Faith Alive Church - Sunday Message

Faith Alive Church
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Join us by audio! We are Faith Alive Church - a church with the mission in the name - to keep faith alive. Faith isn't a one time decision, or a checkbox on a form. Faith is how God functions and He's given us a portion of His faith to live by on earth. Located in Greenville South Carolina and online at faithalivechurch.us.

  1. 1d ago

    God Knows You Better Than You

    Dr. Jordon Gilmore God Knows YouGod knows you better than you know yourself. He knows your personality, your fears, your struggles, your thoughts, and even the person He is shaping you to become. In this message, Jordon explores how deeply God knows us—and why that truth should bring both conviction and tremendous encouragement. God Makes Room for Our Humanity God knows our weaknesses and fears, and He patiently works with us as we learn to trust Him. In Judges 7:9–11, God tells Gideon that the enemy has already been delivered into his hands. Yet God also knows Gideon is afraid. Rather than ignoring Gideon’s fear, God gives him an opportunity to hear something that will strengthen his faith. We see something similar in Joshua 2. Before Israel crosses the Jordan, Rahab tells the spies that the people of the land have heard what God has done and are already afraid of Israel. God knew His people needed that encouragement. God knows what scares us, what frustrates us, and what makes us uncomfortable. That doesn't mean He will never ask us to confront those things. Often, He calls us directly into situations that require faith. But He knows our humanity and patiently helps us move forward. God Knows Our Hearts and Minds We sometimes say, “God knows my heart,” as though that excuses our behavior. But the reality that God knows our hearts should also be sobering. He knows our thoughts, motives, intentions, struggles, and even the things we considered doing but never acted upon. Yet God's complete knowledge of us is also incredibly comforting. Psalm 139 describes a God who knows when we sit down and rise, understands our thoughts, knows our words before we speak them, and knew us before we were formed. Even when our thoughts about ourselves aren't precious, God's thoughts toward us are precious. That allows us to pray as David did: “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties.” — Psalm 139:23 God already knows what He will find. The invitation is for Him to reveal it to us and lead us forward. God Knows the Fullest Version of You God doesn't only know who you have been or who you are today. He knows who you are becoming. Imagine the best possible version of yourself—the person you wish you could become. God's picture is greater. The gap between who we are and who we believe we should be can sometimes feel overwhelming. But God knows exactly where He is taking us. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God knows the thoughts He has toward us and is leading us toward an “expected end.” We may not know the route, but God is the one driving. Don't Lose Heart Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 4:7–18 that we carry God's treasure in fragile “earthen vessels.” We can be: Hard pressed, but not crushedPerplexed, but not in despairPersecuted, but not forsakenStruck down, but not destroyedEven our struggles become part of God's redemptive work. Our lives demonstrate the Gospel: God's original purpose was affected by sin, but God is redeeming what was broken and ultimately bringing His plan to completion. That's why we don't have to lose heart. God knew about the struggle. God knew about the detour. God knew about the weakness. And God knows where He is taking you. He Will Finish What He Started God does not do incomplete work. The God who began His work in us will continue bringing it toward completion. And Jude gives us a beautiful picture of the destination: **“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy…” —

