Living Word Community Church Sermons

What is Faith?

Is Christian faith just blind belief, or can it be a reasoned trust based on real evidence? In this Hebrews 11:13 sermon, Pastor Ryan Skolrud examines biblical faith, forensic faith, and whether the origins of the universe point to God. If youre skeptical, wrestling with science, the Big Bang, and suffering, this message invites you to think, not just feelasking whether a timeless, immaterial Creator better explains reality than a closed material universe. Drawing from Hebrews 10:3239, Romans 1, and John 20 (Thomass doubt), Pastor Ryan argues that Christianity is not anti‑science but offers the most coherent account of why anything exists at all. Youll hear about three kinds of faithunreasonable faith, blind faith, and forensic faithand be challenged to move beyond I just believe into an evidential trust that can stand up in the courtroom of ideas. Along the way, youll be invited to take honest next steps: to ask God for evidence, to examine the historical case for Jesus, and to reconsider what youre actually placing your faith in. This sermon was preached at Living Word Community Church (Carnation, WA) as part of our series in Hebrews on the Supremacy of Christ and the necessity of gathering as His body. Next Steps: - Examine what kind of faith you actually have: unreasonable, blind, or forensic. - Move from blind or uninformed belief to an evidential, reasoned faith rooted in Scripture.- Ask God honestly to show you the evidence of His existence and love, instead of waiting forever on unanswered questions. - Anchor your hope in Gods promises, trusting that what is not yet seen is guaranteed by His character. - Commit (or recommit) your life to Christ, responding to the gospel of His death and resurrection. - Prioritize gathering with the body of Christ as a necessary expression of faith and source of endurance. - Engage your mind: study Scripture, explore apologetics, and grow a faith that can stand in trials, suffering, and cultural pressure. Scripture Passages Used: - Hebrews 10:3239 - Hebrews 11:13 - Romans 1:1823 - Romans 4:17 - Romans 8:24 - Genesis 15:6 - Psalm 19:1 - John 1:13 (implicit in the Word language) - John 20:2431 - Hebrews 1:2 - Colossians 1:16 Link to sermon notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/46257/note-269399.html Connection Card: https://livingwordcc.breezechms.com/form/connection-card If any of our resources have blessed you, please consider giving to the mission of Living Word Community Church. Give Online: https://www.living-wordcc.org/give Text-to-Give: (855) 397-6291 and follow the prompts Mail Your Gift: PO Box 502, Carnation, WA 98014 Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and share this message with someone who might need it today. Blessings, Living Word Community Church Other Resources Mentioned in this video: Diary of a CEO Podcast Interview with John Lennox - https://youtu.be/dLrvJeSugkM?si=2K-2MHKq992D60hH Forensic Faith Book on Amazon - https://www.amazon.com/Forensic-Faith-Detective-Reasonable-Evidential/dp/1434709884

Endurance to the End

Are you struggling to hold on to your faith in the middle of life's hardest moments? In this message from Hebrews 10:3239, Pastor Ryan Skolrud shows that endurance is not passive resignation it is the active, forward-pressing faith of those who know Christ has already won. Drawing from the sufferings of early Jewish Christians, the warnings of Habakkuk, and the hope of Christ's return, this sermon calls believers to fix their confidence in the reward that endures forever. The righteous will live by faith and through Christ, we win. Next Steps: Reflect on a current trial: Am I drawing back, or pressing forward in faith? Memorize Hebrews 10:3536 and return to it when endurance feels impossible Gather regularly with the body of Christ to encourage one another toward love and good works Ask God to replace the cry of "Give me affirmation" or "Give me distraction" with "Give me Jesus" If you do not yet know Christ personally, take a step of faith today knowing about God is not the same as knowing God Scriptures Referenced: Hebrews 10:3239 Hebrews 10:131 James 1:24 Philippians 1:29 John 15:1819 Romans 5:35 Romans 1:17 Romans 3 Habakkuk 2:34 Isaiah 26:20 Matthew 13:56, 2021 John 16:33 Link to Sermon Notes:https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/46257/note-268794.htmlConnection Card:https://livingwordcc.breezechms.com/form/connection-card If any of our resources have blessed you, please consider giving to the mission of Living Word Community Church. Give Online:https://www.living-wordcc.org/giveText-to-Give: (855) 397-6291 and follow the promptsMail Your Gift: PO Box 502, Carnation, WA 98014 Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and share this message with someone who might need it today. Blessings, Living Word Community Church

