Podcasts about pastor rich

Welcome to the audio podcast of Generation Church, led by Pastor Rich and Tina Romero. Our hope is that these messages give you hope, faith and encouragement throughout the week. To learn more about Generation Church: Visit us online: https://mygeneration.cc Contact us: https://mygeneration.cc/contact Interact with us: If you made a decision to follow Jesus, text "Established" to 970-00

On the first day of the Ambassador Summit 2025, Pastor Rich Jones met with Dr. Matthew Dodd at the Nova Festival Site, the tragic location where Hamas terrorists took the lives of 400 young men and women and held over 40 others hostage. In this poignant podcast, Pastor Rich and Dr. Dodd share their reflections on the heinous crimes against humanity that unfolded at Nova on October 7, 2023.Visit the Blessors of Israel Website: https://www.blessors.org/ Thank you for supporting Blessors of Israel. Donate Online: https://blessors.org/donate/Please Subscribe and Like our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUfbl_rf8O_uwKrfzCh04jgSubscribe to our ⁠Spotify Channel⁠: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/blessorsofisrael Subscribe to our Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/blessors-of-israedl/id1699662615Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BlessorsofIsrael/Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlessorsIGettr: https://gettr.com/i/blessorsofisrael Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/c-1670015Thank you for watching. Please like and share this video.We would love to hear your comments.Those who bless Israel will be blessed (Genesis 12:3).Pastor Rich JonesPastor Matthew DoddDr. Matthew DoddRich Jones Blessors of IsraelMatthew Dodd Blessors of IsraelBlessors of IsraelBlessers of IsraelTags:Pastor Rich JonesPastor Matthew DoddRich JonesDr. Matthew DoddRich Jones, Blessors of Israel, Rich Jones, Blessers of Israel, Matthew Dodd, Blessors of Israel, Matthew Dodd, Blessers of Israel, Blessers of Israel, Blessors of Israel, Two-State Solution, Palestine, Modern Palestinian Problem, Israel, Jesus Christ, Anti-Semitism, Prophecy Update, End Times Prophecy, Latter Days, Bible Prophecy, The Great Tribulation, Hamas, Gaza Strip, Terrorism, Hezbollah, Iran, Russia, Persia, Gog and Magog, BRICS, China, CCP, Persia, Iran, Turkey, Russia, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, India, Yahya Sinwar, Nasrallah, Ismail Haniyeh, Deif, United Nations, Terrorism, Antisemitism, Syria, Bashar al Assad, HTS, Damascus, Mount Hermon, Erdogan, Netanyahu, Trump, Putin, Ceasefire, Hostages, al Jolani, al Sharaa, Holocaust Day of Remembrance, China, Egypt, Iran Nuclear Deal, Trump, War, WWIII, Hamas, Anti-Semitism, October 7, 2023, Trump's 20-Point Peace Plan, Qatar, Egypt, Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas, Erdogan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Hostages, Nova Festival Site, Friends of Zion

God did not abandon Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah to Babylon. He sent them there as seeds of awakening in a hostile culture. In the same way, we are called to live in a city that offers power and indulgence without letting those offers weaken our convictions. From Daniel 4, we saw Daniel honor a wicked king, Nebuchadnezzar, proving that real holiness refuses compromise and also refuses hatred. Rich reminded us that we are leaders in every sphere we occupy and that God calls us to combine excellence with anointing, using both natural diligence and supernatural wisdom. He connected this to 1 Timothy 4, urging us to steward our gifts and live as examples of faith and purity. We were reminded through Daniel 2 and Psalm 75 that promotion comes from God, not from bowing to cultural idols. A life of excellence and Spirit-led obedience becomes our witness across NYC. Influence also requires proximity, which means learning to love and pray for the “Nebuchadnezzars” around us. The call is to become a Daniel company in this city, drawing clear lines of conviction and revealing Christ where pressure is greatest.   Listen in now to hear Life Center Church's latest Sunday message from Pastor Rich.   ⛪️ Connect with us ⛪️  https://www.lifecenternyc.com/ https://www.instagram.com/lifecenternyc/  

In the message, “IF THERE'S A WILL, THERE'S A WAY,” Pastor Rich Whitter walks us through Hebrews 10:1–18, a passage that makes one truth unmistakable: the old system could only remind us of our sin—it could never remove it. Year after year the same sacrifices were offered, but they could not perfect the worshiper. Then Christ stepped onto the scene.Pastor Rich highlights how Jesus came as the true and final offering. He didn't bring another sacrifice—He became the sacrifice. By doing the Father's will, He put an end to the old covenant system and established a new one. And through His single, once-for-all offering, He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. The Holy Spirit Himself testifies that God remembers our sins no more. Where forgiveness has been made complete, no more offering is needed.Christ's work isn't partial. It isn't ongoing. It is finished.This message calls us to walk in assurance, boldness, and worship—resting fully in the finished work of Jesus and living like people who truly believe their debt has been paid in full.We'd love to have you join us this Sunday at 9AM, 10:30AM, or 12PM. Come experience Christ-centered worship, a life-giving church community, and a place where you can grow.

This message marks the beginning of our four-week Advent series, "Waiting For Jesus." As we turn to Psalm 130, we reflect on what it means to be a people who wait on the Lord with hope and expectancy. Like the watchman longing for the first light of dawn, we'll consider how God shapes us in the waiting and invites us to trust His unfailing promises. Scripture Referenced: Psalm 130

In the kickoff message of our brand-new Christmas series, Golden Christmas, Pastor Rich reminds us of one of the most powerful and hope-filled names ever spoken about Jesus: Emmanuel — God With Us.

The holidays often feel like a marathon, as we dash from one event, errand, or party to another. In the busyness, it's easy to neglect what really matters: reflecting on the glory of Jesus. Pastor Rich Villodas shares from his book, "Waiting for Jesus: An Advent Invitation to Prayer and Renewal."  Waiting on God by Andrew Murray Originally aired November 24, 2025 Check out Susie's new podcast God Impressions on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts! Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: click here

Welcome to the audio podcast of Generation Church, led by Pastor Rich and Tina Romero. Our hope is that these messages give you hope, faith and encouragement throughout the week. To learn more about Generation Church: Visit us online: https://mygeneration.cc Contact us: https://mygeneration.cc/contact Interact with us: If you made a decision to follow Jesus, text "Established" to 970-00

In the message, “IT IS NECESSARY,” Pastor Rich Whitter unpacks Hebrews 9:12–28, a passage that drives home the unshakeable truth that Christ's sacrifice wasn't optional—it was essential. Pastor Rich highlights how the old covenant required repeated offerings, but Jesus entered the heavenly sanctuary once for all, securing eternal redemption through His own blood. The writer of Hebrews reminds us that without the shedding of blood, there is no forgiveness, and Jesus fulfilled this requirement perfectly. His death was necessary, His resurrection victorious, and His return certain.This message calls us to live with gratitude, confidence, and expectation—knowing that our salvation rests on the finished work of Christ alone.We'd love to have you join us in person this Sunday at 9AM, 10:30AM, or 12PM. Come experience worship, community, and a place to grow.

The holidays often feel like a marathon, as we dash from one event, errand, or party to another. In the busyness, it's easy to neglect what really matters: reflecting on the glory of Jesus. Pastor Rich Villodas shares from his book, "Waiting for Jesus: An Advent Invitation to Prayer and Renewal."  Waiting on God by Andrew Murray Check out Susie's new podcast God Impressions on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts! Faith Radio podcasts are made possible by your support. Give now: click here

Welcome to the audio podcast of Generation Church, led by Pastor Rich and Tina Romero. Our hope is that these messages give you hope, faith and encouragement throughout the week. To learn more about Generation Church: Visit us online: https://mygeneration.cc Contact us: https://mygeneration.cc/contact Interact with us: If you made a decision to follow Jesus, text "Established" to 970-00

During our Thanksgiving service, Pastor Rich shared a message on gratitude, and New Lifers shared stories of gratitude and hope. Scripture Referenced: Mark 5:18-20

This weekend at Crossroads, Pastor Rich takes us into the final chapter of the Book of Acts—but reminds us that the story isn't finished. As we wrap up Acts 28, we discover that God's mission for His people continues through us today.

