Sermons by Phil Pike

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!

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?

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?

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?

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!

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!

The Mirage of Earthly Hope

Date: July 23, 2023

What are you depending on to keep you firmly anchored when the storms of life begin to blow? Your 401k? Your good health? A secure job? Friends or family? While those things may offer peace of mind today, there’s no guarantee any of them will be here tomorrow. In a society driven by the pursuit of possessions, wealth, and pleasure, it is vital to recognize the profound importance of placing your trust and hope in something greater than the transient offerings of this world. There’s only one place to find that unfailing security and eternal peace, and you can find it today!

Your Last Chance to be Saved

Date: July 16, 2023

On May 18, 1980, the volcano inside Mount St. Helens erupted. For two months, authorities had warned everyone in the vicinity to evacuate, and everyone did, except for one man. Harry Rainel Truman refused to leave his small cottage at the base of the mountain, and on that fateful day, he was buried beneath 150 feet of debris. He heard the repeated warnings, but he chose to ignore them. Many people are just like Truman. They hear God’s invitation to be saved before judgment comes, but they refuse to listen. Tragically, a day is coming when they will hear that warning for the final time, and then the door of opportunity will close forever. Today, while you hear God’s voice, respond to Him before it’s too late!

Beware of False Prophets

Date: July 9, 2023

Every day you are surrounded by countless voices on every side, all trying to grab your attention, win your allegiance, and even get your money. The same is true in religious circles. Preachers and evangelists are everywhere telling you this and telling you that, but how do you navigate through all the noise and know what is true and what is false? This problem is not new, and the Bible gives us clearly defined ways to test all those voices and separate the good from the bad. Do you know how to tell the difference, or are you vulnerable to the deceptions that lead so many people astray? Don’t be fooled by smooth talk and grand promises! Make sure you are firmly grounded in God’s Word.

Looking for Love in All the Wrong Places

Date: July 2, 2023

God created us in His image to have fellowship with Him forever, and to seek Him alone for joy, meaning, and fulfillment. When we disconnect ourselves from Him, we begin an endless search for other things that we hope will satisfy us. These may include money, lust, power, career, relationships, acceptance, and addictions. Those things may satisfy us for a while, but they always leave us empty and thirsty, forcing us to start the search all over again. Have you been looking for life, love, and satisfaction in anything or anyone other than God, yet you’re still exhausted and empty? You need to reconnect your heart to the only true Source of life and living water. When you drink from the water He offers, you will never thirst again!

The Danger of Cold Christianity

Date: June 25, 2023

If you have surrendered your life to Christ and you faithfully live for Him, then the idea of ever forsaking Him is absolutely unthinkable to you! But don’t get too comfortable. It’s entirely possible to forsake the Lord even while still believing in Him, attending church, and having all the outward appearances of a devoted Christian. We can obey Him out of cold, rigid obedience, and yet have hearts that are miles away from Him. We can say we love Him, but not have an active, vibrant relationship with Him. So, what about you? Have you lost the passion you once had for the Lord? Come back to Him today. He longs to restore the closeness you once enjoyed!

Live Like Your Life Matters!

Date: June 18, 2023

So many people go through life without knowing why they’re even here on this earth. No one has ever told them that their life has meaning and that they were born for a purpose. As a result, they merely exist from day to day, wondering when it will all be over, and the consequences of this are devastating! If that describes you in some way, you need to know that before you were even conceived, God knew you intimately. Before you were born, He had a plan for your life. You may not have been planned by your parents, but you were planned by God, and He is waiting to unfold His incredible purpose for your life! Open the Bible and begin seeking Him today. Pray and ask that His plan for you will be revealed. Your life will have more meaning and significance than you’ve ever dreamed!