Sermons – Autumn Ridge Community Church

Pastor Davis returned to 1 Samuel 26, where David spared Saul's life despite having the opportunity to kill him. The passage shows that trust in God's judgment fuels obedience to God's Word. David refused revenge because he believed vengeance belonged to the Lord. His response offers a model for believers facing opposition, slander, conflict, or injustice: remain humble before God, pray for His judgment, speak directly when necessary, and entrust your life to Him. Yet our hope is greater than David's confidence in his own righteousness. Through the gospel, believers are counted righteous because Jesus lived faithfully, died in the place of sinners, and rose again. Because our identity rests in Christ rather than opinion, we are freed to love our enemies, pray for their repentance, and respond to evil without bitterness. In every trial, we can trust that our lives are precious to God and obey Him with confidence.

Stephen Rice preached from 1 Corinthians 2:1–5, reminding us that the foundation of the Christian faith is Jesus Christ and Him crucified. The Apostle Paul intentionally refused to rely on eloquence, personality, or worldly wisdom so that people's faith would rest in the power of God alone. Like Paul, we are tempted to build our identity on accomplishments, reputation, or the approval of others, but lasting hope and purpose are found only in Christ. The cross is not simply one doctrine among many—it is the center of God's redemptive plan, revealing His holiness, justice, mercy, and love. Because Christ has transformed us, our lives should reflect the gospel through humble dependence on God, faithful prayer, generous hospitality, and a deep commitment to His Word. Our greatest legacy is not what we achieve, but that we faithfully boast in Christ alone and point others to His saving grace.

Today's sermon on Psalm 32, “A Hiding Place,” focused on the joy and freedom found in confession, forgiveness, and repentance. Confession and forgiveness are “the guide and fuel of Christian growth,” that we often hide because exposure feels unbearable, and that God promises to cover our sin. Hidden, unconfessed sin blurs our joy, worship, relationships, and spiritual life. David teaches that silence before God brings wasting and heaviness, but honest confession opens the way to immediate forgiveness and restored joy. Rather than hiding in shame or trying to atone for ourselves, believers are invited to bring sin into the light and rest in Christ, whose death truly covers guilt. Because God loves to forgive, His people can rejoice, be restored, and grow through the grace that meets them in repentance.

Bryan Thomas preached from Acts 17:16–34, where Paul proclaims the “unknown God” in Athens. He emphasized believers are called to proclaim God clearly in a world that is spiritually confused, intellectually proud, and full of false worship. Paul was provoked by the city's idols, but instead of retreating, he engaged Jews, marketplace hearers, philosophers, and the Areopagus with the truth of Jesus and the resurrection. The church is exhorted to proclaim this unknown God by taking comfort in God, having confidence in the faith, and living with clarity of mission. Our comfort in God should make us lovingly uncomfortable with the lostness around us. Our confidence grows as we remember what God has done and trust what He has promised. Our mission is to speak faithfully, leave results to the Holy Spirit, and be prepared to share Christ with those who need Him.

This week's sermon on 1 Samuel 25 focused on “When we remember the Lord's care for us, we can avoid being careless toward others.” Through the story of David, Nabal, and Abigail, the sermon showed how a perceived “care deficit” can lead us to sinful, careless responses. David had been dishonored by Nabal and was ready to respond with vengeance, but Abigail wisely reminded him that his life was held in the Lord's care and that he did not need to save himself by his own hand. The sermon then pointed to Jesus, the true and better David, who endured careless treatment from sinners so that His people might receive the Father's perfect care. Because our lives are secure in Christ, we can live with faith, treat others with care instead of carelessness, and live on mission so others may come to know the Lord's care as well.

In today's sermon, Pastor Davis focuses on the illustration of breathing and how we “Inhale the Word and exhale in prayer” drawing from 1 Samuel 23-24. Through David's life on the run from Saul, we see how God's Word and prayer work together like breathing, sustaining God's people through uncertainty, weariness, and temptation.In 1 Samuel 23:1–14, David remained steadfast by seeking the Lord's direction rather than relying on human wisdom. In 1 Samuel 23:15–29, David was strengthened when Jonathan encouraged him with God's promises and faithful friendship. In 1 Samuel 24, David showed self-control by refusing to take vengeance against Saul, entrusting judgment to the Lord instead.We are pointed to Jesus, our great High Priest, who gives us access to the Father's throne of grace. Because of Christ, believers can draw near in prayer, receive mercy, and walk in steadfastness, strength, and self-control. 

