Sermons by Phil Pike

Living a Life Worthy of the Gospel

Date: October 16, 2011

We have not been given the option of having our lives changed by the Gospel and then doing nothing with it. Our salvation is not just for our benefit, but for the sake of others who do not know Christ. The Bible charges us with the staggering responsibility of living our lives in a manner “worthy” of the Gospel. But we will never be motivated to take the Gospel to others unless we have eyes that see the need, and hearts that break over the need. Once we ask God to truly open our eyes and break our heart for the need of the Gospel, our lives will never be the same again!

A Church of Unity, Not Uniformity

Date: October 9, 2011

The church has been called to function in unity in order to display the Gospel to a watching world. However, churches sometimes mistakenly think that unity means uniformity. This is a costly mistake that creates churches filled with man-made rules in an attempt to make everyone look the same, think the same, and act the same. This was never God’s intention! Instead, we have been called to find unity in one thing — The Truth — and learn to function together as the Body of Christ, despite our other differences.

Exchanging God for Lesser Things

Date: October 2, 2011

Quick, what images come to your mind when you hear the words, “idol worship?” Do you picture an ancient, pagan culture bowing down before statues carved from wood or stone? The problem is, when we think about idol worshipers, we never think about ourselves! But according to the Bible, idolatry is setting up substitute gods in our heart. So often we exchange God for other things — we allow other things to become more important to us, and when we do, we have become idol worshipers. Yes, idolatry is alive and well today, even in our churches!

Seeing Ourselves as We Really Are

Date: September 25, 2011

Self-righteousness was the sin that Jesus faced more than any other. The Pharisees saw themselves as righteous, so they looked down on everyone else. Do we ever think we’re better than people who don’t go to church, people who commit awful crimes, people who live immoral lives? If so, that self-righteousness will keep us from taking God’s love and hope to them. None of us deserve God’s forgiveness. That’s the story of the Gospel. And because we have been forgiven, we do not have the right to choose who we will love!

Called to Go, Not Just to Gather

Date: September 18, 2011

How do you live out the Gospel in life between Sunday morning and Saturday night? How do you live out the Gospel in life between the world that is and the world to come? How has Christ called us to interact with those around us who do not know Him? Understanding the answers to these questions and putting them into practice will help us live out the Gospel in ways that touch our city with the hope and love of Jesus Christ. Come discover what the Gospel looks like in real life.

Questioning the Heart of God

Date: September 4, 2011

Is your heart broken over the things that break God’s heart? Do you care about the people He cares about? It is entirely possible to go to church, sing the songs, serve in a ministry, put money in the offering plate… and yet have a heart that is miles away from God. If you find yourself just going through the motions, begin asking God to break your heart for the things that break His heart. When that truly happens, your life will never be the same!

Following the Heart of God

Date: August 28, 2011

When Jonah rebelled against God and got thrown overboard into the ocean, God would have had every right to let him drown. But once again we see the gracious heart of God in Jonah 3:1 – The word of the Lord came to Jonah a SECOND TIME. Where would any of us be right now if we had not been given a second chance by God? His mercy and patience are astounding. But the question is, what have we done with the second chances God has given us? Are we using them to live for ourselves or to live out His mission?

Rescued by the Heart of God

Date: August 21, 2011

Jonah’s rebellion ended up getting him thrown into the sea to drown, and in reality, he was getting exactly what he deserved. But once again we see the loving heart of God; that His grace is bigger than our failures. God sent a great fish to swallow Jonah, and although Jonah thought that fish was going to be the death of him, it turned out to be the very thing God used to rescue him. What “fish” is in your life right now that you think is going to be the death of you? That may be the very thing God will use to rescue you!

Running from the Heart of God

Date: August 14, 2011

From our earliest memories in Sunday School, we were told that the book of Jonah was all about a man being swallowed by a big fish. But in reality, the whole story of Jonah, right up to the very last verse, is about the compassionate heart of God towards those who don’t deserve His grace and forgiveness. God rescues a rebellious prophet in order to redeem a rebellious city. Join us for this exciting story, not about a great fish, but about a great God!

Forgiven of a Debt You Could Never Pay

Date: July 17, 2011

If you were in debt for a billion dollars, imagine how grateful you would feel if someone paid it for you, especially if you had done nothing to deserve such kindness! The truth is, that debt is small compared to the debt we really do owe. Our sin has put us under a debt we can never pay, but because of Christ’s sacrifice on the cross, all who trust Him by faith will be forgiven! Has the magnitude of just how much you’ve been forgiven of ever dawned upon you?

Are You Being Faithful Where You Are?

Date: July 10, 2011

Someone once said, “If you can’t be faithful where you are, you won’t be faithful where you ain’t.” We spend far too much of our lives “planning on” being faithful to God “one day.” We think, when we have more money, we’ll give… when we have more time, we’ll serve. But God is not interested in what we’re planning on doing for Him 10 years from now if we’re not being faithful today. Are you being faithful right now where you are with what you have?

Don’t Be Called a Fool by God!

Date: July 3, 2011

The Bible tells a story about a man who acquired great wealth, retired financially independent, and spent his life doing whatever he wanted to do. Today we call this the “American Dream,” and anyone who achieves it is looked upon as a success… but God called this man a fool. What were the blind spots in his life that brought such a harsh judgement from God, and how can you be sure you avoid making the same mistakes?