Harris Creek Baptist Church

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?

Pastor JP unpacks 1 Peter 2:4–12, reminding us that the Church isn’t a place—it’s a people. We are a community of believers, each one chosen, called, and placed with purpose. When we build our lives on Jesus, the cornerstone, and boldly live out our faith, we don’t just go to church—we become the Church, a movement that carries hope to the world. The Church is being built of ChristiansThe Church must be built on Christ The Church is built when Christians declare and display Christ    Life Group Discussion:How can we shift from seeing church as a place we go to something we’re actively part of?What does it practically look like to make Jesus the cornerstone of your daily life?Who in your life needs to see or hear the love of Christ through you this week?

Teaching from Acts 2, Pastor John shows that the Holy Spirit isn’t just some mystical force — He’s a real person, part of the Trinity, and fully involved in your everyday life. Through the example of Peter going from scared to bold, we learn how the Holy Spirit gives us the power to live courageously and make a real impact. He challenges us to listen for the Spirit’s nudges and act right away — just like the 3,000 people who heard the gospel and instantly responded with faith and action. The Person Holy SpiritThe Power of the Holy SpiritThe Promptings of the Holy Spirit Life Group Discussion:How would you describe your personal relationship with the Holy Spirit? Do you see Him more as a person or a power, and why?What are some ways you’ve seen the Holy Spirit empower believers for ministry or daily obedience?Can you share a time when you sensed a prompting from the Holy Spirit and chose to obey or ignore it? What was the outcome?

We have been given a clear job from Jesus to make disciples. Whether we go to our neighbor or to the nations, we are called to go! Jesus is the King with all powerOur purpose is to advance the KingdomJesus’ presence is permanent Life Group Discussion:How does knowing that Jesus holds all authority impact the way you live your daily life?Who is one person in your life right now that you feel called to reach or disciple?How does Jesus' promise, "I am with you always," give you courage in sharing your faith?

In John 21:1–19, JP reminds us that Jesus doesn’t give up on us—even when we fail. We've been recruited like Peter, not because we're perfect, but because God's grace is bigger than our mistakes. Through Jesus, we're restored to relationship and redeemed for a purpose far greater than our past. We’ve been recruited despite our failuresWe’ve been restored to grace and fellowship  We’ve been redeemed for a new future and purpose    Life Group Discussion:Why do you think Jesus still chooses people with messy pasts or flaws?In what ways have you struggled to believe that God fully forgives you?How has your past prepared you for the purpose God has for you?

Pastor John dives into Luke 22:54–62, where Peter—one of Jesus’ closest friends—denies even knowing Him, not once but three times. Jon keeps it real, pointing out that like Peter, we can be quick to talk big about our faith, but when pressure hits, our confidence can crumble. He challenges us to get honest with ourselves: Are we aware of how weak we really are? Are there moments when we’re low-key embarrassed to rep Jesus? And do we actually feel the weight of our sin, or just brush it off? Are you aware your flesh will fail?Are you tempted anywhere to be ashamed of Jesus?Are you grieved over the gravity of your sin?  Life Group Discussion:What’s an area of your life where you tend to overestimate your own strength or self-control?What situations challenge your boldness when it comes to living for Jesus publicly?When you mess up, are you more likely to justify it, ignore it, or actually feel convicted?

In John 18:1–14, JP points out how Jesus doesn’t run from the moment—He steps up. Even though betrayal and arrest are coming, Jesus shows courage and chooses to follow God’s plan on purpose, not by accident. JP also reminds us that Jesus is still running the show—protecting His friends, staying calm, and speaking with authority. And in an incredible moment of grace, Jesus heals the guy who came to arrest Him, showing love to His enemies right in the middle of all the chaos.Jesus steps out in courageJesus is still in controlJesus shows compassion to his captors   Life Group Discussion:How does Jesus' courage challenge the way we respond to fear or opposition in our own lives?Why is it important for us to remember that God is in control, even when things feel chaotic or unfair?Can you think of a time when you were challenged to extend grace in a hard situation? What happened, and what did you learn?

In the Journey to the Cross series, Pastor JP highlights Jesus’ time in Gethsemane as a moment of deep surrender and trust in God’s plan. He reveals how Jesus, though in anguish, fully submitted to the Father’s will, setting the path for our salvation through His obedience. Jesus trusted the Father in His greatest sufferingJesus trusted the Father in His greatest temptationIn suffering and temptation, Jesus prayed and obeyed Life Group questions:1. In Gethsemane, Jesus prayed, “Not my will, but Yours be done.” What does this teach us about surrendering to God’s will in our own struggles and decisions?2. The disciples struggled to stay awake while Jesus prayed. How can we stay spiritually alert in our daily lives, and what are some distractions that keep us from seeking God in prayer?3. Jesus trusted the Father even in His deepest anguish. How can His example help us navigate seasons of suffering or uncertainty with faith?

In the "Journey to the Cross" series, Pastor John emphasizes Communion as more than a tradition but a transformative act of faith. He explains how Jesus is the ultimate Passover Lamb, whose sacrifice brings salvation, connecting the Lord’s Supper to the biblical Passover.  Christ’s Life and Death: Our Passover LambChrist’s Body: Our Sinless SacrificeChrist’s Blood: Our New Covenant Life Group Discussion:What does it mean to apply Christ’s blood to the "door of your heart," and how does it impact your daily life?Why is it significant that Jesus’ body was given specifically "for you"?How can you use Communion as an opportunity to share your faith with others?

