Growing Faith Church Sermons

Series: The Good Life: Learning to Live in a Complicated World Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC May 3, 2026 1. Acts of True Worship Seek to Glorify God, Not Self (v. 1, 2, 5, 16) 2. Acts of True Worship Desire a Delayed Response (vv. 2, 4-6, 16-18) 3. Acts of True Worship Originate in Secret Worship (vv. 3-4, 6, 17-18) 4. Acts of True Worship Flow from a Right Relationship with God (vv. 7-15) Jesus warns against religious hypocrisy in Matthew 6, where he describes hypocrites as actors wearing masks to appear more spiritual than they truly are. He gives three examples: giving to be seen, praying for attention, and fasting for show. The solution is to worship in secret, focusing on God's approval rather than human recognition. True worship seeks to glorify God, desires eternal rewards over immediate praise, and flows from authentic relationship with Him. When our private worship life is genuine, our public expressions of faith will naturally be authentic rather than performative.

Series: "The Good Life: Learning to Live in a Complicated World" Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC April 19, 2026 1. Your Sin Still Matters (vv. 17-19) 2. Your Sin is Worse than You Think (vv. 20-22, 27-28) 3. Deal with Your Sin Quickly (vv. 23-26) 4. Deal with Your Sin Drastically (vv. 29-30) Jesus teaches that while we're saved by grace, sin still matters deeply in our daily lives. He didn't come to abolish the Old Testament law but to fulfill it, showing us that true righteousness goes beyond external rule-following to heart transformation. The Pharisees focused on keeping rules perfectly, but Jesus reveals that anger is like murder and lust is like adultery in God's eyes. We must deal with sin quickly and drastically, taking whatever measures necessary to remove temptation from our lives. This isn't about earning salvation but about experiencing the abundant life Jesus offers when we stop casually flirting with sin.

Series: "The Good Life: Learning to Live in a Complicated World" Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC April 12, 2026 1. Blessing Comes to Those Who Admit Their Need (vv. 1-6) 2. Blessing Flows Through Those Who Have Been Blessed (vv. 7-10) 3. Blessing Acts to Impact the Outside World (vv. 11-16) Jesus redefines the good life through the Beatitudes, showing that true blessing comes from spiritual humility rather than worldly success. Those who are poor in spirit, recognizing their complete dependence on God, inherit the kingdom of heaven. This blessed life flows outward through mercy, peacemaking, and authentic living. Christians are called to be both salt and light in the world - preserving truth while showing grace. The good life isn't about comfort but about courageously living as citizens of God's kingdom while serving as His ambassadors to others.  

Easter Sunday 2026 Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC April 5, 2026 1. Jesus isn't in the Tomb of Past Regrets (Luke 23:50-53) 2. Jesus isn't in the Tomb of Cold Religion (Luke 23:54-56) 3. Jesus isn't in the Tomb of Human Reason (Luke 24:1-8) 4. Jesus isn't in the Tomb of the Possible (Luke 24:9-11) 5. We can Know Jesus Because He isn't in the Tomb! (Luke 24:12) The resurrection of Jesus Christ challenges us to stop searching for Him in the wrong places. Just as the angels asked the women at the empty tomb why they sought the living among the dead, we often look for Jesus in places where He cannot be found. Many people search for Jesus in the tomb of past regrets, believing their mistakes disqualify them from His love. Others seek Him through cold religious rituals rather than a personal relationship. Some try to find Him through human reason alone, while others limit Him to what seems possible. The truth is that Jesus is alive and offers new life to all who step out of these dead places. He already knows our failures yet still invites us to come to Him, offering forgiveness and transformation that goes beyond our understanding or limitations.  

Series: "Cultivate: Grace, Growth & the Life of a Disciple" Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC March 29, 2026 1. Growing Faith Trades Corruption for Godliness Through Jesus' Power (vv. 3-4) 2. Growing Faith Validates Jesus' Sacrifice (vv. 5-9) 3. Growing Faith Confirms Our Salvation (vv. 10-11) Many people call themselves Christians but show little evidence of spiritual transformation. Second Peter 1:3-11 reveals that genuine faith should produce dramatic life change over time. Through God's divine power and precious promises, believers can trade worldly corruption for participation in God's nature. Peter outlines eight qualities that should increase in growing Christians: faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and love. Spiritual growth serves three vital purposes: it allows us to participate in God's nature, honors Jesus' sacrificial work, and confirms our salvation. Without growth, our faith becomes ineffective and unfruitful, like severe nearsightedness that blinds us to God's bigger picture.

