Harris Creek Baptist Church

This powerful sermon on Romans 12:14-21 offers a fresh perspective on handling life’s challenges with humility, empathy, and unwavering faith. It’s a heartfelt reminder to counter negativity with kindness, seek peace in our relationships, and entrust justice to God. If you’re looking to deepen your faith and discover practical ways to live out love even in difficult situations, JP’s message will uplift and inspire you. Proceed HumblyEngage with empathyAmend all you canCounter evil with goodEntrust justice to God  Life Group Discussion:What does humility look like in our daily interactions, especially when dealing with those who may oppose us?How can we better understand the struggles or perspectives of those we disagree with?How can we overcome fears or hesitations that might hold us back from seeking to make amends?How does choosing goodness in the face of wrongdoing reflect God’s love to others?How can we find peace in situations where we feel wronged but have chosen not to seek personal revenge? 

Discover the teachings of Romans 13:1-7 in this impactful sermon, where Nate points us to God’s divine role in establishing authority. Gain insight into how we're called to respectfully submit to those in positions of power as an act of faith and obedience. Finally, understand the importance of honoring and giving what we owe to authorities, embracing these principles as part of living a godly life. God establishes those in authorityGod calls us to submit to those in authorityGod call us to give what we owe to those in authority  Life Group Discussion:How does understanding that God establishes authority influence your view of government and leadership? In what ways can this belief strengthen our faith during times of political or social tension? In what ways might our submission to authority reflect our trust in God’s overall plan? How can a willingness to submit impact our relationships with others and our witness to those around us? In our daily lives, what are some practical ways we can "give what we owe"

Discover the power of purposeful prayer and learn how it can transform both personal lives and society in this inspiring sermon on 1 Timothy 2:1-2. Through insights on praying for others, practicing godly principles, and pastoring through tough times, JP provides a roadmap to bring hope and peace to our communities. As much as it depends on you, live out your faith with impact and compassion! We are to pray for the peopleWe are to practice the policiesWe are to pastor the predicament  Life Group Discussion:How can praying for others, especially leaders, impact our perspective on current events and challenges?How can our actions reflect God’s love in situations where we may disagree with societal policies or norms?How can we effectively provide spiritual guidance to those struggling without overstepping or coming across as judgmental? 

In this uplifting sermon on Romans 5:1-2, JP points us to discover how peace with God offers forgiveness for the past and freedom from guilt. You'll also learn how it provides access to God's grace in the present, empowering daily life with purpose. Finally, gain hope for the future, knowing God's love ensures a secure and eternal destiny. Peace with God offers forgiveness from our past Peace with God gives us present access to gracePeace with God gives us hope for the future  Life Group Discussion:How does understanding God’s forgiveness change the way we view our past mistakes and regrets?How does having access to God's grace influence the way we handle challenges and struggles in our daily lives?How can we encourage others to find hope in God, especially during times of hardship or doubt about the future?

In this message, you'll explore the core message of what it means to live on mission for Christ. JP highlights the power of missions, explaining how the Holy Spirit empowers us to share the Gospel boldly. You'll also learn about the proclamation of missions, where believers are called to testify about Jesus' death and resurrection. Lastly, the sermon dives into the places of missions, encouraging you to start sharing your faith locally and expand outward to impact the world. This message will inspire you to see every part of your life as an opportunity to spread the hope of the Gospel. The power of missionsThe proclamation of missionsThe places of missions Life Group Discussion:What are the biggest challenges or fears that prevent you from sharing your faith with others? How can sharing personal stories of faith and transformation make evangelism more relatable and impactful for those around us? How does understanding the global need for the Gospel (3.4 billion unreached people) impact our responsibility as C

