Pastor Crawford emphasizes the central theme of this gathering: "following in his steps," which serves as the guiding principle for the upcoming year. This episode outlines the significance of the new theme derived from 1 Peter 2:21, where believers are called to emulate Christ’s example in their daily lives. He discusses the importance of understanding what it truly means to be a Christian, underscoring that it involves imitating Christ in both character and conduct, especially during times of adversity. Additionally, Pastor Crawford introduces various church initiatives, including the nomination of officers and the distribution of calendars that will help guide the congregation through the year. Through a blend of scriptural insights and practical applications, he encourages the community to engage deeply in their faith and actively participate in church activities.

The 2025 Vision Night presented by Pastor Crawford emphasizes the church's commitment to its new theme, 'In His Steps', which serves as a guiding principle for the upcoming year. The Pastor outlines key objectives for the evening, including the nomination of church officers, the distribution of calendars, and a sermon based on the teachings from 1 Peter chapter 2. He reflects on the profound impact of Charles Sheldon’s book, 'In His Steps', which inspires Christians to examine what it truly means to follow Jesus. The Pastor asserts that this theme will encourage the congregation to live lives that are reflective of Christ’s character, especially in times of adversity. As he discusses the practical applications of following Jesus, he emphasizes the importance of maintaining a righteous character amidst challenges, and the necessity of a proper view of God in order to navigate life’s difficulties with faith and grace. The evening culminates in a call to action for the church members to engage more deeply in their spiritual journeys, aligning their lives with the example set by Christ as they strive for personal and communal growth in faith.

Takeaways:

• Pastor Crawford emphasizes the importance of following Jesus' steps as a central theme for the year, urging congregants to reflect on their Christian walk and how they embody Christ's teachings in daily life.
• In his sermon, Pastor Crawford highlights the significance of the book 'In His Steps' by Charles Sheldon, which inspires believers to consider the practical implications of living as Christ would.
• The call to imitate Christ is not just about personal conduct but also extends to how Christians should evangelize and interact with the world, reinforcing their identity as followers of Jesus.
• Pastor Crawford discusses the challenges of facing adversity, encouraging believers to keep their focus on Jesus as the ultimate example of strength and grace in difficult times.
• The sermon outlines the theme for the year, 'In His Steps', and connects it with biblical teachings from 1 Peter, emphasizing the need for Christians to maintain Christ-like character amidst suffering.
• Pastor Crawford concludes by reminding the congregation that they cannot follow in Jesus' footsteps without the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, underscoring the necessity of divine grace in the Christian journey.

Joshua 14:15

Spiritual Rest

1. Jesus is our provider
2. Jesus is our protector
3. Jesus is our yoke, He will carry you burdens

How do I have spiritual rest:

1. Die to self.
2. Walk with Him.
3. Rest in His word.

Rest is learned, not earned.

Pastor Crawford emphasizes the imminent return of Christ as he discusses the significance of the new year in this reflective podcast episode. He highlights the urgency of living in light of eternity, drawing on biblical teachings to encourage listeners to remain vigilant and prepared for Christ's return. The pastor delves into themes from 1 Peter, urging believers to cultivate a life of charity, prayer, and service, especially as the end of all things approaches. He provides seven signs of Christ's return, illustrating how current events align with prophetic scripture, and calls for Christians to embody their faith actively. This episode serves as both a reminder and a challenge to embrace their faith fully in the coming year, reinforcing the importance of being ready for the unexpected return of Christ. Pastor Crawford delivers a profound message on the cusp of the new year, drawing on the themes of hope and anticipation associated with both the coming year and the imminent return of Christ. He begins his sermon by reflecting on the significance of the changing year, urging the congregation to consider how they can align their lives with the teachings of Christ as they enter this new chapter. By referencing 1 Peter 4, he emphasizes the importance of living purposefully, as the ‘end of all things is at hand,’ encouraging believers to remain sober, vigilant, and prayerful. This call to vigilance serves as a reminder to the congregation that their actions and attitudes should reflect the belief that Christ could return at any moment, and thus they must be ready to stand before Him. Throughout the sermon, Pastor Crawford delves into the implications of this belief, discussing how it should influence their daily lives. He speaks of the need for fervent love among believers, illustrating how true charity can cover a multitude of sins. This concept of love in action is pivotal; it is not merely a feeling but requires tangible expressions through service and hospitality towards one another. He challenges the congregation to use their gifts wisely, emphasizing stewardship of the diverse graces that God has bestowed upon them. He underscores that this is not just a personal journey but a communal responsibility to uplift and support each other in faith. As he transitions into discussing the signs of Christ’s return, Pastor Crawford highlights seven specific indicators, including the re-emergence of Israel as a nation and the increasing moral relativism in society. Each point serves to illustrate the urgency of the message: believers are living in the last days, and this reality should spur them on to live with intention. He concludes with a heartfelt plea for the congregation to renew their commitment to Christ as they embark on a new year, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead in faith and love.

