The Road Less Traveled

Wise People Love Correction

Why do wise people welcome correction while foolish people resist it? In Why Wise People Love Correction, Pastor Ray Hintz continues our Proverbs: Walking in Wisdom series by showing that one of the clearest marks of biblical wisdom is a teachable heart. Drawing from Proverbs, James, and other key passages, this message explores why our natural tendency is often to defend ourselves instead of receiving truth. God's wisdom doesn't simply make us more knowledgeable. It transforms us into people who seek counsel, embrace correction, and grow through humility rather than pride. In this message, you'll discover how to: ✅ Understand why fools reject correction while wise people pursue it ✅ Recognize how pride and defensiveness keep us from spiritual growth ✅ Learn why seeking godly counsel leads to wisdom and protection ✅ Build a teachable heart that welcomes God's correction ✅ Help create a church culture where honesty, growth, and discipleship flourish Whether you're navigating marriage, parenting, leadership, friendships, or your walk with Christ, learning to receive correction may be one of the greatest catalysts for spiritual maturity. Wisdom begins when we're willing to let God and trusted people shape our lives. Key Scriptures: Proverbs 1:7, Proverbs 11:14, Proverbs 15:32, James 3:13–17, Ephesians 5:6–10, 1 Corinthians 1:18–21 If this message encouraged you, be sure to like, comment, share, and subscribe as we continue walking through the book of Proverbs together.

What Wisdom Looks Like

What does true wisdom actually look like? Is it intelligence, experience, confidence, or something entirely different? In What Wisdom Looks Like, Pastor Luc Hardin kicks off our Proverbs: Walking in Wisdom series by exploring the difference between earthly wisdom and the wisdom that comes from God. Drawing from James 3 and the book of Proverbs, this message reveals that biblical wisdom is far more than simply knowing the right answers. God's wisdom is seen in humility, mercy, peace, sincerity, and a heart that is willing to learn. Before we can walk in wisdom, we must first develop the posture to receive it. In this message, you'll learn how to: ✅ Understand the difference between worldly wisdom and biblical wisdom ✅ Recognize the posture God uses to grow wisdom in our lives ✅ Identify trustworthy sources of wisdom in a culture full of competing voices ✅ Discover why humility is the foundation of spiritual maturity ✅ Learn how God's wisdom produces peace, mercy, and lasting fruit Wisdom isn't reserved for the smartest people in the room. It's available to anyone who is willing to seek God with a humble heart. As we learn to receive His wisdom, our decisions, relationships, and lives begin to reflect the character of Christ. Key Scriptures: James 3:13–17, James 1:5, Proverbs 2:6, Ephesians 5:6–10, 1 Corinthians 1:18–21 If this message encouraged you, be sure to like, comment, share, and subscribe so we can keep growing together in Christ. Join Us This Sunday: https://abundantlifema.org/plan-a-visit/

The Road Less Traveled

What road are you on, and where is it taking you? In The Road Less Traveled, Pastor Ray Hintz concludes our Sermon on the Mount series by exploring Jesus’ powerful challenge in Matthew 7:13–14. While most people naturally choose the broad and easy path, Jesus invites us to walk a different road, one that may be harder in the moment but ultimately leads to life.Drawing from Jesus’ teaching on the narrow gate, this message reminds us that every decision, habit, and direction in life leads somewhere. The question is not whether you're on a road, but whether you're headed toward the life God desires for you. Following Jesus requires perseverance, conviction, and daily surrender, but the destination is worth it.In this message, you'll learn how to:✅ Understand why direction determines destination✅ Recognize the danger of the broad road that seems right✅ Choose obedience over comfort and convenience✅ Persevere when following Jesus becomes difficult✅ Stay faithful and finish strong on the road that leads to lifeJesus never promised that the narrow road would be easy. He promised that it would lead to life. The invitation remains the same today: choose your road, settle the issue, and don't quit too soon.Key Scriptures: Matthew 7:13–14, Proverbs 14:12, Galatians 6:9, Hebrews 10:36If this message encouraged you, be sure to like, comment, share, and subscribe so we can keep growing together in Christ.Join Us This Sunday: https://abundantlifema.org/plan-a-visit/

Salt & Light

What does it mean to be salt and light in a world that often pushes back against faith? In Salt & Light, Pastor Ray Hintz concludes the Beatitudes section of the Sermon on the Mount by reminding us that followers of Jesus were never meant to blend in. We are called to influence the world around us with the hope, truth, and grace of Christ. Drawing on Matthew 5:13–16, this message reveals that faith is deeply personal but never meant to be private. Jesus calls His followers to preserve what is good, shine brightly in dark places, and live in a way that points others to Him. The goal isn't to draw attention to ourselves, but to help people see the goodness and glory of God. In this message, you'll learn how to: ✅ Understand what Jesus meant by being the salt of the earth ✅ Recognize why your faith was never meant to stay private ✅ Live distinctly without becoming disconnected from others ✅ Influence your workplace, neighborhood, and relationships for Christ ✅ Shine in a way that points people to Jesus, not yourself Jesus didn't call us to hide our faith or keep it confined to Sunday mornings. He called us to bring flavor, hope, healing, and truth into the places where He has already positioned us. The question isn't whether you are salt and light. The question is where God is asking you to shine this week. Key Scriptures: Matthew 5:13–16, Romans 10:14–17, 1 Peter 2:12, Romans 12:2, Mark 9:49 If this message encouraged you, be sure to like, comment, share, and subscribe so we can keep growing together in Christ. Join Us This Sunday: https://abundantlifema.org/plan-a-visit/

Blessed & Pressed

Following Jesus is deeply beautiful, but Jesus is also honest enough to tell us that it can be costly. In Blessed & Pressed, Pastor Ray Hintz continues our Sermon on the Mount series by exploring one of the most challenging Beatitudes: what it means to be blessed when following Jesus brings resistance, criticism, and pressure. Drawing from Matthew 5:10–12, this message reminds us that pressure doesn't create our character; it reveals it. When Kingdom values collide with cultural values, faithfulness can create friction. But Jesus teaches that opposition is not a sign that God has abandoned us. Sometimes it is evidence that we are walking faithfully with Him. In this message, you'll learn how to: ✅ Understand why faithfulness can create friction in a broken world ✅ Anchor your identity in Christ instead of public opinion ✅ Recognize that not all criticism means you're doing something wrong ✅ Find hope and strength when following Jesus feels costly ✅ Remain faithful under pressure without compromising your convictions Pressure has a way of exposing what's really inside us. The question isn't whether pressure will come. The question is what it will reveal. Jesus promises that those who remain faithful under pressure are not forgotten, abandoned, or overlooked. They are blessed. Key Scriptures: Matthew 5:10–12, 2 Timothy 3:12, Galatians 1:10, John 16:33, Proverbs 14:12, 1 Corinthians 1:18–25 If this message encouraged you, be sure to like, comment, share, and subscribe so we can keep growing together in Christ. Join Us This Sunday: https://abundantlifema.org/plan-a-visit/