Introduction: Get a Grip! (1 Corinthians 3:18–23) You are not as wise as YOU THINK YOU ARE. (1 Cor 3:18–20) You are not lacking IN ANYTHING. (1 Cor 3:21–23) John 17:3 - And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent. Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Small Group DiscussionRead 1 Corinthians 3:18-23What was your big take-away from this passage / message?In what way do you need to “get a grip” on reality in this season of life? What lies about God, yourself, and others are you tempted to believe?What does it look like to be wise according to worldly standards? How do you see yourself falling into worldly wisdom right now?What does Paul mean by “all things are yours”? How should this truth change your thinking and living? BreakoutPray for one another. AUDIO TRANSCRIPT 1 Corinthians chapter 3 verses 18 through 23.As Pastor Jeff admitted in a sermon a few weeks ago, we try to stay up to date on thelatest lingo since we worked with the youth group.Emphasis on try because new and nonsensical words and phrases seem to be invented on adaily basis.New slang always sounds ridiculous to older generations, even though your slang wasn'tthat much better back in the day either.Do you ever wish a certain slang word or phrase stuck around a bit longer than it had thatcaught on a bit more?I know I miss saying things like big whoop or cool beans or I'm disgusted by something.Gag me with a spoon or when someone says something really obvious I say no duh or how about wheneversomeone's annoying me I lift up my hand and say talk to the hand because the face ain'tlistening.Another one of my favorites someone asked you to do something that you really don't wantto do.Yeah let's not and say we did.But you know which phrase I miss the most?It's somewhat said today but not nearly as much as it used to be.Get a grip.Who's ever said that or heard that at some point?Get a grip.You say get a grip when someone is being unreasonable and is in desperate need of a reality check.This person believes something that is not true and this bad belief leads to a bad action.It leads to an overreaction.This person needs to let go of the lies that he or she is believing.This person needs to get a grip on reality.In 1 Corinthians chapter 3 verses 18 through 23 Paul gives the Corinthians a much neededreality check.He tells them to get a grip because they are believing some things that are not true andthese bad beliefs are leading to bad decisions, erratic actions and massive overreactions.They are tearing the church apart with their selfish pride, with their worldly thinkingand their destructive division.The unity and purity of the Corinthian church cannot be promoted and maintained until theyget a grip on some essential truths from God's Word.Yeah we've been studying 1 Corinthians for almost two months now.Now let's be honest.As you read this book, as you listen to these sermons, it's really easy to look down onthe Corinthians, isn't it?It's easy to think, "Oh man, these people are insane.They're just wackos.Go get them Paul.They really need to talk into."What if you are more like the Corinthians than you think?What if you are believing some things that are not true?What if you are making some bad decisions right now?What if you are negatively affecting your family, your coworkers and this church?What if you need to get a grip?All of us, myself included, need to be grabbed by the shoulders and shaken back into realitybecause we all tend to live in a fantasy world of our own making.A fantasy world of lies, excuses and self-justification.You and I need the same exact reminders that Paul gives the Corinthians in this passagethat we're about to read because you know what?We're far more like them than we care to admit.You and I need to get a grip and remember some essential facts from God's Word.So before we get a grip, let's go to the Lord and ask that He would get a grip on us.Please pray for me that I will faithfully proclaim God's Word and I will pray for youthat you will faithfully receive it.Father, it's so easy to come into this room every Sunday and just pretend.Just to go through the motions, to put on a show where I pray against all of those things.I pray against pretending.I pray against stuffing down what we're really dealing with.I pray against hiding our sin.This morning we asked that you would reveal what we struggle with.You would reveal the sins that we need to deal with by your grace.I pray you'd help us to deal with these things in a biblical way.We ask all these things in Jesus' name.Amen.Get a grip.You are not as wise as you think you are.That's the first blank on your outline.Get a grip.You are not as wise as you think you are.Let's read chapter 3 verses 18 through 20.The apostle Paul writes, "Let no one deceive himself.If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that hemay become wise.For the wisdom of this world is folly with God.For it is written, 'He catches the wise in their craftiness.'And again, the Lord knows the thoughts of the wise that they are futile."Have you ever noticed that people who are the most confident tend to be the least competent?The most confident tend to be the least competent.That guy who praises his own handiness and fixes everything at home tends to make a lotof obvious mistakes.He does stuff around his house that no one would hire him to do around their house.That woman who praises her driving tends to be a really bad driver herself.She's looking down at her phone while she's driving.She's applying makeup.She's running red lights.She's not using turn signals when she's going through lanes.That guy who talks a big game in the golf cart tends to have zero game when he's drivingor putting.Or how about that person who says, "Yeah, I'm really calm under pressure."And then when something bad actually happens, they're just totally manic and panicked.And all of these examples overconfidence causes someone to overestimate his or her ability.And that is what Paul is talking about in these verses.A human sense of confidence in yourself makes you incompetent when it comes to spiritualmatters.Those who think they are wise by worldly standards are foolish by heavenly standards.They may appear to be brilliant in the eyes of the world, but what are they in the eyesof God?Stupid, dumb, foolish.When you're impressed with your own wisdom, you become a fool.And that rule is without exception in Scripture.Paul is crystal clear on this.He quotes the book of Job in Psalm 94 when he says, "God catches the wise in their craftinessand again the Lord knows the thoughts of the wise that they are futile."And earlier he says, "The wisdom of this world is folly with God."You cannot outsmart God.You cannot trick Him.If you try, He will beat you at your own game.And again, we see this all throughout Scripture.Here are just two examples that spring to the top of my mind.In the book of Esther, Haman hatches a scheme to kill God's people and to hang his enemyMordecai on gallows that he had specially made.How did that turn out for Haman?Anyone remember?He ends up hung on the gallows that he had made for Mordecai.Yeah, not great as Pastor Jeff said.What about King Absalom?Well, he tried to be king.Didn't really work out for him.He rebelled against his father.He had this long, beautiful hair like Fabio that he really prided himself in.He tried to steal his father's throne.How did that go for him?He ended up caught in a tree branch by his own prided hair with three spears throughhis heart.He ended up as a human pincushion.Both men thought they were smart, but God caught them in their craftiness.They were both competent.Actually, they were confident in their own competence, but they ended up being incompetent.They had their own thoughts and plans that were proven to be useless by God.They were not as wise as they thought they were.Are you confident in your own competence right now?Are you trying to outsmart God?Are you trusting in your own human wisdom?Your own faulty understanding.You know exactly what God thinks about that sin you're indulging in, but you think thatyou can escape the consequences.And without even realizing it, you are bearing the consequences of your repeated and unrepentantdisobedience.You are dulling your conscience.You are pushing down the conviction of the Holy Spirit.You are pushing away faithful friends because you don't want to be found out.You know exactly what God thinks about giving of your time and treasure to the church andthose who are in need.But again, you think those rules don't really apply to you because your schedule is waytoo busy.Your bills are way too high.Your stress is off the chart, so you can't do those things.You know exactly what God thinks about your need to humble yourself and submit to others.But once again, that doesn't really apply to you because you're always right and thoseother people are always wrong.I mean, yeah, sure.Unity and all that jazz is really important, but you're the only one who really knows whatyou're doing.So if you don't get your way, everything's just going to fall apart, right?You know exactly what God thinks about how you should treat fellow believers and handleconflict in the church.But surprise, surprise, once again, you're a special case.You have been too mistreated to talk it out.You have been too hurt to forgive.Please stop elevating your importance because you will be humbled if you don't.Stop thinking that you can outsmart God because you will get caught in a trap of your ownmaking.Stop highlighting your wisdom because you are simply shining a spotlight onto your foolishness.You become a fool by thinking that you're wise.You may be wondering, okay, so how do I actually become wise?Well, Paul gives us a very simple answer in verse 18.Look at that again.He says, "If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a foolthat he may become wise."You become wise by submitting yourself to what the culture around you thinks is foolish.You willingly swallow the pill that most people willfully spit out in God's face.You passionately believe that God not only knows better than you, he knows what is bestin any and every circumstance.You sit under the authority of God's word rather than standing in authority above it.You care way more about the never-changing commands of God than your ever-changing opinions.You are far more concerned with meeting the needs of others than satisfying your own personalpreferences.Do you know what the greatest threat to harvest Bible Chapel is?It's not ungodly politicians.It's not ungodly public policies.It's not other religions.It's not persecution of Christianity.It's not even social media or secular entertainment.The greatest threat to this church is you.The greatest threat to this church is me.The greatest threat is you and I thinking that we know best.You and I insisting it's my way or the highway.That leads to stiff-arming one another.That leads to division.That leads to disunity.Do you know what the greatest unifier in the church is?A mutual agreement that God knows best and we don't.A mutual submission to the Word of God.A mutual agreement that we will do whatever the Bible says in regards to every subject,every issue, every problem.When a financial issue arises in this church, we deal with it in a biblical way.When gossip is being shared, we deal with it in a biblical way.When disagreement breaks out in a small group, we deal with it in a biblical way.When problems arise with the building project, we deal with it in a biblical way.How does that biblical plan sound to you?Are you on board with that?Are you willing to go down that path and do whatever this book says?Let me warn you, it's not going to be easy.If you are committed to that, you have to lay aside your temptation to show off, to proveyourself.You have to be unwaveringly committed to obeying the Word of God, even when it hurts, evenwhen it's hard, even when it smashes your ego to pieces and it will.You need to stop saying, "I think, I think, I think," it starts declaring the Bible says,the Bible says, the Bible says.As Pastor Jeff said a few weeks ago, what you think doesn't really matter.What God commands is of supreme importance.You need to stop deceiving yourself.You need to get a grip.Get a grip because you're not as wise as you think you are.Please do not resist this reality check because it is so freeing to admit that you don't haveall the answers.What God does.Get a grip.You are not as wise as you think you are.Get a grip.You are not lacking in anything.You are not lacking in anything.We've already seen that this unity and Corinth cannot be solved until all the members ofthe church put aside their pride and stop deceiving themselves.Each person must have an accurate understanding of himself or herself.But that's not enough.Each person must have an accurate understanding of others, especially those who were leaders.Paul talks about this at the beginning of verse 21, "So let no one boast in men."For the third time in this letter, Paul is talking about the favoritism controversy inCorinth.Some think that Paul is the best pastor around.Others believe that Peter is the goat of the apostles.Most believe that Apollos is the MVP of preaching and teaching.At this point in the series, you may be thinking, "Why do we keep talking about this over andover again?I get that this favoritism thing is bad, but why is it such a big deal to Paul?"Well, imagine it with me this way.Imagine that all the seating sections in this church are dedicated to one of the pastorson staff and his specific groupies.On the left side is Pastor Jeff's section.You all sit there.Are you guys the best section?I guess you can prove my point for me.On this section, you sit here because you love Pastor Jeff's conversational preachingstyle.You love his sense of humor.And to show your support, you eat funyons.You wear bright neon shoes.You hold up "I hate Mayo" signs.The middle section is Pastor Rich's