Ward Church with Dr. Scott McKee Ward Church

In the continuation of our 'Practical Atheist" sermon series, Rev. Terence Gray refutes the idea that God is indifferent to our happiness, asserting instead that God deeply cares about our joy, found through Him. He debunks the myths separating happiness from holiness and joy from happiness, underlining that they coexist in our pursuit of God. Pastor Terence advises us to actively nurture a joyful heart by aligning with God and cautions against the worldly chase for pleasure. He advocates for maintaining our hearts with diligence, filling them with positive, faith-driven content. We're called to step out from life's 'circus' and prioritize nurturing our 'garden'—our heart—beginning with surrendering it to Jesus. His message closes with a prayer for recognizing God's work in our lives and rediscovering joy in His presence.

In the second message in the "Practical Atheist" sermon series, Mark Ordus confronts the disconnect between professed belief and actual practice in Christianity regarding sexuality. Using Samson's downfall as a cautionary tale, he warns against the gradual steps away from God's guidance. Mark encourages believers to examine their lives for subtle compromises and to embrace God’s perfect plan, which offers fulfillment and protection from the pitfalls of temptation. He advocates for a relationship with Christ as the path to a life that is truly abundant and aligned with God’s best for us.

Dr. Scott McKee's sermon begins the "Practical Atheist" sermon series, confronting the gap between belief in God and truly knowing Him. He likens our relationship with God to personal relationships, stressing the difference between knowing about God and experiencing a profound connection. He shares Apostle Paul's transformation from religious fervor to a life valuing intimate knowledge of Christ above all. The message challenges us to examine our own faith, encouraging a move from superficial belief to a deep, actionable faith that permeates our lives, transforming belief into experience and knowledge into relationship.

In a spirited Easter message, Dr. Scott McKee unpacks the essence of the Christian faith focusing on the resurrection of Jesus Christ as detailed in 1 Corinthians 15. He emphasizes that the crucifixion was for our sins and that the resurrection is the beating heart of Christian belief — without it, faith is futile. Pastor Scott explains that Jesus' resurrection is not metaphorical but a historical pivot that gave rise to the church and sustains our hope for life after death. He clarifies that this hope extends beyond Jesus to all believers, promising not just a spiritual existence but a resurrection of the body, echoing the closing lines of the Apostles' Creed. He encourages the congregation to invite resurrection power into their lives, to roll away personal stones of hindrance, and to embrace the abundant and eternal life offered by Christ. Pastor Scott's message invites a reflection on the transformative power of the resurrection, a call to renew life in the present with the same force that raised Jesus from the grave.

In this Holy Week sermon, Dr. Scott McKee delves into the birth of the Church from the resurrection of Jesus. He describes the Church not as an institution but as a movement of love, a universal body that Jesus charged with continuing His work. Reflecting on the Apostles Creed, he underscores the Church's mission to serve, love, and unite people across all divides. Pastor Scott shares the Church's first mention in Matthew 16, where Jesus entrusts Peter—and by extension, all believers—with its establishment. This Church, set apart for God's purposes, is to stand against injustice and extend God’s grace worldwide. Pastor Scott closes by expressing his belief in the Church's potential, evidenced by the compassionate actions of the congregation at Ward Church, and reiterates Jesus' promise that it will prevail against all darkness.

Rev. Terence Gray delves into the quiet yet transformative power of the Holy Spirit. Pastor Terence illuminates the Holy Spirit's role as the "Forgotten God," quietly working miracles, breaking chains, and instilling courage. He navigates through varying Christian traditions' perceptions of the Holy Spirit, from the light touches of Presbyterianism to the intense embrace of Pentecostalism. Emphasizing the Holy Spirit's eternal presence and creative power, Pastor Terence invites us to welcome the Spirit's indwelling, transforming our lives from within. He challenges us to cooperate with the Spirit, fostering growth and maturity in our faith journey. As we yield to the Spirit's work, we learn to live in the fullness of God's presence, reflecting Christ more with each step. Let's join together in embracing the quiet, mighty work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts and communities.