  2. Sep 27

    The Tabernacle Part 7 - Every Light Has a Source

    Joshua Boyd Every Light Has a Source Walk Through the Bible: The Tabernacle As we continue our study of the Tabernacle and the golden lampstand, we turn our attention from the light to the oil that made the light possible. The lampstand was commanded to burn continually—but every light has a source. The Oil for the Lamp In Exodus 27:20–21, God commanded the Israelites to bring pure olive oil so the lamps could remain continually lit. Significantly, the oil was supplied by the people. If the oil stopped flowing, the light went out. The Tabernacle was never merely about furniture, rituals, or sacrifices. God revealed its purpose in His command to Moses: build Me a sanctuary “so I can live among them.” The Tabernacle pointed toward God's continuing desire to dwell with His people. Revelation shows the fulfillment of that desire. In the New Jerusalem, there is no need for the sun or moon because God's glory illuminates the city and the Lamb is its light (Revelation 21:22–25). God Himself is the ultimate source of light. Not by Might, but by My Spirit Zechariah 4 gives us another picture of the lampstand. Zechariah sees a golden lampstand continually supplied with oil from two olive trees. Unlike the Tabernacle, where people continually replenished the oil, this lampstand was connected directly to its source. When Zechariah asks what the vision means, God answers: “Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit.”The oil points us toward the Holy Spirit. Our spiritual light isn't sustained by our intelligence, strength, determination, or ability. The Holy Spirit is our source. We aren't called to manufacture the light—we're called to stay connected to the source. Keep Your Oil Full Jesus' parable of the ten bridesmaids in Matthew 25:1–13 reinforces this truth. Five were prepared with enough oil; five allowed their supply to run out. When the bridegroom arrived, only those who were prepared were ready. The lesson is both future and present: keep your lamp lit and your oil full. The cares and distractions of life can slowly drain us. We can continue moving for a while on our own strength, but eventually we discover that we've been “riding the gas light.” How Do We Stay Filled? Ephesians 5:18–20 gives us a practical answer: Be filled with the Spirit.Sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs.Make music to the Lord from your heart.Continually give thanks to God.Notice Scripture doesn't simply say to listen to worship—it tells us to participate. Singing, worshiping, and giving thanks turn our attention away from ourselves and back toward our source. When we feel like everything depends on our strength, wisdom, or ability, it's time to reconnect: Not by my might. Not by my power. But by His Spirit. Bringing the Oil Together There is also something powerful about believers gathering together. Just as the congregation brought oil for the Tabernacle, believers today gather with the Spirit of God dwelling within them. We can receive from God individually, but there is something special about coming together hungry for His presence. We aren't simply an audience—we participate together in worship, revelation, ministry, and the presence of God. Keep the Lamp Burning Don't wait until Sunday to worship. Keep a song in your heart throughout the week. Give thanks to God. Stay connected to the Holy Spirit. We don't know the day or hour of Christ's return, but we also need His light for today—for our families, our jobs, our church, and every decision before us. Every light has a source. If we want our light to continue shining, we must remain connected to ours. Keep your oil full. Keep your lamp lit. Stay filled with the Spirit. Scriptures Exodus 25:31–40 • Exodus 27:20–21 • Zechariah 4:1–6 • Matthew 25:1–13 • Ephesians 5:18–20 • Revelation 21:10, 22–25

  3. Sep 20

    Walking Out Our Faith

    Dr. Jordon Gilmore Key Scriptures: Joshua 3:14–17; Mark 11:20–25; Deuteronomy 31:7–8; Luke 17:11–19; Matthew 14:28–29; Matthew 8:5–13; Mark 9:23–24 Faith isn't only believing that God can do something—it changes how we move after we’ve prayed. In Joshua 3, Israel stood at the edge of the Jordan River preparing to enter the Promised Land. The priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant were instructed to go ahead of the people and step into the overflowing river. God didn't first show them dry ground. They had to step forward in obedience—and when their feet touched the water, the way opened. This message challenges us to consider the distance between what we say we believe and how we actually live. Jesus said, “Whatever you ask in prayer, believe that you have received it.” (Mark 11:24) Do we get up from prayer and move like we actually expect God to respond? 1. Go With the Presence of the Lord Joshua 3:14–17 | Deuteronomy 31:7–8 The priests could step into the Jordan because they were carrying the Ark, representing the presence of God. God told Joshua, “The Lord will personally go ahead of you.” Sometimes we're standing at the edge of something unfamiliar, afraid to move because we don't know what will happen. But God isn't asking us to go somewhere He hasn't already gone. Like a father standing in a pool telling his child to jump, our confidence isn't necessarily in the water—it's in the One waiting for us. 2. Don't Despise Progressive Steps Luke 17:11–19 Ten lepers cried out to Jesus for mercy. Jesus told them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” They weren't immediately healed. Scripture says, “As they went, they were cleansed.” Sometimes we want God to reveal the entire staircase before we'll take the first step. But the answer may unfold as we go. We can’t remain standing in the same place while complaining that nothing has changed. Sometimes progress is waiting on our obedience. 3. If He Invites You, You Can Come Matthew 14:28–29 Peter said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come.” Jesus simply answered, “Come.” That invitation was enough for Peter to step out of the boat. God has invited us into things like peace, rest, joy, purpose and obedience, yet fear, shame, uncertainty and insecurity can keep us in the boat. If He has called you to come, you don't have to depend solely on your ability to sustain yourself. The God sustaining you where you are is also able to sustain you where He's calling you. 4. Reduce the Time Between Faith and Obedience Matthew 8:5–13 The centurion understood authority. He told Jesus, “Only say the word, and my servant will be healed.” Jesus marveled at his faith. We can develop that kind of responsiveness through practice. Start with the small things. When the Holy Spirit prompts you to encourage someone, give, speak, serve or act—respond. Hear it. Believe it. Do it. Obedience in small things trains us to respond when God asks something bigger. Closing Challenge Mark 9 records the desperate prayer of a father: “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” There can be both faith and hesitation within us. The goal is to keep shrinking the distance between believing God and obeying Him. Remember: Go with His presence. Take the next step. Trust His invitation. Practice obedience in the small things. You may be standing at the edge of your Jordan, praying and believing God to move. The question may no longer be, “Will God do something?” It may be: “Am I willing to step into the water?”

