perspective from the temporal to the eternal, understanding that our physical bodies may be wasting away, but our inner selves are being renewed day by day. This message challenges us to see our difficulties through the lens of eternity, recognizing that God's power is often most evident in our weaknesses. We're called to remain faithful, knowing that our present afflictions are light and transient when viewed against the backdrop of eternity. This timeless wisdom invites us to strengthen our souls through obedience, truth, and walking in the Spirit, even as our outer selves face decay.

In this powerful message, we examine the story of Mary anointing Jesus with costly perfume, found in Mark 14. This act of extravagant devotion challenges us to examine our own commitment to Christ. Are we willing to give our best, our all, to Jesus? Mary's sacrifice teaches us that true worship often comes at a cost, but it's always worth it in God's eyes. The criticism she faced reminds us that following Jesus wholeheartedly may invite opposition, even from fellow believers. Yet, we're encouraged to keep our focus on pleasing God rather than people. This story beautifully illustrates that our acts of love and devotion to Christ can leave a lasting legacy, impacting generations to come. As we reflect on this, let's ask ourselves: What will be our 'alabaster jar' offering to Jesus? How can we demonstrate our love for Him in ways that might seem foolish to the world but precious to God?

Are we truly prepared for Christ's return? This message challenges us to examine our spiritual readiness. Drawing from Mark 13, we're reminded that Jesus himself warned his closest disciples about the potential to be led astray. This serves as a sobering reminder that even those who seem strong in faith can falter. To stay grounded, we must be informed by God's truth and vigilant against the schemes of the enemy. The message emphasizes three key preparations: being grounded in truth, staying guarded and alert, and allowing ourselves to be guided and empowered by the Holy Spirit. Just as Pearl Harbor was caught off-guard despite warnings, we too can be spiritually unprepared if we don't heed Christ's words. This isn't about fear, but about living with expectancy and purpose. Are we making the most of our 'right now' that counts forever?

In this message, we're challenged to discern truth from falsehood in our spiritual lives. Drawing from Mark 12:38-40, we're warned about the dangers of religious hypocrisy and the importance of authentic faith. The scribes of Jesus' time serve as a cautionary tale, reminding us that outward appearances can be deceiving. We're encouraged to look beyond flashy displays of piety and instead focus on the heart of true devotion. This lesson is particularly relevant in our modern world, where social media and public personas can easily mask our true spiritual condition. As we reflect on this teaching, we're prompted to examine our own motivations: Are we seeking God's glory or our own? Are our spiritual practices genuine or merely for show? By staying rooted in Scripture, filled with the Holy Spirit, and found in our Savior, we can develop the discernment needed to recognize and resist spiritual fakery, both in others and in ourselves.

In this exploration of Mark 12, we uncover the deceptive nature of religion and how it can be used to undermine truth. We're reminded that Jesus, the embodiment of truth, faced opposition from religious leaders who tried to trap Him with clever questions. Through three distinct scenarios - political arrogance, theological ignorance, and spiritual relevance - we see how the enemy still uses these tactics today to confuse and mislead us. The key lesson? We must be grounded in Scripture and truly know God's heart, not just religious knowledge. This message challenges us to move beyond surface-level faith and truly apply God's Word to our lives. Are we merely 'close' to the Kingdom, or have we fully embraced it? Let's examine our hearts and ensure we're not just debating God's commands, but obeying them.

The Resurrection was the ultimate proof that Jesus was who He said He was and that He did exactly what He said He would do. Pastor Ray continues our resurrection celebration with a message titled, "Just Like He Said He Would!"

Chip Ingram said, “The cross is the greatest example of humility and devotion in the universe. Jesus put your needs ahead of His own. He considered you more valuable than Himself.”Pastor Ray shares a Palm Sunday message titled, "The Pathway to the Cross."

Chuck Locke shares a message from Galatians 5 entitled, "Everyday Kindness."

Augustine said, “Faith is to believe what you do not see; the reward of this faith is to see what you believe.” Join us this Sunday as Pastor Ray shares a message titled, “Desperation that Led to Restoration” from his series, The Story of Jesus.