In 1 Samuel 21–22, we see that even in times of confusion, suffering, and evil, the Lord is faithfully working out His good purposes. Nothing can overturn His promises. Therefore, let us live with faith in Christ, rest in His grace, and walk with confidence in His sovereign care.

This week's sermon from 1 Samuel 18–20 focused on a simple but searching truth: “Don't fight against the Lord's purposes; follow the Lord's purposes.” Building on the story of David and Goliath, the message contrasted Jonathan and Saul's responses to God's revealed plan that David would become king. Jonathan embraced God's purposes, even at great personal cost, surrendering his own claim to the throne and demonstrating covenant faithfulness toward David. Saul, however, continually fought against God's purposes, seeking to preserve his own kingdom and destroy David, only to be frustrated at every turn.We're challenged to examine whether we are resisting God's purposes through our values, desires, plans, or view of the future. Fighting God's purposes is a losing strategy, while surrendering to them leads to blessing and peace. Pastor Davis concludes by pointing to Jesus as the better King and the better Jonathan, who initiates a better covenant with His people and whose steadfast love secures, provides for, and preserves all who trust in Him.

Pastor Davis' sermon on David and Goliath challenges us to recognize that David was not the hero, the Lord was. The central message was that “the battle belongs to the LORD; we simply follow.” Rather than focusing on overcoming the “giants” in our lives through our own strength, the passage calls us to trust God's purposes and faithfulness. While Israel was paralyzed by fear, David stepped forward because he knew God's covenant promises, remembered God's past faithfulness, and trusted that the battle ultimately belonged to the Lord. Today's message also points us to Jesus as the true and better David. Just as David fought on behalf of God's people, Jesus was sent by the Father to win the decisive battle against sin and death for us. Because Christ has already secured the victory, believers can face fearful situations with confidence, remembering God's promises, resting in the gospel, and following Him in obedient faith wherever He leads.

Pastor Davis' sermon on 1 Samuel 16 centered on the main point that “the People of God receive the Spirit of God to proclaim the Word of God.” Through the contrast between Saul and David, today's message emphasizes that God does not judge by outward appearance, accomplishments, or status, but looks at the heart. David was chosen not because of visible qualifications, but because he trusted the Lord above visible circumstances and walked by faith.Pastor Davis explores both who the people of God are and who the Spirit of God is. Believers are those who place their faith in God and receive the promised Holy Spirit through Christ, as highlighted in Galatians 3 and Ephesians 1. Pastor Davis explains that the Holy Spirit is the One who gives both protection and power, securing believers in Christ and equipping them for ministry.Finally, the church is challenged to consider how God has uniquely gifted them and how their natural abilities can become platforms for proclaiming God's Word, serving others, and displaying the gospel in everyday life.

Pastor Davis tackled one of the Bible's hardest passages, 1 Samuel 15:1-3, where God commands Saul to judge the Amalekites. Rather than avoiding the tension, he leaned directly into the difficult question: “How can a loving God command violence?” His central argument was that this passage is not about ethnic cleansing, but “ethic cleansing” rooted in God's justice against persistent evil.  The sermon emphasized three truths about God's judgment: it is patient, perfect, and paradoxical. Pastor Davis explained that God waited centuries before judging Amalek, showing extraordinary mercy and desire for repentance.  He stressed that God's justice protects the vulnerable and is never based on ethnicity, but on the condition of the heart.  The paradox of God's character was highlighted, in that He is: fully just, yet deeply compassionate. Even while judging sin, God “sighs deeply” over sinners with mercy and grief.  The sermon ultimately pointed to Jesus as the better King who bore God's judgment on behalf of sinners through the cross. 

