Simple Church

Wednesday, July 31, 2019 -No Matter What

Regardless of our backstory, current story or the story we have made up in our minds that keep us from believing God can use us, He absolutely can. Rahab was the most surprising choice to be used by God because she was a prostitute. When we see ourselves compared to other people, we can begin to compare against things we have done or standards we will never attain. Christ does not see us in the same way. Placing our faith in Jesus, He uses the transformation in our lives to bring glory to Himself by showing the power of a changed life. Rahab had a seeking heart that He used in spite of her circumstances. God requires a willing soul and complete faith in Him to rescue our hearts and give us new life in Him.

 

Joshua 2:1-24; Matthew 1

Kenny Nix, Pastor

Wednesday, July 24, 2019 -No Matter What

In the series "No Matter What", there have been many examples of people in scripture who have walked with God as He guided their steps and people saw the works of the Lord through them. In this talk, we are faced with questions we must ask of ourselves if we claim to follow Jesus, such as, "What if you were called by God to speak a message of repentance and no one ever listened?". Another question we may find ourselves asking is, "What if you continued to be obedient in your calling and you were alone in what you believed, could you stay resolved to those convictions?". 

Walking through scripture and taking God's Word for what it actually is, instead of trying to bend the meaning to always end well for His people, is oftentimes unpleasant. Our hope is that we find Christ when we seek Him with all our heart. The superficial hopes of this earth will destroy our faith if we are not rooted in Jesus alone. Jeremiah had hope, like we do today, because his eyes were fixed on things eternal. The promised Comforter and faith in Christ as Savior are where our true hope lie.

 

Jeremiah 7:1-10, 29: 4-14, 31: 31-34

Kassidy Nix

Sunday, July 21, 2019 - He Cares For You

As we continue in our "He Cares For You" series, we see Christ in the center of all things. He came to bring the message of salvation to the world. He taught not only His disciples, but everyone who listened to His message that He is the only way to be reconciled to God. What Christ did for the world by giving His life as a ransom changed everything. We now have a way to be freed from the bondage sin once had on all of humanity. When Jesus ascended, the Comforter came so we are never alone. Christ literally lives within every believer who places their faith in Him.

 

John 14:1-4

Kenny Nix, Pastor

Wednesday, July 17, 2019 -No Matter What

The character of God never changes. He was, is and always will be I AM. Amos reveals God's character in his book. Even when times seem hopeless, God is there, working all things to further reveal His glory. Amos shows us even when we are unable to see the good, God is sovereign and working all things to point to that fact.

 

Amos 1-9

Jameson Thacker

Sunday, July 14, 2019 - He Cares For You

Oftentimes, giants in our lives will come with brutal force when we least expect it. David faced Goliath who was bigger, stronger and, by all accounts, more than capable of destroying anyone who dared to stand against him. David was confident nothing could defeat him with God on his side. 

We will all face giants of various kinds during our lifetimes. This does not indicate we are forgotten or discarded. On the contrary, these times of doubt, fear, loss or desperation are opportunities to lay everything at the feet of Christ and trust He truly does care as much as scripture says. We can face these times with confidence because we never have to walk into a battle without Him by our side.

 

1 Samuel 17:1-51; Psalm 56:1-13

Kenny Nix, Pastor

Wednesday, July 10, 2019 -No Matter What

In this message, we take a look at a man who knew his heart was being stirred to take action against something that was happening. Even against fear, possible death from the king, opposition and the huge task ahead, Nehemiah pushed forward. God was with him in each step of his journey. 

In our own lives, God is faithful just like He always has been. Despite our worst days, He is there. He is the strength of our lives and He fortifies those roots that grow deep by being I AM in all things. He is sovereign, knowing what is best for our good and His glory. If your life is in ruins, He is the only one who can rebuild your broken heart with a story that can do the same for someone else. When Christ is your focus, everyone you encounter will see a transformation that can stir even the most hardened heart.

 

Nehemiah

Kenny Nix, Pastor

Sunday, July 7, 2019 - He Cares For You

During the time of Jesus' earthly ministry, He often healed people who were stricken with diseases and other ailments. Many people came to Him and many others followed Him as He went from town to town proclaiming the Kingdom of God. His purpose in doing these miracles was to show He was truly God's Son and sent by Him. Every person who was touched by Jesus was changed. On this day, on His way to heal a man's daughter, someone touched Him in faith.

Jesus calls us to follow Him, leaving everything behind and making Him our life's focus. When our heart is changed and we become a new creation, we leave behind our former self and push toward the will of Christ for our lives. When we reach out in faith, just as in the time of Christ on Earth, our entire life is changed.

 

Matthew 14:13-16; Luke 8:40-48

Kenny Nix, Pastor

Wednesday, July 3, 2019 -No Matter What

As we continue our series "No Matter What", we see the obedience of Moses. The Israelites continually turned on God by complaining or disregarding what He said through Moses. God provided safety, food, water and every other thing the people needed to reach the land that He promised them. The people refused to see what had been given; instead they focused on what they left behind and the hard road that was ahead.

Following God is not easy. Many times in our pursuit of Christ, we can be tempted to give up and turn back. If we stay in the fight, Jesus will be our Provider just like God provided for the Israelites. Jesus is worth the fight and He goes before us in all our days.

 

Exodus 15:22-27, 16:1-36

Kenny Nix, Pastor

Sunday, June 30, 2019

There are so many things in life that can make us feel like we are walking closely with God and nothing could ever shake our faith. There are also things that happen in life that make us feel completely alone, wondering how we got to such a dark place in our mind. Elisha experienced this after he called fire down from heaven. He was walking with God so closely that his prayers were immediately answered and the prophets of Baal were destroyed. No one could deny the power of God that day. Almost immediately afterward, he is waiting to die because of Jezebel. 

In our own lives, we do the same thing. God patiently pursues us, like He did Elisha. He calls us to nourish ourselves and keep going. He goes before us and knows what lies ahead. Although troubles come our way, God cares for us and is there when we genuinely yield to His will. Simply or routinely checking the box is not the same as surrendering and obeying from the overflow of worship to Him.

 

1 Kings 19:1-18

Kenny Nix, Pastor

Wednesday, June 26, 2019 -No Matter What

What are you willing to sacrifice for the gospel? In our new series "No Matter What", we will walk through scripture and see people who risked everything to hold tightly to Christ, regardless of the personal cost. 

God has called people from the beginning of time to live lives for His glory; He is calling you and I to do the same today. We are often mistaken by thinking our lives will be easier if we follow Jesus. This is actually in direct opposition to what scripture reveals. Jesus Himself said the world hates Him and in turn will hate His followers. We have a real enemy, but our Ally is victorious and through Him we are more than conquerors. We cannot be defeated if our eyes are fixed on Jesus, no matter what happens to us this side of eternity.

 

Daniel 3

Meadow Houck