If we want to grow spiritually, how should we fuel that growth? That’s a worthy goal many of us have. Yet, in our desire for spiritual growth, we need to be be aware of the things that stunt growth; things that may appear good, but their consequences are damaging. In this sermon, we learn about … [Read More…] False Fruit
The easiest person to deceive is often ourselves. How can we avoid this? In this sermon, we find Jesus offering advice on how to navigate self deception tendencies in our own lives. Three lessons to take away: ask God to search your heart, listen to reproof from others, and read and apply the truth. … [Read More…] The Damage of Self-Deception
Why is legalism so dangerous to our spiritual health? Legalism is believing that we can earn or keep favor with God by what we do. It flows from the failure to be humbled, broken, amazed, and satisfied by the grace of God in Christ. In this sermon, we learn about three dangers of legalism to … [Read More…] The Dangers of Legalism
Small contaminations can lead to enormous consequences. How do we avoid spiritual contamination? In this passage, Jesus teaches us how to retain our spiritual purity. Three attitudes in our lives lead to moral contamination: we compare of our lives to others, we conform our minds to the world, and we allow cynicism to reign in … [Read More…] Avoiding Contamination
How do we make changes in our lives? Some habits and lifestyles are easier to change than others. But there are some things that are impossible for us to change to change on our own. Only Jesus can bring the change that we really need. In this sermon, we find 3 changes only Jesus can … [Read More…] The Change You Need
How do we avoid hypocrisy in our lives? We are prone to put on masks that show other people a false side of ourselves, to the detriment of our faith. Hypocrisy is all about advancing our own causes and interests. Jesus calls us to put away external hypocrisy and focus on our internal spiritual health: … [Read More…] Avoiding Contamination
How do we overcome the temptation to put our hope in things that don’t satisfy? When we look for fulfillment outside of Christ, we find emptiness. But if we are captivated with Jesus, we will find true satisfaction for our deepest desires. Colossians 2:8-12
Do you know the basics of your faith? Have you got off track and need to correct course? When we neglect the basics, things can quickly fall apart. As Christians, if we are to be faithful representatives for God in the world, we must not neglect the basics as the Pharisees did. In this sermon, … [Read More…] Back to the Basics
How do we sustain and grow our love for God? What are the marks of a Christian who is grounded in their faith? In this passage, Pastor McCarthy shows us three markers that we are walking with Christ: grounded, growing, and grateful. Colossians 2:6-7
Why do we follow traditions? We all have traditions that we think are the right way of doing things. But sometimes traditions can have negative consequences. In this passage we see three wrongful uses of traditions. Jesus rebukes the traditions of the Pharisees because they were leading to ritualism; and empty rituals can lead people … [Read More…] When Truth Confronts Tradition
