"Old Truth, New Life"

Rev. Charlie Phillips

Sunday's Sermon: "Old Truth, New Life"

I John 2:7-14

Near the end of Jesus' life and ministry He told His disciples that the world would know them, not by their good works or service, but by their love for one another. In other words, love is to be a definitive mark of the church. And not just any kind of love, but Christ-empowered love funneling through brothers and sisters in Christ to brothers and sisters in Christ. Join us this Sunday as we dive into 1 John 2:7-14 to study the timeless commandment to love one another.

"The Benefits of Abiding in Christ"

Rev. Dr. Stacey M. Cox

Sunday's Sermon: "The Benefits of Abiding in Christ"

I John 2:1-5

Charles Spurgeon once said, "Why should Christians imitate Christ? They should do it for their own sakes. If they desire to be in a healthy state of soul-if they would escape the sickness of sin, and enjoy the vigor of growing grace, let Jesus be their model." Appears simple enough, but where does one get the power to 'imitate Christ'? It comes by abiding in Him. What does Christ do to, through, and for a person who abides in Him? Join us Sunday for "The Benefits of Abiding in Christ"!

"The Blood is Everything"

Rev. Dr. Stacey M. Cox

Sunday's Sermon: "The Blood is Everything"

I John 1:5-10

For a few weeks now, we've been looking at the book of 1 John. John writes with an emphasis on Christian assurance in a way that speaks to questions about the Christian life, questions like: What does a true Christian look like? How can one tell the difference between a 'real' Christian and a 'fake'? And, how does a person change? This short letter turns the light on these types of questions, sending us straight to the person and work of Jesus. Join us Sunday for 'The Blood is Everything'!

"The Foundation of Our Assurance"

Rev. Dr. Stacey M. Cox

Sunday's Sermon: "The Foundation of Our Assurance"

I John 1:1-4

We've all been on a road or a train where we wondered if we were on the right route or track. I can recall a couple of occasions like this riding the "T" in Boston. 'I think the Red Line goes to this station. I hope I picked the correct train.' Many of us have experienced a similar type doubt flying out of Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson, while finding our way to the departure terminal. Doubt can rob us of peace and confidence. John writes in his first epistle with a special emphasis on Christian assurance for the believer. This is a vital issue in the Christian's life and in the world. Join us Sunday for "The Foundation of Our Assurance"!

"Why Study I John?"

Rev. Dr. Stacey M. Cox

Sunday's Sermon: "Why Study I John?"

I John Overview

We find ourselves in a time of uncertainty. Everything is changing; nothing is stable. Social and political patterns are in flux. Questions about personal (and national) health confront all of us daily. There is widespread distrust of dogmatism and preference for agnosticism and doubt. Against this backdrop, to read 1 John is to enter another world, a world marked by assurance, knowledge, confidence, and boldness. John makes no bones about the Christian's confidence that needs to be heard and heeded today! Sunday, we launch into our fall series with "Why Study 1 John?"

"Gospel Community"

Rev. Charlie Phillips

Sunday's Sermon: "Gospel Community"

Acts 2:42-47

Many people have said that the one thing they missed the most during the lockdown a few months ago was fellowship. One recent study even showed that loneliness increased by 200-250% during the unprecedented quarantine. This lack of community led to a rise of substance abuse and even suicide. Why is this? Why do we long so deeply for fellowship? The answer is simple - we were made to live in community. We were created as relational beings by a relational God. Join us this Sunday as we explore the source and power of the kind of community God desires for His people.

"Faith on the Edge"

Rev. Dr. Stacey M. Cox

Sunday's Sermon: "Faith on the Edge"

Genesis 22:1-19

The knife went deeper with every phrase: "Take your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering" (Gen. 22:2). God's request flew in the face of His promise that through Abraham's seed God would create a people greater in number than the stars of heaven and the sand on the seashore. 'How could Yahweh go back on the miracle-promise fulfilled in the birth of my son?' Faith, obedience, sacrifice, darkness, mystery. When God isn't clear will we walk in obedience with Him in the darkness? Sunday, we consider faith on the edge. The sacrament of the Lord's Supper will also be observed. Join us!