Deliberate Sin

What happens when we continue in sin after knowing the truth? This sobering warning from Hebrews calls us to repentance, faith, and obedience to Christ. In this message from Hebrews: The Supremacy of Christ, Pastor Ryan Skolrud walks through Hebrews 10:2631, addressing the danger of deliberate, ongoing sin and the eternal consequences of rejecting Christ. This passage is not about struggling with sinbut about embracing it without repentance. Through biblical examples like David and Jeroboam, we see the difference between a repentant heart and a hardened one. This sermon calls believers to examine their lives, reject complacency, and run to the grace of Christ while there is still time. If youve ever wondered: Can a Christian continue in sin? What does it mean to trample the Son of God? Is Gods judgment real? How do I know if my heart is growing hard? This message will challenge you with biblical truth and point you to the mercy available in Jesus Christ. Unrepentant sin hardens the heart, rejects Christs sacrifice, and leads to judgmentbut repentance leads to life. Next Steps Examine your heart for any unrepentant or ongoing sin. Confess your sin to God and turn from it (1 John 1:9). Reject the idea that grace allows continued sin (Romans 6:12). Walk by the Spirit and put sin to death daily (Romans 8:13). Stay connected to the church for accountability and encouragement. Approach the throne of grace with humility and repentance (Hebrews 4:1416). Scripture References Hebrews 10:2631 1 John 1:810 1 John 3:46 Numbers 15:3031 Romans 6:12 Galatians 5:1921 John 14:15 Romans 8:13 Deuteronomy 17:26 Numbers 15:3236 Leviticus 24:1016 Deuteronomy 31:29 Deuteronomy 32:2842 Revelation 19:1116 John 10:28 Hebrews 4:1416 Link to sermon notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/46257/note-266915.htmlConnection Card: https://livingwordcc.breezechms.com/form/connection-card If any of our resources have blessed you, please consider giving to the mission of Living Word Community Church. Give Online: https://www.living-wordcc.org/giveText-to-Give: (855) 397-6291 and follow the promptsMail Your Gift: PO Box 502, Carnation, WA 98014 Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and share this message with someone who might need it today. Blessings,Living Word Community Church

Faithful to Gather

Are you drifting from church or wondering if gathering with other believers really matters? In this sermon from Hebrews 10:24-25, we explore why Christian community is not optional but essential for spiritual growth, encouragement, and perseverance. Scripture calls us to provoke one another to love and good worksnot in isolation, but through faithful, consistent gathering as the body of Christ. In a culture that prioritizes individualism and convenience, God calls His people to something deeper: a committed, sacrificial, and encouraging community rooted in truth. Discover how gathering strengthens your faith, protects you from spiritual drift, and equips you to live out the gospel in everyday life. If youve ever struggled with church hurt, distractions, or the temptation to go it alone, this message will challenge and encourage you to re-engage with Gods design for His church. Next Steps Commit to regularly gathering with your local church. Pray and ask God to grow your love for His people. Encourage another believer this week in truth and grace. Examine areas where youve prioritized comfort over community. Take a step toward deeper involvement in the church body. Scripture Passages Hebrews 10:24-25 Philippians 2:3-4 Galatians 2:20 Galatians 6:1-2 Acts 2:41-47 1 Corinthians 12:21-22 Hebrews 3:13 Matthew 18 Link to sermon notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/46257/note-266915.htmlConnection Card: https://livingwordcc.breezechms.com/form/connection-card If any of our resources have blessed you, please consider giving to the mission of Living Word Community Church. Give Online: https://www.living-wordcc.org/giveText-to-Give: (855) 397-6291 and follow the promptsMail Your Gift: PO Box 502, Carnation, WA 98014 Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and share this message with someone who might need it today. Blessings,Living Word Community Church

Confidence to Draw Near

Discover the confidence you can have in approaching God through Jesus Christ in this powerful message from Hebrews 10:19-23. Pastor Ryan Skolrud explores how we can draw near to God with boldnessnot through our own works, but through the finished work of Christ. Learn about reasoned faith, the new and living way Jesus opened for us, and how God's faithfulness anchors our hope. Whether you're wrestling with doubts or seeking to deepen your walk with God, this sermon will remind you that our confidence isn't in ourselves but in the one who always keeps His promises. NEXT STEPS: Ask God to work in your heart to desire what He desires and love what He loves Study and research Scripture to make your faith your owndon't just rely on what you hear on Sundays Draw near to God with a true heart in full assurance of faith Hold tightly to the promises of God without wavering Anchor yourself to the truth of God's Word through prayer and rigorous Bible study SCRIPTURE PASSAGES:Hebrews 10:19-23, Hebrews 4:14-16, Hebrews 3:12, 1 Peter 3:14-15, John 14:6, Galatians 2:20, James 4:8, Psalm 73:28, Ezekiel 36:25, Hebrews 6:19, Hebrews 2:1 Link to sermon notes: https://churchlinkfeeds.blob.core.windows.net/notes/46257/note-266915.htmlConnection Card: https://livingwordcc.breezechms.com/form/connection-card If any of our resources have blessed you, please consider giving to the mission of Living Word Community Church. Give Online: https://www.living-wordcc.org/giveText-to-Give: (855) 397-6291 and follow the promptsMail Your Gift: PO Box 502, Carnation, WA 98014 Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and share this message with someone who might need it today. Blessings,Living Word Community Church