Sermons by Phil Pike

Preparing Today for Tomorrow’s Trials

Date: December 3, 2023

What godly character traits and spiritual disciplines are you ‌building into your life today ‌that will enable you to ‌withstand the fiercest storms and finish strong for God? Unwavering resolve is not a result of spontaneous courage but a day-by-day commitment to walk in righteousness and integrity. Pay close attention to your daily choices, because that’s where character is formed. As you devote yourself to prayer, cultivate integrity, and foster discipline, you are laying the groundwork for a faith that refuses to bow in the face of temptations and trials. Start this transformative process today, because tomorrow’s trials are unpredictable, but your commitment to godly living can be unwavering if you have laid the right foundation.

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Giving Thanks When Life Is Hard

Date: November 26, 2023

Ever find it challenging to muster gratitude when life throws you curveballs? The Bible tells us to give thanks in all circumstances, but the only way that’s possible is when we realize that thankfulness is a choice, not a mood or a feeling. This isn’t about denying hardships; it’s about embracing a perspective that transcends them. You can discover the power of cultivating a heart of gratitude, not just when life is smooth sailing, but especially when the storm clouds gather. Learn how giving thanks, even when it seems counterintuitive, can anchor your faith and redirect your focus from the struggles to the sovereignty of a loving God.

You may find this sermon on a similar topic helpful: “Broken But Blessed”

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Does the Most High God Rule Over You?

Date: October 22, 2023

Deep within our human nature lurks a sinister force so powerful that, if left unchecked, will eventually take control of our life. It is deceptively easy to become entangled in the web of worldly attachments, be it possessions, relationships, ambitions, or social standing. We cling to these earthly treasures with such devotion that they can eventually occupy the throne of our heart. If this happens, God will have to strip away everything that is keeping us from Him; not to destroy us, but to humble and redeem us. By releasing our pride and yielding to God, we can find genuine fulfillment in His boundless love and goodness. Is there anything you are holding onto that is preventing God from being the only true King of your life?

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Going Public with Your Faith

Date: October 15, 2023

Join us for our baptism service where we witnessed the beautiful act of faith as 12 people publicly declared their devotion to Christ through the waters of baptism. It was a day of celebration and obedience to the Lord’s command as these believers made their faith known to the world, and it was a reminder to each of us that our faith isn’t meant to be private, but a shining light for everyone to see. May their commitment inspire us all to live out our faith boldly and without reservation as we follow Christ each day.

The Way to True Greatness

Date: October 8, 2023

To one degree or another, we all strive to be ‌the uncontested ruler of our own world. We are constantly told to get ahead and acquire as much as we can along the way. But building our own empire and seeking personal acclaim will ultimately lead us to a life of emptiness. Everything we have selfishly accumulated or achieved will one day slip through our fingers like sand. Instead, let us focus on building God’s kingdom, where we find genuine fulfillment, purpose, and lasting significance. It is in surrendering to His divine plan and inviting Him to rule over us that we discover the path to true greatness and a legacy that endures beyond our own lifetime.

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Thriving in a Culture of Compromise

Date: October 1, 2023

We are constantly bombarded with societal pressures and temptations that seek to undermine our faith. The world around us often encourages us to abandon our godly principles for momentary pleasures or worldly success. In those moments, remember that your identity is not defined by the opinions or expectations of others. It is rooted in your relationship with God and His unwavering love for you. When faced with pressure to compromise, choose righteousness over conformity. God will equip you with everything you need to remain faithful amidst any intimidation or trial!

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Overcoming Discouragement

Date: September 24, 2023

Have you ever taught a Sunday School class, led a Bible study, or participated in an outreach endeavor, only to witness what appears to be a total lack of results? It can be disheartening to invest so much and reap so little. Even the prophet Jeremiah, a man of steadfast faith, found himself in the depths of discouragement. But in his darkest hour, when he contemplated giving up, it was the unshakable Word of God that brought him back from the precipice of despair. We must remember that even in the midst of apparent fruitlessness, God’s purposes are still at work in ways we cannot see. If you are in a similar place right now, you can find renewed strength and hope in the unfaltering promises of God’s Word!

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Are You Yielding to the Potter’s Hands?

Date: September 3, 2023

Artists possess the extraordinary ability to see beauty and potential where others may see only the ordinary or mundane. They can look at a blank canvas and see a masterpiece; they can envision elegant vases and intricate sculptures in a simple lump of clay. The Bible says God is like a potter and we are like clay. If we are willing to surrender our lives to Him, He will transform us into something far more meaningful than we could ever create on our own. But if we resist Him, we will never become the masterpiece He desires. Just as the clay yields to the Potter’s skillful hands, are you willing to surrender your will and desires, allowing God to craft you into a vessel for His purpose and glory?

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Unmasking Your Deceitful Heart

Date: August 27, 2023

Deep within every person lies a danger so sinister that it has the power to destroy us! This hidden enemy is our heart, described in the Bible as being deceitful and leading us astray at every opportunity. On our own, we are incapable of subduing this cunning beast. Healing and freedom can only come when we humbly ask God to search our hearts and uncover any hidden motives or false assurances. He alone can see the real us on the inside and provide cleansing from the sins that enslave us. Have you invited God to give you a spiritual EKG to assess your true condition and give you a pure heart?

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Unwavering Joy in Uncertain Times

Date: August 20, 2023

It is all too easy to derive our joy and contentment from our circumstances, our possessions, or our relationships, but that path eventually leads to disappointment. True contentment and unwavering confidence can never be found in the ever-changing situations of life, but rather by placing our trust in God alone. When we ground our faith in His character and faithful care, our peace and joy remain unshaken, even in the midst of adversity, pain, or loss. Are you still looking to the fleeting things of this world for security, or have you put your trust fully in God’s promises?

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Waiting When You’re Tired of Waiting

Date: August 13, 2023

In the midst of life’s trials, our impatience often nudges us towards immediate answers and quick fixes, but it is in these moments that we are called to wait on the Lord’s timing and tune our hearts to His guidance. Just as a masterpiece unfolds with each stroke, so our journey of faith gains meaning and value in patiently waiting for the Master to finish His work in us. Walking by faith without having all the answers can be daunting, but doing so affirms our trust in God. So, if your life is in a holding pattern right now, be still before the Lord and listen for His voice. Even though He often seems slow, He will show up right on time!

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Where is God When You Need Him?

Date: August 6, 2023

You have probably experienced times when God seems silent or absent like He is no longer aware of your struggles. When uncertainty clouds your vision, and you question whether God is at work, be comforted by the truth that His hand is always active, shaping circumstances in ways you may not perceive. Just as the sun continues to shine behind the clouds, so does God’s providence persist even when we are surrounded by shadows. Rejoice in knowing that He can use any means necessary to fulfill His purpose, and when all is said and done, you will be amazed to see just how near He was to you the entire time, even when you didn’t know He was there!

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