I Need Hope

I Need a Money Plan

n this message, Pastor Ray Hardee explores one of the most practical and personal topics Jesus ever addressed: money. Teaching from Matthew 6, Ray challenges listeners to recognize that every person has a financial plan—either by design or by default—and that the way we handle money reveals deeper spiritual priorities. Drawing from his own experiences growing up in a pastor's family with very little money, Ray shares stories of financial hardship, uncertainty, and learning to trust God through different seasons of life. He emphasizes that money is more than a financial issue; it is ultimately a heart issue. The sermon centers around Jesus' warning: “You cannot serve both God and money.” Ray explains that God owns everything and that believers are called to be faithful stewards of the resources He entrusts to them. Throughout the message, he encourages listeners to adopt a practical plan for managing money by: * creating a budget * eliminating debt * saving intentionally * giving generously * and placing God first in their financial decisions Using a memorable illustration in which every attendee receives money to steward, Ray challenges the congregation to think differently about ownership, generosity, and responsibility. The message concludes with a reminder that financial peace begins with surrendering every area of life—including money—to Jesus Christ and trusting God's promises rather than relying solely on personal resources. The takeaway is clear: Money is a powerful tool but a terrible master. When God is first, finances become an opportunity for stewardship, generosity, and trust rather than fear, stress, and control.

I Need Staying Power

What do a middle-school crush, a bowl of ice cream, and a flock of birds have to do with the Holy Spirit? More than you'd think. In this message, Pastor Justin Wallace unpacks what it really means to live with "staying power" in a world that constantly burns us out. Looking at Jesus' baptism, His time in the wilderness, and the power of the Holy Spirit, Justin reminds us that God's presence doesn't remove every struggle—it gives us the strength to endure them. If you've ever wondered why faith can still feel difficult, why temptation doesn't magically disappear, or why you sometimes feel spiritually exhausted, this message offers a powerful reminder: the same Spirit that empowered Jesus and raised Him from the dead lives in every believer. The question isn't whether the Spirit is present—it's whether we're living dependent on His power. Stop striving. Start surrendering. And discover the staying power that only the Holy Spirit can provide.

I Need Grit

In this message, Pastor Ray Hardee tackles the topic of grit—the ability to keep going when life gets difficult—and explores how believers can develop spiritual resilience through their relationship with Jesus Christ. Drawing from Philippians 4, 2 Corinthians 4, and the life of the Apostle Paul, Ray challenges listeners to recognize that hardship is not an exception to the Christian life but a normal part of it. Using Paul's experiences of imprisonment, persecution, shipwrecks, and suffering, the sermon emphasizes that true perseverance is not found in positive thinking alone but in the strength that comes from Christ. Ray also shares personal stories, including the resilience of his mother through multiple tragedies and seasons of loss, to illustrate what grit looks like in everyday life. The message centers around a practical framework for developing spiritual grit: * Gratitude – choosing thankfulness even in difficult circumstances * Resolve – remaining committed when challenges arise * Inspiration – focusing on what is true, noble, and uplifting * Tenacity – refusing to quit when life gets hard Throughout the sermon, Ray encourages listeners to turn their worries into prayers, focus on God's faithfulness rather than their circumstances, and remember that they are never alone in their struggles. The message concludes with one of Paul's most famous declarations: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” The takeaway is clear: Life will be difficult, but followers of Jesus can face adversity with confidence because their strength comes not from themselves, but from Christ who sustains them through every challenge.

I Need Hope

n this message kicking off the series “What the World Needs Right Now,” Pastor Justin Wallace focuses on the topic of hope by teaching through Jesus’ first miracle in John 2, where water is turned into wine at a wedding celebration. Using personal stories, humor, and practical illustrations, Pastor Justin explores how many people begin their faith journey full of excitement and trust, but over time can become drained by disappointment, stress, routine, tragedy, and unanswered prayers. He compares this to a container slowly leaking dry, leaving people spiritually empty even while outwardly appearing okay. Pastor Justin emphasizes that faith often requires taking a step of trust before seeing the miracle, much like the servants who obeyed Jesus before understanding what He was doing. He challenges listeners to stop focusing on what feels empty and instead trust what God can still do in the middle of disappointment and hardship. The sermon closes with a reminder that Jesus is still a miracle worker and offers hope, transformation, and new life to anyone willing to trust Him. The takeaway is clear: Even when life feels empty, Jesus is able to restore hope, renew faith, and transform what seems ordinary into something extraordinary.

Mother's Day

In this Mother’s Day message, Pastor Ray Hardee closes out the “Alive” series by focusing on the risen Jesus, the mission of the early church, and the important role women played as disciples of Christ. The message begins by acknowledging the different emotions tied to Mother’s Day—celebration, grief, infertility, estrangement, and the challenges of single parenting—before shifting into the story of Jesus’ post-resurrection appearances and His final instructions to His followers. Pastor Ray emphasizes that discipleship is not limited to the original apostles, but is a calling for all believers. Highlighting women such as Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Martha, Mary, and others, he explains how women were active participants in Jesus’ ministry and in the growth of the early church. Throughout the sermon, he challenges listeners to move beyond simply knowing about Jesus and instead fully follow Him through the power of the Holy Spirit. The message repeatedly points believers toward their mission: * listen to Jesus * follow Jesus * become like Jesus * and help change the world around them The sermon also includes a direct gospel invitation, encouraging anyone who has not yet surrendered their life to Christ to take that step and begin a real relationship with Him. The takeaway is clear: The risen Jesus calls ordinary people—mothers, fathers, women, men, families, and disciples everywhere—to live empowered lives on mission for Him.