Stonecreek Church

What is your vision for your life? Does it align with God’s plan for your life? This past Sunday, Pastor Steven Gibbs was back with an awesome message about what it takes for us to live our best, real life. Life change begins when we become willing to sacrifice all that we have for the One who paid it all. I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. ‭‭Romans‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭2‬ ‭ The world has a vision for your life, do you? Power in us is fueled by the patterns of Jesus. The mercy of God is our motivation. Have you considered how much mercy God gives you? Sacrifices are serious business. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Psalm 51:17 Is your sacrifice bringing you the life you want? How did you get here? What are your inputs? What systems are shaping you today?‬ God’s vision for your life is the person you are becoming. Broken thoughts lead to broken beliefs; ‬ ‭ Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. Colossians 3:2 Where is the joy of my salvation? And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18

Death is inevitable, we have one life to live – life with Jesus gives us the purpose and meaning that our souls desperately crave. This past Sunday, Pastor Aaron Bennett reminded us that when we set our desires, our cravings, on the eternity of Heaven, we can trust that God will provide for us as a good Father. Real life is found in Jesus and it lasts forever.  CBS News Poll: Most people don’t think about death. → But we spend a lot of time and money trying to avoid it. Is that really how we want to live? Is that really what God wants for us? Matthew 6:25-33 “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink, nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air: they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? And why are you anxious about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the Gentiles seek after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them all. But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” Jesus knows you want everlasting life and He wants for you to experience everlasting life. Have you received eternal life from Jesus? What are you doing that will last forever? Real life is offered to everyone.  Matthew 9:9-13 As Jesus went on from there, he saw a man named Matthew sitting at the tax collector’s booth. “Follow me,” he told him, and Matthew got up and followed him. While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Real life from Jesus is given, not earned. Real life isn’t about changing what you do. Real life is about changing what you want.  What are you doing that will last forever?

Is your marriage built on a foundation of real love? This past Sunday, Pastor Steven Gibbs gave us principles so that we can experience a marriage and love that lasts – a marriage that is defined by the definition of love that God’s Word provides us. Our culture might tell us that love is dependent on passion and performance, but Scripture tells us that our actions are what direct out emotions. After all, we don’t fall in real love – we grow into it.  Live Giving Long Lasting Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.  1 Corinthians 13:4-8 So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love. 1 Corinthians 13:12 Out Serve How can I win at serving? Liberate Greatness For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mark 10:45 Who does my spouse want to become? Take Responsibility Remember Jesus every day We love because he first loved us.  1 John 4:19

Why did Jesus come as a servant? This weekend was week 2 of our series Christmas Like Jesus where we’re exploring how we can pursue the hope of our Savior in the midst of the hype of the season. Jesus came so that we can know the kingdom that we were created for, the kingdom we long for, and we are welcomed home through Jesus’ servanthood. The things that we serve are proof of the things that own us, so we must ask ourselves are we slaves to the kingdom of heaven? Or are we slaves to sin?  For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. - Jesus

Join Pastor Steven Gibbs, a compassionate leader at Stonecreek Church, as he navigates the intricate topics of sexuality, gender identity, and the LGBTQ+ community. He emphasizes that the LGBTQ+ community should be seen as people to love rather than issues to tackle. Gibbs reflects on the importance of humility and mercy when discussing diverse identities while celebrating singleness and celibacy. He also discusses how true identity in Christ can lead to transformative experiences for all.

In this engaging conversation, Pastor Steven Gibbs dives into the divine design for sex and marriage. He explains that God wants us to enjoy a fulfilling sex life within marriage, countering cultural misconceptions about promiscuity. Gibbs emphasizes that sexuality is a gift meant for intimacy, comfort, and pleasure. He also discusses the importance of setting boundaries and honoring one’s body, while inviting listeners to embrace a biblical understanding of intimacy that celebrates love and connection in marriage.

Joe Baker, Pastor at Elevate City campus, dives deep into the world of deconstruction and doubt in faith. He emphasizes the importance of bringing our questions to the forefront while rebuilding what we've lost. Baker discusses how millennials and Gen Z are reshaping spiritual authority, urging a return to Jesus' teachings. He also addresses the distrust towards spiritual leaders, advocating for healing and dialogue. Ultimately, he calls for a quest for truth, encouraging individuals to engage with scripture collaboratively.

Delve into the intriguing discussion on truth and relativity, exploring how Jesus embodies ultimate truth. The speaker raises thought-provoking questions about who we trust as our authority. Reflect on the cultural trend of individualism and the struggle it poses in understanding true freedom. The podcast also addresses the trial of truth in today's chaotic world, encouraging personal introspection on beliefs and the importance of embracing spiritual maturity. Discover how recognizing Jesus as the source of truth can lead to transformative change in your life.

In this discussion, Steven Gibbs, a pastor at Stonecreek Church, dives deep into the intersection of faith and politics. He emphasizes Jesus' teachings as a guide for engaging in political discourse, encouraging kindness and conviction. Gibbs tackles the sensitivity of abortion, urging a compassionate approach while addressing its implications in society. He also discusses the importance of navigating unwanted pregnancies with faith and support. Throughout, he reassures believers of God’s promise amid challenges, inspiring hope and resilience.

This past Sunday we concluded our series “So Loved,” as Pastor Steven laid out just a few of the ways we can clearly see the love of God throughout Scripture. God’s love is a force to be reckoned with, and there’s nothing you can do to escape it. There will be a day when we are healed from every hurt and every scar, but when we see Jesus face to face, we will be able to clearly see the scars that His love for us has left. We invite you to find everything you need in the love of God.