Hays Christian Church

Jesus + Anything = Nothing (Part 4): In Essentials Unity

In the first half of Galatians chapter 2, Paul meets with the apostles in Jerusalem to ensure that the Gospel being preached was the same, though he and they have differing target audiences (the Jews and the Gentiles). The apostles gave their blessing and encouragement for Paul to continue preaching and helping the poor. In the words of German theologian Rupertus Meldenius, "In essentials, unity; in nonessentials liberty; in all things, charity".

Jesus + Anything = Nothing (Part 3): The Call to Ministry

In the second half of Galatians chapter 1, Paul explains to the people that his call to ministry and the gospel that he preaches did not come from any human source. Instead, Paul’s call came straight from Jesus Christ. In looking at our own call and conversion stories we must not take Paul’s account as a blueprint for how ours should have gone; rather, we each have a unique conversion experience and call to ministry.

Jesus + Anything = Nothing (Part 2): No One Can Change the Gospel

Pastor Kevin Daniels begins the in-depth look at Galatians with Galatians 1:1-12. Paul establishes his authority and stresses that no one, even angels, can diverge from the Gospel of Jesus without being condemned. Additional rules and regulations to the Gospel are nothing but heresy. The only thing that matters is who Jesus is and what He did for us.

Jesus + Anything = Nothing (Part 1): Galatians Narrated

Pastor Kevin Daniels begins his series "Jesus + Anything = Nothing", by narrating the Book of Galatians from the New Living Translation. Galatians is a letter from the Apostle Paul to the early Christians in Galatia.

Philip's Travels

In this message, Pastor Kevin reads and discusses Acts 8. In the early years of the church, persecution lead to the Christians spreading out and spreading the Word of God. Philip's travels lead him to preach in Samaria, then teach the Good News of Jesus to an Ethiopian eunuch. When the Holy Spirit gives us direction, we can have no reservations about following it.

We Don't Talk About THAT in Church: Politics & Rights from Jesus’ Perspective

In this message, part two of our “We Don’t Talk About THAT in Church!”, Pastor Kevin talks about what Jesus has to say about the often touchy issue of politics. He delves into areas such as what our basic human rights are, and how we should consider others when voting.

Joshua and the Wall of Jericho

Pastor Kevin has help this Family Sunday to tell the story of Joshua and the Israelites taking Jericho. From it, we can learn that God's plan is best and that we need to remember what He has done for us.

Grudges: Forgiving Old Hurts

In this message, Bruce Bellinger tells us that injustice suffered can turn into resentment, which then can turn into a grudge. We can choose to take revenge, nurse a grudge, or forgive. When we cling to our grudges, the only one we really hurt is ourselves. To be right with God and at peace within ourselves, forgiveness is key!

We Don't Talk About THAT in Church: Mental Illness

There are some topics that seem to be taboo in the church, but are important to discuss anyway. In the beginning of this new series, Pastor Kevin Daniels tackles one such topic: mental illness. The statistics are staggering and although mental illness can drive loved ones away, when we look to Jesus as an example, it's clear we are to confront those suffering with it with love and compassion.

Mental Health Resources:

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Crisis Text Line: text "home" to 741741
• http://kaywarren.com/mentalhealth/
• https://nami.org
• https://nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml
• https://screening.mentalhealthamerica.net/screening-tools

The Golden (Opportunity) Years

Joanne Tramel discusses the importance of appreciating the older generation's role in the Family of God, emphasizing the 5th Commandment and Exodus 20:12.

What Should I Pray For?

To conclude his 2-part message on prayer, Steve Tramel uses 4 case studies to illustrate the right things to pray for, the implications of answered prayer, what we can learn from Biblical examples, and guidelines to use in our own prayers.

Lord, Teach Us to Pray

Steve Tramel's 2-part message on prayer begins with Jesus' instructions on the do's and don'ts of communicating with God and an analysis of the Lord's Prayer. It's important to consider our motives and the content of our prayers, speaking as children of God. 