section.He's not here right now, so we won't give him a big head today.I guess he has the most people.You sit there because you're enthralled by Pastor Rich's intelligence and his in-depthknowledge of God's word.And to show your support, you tell puns.You drink kombucha and you garden in your spare time.And the right side is my section.For the life of me, I can't figure out why you're all sitting over there.Over lunch, you can decide why you're sitting there and what you would do to celebrate mebecause I have literally no idea.Let me ask you, what's the problem with that seating chart?The church is literally and metaphorically divided.One section is boasting in Pastor Jeff, another is boasting in Pastor Rich, and a third isboasting in me.In that scenario, who is not being boasted in?God, the only one who is worthy of our boasting.God deserves the praise, not the leaders he put into place.Leaders are a window and God is the view that you see through the window.When you are watching a beautiful sunset from inside your house, you don't praise how cleanand efficient the window is that you're glimpsing through.You praise what you're getting a glimpse of.Godly leaders are a blessing, but God is the source of that blessing.Only leaders are a gift, but God is the ultimate giver.You need to have an accurate understanding of yourself.You need to have an accurate understanding of others.You also need to have an accurate understanding of all God has given you in Christ.Paul talks about this at the end of verse 21 and in verse 22.He writes, "For all things are yours, whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world orlife or death or the present or the future, all are yours and you are Christ and Christis God."That statement is absolutely staggering.I could preach a series for an entire year just on that one statement.There is so much to unpack here, so let's just slow it down and take a small bite ata time so we can savor all the flavor in this passage.For all things are yours.Maybe you don't feel like you have very much.When you pull up your bank accounts, your retirement accounts, you're not really happywith the numbers that you see.Your house is way smaller than you would prefer.Your car has way more miles and way more issues than you would like.When you compare yourself to others on social media, it really seems like very little isactually yours.But that couldn't be any further from the truth according to the apostle Paul.The poorest Christian is wealthier than the richest non-Christian.Jeff Bezos may be one of the most successful businessmen in the entire world.As of this morning when I checked, he is worth $235 billion, far more than all of us if wecombined our net worths.Let me ask you, does Jeff Bezos own all things?No.Elon Musk, he owns X, Tesla, and he's even taking on space now, I guess.As of this morning, he has a net worth of $460 billion.Because even Elon Musk owns all things.He's not even close to owning all things.If you have trusted in Christ, you are far better off than either of these men who seemto be so far beyond you.All things are not theirs, but all things are yours.You may be wondering, "Okay, Taylor, I believe you because the Bible says so, but I justdon't get it."Well, let me show you because Paul gives us a detailed list of everything that belongsto you and belongs to me.First up, Paul or Apollos or Cethus.As they already said, all three of these men are gifts to be appreciated by the Corinthians.Each man serves, each man gives something that is unique to the church.And the same can be said for the pastors and elders here.We are here to glorify God by serving you.We are here to obey God by equipping you for the work of the ministry.The pastors and elders at harvest belong to you.We are here for you.And the same is true for every godly leader who pours himself or herself into your lifeand other avenues of life.Why play favorites when all of us are here to bless you and increase your spiritual health?It's like being gifted a house, only utilizing one of the rooms and blocking off the rest.Instead of doing that, enjoy the entire house.The kitchen can do things that your basement cannot.The closet provide a function that your dining room doesn't.Each room has a place and function in the house.In a much greater way, each leader, pastor, and elder in the church has a place or a function.Next up, the world.One day Jesus Christ will return to rule and reign over this earth.And do you know according to Scripture, you will rule and reign along with Him?How's that going to look?How's that going to work?I have no idea, but it sounds awesome.This may be a shock for you to hear, but there are a lot of ungodly people in authorityand power right now.When you notice, a lot of ungodly people are in charge of communities, cities, and countriesacross the face of this planet.And it may seem like they have more power than you do.But again, does the world belong to those ungodly leaders?Does the world belong to you?Yes.But once again, you have far more.All our apostles are seephis the world, life or death.When you trust in Christ's perfect life, His finished work on the cross, and His victoriousresurrection, you are given eternal life.And as Pastor Jeff often says, eternal life isn't just something you'll experience.Someday eternal life is something you experience right now.Jesus makes this clear in John 17.3.And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whomyou have sent.You have God as your Father.You have Jesus Christ as your personal friend, both now and forever.You no longer need to fear death because Jesus took the hell that you deserve upon Himself.Death can no longer lead you away from God.It can only lead you closer to God.For a believer, death is a homecoming.The present or the future.Once again, maybe your present doesn't seem very good right now.Maybe your present is a place you don't really want to be.But recognize every gift that you have is from the hand of God.Your friends, your spouse, your kids, your church, the clothes on your back, the foodin your stomach, even the difficult circumstances in your life are used by God to mold you intothe image of Jesus Christ.Every difficulty, every pain, every sickness is used to make you more like Him.God loves you like His own Son.But the Bible tells us that God not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all.We also will have to go through hard times.We will also struggle.One day the pain of this world will give way to the glories of heaven.Please know your God is so good to you right now.Because your appreciation of His goodness will exponentially increase in the futurewhen you stand in His presence.Finally, Paul provides a summary statement of what has been given to every Christian.All are yours, and you are Christ, and Christ is God's.Doesn't this statement kind of sound like one of those complex word problems on a mathtest or on the SATs?So break it down, understand it, let's reverse the logic of this text.Because this is an awesome math equation that adds up to an infinite sum.What does God own?I'm going to try that again.What does God own?Who is God's Son?If you were a believer, who do you belong to?Jesus.Therefore, if you belong to Christ, what belongs to you?Everything.I usually hate math, that's math even I can get behind.You own all that God has.You own literally everything.Your net worth cannot be calculated.You and I so often get sidetracked for our desire for more and more and more of whatthis culture has to offer.We get obsessed with accumulating more stuff that we cannot even take with us when we die.You and I lose touch with the spiritual realities of this text.You can lose track of all that has been given to you in Christ.You can grumble.You can complain.You can act ungrateful.There are some Saturdays where Kate and I pull out all the stops for the kids.We have a great breakfast.We go to the park.We go see a movie so they can stuff their face with popcorn, icees, and candy.We come back with them ride bikes.We round out the day with a delicious dinner.But then one of my kids is sulking, walking around upset.And I'll ask Sam or Amy, "What's wrong?"And one of them will respond by saying, "Oh, I'm just having a hard day."And I'm just blown away by that response."How in the world are you having a hard day?"Well, you and mom are being mean to me and you didn't let me have the second pack ofpirate's booty that I wanted.Are you serious?We gave you everything today and you're belly aching about one small thing that you don'teven need.In those moments, I want to give my kids a reality check.I want to give them a loud and clear message.Get a grip.You are so blessed.You are not lacking in anything.And Paul is giving you the same exact reality check.He is shaking you by the shoulders and saying, "You are so blessed.You are not lacking in anything.What do you want that you really need?"The answer is nothing, nothing.You may be struggling with your job or your roles as a stay-at-home mom, but you mustremember that you have been given the greatest calling of all, telling others about whatyou have received in Christ and what they can receive in Christ.You may feel lonely right now.You may feel isolated like no one cares about you.But you must remember that Jesus has gifted you with the Holy Spirit who lives insideof you and he will never leave you or forsake you.You may have a very broken and dysfunctional family or come from a very broken and dysfunctionalfamily, but you must remember that the Lord himself has taken you in and he has givenyou brothers and sisters in Christ who love you.You may not like your house very much.You may think it's the worst house on the block, but you must remember that Jesus himselfis preparing a place for you in heaven.You may not receive the biggest inheritance from your family, but as you read earlierin Romans, you are an heir of God and a fellow heir of Jesus Christ.You may feel cursed right now when life is hard and it's just one thing after another,but you must remember that you have been blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenlyplaces.Get a grip.You are not lacking in anything.If you choose to get a grip and remember these essential reminders, you will experiencea sense of joy like you've never known before.You will stop trying to build up more and more stuff and accumulate a kingdom for yourself.You will no longer be envious of what other people have because you are content with whatyou have.You will enjoy true unity in the life of the church because you're no longer in competitionwith other believers.Yes, all things are yours in Christ, but all things are also theirs in Christ.You own what they own and they own what you own.God doesn't play favorites with His children.We're all on the same equal footing.In the body of Christ, we all own all things.For most of this message I've been speaking to Christians, those who are Christ.I know there are people in this room who are not Christians, who are not Christ.I want to talk to you for a minute.First of all, I want to let you know that I'm so glad that you're here.It's my greatest desire that God would get a grip on you so that you can get a grip onthe reality of your situation.No matter how much you think you have, you have nothing that lasts.All things are not yours.But I have great news for you.Jesus offers you all of Himself.He offers you all that belongs to Him.And to receive it, you must let go of the garbage of this culture that you're holdingonto so you can grab ahold of His infinite riches.Come to Him empty-handed.Come to Him asking for forgiveness.Come to Him admitting your need for His grace.Why settle for nothing, both now and forever, if you can have all things for the rest ofeternity?The worship team can now make their way forward.You ever since childhood have had to deal with night terrors.I have very vivid dreams where I think things are not true and see things are not there.And this crazy thinking leads to some crazy behavior.I'll yell things out.I'll walk around the room.I'll even jump on the bed.Then all of a sudden, I'm snapped back to reality.I come to my senses.And every single time I feel so foolish.I think to myself, "How could I have thought those things?How could I have done those things?Why did I act that way?How can I stop this from happening in the future?"Maybe the Holy Spirit has done something similar for you this morning.I hope He has snapped you back to reality so you can stop living in that fantasy world.I pray that He has caused you to come to your senses so you will stop believing the liesof the enemy.Brothers and sisters, let me just say this one final time with all the love and care Ihave in my heart for every single one of you.Get a grip.Get a grip.You are not as wise as you think you are.You are not lacking in anything.Until you get a grip, your relationship with God will not be as strong as it could be.Until you get a grip, harvest Bible chapel will not be as strong in unity and purityas it could be.Let's pray.Father, we come to You, and we all admit that we all struggle with believing things arenot true.We all struggle with an inflated opinion of ourselves.Even when we think very little of ourselves, we are still focused on self.We all admit that we so often complain and grumble about what we don't have, and we failto remember all that you have given us in Christ, which is everything.For those who are discouraged this morning, help them to walk out of here encouraged bythe truth of your word.By those who came in here hard-hearted, may they walk out soft-hearted, Lord.For those who came in with their arms crossed not wanting to listen, may they come out worshipingYou and glorifying You for all that You have done for them and all that You continue todo for them.Lord, we thank You for who You are.We thank You for what You've done, what You are doing, and what You will do.We ask all these things in Jesus' name.Amen.

