Lifepoint Christian Church Podcast

Bobby Johnson emphasizes the necessity of genuine faith, which is demonstrated through actions rather than mere words or feelings. He refers to James 2:14-20 to illustrate that faith without works is dead, highlighting that true belief must manifest in good deeds. Using examples from the Bible, such as Abraham and Rahab, he points out that a living faith is one that results in change and action in our lives. Ultimately, Pastor calls on the congregation to examine their faith and take steps to actively live it out by serving others and embodying the teachings of Christ.

Pastor Phil Ayres shares a powerful story of a man who sacrificed himself to save his friends from punishment for a crime he didn’t commit, drawing parallels to Jesus' ultimate sacrifice. Using Scripture from Isaiah, Pastor emphasizes that God’s plan for salvation through a suffering servant contrasts with our expectations of a powerful savior. He explains that Jesus’ death was substitutional, meaning He took on our guilt and sin so we could be healed and forgiven. Ultimately, Pastor invites us to acknowledge the depth of Jesus' sacrifice and respond to His grace, encouraging us to fully accept the freedom offered through this act of love.

Pastor Matt Clark emphasizes that God extends an open invitation to everyone, especially those who are weary and spiritually thirsty, inviting them to partake in His grace without cost. This invitation is not just about physical sustenance, but about entering into a transformative relationship, experiencing true fulfillment through listening to God's Word and embracing His plan for our lives. Pastor encourages individuals to seek the Lord while He is near, to turn from their old ways, and to accept the mercy and forgiveness available through Christ. Ultimately, the sermon highlights that God's invitation is a path to renewal and joy, assuring that our experiences at His table lead to purpose and transformation.

Nate Shapley shared a powerful message about finding comfort and strength in God during times of struggle, drawing parallels between the story of King Hezekiah and our own lives. Hezekiah, who initially showed great faith in God, faltered when confronted with the Babylonians, demonstrating the easy temptation to prioritize personal peace over national responsibility. Pastor emphasized that God's comfort is assured, His power is unshakable, and His strength is available to those who are weary. He called on the congregation to trust in God's promises, surrender their burdens, and patiently wait for His timing, reminding them that true rest can only be found in Jesus.

In the sermon, Pastor reflects on the story of the crew of the Endurance, who waited 497 days on a barren island for rescue, paralleling this with Israel's impatience while waiting for God's help. He emphasizes that waiting on God is not a waste of time, urging the congregation to trust in God's promises rather than taking matters into their own hands, as Israel did when they sought help from Egypt. Pastor warns against "defiant pragmatism" and encourages believers to rely on God's guidance, highlighting His patient nature and willingness to offer grace. Ultimately, the sermon calls for confidence in God's timing, reminding us that waiting expectantly on Him leads to blessings and salvation.

Pastor explores the idea that past performance can indicate future behavior, particularly in the context of God's actions and faithfulness throughout history. Using the book of Isaiah, he emphasizes that while humans may fail, God's past successes serve as a foundation for future trust and hope, inspiring believers to reflect on their own experiences of God's goodness. The message highlights the significant blessings and redemption available through faith, inviting those who have not yet embraced Him to consider their relationship with God. Ultimately, the sermon calls for praise and confidence in God's unchanging nature, encouraging the congregation to celebrate His works now and place their faith in what He will accomplish in the future.

Pastor discusses the heavy themes found in Isaiah 24, highlighting the world's desolation under divine judgment due to sin. Despite the chaos, a remnant of worshipers exists, demonstrating faith and praise in the face of despair, embodying traits that allow them to remain confident, focused on eternity, rooted in relationship, and prioritizing prayer over panic. The sermon encourages us to cultivate these characteristics in our lives, reminding us of the importance of worship as a response to life's challenges. Ultimately, Pastor invites listeners to deepen their relationship with Jesus as the foundation for true worship in difficult times.

In Pastor's sermon, he draws a parallel between moments of despair in history and the biblical account of Israel, highlighting their feelings of hopelessness as they awaited a promised king amidst adversity. Isaiah prophesies about a new leader emerging from the stump of Jesse, symbolizing hope and restoration through the Messiah, Jesus Christ, who embodies perfect judgment and righteousness. Pastor emphasizes that while believers have already been redeemed through Christ, they live in the tension of "already and not yet," waiting for the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise and the restoration of creation. He urges the congregation to respond with worship and hope, actively living out their faith as they await Jesus' return, who will bring complete justice and renewal to the world.

Pastor shares a personal hiking experience to illustrate moments of intense fear and anxiety. He introduces the story of King Ahaz, who faced threats from allied nations but chose to rely on his own understanding instead of trusting God's promises. Despite being offered a miraculous sign from God, Ahaz's fears led him to make poor decisions that ultimately contributed to his downfall. The sermon emphasizes the importance of standing firm in faith and relying on God's word, especially during uncertain times, highlighting Jesus Christ as the unshakable foundation of our faith.

In today’s sermon, Pastor draws a parallel between Groundhog Day and the cycle of sin experienced by the Israelites, emphasizing the need for change as proclaimed by Isaiah. He illustrates Isaiah's profound encounter with God's holiness, highlighting Isaiah's initial fear and recognition of his unworthiness, which leads to his confession and eventual atonement. The sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing God's perfect holiness and the necessity of repentance, underscoring that guilt should not be carried by believers after atonement. Ultimately, Pastor challenges everyone to respond to God's call with a willingness to serve and share the message of Christ, encouraging them to say, "Here I am, send me."

