Lexington Baptist Temple

This week at Living Hope Fellowship, Pastor Derek continued the series in Colossians with “Is He Worthy? Part Two” from Colossians 1:24–2:3. Building on last week’s message, we are reminded that Christ’s supremacy calls us to lives of sacrifice, perseverance, and devotion. Through Paul’s example, we see that following Jesus often involves hardship, but it is always worth it because of who Christ is and what He has done. This sermon challenges us to examine our lives and consider whether we are truly living in a way that reflects the worth of Christ. As we prepare our hearts for Easter, we are called to ask an important question: Is He worthy?

This week at Living Hope Fellowship, Pastor Derek preached a message titled “Is He Worthy? Christ’s Supremacy and Our Sacrifice” from Colossians 1:24–2:3. In this passage, the Apostle Paul describes both the suffering and the joy that come with faithfully serving Christ and sharing the gospel. The message reminds us that when we truly understand the supremacy of Christ, our response is a life of sacrificial devotion to Him. Paul’s example shows that following Jesus often requires perseverance and a willingness to serve others so that they may come to know the truth of the gospel. The motivation behind that sacrifice is clear: Jesus is worthy. This sermon challenges us to consider whether our lives reflect the worth of Christ and to ask ourselves: Is He truly first in our lives?

This Sunday at Living Hope Fellowship, Pastor Derek continued our study through Colossians, preaching from Colossians 1:15–23. The message centered on a powerful truth: nothing and no one can come before or beside Jesus. In this passage, we see that Jesus is not simply important—He is preeminent. He is fully God, the One through whom and for whom all things were created, and the One who is redeeming all of creation. Pastor Derek walked through three key truths about Christ: • Jesus is God • We were created by Jesus and for Jesus • Jesus is redeeming creation We were also reminded that: Jesus is first Jesus went first Jesus must be put first The sermon concluded with three important questions for reflection: • Is Jesus important in my life, or is He truly first? • What gets my first and my best? • Am I listening to and obeying Jesus? As we continue through Colossians, this message challenges us to examine whether Christ truly holds the central

This Sunday, Pastor Derek continued our study through the book of Colossians with a message titled “The Why to Our What” from Colossians 1:1–14. The central truth was clear: Christ must be preeminent in our faith. Big Idea: Christ must be preeminent for our faith to be relevant. Walking verse by verse through the opening of Colossians, we were reminded that: When Christ is preeminent, the believer has identity (Col. 1:1–2, 14) When Christ is preeminent, the gospel has power (Col. 1:3–8) When Christ is preeminent, life has meaning (Col. 1:9–11) When Jesus is preeminent, worship gets real (Col. 1:12–14) Everything in the Christian life flows from keeping Jesus first. This message calls us back to the foundation of our faith—making Christ not just present, but prominent in every area of our lives. If you missed Sunday, we invite you to listen and be encouraged.

In a world where the definition of "family" is constantly shifting, what does God actually have to say about the foundation of our lives? In this episode, Pastor Chris Rieber dives into Colossians 3:18–25 to unpack the divine blueprint for the Christian household. Far from a list of rigid rules, these verses reveal a high-stakes, beautiful design intended to reflect the heart of God. What’s Inside the Episode: The Marriage Metaphor: Discover how the union between a husband and wife isn't just a social contract, but a living, breathing metaphor for the relationship between Jesus and His bride, the Church. Redefining Submission: We tackle the often-misunderstood concept of biblical submission, looking at it through the lens of trust, order, and mutual respect rather than control. The Husband’s Mandate: Pastor Chris explores the weighty calling of a husband to model Christ’s love—not through power, but through the radical sacrifice of laying down his life for his wife. The

What does it actually look like to live out your faith in the messy reality of everyday life? In this episode, Pastor Chris Rieber dives into the heart of Colossians 3:12–17 to explore "The Way of the Chosen." Being "chosen" isn't just a theological status; it’s a daily calling that transforms how we interact with our families, our friends, and our enemies. Paul’s letter to the Colossians provides a roadmap for the Christian walk, moving beyond abstract ideals into concrete actions. Pastor Chris breaks down this passage into three essential "gaits" of the believer’s stride: Walking in Goodness: Putting on the "new self" through compassion, kindness, and humility. Walking in Tolerance: Bearing with one another and extending the same radical forgiveness we have received from Christ. Walking in Wisdom: Letting the Word of Christ dwell in us richly as we navigate a complex world with thankfulness. Whether you are feeling weary in your faith or looking for a practical "reset," thi