While the message of salvation through Jesus remains unchanged, the Church should creatively adapt how it reaches people. The heart of innovation in ministry is service, and its purpose is to bring people closer to Jesus. Ultimately, the joy of innovation is sharing in the blessings of transformed lives and faith. The Posture of Innovation is ServiceThe Purpose of Innovation is SalvationThe Prize of Innovation is sharing in the blessings of the gospel  Life Group Discussion:How does the story of the Thai soccer team rescue illustrate the urgency of innovation in ministry, and how does that relate to the Church's mission to reach the lost? Think about a time when you focused on your own preferences in church (worship style, message, etc.). How could you reframe your perspective to prioritize how the church can serve and reach others, rather than meeting your own expectations? When you think about the people in your life who don’t know Jesus, how can you innovate the way you interact with them to help bring the

We are saved by God's grace, not by our own works, as highlighted in Ephesians 2:8-10. Grace is a free gift, and while our works do not earn salvation, we are saved for good works that reflect our faith. The message challenges believers to both embrace God's grace and extend it to others, living as a grace-filled church. Grace SavesWorks Don’t The Saved Work Life Group Discussion:In what ways do we, as Christians, struggle to extend grace to others, even though we have received it freely? What challenges do you face in being grace-filled? Cooper shared the powerful story of Ike Brown Sr. forgiving and adopting his son's killer. How does this story of forgiveness challenge your perspective on grace and forgiveness in your own life? In what areas of your life do you feel "bumped" or tested by others? How can you be more intentional about responding with grace when you are bumped?

Today’s message emphasizes the call for Christians to live in response to God's mercy. Believers are urged to offer themselves as living sacrifices, dedicating every part of their lives to God's service. We are to live our lives not conforming to the world but being transformed by the renewing of our mind. This transformation helps believers discern and follow God's perfect will.  You have been savedYou are a living sacrificeYou must be shaped  Life Group Discussion:What does it mean to you personally to be a "living sacrifice" in today’s world, and how can this shape your daily actions?In what areas of your life do you feel the strongest pressure to conform to the world, and how can you counteract this by renewing your mind?How can we better discern God's will in our lives, and what practical steps can we take to align ourselves with His good, pleasing, and perfect plan?

Hebrews 10:23-25 encourages believers to remain steadfast in their faith, reminding them of God's faithfulness. It calls for believers to support one another by gathering together, stirring each other towards love and good works, and offering encouragement. This passage highlights the importance of community, accountability, and mutual care as we grow in faith. ShepherdingEncouragementAccountabilityLove Life Group Discussion:How can we "hold fast" to our hope in times of uncertainty, and what role does community play in helping us stay strong in our faith? In what practical ways can we encourage each other to pursue love and good works, both within the church and in our daily lives? What are some barriers that prevent us from regularly gathering with fellow believers, and how can we overcome these challenges to foster deeper accountability and encouragement?

The Bible is not just a collection of ancient texts but is breathed out by God, making it a vital tool for His people. Through Scripture, God speaks to His people, revealing His truth and guiding their lives. The Bible also shapes His people by teaching, correcting, and training them in righteousness, molding them to reflect His character. Finally, God uses the Bible to send His people, equipping them thoroughly for every good work He has called them to do. As we engage with Scripture, we are not only informed but transformed and empowered to live out our faith in the world. God uses The Bible to SPEAK to His peopleGod uses The Bible to SHAPE His peopleGod uses The Bible to SEND His people  Life Group Discussion:How has God spoken to you personally through Scripture? Reflect on a time when a particular passage or verse provided guidance, comfort, or conviction in your life. How did that experience shape your understanding of God's voice? In what ways has the Bible shaped your character or actions? Consider ho

Walking in the light of Christ brings joy, authenticity, and true fellowship with others. In this light, we are honest with God and each other, and we find deep connections. It's also where we receive forgiveness, as Jesus' sacrifice cleanses us from sin. Living in the light fills our lives with joy, community, and grace. Find authenticity in the lightFind fellowship in the lightFind forgiveness in the light Life Group Discussion:How can you bring more authenticity into your relationship with God and others? What are specific areas in your life where you might struggle with being transparent or honest.What steps can you take to deepen your fellowship with other believers in your community? Think about ways to build stronger connections with those around you through shared faith and experiences.How does understanding Christ’s forgiveness influence the way you deal with guilt and sin in your daily life? Reflect on how embracing His grace can change your mindset and actions. 

