The Door to Abundant Life | John 10:7–10 | Christ Community Church Ardmore

Enlarging Your Vision, Enlarging Your Faith

Faith Is a Spiritual Practice

“Faith without works is dead.” — James 2:17

• Faith is active—it’s not just an internal belief but a practice lived out.
• It requires action, listening, and co-creating with God.
• Everyday life is a catalyst for practicing and growing in faith.Reflection Question:Have you ever felt prompted by God to step out—even when the next step wasn’t clear?Anchoring Our Faith in ScriptureHebrews 11:1 “Now faith brings our hopes into reality and becomes the foundation needed to acquire the things we long for. It is all the evidence required to prove what is still unseen.” Hebrews 11:6 “Without faith living within us it would be impossible to please God. For we come to God in faith, knowing that He is real and that He rewards the faith of those who passionately seek Him.”These verses remind us that faith isn’t only about eternity—it’s about now. So how do we begin to live out that kind of faith in our everyday lives?Vision Precedes Faith“Where there is no vision, the people perish.” — Proverbs 29:18

• Faith begins with seeing beyond the present.
• God often gives just enough vision to invite trust—not the full map.Application:Ask yourself: What does “on earth as it is in heaven” look like in my life?The Seed: A Picture of Faith

A seed’s growth mirrors the life of faith:

Biological Process

Dormancy ends Seed coat breaks Roots emerge Shoot pushes up True leaves grow

Spiritual Parallel

God awakens purpose within us. Growth often begins in brokenness. Deep, unseen faith work happens in solitude and surrender. We reach toward the light of Christ amid resistance. We begin to live fully, bearing fruit for others.

“Believe you have received it, and it will be yours.” — Mark 11:24 Remember: Even flowers come before fruit. Growth takes time.

Barriers to Living by Faith

Over-Control

• Plans are good—but faith means holding them with an open hand. Resistance to Change

• Change is uncomfortable, but it’s necessary for transformation. Fear
• Faith and fear both ask us to believe in something we cannot see. Which one will you choose?Faith as a Daily PracticeIdentity

• Start with who you are in Christ. You are enough.
• Don’t just resist old habits—focus on the person you’re becoming. Daily Practice: Begin with scripture or affirmations about your identity in God. Surrender

• Let go of control. Surrender isn’t passive—it’s active trust. Daily Practice: Ask, what am I trying to control today? Then, release it in prayer. Authenticity

• Be who God made you to be—not a copy of someone else. Daily Practice: Look for one opportunity to act honestly and faithfully.

Faith in Community

• Carry faith for one another.
• Speak vision, truth, and encouragement into others.
• Ask: Are my words giving life and faith to those around me?Personal Reflection

• Where is God asking me to practice faith right now? o A decision?

o A relationship? • Am I living with trust or playing it safe?

Whose Voice Are You Following? | John 10:1-6 Reflection on Spiritual Discernment

Description: In John 10:1-6, Jesus contrasts the voice of the Shepherd with the voices of strangers that demand our attention. Explore the difference between hearing His call and being led astray by other voices. Learn practical ways to discern God's voice in the midst of noise, fear, and inner distractions.

Join us for worship at Christ Community Church on Sundays at 10 a.m. Location: 2620 Mt. Washington Rd, Ardmore, OK

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xplore the spiritual journey from physical sight to spiritual vision in John 9:35-41. Discover how Jesus heals the blind and offers spiritual sight to those who seek it. Learn to cultivate humility, embrace the invitation to believe, and open your eyes to God’s light.

Christus Victor - Easter 2025

Palm Sunday Sermon | The Peaceable Kingdom

Why did Jesus enter Jerusalem on a donkey? What kind of kingdom was He bringing?

In this Palm Sunday message, “The Peaceable Kingdom,” we explore Luke 19:28–40, Matthew 21:1–11, and Zechariah 9:9–10 to uncover how Jesus defied expectations—not with violence or political conquest, but with peace, humility, and compassion.

🕊️ Jesus came to bring peace on earth, not just peace in heaven. 🙌 The crowd shouted “Hosanna!”—a cry for rescue. But Jesus offered a greater liberation: freedom from fear, division, and spiritual bondage.

📌 Key Scriptures:

• Luke 19:28–40 — “Blessed is the king who comes in the name of the Lord!”
• Matthew 21:1–11 — “Hosanna in the highest heaven!”
• Zechariah 9:9–10 — The prophecy of the peaceful King

🪞Reflection & Application: This week, create space for intentional solitude and practice The Daily Advocate Affirmation:

1. Pause and breathe.
2. Reflect on God’s love.
3. Ask: “Holy Spirit, whom are You calling me to advocate for today?”
4. Write your affirmation: “Today, I choose to advocate for myself by…”
5. Pray for courage, kindness, and self-compassion.
6. Journal and reflect.

Let Jesus transform your inner dialogue—from harsh criticism to compassionate advocacy.

🙏 Closing Prayer: “Lord Jesus, we echo the cry, ‘Hosanna—save us!’ May we surrender our small expectations and embrace Your greater peace. Make us advocates of Your love, in a world that longs for healing.”

🎧 Listen, Reflect, Share ✅ Like this video if it spoke to you. ✅ Subscribe for weekly encouragement. ✅ Share with someone longing for peace and hope.

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#PalmSunday #PeaceableKingdom #Hosanna #JesusIsKing #Luke19 #Matthew21 #Zechariah9 #ChristCommunityChurch #ArdmoreChurch #ChurchInArdmore #HolyWeek #DailyAffirmation #ChristianMeditation

John; 9-24-34

Event Date + Time:

Sunday,

Mar 23 ·

9:57 — 11:30am

(1 hour, 33 minutes)

Description:

Description:

Fear can keep us silent, but the cost of bearing witness is real. In John 9:18–23, we see the parents of the healed man hesitate to speak the truth out of fear of rejection. What does this mean for us today? Are we willing to stand for truth, even when it costs us something?

In this message, we explore: ✅ The power of fear in silencing truth ✅ The cost of bearing witness (Martyria) ✅ The dangers of weaponizing “truth” ✅ How truth in Christ welcomes, not excludes ✅ The courage to speak with love and wisdom

Join us as we reflect on how faith calls us to boldness and love, not fear and division.

📖 Scripture: John 9:18–23 🔔 Subscribe for more messages: @ardmoreccc 📲 Connect with us:

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Call to Action:

If this message encouraged you, LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE for more biblical insights and teaching. Drop a comment below—how has fear impacted your faith journey? 🙏Live stream starts at 10 a.m.