Dave Ramsey has written, True leadership is servanthood. Put the interests of others at the center of your decisions.Pastor Ray continues his series, The Story of Jesus with a message titled, “Kingdom Influencers.”

This week, we continue looking at the story of the rich young ruler and uncover profound truths about discipleship and the nature of following Christ. The central message challenges us to examine what truly controls our lives and whether we're willing to surrender everything to follow Jesus. We're confronted with the reality that positive qualities and sincere desires alone aren't enough - true discipleship requires complete surrender to Christ's lordship.

In this powerful exploration of discipleship, we look into the story of the rich young ruler from Mark 10. We're challenged to consider our own spiritual condition - are we, like the young man, eager to follow Jesus but blind to what truly controls our hearts?

Chase Faulk shares a message from Psalm 90 entitled, "Time Flies."

Chuck Locke shares a message from Galatians 5 entitled, "Everyday Patience."

Lance Griffin shares a message from Romans 12:2 entitled, "The Matter Of The Mind."

In this powerful message, we're challenged to examine what it truly means to be a disciple of Christ. The central scripture, Mark 8:31-38, reveals Jesus' call to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. This isn't a call to casual Christianity, but to a life of deep commitment and transformation. Just as maple syrup requires a painstaking process to refine raw sap into something valuable, our spiritual journey demands dedication and perseverance. We're reminded that there are no shortcuts in discipleship - it's a lifelong process of cultivating spiritual discernment, contemplating self-denial, and committing to serious devotion. The message encourages us to set our minds on things above, protect our thoughts with truth, and continually renew our minds through God's Word. As we grapple with the cost of following Jesus, we're also assured that the benefits are 'out of this world.' This teaching challenges us to move beyond surface-level faith and embrace a life fully devoted to Christ, no matter the cost.

In this powerful message, we're invited to explore the nature of faith that is both tried and triumphant. The story of the Syrophoenician woman in Mark 7 serves as our guide, revealing profound truths about tenacious belief. We learn that faith is not a spiritual game, a magic formula, or a blind leap, but rather a confident trust in Jesus Christ. As we journey through life, our faith will be tested, much like this woman's was. But her persistence teaches us the importance of remaining steadfast, even when faced with apparent rejection. The message challenges us to cultivate a faith that refuses to give up, believing that anything Jesus offers is better than what the world can provide. As we navigate our own spiritual battles, we're reminded that Jesus has power over darkness and that our tenacious faith can lead to triumphant outcomes, whether in this life or the next. This lesson encourages us to persevere in our faith journey, knowing that God honors those who trust Him wholeheartedly.

Andrew Murray wrote, “The world asks, ‘What does a man own?' Christ asks, ‘How does he use it?'” Pastor Ray concludes this series with his message, “The FaithfulSteward.”

Charles Spurgeon once said, “No man ever served God by doing things tomorrow.”Pastor Ray continues the series “Faithful” with his message titled The Faithful Servant.

As we embark on a new year, let's reflect on the profound importance of faithful worship in our spiritual lives. The message draws inspiration from Psalm 100, reminding us that worship is not a spectator sport, but a participatory event that should fill us with joy and gratitude.We're challenged to enter God's presence with gladness, even when we don't feel like it, understanding that this is both a command and a discipline. The power of gratitude is emphasized, not just for its physical and emotional benefits, but for its spiritual impact on our relationship with God. As we count our blessings and praise God for His goodness, we're reminded of His steadfast love that endures forever.This message encourages us to see God not as a distant, angry figure, but as a good and loving Father who delights in His creation. As we step into the new year, let's commit to being faithful worshipers, entering His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise, recognizing that true worship starts before we even enter the church building.

Watchman Nee wrote,  “Spiritual advancement is measured by faithful obedience.” As we start the new year, join us as Pastor Ray shares a message on how we can live faithfully for God in 2025.

