Harris Creek Baptist Church

Have you ever made a decision because of someone else? Wanted to do one thing but did something else because of others? As we continue our series Cross Examined, JP teaches us about people pleasing by examining the life of Pontius Pilate, a people pleasing politician.KEY TAKEAWAYS-People pleasing keeps relationships really shallow. -Who knows you? Who really, really knows you?-Keeping secrets until you die is satanic. It’s the opposite of what the Bible calls us to.-You cannot be a servant of Christ and live to please people.-If you make decisions based on what others think of you, you are a people pleaser.-A people pleaser is powerless. -Christians do not determine obedience by the outcome.-The most powerful man in the area (Pilate) was simply a puppet in the hands of the people.-A people pleaser is easily persuaded.-The gospel is controversial. Living for Christ is controversial. If you aren’t anchored in this truth, you will be swept away.-Do you make decisions based on what other people with think or what will honor God?-Something can be true -Something can be true: even if no one knows it. Something can be true: even if no one admits it. Something can be true: even if no one agrees what it is. Something can be true: even if no one follows it. Something can be true: even if no one but God grasps it fully.-If you follow the crowd, you are going to get lost in it.-You can’t desire to live like Jesus and be in fear of being crucified.-A people pleaser will point fingers.-When you try to make everyone happy you will have to find someone to blame.-We have such a high view of justice when it comes to our own lives that we completely forget that the central reality and truth of our faith is that our God was blamed and crucified for something He didn’t do.-We, all of us, are the ones to blame for Jesus being on the cross.-Jesus has all power, is not persuaded by others, and never points fingers.-Ten out of the eleven disciples died a brutal, martyrs death because they would not deny the crucifixion. What about you? Are you ready to live for Jesus and be His disciple no matter the cost?-Not one time did Jesus ask the question, “What will they think of me?” Rather, every single moment He asked, “What is my Father’s will?”MENTIONED OR RECOMMENDED RESOURCES-Suggested Scripture Study: Galatians 1:10; John 19:4-12; Proverbs 21:1; John 19:13-16; John 18:37-38; Matthew 27:24-26; Revelation 19:11-16 -Resource: Doing the Right Thing by Chuck Colson

Have you ever lost your way before? Maybe you have right now? As we continue our series, Cross Examined, JP examines the life of Peter, teaching us that we are never too far gone for God to rescue us and make good out of our mess.KEY TAKEAWAYS-If God can make good of the cross, He can make good of anything.-Jesus has a new future for His followers, and we won’t realize it until we forfeit our plans.-If dependence is the goal, weakness is an advantage.-Where are you with your plans—money, job, family, possessions, etc.—in this season? Are you holding them tightly or giving them to the Lord?-Delayed obedience is disobedience.-The lie in failure is that God is finished.-God finishes things, and as Christians, we should too.-Staying committed to going to church is the worst hobby ever. Harris Creek doesn’t want church goers, we are trying to make fully devoted followers of Jesus.-Jesus is faithful to restore His followers.-Jesus is faithful in our failure.-God is really, really good at finding people who have lost their way.-It is in the cross that our future is found.MENTIONED OR RECOMMENDED RESOURCES-Suggested Scripture Study: Luke 5:3-11; Luke 22:33-34,54-62; John 21:3-17

Have you ever loved someone so much that you always wanted to be with them? What about when hard times came... did your actions match your desire? As we continue our series, Cross Examined, Nate Hilgenkamp teaches us about being a resilient disciple by examining the life Mary Magdalene.KEY TAKEAWAYS-There are two goals with Cross Examined: Focus on the cross of Jesus and learn about Him by examining the lives of people who spent time with Jesus.-A resilient disciple follows Jesus anywhere.-Is your life about the magnification of yourself or of Jesus?-Mary didn’t let anything get in the way of her pursuit of Jesus. What are you prone to prioritize ahead of Jesus?-A resilient disciple sits with Jesus in the unanswered questions.-Life in a fallen world is filled with hard things. When you experience hardship, what do you run to? Things of this world or Jesus?-The Christian life is filled with an “already but not yet” tension. We are already saved by our faith in Jesus, but we are not yet home until we die or He returns.-A resilient disciple experiences deep joy with Jesus.-All throughout Scripture we see examples of faithful men and women who keep showing up despite their circumstances.MENTIONED OR RECOMMENDED RESOURCES-Suggested Scripture Study: Matthew 27:45-50,55; Luke 8:1-3; Matthew 27:57-61; John 20:11-17-Sermon: Through the Lens of Judah