Takeaways:

1. Pastor Crawford emphasizes the importance of living with a sense of urgency as the end of all things is near, urging believers to reflect on their lives as the New Year approaches.
2. He discusses the significance of being prepared for Christ's imminent return, highlighting that Christians must live as if He could return at any moment, which should shape their daily actions.
3. The pastor encourages listeners to utilize their God-given gifts to serve others, reminding them that each believer has a role in ministering to their community and being a steward of grace.
4. Pastor Crawford draws attention to the necessity of fervent love among believers, explaining how charity, defined as love in action, can cover a multitude of sins and should characterize Christian relationships.

2025 Lords Supper

Pastor Crawford concludes his sermon series entitled "Higher Call," emphasizing the significance of living a life of faith and purpose. He revisits the story of Caleb from the book of Joshua, illustrating how Caleb's unwavering trust in God's promises enabled him to claim the mountain promised to him, even at the age of eighty-five. This episode underscores the importance of not settling for a life of mere survival in the spiritual wilderness, but rather pursuing the abundant life that God has intended for each believer. As Pastor Crawford articulates, the journey from Egypt to Canaan symbolizes the transformative experience of salvation and spiritual growth, encouraging listeners to seek a deeper relationship with God. By reflecting on these biblical truths, the sermon challenges individuals to assess their own faith journeys and strive for the higher ground that God calls them to embrace. Pastor Crawford's closing sermon of the "Higher Call" series focuses on the biblical narrative of Caleb, from the book of Joshua, illustrating the significance of faith and obedience in the face of challenges. He recounts how Caleb, even at the venerable age of 85, boldly requested the mountain that God had promised him—a testament to his unwavering faith. This message resonates deeply with the congregation as it emphasizes that true faith does not wane with age but can intensify, exemplified by Caleb's resolve to conquer the land despite the daunting obstacles he faced. Pastor Crawford urges listeners to reflect on their own lives and the mountains they are called to climb, encouraging them to pursue their spiritual ambitions with the same fervor as Caleb. Throughout the sermon, Pastor Crawford weaves in the historical context of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to Canaan, exploring themes of doubt and faithfulness. He contrasts the reports of the faithful spies, Caleb and Joshua, with the fears expressed by the ten other spies, highlighting the destructive nature of doubt and its ability to hinder progress. The pastor's challenge to the congregation is clear: to recognize that God’s promises are not bound by time and that faith in His word can lead to victory over life's giants. This sermon serves as a reminder that the journey of faith is both a personal and communal experience, encouraging the faithful to support one another in their pursuit of God's promises. As the sermon concludes, Pastor Crawford leads a heartfelt prayer, asking for the strength and courage to pursue a higher calling. His message is a call to action for the new year, inspiring the congregation to not only reflect on their faith journeys but to actively seek the abundant life that God intends for them. The closing remarks reiterate the importance of maintaining faith in God’s promises, urging believers to step out of their comfort zones and embrace the challenges ahead, as they trust in His guidance and provision. This final sermon encapsulates the essence of the series, leaving listeners motivated to explore the heights of their faith.

Takeaways:

1. Pastor Crawford emphasizes the importance of faith, as demonstrated by Caleb and Joshua, in overcoming challenges and entering the promised land.
2. The sermon reflects on God's promises, highlighting that they remain steadfast despite the passage of time and the challenges faced by believers.
3. A significant theme in the sermon is the call to higher living, encouraging Christians to strive for an abundant life beyond mere existence.
4. Pastor Crawford discusses how the journey from Egypt to Canaan symbolizes the Christian experience of salvation and growth in faith.