Series: Cultivate: Grace, Growth & the Life of a Disciple Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC March 22, 2026 1. Disciples of Jesus Must Surrender Their Ambitions for His Plan (v. 34a) 2. Disciples of Jesus Must be Ready to Endure Suffering and Death Like Him (v. 34b) 3. Disciples of Jesus Must Follow Him Above All Other Desires (v. 34c) 4. Disciples of Jesus Give Up This Life to Gain the Greatest Possible Reward (v. 35-37) In this sermon from the Cultivate series, Growing Faith Church explores the radical call of Jesus found in Mark 8:34-37. Drawing inspiration from the life of martyr Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the message challenges the idea of "cheap grace"—the desire for forgiveness without repentance or commitment. The core of the message focuses on three specific costs every follower of Christ must be willing to pay: Surrender Your Ambitions: Discipleship requires "denying yourself," which means handing the "pen" of your life's story back to God and trusting His plan over your own dreams. Endure Suffering: Taking up a cross was a symbol of shame and execution; following Jesus means being ready for ridicule, persecution, or even the sacrifice of one's literal life. Follow Him Above All: True discipleship moves Jesus from the "co-pilot" position to the driver's seat, prioritizing His lead over personal comfort or consumeristic desi While the cost is high, the reward is incomparable. As missionary Jim Elliot famously said, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose". By losing our temporary lives to Christ, we gain our eternal souls.

Series: Cultivate: Grace, Growth & the Life of a Disciple Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty NC March 15, 2026 1. The Church Prepares the Way for Sanctification (Matt. 28:18-20) 2. The Disciple Pursues the Prize of Sanctification (Phil. 3:12-14) 3. God Provides the Power for Sanctification (Phil. 2:12-13) Spiritual maturity doesn't happen by accident - it requires intentional steps and commitment. The Bible outlines three key players in this process: the church prepares the way by providing resources and community, disciples pursue growth with single-minded focus while letting go of past failures and successes, and God provides the power for transformation. True spiritual growth combines divine power with human responsibility, requiring us to actively pursue Christ while trusting God to work in us.

Series: Cultivate: Grace, Growth, & the Life of a Disciple Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC March 8, 2026 1. The Prosperous Life is Determined by Where We Find Our Delight (Ps. 1) 2. The Prosperous Life is Committed to Growing in Discipleship (Acts 2:42-47) 3. The Prosperous Life is Powered by God's Grace Through Faith (Col. 2:6-7) True biblical prosperity isn't about material wealth but about being spiritually planted in the right place. Psalm 1 describes the prosperous person as a tree planted by streams of water, finding delight in God's Word rather than worldly pursuits. The early church in Acts 2 demonstrates six key marks of spiritual maturity: being rooted in God's Word and community, growing in prayer and worship, and reaching out through service and evangelism. This growth doesn't come through self-effort but through God's grace received by faith, like a sailboat catching wind in its sails.

Series: Cultivate: Grace, Growth, & the Life of a Disciple Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC March 1, 2026 1. Maturity Requires Personal Effort (v. 11) 2. Maturity Prepares You for the Mission (v. 12a) 3. Maturity Brings Greater Joy and Deeper Satisfaction in Jesus (vv. 12b-14) 4. Maturity Takes Consistent Training (v. 14) 5. Maturity Protects Us from Evil (vv. 13-14) 6. Maturity Means Learning Deeper Truths About God (Heb. 6:1) Many Christians remain spiritually immature after salvation, missing out on the abundant life Jesus offers. According to Hebrews 5:11-6:1, spiritual maturity requires personal effort, prepares us for God's mission, brings deeper joy, demands consistent training, protects us from evil, and leads to greater understanding of God. Just as physical growth requires intentional effort, spiritual growth demands daily practice through prayer, Bible study, and spiritual disciplines. Mature believers can teach others, discern truth from error, and participate effectively in God's mission. The church should equip believers through systematic training, but personal commitment to growth is essential for moving beyond spiritual infancy.

Series: Radical Kingdom: Hidden Majesty Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC  February 22, 2026 1. The Light of Jesus Calls Us Out of Darkness (vv. 12-17) 2. The Purpose of Jesus Calls Us Out of the Meaningless (vv. 18-22) 3. The Power of Jesus Calls Us Out of Brokenness (vv. 23-25) Jesus extends three powerful calls to every person that demand a response and promise transformation. First, He calls us out of darkness into His marvelous light through repentance - changing our minds about who controls our lives. Second, He calls us out of meaninglessness into eternal purpose, just as He transformed ordinary fishermen into world-changing disciples who would fish for souls rather than fish. Third, He calls us out of brokenness into wholeness, welcoming all who are diseased, afflicted, and broken with His healing power. Jesus isn't intimidated by our mess or darkness - He specializes in transforming lives completely when we surrender everything to follow Him.  

Series: Radical Kingdom: Hidden Majesty Guest Preacher: Ron Pierce Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC February 15, 2026 Jesus' 40-day temptation in the desert reveals a profound truth about spiritual strength that goes beyond simply knowing Scripture. While Satan tested Jesus with three specific temptations - providing for himself, forcing God to prove Himself, and worshipping something other than God - Jesus resisted not just by quoting verses, but through the deep relationship He had cultivated with the Father during those 40 days. The real power behind Scripture comes from intimate communion with God, not just memorizing words. Many believers struggle with temptation because they're trying to fight spiritual battles without first developing that foundational relationship with God that provides true spiritual strength.