Faith on Film: The Lion King

In the movie The Lion King, Simba is driven from his pride by his uncle, but later returns to restore order and harmony. Pastor Kevin parallels this with the Second Coming of Jesus, which comes with many signs that we've seen throughout history, but we must be prepared at all times.

Faith on Film: Yesterday

In the movie Yesterday, a struggling musician becomes the only person to remember The Beetles, which he uses to become a star. Through his struggles and stardom, his friends remained by his side. Pastor Kevin finds another group of friends with strong bonds in the Book of Daniel: Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. From food to furnace, they stayed loyal to each other and to God under King Nebuchadnezzar.

Faith on Film: Spider-Man: Far From Home

In the movie Spider-Man:Far From Home, people are deceived by holograms and illusions. Pastor Kevin reflects on what authentic faith is. There are 5 things we are to do as Christians (pray, read the Bible, evangelize, serve, and submit), but a relationship with God is not a checklist.

Faith on Film: Toy Story 4

In the movie Toy Story 4, Woody goes the extra mile to make every toy feel loved and no one is left behind. Pastor Kevin relates this to Jesus' parable of the Lost Sheep. When we know of someone living away from God, Jesus tells us that they are important and that we need to do what we can to help bring them to Him.

Faith on Film: Men in Black: International

In the movie Men in Black: International, the commander of the London branch says that "the universe has a way of, leading you to where you're supposed to be at the moment you're supposed to be there". Pastor Kevin sees this sentiment in the life of Joseph after his jealous brothers sell him into slavery. When Joseph trusts God's plan, he is lead to prosperity.

X-Men: Dark Phoenix: People Fear What They Don't Understand

In the movie X-Men: Dark Phoenix, aliens attempt to destroy Jean Grey because she gains a power that they don't understand and she can't control. Pastor Kevin compares this to Abraham fearing the people foreign lands due to his wife's beauty (Genesis 12 & 20). We can do better by trusting in God's protection when we encounter the unknown.

Faith on Film: Aladdin

Pastor Kevin kicks off 2019's "Faith on Film" series with Aladdin. In the movie, the sultan's adviser Jafar used the power he had to obtain even more power, which became his undoing. Whether we know it or not, we also have a certain amount of power and wealth that we are given and it's up to us to use what we have for God's purposes.

The Flat Thud of Grace

In this message, Jennifer Urban speaks from John 8:1-11, where a woman caught in adultery was brought before Jesus for judgment and saved by His grace. We are unqualified to judge and we can not kill sin with rocks. The only rightful path is love.

Remembering People

Retired minister Richard Fisher takes this Memorial Day Sunday to advise us on the ways we can comfort those who are dying and those who have lost a loved one and reminds us to remember those we have lost and those who are still living.

Serve All (Part 5): The Suffering Servant

In week five of the series Serve All, Pastor Kevin discusses the suffering that Jesus Christ endured to serve as our Savior and when we suffer for the sake of others, we are following His example.

Serve All (Part 4): King Lemuel's Mother Has Some Thoughts

In this message, Pastor Kevin explores the instructions left to an otherwise unknown king, King Lemuel, by his mother (Proverbs 31:1-9). His mother’s wisdom is just as applicable for us today as it was for the king himself. Her primary concern was that he fight for justice and equality above all.

Serve All (Part 3): Jesus is Our Example of Servanthood

 In week three of the series Serve All, Pastor Kevin discusses our highest example of servanthood, Jesus, who did not come to be served but to serve, as He illustrated the night before His crucifixion by washing His disciples' feet.

Serve All (Part 2): You Are Qualified

In week two of the series Serve All, Pastor Kevin reminds us all that we have all been called to serve; it’s not just for a select few. Having been called, we are also qualified by God to serve all. When we serve the least of these, we are really serving Christ.

We will look at the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14–30), the sheep and goats (Matthew 25:31-46), and 1 Peter 4:7-11.

Serve All (Part 1): Each One Worthy

To begin the series, “Serve All,” Pastor Kevin examines Jesus’ interactions with the Samaritan woman at the well. He highlights the fact that Jesus saw each person as worthy of his time, resources, and love. In recognizing this, we also should seek to share our time, resources, and love with others, regardless of our differences.