Missionary David Story shares his family's calling to serve the people of Italy, emphasizing the urgent need for evangelism in a country where spiritual darkness prevails. He recounts his journey from a pastoral role in Oklahoma to a mission-focused life, sparked by a transformative visit to Italy that revealed the deep spiritual void among its people, despite the historical presence of Catholicism. The Story family is committed to preaching the gospel, establishing local churches, and equipping believers through discipleship. As they embark on this mission, they seek support and prayers for their journey, highlighting the importance of outreach in regions with limited gospel presence. This episode explores their vision for revitalizing communities in Italy through the power of the gospel and invites listeners to consider how they can become involved in this vital work. David Story, a devoted missionary, shares his journey of faith and commitment to serving God as he and his family prepare to embark on a mission to Italy. From the outset, he introduces his family, highlighting their shared desire to serve the Lord together. His narrative unfolds with a reflection on his background, detailing his pastoral experience in Edmond, Oklahoma, where he spent over a decade mentoring others and teaching at Heartland Baptist Bible College. The turning point in his journey comes during a missions trip to Italy, where he witnesses the spiritual darkness pervading the nation, heavily influenced by Catholicism. He describes the burden that arises in his heart to reach the Italian people with the gospel, emphasizing the dire need for hope in a country steeped in tradition yet lacking in true faith. As he recounts his surrender to God’s will, Story articulates his mission: to evangelize, mentor, and establish local churches in Italy. This episode not only conveys the challenges faced in missionary work but also serves as a call to action for listeners to support this mission through prayer and financial contributions.

Takeaways:

1. Missionary David Story shares his family's commitment to serve in Italy, emphasizing their desire to share the gospel with the local population.
2. He recounts his journey from being a pastor in Oklahoma to feeling a divine call to evangelize in Italy, highlighting the spiritual darkness present there.
3. David emphasizes the importance of complete surrender to God's will, illustrating how this surrender has shaped their mission and personal lives.
4. The podcast discusses the need for prayer, support, and outreach in Italy, where he notes that very few provinces have gospel-preaching churches.
5. He underscores that spiritual transformation is crucial for the Italian people, who often remain indifferent to the Christian message despite their rich heritage.
6. The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners, encouraging them to consider how they can support the mission work in Italy through various means.

Have everlasting peace thru Jesus Christ

Assistant Pastor James Stone delivers a poignant message centered around the theme of fear during the Christmas season. He explores the significance of the angel's repeated admonition to "fear not," emphasizing that fear is a universal experience that can arise from various life situations. Drawing on biblical narratives, he highlights how both Mary and Joseph confronted their fears when faced with God's calling, illustrating that God's purpose and promise are meant to alleviate such anxieties. The episode underscores the importance of recognizing God's presence in the midst of our fears, particularly during a time often filled with joy yet laden with pressures and expectations. Ultimately, the message encourages listeners to embrace the peace that comes from understanding God's purpose in the birth of Christ and the assurance of His presence in their lives.

The discussion centers around the theme of fear as it relates to the Christmas narrative, particularly focusing on the biblical accounts of Joseph and Mary. He begins by reflecting on personal experiences with fear, emphasizing that no one is immune to it. The speaker highlights how fear can grip individuals, often resulting from dangerous situations or anxiety about the future. He then transitions into the biblical text, citing Matthew and Luke, where angels appear to both Joseph and Mary, telling them not to fear. Each biblical account is examined in detail, revealing how these figures were faced with daunting circumstances yet were reassured by divine messages. The speaker argues that the command to 'fear not' is profoundly significant, as it is accompanied by the revelation of God's purpose and promises through the birth of Christ. This summary underscores the continuity between the ancient text and the contemporary experience of fear, providing listeners with insight into how the Christmas story offers hope and clarity amid anxiety.

Takeaways:

• Fear is a common human experience, and everyone faces it at some point in life.
• The Christmas message reminds us that we do not need to live in fear because of God's presence and purpose through Jesus.
• Joseph's fear during Mary's pregnancy was addressed by God's reassurance through an angel, highlighting trust in divine plans.
• Mary was chosen for a significant role in God's promise, showing that faith can overcome fear in extraordinary circumstances.
• The shepherds were initially terrified by the angelic announcement, but were comforted with the message of peace and joy that Jesus brings.
• Understanding the purpose of Christ's birth can alleviate our anxieties and fears in today's troubled world.