Why does life feel dark, confusing, or empty at times? And what if the solution isn't a new habit or mindset—but a Person? Today, Pastor Rich will discuss Jesus' stunning claim in John 8:12-38, “I am the Light of the World.” What kind of light exposes truth, breaks the power of sin, and leads us into real freedom? What if following Jesus isn't about religion at all, but about stepping out of darkness and into life? If you're searching for clarity, hope, or freedom, this conversation will point you straight to the One who can give it.

In the message, “THE PRECIOUS BLOOD OF JESUS,” Pastor Rich Whitter teaches from Hebrews 9:6–12, highlighting the contrast between the old sacrificial system and the perfect, once-for-all sacrifice of Christ. Pastor Rich explains how the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies only once a year with the blood of animals but Jesus entered once for all, securing eternal redemption through His own precious blood. This passage reminds us that forgiveness, freedom, and access to God were purchased not by human effort, but by the spotless sacrifice of Christ Himself.We'd love to have you join us in person this Sunday at 9AM, 10:30AM, or 12PM come worship with us and grow deeper in your faith.

Welcome to the audio podcast of Generation Church, led by Pastor Rich and Tina Romero. Our hope is that these messages give you hope, faith and encouragement throughout the week. To learn more about Generation Church: Visit us online: https://mygeneration.cc Contact us: https://mygeneration.cc/contact Interact with us: If you made a decision to follow Jesus, text "Established" to 970-00

What does it mean to make room for something new? This message explores Jesus' teaching on wine and new wineskins in the Gospel of Mark, and how God invites us into a life of renewal and fresh possibilities. Scripture Referenced: Mark 2:18-22

In the message, “THE HOLY PACE,” Pastor Rich Whitter explores Hebrews 9:1–5, uncovering the rich symbolism of the tabernacle and its furnishings as a reflection of God's presence and holiness. Pastor Rich explains how each element—from the lampstand to the ark of the covenant—points to Christ as our true access to God. The message challenges believers to slow down, walk at God's pace, and live with reverence in His presence rather than rushing through faith on their own terms.We'd love to have you join us in person this Sunday at 9AM, 10:30AM, or 12PM — come encounter Jesus with us and grow deeper in your walk with Him.

