Lexington Baptist Temple

In the continuation of the Foundational Words of Living Hope, Pastor Chris Rieber looks at the next value of cultivating meaningful relationships within the body of Christ and with others toward the body of Christ.

Pastor Chris Rieber discusses two more foundational values of Living Hope Fellowship. Growth and Service.

As believers, we are called to love. We are also called to a special liberty, having been set free from our sins and flesh. In this sermon, Pastor Chris Rieber looks at how our liberty should inform the love we have for one another.

In this episode, Pastor Chris Rieber looks at the Biblical view of Church functioning like a family more than an institutional organization.

What King do you serve? This is a strange question, especially for those of us in the non-monarchial United States. But, the truth is that all of us serve a King or Queen -- maybe not political, but spiritual. A better word might be an Idol. What has our heart is what we usually find ourselves serving. In this message, Pastor Derek Holmes looks at Israel's voluntary transition from a Theocracy, where God was their King to a Monarchy like all the other nations around them. God told Samuel to warn them that lesser Kings would not always rule righteously, yet they still wanted their own King. This is such a strong metaphor for how we treat Jesus. We often look to other lesser Kings of our heart when Jesus is the Only King who will always rule righteously in our lives. He may not always be the one we want, but He will always be the one we need.

Have you ever wondered what God was doing or wanting you to do, but just weren't clear? In this message, Pastor Chris Rieber talks about how God has a clearly stated universal will for all of us outlined in Scripture, but He also has an individual will for each of our lives. Knowing God's particular will for life is in direct relation to our willingness to obey all of HIs universal will.

Have you ever felt like you and God just aren't syncing up on life planning? Even the Apostle Paul felt that way. In this message, Pastor Derek Holmes examines Paul's prayer over his "thorn in the flesh" to see what we can learn about trusting God when it doesn't seem like He's cooperating.

Have you ever wondered if maybe God just wasn't paying attention? Maybe you've even felt like God let you down. In this message, Pastor Derek Holmes looks at the life -- and death -- of John the Baptist to see how God may not always come through the way we think He should. How do we remain faithful when that happens?

In Isaiah 32-35, we see a prophetic announcement of a Righteous King who will set up an eternal righteous Kingdom where there is no violence, no corruption, no sorrow, no famine, etc and all the people prosper and live in peace. Sounds too good to be true, right? Well, in this message, Pastor Derek Holmes looks at why no matter where you may be currently, if you are in Christ, better days are always ahead.

Loneliness. Just about everyone can identify in some way with the feeling. In this message, Elder Don Flynn looks at the prevalence of loneliness and how Jesus was the most lonely person to ever walk the earth, and how that is a good thing for us. He is acquainted with our sorrow.

Dennis Swanson shares his personal story of faith and a message of trust in Jesus.

"You can't go forward by going backward." This just makes sense, doesn't it? In this message, Pastor Derek Holmes looks at how Israel chose to go backward and make a defense alliance with Egypt, their former oppressor, hoping they would be a better option for protection than God Himself. How many times are we tempted to run backward to the sin that oppresses us instead of waiting on the Lord?

Scripture uses many metaphors and allegories to teach us principles to apply in following God. In Isaiah 29, Pastor Chris Rieber looks at the relationship of a potter who patiently and intentionally works with lumps of clay to produce vessels of beauty that speak to the potter's skill and mastery. In the same manner, God is molding us to glorify Him before an unknowing world.

How do you look at and interpret Scripture? There are many ways to interpret the ancient sacred texts. In this message, pastor Chris Rieber examines two possible ways to look at a large chunk of prophetic text in the book of Isaiah which both lead to the understanding that God is in control and working all things toward His ultimate glory which is always results in our good.

What is there to praise God for? It's easy to get caught up in the darkness and brokenness of our fallen world. It is easy to lose sight of God's goodness in the midst of the chaos. In this message, Pastor Derek Holmes looks at some unchangeable facts about the Character of God that we can always praise God for, regardless of whether you are on the mountain top or in the lowest valley.

In this message, Pastor Chris Rieber looks at the Messianic Prophecy of Isaiah 9 and compares the kingdom of the coming Messiah with the kingdom and reign of King Ahaz. We must all make a choice to follow the right King.

The first message in an expository sermon series through the Old Testament book of Isaiah.

God keeps His promises. This is important to remember. While all of us are limited in keeping our word, God is unlimited. In Matthew 24, Jesus makes the promise to HIs followers that He will return again one day to set up His glorious Kingdom. This is a promise that must be trusted and never ignored.

In the book of 1 Peter, we learn that God has chosen His followers and placed them as a royal priesthood. But, what does that actually mean? In this message, Pastor Chris Rieber looks at the significance of the individual priesthood of the believer.

In the fourth message on the foundations of our faith, Pastor Derek discusses the miracle of salvation, why it's vitally important, what it actually does, where it comes from, and how you can have it.