  4. Sep 13

    The Tabernacle Part 6 - Keep Your Lamp Lit

    Joshua Boyd A Walk Through the Bible - Part 11 - The Tabernacle 6 Keep Your Lamp Lit A Walk Through the Bible: The Tabernacle God’s purpose for the Tabernacle was always about dwelling with His people. Every part of it was built according to the heavenly pattern—a shadow of something greater and more glorious in God’s presence (Hebrews 8:5). Today, under the New Covenant, we are the temple of God and His Spirit dwells in us (1 Corinthians 3:16). In this message, we turn our attention to the golden lampstand—the menorah. Unlike much of the Tabernacle furniture, the lampstand was made entirely of pure gold. Its seven lamps were fueled with pure olive oil and were to be kept burning continually. Most importantly, the lampstand was the only source of light inside the Tabernacle (Exodus 25:31–40; 27:20–21). Revelation gives us a glimpse of the heavenly reality behind this earthly pattern. Before God's throne are seven burning flames, described as the sevenfold Spirit of God (Revelation 4:5). But if we are now God's temple, what provides light within us? Jesus said: “Your eye is like a lamp that provides light for your body.” — Luke 11:34What we continually place before our eyes matters. God's Word brings light into areas that were once dark. At first, our understanding may seem like a small flashlight—just enough light to take the next step. But as we continue in the Word, that light grows brighter. We begin to see God's promises concerning salvation, peace, deliverance, provision, healing, freedom from fear, and every other area where darkness once kept us stumbling. And eventually, the light isn't only helping us see—it begins helping others find their way. The enemy works in the opposite direction. Second Corinthians 4 describes Satan as blinding people's minds so they cannot see “the glorious light of the Good News.” But God has caused His light to shine in our hearts. We are fragile jars of clay carrying an extraordinary treasure: the light and power of God. Darkness cannot overcome light. Even the smallest light changes a dark room. So if there is an area where you're continually stumbling, don't simply accept the darkness. Get some light there. Find the Scriptures that speak to that area and keep them before your eyes. You may begin with only one promise you understand, but keep walking in the light you have. How Do We Keep Our Lamps Lit? 1. Read the Bible. Devotionals, books, studies, and other resources can be helpful, but they are supplements. Keep Scripture itself before your eyes. God's Word is “a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). 2. Protect your light. When God gives you understanding in an area, guard it and continue growing in it. Don't allow experiences, distractions, deception, or popular opinions to extinguish what God's Word has revealed. 3. Shine your light. Light is meant to be shared. Like one candle lighting another, sharing what God has shown you helps bring light into someone else's darkness—and together our lights become brighter. The world needs points of light. Every church can be a streetlight in a dark city, but so can every believer. You can be a light in your workplace, your family, your neighborhood, and everywhere God has placed you. You don't have to illuminate everything at once. Start with the light you have. Keep God's Word before your eyes. Keep walking toward the light. Help someone else along the way. If you're stumbling, you need some light. Keep your lamp lit, keep walking in the light, and you will be able to see the way clearly, finish your race strong, and help others find their way too. Key Scriptures Exodus 25:31–40; Exodus 27:20–21; Hebrews 8:5; 1 Corinthians 3:16–17; Revelation 4:5; Luke 11:33–36; 2 Corinthians 4:4–7; Psalm 119:105; Proverbs 4:18; Matthew 25:1–13