What if you're not in this city by accident but by assignment? Daniel understood that before anyone tried to rename him, God had already purposed him. He settled his allegiance early and refused to let Babylon own his heart. He learned the system without being shaped by its idols. Ten times better in skill, unwavering in worship. And when excellence couldn't be attacked, his worship was. God met faithfulness in the fire and turned pressure into promotion. Lord, make us faithful in this city.   Listen in now to hear Life Center Church's latest Sunday message from Pastor Rich.   ⛪️ Connect with us ⛪️  https://www.lifecenternyc.com/ https://www.instagram.com/lifecenternyc/  

In this week's message, Pastor Rich and DawnCheré Wilkerson share the vision God has placed on their hearts for the next season of VOUS Church, a call to continue building for generations to come. This is Legacy Work. For more information on this year's vision, visit http://vouschurch.com/vision. 

Welcome to the audio podcast of Generation Church, led by Pastor Rich and Tina Romero. Our hope is that these messages give you hope, faith and encouragement throughout the week. To learn more about Generation Church: Visit us online: https://mygeneration.cc Contact us: https://mygeneration.cc/contact Interact with us: If you made a decision to follow Jesus, text "Established" to 970-00

This message continues our series through the Gospel of Mark. We explore a story where Jesus finds Himself among people of questionable reputation. Yet this scene is far more than a moment of social tension—it is deeply theological, revealing the heart of God's kingdom and what life looks like when grace welcomes sinners to the table. Scripture Referenced: Mark 2:13-17

