Heartland Christian Center

In his sermon on September 8, 2024, Pastor Phil Willingham focuses on the significance of prayer as an active behavior rather than just random thoughts. He challenges believers to deepen their connection with God by not only knowing and loving Him but also showing and sharing Him through their lifestyle and testimony. Pastor Willingham addresses common reasons why people struggle with prayer, such...

In his sermon on September 1, 2024, Pastor Matt Willingham reflects on the story of Joseph from Genesis 37-45 to encourage believers to trust in God's plan, even when faced with challenges. He discusses the various obstacles Joseph encountered—dysfunction in his family, detours from his expected path, discrimination in Potiphar's house, and delays in seeing his dreams fulfilled. Despite these hard...

The "Running to Win" presentation focuses on the importance of strategic preparation and effective teamwork in achieving success in ministry, particularly in reaching and training 5,000 pastors across 11 nations in the Balkans. It emphasizes the critical need for determination, proper planning, and the collective effort of a dedicated team to achieve the set goal of equipping pastors with the reso...

In his sermon on August 18, 2024, Rick DuBose, Assistant General Superintendent of the Assemblies of God, draws inspiration from Hebrews 11:32-35 and other scriptural references to highlight the extraordinary faith and perseverance of biblical figures like Gideon, David, and Paul. He emphasizes that God has set each person apart for a unique purpose, as mentioned in Jeremiah 1:4-5. DuBose also dis...

In his sermon on August 11, 2024, Pastor Phil Willingham encourages believers to approach their spiritual lives with the same determination, preparation, and focus as an athlete competing to win. Drawing from Ephesians 4:11-16 and 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, he emphasizes the importance of running the race of faith with purpose, self-discipline, and a clear goal. Pastor Willingham highlights the need t...

In his sermon on August 4, 2024, Pastor Matt Willingham addresses the challenges of self-centeredness through the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 19. He emphasizes that our biggest problem often lies within ourselves. Pastor Willingham encourages honesty in three areas: with ourselves by examining our physical and emotional states (H.A.L.T.: Hungry, Angry, Lonely, Tired), with God by focusing on His pe...

In the sermon "Character Under Construction" by Dr. Phil Willingham at Heartland Christian Center, the focus is on renewing the mind to shape one's character. Key scriptures highlight the power of thoughts in determining behavior. Dr. Willingham outlines seven steps for renewing the mind: stop waiting for miracles, control thoughts, feed the mind positively, confess beliefs, resist negativity, cel...

In his sermon on July 21, 2024, Pastor Matt Willingham explores the power and impact of words, based on James 3:1-18. He emphasizes that the tongue, though small, has the potential to build up or tear down, likening it to a rudder that steers a ship and a small spark that can set a forest ablaze. The sermon highlights the tongue's characteristics: its power, its ability to corrupt, its instability...

In his sermon on July 14, 2024, Pastor Matt Willingham focuses on building character from the inside out, based on Galatians 5:16-26. He explains the conflict between the desires of the flesh and the Spirit, emphasizing the importance of walking, being led by, living by, and keeping in step with the Spirit. He clarifies that the fruit of the Spirit is one entity with nine qualities essential for a...

In his sermon on July 7, 2024, Pastor Phil Willingham emphasizes the importance of building strong character over personal achievement or fulfillment. Drawing from Proverbs 22:1 and 2 Peter 1:5-8, he underscores that a good reputation is more valuable than wealth. He outlines the necessity of guarding our hearts, which biblically represent the core of our being, encompassing thoughts, emotions, de...

In his sermon on June 30, 2024, Pastor Matt Willingham reflects on the story of Rahab from Joshua 2:1-21, highlighting her courageous actions and faith in God. Rahab took significant risks to protect the Israelite spies and her family, demonstrating that risk-taking is a skill that can be developed through faith. Her bold request for her family's safety and belief in God's promises ultimately led...

Doug Clay, General Superintendent of the Assembly of God Fellowship, explores the vital role of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life. He emphasizes that the Holy Spirit protects believers from negative self-perception and wrong thinking, as highlighted in Romans 8:1-2. The Spirit also provides contentment and peace, even in less-than-ideal circumstances, and leads to a mindset that pleases God. Mo...

In his Father's Day sermon, Pastor Phil Willingham honors fathers as true heroes, using 1 Thessalonians 2:10-12 to emphasize their vital role. He highlights the transparent example fathers set through their daily walk and dual witness, the powerful exhortation they provide with their involvement in their children's lives, and their timely endurance marked by patience and control. Pastor Willingham...