Have you ever been betrayed before? Betrayal hurts deeply. As we start our new series, Cross Examined, Nate Hilgenkamp teaches us about the worst betrayal of all time as we cross examine the life of Judas.KEY TAKEAWAY-Judas was not the one to betray Jesus, we are the one that betrayed Jesus, and there are three lies we are prone to believe.-Lie #1: We think we can dispose of Jesus.-Judas’ decision to betray Jesus wasn’t a financial decision, it was a faith decision.-In Judas’ mind, he didn’t serve Jesus, but Jesus served him. What about you? Do you serve Jesus, or does Jesus serve you?-How much is Jesus worth to you?-Do you ask what Jesus can do for you, or do you ask what you can do for Jesus?-If this world is all you are living for, following and living for Jesus is inconvenient.-Lie #2: We think we can deceive Jesus.-A person capable of lying is capable of anything.-The biggest problem in Waco is cultural Christianity, and at the heart of cultural Christianity is the belief that we can deceive God and simply add Him to our lives for one hour per week.-At some point, we will all have to own our sin. Some day, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord.-Lie #3: We believe our sin is our responsibility to fix.-The beauty of the gospel is that Jesus made our sin His responsibility to fix.-Despite Judas’ betrayal, Jesus continued to woo him back to Himself.-The very reason Jesus came to earth was to rescue people like Judas...people like us.-It does not matter what you’ve done, you are never too far gone for Jesus to rescue you.-There are a multitude of questions we could cross examine Judas with to understand why he did what he did, but the reality is, he could ask us those very same questions. However, the end of his story doesn’t need to be the end of our story.MENTIONED OR RECOMMENDED RESOURCES-Suggested Scripture Study: Matthew 26; Exodus 21:32; Matthew 27:1-5; Isaiah 53:5

When you go shopping, do you go with something specific in mind, or do you go not having any idea what you are looking for? Either option can work for shopping, but when it comes to dating, if you don’t know what you are looking for you won’t know when you’ve found it. This week, JP teaches through 1 Timothy 4:12, showing us how a message on dating is really a message on discipleship.KEY TAKEAWAYS-The more specificity you have when you are looking for something the easier it will be to know when you’ve found it.-You want to be the one that the person you are looking for is looking for.-Most people, if they are being really honest, are looking for someone to make them feel a certain way. The problem is, feelings come and feelings go.-Most marriages fail because people are simply looking to feel a certain way.-Sadly, today in America, the smallest demographic of marriages are happy and committed. The majority are either divorced or living unhappily un-divorced.-The word date or dating is an extremely modern idea.-The world and Hollywood are telling you to date and train your heart opposite to God’s Word.-Do they set an example in their speech?-What comes out of their mouth when they are “squeezed”...when they are frustrated?-Do they set an example in their conduct?-What is their reputation? Reputation is simply conduct stacked up over time.-Two tips for online dating: profiles lie and don’t date strangers.-Past performance is the best indicator of future performance.-In dating, references are your friend.-You want someone’s repentance to be as notorious as their rebellion.-How do they act toward someone who can do nothing for them in return?-Do they set an example in love?-What do they love?-Parents, what would your children say you love most based on what they observe?-If you act one way throughout the week and then put on a face and show for church on Sunday you will mess children up. Badly.-What do they give their time, talents, and treasure to? This will show you what they truly love.-Do they set an example in faith?-Does the reality of the gospel infiltrate every aspect of their life?-Are they running the same race at the same place at the same pace as you?-Half the battle in dating is where you are looking for a spouse.-You are looking for someone who is well married to Jesus.-Spend time where Christians spend time.-Just because someone is in church and has a Bible doesn’t make them a Christian.-You aren’t looking for a soul mate, you are looking for a sole mate.-Don’t date thinking you will change someone. Do not date non-Christians...it’s contrary to Scripture.-Do they set an example in purity?-What are they entertained by? What informs their heart? Are they entertained by the things Jesus died for?-Someone who will be intimate with you outside of marriage is telling you they don’t value the marriage covenant and that they will do the same thing with someone else once they are married to you.-“How far is too far?” is the wrong question to ask. However, as a great rule of thumb, when your body prepares for sex you’ve gone too far. A better question is “What would glorify God”?-If you are a Christian, your body is not your own. It belongs to God.MENTIONED OR RECOMMENDED RESOURCES-Suggested Scripture Study: 1 Timothy 4:12; James 1:19; Luke 6:45; Proverbs 20:11; Matthew 22:37-39; Matthew 6:21; 2 Corinthians 6:14; 1 Corinthians 6:18-20-Book: Outdated (available wherever books are sold)