Series: Radical Kingdom: Hidden Majesty Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC February 8, 2026 John the Baptist's message after 400 years of prophetic silence was clear: repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. True repentance involves three components: a change of mind, heart, and life. It's not about cleaning ourselves up before coming to God, but rather an invitation to turn from sin toward His grace. The religious leaders of John's time appeared righteous but lacked genuine repentance, while authentic faith requires honesty about our struggles. Jesus' baptism demonstrates the gospel - He identified with sinners and took our curse so we could receive the Father's blessing. Repentance is urgent because time is limited, and it separates authentic Christians from those merely going through religious motions. 1. Repentance is the Way that We Prepare to Encounter Jesus. (vv. 1-3) 2. Repentance Begins with the Realization that We are Filthy. (vv. 4-6) 3. True Repentance is Demonstrated by Life Change (vv. 7-9) 4. We Need to Repent Now Because Time is Running Out (vv. 10-12) 5. Jesus Makes Our Repentance Effective for Salvation (vv. 13-17)  

Preached at Pleasant Garden Baptist Church, Pleasant Garden, NC January 30, 2026 Pastor Brian preaches at Pleasant Garden Baptist Church, the sending church for Growing Faith, at a special Friday night service on January 30, 2026. 1. The Mission is Making Disciples (v. 21) 2. Encouragement is Necessary for the Hard Days (v. 22, 26) 3. The Mission Calls for More and More Leaders (v. 23) 4. The Mission Never Rests (vv. 24-25) 5. God is Opening a Door (v. 27)

Series: Radical Kingdom: Hidden Majesty Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC January 11, 2026 1. God Reveals Himself So All Kinds of People Will Seek Him (vv. 1-2) 2. "Religious" People Often Stop Seeking Jesus (vv. 3-8) 3. True Joy Comes From Seeking Jesus (vv. 9-10) 4. Seeking Jesus Results in Worship and Surrender (vv. 11-12) The wise men's journey to find Jesus reveals a powerful contrast between those who actively seek Him and those who have grown comfortable in their religious knowledge. While foreign astrologers traveled great distances following God's star, the religious leaders in Jerusalem knew the prophecies but couldn't be bothered to make the five-mile journey to Bethlehem. True joy comes not from reaching a spiritual destination, but from actively seeking Jesus daily. When we pursue a deeper relationship with Him, we experience the same overwhelming joy the wise men felt when they realized God was leading their journey. The question we must ask ourselves is whether we're still genuinely seeking to know Jesus better, or if we've settled into religious routine and comfort.

Series: Radical Kingdom: The Birth of the King Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC December 21, 2025 1. Joseph's Righteousness Was Not Enough to Save Him (vv. 18-20) 2. God Wants to Save You From Your Sins (vv. 20-23) 3. Jesus Will Save His People From Their Sins (v. 21) 4. We are Saved in Jesus by Grace Through Faith (vv. 24-25) The name Jesus means 'he will save his people from their sins,' revealing God's mission to rescue humanity. Even good people like Joseph needed salvation because our righteousness isn't enough to reach God. Unlike other religions that tell us what to do to reach God, Christianity is about God coming down to reach us. Jesus didn't come to make life easier or teach better morals—He came to save us from our sins through His death and resurrection. Salvation comes by grace through faith, requiring us to admit our need, believe in Christ, and surrender our lives to Him. This Christmas, we must ask ourselves: Have we truly received the gift of salvation, or just appreciated the story?

Series: Radical Kingdom: The Birth of the King (Matthew, Part One) preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC December 14, 2025 1. Immanuel Means That We Know God 2. Immanuel Means that God Knows Us 3. Immanuel Means Communion with God Application One: Enjoy God's Presence Application Two: Share God's Presence Despite living in the most connected era in history, loneliness has become a public health crisis. The root cause isn't just busy schedules or social media, but our fear that being truly known will lead to rejection. We hide behind masks instead of experiencing authentic love. God solved this problem through Emmanuel - God with us. Jesus came to bridge the gap between humanity and God, showing us who God really is while experiencing our human struggles firsthand. Through Christ, we can know God personally and be fully known without fear of rejection. The cure for loneliness is recognizing God's constant presence and sharing that presence with others who are hurting.

Series: Radical Kingdom: The Birth of the King Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC December 7, 2025 1. Jesus is Abraham's Promised Blessing to All Nations (Gen. 12:3) 2. Jesus is David's Promised Eternal King (2 Sam. 7:4-17) 3. Faith in Jesus Unlocks Our Role in His Story (Matt. 28:19; Rev. 5:9-10) Christmas didn't begin with Jesus' birth in Bethlehem—it started thousands of years earlier with God's promises to Abraham and David. Matthew's genealogy reveals that Jesus is the fulfillment of God's ancient covenant to bless all nations through Abraham and establish an eternal kingdom through David. Abraham was called to leave his comfort zone and trust God's plan to make him a blessing to all families on earth. David wanted to build God a house, but God promised to build David an eternal dynasty instead. Jesus fulfills both promises as the son of Abraham who brings blessing to all nations and the son of David who reigns as eternal king. God calls us to step from being spectators to participants in His story through faith.