Introduction: It's Time to Grow Up… (1 Corinthians 3:1–9) Because your childish THINKING holds you back. (1 Cor 3:1–2) Because your childish BEHAVIOR hurts others. (1 Cor 3:3) Because your childish FAVORITISM highlights man and not God. (1 Cor 3:4–8) Because your childish SELFISHNESS hides your identity. (1 Cor 3:9) God, help me to grow up. Today, I need to stop _______________________________________ and start _______________________________________. Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANKHint: Highlight blanks above for answers! Small Group DiscussionRead 1 Corinthians 3:1-9What was your big take-away from this passage / message?Why do so many Christians act like adult babies and why do so many churches pamper these adult babies? What is the solution to this problem?Define jealousy and strife. How do you see yourself being jealous or stirring up strife right now?According to Paul, why shouldn't there be any competition in the church?What identity does Paul assign to Christians in 1 Corinthians 3:9? How should this identity affect how you act and serve the church?BreakoutShare how you filled in the following blanks at the end of your outline: God, help me to grow up. Today, I need to stop _______________________________________ and start _______________________________________. Encourage and pray for one another. AUDIO TRANSCRIPT Turn your Bibles to 1 Corinthians chapter 3 verses 1 through 9.1 Corinthians chapter 3 verses 1 through 9.It's time to grow up.Have you ever thought that about someone else?You ever thought that about a neighbor, a coworker?Have you ever said that to someone else?To a friend, to a family member?And whenever you think or say that sentence, it always comes with a sense of frustration,a sense of disbelief that someone could be so immature, that someone could be so childish.I can distinctly remember a time where I thought and said that exact sentence.It's time to grow up.It was years ago as I was sick on the couch watching my favorite sick day show, Dr. Phil.And don't judge me for my favorite sick time show.You probably don't have one that's much better.Maybe it's helped me with counseling over the years. I don't really know.But I'll never forget this one particular episode as Dr. Phil interviewed a 24-year-old manwho considered himself 18 months old.He was an adult baby.He slept in a massive custom crib.He had customized onesies in his closet.He wore diapers and he ate baby food.And Dr. Phil asked him, "Do you think you'll ever grow past this age?"Is that decent? I've been working on that all week. Is that okay?My wife doesn't think it's really good, so I guess it's not.Pastor Jeff is encouraging me, though.And then Brett said, "I don't think so. I've done a lot of research.And this is the age that I feel, 18 months."I was so disturbed by Brett's delusions.I was so bothered by his contentment with never growing upand the unwillingness of his loved ones to call him out.As I was sick on that couch, I wanted to climb through the TVand join Dr. Phil in saying, "It's time to grow up."Do you know what's even sadder to me than Brett's childish behavior?The childish lifestyle of many Christians.Adult babies are in every church.Adult babies are men and women who are content to never grow up.Content to never mature.They are committed to staying right where they areand never making any progress.So many churches are content with pampering these adult babies,catering to their desires, and baby-proofing the Bibleto avoid any sharp edges or offensive truths.So many pastors are committed to playing along with people's delusionsrather than lovingly calling them out.Thankfully, the apostle Paul did not have that commitment.He had a much different commitment to the Corinthian church,who also had an adult baby problem.Paul was 100% committed to this church's unity and purity.He had no interest in playing along with their delusions.He was unwilling to clean up their toys,snap on their onesies, and tuck them into their adult cribs.He was unafraid to burst their bubble and to lovingly call them outbecause their behavior was unacceptable to Godand it was damaging to the entire church.Paul was bold in calling out the Corinthians and saying,"Okay, it's time to get your big boy pants on.It's time to grow up."And this message from Paul wasn't just for the Corinthiansalmost 2,000 years ago.This message from Paul is for Harvest Bible Chapel today.And I really don't want you to think,"Oh, man, I wish so-and-so was here.He or she really needs to grow up."Listen, that person isn't here, but you are.You really need to hear this word from the Lord.In some ways or in many ways, you need to grow up.I need to grow up.So before we continue any further, let's go to the Lord and ask for His help.Please pray for me that will faithfully proclaim God's wordand I will pray for you that you will faithfully receive it.Father, we just celebrated children in our church.Children are a gift. Children are a blessing.The Lord, when we as adults act like children, there's a huge problem.Lord, I admit to you that I can be an adult baby.I can be childish.And I know the same is true for every single person in this room.Help us to stop thinking that this is for somebody else.This is a word for each and every one of us.Maybe we'd walk out of this room as different peopleand we'd be put on the path to maturity.We ask and pray all these things in Jesus' name.Amen.It's time to grow up.Reason number one, because your child is thinking holds you back.Your child is thinking holds you back.In last week's passage, the Apostle Paul reminded usthat everyone who is in Christ has been given the mind of Christ.That sounds really awesome, doesn't it?But what in the world does that mean?What is the mind of Christ?God's Word.You have been given God's Word.You don't have to wonder what God thinks about anything.You don't have to wonder what God thinks about himself, salvation,or how you should live your life.He tells you in His Word.He not only gives you His Word,but He also gives you the Holy Spirit to help you understand this Wordand help you to understand how you apply it to your life.God doesn't tell you all that you could know,but He does tell you all that you need to know.Those who are spiritual are able to understand spiritual truths.Well, great. Thanks, Paul. I appreciate that.Here is a butt coming in chapter 3, verse 1.Listen to what Paul says."But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people,but as people of the flesh as infants in Christ."At first glance, it seems like Paul is sayingthat there are no Christians in Corinth.This church is only made up of unsaved peoplewho have no true life and no true relationship with God.But that's not what Paul is saying at all.There are true believers in Corinth,and there are two context clues in this versethat show us that Paul is talking to Corinthian Christians.First of all, Paul calls them brothers.Paul isn't Hulk Hogan. He isn't called everybody brother.That was just for Pastor Jeff.Paul only calls his spiritual siblings brothers and sisters.This is a term of affection.Paul isn't coming in hot saying,"Okay, idiots, time to shut up and grow up."That's not what he's doing.He's not putting them in a headlock and giving them noogiesuntil they do what he tells them to do.No, he's coming in with an arm around their shoulder.Brothers, sisters, I love you.You're my family. Jesus Christ loves you,but you're not acting like you love Jesus.You're not acting like Christians.You're not acting like you have the Holy Spirit within you.You are letting your sinful desires,you are letting your flesh control you.And secondly, Paul calls them by another name.Paul calls them infants in Christ.So they are in Christ.They are saved. Their sins have been forgiven,but they are stuck in their immaturity.They are standing still.And Paul is saying to them,"I want to have an adult conversation with you,but all you can do is goo goo, gaga, and spit up all over yourself."What is the proof of their baby-ness?Verse chapter 2 tells us it's their spiritual diet.Let's read verse 2."I fed you with milk, not solid food,for you were not ready for it,and even now you are not yet ready."When my kids were born,I didn't throw them a pizza party in the delivery room.I didn't try to serve them a hot slice of pizzawith extra cheese and pepperoni.Why not?Because they were not ready for it.Their systems couldn't handle that kind of meal.When we brought Sam and then years later,Emmy home from the hospital,I didn't try to force-feed them ribeye steak and corn on the cob.Again, why not?Because they could not handle it.They were not ready for it.Newborns cannot eat corn on the cob, pizza and steak.Newborns cannot eat solid food.Babies can only be nourished by milk.But that was years ago.Let's talk about now.Sam is six years old and Emmy is almost four.Should my kids be able to handle pizza, corn on the cob and steak now?Why is that?Because they're older.They should be ready for solid food.If they're not, there is something seriously wrong within themthat Kate and I should not ignore.The Corinthian church should be ready for the solid food of God's Word,but they're not.There is something seriously wrong within them that Paul cannot ignore.After years and years of being Christians,the Corinthians are still only drinking from the milk of the Bible basics.Their diet is way off because they have no desire to move forward.And to be clear, new believers do need the milk of the Bible basics.They do need the spiritual ABCs.God is holy, man is sinful.Jesus Christ came to die on the cross,and everyone who trusts in Him will be forgiven.Jesus loves me this I know for the...Yes, amen to all these truths.We do touch on these essentials every single week, don't we?These are the foundation of our faith.But do you agree there's way more to the story?There's way more to know.There's way more to learn.At the beginning of your spiritual life,you must be fed like a spiritual newborn.But as time goes on, your diet should progressso that you can progress,that you can grow in your faith and make improvements.I'm not a dietitian by any stretch of the imagination,but to grow big and strong physically,you need a certain calorie intake.You need to eat from a wide variety of food groups.To grow big and strong spiritually,you need to consume a significant amount of God's Word.You need to have a balanced understandingof the Old Testament and the New Testament.You shouldn't say, "You know what? That book isn't really for me."No, they're all for you.All 66 books of the Bible are essential for your growth.You should make the attempt to have a balanced understandingof the major topics of Scripture,the character and attributes of God,the person and work of Jesus Christ,sanctification, the church, end times,and on and on the list goes.As Paul says in 2 Timothy 3, verses 16 through 17,"All Scripture, not just some, not just most,all Scripture is breathed out by God,and profitable for teaching, for reproof,for correction, for training and righteousness,that the man of God may be complete,equipped for every good work."It takes the whole Bible to make you a whole person.You should have an appetite for the solid food of Scripture.Your knowledge of and your love for God's Wordshould increase day by day, week by week, month by month,year by year, and again, if it's not, there's a problem.Your desire to obey God's Word should increase over time.If you truly have the mind of Christ,you should love the thoughts of Christ.And the author of Hebrews explains the long-term side effectsof only drinking milk.He says this, "For though by this time you ought to be teachers,you need someone to teach you againthe basic principles of the oracles of God.You need milk, not solid food.For everyone who lives on milk is unskilledin the Word of righteousness since he is a child."I'm going to be very blunt for the next few minutes.I've been praying for this section of the sermon all week longbecause I want you to receive what I'm about to offerwith the intention I give it.This comes from love and concern.Some of you have only been drinking milk for years,and it shows.Some of you are still spiritual newbornsand not spiritual adults,even though you've followed Christ for years,maybe even decades.Some of you should be ready for the solid food of Scripture,but you're not.Some of you should be ready to teach the Bibleback in Harvest Academy, but you're not.Some of you should be able to pray in front of other believers,lead prayer groups to prayer services, but you're not.Some of you men should be elder qualified by nowand ready to help shepherd this flock and shoulderthe responsibility, but you're not.If I have described you on any level,please understand I'm not trying to scold you.I'm not trying to push you down like the Apostle Paul.I only have the desire to encourage you and to pull you uplike the Apostle Paul.I want to put a shoulder around you, brother, sister,God has so much more for you in store.If you'll just take a step forward and make progress by His grace.Don't stay where you are.Don't be content to always drink milk feast on this book.Do not be content to always swim in the shallow end of the gospelwith your floaties on.Dive in, explore, challenge yourself.Do not be content with riding with spiritual training wheelsyour entire life.Ask God to give you a sense of confidenceso that you can ride with confidenceand help other people to ride with confidence.Repent of your laziness.Turn from your apathy to the things of God.Ask the Lord to give you a greater hunger for His word,a greater motivation to run after holiness,a greater commitment to the strength of this church.After service, ask a pastor or elder to pray for you.Ask a mature member of this congregationor a godly friend to help you and to keep you accountable.It's time to grow up because your childish thinking holds you backfrom being who God has created you to beand doing what God has called you to do.It's time to grow up.Reason number two, because your childish behavior hurts others.Your childish behavior hurts others.Paul goes on to give another exampleof the Corinthian sinful immaturity in verse three."For you are still of the flesh.For while there is jealousy and strife among you,are you not of the fleshand behaving only in a human way?"Childish thinking always leads to childish behavior.And the childishness of the Corinthianscan be summed up in two words, jealousy and strife.Jealousy is a serious case of dissatisfactionwith what God has given to you.You deserve more.You deserve better.You deserve whatever you want.When you are jealous of what someone else has,you cannot be content