Community Bible Church of Highlands

The core of Pastor Joel's message centered on hope, symbolized by the lighting of the hope candle. He shared the story of Abram from Genesis 15, focusing on the profound covenant God made with him. Pastor Joel explained the cultural significance of this ancient ritual, where God alone walked between the animal carcasses, placing the covenant's fulfillment entirely on His shoulders. This act, he noted, serves as a powerful reminder of God's steadfast promises and should inspire a deep trust in His faithfulness.

Highlighting the poignant context of Psalm 23, Pastor Gary shared how King David, in a state of distress being pursued by his son Absalom, found solace in God as his shepherd. Pastor Gary used this imagery to convey the comforting truth that God sings over His people with songs of deliverance, much like a shepherd singing over his flock. He revealed how this divine melody of liberation and hope can sustain believers through their own times of emotional and spiritual hardship, encouraging the congregation to embrace this divine comfort and guidance.

Pastor Gary concluded a series on the profound statements of Jesus by examining Mark 10:43-45, where Jesus highlights the essence of true greatness. He explored the context of this passage, describing a request made by James and John to sit beside Jesus in glory. Jesus used this moment to teach a countercultural lesson, stating that true greatness comes through servitude and self-sacrifice. Pastor Gary emphasized that Jesus, even as the Son of Man, came not to be served but to serve others and give His life as a ransom for many, setting a difficult yet transformative standard for His followers.

When the disciples asked Jesus who was the greatest in the kingdom of heaven, they expected a lesson on power, position, and privilege. Instead, Jesus called a little child to stand among them and delivered one of His most counter-cultural teachings: unless we change and become like little children, we will never enter the kingdom of heaven. This profound moment challenges us to examine what we've lost in our pursuit of adulthood; the innocence, teachability, humility, and wonder that characterize a child's heart.

In his sermon, Pastor Gary explores the ancient and brutal practice of stoning, connecting it to the Biblical example where a woman caught in adultery is brought to Jesus by the Pharisees. He paints a vivid picture of the fear and vulnerability this woman must have felt, as her life hung in the balance due to the strictures of the Law of Moses. By referencing John 8: 2-11, Pastor Gary illustrates Jesus' revolutionary approach to the situation. Despite the Pharisees' attempt to trap Him, Jesus demonstrates profound wisdom by inviting anyone without sin to cast the first stone, a challenge that ultimately disarms the crowd and leads to the woman's deliverance without condemnation.

In his sermon, Pastor Gary delves into John Chapter 13, focusing on the profound actions and statements of Jesus that continue to resonate today. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing the depth and significance of Jesus' actions, particularly his decision to wash the disciples' feet. This act, Pastor Gary explains, was unprecedented and shocking, yet it demonstrated Jesus' understanding of his identity and the authority given to him by God. Knowing who you are in relationship to God, Pastor Gary asserts, is crucial, as it determines your actions and enables a life of purpose rooted in divine authority and identity.

Pastor Gary examines the concepts of seeking and knocking, urging listeners to recognize that spiritual discoveries often require diligence and intentional effort. Drawing on metaphors and personal anecdotes, he portrayed the act of seeking as a disciplined pursuit of what is not immediately visible or obvious, requiring faith and persistence. Knocking, on the other hand, symbolizes the action needed to access a deeper intimacy with God. Pastor Gary shared that many people communicate with God through a metaphorical door, missing out on the full richness of a direct encounter. To truly experience profound spiritual growth, believers must metaphorically knock, enter, and engage with God on a more personal level.

In Pastor Gary's recent sermon, he explored the profound statements made by Jesus Christ, with a particular focus on the declaration, "I am the true vine." Pastor Gary elaborated on how these words, spoken in a world often characterized by haste and superficiality, carry profound and lasting implications. He explained that the vine symbolizes a connection to divine sustenance and truth, unlike the hollow substitutes the world might offer. With great conviction, Pastor Gary emphasized the unique and fearless nature of Jesus' statement, highlighting His divinity and the unmatched love and sacrifice inherent in His life and mission.

Throughout his sermon, Pastor Gary connected historical revolutions initiated by profound statements to our personal and spiritual lives today. He asserted that the church is key in facilitating change, calling us to challenge the ways we separate people into categories and hold onto grievances. By loving and praying for enemies, believers allow their own hearts to transform, emulating Christ's revolutionary love. Pastor Gary captured this transformation by suggesting that prayer shifts our perspective—not only focusing on others but reshaping our own hearts to reflect the love of Christ more fully.