The strength of our foundation is shaped by how we live out our beliefs. Challenges reveal whether our foundation is strong or weak. Regular reflection is key to keeping it solid. Application determines the foundationStorms reveal the foundationWe must inspect our foundation Life Group Discussion:How do your daily actions and decisions reflect the foundation of your beliefs or values?Can you recall a challenging situation (“storm”) that revealed the strength or weakness of your foundation? What did you learn from that experience?In what ways do you regularly inspect or evaluate your foundation to ensure it remains strong and unshakable? 

Jesus tells us at the end of the sermon on the mount that not everyone will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. The good news is, He tells us how we can know that we have a ticket in. Examine your path carefullyExamine your teachers carefullyExamine your relationship carefullyLife Group Discussion:Are the choices you make leading you towards a life that aligns with Jesus' teachings?How can you recognize when a teacher might be leading you astray? What characteristics should you watch out for?How do the warnings in Matthew 7:13-23 challenge you to examine your own faith and actions?

We can be challenged to grow in our affections for God and for others when it’s difficult. We’re a bad judge of othersWe’re a bad judge of selfWe misjudge the Father Life Group Discussion:How can you practice humility by focusing on improving yourself instead of judging others?In what areas do you need to ask God for help more often? How can you persistently seek His guidance every day?How can you show compassion and treat others the way you want to be treated, even when it's difficult?

In this week's sermon, John Elmore taught us about the Christian's security in Christ, the lack of need for worry, and our choice of paths in life: climbing the ladder of the world or the ladder of God's Kingdom. Our choices in life are:1. Trash or Treasure 2. God or Greed3. Worry or Worship Life Group Discussion:What treasure do you need to give God all the glory?How can you shift your focus from accumulating material wealth to building spiritual wealth in your daily life?What areas of your life do you tend to worry, and you can’t sleep at night?

We could do the right thing for the wrong reasons. What is your “why”? In Matthew 6, we learn how to glorify God with a pure faith believing in Him.  Fake faith gives to be honored by othersFake faith performs prayers Fake faith sacrifices to appear spiritual  Life Group Discussion:Do you give for God’s glory or man’s glory? Where do you need to be challenged?When you are praying with others, is it easy for you to just talk to God or do you get distracted on what you are going to pray in the presence of others? Is the “why” you fast because you want to appear spiritual to others? What is your motive?

What did Jesus mean when He told us to turn the other cheek? For many of us, our reaction to being wronged is to hit back and try to enact justice on our own terms. But Jesus calls us to something altogether new. When forced to go one mile, we go two. Life Group Questions:1. In the past, how have you responded when you have been wronged?2. How does this passage challenge our notions of strength and weakness?3. What does it mean to “not withhold” from your enemies?

How do you define covenants and commitments? In Matthew 5, we learn Christians keep their covenants, consider remarriage carefully, and know the importance of having credibility to point others to Christ. Christians keep our covenants Consider remarriage carefullyA Christian’s credibility points to Christ Life Group Discussion:Does marriage really matter? How important are the marriage vows? Why do you say that?When you say, “yes”, do you mean it? Is your “yes” trustworthy? Share a time when you broke a commitment? How did you handle it? When you need to break a commitment, discuss together the best way.

God requires perfect holiness to be in His presence. We are imperfect and in need of a sinless sacrifice because of sin. Jesus is the sinless sacrifice and comes into our mess to rescue us! We can enter in the presence of God by the name of Jesus.  Jesus is the Sinless SacrificeFor Sin from AngerCommands Amends from Sin Life Group Discussion:Where in my life am I relaxing in areas of sin?Has God ever brought someone to your mind that you needed to seek out forgiveness? Did you obey? Share this experience. Is it hard to say, “Will you please forgive me?” What relationships are the hardest to say this phrase?