Series: Radical Kingdom: The Birth of a King Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC November 30, 2025 1. Jesus Fulfills the Promise of the Coming Anointed Savior (Gen. 3:15) 2. Jesus is the Preeminent Anointed Prophet: Listen to Him (Deut. 18:15) 3. Jesus is the Preeminent Anointed Priest: Trust in Him (Heb. 7:23-28; 10:11-22) 4. Jesus is the Preeminent Anointed King: Bow Before Him (Isaiah 9:6-7) The Christmas season confronts us with a crucial question: who is this child in the manger? Jesus Christ is not just a baby to celebrate, but the long-awaited Messiah who fulfills three essential roles. As the perfect Prophet, He speaks God's word with ultimate authority and we must listen to His teachings. As the perfect Priest, He offered Himself as the final sacrifice for our sins, providing complete salvation that we must trust in rather than trying to earn. As the perfect King, He rules with eternal authority and demands our submission and obedience. True salvation requires accepting Jesus in all three roles, not just picking the comfortable aspects of His identity.  

Series: Made for More: Identity, Purpose, and Grace in the Beginning Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC November 23, 2025 1. The Church's Purpose is Not to Settle Down Inside a Building. (vv. 1-4, 8) 2. The Church Must Not Seek to Create a Name for Itself. (vv. 1-5) 3. God Will Judge the Church That Gets Purpose and Identity Wrong. (vv. 6-9) 4. God Will Use the Church to Accomplish His Purposes. (11:10-12:3) The Tower of Babel reveals humanity's tendency to create identity and purpose apart from God's design. The builders wanted to make a name for themselves and avoid being scattered, directly rebelling against God's command to fill the earth. God confused their language and scattered them, preventing coordinated rebellion while fulfilling His original plan. This ancient story warns against spiritual complacency and pride in our own lives. Just as the tower builders sought their own glory, we often try to build our significance through careers, achievements, or comfort zones. God's redemptive plan ultimately triumphs, transforming the division of Babel into the unity found in Christ and His church.

Series: Made for More: Identity, Purpose, and Grace in the Beginning Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC November 16, 2025 1. The Curse of Sin is Still Present (vv. 18-21) 2. Our Response to Sin Should be Compassion, Not Condemnation (vv. 22-23) 3. Sin Results in a Curse (vv. 24-29) 4. God Blesses Us to Be a Blessing to Others (10:1-32)  

Series: Made for More: Identity, Purpose, and Grace in the Beginning Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC November 9, 2025 1. God's Grace is Seen in His Timing (8:1-8:19) 2. God's Grace is Seen in His Response to Worship (8:20-22) 3. God's Grace is Seen in His Commands (9:1-17) 4. God's Grace is Seen in His Covenants (9:8-17) The flood story in Genesis reveals God's incredible grace, not just His judgment. While humanity's sin had become so corrupt that divine intervention was necessary, God chose to save Noah's family rather than start over completely. Throughout their year-long journey on the ark, God demonstrated His grace through perfect timing, faithful provision, unbreakable promises, and patient love. The rainbow serves as an eternal reminder that God's grace has been present from the beginning, showing us that the God of the Old Testament is the same gracious God we see in Jesus.  

Series: Made for More: Identity, Purpose, and Grace in the Beginning Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC November 2, 2025 1. We Must Take God's Wrath Against Sin Seriously (6:11-13; 7:21-24) 2. We Must Take God's Sovereignty Seriously (7:6-24) 3. We Must Take Our Walk with God Seriously (6:17-18, 22, 7:1, 5, 9, 16, 23) 4. We Must Take God's Grace Seriously (7:17-24) The story of Noah's flood reveals profound truths about God's character and our relationship with Him. God's wrath against sin isn't an emotional outburst but the natural response of perfect holiness encountering evil. While we like to think we're in control of our lives, God remains sovereign over all creation. Many people practice casual faith, but Noah demonstrates what serious commitment to God looks like through complete obedience. Of all the people living during the flood, only eight were saved, reminding us that the gate to life is narrow. We must examine our hearts to ensure we're truly saved by grace through faith, not just assuming we're safe based on church attendance or family background.  

Series: Made for More: Identity, Purpose, and Grace in the Beginning Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC October 19, 2025 1. Godly Families Worship the Lord (4:17-26) 2. Godly Families Walk with God (4:19-24; 5:21-24) 3. Godly Families Hope for the Future (4:17-24; 5:28-31) The first biblical genealogy reveals two contrasting family lines that teach us how to build a godly legacy. Cain's descendants represent self-worship, walking away from God, and living only for today, while Seth's line demonstrates worship of the Lord, walking with God, and hoping for the future. These ancient families faced the same challenge we do: building a God-honoring family in a fallen world. The difference between these paths doesn't just affect us but impacts generations that follow. No matter your family history, God offers a new beginning to break generational patterns and set a trajectory that will outlive you.

