Harris Creek Baptist Church

Have you ever been in a situation where you managed information or your actions in order to get people to perceive you a certain way? Are there people in your life who’s opinions matter more to you than others? As we continue our series, Stories from Acts, JP teaches through Acts 5 the story of Ananias and Sapphira, and what we can learn from their sudden and seemingly extreme death.1) Surrender marks a true believer2) Imposters scheme in selfishness3) Perception management is a serious sin

John Elmore showed how faith in Jesus changes everything, your eternity, your holiness, your everyday life, and even your identity. From Galatians 3, he reminded us that it’s not about working harder but trusting the Spirit to transform us. Just like Abraham, we’re fully blessed when we walk by faith.Faith in Christ Changes Your EternityFaith in Christ Changes Your SanctityFaith in Christ Changes Your RealityFaith in Christ Changes Your Identity Life Group Discussion:Why do you think people still try to “earn” their way to God instead of resting in faith?In what ways do we try to “fix ourselves” instead of relying on the Spirit?Have you ever seen God do something you’d call a miracle? How did it affect your faith?Why is it freeing to know your identity comes from faith, not performance?

Fear of people keeps us trapped, but faith in Christ sets us free. Our worth isn’t earned by performance; it’s secured by His grace. When you rest in His approval, you can finally stop pretending and live free.Fear of man prevents freedomFaith in Christ provides freedom Life Group Discussion:Where in your life do you feel the pressure to “just act like you belong,” and how does that affect your faith?In what ways do you find yourself trying to “earn” God’s love instead of resting in Christ’s finished work?

JP reminds us that following Jesus means going all in. From the rich young ruler’s story, he shows that control, love of the world, and thinking we’ve “given up enough” hold us back. Real faith is letting go and trusting that Jesus offers something better. A need to control will keep you from going all in Loving the world will keep you from going all in Believing you have will keep you from going all in Life Group Discussion:Where in your life are you tempted to hold on to control instead of trusting Jesus?How do you see love for the world showing up in culture today?How does knowing the reward of eternal life change your perspective on sacrifice now?

September 7, 2025John Elmore Galatians 2:1-10 Pastor John reminded us that the Gospel that saves and transforms is unchanging, and we must be careful not to “paint over” grace with the law or our own efforts. True freedom and lasting impact come not from our striving, but from abiding in Christ and faithfully living out the role He’s entrusted to us. Do you run in vain?Do you have freedom?Do you run in your lane? Life Group Discussion:In what ways are we tempted to “paint over” the Gospel with rules, rituals, or personal effort?What areas of your life might still lack freedom, and how can the Gospel transform those places?Why do you think it’s easy to compare our calling to others instead of focusing on the lane God has given us?

When Jesus shows up, He doesn’t just adjust a few things, He changes everything. Paul went from fighting against Christians to preaching the Gospel, and our lives should reflect that same transformation. The Gospel changes who you are, where you’re headed, and what your life is all about. The Gospel changes peopleThe Gospel changes our plansThe Gospel changes our purpose    Life Group Discussion:How have you seen Jesus change someone’s life in a way that was undeniable?Why do you think it’s hard for us to trust God when He redirects our steps?Paul’s story went from “church persecutor” to “missionary.” What’s the “title change” the Gospel has brought (or could bring) to your story?

The Gospel isn’t about checking boxes or piling on rules. It’s about Jesus. He gave Himself to rescue us, and that alone is our hope. In Galatians, Paul warns that twisting this truth means losing the very thing that saves us. So don’t water it down or chase the approval of others. Instead, live with clarity, courage, and conviction that Jesus is the only way. Don’t distort The GospelThe wrath of God awaits anyone who doesPeople pleasing prevents clarity     Life Group Discussion:Why do you think it’s so tempting to make faith about rules, habits, or achievements instead of simply trusting Jesus?How does thinking about God’s justice (His wrath against sin) help us understand His love more clearly?When have you been tempted to stay silent about your faith because you didn’t want to offend or stand out?