What does it mean to be in ministry? Do you know someone in ministry? As we continue our series, Ecclesia, Nate Hilgenkamp teaches through Galatians 6:1-5, teaching us that all Christians are in ministry.KEY TAKEAWAYS-There is only one quality needed to be in ministry: the Holy Spirit. If you are a Christian, you are in ministry!-If someone in your life group talks to a “pastor” before you, that should bother you.-As ministers, we restore sinners.-Confessing your sin should be a regular part of your life group meetings.-Make no mistake, sin will destroy your life.-Sin will take you farther than you want to go, keep you longer than you want to stay, and cost you more than you want to pay.-When Christians confess sin, we should remind them of their identity in Christ and that He died for their sins.-As ministers, we carry burdens.-We generally don’t like asking for help; however, that runs completely contrary to the gospel and to living life alongside other Christians.-When you help carry someone’s burden you are living out the Great Commandment: love God and love others.-As ministers, we carry our own load.-Different seasons call for different tasks, but each season calls us to prioritize our faith and to focus on what God has given us (not what He gave someone else).-In order for the church to advance, everyone has to be in the game. Christianity is not a spectator sport.MENTIONED OR RECOMMENDED RESOURCES-Suggested Scripture Study: Galatians 6:1-5; 2 Peter 2:9; Exodus 18:13-27; Proverbs 28:13; Mark 12:30-31-Sermon: The Gift that Keeps on Giving

Have you ever received a gift that you didn’t use? What about given someone a gift that they didn’t use? As we continue our series, Ecclesia, JP teaches through Romans 12:1-8, teaching us about spiritual gifts and how we can use them faithfully and to the glory of God.KEY TAKEAWAYS-Nothing lacks appreciation like not opening or using a gift from someone.-Spiritual gifts are gifts (talents) the Holy Spirit gives you to build up God’s church and glorify Him.-The church is a people given gifts from and for God.-100% of Christians are given spiritual gifts from God. Only 45% of people in the church are serving (national average). As of today, 35% of people at Harris Creek are serving.-There are four ways to misuse your spiritual gift(s): use the gift for selfish gain, neglect the gift, resent the gift, & covet other gifts.-You have met very few people who have given themselves as a living sacrifice to God.-A surrendered Christian is focused on serving others.-When you say someone is “gifted” you are really saying they have been given something. It’s no different with spiritual gifts...they are given by God (not something you work for).-Your gifts are hidden by pride and used with faith.-Your giftedness will not develop godliness.-If you think the church exists to serve you, then you have never seen or been part of a biblical church.-There are a diversity of gifts among the church.-You need to grow in appreciation for other people’s gifts. You want a church to have a diversity of gifts, not a bunch of people that all have the same gift.-You being a right member of the local church will be sanctifying. It will be hard at times...which means you are doing it right!-Identify your gifts and use them.-One way to find out what your spiritual gift is is to ask the people closest to you what they think it is.-You will only be held accountable for what you did with the gift(s) you were given, not what you were not given.MENTIONED OR RECOMMENDED RESOURCES-Suggested Scripture Study: Romans 12:1-8; Matthew 25:28-30-Resource: Bible Knowledge Commentary

We all have different preferences when it comes to what church should be like. However, more importantly, how close are we to being the church God had in mind? As we continue our series, Ecclesia, JP gives us a peek into the window of a church that met 2,000 years ago.KEY TAKEAWAYS-God’s church is marked by devotion.-What are you willing to miss life group for?-God’s church is marked by biblical teaching.-We are going to teach from the Bible every week, and we expect you to be reading the Bible every day.-When you gather as a life group, do you talk about and counsel each other from the Bible?-God’s church is marked by fellowship.-Does your group have a “fun guy”? Do you have fun together?-God’s church is marked by communion.-When you are with your life group you can take communion together.-God’s church is marked by prayer.-Do you pray when your life group gathers? Never come together without spending time in prayer. Pray big!-God’s church is marked by awe.-Our issue is not our knowledge of the gospel, but rather, our application of the gospel.-Every time you meet as a life group celebrate what God is doing.-God’s church is marked by generosity.-When you are with your life group, talk about finances and where your money is going. Nothing should be off limits to talk about.-God’s church is marked by worship.-Worship is not just singing songs...it’s everything we do and how we live.-God’s church is marked by joy.-Joy in relationships isn’t found, it’s forged.-God’s church is marked by conversions.-If someone were to look through the window of your life group gathering, what would they see?MENTIONED OR RECOMMENDED RESOURCES-Suggested Scripture Study: Acts 2:42-47; Acts 1:32-33; 1 Peter 2:9; Romans 12:1-2-Resource: www.biblereadingplan.org-Resource: www.gotquestions.org

