Ridgecrest Baptist Church - Sermons

Chase Faulk shares a message from Psalm 90 entitled, "Time Flies."

Chuck Locke shares a message from Galatians 5 entitled, "Everyday Patience."

Lance Griffin shares a message from Romans 12:2 entitled, "The Matter Of The Mind."

In this powerful message, we're challenged to examine what it truly means to be a disciple of Christ. The central scripture, Mark 8:31-38, reveals Jesus' call to deny ourselves, take up our cross, and follow Him. This isn't a call to casual Christianity, but to a life of deep commitment and transformation. Just as maple syrup requires a painstaking process to refine raw sap into something valuable, our spiritual journey demands dedication and perseverance. We're reminded that there are no shortcuts in discipleship - it's a lifelong process of cultivating spiritual discernment, contemplating self-denial, and committing to serious devotion. The message encourages us to set our minds on things above, protect our thoughts with truth, and continually renew our minds through God's Word. As we grapple with the cost of following Jesus, we're also assured that the benefits are 'out of this world.' This teaching challenges us to move beyond surface-level faith and embrace a life fully devoted to Christ, no matter the cost.

In this powerful message, we're invited to explore the nature of faith that is both tried and triumphant. The story of the Syrophoenician woman in Mark 7 serves as our guide, revealing profound truths about tenacious belief. We learn that faith is not a spiritual game, a magic formula, or a blind leap, but rather a confident trust in Jesus Christ. As we journey through life, our faith will be tested, much like this woman's was. But her persistence teaches us the importance of remaining steadfast, even when faced with apparent rejection. The message challenges us to cultivate a faith that refuses to give up, believing that anything Jesus offers is better than what the world can provide. As we navigate our own spiritual battles, we're reminded that Jesus has power over darkness and that our tenacious faith can lead to triumphant outcomes, whether in this life or the next. This lesson encourages us to persevere in our faith journey, knowing that God honors those who trust Him wholeheartedly.

Andrew Murray wrote, “The world asks, ‘What does a man own?’ Christ asks, ‘How does he use it?’” Pastor Ray concludes this series with his message, “The FaithfulSteward.”

Charles Spurgeon once said, “No man ever served God by doing things tomorrow.”Pastor Ray continues the series “Faithful” with his message titled The Faithful Servant.

As we embark on a new year, let's reflect on the profound importance of faithful worship in our spiritual lives. The message draws inspiration from Psalm 100, reminding us that worship is not a spectator sport, but a participatory event that should fill us with joy and gratitude.We're challenged to enter God's presence with gladness, even when we don't feel like it, understanding that this is both a command and a discipline. The power of gratitude is emphasized, not just for its physical and emotional benefits, but for its spiritual impact on our relationship with God. As we count our blessings and praise God for His goodness, we're reminded of His steadfast love that endures forever.This message encourages us to see God not as a distant, angry figure, but as a good and loving Father who delights in His creation. As we step into the new year, let's commit to being faithful worshipers, entering His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise, recognizing that true worship starts before we even enter the church building.

Watchman Nee wrote, “Spiritual advancement is measured by faithful obedience.” As we start the new year, join us as Pastor Ray shares a message on how we can live faithfully for God in 2025.

In this message from Pastor Ray Jones, we're challenged to examine the authenticity of our faith.Are we like the Pharisees, holding to a superficial religion, or do we have a genuine, transformative relationship with God? The sermon dives into Mark 7, where Jesus confronts the Pharisees about their traditions and lip service to God. We're reminded that true faith isn't about outward appearances or rituals, but about a heart that's close to God.This message urges us to move beyond mere information about God to a life-changing transformation through Christ. It's a call to distinguish between human traditions and God's truth, encouraging us to base our faith on Scripture rather than cultural preferences or man-made doctrines.As we reflect on this, let's ask ourselves: Are we honoring God with our lips while our hearts are far from Him? Are we allowing God's Word to truly shape our lives, or are we clinging to our own traditions and comfort zones?