with what you have.If you are jealous of someone else's success,you cannot celebrate that person's success.Strife is needless conflict.Strife leads to dumb divisionthat can and should be avoided.Jealousy is an attitude,and strife is the aftermath.Jealousy is the root,and strife is the result.No one needs to teach you how to be jealous.No one needs to show you how to create strife.These sins are inherent within each and every one of us.If you don't believe me,just go back to Harvest Academy for a few minutes.You will see jealousy and strife soonerrather than later.Why does Suzy have that toy in her eye?I hate Tommy and Joey because they never let me play with them.I'm not inviting Ruthie to my birthday partybecause she didn't invite Betty to hers.You may laugh at that,but the adults in the church are not much better than the kids, are they?Listen, you can be jealous.You.Maybe you are envious of someone else in this room.That person who has the marriage that you want.That parent who has more under control kids than you do.That person who seems to be more talented than you.You should be celebrating and rejoicingand God's good gifts to that brother or sister,but instead you resent them.And you want them to be knocked down a few pegs to feel how you feel.You can be jealous.You can cause strife and factions in the church.You have a serious bone to pick with the leadership at Harvest.Instead of coming to the elders directly, you start whispering.You start spreading misinformation.You start spreading rumors.You are offended by someone else.Instead of going to that person directly,you go to other people to recruit them to your side.And you may say, "Oh, I'm just doing this to warn people."No, you're not.You're doing this to the other people who will like you more than that person.Just be honest about it.Maybe you enjoy getting into fights.You enjoy making a big deal out of nothing.You lace up your boxing gloves and get into worthless, pointless battles with people.Are you jealous right now?Are you causing strife right now?If you are jealous, if you are stirring up trouble,you're just acting like an adult babyand not a mature son or daughter of God.If you are stirring up trouble, if you have sinned against someone else,it's time to swallow your pride and admit what you've done.Kids sweep things under the rug and ignore it.Adults expose sin and confess it.It's time to grow up because your childish behavior hurts others,especially the people you love.It's time to grow up.Reason number three, because your childish favoritism highlights man and not God.Because your childish favoritism highlights man and not God.Jealousy and strife at Corinth played out in a specific way,and it led to people playing favorites with specific leaders.Let's see what Paul has to say about this in verse 4.For when one says, "I follow Paul,"and another, "I follow Apollos," are you not being merely human?Pastor Jeff preached on this favoritism controversy a few weeks ago,but Paul talks about it again, so what are we going to do?We're going to talk about it again.Paul was the one who planted the Corinthian church during his second missionary journey.And he was there for about a year and a half ministering, preaching, pastoring.And some people had a soft spot for Paul.They were nostalgic for him because he was the one who led them to Christ.After Paul left, Apollos comes to town, and he's a much better speaker,a much more dynamic preacher, so many people prefer Apollos.And this history of favoritism led to both men having their own personal fan clubs,even though both men do not want their own personal fan clubs.In modern day terms, there is a Paul fan page on Facebook,and there's an opposing Apollos fan page on Facebook.There are trading cards with these men's faces and pastoral stats.There are YouTube channels that highlight and spell out their sermons on why they're so great.But Paul says this kind of favoritism is childish.It is not the way of heaven. It is the way of this world.He's saying, "If you say I follow Paul, or I follow Apollos, grow up.You're acting like a child. You need to cut it out."And Paul gives a reason why he and Apollos are not worthy of these cult followings in verse 5.What then is Apollos? What is Paul?Servants through whom you believed as the Lord assigned to each.Paul and Apollos are not celebrities. They're not superstars.They're not mega church pastors. Who are they according to this verse?Servants.This word can also be translated as table waiters.Waiters do not cook the food. They simply deliver the food.Busboys simply clean up.Paul and Apollos are just lowly busboys in God's restaurant.Last time I checked, there are no busboy enthusiasts.There are no busboy trading cards. There are no busboy YouTube channels.When was the last time you had a restaurant and thought to yourself,"Man, this table is spotless. I don't even need a plate. I can just eat right off of it.I need to go find the busboy and congratulate him."Has that ever happened to you?Paul is saying, "I'm just a busboy. I'm not worthy of anything that you want to give me."He's knocking himself off the pedestal that the Corinthians have put him on.He's demystifying Apollos and putting him in his place too.They are just servants of the Lord. They are servants of the Corinthian church.But Paul isn't done lowering himself yet.He and Apollos are not just busboys.They are also farm hands, according to verses 6 and 7."I planted Apollos watered, but God gave the growth."So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God gives the growth.I've never farmed before.I've never even kept a garden before in my entire life.The last time I can remember planting a seed was in first grade with that cup on the window sill,that cup of dirt.I'm not a farmer, but I do know a farmer in our congregation.I spoke to Jesse Hogan last week and I asked him,"How much credit can you take for a good harvester crop?"Do you want to know what farmer Jesse said?None.All I can do is plant, pray for good weather, and trust that God will bring the growth.Trust the results to God.Jesse is a successful farmer because he understands his place in the process.He entrusts the results to God.He knows his limitations.Paul is successful as a pastor, as an evangelist, as a church planner,because he knows his place in the process.He trusts the results to God.Paul knows his limitations.Paul is saying, "I planted the church in Corinth."Paul has watered it with his faithful preaching,but who alone gets the credit?Who alone gets the glory for the growth?God and God alone.Once again, Paul and Paulos are nothing special.They are just farmhands who plant and water the seeds of the gospel.That's it.Paul goes on to give you another reason why he and Paulos shouldn't be pitted against each otherin verse 8."He who plants and he who waters are one,and each will receive his wages according to his labor."There is no reason for Paul and Paulos to competebecause they are on the same team.They are one.I've already admitted that I'm not a farmer,but I may be a better farmer than I am an athlete.Some of you were laughing too hard at that.But I did play basketball from sixth to twelfth grade,and I can remember distinct games where every man in our team was out for himself.Every man was trying to show off.Every man was trying to show everyone how great he was.And that never led to victory because we forgot that we were one.We forgot that we were on the same team.I can also remember other games when we did come together as a cohesive whole.Everyone wasn't trying to win for himself, trying to win for the entire team.In those moments, we were one.We were on the same team, which often led to victory.We are on the same team at Harvest Bible Chapel.We should be pulling together to be one in the Lord,rather than pulling apart to try and be special on our own.On my own, I am a zero.On your own, you are a zero, but together we are one.Our strength comes from our unity.Recently, a member of our church paid the highest compliment to this churchthat made my entire year.She said, "To be honest, I don't really care who preaches on a Sunday morning,because I know, I trust that everyone who preaches at Harvestwill be faithful to God's Word."That is the goal.That woman gets it.That is what Paul is talking about in this verse.It's not about the servant.It's about the one we serve.It's not about the bus boy.It's about the one who owns all things.It is not about the farmhand.It's about the only one who gives the growth.Playing favorites in the church is stupid.It is immature.It is childish foolishness to try to figure out who's the bestand who's the most important.We all have a role to play.No one's gifting or role is more important than another.And according to Paul, each worker will be paid by God Himself,and God never stiffs His employees.He always gives infinitely satisfying rewards.So please don't try to reward yourselfby seeking after the affirmation and praise of others.Wait diligently for the rewards of God,because they are coming.Adult babies live for the moment,but godly servants live for the long haul.It's time to grow up and start highlighting God and not man.It's time to grow up.Final reason, because your childish selfishness hides your identity.Because your childish selfishness hides your identity.Let's wrap up with verse 9."For we are God's fellow workers.You are God's field, God's building.I truly enjoy partnering with all of my coworkers,Missy, Gillian, Ashley, Pastor Rich, Pastor Jeff.I love all my coworkers,but do you know which coworker I enjoy working with the most?God.Pastor Jeff is a great boss,but do you know who's an even greater boss?The Lord.So many pastors fall into sinand disqualify themselves from ministrybecause their childish selfishness hides their identity.They think they're the ones making things happen.They think that the church growth is happening because of them.They're in charge. They're running the show.And they end up becoming bullies.They end up becoming tyrants.They forget they work with and for the God of the universe.Those pastors did not shed their own bloodon the cross for the members of their church.Their churches do not belong to them.Their churches belong to Christ.You do not belong to me.You do not belong to Justin Cady, Brian Beehe, Pastor Rich,or even Pastor Jeff.If you have trusted in Christ, you belong to Him.He's the one who shed his blood for you.He is the one who died for you.You are God's field.You are God's building.That is who you are.Do not let your childish selfishness hide your identity any longer.Do not try to find your identityin what the world says to find it in.The world will tell youthat you are the maker of your own meaning.Your worth is found in what you achieve.But that is not what Paul is saying in this verse.You are not a precious snowflakewhose every one preference should be met.Your story is not the main event of this world.You are not the point of anything.You are just a small part of the field that God is cultivating.You are just a single brickin the beautiful structure that God is building.You are a part of the church of Jesus Christwhich will never ever pass away.It's time to grow upand stop believing that life is all about youbecause it's not.It's about the Lordwho will do great things in and through you.It's time to grow upand start remembering who you areand whose you are.Some of you in this room do not belong to Christ.You are not even an infant in Christbecause you have not been born again.You are not a part of God's field.You are not a part of God's building.You are just a lonely seed.You are just a discarded brick.But your identity will change in an instantif you give your life to Jesus.If you trust in Him as your Saviorwho died on the cross for your sins.If you trust in Him as the Lord of your lifewho has every right to tell you what to do.If you place your faith and trust in Christ,you will be adopted into His family.You will be planted into God's field.You will be slid into the perfect spot in this churchthat is reserved just for you.You will be placed on the path to mature adulthood in Christ.The biggest temptation for a sermon like thisis to feel the sting of conviction in the momentand then do nothing with that conviction once you get home.But do you know what's the most childish thing of all?Knowing that something needs to changeand then doing nothing about it.Please do not fall into that childish temptation.Choose to put away your childish thinking.Choose to put away your childish behavior.Choose to put away your childish favoritism.Choose to put away your childish selfishness.Brothers and sisters, it's time to mature.It's time to grow up.But you can't grow up on your own, can you?You need God's helpbecause He is the expert on growth, not you.There are still two blanks left on your sheet that you need to fill in.These are a prayer to the Lord.God, help me to grow up.Today I need to stop blank and start blank.I have no idea what you need to fill in those blanks with, but you do.And so is God.Maybe it's God, help me to grow up today and He has stopped making excusesand start reading my Bible every morning at 7 a.m.Maybe it's God, help me to grow up today.I need to stop being jealous of so-and-so, it's small groupand start being content with what you have given me.It could be God, help me to grow up todayor maybe God, help me to grow up today.I need to stop sitting on the church sidelinesand start serving at harvest today.Don't be vague because vague goals lead disappointing results.Be practical, be specific,because that will lead to encouraging results.Take a few minutes to fill in those blanks.Take a few moments to go to the Lord, to confess sin,to ask for His help.Ask Him to empower you to change.Ask for His help so that you can be empowered.Take steps to grow up.Fill in those blanks and spend some time in the Lord with prayer.Father, I thank you for your immense patience with us.I know as a father I can be so impatient with my children at times,but Lord, you are so long suffering.But all of us in this room can be childish.All of us in this room can be immatureor may today be a brand new day of transformation.May today be a day where a first step is taken,where growth happens by your grace and by the power of your spirit.Lord, may we not just be convicted in this moment,be convicted the rest of today, the rest this weekand the rest of our lives seek after you and your Word,to pursue after the unity of the churchand to fit into our exact spot in the church.Lord, I thank you for what your Holy Spirit has done this morningand I thank you in advance for what He will do.I ask all these things in Jesus' name, amen.