  5. Sep 6

    The Malnourished Beliver

    Dr. Jordon Gilmore Key Scripture: John 6:35 “I am the bread of life. He who comes to me shall never hunger, and he who believes in me shall never thirst.” In John 6, a crowd went searching for Jesus after He miraculously fed the 5,000. But Jesus challenged their motives: they were seeking Him because they had eaten the loaves, not because they understood what the miracle revealed. The physical bread was pointing to something greater—Jesus Himself is the Bread of Life. Throughout Scripture, bread represents provision, sustenance, and something necessary for life. For 40 years, God faithfully provided manna for Israel in the wilderness. That daily provision pointed ahead to Christ and reminds us that our relationship with God is not intended to be occasional. If Jesus is our bread, how often do we need to eat? Spiritual Malnutrition Many believers are trying to live the Christian life at a spiritual “caloric deficit.” We’re trying to walk by faith, serve others, resist temptation, and fulfill our calling without consistently taking in the spiritual nourishment we need. Jeremiah 15:16 says, “Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart.” Not every time we open Scripture will feel life-changing. Just as every physical meal doesn't have to be a five-star meal, every encounter with the Word doesn't have to produce an immediate revelation. Sometimes we simply need to eat. What we take in today may become exactly what we need weeks, months, or even years later. We can also prepare spiritually for what is ahead. Just as an athlete fuels before a demanding race, we should intentionally fill ourselves with the Word when we know we're entering a difficult or faith-demanding season. Stay Off the “Spiritual Ozempic” There are things that can suppress our spiritual appetite. Entertainment, possessions, comfort, relationships, negative thinking, disappointment, and even the voices we choose to listen to can fill us with the wrong things until we no longer hunger for God's Word. Thoughts such as “If God really loved me, this wouldn't be happening,” “If this were God's will, it wouldn't be this hard,” or “Life just isn't fair” can become spiritual appetite suppressants. Eventually, this can produce spiritual amnesia. The people in John 6 had just experienced the feeding of the 5,000, yet shortly afterward they asked Jesus, “What sign do you do, that we may see and believe you?” They had already witnessed the miracle but had forgotten what they had experienced. This is one reason testimony is so important: we remind one another of the connection between God's Word and His faithfulness. Hunger Is a Signal—and a Gift Jesus said in Matthew 5:6, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.” Physical hunger tells us that our bodies need nourishment. Spiritual hunger can do the same thing. When the Holy Spirit reminds us that we've neglected the Word, that hunger is not something to ignore—it is a grace pointing us back toward our source. Deuteronomy 8:3 explains that God allowed Israel to hunger before feeding them with manna so that they would learn that “man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” Sometimes God allows us to experience need so that we can discover through experience that He is the source who satisfies that need. The difficult seasons we would rather avoid can become the very experiences through which we learn that Jesus truly is the Bread of Life. Fuel Your Faith The Word is fuel for our faith. We shouldn't live spiritually with the gas light constantly on, only running to Scripture when we're desperate. God has given us a pantry full of spiritual nourishment. We can make daily deposits from His Word before we even know when we'll need them. The goal isn't merely to survive spiritually. We want to be nourished, strengthened, and fit for what God has called us to do. Key Scriptures: John 6:22–35 • Jeremiah 15:16 • Mark 1:35 • Matthew 5:6 • Deuteronomy 8:3 Key Question: If God is our bread, how often do we need to eat?