Pastor John Elmore’s sermon on 2 Kings 6, reminded us that following Jesus means asking God first—about the little stuff, when life feels impossible, and before making big moves. Through Elisha’s story, he showed that God cares about the small details, fights for us when we feel surrounded, and can flip the script in ways we’d never expect. His challenge? Make prayer your first instinct, not your last resort, so your faith stays bold, real, and completely dependent on Him. Ask God about the smallAsk God when your back’s against the wallAsk God before you make the call Life Group Discussion:What’s an example of something in your life that feels “too small” to pray about—but might be worth bringing to God?How would your fear level change if you could really see that God’s power and presence are greater than what’s against you?Can you think of a time God’s answer went against what you thought made the most sense—but turned out better?

Nate taught from 2 Kings 5 that pride can keep us stuck while humility opens the door to God’s healing and grace. Naaman’s story shows us that breakthrough often starts with boldness and that true healing requires laying down our pride. Pride distorts our perspective, but God promises His favor to the humble calling us to stop striving to prove ourselves and instead walk in the freedom only Christ can give. Breakthrough often starts with boldnessHealing requires humilityPride distorts your perspective Life Group Discussion:Can you share a time when someone else’s boldness impacted your faith journey?What are some areas in your life where pride has kept you from taking a step God was calling you to?Where do you see pride trying to distort your perspective right now—in relationships, work, or faith?

In 1 Kings 19, Pastor John reminds us that when our faith is under fire, God meets us with compassion—not shame. He is faithful to His covenant and gently calls us back to His presence and purpose. No failure cancels His calling on your life. Your God is compassionateYour God is covenant keeping Your God has a call for you Life Group Discussion:When have you felt like Elijah—exhausted, discouraged, or done—and how did God meet you in that moment?What are some “mountaintop moments” in your life where you’ve clearly experienced God’s presence or promises?How can you be faithful to take the next step in the calling God has for your life, even if you don’t feel fully ready?

Many of us live with divided hearts—giving our worship to God and to other things that ultimately destroy us. In 1 Kings 18, we see that whole-hearted worship brings healing and restored relationship with God, while right worship—faithfully and fully given to Him—leads to God’s reward, not in prosperity, but in presence, peace, and purpose. True worship isn’t a one-time decision; it’s a daily surrender of everything—our time, desires, and devotion—to the only One worthy: God alone. Divided worship destroysWhole worship healsRight worship rewards Life Group Discussion:How can you identify the things in your life that are taking up space in your heart where only God belongs?What area of your life might God be asking you to fully surrender to Him right now?How have you seen God move in your life when you’ve persevered in prayer or obedience?

God often asks for our trust before we understand what He’s doing. Through the story of Elijah in 1 Kings 17, we saw that God can provide in unexpected ways, work through unlikely people, and is always doing something good—even when it doesn’t feel like it. Whether it’s ravens by a brook, a widow in a drought, or fleas in a concentration camp, God is still in control—and He’s 100% worthy of our trust. God is after our trustGod is able to provideGod is always working for our good Life Group Discussion:Have you ever seen God ask you to do something that didn’t make sense at the time? What happened when you obeyed (or didn’t)?When have you experienced God providing for you in an unexpected or “unlikely” way?Why is it hard to believe God is working for your good when things feel unfair or hopeless?

Sharing the Gospel starts by choosing to live for Christ—letting your daily life reflect who He is, whether you're at the gym, work, or just hanging out. It means shifting your mindset to see people the way Jesus does—not as interruptions, but as souls deeply loved by God. And finally, it’s about actually sharing Christ—because the Gospel is the real remedy, and you were never meant to keep it to yourself. Live for ChristHave the perspective of ChristShare Christ  Life Group Discussion:Can you think of someone in your life who truly lives for Christ? What about their lifestyle challenges or inspires you?What relationships in your life might God be calling you to see differently, with compassion and purpose?Have you ever had a moment where you shared Christ and didn’t see the outcome you expected? How did you process that? 