At the onset of His ministry, Jesus affirmed His role as the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecy in the synagogue, proclaiming good news and liberation. The sermon emphasized that empty rituals of worship are meaningless without genuine obedience and compassion for the vulnerable, highlighting God's desire for heartfelt devotion rather than mere compliance with religious practices. Historical context was provided on Isaiah's warnings to the Israelites, who were neglecting social justice while practicing their religion. Ultimately, the message calls for self-reflection on one's faith and actions, urging a commitment to love God through caring for others, and offering a clean slate through Jesus for those who turn to Him.

In the sermon, Pastor discusses the importance of generosity in spiritual growth, introducing a formula likened to a math equation: S times G divided by C equals B, where S represents sowing, G symbolizes generosity, C stands for cheerful giving, and B signifies blessings. He emphasizes that giving should not be done out of guilt but should come from a joyful heart, as God loves a cheerful giver. Using biblical references, he assures the congregation that the amount given is a personal decision rather than a strict obligation, encouraging them to consider their heart's intent. Pastor challenges listeners to trust God with their giving through a trust test, promising that those who step out in faith will experience blessings in return.

Pastor Phil welcomed Darren Key, CEO of Christian Financial Resources to discuss the significance of donor advised giving funds and their advantages for charitable contributions. 00:01 - Donor Advised Giving: Christian Financial Resources 00:56 - What is Christian Financial Resources? 03:34 - Donor advised Giving Funds 06:58 - CFR for Tax-Time 07:46 - Giving Funds 11:16 - Tax Smart Families: The 3 Tax Advantage's 14:59 - CFR Giving Funds: Simplify Giving and Give anonymously 19:56 - Donor Giving Funds 24:02 - Three Steps to Maximizing the Kingdom Impact 26:41 - Matching 250 Grant to LifePoint Donor Advisred Giving Funds simplify the donation process while providing tax benefits and maximizing kingdom impact, as the money stays within a system that supports church loans and ministry growth. Darren emphasized that utilizing a giving fund can help individuals avoid unnecessary taxes and streamline their charitable giving, making it easier to track donations. Finally, Darren encouraged members to consider esta

Pastor Phil Ayres addresses the complex relationship between money and faith in his sermon, emphasizing that money itself is not evil but rather the love of money that can lead to various problems. He shares insights from scripture, including the importance of contentment and the understanding that everything ultimately belongs to God. The pastor encourages a generous mindset, highlighting that our financial choices reflect our values and faith. Ultimately, he calls on the congregation to feel empowered rather than guilty about their financial stewardship, urging them to use their resources for eternal impact. 

In this thought-provoking sermon, Pastor Phil dives into one of Jesus’ most challenging teachings: "You cannot serve God and money."

In this Christmas message, "MERCIES AT THE MANGER: Mary Did You Know?" we dive into the familiar questions asked in the beloved song Mary, Did You Know?. Together, we’ll explore Luke 1:30-2:35 to find biblical answers to these nine thought-provoking questions. What did Mary really know about the Savior she carried? The Bible holds the answers! Join us as we uncover the profound mercies revealed at the manger through God's Word. 

While Christmas brings joy for many, it can also be a challenging time for those facing loneliness or loss. He encouraged individuals to remember that they are never truly alone, as Jesus is always with them, offering comfort and companionship even in the darkest moments. Furthermore, Pastor highlighted the unconditional love of God, reminding everyone of their inherent value as image bearers of God, regardless of worldly standards. Lastly, he urged the congregation to be sensitive to those struggling during the season, focusing on the true meaning of Christmas rather than superficial aspects. 

Join us as we kick off the Christmas season with a powerful message from John 1:1-5, exploring how the story of Christmas didn’t start in Bethlehem—it began at the very beginning of creation. From the eternal Word in Genesis 1:1 to the fulfillment of God’s purpose in John 1:14, this sermon traces the PLAN, PURPOSE, and PROMISE of Christmas. Discover how: ✨ Jesus, the Creator of all things (Colossians 1:15-16), became flesh to dwell among us. ✨ Christmas is personified in the crib—a Savior born for all people (Luke 2:10-12). ✨ Christmas was delivered at the cross, securing our redemption through the precious blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18-20).

In his sermon, Phil emphasizes the importance of grounding oneself in the truth of Jesus as the ultimate guide amidst a world filled with misinformation. He illustrates that while truth is often complicated, the Holy Spirit assists believers in discerning truth from lies. Phil encourages consistent engagement with the Bible to build a strong foundation for understanding truth and warns against following misleading influences. He challenges the congregation to evaluate their media consumption and relationships in light of Jesus' character and teachings. 

Pastor Phil Ayres addresses the dangers of smartphone addiction and its impact on our lives, emphasizing the importance of managing time wisely. He highlights how social media creates dopamine-driven distractions that can lead to anxiety and hinder our connection with God and others. By referencing Ephesians, he encourages the congregation to redeem their time by removing distractions, being intentional, and seeking wisdom from God. The sermon concludes with practical steps for accountability and time budgeting, urging everyone to recognize the value of each moment as a gift to be used for God’s glory.