In this powerful exploration of the feeding of the 5,000, we're reminded of God's limitless provision and the importance of faith in seemingly impossible situations. This pivotal miracle, recounted in all four Gospels, teaches us that Jesus not only meets our physical needs but also nurtures our spiritual growth. As we face our own 'impossible' challenges, we're encouraged to bring what little we have to God, trusting Him to multiply it beyond our imagination. The story beautifully illustrates how God uses ordinary things - like five loaves and two fish - to accomplish extraordinary feats. It challenges us to examine our own faith: do we truly believe God can work miracles in our lives? This message urges us to pursue Jesus wholeheartedly, knowing that He has compassion on us and sees our deepest needs. Let's be inspired to step out in faith, offering our 'loaves and fishes' to God, and watch in awe as He transforms them for His glory.

In this powerful message, we're challenged to consider our true identity as citizens of God's kingdom. Drawing from 2 Peter 3, we're reminded that while we live in this world, our ultimate allegiance is to Christ. The sermon emphasizes the urgency of living with kingdom intensity, recognizing that Christ's return is imminent. We're called to be alert, active, and purposeful in our faith, not relaxing our spiritual vigilance even in times of perceived victory. The parallels drawn between animal instincts before natural disasters and our need for spiritual alertness are particularly striking. This message encourages us to reevaluate our priorities, focusing on eternal values rather than temporary worldly concerns. It's a call to action for us to pray more, serve more, love more, and worship more, hastening the day of Christ's return through our active participation in God's mission.

In this powerful message rooted in Joel chapter 1, we're called to 'Wake Up' and recognize the spiritual challenges of our times. The prophet Joel's warnings to ancient Israel resonate deeply with our modern struggles. Just as locusts devastated the land then, our joy and spiritual vitality can be devoured by worldly distractions today. We're urged to notice the times, share about them, and respond with renewed devotion. The call to fast, gather in assembly, and cry out to God isn't just ancient history—it's a blueprint for our spiritual revival. As we face our own 'locusts,' whether they're complacency, materialism, or spiritual dryness, we're reminded that God has purposed us for these times. By seeking Him first and discipling others, we can find hope and purpose amidst the chaos. This message challenges us to move beyond simply noticing the world's problems to actively engaging in spiritual disciplines and community, allowing God's truth to guide our minds and His presence to be our greatest joy.

Watchman Nee wrote, “I need forgiveness for my sins, but I need also deliverance from the power of sin... I appreciate the blessed fact of God's forgiveness, but I want something more than that: I want deliverance. I need forgiveness for what I have done, but I need also deliverance from what I am.”Pastor Ray continues his series, The Story of Jesus with a message titled “Of Pigs and People.”

In this powerful exploration of the Parable of the Sower, we delve into the four types of soil representing different conditions of the human heart. This parable, found in Matthew, Mark, and Luke, offers profound insights into why people respond differently to God's Word. We're challenged to examine our own hearts: Are we the hard path where the Word is easily snatched away? The rocky ground where faith withers under pressure? The thorny soil where worldly concerns choke our spiritual growth? Or are we the good soil, producing a bountiful harvest? This message reminds us that our response to God's truth isn't just about hearing, but about how deeply we allow it to take root in our lives. It's a call to cultivate a receptive heart, one that not only perceives God's Word but preserves and produces fruit from it. As we reflect on this, we're encouraged to consider the authenticity of our faith and the fruit it bears in our daily lives.

Billy Graham said, “To be a disciple is to be committed to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord and committed to following Him every day.” Pastor Ray shares a message titled, “A Call to Action” from his series, The Story of Jesus.

This week, we explore the profound lessons from the story of Jesus healing a leper in Mark 1:40-45. We're reminded of our own spiritual condition - our sin sickness that separates us from God. Just as the leper approached Jesus with desperation, we too must come to Him with urgency, recognizing our need for His cleansing touch. The leper's humble submission and faith serve as a model for our own approach to Christ. We learn that while we can ask Jesus for help, we must also accept His will, avoiding the trap of treating Him like a genie granting wishes. This story beautifully illustrates Jesus' compassion and His power to cleanse and transform lives, encouraging us to trust in His love and mercy.

This week, we're reminded that Jesus is still the answer to all of life's questions and challenges. The Gospel of Mark shows us Jesus' threefold ministry of healing, deliverance, and declaration. We see how Jesus healed Peter's mother-in-law and many others, demonstrating that He still heals today through medicine, miracles, or by taking us to heaven. The message encourages us to trust in Jesus' healing power, even when outcomes differ from our expectations. We're also challenged to embrace our own ministry of reconciliation, sharing the good news of Christ with others.