Pastors Chris Rieber and Derek Holmes share about their recent trip to our mission partners in the Philippines. For nearly three decades, Roehl Tanedo and Ramses Tangub have labored faithfully in Luzon, Mindanao, and now, Palawan, planting churches and training up disciples. You can also find the video from the trip at lhfellowship.com/videos

Are you simply waiting for Heaven, or are you living out the reality of your salvation today? In this powerful message, Pastor Chris Rieber dives into Colossians 3:1–10 to challenge the "waiting room" mentality of many believers. While the promise of eternity is secure, the Christian life is not meant to be a period of spiritual stagnation. Instead, we are called to actively "walk" in a transformed state of grace. Pastor Chris explores the profound shift that occurs when we surrender to Christ, unpacking the practical differences between our old nature—defined by sin and earthly desires—and our new nature, which is being renewed in the image of its Creator. In this episode, you’ll learn: -What it truly means to "set your minds on things above." -How to identify and "put to death" the habits of the old self. -The daily discipline of walking in a changed state of grace. -Why your identity in Christ is the key to living a successful, holy life. Join us as we move beyond resting in

As the glow of Christmas fades and the decorations come down, Scripture invites us to consider a deeper question: what if Christmas was never meant to end? In Matthew 2:1–12, the Magi model a faith that refuses to dim after the celebration. They searched diligently, followed the light they were given, worshiped wholeheartedly, and left changed by an encounter with Christ. Their journey reminds us that the incarnation is not a moment to rush past, but a mystery to live within. It is better to live in contemplation of the depth of Christ coming near than to live only in anticipation of a climactic celebration. Christmas isn’t just a day, or even a season—it’s a way of life shaped by worship, obedience, and persistent devotion. In this sermon, we’ll explore how to keep the lights on all year long, carrying the spirit of Christmas into our daily walk with Jesus.

The Christmas story is often viewed through the lens of a cozy Nativity scene—peaceful, beautiful, and picture-perfect. But was the journey of Jesus' parents, Mary and Joseph, truly that simple? Join Pastor Derek Holmes as he dives into the biblical account in Matthew 1:18-25 and unpacks the extraordinary, and often incredibly challenging, faith journey of this young couple. What You Will Learn: The Unexpected Call: Discover the immense personal and social difficulty Mary and Joseph faced when called to be part of God's redemption plan. This was a path filled with uncertainty, risk, and potential shame. The Reality of Following God: See how their story powerfully illustrates that faith is not always easy. Following God's will can be "hard to follow," demanding difficult choices and deep trust. The Greater Reward: Explore the profound truth that even when the path is difficult, the ultimate reward—participating in God's plan and experiencing His glory—is immeasurably great. God's Cons

Everyone loves a perfect Christmas. But, the conditions of the arrival of Christ and his early years were anything but peaceful. It was chaotic, messy and extremely humble. In this first message of the "Not-So Perfect Christmas" series, Pastor Derek Holmes looks at the lineage of Jesus in Matthew 1. This is the bloodline of the King of Kings, but it is full of imperfection, dysfunction and brokenness; making it just the right backdrop for Christ's redemptive glory to shine through. And, in that truth, we find hope and peace that God is working in our brokenness toward redemption as well.

In this final message of the series through the book of Luke, pastor Chris Rieber looks at the hope the Ascension of Christ gives to humanity.

In this moving sermon drawn from Luke 24, Pastor Chris Rieber explores the profound encounter between the resurrected Jesus and two disheartened disciples on the road to Emmaus. Devastated and depressed after witnessing the crucifixion, these disciples were walking away from Jerusalem—and their hope. But Jesus meets them in their grief and, beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he shows them how the entirety of the Scriptures points to Him. Pastor Rieber highlights a transformative truth: Christ is the key that unlocks all of Scripture, and He alone is our inexhaustible source of hope. Discover how the proof of the resurrection transforms despair into unshakable confidence, and why a hope rooted in Jesus is a hope you simply cannot keep to yourself.