  6. Aug 23

    Planting for Consistent Growth

    Dr. Jordon Gilmore Planting for Consistent GrowthKey Scriptures: Psalm 1:1–3; Jeremiah 17:5–8 What does it take to live a life of consistent spiritual growth—not one that rises and falls with our circumstances? Using lessons from his garden, Jordon shares how a plan to consistently water his plants with rainwater started strong but eventually gave way to the easier option. It became a picture of something many of us experience spiritually: we know what produces growth, but without consistency and connection to the right source, good intentions can fall short. Psalm 1 and Jeremiah 17 both describe the blessed person as a tree planted by streams of water—rooted near a constant source, fruitful in season, and able to remain healthy even when heat and drought come. 1. God Wants Us Planted in Him The tree isn't accidentally near the water—it is planted there. In the same way, God desires our lives to be intentionally rooted in Him. When our lives are anchored to circumstances, we can easily find ourselves on a roller coaster: disciplined when life is easy, distracted when life gets difficult. But God is constant. He wants our faith, families, relationships, finances, and every other area of life to begin and remain connected to Him. 2. We Need Two-Way Growth A healthy tree grows down and out through its roots while also growing up and out through its branches. Our spiritual lives need both. Downward growth — Trust & Hope Jeremiah 17 highlights two qualities beneath the surface: Trust is confidence based on past experience. As we experience God's faithfulness, our roots grow deeper. We learn that He can be trusted even when circumstances change. Hope is expectation based on a need or desire. When our hope is placed in God, we can face seasons of heat or drought without allowing fear and anxiety to determine our lives. Upward growth — Delight & Meditation Psalm 1 gives us two visible expressions of growth: Delight is moving from “I have to spend time with God” to “I get to spend time with God.” Like a plant stretching toward sunlight, we learn to genuinely enjoy God's presence and His Word. Meditation means purposely and intentionally thinking about God's Word. What we continually meditate on creates the environment for our thoughts, attitudes, words, and responses. Eventually, what fills us is what comes out of us. The Goal: Fruitfulness in Every Season God desires His people to become spiritually consistent—deeply rooted, healthy, fruitful, and steady regardless of circumstances. Ask yourself: What do I delight in?What am I consistently meditating on?Where does my trust really lie?What am I placing my hope in?What area of my life needs greater consistency?God has already provided the source. Rather than constantly trying to manufacture growth ourselves, we can remain planted in Him. Bottom Line: Grow down and deep in trust and hope. Grow up and out through delight and meditation. Stay planted by the Source, and you can continue producing fruit in every season.