This week, we look into the reality of spiritual warfare and the authority of Jesus Christ over demonic forces. The key scripture comes from Mark 1:21-28, where Jesus confronts an unclean spirit in the synagogue. We learn that demons are real, active in our world, and often hide behind seemingly good or progressive ideas. However, we're reminded that Jesus has ultimate authority over these forces. As believers, we don't need to live in fear, but we must be aware and vigilant. The message encourages us to stand firm in our faith, resist the enemy through praise and scripture, and remember that Jesus in our lives is 'hell's worst nightmare.' This teaching is particularly relevant in today's world, where we're called to discern the spiritual roots behind cultural and societal issues.

This week we explore the call of Jesus to discipleship through Mark's Gospel. We're reminded that following Jesus is not just about salvation, but a complete surrender of our lives. The story of Jesus calling His first disciples teaches us that God often chooses ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. We're challenged to consider our own response to Jesus' invitation: 'Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.' This call isn't just for vocational ministry, but for all believers to live purposefully for God's kingdom. The message emphasizes that it's not about our qualifications, but our willingness to say 'yes' to Jesus immediately and wholeheartedly.

Bro. Ray begins a BRAND NEW sermon series called "The Story Of Jesus."We explore the significance of baptism through the lens of Jesus' own baptism in the Jordan River. We learn that baptism is not just a ritual, but a profound act of obedience and identification with Christ.Biblical baptism is by immersion, as demonstrated by Jesus Himself. This act symbolizes our repentance and new life in Christ. We're reminded that there's a strong connection between our obedience to God and experiencing His power in our lives.Just as the Holy Spirit descended upon Jesus after His baptism, we too can experience the filling and anointing of the Spirit when we surrender control of our lives to Him.This message challenges us to examine our own obedience and commitment to Christ, urging us to take that first step of faith through baptism if we haven't already done so.

Bro. Ray is back from his July sabbatical and concludes his series "On Purpose."In this message, we're reminded of God's purpose for our lives and the importance of living it out faithfully. The central theme revolves around 2 Corinthians 13, where Paul admonishes the Corinthians to examine themselves and get their spiritual act together. We're challenged to consider why God may intervene in our lives, preserving us for His greater purpose. The message draws parallels between the Corinthians' struggles and our modern cultural challenges, urging us to value our souls above all else. We're encouraged to guard against habitual sin, false accusations, and denial of truth - all of which can derail our spiritual journey. Through personal examination, prayerful expectations, and purposeful exhortation, we can align ourselves with God's will and hear those coveted words: 'Well done, good and faithful servant.'

Aaron Dickinson shares a message from Colossians 1 entitled, "Two People You Need To Know."

Lance Griffin shares a message from John 18 entitled, "The Truth Is Out There."

John Mark Comer once said, “Spiritual friendships do not work unless both members are fully committed to the transformational journey with Christ.”Chase Faulk shares a message from Hebrews 10 entitled, "A Confident Plan."

Corrie Ten Boom said, “Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable, and receives the impossible.” Join us this Sunday as Pastor Ray shares a message titled “Faith Displayed—On Purpose.

Paul Washer writes, “The mark of a man of God is God upon the man.”Pastor Ray shares a message from his current series “On Purpose” titled, Be A Man of God.

Pastor Chuck Locke shares a message from Psalm 95 entitled, "The Weight & Wonder of Worship."

Pastor Chuck Locke shares a message from Psalm 28 entitled, "What's Your Song?"

John Wesley said, “One of the principal rules of religion is, to lose no occasion of serving God. And, since he is invisible to our eyes, we are to serve him in our neighbor; which he receives as if done to himself in person, standing visibly before us.”Pastor Ray continues his series “On-Purpose” with a message titled, Serve God—On Purpose.

Ronald Reagan said, “The time has come to turn to God and reassert our trust in Him for the healing of America - our country is in need of and ready for a spiritual renewal.” Bro. Ray shares a special message titled… Three Dangers Facing America.

“A Christian home is a place where Christ’s love is not only taught but lived out daily.” –Charles Stanley. Bro. Ray shares a message on home and family titled. “Building a Home that Honors God—On Purpose.”