"The Church's Mission in The Last Days"

Rev. Dr. Stacey M. Cox

Sunday's Sermon: "The Church's Mission in the Last Days"

John 20:19-23

The Book of Revelation concludes with 'Come, Lord Jesus!' (Rev. 22:20). That's the heart-cry of God's people. So, why doesn't He? The Bible's answer is clear: God is patiently waiting and working for the gospel to be declared to every creature, so that the perishing will be saved, and the full number of the elect gathered in (Mk 16:15; 2 Pet. 3:9; Mk 13:27). Why hasn't Jesus returned? Missions is the clear answer to the eschatological question. Sunday, we conclude our series with "The Church's Mission in the Last Days." Join us!

"God Wins: The New Heavens & Earth"

Rev. Dr. Stacey M. Cox

Sunday's Sermon: "God Wins: The New Heavens & Earth"

Isaiah 65:17-25; Revelation 21:1-5

When the dust settles, what will happen at the end of time as we know it? God will do what he promised many, many years ago: He will bring all in heaven and on earth together under Jesus Christ. What we broke in our rebellion, God will remake. The Gardener's vandalized garden will be restored. To state another way, in the end, God wins. Make plans to join us Sunday for "God Wins: The New Heavens & Earth."

"What Is Hell Like"

Rev. Dr. Stacey M. Cox

Sunday's Sermon: "What is Hell Like?"

Matthew 3:1-12; 25:41-46

If you were trying to win friends and influence people, would you recommend a book on hell for your friends at the golf club? I suspect not. Hell isn't a pleasant topic and we are naturally reluctant to consider it. After all, life's tough enough as it is. Why go out of our way to be depressed? Yet, a biblical doctrine of hell strengthens us. And neglecting it is dangerous - to our own souls and those around, including generations to come. Not one of us can say the doctrine of hell is irrelevant, for by nature we are born sinners. It's our final stop, unless we take the one and only escape. Sunday, we consider this doctrine with "What is Hell Like?"

"The Final Judgement"

Rev. Charlie Phillips

Sunday's Sermon: "The Final Judgment"

Revelation 20:11-15

The doctrine of the Final Judgment may be the most unpopular doctrine in Christianity. Since the fall of Adam and Eve, all mankind, in every nation and culture, has resolutely insisted that there is no judgment outside of man. In fact many have argued (and continue to argue) that there is no judgment outside of oneself. Sadly, this is a rejection not only of Almighty God and His justice but also of His everlasting grace. Join us this Sunday as we study John's vision of the Final Judgment and its application to our lives.

"A Thousand Years?"

Rev. Dr. Stacey M. Cox

Sunday's Sermon: "A Thousand Years?"

Revelation 20:1-10

Much of the end-times disagreement among believers has to do with one chapter in the book of Revelation: Chapter 20. Unfortunately, the millennium is often the sum of what Christians understand to be the end times. Yet, it should only be one part. Instead of causing such disagreement, Revelation 20 ought to be a great encouragement to Christians when we see so many things going terribly wrong in this world. The chapter helps us to understand who is in control and to yearn for the return of Jesus. Sunday, we examine it. Join us for "A Thousand Years?"

"The Coming Antichrist"

Rev. Dr. Stacey M. Cox

Sunday's Sermon: "The Coming Antichrist"

2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Jesus is coming. He's coming in glory to judge the world and complete the happiness of His saints. God's people should not only believe this, we should look forward to it! Yet, before this fantastic event, two others will take place: The great apostasy and the revealing of the "man of lawlessness" (or the Antichrist). We've considered the great apostasy within the church. Yet, it's the emergence of the Antichrist that's most frequently mentioned in Scripture. Jesus Himself mentions it; Paul writes about it in his epistles; John writes about it in his epistle; you find it in the book of Revelation in the visions that John receives; and you also find it especially in the Old Testament, in the book of Daniel. This Sunday, we'll consider this ominous figure who will arise at the end. Join us Sunday for "The Coming Antichrist."