  7. Aug 16

    A Walk Through the Bible - Part 10 - The Tabernacle 5

    Joshua Boyd The Bread of His Presence | Tabernacle — Part 5 In Part 5 of our Tabernacle series, we continue looking beyond the history and physical design of the Tabernacle to discover what it reveals about God’s desire to dwell with His people. The Tabernacle was built according to a heavenly pattern. Every piece of furniture, every boundary, and every instruction pointed toward a spiritual reality that would ultimately be fulfilled through Jesus Christ. God Wants to Dwell With Us From the Garden of Eden onward, God’s desire has always been relationship. Sin separated mankind from God, so under the Old Covenant, the Tabernacle provided a carefully prescribed way for God to dwell among His people. Under the New Covenant, Jesus has changed how we approach God. Instead of outward cleansing and obedience to external rules making us acceptable, Jesus cleanses us from within. God writes His law on our hearts and places His Spirit inside us. Christianity is not simply following rules—it is covenant relationship. We obey God because we love Him. Protect the Covenant Within You In the Tabernacle, layers of protection surrounded the Ark because it contained the covenant—the most holy and precious thing. Today, God's covenant is written on our hearts, and we have become the temple of the Holy Spirit. That means we should guard what enters our lives through our eyes, ears, minds, and mouths. Holiness means being set apart for God’s purposes. As we separate ourselves from the noise and influences of the world, we become more sensitive to the voice of God. The Holy Spirit: God's Deposit When we receive Christ, God gives us the Holy Spirit as a guarantee of our inheritance. Ephesians 1:13–14 describes the Spirit as God's guarantee that we belong to Him and will receive what He has promised. Romans 8:15–16 tells us that the Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children. God doesn't want to speak to us once a year through someone else. He wants daily fellowship with every believer. The Bread of the Presence Inside the Holy Place stood a gold-covered table holding twelve loaves known as the showbread, or more clearly, the Bread of the Presence. “Place the Bread of the Presence on the table to remain before me at all times.” — Exodus 25:30Every Sabbath, twelve fresh loaves were placed before God. The previous bread was then eaten by the priests in the holy place. The bread was a continual reminder: God is here. His presence is among His people. Interestingly, Revelation describes heavenly counterparts for the other furnishings of the Tabernacle, but no table of showbread is specifically described. Why? In heaven, we won't need a symbol reminding us of God's presence—we will be living fully in it. Jesus, Our Bread of Life At the Last Supper, Jesus took bread and said, “This is My body.” The bread ultimately points to Him. Jesus is the eternal Bread of Life. Through Him, we now have access to God's presence and fellowship. Even the gifts presented to Jesus by the wise men—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—echo elements found within the Holy Place, reminding us again that Jesus fulfills what the Tabernacle foreshadowed. We Need Fresh Bread The Bread of the Presence was regularly refreshed, and spiritually, we need fresh bread too. We cannot live only on yesterday's revelation or yesterday's fellowship with God. Jesus taught us to ask for daily bread, and Scripture reminds us that man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of God. Gathering together, hearing God's Word, worshiping, praying, and spending personal time with Him continually refreshes our awareness of His presence. The Tabernacle ultimately tells one beautiful story: God loves His people, God wants to dwell with His people, and through Jesus, He has made a way for us to live continually in His presence. Key Scriptures Exodus 25:8, 30 • Leviticus 24:5–9 • Hebrews 8:5 • Ephesians 1:13–14 • Romans 8:15–16 • Matthew 22:37–40 • Matthew 2:11 Main Takeaway: Guard the temple God has given you, make room to hear His voice, and seek fresh fellowship with Him every day. God isn't distant—He desires to dwell with you.

  8. Aug 9

    A Grace Potluck

    Dr. Jordon Gilmore Every believer has received a unique gift from God—not to keep for themselves, but to share with others. Peter reminds us that we are to minister our gifts as good stewards of God's manifold grace. The Christian life is like a potluck: everyone is called to bring something that blesses the whole body. Key Takeaways Every believer has received a gift. God's grace is both universal (life, breath, salvation) and personal (specific gifts and callings).  Your gift is an expression of God's grace, given freely—not earned. What are you bringing to the Grace Potluck? The church is healthiest when every member contributes their God-given gift.  Don't settle for bringing the "bare minimum." Steward your gift so it becomes a blessing to others. Stewardship: Developing Your Gift A steward is not an owner, but a manager who is accountable to the true Owner. Three characteristics of faithful stewardship: God has trusted you. The Creator has entrusted you with something valuable.  Your gift is a sacred trust, meant to glorify Him and serve others. 2 Corinthians 4:7You will give an account. God expects faithfulness, not comparison.  Like the servants in the Parable of the Talents, we will one day answer for how we used what He gave us. Matthew 24:45-47; Matthew 25:14-23Use your gift for the Owner's purposes. We are called to use our gifts according to God's will, not personal ambition.  Jesus modeled perfect stewardship by doing only what pleased the Father. James 1:17; John 8:28-29Reflection Questions  What gift has God entrusted to you?  Are you developing that gift or simply possessing it?  If Jesus asked for an account today, what would you present?  How can your gift better serve the people God has placed around you? Final Thought Imagine a church where every believer intentionally developed and faithfully shared their God-given gift. The body of Christ would be strengthened, needs would be met, and God would receive the glory. As Peter writes: "As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God." — 1 Peter 4:10Bring your best to the Grace Potluck—not for recognition, but because every gift belongs to God and was given to bless His people.

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Join us by audio! We are Faith Alive Church - a church with the mission in the name - to keep faith alive. Faith isn't a one time decision, or a checkbox on a form. Faith is how God functions and He's given us a portion of His faith to live by on earth. Located in Greenville South Carolina and online at faithalivechurch.us.

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