Someone has written, “I am a soldier in Christ’s Army. I will not be shaken.” Indeed the Bible teaches that we are engaged in a cosmic spiritual battle that is being fought every day.Bro. Ray shares a message titled, “Be A Culture Warrior for God—On Purpose”.

John Stott said, “We should not ask, ‘What is wrong with the world?’ for that diagnosis has already been given. Rather we should ask, “What has happened to salt and light?” Jesus calls us to infiltrate our culture. Bro. Ray continues his series, On Purpose with his next message—“Be Salt and Light—On Purpose.”

Billy Graham once said, “Our world today so desperately hungers for hope, yet uncounted people have almost given up. There is despair and hopelessness on every hand. Let us be faithful in proclaiming hope that is in Jesus.”

Neil Anderson writes, “Your greatest fulfillment in life will come when you discover your unique gifts and abilities and use them to edify others and glorify the LORD.” You have been gifted by God on purpose! Join us this Sunday as Bro. Ray shares a message titled, Gifted—On Purpose.

As Christians we should be different. The Bible says, “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” (2 Corinthians 5:17) Bro. Ray continues his series, On Purpose with a message titled, “Be Different—On Purpose (Pt. B)

Michael Youssef said, “Only in the Cross of Christ will we receive power when we are powerless. We will find strength when we are weak. We will experience hope when our situation is hopeless. Only in the Cross is there peace for our troubled hearts.”Pastor Ray shares a message titled, 5 Things to Remember About the Cross.

William Lane Craig said, “If you are sincerely seeking God, God will make His existence evident to you.”Pastor Ray shares a message titled, The Pursuit of God from his current series… Living On Purpose.

Charles H. Spurgeon said, “The seasons change and you change, but the Lord abides evermore the same, and the streams of His love are as deep, as broad and as full as ever.” Pastor Ray shares a new message titled, Live in Your Season—On Purpose

Thomas Watson said, “If God be our God, He will give us peace in trouble. When there is a storm without, He will make peace within. The world can create trouble in peace, but God can create peace in trouble.”Pastor Ray shares his next message from his current series titled, Live In Peace—On Purpose.

C.S. Lewis said, “To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable, because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you.” Pastor Ray shares entitled, “Let’s Forgive” from his current series On Purpose.

Charles Spurgeon said, "True prayer is neither a mere mental exercise nor a vocal performance. It is far deeper than that - it is spiritual transaction with the Creator of Heaven and Earth." Pastor Ray shares a message titled, Let’s Pray—On Purpose from his current On Purpose series.

Hebrews 5:11-14 is the central passage discussed in this sermon, emphasizing the need to move from spiritual milk to solid food, which symbolizes advancing from a basic understanding to a deeper, more discerning faith.The passage calls believers to practice discernment and progress toward maturity, leaving elementary teachings about Christ to embrace a more profound spiritual understanding.

Pastor Chuck Locke shares a message on Psalm 139.

Billy Graham said, “Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened.” Pastor Ray shares a vital message on “Taking A Stand” for God in a godless age.

Randy Alcorn has written, “If God was the owner, I was the manager. I needed to adopt a steward's mentality toward the assets He had entrusted - not given - to me. A steward manages assets for the owner's benefit. The steward carries no sense of entitlement to the assets he manages. It's his job to find out what the owner wants done with his assets, then carry out his will.”Pastor Ray shares a message from 1 Timothy 6 entitled, "Stewardship On Purpose."

Want to experience intentional living in 2024? Pastor Ray starts a brand new sermon series called "On Purpose."

James Aughey, wrote, “Christ is the Good Physician. There is no disease He cannot heal; no sin He cannot remove; no trouble He cannot help. He is the Balm of Gilead, the Great Physician who has never yet failed to heal all the spiritual maladies of every soul that has come unto Him in faith and prayer." Pastor Ray completes his sermon series on Faith—Just Live It! From the book of James with a message titled, The Power of Healing Prayer.

Warren Wiersbe writes, “Those times when you feel like quitting can be times of great opportunity, for God uses your troubles to help you grow.”Pastor Ray shares a message from his series Faith-Just Live It!, titled “Be Patient”.