When you think of a church, what comes to mind? What makes a good church? What is the church? As we start our new series, Ecclesia: A People Not a Place, JP teaches us that when we think about the church, a lot of us think something that Jesus never meant.KEY TAKEAWAYS-It’s easy to take a new convert to Christianity and tell them what the Christian life is all about. It’s very, very difficult to take someone who has been “in the church” for a long time and teach them a different way.-The biggest problem in Waco, in the Bible Belt, is cultural Christianity.-Cultural Christianity is when you think Christianity is for and about you. It’s about your preferences and making sure you are comfortable and like how things are.-Jesus is the one who started the church, and because of that, He gets to determine what the church is, not us.-When Jesus first talked about and used the word “church,” he would’ve been using it more like an army...the idea of “calling out His people;” assembling His people.-The church is: People who belong to Jesus.-You can’t go to church and you can’t watch church. “Going to” or “watching church” would be like watching AT&T Stadium play the Philadelphia Eagles...it’s a categorical mistake.-When the disciples heard Jesus talk about the church they would’ve thought about the equivalent of Seal Team 6, not potlucks and Sunday school.-To “bind” on earth means to forbid and to “loose” on earth means to allow.-Again, the greatest evil in Waco is cultural Christianity. It doesn’t care about the things of God.-The church cares about what God cares about.-The very first spiritual force to oppose the church happened immediately after Jesus talks about the church for the first time: selfishness (or said differently, personal preferences).-Do not let your preferences rob you of paradise.-Holding the line for Christianity is no longer good enough. If you aren’t up for a battle, just fold. The church does win and it will prevail, but not in America based on the direction our country has been going.-The church is always marked by people making sacrifices.-What does it look like for you to give your life...your entire life, every single area of it...to Jesus?-We gather so that we can go.-Being enlisted in the military is extremely similar to how it should be in the church: “Here I am. How can I be deployed? How can I be of service?”-The solution to all the problems in our land is the very thing Jesus started on a hillside 2,000 years ago.-There is a war going on and we, Christians, are the soldiers Christ assembled to fight it with Him.MENTIONED OR RECOMMENDED RESOURCES-Suggested Scripture Study: Matthew 16:13-26; Romans 12:1-2-Sermon Series: Fresh Start

What are you most often tempted by? Did 2020 bring new and more temptations into your life? As we wrap up our series, Hindsight is 2020, JP teaches through Matthew 4:1-11, teaching us all about temptation.KEY TAKEAWAYS-There are five main things the enemy uses: despair, disunity, deception, disease, & death. Do you think he was at work in 2020?-We are culpable. The enemy will tempt us, but we always have the option to say no.-Temptation: a proposition to not trust God.-Where and what are you tempted by: fear, laziness/apathy, prejudice, cynicism, materialism, alcoholism, drugs, isolation, anger, despair.-When tempted with His wants, Jesus trusted God’s Word.-Sometimes your greatest temptations come after mountaintop moments.-Where in life do you feel entitled?-Trust yourself the least when you really really want something.-Not all of your desires are from Got. You have desires that you should NOT act on...they are from your flesh and of this world and you should put them to death.-Trust God’s Word over your wants.-When tempted to display power, Jesus trusted God’s plan.-The enemy knows Scripture. He will twist and distort it to tempt and lie to you.-Are you able to sit in a conversation and keep the focus on the other person, or are you always trying to make the conversation about you?-Test this: every time you seek power, the enemy is at play.-When tempted with a shortcut, Jesus trusts God’s schedule.-When faced with suffering or temptation, do you lean on the Lord, your Master, or your own strength and feelings?-The Christian life is not about following your feelings. It’s about acknowledging them and then trusting and following what God and His Word says.-Not a single person in Scripture or history has gotten away with taking a shortcut.-If the only way you were going to overcome the temptation of satan today is to quote Deuteronomy, how would you do?MENTIONED OR RECOMMENDED RESOURCES-Suggested Scripture Study: James 1:13-15; Matthew 4:1-11; Deuteronomy 8:2-3; Psalm 91:11-12; Deuteronomy 6:16; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 Peter 5:9-Book: The Freedom of Self Forgetfulness by Tim Keller-Bible Reading Plan: biblereadingplan.org