

Harris Creek Baptist Church
Harris Creek
This is the weekly sermon podcast from Harris Creek Baptist Church in Waco, Texas. Visit www.harriscreek.org for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 22, 2023 • 41min
Living in the End Times
As we continue in our series, “Forged,” JP reminds us that we are called to live as though Jesus is returning in our lifetime. JP looks to 1 Peter to show us how we should use our gifts to serve the body of Christ with sacrificial love. If we are truly living on mission for Christ, we wouldn’t have the desire to change how we live our lives on the day He returns. 1 Peter 4:7-11 1) Pray with perspective 2) Love without lamenting 3) Glorify God with your giftsLife Group Questions: 1. As believers we are called to pray with a sense of urgency. How can you improve your prayer life in a way that is others focused?2. Paul reminds us in 1 Peter to meet the needs of everyone around you with a sacrificial love. How have you shown hospitality to others even when it is inconvenient for you?3. Each of us have been equipped with spiritual gifts that are essential to the body of Christ. What is a need that you have seen within the church and how can your gift be illuminated in that ministry?

Oct 15, 2023 • 35min
Assurance of Victory
Where do we find peace? As we continue in our series, “Forged,” Dale reminds us that peace is found with God. Dale looks to 1 Peter to remind us that our job as believers is to tell everyone the good news despite experiencing worldly bad news.1 Peter 3:18-4:6 1) Christ has triumphed over evil 2) No matter the suffering, we do God’s will 3) Everyone will give an accountLife Group Questions: 1) When you come to a difficult or "bumpy" passage in the Bible, how do you approach the text?2) In the context of recent events, how do you hold on to the peace of knowing that Christ has already achieved victory?3) In what ways have you suffered or been persecuted for your beliefs? How has that impacted your faith?

Oct 8, 2023 • 50min
How To Get Even
As we continue in our series, “Forged,” JP reminds us that dealing with conflict must be handled in a way that reflects Christ. JP looks to 1 Peter to remind us that the mark of a spiritually mature person is one who loves God, understands how they are loved by God, and is a conduit of God’s love toward others.1 Peter 3:8-181) Love each other2) Repay evil with blessing3) Christ is the goalLife Group Questions: 1. 1 Peter 3:9 says to repay evil with blessing. Discuss a time when you were called to show kindness to someone who wronged you.2. How can you be better about asking for forgiveness? By extending grace to someone else, how would you incorporate this as an opportunity to share the gospel?3. The mark of a spiritually mature person is loving God, understanding how you are loved by God, and being a conduit of God’s love toward others. What are some ways that you can grow in your spiritual maturity?

Oct 1, 2023 • 41min
Roles in Marriage
Discover how prioritizing a relationship with Jesus can transform your marriage. Dive into the importance of mutual love and respect, with insights from 1 Peter. Explore the concept of submission from a place of strength, emphasizing inner beauty over external validation. Learn how husbands can take on their responsibilities, fostering deeper connections. Uncover the biblical principles that encourage individuality and elevate women in relationships. All this wisdom is designed to help couples navigate the complexities of marriage.

Sep 24, 2023 • 45min
Submitting to Authority
Explore the profound journey of submitting to authority, as lessons from 1 Peter guide believers to glorify the Lord even in challenging situations. Discover how integrity shines in the workplace and the significance of obeying God over earthly powers. Personal stories highlight the difficulty of facing unjust authority, yet reveal the freedom that comes through servitude. Experience the transformative power of faith amidst suffering, illustrated by a powerful tale of endurance during workplace injustice.

Sep 17, 2023 • 45min
The War For Your Soul
As we continue in our series, Forged, JP reminds us that earth is not our home; our earthly calling is to make disciples of Christ. JP looks to 1 Peter to remind us of God’s grace as we push through the spiritual war over our hearts.1 Peter 2:11-121) We are not home2) We are at war3) It’s not fairLife Group Questions:1. The grace that we receive through Christ is the payment of our sins without us doing anything to earn or deserve it. Has there been a time when you felt that you needed to do the right things to be saved or to please God? Explain.2. God has called us to live on mission. How can you represent Christ in a world that is not our home?3. Luke 6:35 reminds us to do good to those who do wrong to you. How can you extend grace in the midst of injustice?

Sep 10, 2023 • 43min
Watch Where You're Standing
As we continue in our series, “Forged”, Nate reminds us that our Savior is the cornerstone; the foundation on which our faith stands upon. He shows us that we must hold strong to the rock of our faith, even as the world stumbles over Him. Nate points to 1 Peter to show us that where we stand matters!Peter 2:4-101) Our Savior is the stone on which we are shaped2) Our Savior is the stone on which the world stumbles3) Our Savior is the stone on which our title is securedLife Group Questions: 1. What have you built your foundation on? What are ways to continue to build your foundation in Jesus instead of the things of this world?2. The five spiritual sacrifices are your body, finances, praise, service, and soul. How can you continue to sacrifice these things in order to bring glory to our Savior?3. What is something that if it were taken away, you would not be okay? How can you align your priorities so that Jesus remains the cornerstone of your life?

Sep 3, 2023 • 47min
Christians Are Weird
This discussion dives into what it means to live a life of holiness, set apart from worldly distractions. Listeners are encouraged to embrace their unique values, even as parents, and prioritize spiritual growth over societal norms. Reflective stories illuminate the contrast between spiritual freedom in Christ and historical struggles with slavery. The conversation also honors a beloved community figure, exploring the impact of love and grit. Ultimately, it emphasizes recognizing one’s identity as a child of God and pursuing a devoted life of holiness.

Aug 27, 2023 • 45min
Faith That Holds
Life Group Questions:1. What does it mean for you to find joy in the midst of pain? How have you been able to see a difference in the way you navigate trials since you made the decision to follow Christ?2. When have you caught yourself clinging to worldly things to help ease your pain?3. Do you wholeheartedly believe that Jesus is the only thing that can fully satisfy us? When have you found yourself doubting this truth and how did you overcome it?

Aug 20, 2023 • 41min
The Elect Exiles
When we know who we are before God, we can know how to live before man. As start our new series, Forged, Peter sets up his first book. He lets his readers know who they are in Christ and all the benefits found in Him.1) In Jesus, we are elect exiles2) In Jesus, we have an imperishable inheritance3) In Jesus, we are shielded by God's powerLife Group Questions: 1 . When were some times that you were able to cling to hope in the midst of suffering?2. Do you face challenges with the perspective of knowing that this is not our eternal home? How have you used this truth to guide others through trials?3. 1 Peter 1:3 reminds us that through Christ we are given a new life through His death and resurrection. How could you encourage a nonbeliever with the idea that our past sufferings don’t define us?