Through 1 Corinthians 15, Sam reminds us that Jesus didn’t just die and rise again for a one-time rescue, but offers daily grace to stand, grow, and keep going even when life feels overwhelming. It’s not about trying harder—it’s about calling out, receiving His love, and letting that grace reshape everything. Stand in saving graceObserve risen grace  Strengthened by sustaining grace Life Group Discussion:Which of the “I could be drowning if…” statements hit closest to home for you, and why?How does knowing Jesus rose from the dead change how you face hard things like doubt, fear, or failure?What’s one area of your life where you need to stop striving and start receiving God’s grace again?

In Acts 12:1–19, the church faced a crisis when Peter was imprisoned, but their problems became an invitation to fervent prayer. God responded by giving Peter peace in the middle of danger and providentially sending an angel to deliver him. Pastor John uses this story to encourage us to share answered prayers as a testimony to God’s faithfulness. Our problems are invitations to prayerPrayers bring God’s peace and providenceShare answered prayer Life Group Discussion:What are some situations in your life right now that could become opportunities to lean into prayer rather than worry?In what ways can consistent prayer reshape our perspective on difficult circumstances?Why is it important to share when God answers prayer, even in small ways?

What does it take to have the courage to go against the crowd? In this message we see God's amazing deliverance in the midst of the courageous faithfulness of three men despite immense pressure to conform. We must have the courage to stand outWe can have courage because God stands with usA courageous faith is contagious Life Group Discussion:When have you felt pressured to go along with the crowd, and what helped—or hindered—you from standing out?How does knowing that God stands with you change the way you face fear, rejection, or uncertainty?Who in your life has inspired you to be bold in your faith, and how can your own courage influence others?

As we continue in our series, “Divine Intervention,” Pastor John explores the story of Jonah to reveal how God's discipline, rescue, and mercy work in the lives of sinners—even when they are actively rebelling. He emphasizes that the very one we sin against is also the one who rescues us, calling us not just to repentance but to join in His mission of redemption. No one is too far gone for God's grace, and our past does not disqualify us from sharing His mercy with others. Divine Discipline Divine Rescue Divine Mercy  Life Group Discussion:When was the last time you asked God if a difficult season was the result of disobedience? What happened next?Have you ever felt unworthy of rescue? How does Romans 5:8 speak to that feeling?Who in your life might be “too far gone” in your eyes—and what would it look like to share God’s mercy with them?

In Judges 6–7, God chooses Gideon—a fearful man hiding in a winepress—to demonstrate that He uses the humble to accomplish His purposes. By reducing Gideon’s army from thousands to just 300, God makes it unmistakably clear that victory belongs to Him alone. Through Gideon’s obedience and faith, we see that God conquers not by strength, but through trust in His power and presence. God chooses to use the humbleGod makes it clear who gets the creditGod conquers through faith Life Group Discussion:In what areas of your life might God be asking you to trust Him despite feeling inadequate?When was a time in your life when God did something big, and you knew it had to be Him?What risks did Gideon take in obeying God’s instructions? How did faith play a role?

In this message, Pastor John Elmore examines Exodus 14, where the Israelites face the Red Sea ahead and Pharaoh's army behind. Discover how God uses impossible situations to demonstrate His power and faithfulness, teaching us to trust Him when all seems lost.

Pastor JP’s sermon underscores the clear biblical message that Jesus is returning, and challenges believers to live with a sense of spiritual urgency and readiness. God’s grace not only saves us but actively trains us to live godly lives in a world full of distractions and temptations. As we look forward to the return of Christ, we’re called to live in a way that reflects our hope, our purpose, and our mission.1. Let Grace Train You to Say “No” Now2. Let Future Glory Move You to Do Good Now3. Let’s Live Ready—and Help Others Get ReadyDiscussion Questions1. What would change in your life if you truly lived with the expectation that Jesus could return at any moment?2. In what ways can God’s grace help you say “no” to the world and “yes” to a life that honors Him?3. How can you actively help others prepare for Christ’s return in your everyday relationships and routines?