Heartland Christian Center

Talk is Cheap! // September 17, 2023 // Associate & Student Pastor Matt Willingham

The sermon emphasizes the transformative power of compassion based on Deuteronomy 15:11 and Luke 5:17-20. Compassion is defined as deep empathy and a desire to alleviate the suffering of others. Three vital actions are outlined to cultivate compassion: being attentive to notice those in need, being flexible to shift from conventional approaches, and embracing interruptions that enable us to show compassion. The narrative in Luke 5:17-20 is dissected, focusing on the distinct reactions of the critics, the obstructive crowd, and the compassionate individuals who took extraordinary steps to bring a paralyzed man to Jesus for healing. The message underscores the necessity of action and empathy, urging listeners to actively extend compassion beyond barriers and societal norms.

To learn more about Heartland Christian Center or to partner with us prayerfully or financially, please visit hcc.ag.

Seeing Others Through Gods Eyes // September 10, 2023 // Lead Pastor Dr Phil Willingham

This sermon delves into the story of the woman with the alabaster jar who anointed Jesus' feet. Using Luke 7:37-47 as the foundation, it highlights the critical lesson of looking beyond external appearances, as exemplified by Simon the Pharisee. Simon's judgment was solely based on outward actions, demonstrating a common human tendency to evaluate others from the outside. However, Jesus challenges this perspective by emphasizing the importance of recognizing the depth of a person's heart and their capacity for forgiveness and love. The sermon encourages listeners to cultivate compassion, foster meaningful relationships, and be open to divine interruptions, ultimately reflecting on how their relationship with God impacts their capacity to love others.

To learn more about Heartland Christian Center or to partner with us prayerfully or financially, please visit hcc.ag.

Believing The Best Is Yet To Come // September 3, 2023 // Lead Pastor Dr Phil Willingham

In this inspiring message delivered on HCC's 75th anniversary, Lead Pastor Dr. Phil Willingham reflects on the journey of the church and outlines the three responses that often mark its progress: denial, hunkering down, and hoisting the sails. He emphasizes the significance of acknowledging the past before reaching for the future and shares the church's vision to touch the heart of God, heal the heart of man, and reach the heart of the world. The mission statement, "to be a high-impact community that is Real, Relevant, and Relational," underscores the core values of the church. Dr. Willingham then delves into the characteristics that define HCC, highlighting the pivotal role of relationships, personal growth, leadership, prayer, and structure in shaping its identity.

To learn more about Heartland Christian Center or to partner with us prayerfully or financially, please visit hcc.ag.

You Are Worth It All // August 27, 2023 // Executive & Family Pastor John Kilavos

Matthew 3:13-17 recounts the momentous event of Jesus' baptism by John, highlighting a significant aspect of our identity: our worth in the eyes of God. Our worth is often misunderstood and should not be determined by others. God alone defines our value, and He is willing to move us into new realms of identity. This truth is echoed in Isaiah 62:2. Furthermore, our worth is ultimately as valuable as what someone is willing to pay for it, a concept reflected in the words of David Foster Wallace. Psalm 139 poignantly emphasizes God's intimate knowledge of each individual, as He intricately forms and knows every aspect of our being. Ephesians 2:1-5 emphasizes the transformative power of Christ's mercy and love, demonstrating that we are not defined by our past actions but by the grace of God. This understanding sets the stage for a new beginning, as stated in 2 Corinthians 5:17. Our identity is not shaped by our mistakes, but by God's redemptive declaration of who we are.

To learn more about Heartland Christian Center or to partner with us prayerfully or financially, please visit hcc.ag.

Fearfully & Wonderfully Made // August 20, 2023 // Lead Pastor Dr Phil Willingham

Luke 14:7-14, Romans 9:19-24, and Jeremiah 18:1-3 present profound truths about humanity's relationship with God and their identity in Him. These passages remind us that we are intricately crafted by Jesus, our Creator, for His glory. Although our life paths may differ, our overarching purpose remains the same: to bring glory to God. The assurance of Christ's redemptive plan ensures that this fallen world does not have the final say, and the hope of reconciliation through Christ's sacrifice reshapes our lives. Amidst suffering, the glory of Jesus shines through our joy and strength, underscoring our unwavering faith. Embracing the gospel compels us to humbly trust Christ and urgently share His transformative message, reflecting the humility of a clay in the hands of the Potter.