In his sermon, Nate reveals a side of Jesus we don’t often focus on — His righteous anger. Drawing from Matthew 21, he unpacks how Jesus was angered by fake faith and the exploitation of others, reminding us that true faith produces real fruit.  Jesus is angered when people are exploited Jesus is angered when we pretend to produceFaith in Jesus produces real fruit  Life Group Discussion:Jesus showed deep concern for the outsider — how can we intentionally care for those who feel marginalized or overlooked in our communities?In what areas of your life are you tempted to appear spiritually healthy while neglecting your relationship with God?What does it practically look like to remain connected to Jesus as the true vine in your daily life?

When Jesus entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday it forced the crowd to answer the question of "Who is He?". In the same way, we must answer that question today.  Christ is in controlThe crowd desired to control ChristYou must conclude who Jesus is  Life Group Discussion:In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust that Jesus is in control? How can you surrender those to Him?In what ways do people today try to fit Jesus into their own agendas instead of following Him as Lord?How does your view of Jesus impact the way you live your daily life? 

Sin gradually desensitizes us, making what once felt wrong seem normal, which is exactly how Satan works to separate us from God. Ephesians 4 warns that when we give ourselves over to sin, we become aimless, hardened, and blind to its destruction, ultimately giving the enemy a foothold in our lives. Nate reminds us that as Christians, we are called to reject sin, pursue sanctification, and immerse ourselves in God's truth to fully embrace the life He desires for us. Sin Makes you senselessChristians part with sin to pursue sanctificationSin gives Satan a space in Christ's place Life Group Discussion:What are some warning signs that you might be drifting toward spiritual numbness?How can accountability within a community help us in the process of sanctification?What steps can you take this week to remove sin’s foothold and invite Christ into every area of your life?

As we continue our series, “State of Warfare”, JP looks to 1 Timothy 4:1-10, explaining the enemy’s mission to “abandon the faith” by causing believers to doubt and turn away from God. He highlights the enemy’s method of replacing a genuine relationship with God with rigid rules, leading to spiritual emptiness. JP encourages believers to stay motivated by building a faith that lasts, rooted in gratitude, prayer, and steadfast trust in Jesus.  The enemy’s mission: Get you to “abandon the faith” The enemy’s method: Get you to replace relationship with rulesOur motivation: To build a faith that lasts  Life Group Discussion:Can you share a time when you felt tempted to give up on your faith? How did you respond?How can legalism affect your personal connection with God and others? How does gratitude play a role in strengthening your faith journey?

Pastor Nate emphasizes that true freedom is found in abiding in Jesus' teachings, as God's truth breaks the chains of sin. He warns that Satan, the father of lies, seeks to deceive and destroy, leading people toward spiritual death. Ultimately, Nate reminds us that who we listen to determines who we belong to—either we follow God’s truth and find life, or we believe Satan’s lies and remain in bondage. God’s truth leads to freedomSatan’s lies lead to deathWho you listen to is who you belong to  Life Group Discussion:How can we ensure we are actively listening to and applying God's truth daily?In what ways have you seen deception negatively impact relationships, faith, or personal growth?What influences in your life are shaping the way you think and believe?

Pastor John talks about spiritual battles, explaining that struggles—whether from life, our own choices, or Satan—challenge our faith. Using 2 Corinthians 12, he shows how Paul’s hardships made him rely on God even more. In the end, trusting God through tough times makes us stronger and brings Him glory. Satan seeks to destroy you through sufferingGod shapes you in suffering We glorify God by trusting in the suffering Life Group Discussion:How have you seen suffering challenge your faith or the faith of others?Why do you think God allows suffering if He loves us?How can our response to suffering be a testimony to others?

In our series State of Warfare, Pastor JP emphasizes the reality of spiritual warfare and the need to wear the full armor of God. He calls believers to walk in truth, act righteously, share the Gospel, stand firm in faith, know their salvation, use God’s Word, and pray continually. Through this, Christians can resist deception and stand strong in Christ. Walking truthActing in righteousnessReady with The GospelFirm in FaithAware of your salvationResponding with The WordEngaged in prayer  Life Group Discussion:Have you ever struggled with believing lies about yourself or God? How did you overcome it?In what areas of your life do you feel the strongest temptation to compromise righteousness?Who in your life needs to hear the Gospel, and what steps can you take to reach them?What experiences or struggles have tested your faith the most?How would you explain salvation to someone who has misconceptions about it?What are the biggest obstacles to maintaining a consistent prayer life?

Adam and Eve broke their connection with God by choosing knowledge and convenience over obedience. As we wrapped up our “Removed” series, JP explains that our phones can act like the forbidden fruit, pulling us away from God with endless distractions, comparisons, and even harmful habits. True peace and purpose come from putting down our devices and prioritizing time with God over everything else Communion with God > Knowing more Communion with God > ConvenienceOur phones are costing us communion with God Life Group Discussion:What are some ways your phone distracts you from spending time with God?What are practical steps you can take to prioritize time with God over consuming news, social media, or other content?What would it look like for you to “fast” from your phone or social media to focus on your spiritual growth?