Harris Creek Baptist Church

A powerful call to stand firm when culture pressures the church toward compromise. The message explores false teaching, spiritual deception, and the responsibility to protect believers through biblical truth. It also addresses courageous correction, distinguishing loving care from condemnation, and the urgency of sharing the gospel with those far from Christ.

What makes someone worth following? This teaching from Titus 1 explores leadership shaped by faithfulness at home, humble shepherding, and character that holds up in private. It examines self-control, hospitality, integrity, holiness, accountability, and the courage to protect biblical truth while finishing well together.

A football fumble sets up a challenge to stay faithful to Jesus all the way to the finish. The message explores spiritual practices, intentional intimacy with Christ, guarding both doctrine and daily life, and using personal influence to make disciples. An Olympic marathon story highlights perseverance when the race gets hard.

Healthy relationships don’t happen by following our natural instincts, but by staying close to the Holy Spirit and letting Him lead us toward life and peace. Because we’ve been forgiven, we’re called to forgive others, and because we’ve been redeemed, we’re called to own our wrongs, seek forgiveness, and make things right.Follow the Spirit for healed relationship Forgiven people forgive peopleThe Redeemed right their wrongsLife Group Discussion:What does stay “close enough to touch” the Holy Spirit look like in your daily life?Is there someone you’re holding onto unforgiveness toward? What makes it difficult to release that debt to Jesus?What makes admitting “I was wrong” and asking, “Will you please forgive me?” so difficult?

Freedom from sin comes when we take inventory, confess, and repent, bringing what’s hidden into the light. When we turn toward Jesus, we find forgiveness, healing, and joy.Take inventory of sinConfess your sinRepent of your sinLife Group Discussion:What is something you tend to avoid acknowledging or looking at honestly in your own life? Why?How does knowing that God responds to confession with forgiveness change the way you view your sin?What’s the difference between simply feeling sorry for your sin and actually turning from it?

JP reminds us that freedom begins when we stop trying to fight sin and our struggles in our own strength and surrender to God. Through Romans 7, we’re reminded of three simple truths: I can’t, God can, and I trust Him, because the God who forgives, heals, redeems, and renews us is also trustworthy with every part of our lives.I can’t God canI trust HimLife Group Discussion:Where are you most tempted to rely on your own strength instead of admitting, “I can’t”?Psalm 103 says God forgives, heals, redeems, crowns, satisfies, and renews. Which of these do you most need to believe right now, and why?What area of your life is hardest for you to fully trust God with?

Church isn’t something we consume, it’s a family where we help one another follow Jesus by engaging the lost, equipping the saints, and empowering members for service. JP challenges us to pursue those far from Jesus, grow in spiritual maturity, and use our God-given gifts to serve His Church.At Harris Creek we ENGAGE the lostAt Harris Creek we EQUIP the SaintsAt Harris Creek we EMPOWER members for serviceLife Group Discussion:JP said we are representatives of the Truth. How does the way you live either point people toward or away from Jesus?What is the difference between simply knowing more about God and actually becoming more like Jesus?How does viewing church as a place where we do ministry through people, not just to people change the way you think about being part of the Church?

Jesus asks us, “Do you want to be healed?” He calls us to look to Him, listen to Him, and obey Him rather than settle for our old ways. Jesus changes lives, and our transformed lives are meant to point others to Him.The problem: We look to circumstances, not ChristThe solution: Listen to and obey Christ for healingThe Application: Testify to ChristLife Group Discussion:What “pool of Bethesda” do you find yourself looking toward for hope or change instead of looking to Jesus?What would change in your life if you fully trusted Jesus enough to obey Him, even when His way doesn’t make sense?How has Jesus changed your life in a way that you could share with someone who doesn’t know Him?

Jesus challenges us to examine why we follow Him, reminding us that faith rooted in what He can give us won't last. Even when we don't understand His ways, Jesus alone has the words of eternal life and is always worth following.Jesus won’t always do what you wantJesus won't always say what we want Him to sayJesus is always worth followingLife Group Discussion:What's something you've asked God for that He hasn't given you yet? How has that affected your faith?When God's Word challenges your lifestyle or opinions, what's your first reaction, to trust, argue, ignore, or something else?What has convinced you personally that Jesus is worth following, even when life is hard?

The most important question you'll ever answer isn't what culture, your family, or your friends say about Jesus, it's who you say He is. When you recognize Jesus as the true Savior and Lord, you're not only transformed by the gospel, you're invited to boldly make Him known so others can find their way home too.Who do people say Jesus is?Who do you say Jesus is?Who will you tell?Life Group Discussion:What are some of the most common misunderstandings or distorted views of Jesus you encounter on social media, at work, or among your friends?Peter confessed that Jesus is "the Christ, the Son of the living God." Why is this confession foundational to the Christian faith, and how does it shape the way we live?What is one practical step you can take this week to intentionally point someone toward Jesus, through a conversation, an invitation, or the way you live?