To learn more about Heartland Christian Center or to partner with us prayerfully or financially, please visit hcc.ag.

Identifying As Who God Says You Are // August 13, 2023 // Lead Pastor Dr Phil Willingham

Mark 5:1-9 unveils a man possessed by unclean spirits who, upon encountering Jesus, found deliverance and a renewed identity. This story underscores God's original intention for humanity – to have both relationship and rulership. While the world often defines identity through possessions and religion through actions, God's word affirms that true identity is rooted in being His beloved children. Ephesians 1:1-6 emphasizes the depth of this truth, highlighting that Christianity is not merely about behavioral modification but recognizing the righteousness we have in Christ. Humility emerges from accepting God's perspective of us as saints, chosen and accepted in His love. It's a call to awaken to our righteousness-consciousness rather than dwelling on sin-consciousness. This profound identity shift enables us to confidently proclaim the greatness of God's work in our lives, just as the man in Mark 5:20 did after encountering Jesus. The journey to true identity involves embracing God's grace and living out the purpose of relationship with Him.

To learn more about Heartland Christian Center or to partner with us prayerfully or financially, please visit hcc.ag.

Building a Solid Foundation: Steps to Obedience // August 6, 2023 // Lead Pastor Dr Phil Willingham

In Luke 6:46-49, Jesus emphasizes the importance of obeying His teachings by using three verbs: come, hear, and act. The process begins with coming to Jesus, finding rest and learning from Him. Next, believers must attentively hear His words, embracing a life in the Spirit rather than the flesh. The final step is to put His teachings into action, not just reading the Bible to complete a task but to connect with Christ and surrender to His plan. James 1:19-25 emphasizes the significance of being doers of the Word, not merely hearers. To act upon these teachings, believers must know Jesus' words, delight in Him, and trust that God's plan is always superior to their own. By establishing a strong foundation of obedience, Christians can withstand the storms of life and build a life that is blessed by following God's plan.

Living With Passion // July 27, 2023 // Lead Pastor Dr Phil Willingham

Hebrews 12:1-3 reminds believers to strip down any spiritual fat and passionately pursue their faith journey, just as Jesus did. To regain momentum in their spiritual walk, they need zeal and fervor to fuel their passion for serving the Lord. Passion keeps one aflame and alert as a servant of Christ. The passage in 1 Corinthians 1:6-9 assures that God is alongside believers, guiding them and providing everything they need for the spiritual adventure. Momentum builders are essential in sustaining progress. Purpose directs life by design rather than default. Resolving conflicts ensures healthy relationships and a thriving momentum. Applying truth moves beyond knowing to doing, manifesting faith in action. Lastly, expressing faith leads to joy and avoids spiritual depression. By embracing these momentum builders, believers can reignite their passion and build a vibrant faith journey.

My Satisfaction Looks Different // July 23, 2023 // Associate & Student Pastor Matt Willingham

In Luke 22:24-27, Jesus teaches his disciples about the heart of a servant. He contrasts the worldly desire for power and greatness with the humility and availability required to serve others. Drawing inspiration from the anointing of David in 1 Samuel 16, we learn that determination can either drive us towards greatness or become dangerous if fueled by pride. The heart of a servant is characterized by humility, recognizing our limitations and surrendering to God's will. Availability is essential, not based on popularity, but driven by purpose. To live out the heart of a servant, we must demonstrate sacrificial love, faithfulness, and patience in our daily lives. By adopting these virtues, we can truly follow the example set by Jesus, who came to serve and not to be served.

Living Out the Love of Christ: A Call to Action // July 16, 2023 // Associate & Student Pastor Matt Willingham

Luke 10:30-36 presents the parable of the Good Samaritan, where Jesus emphasizes the importance of living out the love of Christ. The story highlights the commitment required to demonstrate love to others. The passage reveals that true love for our neighbor is not merely an obligation or a matter of proximity, politics, or shared opinions. Instead, it is about responding with compassion and meeting the needs of others, even going the extra mile. The parable challenges individuals to examine their attitudes and actions towards those in need. It reminds believers that love for their neighbor should reflect God's accessibility and availability. Ultimately, displaying the love of God requires perceiving others with a godly perspective and being present for them. It goes beyond mere actions and calls for a genuine transformation of character and identity.