In this message from Pastor Ray Jones, we're challenged to examine the authenticity of our faith.Are we like the Pharisees, holding to a superficial religion, or do we have a genuine, transformative relationship with God? The sermon dives into Mark 7, where Jesus confronts the Pharisees about their traditions and lip service to God. We're reminded that true faith isn't about outward appearances or rituals, but about a heart that's close to God.This message urges us to move beyond mere information about God to a life-changing transformation through Christ. It's a call to distinguish between human traditions and God's truth, encouraging us to base our faith on Scripture rather than cultural preferences or man-made doctrines.As we reflect on this, let's ask ourselves: Are we honoring God with our lips while our hearts are far from Him? Are we allowing God's Word to truly shape our lives, or are we clinging to our own traditions and comfort zones?

In this powerful exploration of the feeding of the 5,000, we're reminded of God's limitless provision and the importance of faith in seemingly impossible situations. This pivotal miracle, recounted in all four Gospels, teaches us that Jesus not only meets our physical needs but also nurtures our spiritual growth. As we face our own 'impossible' challenges, we're encouraged to bring what little we have to God, trusting Him to multiply it beyond our imagination. The story beautifully illustrates how God uses ordinary things - like five loaves and two fish - to accomplish extraordinary feats. It challenges us to examine our own faith: do we truly believe God can work miracles in our lives? This message urges us to pursue Jesus wholeheartedly, knowing that He has compassion on us and sees our deepest needs. Let's be inspired to step out in faith, offering our 'loaves and fishes' to God, and watch in awe as He transforms them for His glory.

In this powerful message, we're challenged to consider our true identity as citizens of God's kingdom. Drawing from 2 Peter 3, we're reminded that while we live in this world, our ultimate allegiance is to Christ. The sermon emphasizes the urgency of living with kingdom intensity, recognizing that Christ's return is imminent. We're called to be alert, active, and purposeful in our faith, not relaxing our spiritual vigilance even in times of perceived victory. The parallels drawn between animal instincts before natural disasters and our need for spiritual alertness are particularly striking. This message encourages us to reevaluate our priorities, focusing on eternal values rather than temporary worldly concerns. It's a call to action for us to pray more, serve more, love more, and worship more, hastening the day of Christ's return through our active participation in God's mission.

In this powerful message rooted in Joel chapter 1, we're called to 'Wake Up' and recognize the spiritual challenges of our times. The prophet Joel's warnings to ancient Israel resonate deeply with our modern struggles. Just as locusts devastated the land then, our joy and spiritual vitality can be devoured by worldly distractions today. We're urged to notice the times, share about them, and respond with renewed devotion. The call to fast, gather in assembly, and cry out to God isn't just ancient history—it's a blueprint for our spiritual revival. As we face our own 'locusts,' whether they're complacency, materialism, or spiritual dryness, we're reminded that God has purposed us for these times. By seeking Him first and discipling others, we can find hope and purpose amidst the chaos. This message challenges us to move beyond simply noticing the world's problems to actively engaging in spiritual disciplines and community, allowing God's truth to guide our minds and His presence to be our greatest joy.

Watchman Nee wrote, “I need forgiveness for my sins, but I need also deliverance from the power of sin... I appreciate the blessed fact of God's forgiveness, but I want something more than that: I want deliverance. I need forgiveness for what I have done, but I need also deliverance from what I am.”Pastor Ray continues his series, The Story of Jesus with a message titled “Of Pigs and People.” 

In this powerful exploration of the Parable of the Sower, we delve into the four types of soil representing different conditions of the human heart. This parable, found in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, offers profound insights into why people respond differently to God's Word. We're challenged to examine our own hearts: Are we the hard path where the Word is easily snatched away? The rocky ground where faith withers under pressure? The thorny soil where worldly concerns choke our spiritual growth? Or are we the good soil, producing a bountiful harvest? This message reminds us that our response to God's truth isn't just about hearing, but about how deeply we allow it to take root in our lives. It's a call to cultivate a receptive heart, one that not only perceives God's Word but preserves and produces fruit from it. As we reflect on this, we're encouraged to consider the authenticity of our faith and the fruit it bears in our daily lives.

Billy Graham said, “To be a disciple is to be committed to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and committed to following Him every day.” Pastor Ray shares a message titled, “A Call to Action” from his series, The Story of Jesus.