In this heartfelt Mother's Day sermon, Pastor Davis reflects on Psalm 131 and the struggle many people face with anxiety, restlessness, and the pressure to control life. Using the image of a weaned child resting peacefully with its mother, he explains that true peace comes when we stop trying to carry burdens that belong to God alone. Pastor Davis shares personally and compassionately, acknowledging how anxiety can shape daily life and even speaking openly about the value of Biblical counseling in his own journey toward healing. He challenges listeners to examine where pride, fear of the future, social media, or endless striving may be pulling their hearts away from simple trust in God. Throughout the sermon, he points people toward Jesus, reminding them that Christ willingly carried humanity's anxieties through His suffering and death. We are ultimately encouraged to experience God's simplicity, presence, and security, finding lasting hope and rest in Him.

What does it really mean to labor in and with the Lord? This week, we'll explore how faithful labor isn't just about effort—it's about alignment. God calls His people to keep His commands, to live with deep conviction rooted in who He is, and to embrace the good constraints He places on our lives.Looking at Jonathan's bold faith in 1 Samuel 14, we'll see that true conviction flows from a big view of God and leads to courageous obedience—not for our glory, but as vessels of His power. At the same time, we'll consider how honoring God's boundaries isn't limiting, but actually the pathway to greater fruitfulness.Join us as we reflect on where God may be calling us to renewed obedience, deeper trust, and faithful endurance in laboring with Him.

In this message from Luke 10:38–42, Ted Sinn explores the story of Mary and Martha, revealing that the issue is not choosing rest over service, but understanding the heart behind our actions. When service flows from a desire to earn God's approval, it leads to anxiety, resentment, and burnout. But when rooted in the gospel, it becomes joyful and life-giving. The sermon highlights how regular time in God's Word is the antidote to “works righteousness,” reminding us that we are fully accepted in Christ and freeing us to serve from a place of grace rather than striving.Ted Sinn is a trusted friend, mentor, and ministry partner to Autumn Ridge Community Church. As the founder of Iconicity, he has helped equip leaders and shape the church's discipleship culture, especially through the Seeing Jesus Together Journal used in groups and personal study. His relationship with the church goes back to 2019, when he led a church planting cohort that helped guide its early formation. Over the years, Ted has continued to invest in the church by training leaders and encouraging spiritual growth, making a lasting impact on its vision, health, and commitment to knowing and following Jesus.

Although Christians speak often about the Holy Spirit, many do not understand the nature of His work. On the heels of celebrating believer's baptisms, Pastor Davis explores 1 Samuel 9-10 to show what it means for the Holy Spirit to give Saul “a new heart.” This sermon highlights the complete sovereignty of God, the complete transformation which the Holy Spirit works in believers' lives, and the complete salvation which Jesus provides.

Easter is celebrated every year - but does it give us new hope or change the way we live? Join Pastor Davis in this study of Ephesians 2:1-10, which was preached for Autumn Ridge Community Church (Ellijay, GA) on Easter Sunday, 2026. See how Christ's resurrection changes everything for us - not only "one day", but also, "today!"

We generally think about independence and self-autonomy as good things, but the Bible teaches that reliance upon self is synonymous with a rejection of the Lord's rule. In this sermon, Pastor Davis explores 1 Samuel 8, Zechariah 9:9-17, and John 12:12-19 to highlight the enslavement which results from refusing the Lord as our True King. The good news is that Jesus, on Palm Sunday, proved that he is the Better King we need, and he is faithful to restore us to both the authority and blessings of God. Enjoy “Palm Sunday: The Lord Himself is Our King” from Autumn Ridge Community Church in Ellijay, GA.

1 Samuel 7:1-17 teaches God's us that repentance involves turning TO the Lord and AWAY from our sin. The good news of this chapter is that, as damaging as sin can be, through repentance, the Lord can restore what sin has robbed! Listen to Pastor Davis Lacey preach about repenting and remembering in this sermon from Autumn Ridge Community Church. 

This week, we see that The Lord is worthy of our devotion! Because he is SUPREME, because he is FAITHFUL, and because he is HOLY.

1 Samuel 3 teaches that God establishes his presence with his people through his word. In this sermon, Pastor Davis teaches the story about Samuel's call from the Lord, as well as how we are to respond to that call, today (by following Jesus, by enjoying the Scriptures, and by proclaiming the word of God to others!)