Series: Made for More: Identity, Purpose, and Grace in the Beginning Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC October 12, 2025 1. Do You Have a Mechanical Attitude Toward Worship? (vv. 1-5a) 2. Do You Have a Defiant Attitude Toward Repentance? (vv. 5b-7) 3. Do You Have an Indifferent Attitude Toward Others? (vv. 8-10) 4. Do You Have an Ungrateful Attitude Regarding God's Grace? (vv. 11-16) The story of Cain and Abel reveals four critical spiritual attitude checks we need to avoid sin's destructive path. First, we must guard against mechanical worship by engaging our hearts, not just going through religious motions. Second, when God convicts us of sin, we should respond with humble repentance rather than defensive anger like Cain did. Third, we must reject indifference toward others and actively love our neighbors instead of harboring jealousy or resentment. Finally, we should cultivate deep gratitude for God's grace rather than taking His mercy for granted. Just as pilots regularly check their attitude to stay level, we need consistent spiritual attitude checks to master sin before it masters us.

Series: Made for More: Identity, Purpose, and Grace in the Beginning Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC October 5, 2025 1. Sin Results from a Misplaced Identity (vv. 1-6) 2. Sin Destroys Community with God and Others (vv. 7-13) 3. Sin Frustrates Our God-given Purpose (vv. 14-17) 4. Sin Can Only Be Overcome by Amazing Grace (vv. 18-24) Genesis 3 reveals how sin entered the world when Adam and Eve were tempted to question God which caused them to misplace their identity and try to become their own gods. This pivotal moment broke humanity's perfect communion with God and each other, introducing shame, blame, and fear into relationships. Sin also frustrated God's purposes for humanity, making work difficult and bringing death into the world. Yet even in this tragedy, God's grace shines through—He came to find Adam and Eve, promised a Savior, and provided covering for their shame. Through Jesus Christ, we can find restoration to our true identity and purpose as God's beloved children.

Series: Made for More: Identity, Purpose, and Grace in the Beginning Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC September 28, 2025 1. God Provides Life (vv. 4-7) 2. God Provides Abundantly for Us (vv. 8-14) 3. God Provides Meaningful Work (v. 15) 4. God Provides Community (vv. 18-25) 5. God Provides a Choice (vv. 16-17) God's original design for humanity in Genesis 2 reveals four essential provisions: life, abundance, purpose, and community. God personally formed humans and breathed life into them, demonstrating His desire for intimate relationship. He placed them in a paradise of abundance with everything they needed and more. He gave them meaningful work to cultivate creation, fulfilling their need for purpose. Finally, He provided community, recognizing that isolation is not good for humans. Throughout this design, God gave humanity the freedom to choose whether to trust His goodness or reject it—a choice we still face today.

Series: Made for More: Identity, Purpose, and Grace in the Beginning Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC September 21, 2025 1. The Sabbath is a Blessing (v. 3) 2. The Sabbath is Set Apart as Holy (v. 3) 3. The Sabbath is a Picture of Grace (vv. 1-3) 4. The Eternal Sabbath Comes Through Faith The Sabbath is not merely a list of restrictions but a divine blessing established at creation when God rested and made the seventh day holy. It serves as a reminder of both God's creative work and His redemptive acts. Our struggle to rest often reveals our reluctance to trust God's sovereignty. Jesus challenged legalistic Sabbath interpretations, declaring Himself 'Lord of the Sabbath.' Ultimately, the Sabbath points to the gospel—just as God rested when His work was complete, we rest in the finished work of Christ, entering God's true rest through faith rather than works.

Preached for Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC in a joint service with Macedonia Baptist Church, Liberty, NC September 14, 2025 1. God is There When it Looks Like the End (vv. 1-3) 2. God's Word Builds Up the Broken (vv. 4-8) 3. God's Spirit Brings Life from Death (vv. 9-10) 4. God Will Always Keep His Promises (vv. 11-14) Pastor Brian reflects on the union of a young church and a historic congregation, using Ezekiel 37’s vision of dry bones to explore how God brings life to what seems dead. Whether it's personal loss, seasons of change, or churches facing transition, we’re reminded that God doesn’t do endings—He creates new beginnings. Through the power of God’s Word and His Spirit, lifeless situations can be revived, and His promises always come to pass. This message challenges us to surrender to the Spirit, trust in God’s faithfulness, and see our role not as preserving the past but advancing His eternal Kingdom. No matter how dry or scattered the bones, God asks: Can these bones live? And through Him, the answer is always yes.

Series: Made for More: Identity, Purpose, and Grace in the Beginning Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC September 7, 2025 1. The Image of God Transcends All Other Identities 2. The Image of God Grants Unconditional Value and Dignity 3. The Image of God Provides Our Ultimate Purpose 4. The Image of God Displays the Gospel In a world facing an identity crisis, Genesis 1 reveals our true identity as beings created in God's image. This fundamental truth means we are like God and represent Him, transcending all other identities such as physical characteristics, cultural background, or achievements. Being made in God's image grants every human unconditional value and dignity, provides our ultimate purpose as God's representatives on earth, and helps us understand the gospel. Though sin has distorted God's image in us, Jesus Christ, who is the perfect image of God, offers restoration through His death and resurrection, gradually transforming believers back into God's image.