"The Great Apostasy"

Rev. Dr. Stacey M. Cox

Sunday's Sermon: "The Great Apostasy"

2 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Rioting in the streets, looting, murder, anarchists laying claim to chunks of urban areas. Closing churches, opening bars. Evil is called good, and good is called evil. Massive fear and confusion grip our land. It all begs the question: "Is the return of Jesus imminent?" In other words, could he return at any moment? What Scripture has to say is what's important. Prior to the "day of the Lord," two things must happen: A certain event must take place, and a certain person must appear. The event, the great apostasy (or defection) within the visible church; the person, the emergence of the Antichrist. Sunday, we consider the first of these two. Plan to join us for "The Great Apostasy."

"He Is Coming"

Rev. Charlie Phillips

Sunday's Sermon: "He is Coming"

Research has shown that the average person has between 15,000 and 60,000 thoughts each day. For the average Christian, I wonder how many of those thoughts are centered on Jesus Christ-especially His promised second coming. The Bible tells us that His coming is a reality, but how "real" is it to us? Does it cause us to hope? Does it inspire us to live lives worthy of our calling? Does it change our behavior at all? The Apostle John certainly thinks it should. Join us this Sunday as we talk about the effects that Jesus' second coming ought to have on a born again Christian.

"The Work of the Spirit"

Rev. Charlie Phillips

Sunday's Sermon: "The Work of the Spirit"

For many people the Holy Spirit is the most misunderstood person of the Trinity. After all, He doesn't have a familial name like the Father or the Son, and His work is often shrouded in mystery. But as we'll see this Sunday, the Spirit has a specific role in redemptive history. To commemorate the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost we will be studying Jesus' last sermon to His disciples in John 16 in which He details the incredible value and role of the third person of the Trinity. Join us as we gather together for worship to celebrate the Spirit's work at Pentecost.

"This Jesus: His Ascension & Return"

Rev. Dr. Stacey M. Cox

Sunday's Sermon: "This Jesus: His Ascension & Return"

Just forty days earlier they had seen him die on a cross. Now, they were standing with him on the Mount of Olives. He gives final words of instruction; in a moment, he was gone. Jesus' last act on earth - his ascension to the Father - may be the most puzzling of any of his earthly milestones. We know what happened, but why? What difference does it make to the state of our souls and how we live? And how does it connect to our Lord's physical return? We celebrate Ascension Sunday this week. Join us for "This Jesus: His Ascension & Return"!

"Walking in Eternity Today"

Rev. Dr. Stacey M. Cox

Sunday's Sermon: "Walking in Eternity Today"

Heaven is real. It's not a puzzle to be solved but a promise to look forward to; we saw as much last Sunday. But, do we live as if it matters? Scripture calls us to "fix our eyes not on what is seen but what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal" (2 Cor. 4:18). Does that mean we are to live with our heads in the clouds, quit our jobs, find a nice hill to perch on, and wait for death? This Sunday, we are going to look at several ways heaven-focused thinking ought to impact how we live right now. Join us for "Walking in Eternity Today."

"Heaven Today"

Rev. Dr. Stacey M. Cox

Sunday's Sermon: "Heaven Today"

A little girl was taking an evening walk with her father. Wonderingly, she looked up at the stars and exclaimed: "Oh, Daddy, if the wrong side of heaven is so beautiful, what must the right side be!" What must it be! What is heaven like? Paul described it as 'great gain.' What will we look like? Well, the One who created everything is going to give us a grand makeover, so there's that! This Sunday we will consider the wonder of what awaits those who love the Lord. Join us for "Heaven Today!"

"Death: Facing the Inevitable"

Rev. Dr. Stacey M. Cox

Sunday's Sermon: "Death: Facing the Inevitable"

Frederick "Uncle Fed" Messer of Haywood County, NC was born in 1792 and died in 1907. Think about that; he lived through three centuries: 18th, 19th, and died in the 20th. Uncle Fed remembered when George Washington died (1799), and he voted for James Monroe as President in 1817. What a long life. Fascinating! Yet, in the end, he died like the 150,000 people who will die today in the world. We live in a fallen world where death is inevitable. Sunday, we are going to examine what the Bible has to say about death, all that we need to know for our comfort and instruction. Join us!