Hickory Ridge-cast

Trauma. Abuse. Sickness. Death. Disasters. We live in a world filled with absolute evil and terrible horrors... many of which directly impact us and the people we love. Why does an all-powerful God who says He loves us let these things happen? Why does a God of justice allow suffering to happen to innocent victims? In this message, Pastor Justin looks at what the Bible has to say about these diffi...

One of the most common questions we have about Christianity is about the existence of hell. What is it really? What purpose does it serve? And how can a God who describes himself as fully loving send people there? In this message, Pastor Justin explores the topic of Heaven and Hell using the full-breadth of the Bible and what Jesus teaches as a guide to help answer these difficult questions.

Everyone knows John 3:16. "For God so loved the world that He gave His only son..." We understand that God loves the world, but we struggle to believe that He really loves us individually, and uniquely. How could God love us when He knows all the bad things we've done? How can He love us when we hate ourselves, and when we feel unlovable? In this message, Pastor Justin breaks down how each person...

As we close out the book of Jonah, these are three truths and lessons that we can find in the final chapter. Truth's that remind us that it's not all about us!

Do you ever feel like you've messed up too many times? Has the fear set in that you've used up too much of God's grace, and too many of His "second chances"? If that's you, we want you to know that there is no distance that God won't cross to win you back, and welcome you home! In this message, Pastor Aaron breaks down Jonah Chapter 3 to look at how when we repent, and turn to God, He is faithful...

Ever been in a season of waiting? Where you feel trapped, and that there's nothing you can do? At some point or another, we all find ourselves there. In this message, Pastor Justin shares from the Book of Jonah, where we can learn how to find God's provision in the face of our problems... How we can cry out to Him, no matter what, and how when we commit our ways to the Lord and praise Him, that a...

Most of us have heard of Jonah and the famous whale or big fish. But the Book of Jonah isn't really about a whale. It's about what happens when our plans and desires run counter to God's plans. What should we do when God tells us something we don't want to hear? How do we choose obedience instead of choosing our own way? In this message, Pastor Justin breaks down the first chapter of Jonah to shar...

One day Jesus' disciples began arguing about status, power, and prestige. Jesus pulled them aside, and shared that while the world cares about those things, it should be "not so for you." In this message, Pastor Justin breaks down how those four words still apply to us today (not so for us) as His followers. Because what's easiest, most fun, most comfortable, or gives us the most glory, can't be w...

"He must increase, but I must decrease." A famous Bible verse that is jam-packed with truth for our lives. Choosing to decrease our own following, our own glory, our own finances, to give Jesus the honor is a must for all Christians. And when we begin to walk it out, we are rewarded with deep and lasting joy! Check out this week's special message from Mike Steinsdoerfer where we explore all of tha...

When we become followers of Jesus, He becomes the new standard for our lives. Not our old way of living, or what comes easily or naturally to us. How can we walk out the difficult call to SUBMIT to Jesus, and DIE to ourselves? In this message, Pastor Andy explores the story of the rich, young ruler found in Mark chapter 10 to share how we can learn from this pivotal biblical moment!

Jesus invites us to a different way of life - one that often seems completely backward from how our hearts and this world tell us to live. Our culture tells us to strive for more; more followers, more clicks, more power, more money, and more influence. To climb our way to the top... But Jesus was at the top and left it all to make Himself nothing. He became poor, lived a humble life, and chose to...

We all wish we could go back in time and talk to our past self. But what if you could talk to your future self? Turns out you don't need to. The actions we take today, determine where we will end up. And the greatest impact on your future you is your current you. In this message, Pastor Justin breaks down how we can make sure our actions are positive, and take us to a future we can be excited for!

"I tried to ____ and I failed." "Well, I tried my best, and it wasn't good enough." We've all "tried" at things in life. In fact, many of us are tired of trying! But what if we told you that changing your mindset to a biblical worldview of seeing struggles as "training" may be what finally propels you to success? In this message, Pastor Justin explores 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 and 1 Timothy 4:7 to br...

Never underestimate how God can change your whole life through making a small spiritual change! If you are ready to add simple, practical, spiritual habits to your life, this is the message for you. Pastor Justin shares how to begin adding things like prayer, fasting, or meditation to your life, in a way that you will stick with for good!

What kind of person am I? What kind of situation am I in? What does someone like me do in a situation like this? Psychologists have determined these three questions flash subconsciously through our minds right before we make any decision. So clearly, God designed us in such a way that our identity, our self-worth, and how we view ourselves is of extreme importance to our daily lives. In this messa...

Ever feel trapped in the same patterns? Do you want to be different, and experience growth and breakthrough, but feel trapped... stuck in the same old habits? In this message, Pastor Justin shares that real change requires character transformation. And that transformation cannot happen by our own strength, will, or power. But only when God works through us!

Mentioned in the same section of scripture as characters like Moses and Abraham is Rahab. This prostitute turned favored spy put her life on the line to help God's people, and saw with eyes of faith what others around her could not. She was blessed for her obedience, and eventually came to be part of the lineage of David and Jesus! There is a lot to learn from her story about how God can use us no...

We all want God's blessing... But how do we grab hold of it? And beyond that, what if our very idea and perspective of what "blessing" looks like is flawed? Often in the Bible, those who are blessed by God are also broken, and in in pain. That doesn't sound like a blessing! In this message, Pastor Justin looks at the topic of blessing, and shares how God’s blessing is not for us to be comfortable,...

Maybe you've been hurt, wounded, or abused by someone. What they did to you wasn't right, and it never should have had to happen. But it's also not God's best for you to carry bitterness and unforgiveness for the rest of your life. How can you expect to experience what God has next for you if you're stuck in the pain of your past? In this message, Pastor Aaron shares how when we take even a single...

When we feel lost, confused, or afraid, and the path we thought we were on falls apart, it's easy to want to rely on a plan. When tragedy strikes, we want to try and map out what went wrong and what to do next. We believe that if we just knew what was going to happen next, or had a five-step process to moving forward, we would feel better. But in reality, it's not a plan that brings us peace, but...

What if gratitude, and a thankful heart, are some of the main keys to growing closer to God? Many times the Bible calls us to enter into God's presence with praise and thanksgiving. But instead, we often begin our prayers by asking for something - rather than thanking God for what He has already done! In this message, Pastor Justin breaks down the topic of gratitude, and how we must each find ways...

Behind promises, miracles, and blessings is honor. We are told numerous times, and numerous ways throughout the Bible to be HONORING if we want things to go well with us. Honoring towards God, parents, spouses, those in authority, and spiritual leaders. But how do we walk out this ever-important important virtue? In this message, Pastor Justin explores the topic of honor, and shares how without ho...

Tired? Burned out? Ready to give up? We all have times in life where it feels like everything is going wrong, and we're never going to make it through. There are months that feel like years, and years that feel like decades... Times where everything in us wants to stop moving forward. Yet were made by a God who can give us strength to keep going, and to persevere even in difficulty!