Series: "Made for More: Identity, Purpose, and Grace in the Beginning" Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC  August 31, 2025   Introduction: "How Do We Approach Genesis 1?" 1. God's Word is Powerful 2. God Acts with a Plan and a Purpose 3. Everything God Does is Good 4. God's Ultimate Creation is Mankind   Genesis 1 reveals profound truths about God's nature and purpose in creation. Rather than focusing on scientific questions, the text shows God's power as He speaks creation into existence, His intentional plan in forming and filling the universe, and the inherent goodness of all He made. Most significantly, humans stand as the pinnacle of creation, uniquely made in God's image and given special purpose. Understanding these truths helps us recognize God's authority, trust His plan, enjoy His good creation appropriately, and embrace our true identity as image-bearers with divine purpose—countering cultural narratives that diminish our significance.

Series: Made for More - Identity, Purpose, and Grace in the Beginning Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, N.C. August 24, 2025 1. God is Eternal and Ultimate (v. 1a) 2. God Has No Rivals (v. 1b) 3. God Fills the Empty (v. 2a) 4. God Is Our Only Source of Hope (v. 2b) Genesis 1:1-2 reveals four essential truths about God that shape our understanding of life and purpose. God is eternal and ultimate, existing before time and being the central character of all Scripture. He has no rivals, creating everything through His Word alone. God fills emptiness and brings order to chaos, designing us with a need only He can satisfy. Finally, God's Spirit hovers over the waters of chaos, offering hope and new creation even in our darkest moments. These truths challenge us to make God our ultimate reference point, remove competing idols, allow Him to fill our emptiness, and trust Him as our source of hope.

Series: Operation Liberty: Gospel Mission Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC August 17, 2025 1. Ingredient #1: An Obedient Servant (vv. 26-27a) 2. Ingredient #2: A Lost Soul (vv. 27b-28) 3. Ingredient #3: The Power of the Holy Spirit (vv. 29-34) 4. Ingredient #4: A Prepared Witness (vv. 30, 35) Evangelism is a partnership with God where we join His work in the world. The story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch reveals four key ingredients for effective evangelism: an obedient servant willing to follow God's direction, a lost soul seeking truth, the power of the Holy Spirit orchestrating divine encounters, and a prepared witness ready to share the gospel. When these elements come together, the Kingdom of God multiplies and lives are transformed. Evangelism isn't about creating opportunities but recognizing and stepping into situations where God is already working.  

Series: Operation Liberty: Gospel Mission Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC August 10, 2025 1. There are Only Two Requirements for Heaven (vv. 25-28) 2. Stop Thinking Like a Lawyer (vv. 29-32) We Feel the Need to Justify Ourselves (v. 29) We Try to Change the Grading Standard (v. 29) Logical Calculations Result in Cold Obedience and Self-Righteousness (v. 30-32) 3. The Beauty of a Gospel Life (vv. 33-37) The Gospel Life is Driven by the Heart (vv. 33-34) The Gospel Life is Others-Focused (vv. 34-35) The Gospel Life Loves Unselfishly (v. 36-37) Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan reveals the stark contrast between heart-driven faith and head-driven religion. When asked about eternal life, Jesus points to loving God and loving neighbors as the requirements—standards impossible to fulfill perfectly. The religious leaders in the story made cold calculations about helping the injured man, while the Samaritan acted from genuine compassion. This parable challenges us to stop trying to justify ourselves through minimum requirements and instead embrace radical, costly compassion for others. True gospel-driven living flows from hearts transformed by Christ's sacrifice, leading to unselfish love that doesn't calculate convenience or cost.

Series: Operation Liberty: Gospel Mission Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC August 3, 2025 1. We Focus on the Problem Instead of Our Part (vv. 6-8) 2. We Forget to Charge Up (v. 8) 3. We Would Rather Stare at Jesus (vv. 9-11) 4. We Don't Feel the Urgency (v. 11) Jesus gave His followers one clear mission: to be His witnesses throughout the world, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Many Christians avoid this responsibility for several reasons: focusing on global problems rather than starting where they are, forgetting to rely on the Holy Spirit's power, treating Christianity as therapeutic rather than missional, and lacking urgency about Jesus' return. Effective witnessing involves sharing your personal testimony in three parts: life before Christ, how you met Christ, and how He transformed your life. The mission begins in our immediate circles—with family, neighbors, and coworkers—before expanding outward.

Guest Preacher: Pastor Jonathan Taylor Series: Operation Liberty: Gospel Mission Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty NC July 27, 2025 1. The Confrontation (vv. 1-5) 2. The Cleansing (vv. 6-7) 3. The Commissioning (vv. 8-13) Pastor Jonathan Taylor is a church planter who, along with his wife Brittany, is planting First Love Fellowship in Tarboro, NC.  Their expected launch date is September 21, 2025.  For more information on First Love Fellowship, visit their webpage at firstlovetarboro.com God calls every believer beyond church attendance to live as a missionary, not just a member. Isaiah 6 reveals this calling process: first, we're confronted with God's overwhelming holiness, which exposes our sinfulness. Then, God graciously cleanses us, transforming our unclean lips into vessels for His message. Finally, He commissions us to go, even when the mission is difficult. Like Isaiah, we must move beyond comfort and embrace our calling by remembering our cleansing, supporting missions, and going ourselves to advance God's kingdom.