This week, we explore the profound lessons from the story of Jesus healing a leper in Mark 1:40-45. We're reminded of our own spiritual condition - our sin sickness that separates us from God. Just as the leper approached Jesus with desperation, we too must come to Him with urgency, recognizing our need for His cleansing touch. The leper's humble submission and faith serve as a model for our own approach to Christ. We learn that while we can ask Jesus for help, we must also accept His will, avoiding the trap of treating Him like a genie granting wishes. This story beautifully illustrates Jesus' compassion and His power to cleanse and transform lives, encouraging us to trust in His love and mercy.

This week, we're reminded that Jesus is still the answer to all of life's questions and challenges. The Gospel of Mark shows us Jesus' threefold ministry of healing, deliverance, and declaration. We see how Jesus healed Peter's mother-in-law and many others, demonstrating that He still heals today through medicine, miracles, or by taking us to heaven. The message encourages us to trust in Jesus' healing power, even when outcomes differ from our expectations. We're also challenged to embrace our own ministry of reconciliation, sharing the good news of Christ with others.

This week, we look into the reality of spiritual warfare and the authority of Jesus Christ over demonic forces. The key scripture comes from Mark 1:21-28, where Jesus confronts an unclean spirit in the synagogue. We learn that demons are real, active in our world, and often hide behind seemingly good or progressive ideas. However, we're reminded that Jesus has ultimate authority over these forces. As believers, we don't need to live in fear, but we must be aware and vigilant. The message encourages us to stand firm in our faith, resist the enemy through praise and scripture, and remember that Jesus in our lives is 'hell's worst nightmare.' This teaching is particularly relevant in today's world, where we're called to discern the spiritual roots behind cultural and societal issues.

This week we explore the call of Jesus to discipleship through Mark's Gospel. We're reminded that following Jesus is not just about salvation, but a complete surrender of our lives. The story of Jesus calling His first disciples teaches us that God often chooses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. We're challenged to consider our own response to Jesus' invitation: 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.' This call isn't just for vocational ministry, but for all believers to live purposefully for God's kingdom. The message emphasizes that it's not about our qualifications, but our willingness to say 'yes' to Jesus immediately and wholeheartedly.

Bro. Ray begins a BRAND NEW sermon series called "The Story Of Jesus."We explore the significance of baptism through the lens of Jesus' own baptism in the Jordan River. We learn that baptism is not just a ritual, but a profound act of obedience and identification with Christ.Biblical baptism is by immersion, as demonstrated by Jesus Himself. This act symbolizes our repentance and new life in Christ. We're reminded that there's a strong connection between our obedience to God and experiencing His power in our lives.Just as the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus after His baptism, we too can experience the filling and anointing of the Spirit when we surrender control of our lives to Him.This message challenges us to examine our own obedience and commitment to Christ, urging us to take that first step of faith through baptism if we haven't already done so.

Bro. Ray is back from his July sabbatical and concludes his series "On Purpose."In this message, we're reminded of God's purpose for our lives and the importance of living it out faithfully. The central theme revolves around 2 Corinthians 13, where Paul admonishes the Corinthians to examine themselves and get their spiritual act together. We're challenged to consider why God may intervene in our lives, preserving us for His greater purpose. The message draws parallels between the Corinthians' struggles and our modern cultural challenges, urging us to value our souls above all else. We're encouraged to guard against habitual sin, false accusations, and denial of truth - all of which can derail our spiritual journey. Through personal examination, prayerful expectations, and purposeful exhortation, we can align ourselves with God's will and hear those coveted words: 'Well done, good and faithful servant.'

Aaron Dickinson shares a message from Colossians 1 entitled, "Two People You Need To Know."

Lance Griffin shares a message from John 18 entitled, "The Truth Is Out There."

John Mark Comer once said, “Spiritual friendships do not work unless both members are fully committed to the transformational journey with Christ.”Chase Faulk shares a message from Hebrews 10 entitled, "A Confident Plan."

Corrie Ten Boom said, “Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible.” Join us this Sunday as Pastor Ray shares a message titled “Faith Displayed—On Purpose.

Paul Washer writes, “The mark of a man of God is God upon the man.”Pastor Ray shares a message from his current series “On Purpose” titled, Be A Man of God.