Dive into this inspiring sermon, "The Beginning of Transformation," from Pastor Chris Rieber. Based on the profound scriptural account of Jesus' burial and glorious resurrection in Luke 23:50-24:12, this message reveals how the cross and the empty tomb mark the true starting point of a changed life. What You Will Learn Pastor Chris takes a close look at the unexpected courage and hope demonstrated by those nearest to Jesus during His darkest hours and His greatest victory: Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus: Discover the bold and costly decision these secret disciples made when they publicly claimed Jesus' body for burial. Their act of loyalty was a powerful declaration of their faith. The Women at the Tomb: See the unwavering devotion of the women who came to anoint Jesus' body, only to become the first witnesses to the resurrection. Their loyalty was met with the ultimate good news! The Key Takeaway Each of these individuals, in their offering, loyalty, and decisive action, showed that they had made thei

In this powerful message, "Love Not The World," Pastor Tim Walker dives deep into 1 John 2:15-17, where the apostle John issues a stern warning to believers. What does it truly mean to not love the world or the things in the world? Tim unpacks this key passage, focusing on the three primary roots of sin—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—and how they manifest in our daily lives. Discover the critical importance of being on guard against the constant temptations the enemy uses to draw us away from God. Learn practical ways to recognize these temptations and stand firm in your faith, ensuring your affections are set on the things of heaven, not the fleeting pleasures of this life. Don't miss this essential study on maintaining a pure heart and a focused walk with Christ.

The scene is the crucifixion of Jesus, one of history's most pivotal and painful moments, as told in Luke 23:26-49. We know the immense suffering Christ endured, but what did the people there—the soldiers, the mockers, the grievers—actually miss? In this powerful message, Pastor Derek Holmes takes us off the path and into the crowd, challenging us to look beyond the spectacle of pain to see the profound character of our Savior. While many were busy mocking or grieving, they failed to see the incredible display of compassion, meekness, redemption, and grace pouring out from the cross. What is the "view from the crowd" in your own life today? Are you so distracted by the noise and the suffering that you are missing the profound, life-altering grace of Jesus Christ right in front of you? Listen now to discover the hidden treasures of the cross that Pastor Holmes outlines, and learn how the compassion of Christ changes everything.

In this powerful sermon, Pastor Derek Holmes walks us through the shocking miscarriage of justice surrounding the trial and condemnation of Jesus Christ. From the moment of His arrest to the final verdict, Jesus faced an onslaught of unfair opposition, false accusations, and officials—from the religious leaders to Pilate and Herod—who utterly failed to uphold the law. It was a day when justice truly died. But it was this very miscarriage of justice that was necessary for the entire Gospel plan to be carried out! Pastor Holmes reveals how this series of unlawful events became the pivotal moment that secured salvation for all who would believe. Jesus, the only perfectly innocent person to ever walk the earth, willingly took the punishment for every unjust person (that's all of us!). This sermon is a profound look at the darkest day in history that became the brightest hope for humanity. Key Takeaways: The phases of Jesus' trial and the specific ways justice was subverted. How the betrayal of

In the quiet, devastating hours leading up to Jesus' crucifixion, two men closest to Him committed the ultimate betrayal and denial. Drawing from Luke 22:46-63, Pastor Derek Holmes examines the contrasting failures of Judas Iscariot and Simon Peter. Both men sinned profoundly against their Lord, raising the sobering truth that all of us are capable of failing Christ. The critical question is: What do we do when we fail? Pastor Derek unpacks the stark difference in how Judas and Peter responded to their monumental sin. Judas' path led to despair, while Peter's led to restoration. By looking closely at their reactions, Pastor Derek helps us understand the difference between simple remorse for our sin and genuine, heartfelt repentance. True repentance is the only path that leads to forgiveness, healing, and restoration with God. Discover the hope that your failure doesn't have to be final—it can be forgiven.

In this message, Pastor Chris picks up in Luke 22 as he focused on Jesus praying to the Father in the Garden of Gethsemane the night before His crucifixion. Christ's incredible attitude of "Nevertheless, not my will, but yours," is a powerful example for all of us. As followers of the Lord, we are called to surrender our will to His and trust His heart to guide us to our God-given purpose in life.

In this episode, Pastor Chris looks to the book of Luke to look at Jesus' instruction and promise to the Disciples from chapter 22. While in closing out the events in the upper room, Jesus reminded us that the way of a disciple is radically different from the way of a non-believer. The Kingdom runs on much different principles than what we know in the flesh. While the world looks to be served, followers of Christ look to serve. We also look forward with great hope toward the promise that one day, Jesus will reward all his followers. The way of Christ is very different, but is so much better.