Series: Operation Liberty: Gospel Mission Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC July 20, 2025 1. Obey the Simple Next Instruction (vv. 1-3) 2. Obey When You Doubt it Will Matter (vv. 4-7) 3. Obey the Blesser, Not the Blessing (vv. 8-10a) 4. Obey with All You Are Because of All He's Done (vv. 10b-11) Jesus transformed Peter's life mission through progressive steps of obedience. Starting with a simple request to push the boat out, Jesus led Peter to a miraculous catch of fish that revealed His divine power. When confronted with Jesus' holiness, Peter recognized his own sinfulness. This encounter completely reoriented Peter's priorities, leading him to abandon his successful catch to follow Jesus and become a 'fisher of people.' Like Peter, we discover our true mission through simple steps of obedience that lead us deeper into God's purpose, focusing on Jesus rather than temporary blessings.

Series: "Operation Liberty: Gospel Mission" Preached at Growing Faith Church in Liberty, NC July 6, 2025 Our next sermon in this series on invitation and evangelism explores how God restores broken relationships through Christ's sacrifice. When humanity sinned, our relationship with God was broken beyond our ability to repair. God paid the cost by treating Jesus as if He had committed all our sins, so we could be counted as righteous. As reconciled believers, we become Christ's ambassadors with the ministry of reconciliation—seeing others through God's eyes of potential and sharing how peace with God is possible. This reconciliation isn't just forgiveness but a complete restoration that welcomes us into close relationship with God. 1. The Gospel of Reconciliation (v. 21) 2. The Ministry of Reconciliation (v. 18-20) 3. The Potential for Reconciliation (v. 16-17)  

Series: "Operation Liberty: Gospel Mission" Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC June 29, 2025 In Acts 18, Paul's journey in Corinth reveals five essential keys to successful ministry that apply to our mission today. These include accepting that ministry is challenging, making God-ordained connections, preparing for emotional highs and lows, advancing ministry outside church walls, and staying focused on the objective. Paul's experience teaches us that we don't need to rely on our own strength but on the gospel's power. Jesus has people in our communities who already belong to Him, and our role is simply to make the introductions by sharing our faith and extending invitations. 1. Accept that the Mission is Hard. (v. 1) 2. Make God-ordained Connections (vv. 2-4) 3. Be Prepared for Highs and Lows (vv. 5-6) 4. Advance Outside the Church (vv. 7-8) 5. Keep Focused on the Objective (vv. 9-11)  

Series: "New Life, New Church, New Purpose" Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC June 22, 2025 1. Stand Strong Against the Real Enemy. (vv. 10-12) 2. Stand Strong in God's Gospel Armor. (vv. 13-17) 3. Stand Strong in Prayer. (vv. 18-24) The armor of God equips believers for spiritual warfare against demonic forces, not human enemies. This armor includes the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. When Christians put on this armor, they're covering themselves in Jesus and embracing their identity in Him. Prayer serves as our most powerful weapon, especially when focused on God's mission rather than self-centered requests. Christians are called to fight from victory, not for victory, remembering that our battle is against spiritual forces of evil, not people.

Series: "New Life, New Church, New Purpose" Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC June 15, 2025 1. The Gospel Transforms All Servant/Superior Relationships (v. 1, v. 5) 2. Servants Submit to the Lord to Gain a Future Reward (vv. 1-3; vv. 5-8) 3. Superiors Lead as Christ's Representatives in Submission to Him (v. 4, v. 9) 4. God Uses Christ-centered Relationships to Change the World (vv. 4-5, v. 9) The gospel has the power to transform all our relationships, especially those involving authority. When we understand our identity in Christ, both leaders and followers are changed - leaders become humble servants, while those under authority serve with dignity and purpose. Parents are called to represent Christ to their children through loving discipline, while children honor their parents as unto the Lord. Similarly, in workplace relationships, supervisors should lead with respect, remembering everyone answers to God, while employees work wholeheartedly as serving Christ himself. These transformed relationships can ultimately change the world.  

Series: "New Life, New Church, New Purpose" Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC June 8, 2025 1. The Spirit Proclaims the Gospel to Empower Submission (vv. 18-21) 2. Wives Proclaim the Gospel by Submitting to Their Husbands. (vv. 22-24) 3. Husbands Proclaim the Gospel by Sacrificing for Their Wives. (vv. 25-30) 4. Marriage Proclaims the Gospel by Expressing Unity in Christ. (vv. 31-33) Marriage is designed to proclaim the gospel through mutual submission empowered by the Holy Spirit. Wives demonstrate the gospel by respectfully deferring to their husbands' leadership, while husbands reflect Christ's love through sacrificial, santifying, and satisfying love toward their wives. This complementary design isn't about inequality but about different roles that together illustrate Christ's relationship with the church. When spouses fulfill these roles unconditionally, not dependent on the other's response, they create a powerful picture of the gospel for the world to see.

