Sermons by Phil Pike

Are You Cheating on God?

Date: October 23, 2022

Millions of people have experienced the sickening heartache of discovering that their spouse has been unfaithful to them. It is a pain that cuts very deep, leaves scars and destroys lives. In the Bible, God describes His people as His bride who has continuously committed adultery with other lovers. The anguish God feels is almost unbearable to read. Sadly, you and I are all guilty of the same thing because sin is spiritual adultery. Through the vivid imagery of the book of Hosea we get a sobering look at what our sin actually does to God, and we hear once again the call to return to Him and make things right.

The Problem with Religion

Date: October 16, 2022

We attend church faithfully every Sunday. We sing the songs, we serve in various ministries and we give our tithe. As far as we’re concerned, those things prove that we’re a “good Christian.” But the Bible says we can do all those things and more, and not be godly at all. That’s the problem with religion. It fools us into believing that as long as we’re checking things off our spiritual todo list, we must be right with God. The only true and accurate assessment of our spiritual condition is when God measures us against His perfect holiness. That’s when we suddenly recognize our true condition and our desperate need to be found in the righteousness of Christ! So, what benchmark are you using to determine your standing before God?

You Can’t Fight God and Win

Date: October 9, 2022

For decades a systematic effort has been underway behind the scenes to remove God from every facet of our society and destroy the moral foundation of the United States. We can now clearly see and feel the disturbing effects of that endeavor because we are living in a society that has launched an all-out war against God and His Word. God has been removed from our schools and our government, millions of innocent babies are being murdered, pressure is increasing against churches, and the very definition of the family unit has been ridiculed and dismantled. It seems that God has turned our nation over to the vileness that it craves. What will it take for America to regain God’s blessing and protection, or is it too late to even try?

Broken But Blessed

Date: October 2, 2022

One of the most remarkable details about the life of Christ is often overlooked. The Bible tells us that on the same night Jesus was betrayed; on the same night Peter denied Him; on the same night he was falsely accused, beaten and spat upon… he gave thanks. He gave thanks! How was He able to be thankful even when facing the most excruciating trial of His life? It’s because He trusted His Father’s plan completely and He knew with absolute certainty that even when He was being broken, the very trial that was breaking Him had already been blessed by His Father. We are also called to give thanks in all circumstances, but do we have that same level of trust in our heavenly Father’s plan for us?

You may find this sermon on a similar topic helpful: “Remembering What God Has Done for You”

Prepare to Meet Your God!

Date: September 11, 2022

No parent enjoys disciplining their children. It grieves us when they sin and have to be corrected. Throughout history God has disciplined His wayward children in hopes of bringing them back to Him. They refused to listen, so eventually God had to give this heartbreaking conclusion: “You have not returned to me… now prepare to meet your God!” That is a sobering statement, and we all need to be prepared for that day! When God looks at your life, would He have to conclude that you have not returned to Him? Why not come back to Him today while He is still calling?

When God’s Patience Runs Out

Date: August 28, 2022

Have you noticed how easy it is to take your relationship with God for granted when everything in life is going well? We continue going to church, singing the songs, serving here and there… but we’re really just going through the motions. In those times, we usually don’t even hear God’s gentle calls for us to return to Him, so He sometimes has to send stronger warnings our way. God is so patient with us, but a day is coming when His tender calls will end and we will hear the Lion roar instead! That will be a terrifying moment that none of us want to face! Don’t wait that long to get your heart back to where God wants it to be. Respond to His call while there is still time.

The Danger of Holding Grudges

Date: August 21, 2022

Everyone has stories of a relative who got offended about something at Thanksgiving dinner 40 years ago, and they still won’t speak to the family today! Holding grudges is like cancer. It spreads and kills if left untreated; but worst of all, it withholds the forgiveness from others that God has already shown to you. If someone has hurt you and you’re finding it hard to forgive them, come and hear what God’s Word says about it. You’ll gain the insight and encouragement you need to free the other person from the clutches of resentment, and you will free yourself at the same time!

God is Still Good When Things are Bad

Date: August 14, 2022

Where do you turn when life turns bad? What do you when your world is filled with chaos, heartache or pain? If you are in a place right now where you feel broken, empty and alone, and it seems like God is miles away, don’t stay there another minute! God is waiting for you to turn around and come back to Him. He will meet you with open arms of forgiveness, but He will go far beyond that… He longs to pour out His goodness and blessings upon you, and to restore the wasted years in your past. Even when things are bad, God is still good, so run to Him today!

The Destructive Consequences of Our Sin

Date: August 7, 2022

One little bug can’t harm a whole crop, but a swarm of locusts can devour and destroy an entire countryside in just minutes! We may not think that our “little” sins will ever harm anyone else, but the ripple effects might actually be felt for generations to come. The book of Joel describes a time when God’s people and their land suffered complete devastation as a result of their sin, and there was only one way to fix it. God called them to be genuinely brokenhearted, to repent of their sin, and to return to Him. If they did this, He promised to restore what they had lost and pour out His blessings upon them once again. If you are away from God right now and suffering the consequences of your sin, you don’t have to stay there! Return to Him today and receive the forgiveness and blessing He longs to give you.

Does Everyone Deserve God’s Grace?

Date: July 31, 2022

“Grace.” It’s a beautiful word and something that we all hope will be shown to us when we sin. But could you name people who you feel don’t deserve grace — people who have personally wronged you and hurt you, or those who are committing terrible evil in the world in general? If so, this message will help you see that you don’t deserve grace any more than they do, and yet God has lavished His grace upon you. The Bible says you have been given grace upon grace! Having freely received God’s grace despite our sin, do we really have grounds for withholding grace from others? Maybe it’s time to find out for sure!

Do You Need a Second Chance?

Date: July 24, 2022

There are certain opportunities in life that only come your way once. If you miss them, you’ll never get a second chance. But you should be encouraged to know that God doesn’t treat us that way when we fail Him. He is a God of fresh starts and new beginnings who is patient and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in love. When we sin, God has every right to cast us aside forever, yet He forgives all who come to Him and restores them to useful service again. If you’ve failed in some way or you’ve turned away from God, turn back to Him now. He is ready to give you a second chance!

The Blessing of Being Humbled

Date: July 17, 2022

The refining furnace that God sometimes puts us in is both necessary and beautiful. He places us there because—simply put—we need it. Being humbled tests us, proves us and drives us to God; and ultimately, anything that does that is a blessing! Don’t resent those times when God is breaking you of yourself. Thank Him for it and trust in His unfailing wisdom and goodness.

IMPORTANT NOTE:
Prior to bringing this second sermon in the Unravel Part 4 series, pastor Phil was away for several months recovering from a heart attack and open-heart surgery. That is the reason for the time gap between the first and second sermon in this series.

You can watch the first sermon from Jonah chapter 1 entitled: “God’s Mercy in Our Failures” by clicking this link.