In this sermon, Pastor Thomas stands in for Pastor Gary to discuss the profound parable of the Prodigal Son, using insights from Henri Nouwen's book, "The Return of the Prodigal Son," and Rembrandt's painting of the same name. Pastor Thomas encourages the congregation to see themselves in the parable, which features a loving father and his two distinct sons, the younger being wayward and the older being self-righteous. The sermon challenges listeners to reevaluate how they might identify with the younger son's waywardness or the older son's self-righteousness, emphasizing that these are not defining identities, but rather conditions that we all may experience at times.

In his sermon, Elder Carl Littlefield shared a heartfelt and humorous account of his life journey, emphasizing the power and purpose of divine disruptions. He began by recounting personal anecdotes, including his early academic struggles, a lighthearted confession of grazing on cherries before buying them, and a humorous dream about his selection for the elder board. These stories served as a prelude to the deeper message of how age and life's unexpected turns can provide profound opportunities for growth and reflection, tying in biblical examples like Jacob's and Aaron's stories from the Old Testament that highlight God's faithfulness in using the old and seemingly insignificant to accomplish His purposes.

Guest Speaker Nathan Bumgarner focused his message on the theme of powerful prayer, using Jabez's story from 1 Chronicles 4:9-10 as a foundation. He emphasized four key aspects of Jabez's prayer: a request for blessing, an enlargement of influence, an assurance of God's presence, and a plea for protection. Nathan highlighted the importance of seeking God's blessings not merely for personal benefit but to serve as conduits for His work, thereby expanding God's influence for His glory. He underscored the necessity of relying on God's presence, especially as influence grows, to guide and empower efforts to impact communities and share the gospel effectively.

Pastor Gary's sermon focused on the necessity of radical honesty and prioritizing one's relationship with Christ above all else, as illustrated in Matthew chapter 10. He used the metaphor of life beyond physical birth to emphasize the transformation required through spiritual rebirth. Pastor Gary encouraged maintaining an authentic prayer life, describing the "prayer closet" as a sacred space for honest dialogue with God that transcends worldly influences and personal biases. He emphasized that true peace from Christ is active, compelling believers to engage in battling the injustices and sufferings of others. The sermon culminated with a call to integrate this deep devotion into every aspect of life, encouraging the congregation to approach communion by acknowledging personal hurts and committing to Christ's mission of reconciliation and love.

Pastor Gary brings a challenging message about estrangement based on Genesis 4:8-16.

Pastor Gary Hewins shares a brief message on letting God The Father guide you as you navigate this world.

Today, we're exploring the profound concept of biblical hospitality and its transformative power in our lives. This isn't just about being nice to guests; it's about embodying Christ's love for the vulnerable, the hurting, and the stranger. We're reminded of the Greek words for 'guest' and 'love,' highlighting that true hospitality is a gift exchange - giving a part of ourselves to others. The message challenges us to move beyond our comfort zones and embrace the biblical mandate to 'practice hospitality' as mentioned in Romans 12. It's a call to action, urging us to be the hands and feet of Jesus in a world desperately in need of kindness and generosity. As we reflect on this, let's consider: How can we open our hearts and homes to those God brings into our lives, even when it's risky or inconvenient?

Pastor Gary draws a powerful parallel with the stories of early Christian martyrs, emphasizing their steadfast faith in the face of persecution as described in Hebrews 11. Through his exploration of Revelation 6, he addresses the cry for justice, pain, and suffering of those under the altar, urging the congregation to comprehend the true cost of discipleship. By reflecting on their sacrifices, Christians today can gain a deeper understanding of their spiritual heritage and the profound trust in God required during times of adversity. He encourages believers to seek a deeper relational reality with Christ that these martyrs possessed, pointing out that their unwavering commitment serves as a foundational example for today's faith journey.

The core of the sermon focused on the nature and deception of the Antichrist, as highlighted in biblical teachings. Pastor Gary referenced 1 John and other scriptures, articulating that while some believe the Antichrist to be a single future figure, others see him as a representation of ongoing evil throughout history. He highlighted the subtle nature of the Antichrist, who presents himself as an attractive alternative to Christ. Pastor Gary encouraged the congregation to practice discernment, illustrating how the true Christ is distinguished by sacrifice, symbolized by a "gash" marking his authenticity, unlike the counterfeit Antichrist.