Series: "New Life, New Church, New Purpose"  Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC June 1, 2025 Christians are called to seize each day for God's mission rather than self-fulfillment. Based on Ephesians 5:15-21, believers can live wisely in an unwise world by living strategically with purpose, practicing Christian mindfulness filled with God's truth, surrendering to the Holy Spirit's control rather than worldly influences, and allowing the Spirit to empower them to encourage others, worship authentically, give thanks in all circumstances, and submit to one another. Our lives gain eternal significance when we participate in God's mission to unite all things under Christ. 1. Live Strategically (vv. 15-16) 2. Live with Mindfulness (v. 17) 3. Live Under God's Control (v. 18) 4. Live Powered by the Spirit (vv. 19-21)  

Series: "New Life, New Purpose, New Church" Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC May 25, 2025 How much sin are you comfortable with in your life? When believers get comfortable with sin, we misrepresent God to the world. In Ephesians 5:3-14, Paul reminds us of our true identity as children of light who should have no hint of unrepented sin. Pastor Brian reminds us that rather than trying to keep one foot in God's kingdom and one in the world, we must remember that light and darkness cannot coexist, and our behavior should match our identity in Christ. 1. Don't Compromise with Sin - It Distorts Your Identity (vv. 3-7) 2. Strive to Please the Lord - Sin is Fruitless (vv. 8-11) 3. Walk in Light - Sin Destroys Your Witness (vv. 11-14)

Series: "New Life, New Purpose, New Church" Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC May 18, 2025 Justification and sanctification are two essential aspects of the Christian walk. While justification is the immediate declaration of righteousness through faith in Christ, sanctification is the lifelong journey of becoming more like Him. This transformation requires putting off the old self, renewing our minds, and embracing our new identity in Christ. Through God's grace, believers can replace sinful patterns with righteous behaviors, learning to walk in love and truth while trusting in His transformative power. 1. Stop Walking on the Road to Nowhere (vv. 17-19) 2. Learn to Walk with Jesus (vv. 20-24) 3. Walk on the Road of Your New Identity (vv. 25-30) 4. Walk in Your Father's Footsteps (4:31 - 5:2)

Series: "New Life, New Purpose, New Church" Preached at Growing Faith Church, Liberty, NC May 11, 2025 In Scripture, God promises to build His church but how does He do it? Pastor Brian shows how God's authentic blueprint for church building is found in Ephesians 4:11-13. God calls every member to use their gifts for the mission and gives leaders to the church to equip them to do so. How Does God Build a Church? 1. He Creates Saints and Brings Them Together (v. 12) 2. He Gives the Church Leaders to Equip the Saints for Ministry (vv. 11-12) 3. He Gives the Saints Various Gifts to Build Up the Church Body (vv. 12-13)

What creates a healthy growing church? In Ephesians 4, the Apostle Paul doesn't start with an individual application of the truths of the first three chapters.  Instead, he begins by showing how the spiritual blessings we have received in Christ have a corporate application for members of the church.  Every believer is called by God to be part of his kingdom mission as part of a local church. Three Steps to a Healthy Growing Church 1. Work to Maintain the Unity Christ Created (vv. 1-6) 2. Look to Use Your Gifts for the Benefit of Others (vv. 7-12) 3. Grow into Healthy Maturity Together (vv. 13-16)

Sometimes we mistakenly think that if we are following Jesus, our lives should be blessed with ease and comfort.  But the psalms are full of laments to God by His children.  Pastor Michael Gay answers the question, "Why Do Christians Suffer?" as he looks at Psalm 13 written by King David and the life and suffering of Jesus. 1. Suffering Comes to Everyone (v. 1) 2. Suffering is Just for a Season (vv. 1-2) 3. Suffering Feels Isolating (vv. 3-4) 4. Suffering Has a Purpose (vv. 5-6)  

Are you 100% certain that you will go to heaven when you die? Has the resurrection of Jesus from the dead transformed the way that you live your daily life? Come listen in as Jesus tells Nicodemus that he must be born again to see the kingdom of heaven. 1. You Will Never Be Good Enough to Get into Heaven. (3:1-3) 2. You Must Be Born Again. (3:4-8) 3. You Can't Give Birth to Yourself. (3:9-13) 4. Look at the Cross and Believe (3:14-16)

When we face troubles in life, we often ask God to take those circumstances away or fix them.  But God usually wants to use those circumstances to do a work inside us.  Listen as Pastor Brian describes how our power for living the Christian life has to come from God working on us from the inside out. 1. God's Power is Accessed Through Prayer (vv. 14-15) 2. May God Empower Us to Walk Closely With Him (vv. 16-17a) 3. May God Empower Us to Know Love Though Community (vv. 17b-19) 4. God Works in Us Before He Works Through Us (vv. 20-21)  

Sometimes our vision or imagination of reality doesn't match up with what we see around us.  Listen as Pastor Brian teaches that God has a plan and has graciously given every Christian a part to play in the plan to proclaim the immeasurable riches of Jesus' love to the world.  Knowing the plan can give us boldness when hard times come and we don't see God working. 1. God Has Revealed His Plan to Us. (vv. 1-6) 2. God Graciously Gives Us the Honor of Participating in His Plan (vv. 7-10) 3. Understanding the Plan Gives Us Boldness in Hard Times (vv. 1, 11-13)