What if the freedom we chase is actually the thing that keeps us bound? In this powerful message from Romans 6:15–23, Pastor Rich unpacks one of the greatest paradoxes of the Gospel: True freedom isn't found in doing whatever you want — it's found in surrendering to the right Master. Through personal stories, powerful illustrations, and Paul's timeless words, we discover that: Grace isn't permission to sin — it's power to obey, Everyone serves something — the only question is who, and Real freedom begins when we hand over control to Jesus. If you've ever felt stuck in cycles of sin, striving, or self-dependence, this message will remind you that the One who bought your freedom is the only One worthy of your surrender.

In the message, “DEPENDENCE ON GOD,” Pastor Rich Whitter walks through James 1:3–20, highlighting the call to rely fully on God, not our own strength. Through trials and temptations, James reminds believers that true faith is tested and refined. Pastor Rich emphasizes that dependence on God leads to maturity, wisdom, and righteous living even in difficult moments.We'd love for you to join us in person this Sunday at 9AM, 10:30AM, or 12PM — come experience what God is doing in our community!

Today's sermon is Jesus Slept by Rich Chaffin Find more teaching from Pastor Rich at www.cclc.org

In “THE NEW COVENANT,” Pastor Rich Whitter unpacks Hebrews 8:1–13, showing how Jesus fulfills and surpasses the old covenant. The writer of Hebrews points to a better promise—one not written on tablets of stone, but on human hearts. Pastor Rich reminds us that through Christ, we're no longer bound by ritual or religion, but invited into a living relationship marked by grace, mercy, and forgiveness.We'd love for you to join us in person this Sunday at 9AM, 10:30AM, or 12PM. Experience powerful worship, genuine community, and messages that draw you closer to Jesus. There's a seat waiting for you!

Welcome to the audio podcast of Generation Church, led by Pastor Rich and Tina Romero. Our hope is that these messages give you hope, faith and encouragement throughout the week. To learn more about Generation Church: Visit us online: https://mygeneration.cc Contact us: https://mygeneration.cc/contact Interact with us: If you made a decision to follow Jesus, text "Established" to 970-00

We continue our series through the Gospel of Mark. This message explores how the kingdom of God draws near through the forgiveness that Jesus offers. Scripture Referenced: Mark 2:1-12

In this episode, Pastor Rich unpacks Romans 5:12–21 and explores how two men—Adam and Jesus—changed the course of human history. The first Adam's disobedience brought sin and death into the world, but the second Adam, Jesus Christ, brought life, righteousness, and unshakable grace. Discover how God's grace doesn't just cover sin—it overflows beyond it—and what it means to live as someone who reigns in life through Jesus. Learn how to move from condemnation to justification, from striving to resting, and from defeat to victory. Because where sin abounded, grace abounded much more.

Welcome to the audio podcast of Generation Church, led by Pastor Rich and Tina Romero. Our hope is that these messages give you hope, faith and encouragement throughout the week. To learn more about Generation Church: Visit us online: https://mygeneration.cc Contact us: https://mygeneration.cc/contact Interact with us: If you made a decision to follow Jesus, text "Established" to 970-00

Join us as Pastor Rich wraps up our series, No Evil.

In this powerful sermon from Acts 24, Pastor Rich Clay shares five keys to faithfulness that help believers endure life's trials, delays, and challenges. Drawing from personal stories, biblical examples, and practical applications, Pastor Rich encourages us to stay steadfast in faith, trust God's timing, and finish the race He's called us to run.

In “THE SUPERIOR PRIEST,” Pastor Rich Whitter unpacks Hebrews 7:1–10, where the writer highlights the mysterious figure of Melchizedek—a priest and king who points us to the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ. Pastor Rich shows how Jesus' priesthood is far greater than any other—eternal, perfect, and rooted in righteousness. Through Him, we find access to God, lasting peace, and a grace that never fades.We'd love to see you in person this Sunday at 9AM, 10:30AM, or 12PM. Come experience powerful worship, biblical teaching, and community that feels like family. There's a seat waiting for you!

We rush through life chasing success, comfort, and approval—but what if we're aiming at the wrong target?In this powerful message, Pastor Rich reminds us that some decisions become freeze-frame moments—the ones that define our legacy and ripple into eternity. When we choose to follow God no matter the cost, invest beyond the now, and live to give rather than to get, everything changes.   Connect With Us Need prayer, want to sign up for baptism or surrender your life to Christ? Follow this link : https://bit.ly/m/lifechurchia

Join us as Pastor Rich continues our series, No Evil.

Welcome to the audio podcast of Generation Church, led by Pastor Rich and Tina Romero. Our hope is that these messages give you hope, faith and encouragement throughout the week. To learn more about Generation Church: Visit us online: https://mygeneration.cc Contact us: https://mygeneration.cc/contact Interact with us: If you made a decision to follow Jesus, text "Established" to 970-00

We continue our series through the Gospel of Mark as we explore what it truly means to follow Jesus—and to fish with Him. At the heart of this message is the call to discipleship. Together, we'll look at two key aspects of what it means to live in genuine relationship with Jesus. Scripture Referenced: Mark 1:16-20

Where is the safest place to be? Join us this weekend as Pastor Rich highlights five key ways God can protect us in the midst of our trials.

The difference between a believer who's settled and one who's stirred is who's in control. Many Christians may carry the Spirit but never allow Him to move freely in their lives. God doesn't want to be an accessory to your plans; He wants to become your center. When He becomes preeminent, every part of your life begins to align under His leadership. The Holy Spirit stops being something you have and becomes Someone who has you. That's when faith turns from information to transformation.   Listen in now to hear Life Center Church's latest Sunday message from Pastor Rich.   ⛪️ Connect with us ⛪️  https://www.lifecenternyc.com/ https://www.instagram.com/lifecenternyc/  

Welcome to the audio podcast of Generation Church, led by Pastor Rich and Tina Romero. Our hope is that these messages give you hope, faith and encouragement throughout the week. To learn more about Generation Church: Visit us online: https://mygeneration.cc Contact us: https://mygeneration.cc/contact Interact with us: If you made a decision to follow Jesus, text "Established" to 970-00

What is the Kingdom of God, and why does it matter for our everyday lives? This message explores one of Jesus' central teachings in the Gospels—the good news that the Kingdom is near. Together, we'll discover what this means for us today and how God calls us to live in response to it. Scripture Referenced: Mark 1:14-15