Harris Creek Baptist Church

Discover the transformative power of God's love, starting with an unforgettable personal story from an AA meeting. Explore how receiving divine love empowers us to love others genuinely. Dive into biblical teachings on love from 1 John, emphasizing that our ability to love stems from God. John shares inspiring stories of sacrificial love and deep gratitude, urging us to reconnect with our spiritual roots to rekindle love in our lives. Reflect on how acknowledging our forgiven sins can renew our passion for Christ and motivate us to act for the good of others.

Dive into a discussion about the importance of truly loving God beyond just having access to His Kingdom. Discover how the relentless pursuit of pleasure, possessions, and position can distract us from a genuine relationship with Him. Explore the contrasts between worldly desires and a life centered on God. Learn how self-love fuels temptation and why sharing our blessings is key to real joy. Unpack the idea that self-worship is a major roadblock to loving God, reminding us to enjoy life's gifts in a way that glorifies Him.

Love always changes your life, and Jesus says the most important thing about you is not what you believe, but who you love, starting with God and flowing out to others. This year’s invitation is simple but weighty: sit in God’s love, let it reorder your priorities, and watch your love for Him grow into real, tangible love for people.This Command Is the BenchmarkThis Command Is a BlessingThis Command Comes with a BarometerLife Group Discussion:What areas of your life (time, money, habits, relationships) most clearly reveal what you love the most?Where do you notice restlessness or dissatisfaction in your life, even when things are “going well” on the outside?Who is the hardest person in your life to love right now, and what makes that difficult?

The significance of Christmas is explored, highlighting Jesus' unique nature as fully God and fully man. Listeners are challenged to truly receive Christ, not just acknowledge Him. The podcast encourages believers to glorify Jesus in every aspect of life, from work to parenting. Humility and gratitude are emphasized, as well as the importance of sharing the message of Christ with others. Practical examples inspire listeners to 'play their best for Him,' reminding them to live transformed lives that reflect their faith.

Explore the deep roots of true joy that transcend fleeting happiness. Discover how salvation cultivates lasting gladness, rooted in Christ’s reign. The imagery of creation celebrating the reversal of the curse captures joy’s essence. Learn how trusting in God's justice frees us from seeking revenge. Reflect on the stories of resilience, like Harriet Tubman, illustrating compassion and hope. Finally, anchor your joy in the promise of Christ's return, nurturing deep gratitude and motivation to share the gospel.

Christmas isn't just a routine; it's about the greatest announcement: the King has come! Discover why God chose to reveal this miracle to social outcasts and the profound depth of His mission to save us from sin and death. Reflect on what it looks like to trust Jesus' authority in our daily lives, especially during challenges. Reclaim a sense of awe for the season and recognize that the baby in Bethlehem was destined for sacrifice. The message is clear: the King is here, and He invites us to respond.

Isaiah 7:14, Matthew 1:22–23, Isaiah 9:2, Luke 1: 78–79, Haggai 2:7, Isaiah 2:4, and Ephesians 2:14–17Jesus has already come, He’s with us right now, and yet we still feel the ache of wandering, darkness, and chaos in a world that’s not fully restored. Advent reminds us to hold onto hope in that tension, trusting that the same Jesus who came once will come again to make everything whole.Jesus is with us in the wandering Jesus is with us in the darknessJesus is with us in the chaosLife Group Discussion:How does remembering Jesus’ first coming give you confidence and hope while you wait for His return?What kinds of darkness, personally or in the world, make you long for Jesus’ light the most?What would it look like for you to “wait, watch, and hope” for Jesus in the middle of the chaos you’re experiencing right now?

The discussion likens spiritual growth to physical therapy, emphasizing that many just 'get by.' It delves into the true marks of discipleship, highlighting responsibilities like restoring others gently and avoiding comparison. Jonathan stresses the importance of mutual support in the church community without enabling burdens. The podcast also tackles the significance of confronting personal sin, living under the Spirit's influence, and prioritizing love for fellow believers. Ultimately, it encourages focusing solely on Christ and His work in our lives.

Nate reminded us that we’re all being led by something, and following the flesh only leads to anxiety, chaos, and ultimately destruction. But when we choose to walk with the Spirit, He grows real fruit in us, love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Real change doesn’t happen overnight, but through daily steps of surrender as God builds roots that eventually produce fruit.The Spirit and the flesh are in conflictActs of the flesh lead to deathWalking with the spirit leads to fruitLife Group Discussion:Where do you most feel the “tug-of-war” between what your flesh wants and what the Spirit wants?When you look at the list of “acts of the flesh,” which ones tend to show up in your life, and how do they impact you?Nate said spiritual growth is often slow, like the bamboo tree building roots. Where do you think God might be growing “roots” in you right now?