In his sermon on June 9, 2024, Pastor Phil Willingham uses the story of Gideon from Judges 6-8 to illustrate how God transforms ordinary individuals into heroes. He explains that God uses tough times to capture our attention and often sees potential in us that we do not recognize ourselves. Through Gideon's journey, Pastor Willingham highlights that God confirms His priorities through His presence...

In his sermon, Pastor Matt Willingham reflects on the story of Caleb from Joshua 14:6-15, emphasizing perseverance and faith in God's promises. Caleb's unwavering faith and dedication set him apart, showcasing the importance of seeing promises instead of problems. Despite obstacles, Caleb remained dedicated, fully following the Lord, which led to his inheritance of the promised land. Pastor Willin...

In his sermon on May 26, 2024, Dr. Phil Willingham discusses the profound impact of sin on our physical, psychological, and spiritual well-being, and emphasizes that wholeness begins with God. He highlights that our identity in Christ is received, not achieved, and transforms how we live, encouraging us to live for God rather than ourselves. This identity frees us from fear of the future, remindin...

In his sermon, Dr. Phil Willingham emphasizes the importance of being firmly rooted and established in God's love. Drawing from Jeremiah 17:7-8 and Ephesians 3:14-21, he illustrates how believers, like trees planted by the water, can thrive and bear fruit even in challenging times. The sermon encourages believers to grasp the magnitude of God's love collectively, starting with their families and e...

The sermon "Rooted in Obedience," delivered by Associate & Student Pastor Matt Willingham on May 12, 2024, illustrates the transformative power of obedience to Jesus by using the miracle of turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana. It emphasizes that obedience should stem from recognizing who Jesus is rather than what He can do. The act of filling waterpots, as Jesus commanded, symbolize...

Executive Pastor John Kilavos explores the dynamics of prayer and the importance of listening to God's voice in the sermon "Rooted," delivered on May 5, 2024. He emphasizes the necessity of recognizing God's voice, as outlined in scriptures like Psalm 5:1-3 and John 10:14-16, which serve as a guide for cultivating a deeper relationship with God. The sermon provides practical steps for effective co...

Dr. Scott Hagan's sermon on April 21, 2024, titled "Daniel, Deities, and Dust," examines the profound vision of Nebuchadnezzar from Daniel 2:1 and 2:31-35. The sermon focuses on the symbolic image of a great statue with parts made of various materials, representing different kingdoms, which is ultimately shattered by a supernatural stone. This stone grows to fill the earth, symbolizing God's etern...

"Off Course but Not Out of Control," a sermon delivered by Associate & Student Pastor Matt Willingham on April 14, 2024, discusses how to navigate life's tumultuous periods while keeping faith in God's overarching control. Drawing from Acts 23 and 27, it reassures that being in a storm does not mean being out of God's will or care and emphasizes trusting in God's guidance even when situations...

This message by Lead Pastor Dr. Phil Willingham explores strategies for enduring life's storms, emphasizing spiritual resilience through obedience to Jesus' teachings. Referencing Matthew 7:24–27, it contrasts the outcomes of building life on Christ's solid foundation (the rock) with the instability of ignoring His words (the sand). The sermon encourages active faith and obedience as the means to...

This Easter message explores the emotional journey from grief, regret, and doubt to the joy of resurrection, paralleling the experiences of Mary, Peter, and Thomas with contemporary Christian life. It addresses Mary's grief, Peter's regret over denying Jesus, and Thomas' doubt, showing how each found redemption and assurance in the resurrection. The message is one of inclusion and affirmation, emp...

Lead Pastor Dr. Phil Willingham's sermon on March 24, 2024, titled "Jesus Is… The Resurrection and the Life," delves into John 11:24-27, exploring Jesus' power over death and His role as the embodiment of resurrection and life. It underscores the belief in Jesus as the pathway to eternal life and victory over the fear of death. Through scriptures from Hebrews, Corinthians, and Revelation, the serm...

In the sermon "Jesus Is… Grace," delivered on March 17, 2024, by Associate & Student Pastor Matt Willingham, John 1:1-2 and 14-17 serve as the foundation to explore the concept of grace, emphasizing it as a personified manifestation in Jesus Christ. It addresses the limitations of legalism and the transformative power of grace, underscoring that our righteousness is anchored in Jesus' finished...