"Church hurt" is prevalent today, but it is not new to today. 1 Samuel 2:11-36 tells the story of incompetent, unqualified, and even abusive spiritual authority figures. Despite these bleak realities, God shows himself to be faithful, and introduces us to Jesus: the true and better spiritual authority. Listen to this sermon to understand what these truths mean for us, today!

1 Samuel 1:1 - 2:11 introduces the main message of the Books of 1 and 2 Samuel. Human authorities are servants (of God, to God's people) - but they are not saviors. Even in reading the exploits of Saul and David, these Books awaken in the reader the hope of a better King. Join Pastor Davis as we are introduced to the hope of a better King - the Lord himself - who provides better, who speaks better, and who rules better than finite human authorities. 

We live in an age in which podcasts, videos, and livestreams deliver "church content" to people on-demand and at any location in the world. Is gathering for worship still relevant and necessary?In this sermon, Pastor Davis Lacey focuses on explaining Hebrews 10:19-25. Listen to learn how God the Father commands worship gatherings, God the Son bought worship gatherings, and God the Spirit uses worship gatherings to train Christ's people to learn, love, and live out the Gospel. 

Listen along as we continue our Ridgelines 2026 series. This Sunday we look at how change happens in us when we see Membership as Mission at Autumn Ridge Community Church.

Listen along as we continue our Ridgelines 2026 series. This Sunday we look at how change happens in us when we see live out the Gospel in Missional Communities at Autumn Ridge Community Church.NOTE: Due to recording issues, the scripture reading is not present this week and the sound quality is diminished. We apologize and will be back on track next week!

Listen along as we continue our Ridgelines 2026 series. This Sunday we look at how change happens in us when we see Jesus in Scripture with one another.

Listen along as we begin our Ridgelines 2026 series. This Sunday we look at, "What does it Mean to Follow Jesus?"

This week, guest speaker Bryan Bogue preaches a message titled, "Worth the Wait."

As we enter the fourth week of Advent, the focus shifts to Love. Listen along as we hear about, "Love (defined by Jesus)."

Listen to this week's message as we hear about the HOPE of Jesus' second coming.

Don't miss this weeks message as we see that, "The Lord is the Source of Joy!"

This week, we begin our new Advent series, "The Grace of God has Appeared."

Hear the good news of Mark 15:42-16:8 as Pastor Davis preaches, "Jesus is Buried (But Not For Long!)".

Listen along as we hear from guest speaker Kyle Wade. He comes this week with a message titled, "The Risk of Misunderstanding Jesus" from Mark 15:21-41.

This week, Pastor Davis preached about, "The King of the World who Died for the World" from Mark 15:1-20.

This week we hear about, "Grace for Faithless Followers" from Mark 14:66-72.

This week, we continue through the book of Mark by studying chapter 14:53-65.

This week, Pastor Davis preaches, "The Spirit is Willing, The Flesh is Weak" from Mark 14:26-52.

This week, Pastor Davis preaches on, "The True and Better Passover" from Mark 14:12-25.

This week, Pastor Davis preached a message titled, "Finite Offerings, Infinite Savior." Listen to find out what Mark 14:1-11 has to say.

This Sunday, we take a break from our series through Mark to hear a message titled, "I Will Restore". John Colburn expounds on the hope that we have, even when things are bleak.

This week, Pastor Davis preached a message titled "Stay Awake!", as we studied Mark 13.

This week, we continue through Mark as we hear about, "The Greatest Commandment(s)."

This week, we hear a message from Mark 12:13-17 on, "Image and Belonging".

This week in Mark 10:32-52 we hear about, "Jesus: Son of Man, Son of David".

This week, we dive back in to our series through the book of Mark. In this particular sermon we see what God has to teach us on wealth and worship from Mark 10:13-31.

This week, Pastor Davis preached, "The Stressed Life, or The Blessed Life" from Psalm 1.

This week, we hear a message titled, "Give Peace Chance" based on Philippians 4:1-9.

This week, we hear about "Pressing On", from Philippians 3:12-21.

This week, we continue through Philippians as we study Philippians 3:1-11.

This week, we continue our Summer of Joy series by taking a look at Philippians 2:19-30.