Have you ever had an expectation that your experience didn't live up to? Perhaps you looked forward to attending a particular school, only to find the campus quite different from what you had imagined. Or you landed your dream job, only to be disappointed. Even a long-anticipated first date with a crush was less than you hoped. No matter what it is, life is full of experiences that don't live up to our expectations. These moments can leave you feeling bitter, cynical, negative, or even afraid—draining the hope from your life. The followers of Jesus provide a profound example of managing shattered expectations. Their hope seemed lost when, instead of Jesus receiving a crown, He was placed on a cross, something they didn't expect. Yet, their despair was not the end of the story. Easter is the ultimate beacon of hope! Just as Jesus' resurrection shattered the depths of despair, it invites you to overcome your own as well. During Easter, we celebrated the best news of all time: Jesus is alive! He conquered sin and death and made the way for you to be saved. In this message, Pastor Lance talks about the transformative power of the resurrection and its meaning for you today. Watch this message to discover how the power of the resurrection can renew hope in your life.

Have you ever had an expectation that your experience didn't live up to? Perhaps you looked forward to attending a particular school, only to find the campus quite different from what you had imagined. Or you landed your dream job, only to be disappointed. Even a long-anticipated first date with a crush was less than you hoped. No matter what it is, life is full of experiences that don't live up to our expectations. These moments can leave you feeling bitter, cynical, negative, or even afraid—draining the hope from your life. The followers of Jesus provide a profound example of managing shattered expectations. Their hope seemed lost when, instead of Jesus receiving a crown, He was placed on a cross, something they didn't expect. Yet, their despair was not the end of the story. Easter is the ultimate beacon of hope! Just as Jesus' resurrection shattered the depths of despair, it invites you to overcome your own as well. During Easter, we celebrated the best news of all time: Jesus is alive! He conquered sin and death and made the way for you to be saved. In this message, Pastor Lance talks about the transformative power of the resurrection and its meaning for you today. Watch this message to discover how the power of the resurrection can renew hope in your life.

Have you ever had an expectation that your experience didn't live up to? Perhaps you looked forward to attending a particular school, only to find the campus quite different from what you had imagined. Or you landed your dream job, only to be disappointed. Even a long-anticipated first date with a crush was less than you hoped. No matter what it is, life is full of experiences that don't live up to our expectations. These moments can leave you feeling bitter, cynical, negative, or even afraid—draining the hope from your life. The followers of Jesus provide a profound example of managing shattered expectations. Their hope seemed lost when, instead of Jesus receiving a crown, He was placed on a cross, something they didn't expect. Yet, their despair was not the end of the story. Easter is the ultimate beacon of hope! Just as Jesus' resurrection shattered the depths of despair, it invites you to overcome your own as well. During Easter, we celebrated the best news of all time: Jesus is alive! He conquered sin and death and made the way for you to be saved. In this message, Pastor Lance talks about the transformative power of the resurrection and its meaning for you today. Watch this message to discover how the power of the resurrection can renew hope in your life.

For example, look at the caution labels on everyday products we purchase. Manufacturers go to great lengths to protect consumers with obvious warnings about how their products work. Why do they do this? Because we live in a world of people who just don't get it and this condition hasn't changed in 2,000 years. This is a Palm Sunday message, the day celebrated as the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem when He was greeted by people shouting "Hosanna" and waving palm branches. However, because those people didn't get it, the ones crying out "Hosanna" on Sunday cried out "Crucify Him" on Friday. Often, we are the same. We don't get Jesus, we don't understand His heart, and we don't see what Jesus sees. This message is geared toward preparing us for Easter and helping us to see like Jesus.

In this message, Pastor Lance talks about bitterness and how we can be bitter or get better. He speaks of the hidden dangers of bitterness and how we can get rid of it. It usually starts as a hurt, like an argument with a friend or family member. If left unchecked, that hurt will continue to grow, turning into anger or resentment and eventually deep-rooted bitterness. To guard against it, be mindful of how you process hurt.

For most of us, there are areas of our lives that we're always trying to control. That need for control sometimes reveals where we're weak spiritually and not trusting God. The more we try to control, the more control we try to have. It causes pain, brings conflict, creates confusion, and ultimately disrupts God's work in our lives. Are you a controlling person? Do you have control issues? No matter what you feel or think, control doesn't have to control you. In this message, Pastor Lance shares some questions to help choose surrender instead of control. We pray God uses this message in your life.

Do you find yourself delaying important tasks and engaging in other activities that are less important at the moment? This habit is known as procrastination, and we usually do it because we tend to think, "Why work on something now when I can do it later?" The problem is that procrastination comes with a cost. It can lead to missed opportunities, unmet goals, poor grades, and increased stress. Whatever you don't do today, you are less likely to do tomorrow. And for many, that is where they are spiritually. They've put their relationship with God off so much that it's almost nonexistent. That's called misplaced priorities. In this message, Pastor Lance begins a series to help us align our priorities with God's. To learn more, watch week one of Boundaries.

What are you afraid of? Fear attacks right where our faith lives and often keeps us from stepping into God's plans.

Whenever you get a new pair of shoes, you’ll do everything you can to keep them clean for as long as possible. You’ll watch where and how you walk, hoping you can keep them from being damaged. We all go to great lengths to protect the value that’s on us, but we don’t always go to the same lengths to protect the value that’s in us. Maybe you don’t feel like you’re that valuable, but according to the book of Ephesians, you are God’s masterpiece. And the thing about a masterpiece is that it’s worth too much not to be protected. So, how do we protect our value?

In a world driven by materialism, the overwhelming message is that happiness and contentment are found in accumulating wealth and “stuff.” But the Bible has a different take on what it means to be content. In this message, Pastor Brian Baker challenged us with a message that we can put into practice to help us be content and grateful people. We pray God uses this message in your life.

The events that took place on October 7, 2023, when Hamas invaded and attacked Israel, were beyond comprehension. It was the deadliest day in modern Israel's history. In week one of The End Times, Pastor Lance addresses two questions: Where did it all begin, and where is it headed? This topic has fascinated and puzzled people for centuries. The Bible has much to say that is both intriguing and unsettling. One thing is certain: Jesus said, "When these things begin to take place, straighten up and raise your heads, because your redemption is drawing near." The return of Jesus is closer than ever before. Don't be discouraged by the darkness. Trust in God, turn to Jesus and pray. He's fully in control.

In our new series, we'll look at the most important change we all need: to be Changed By Jesus. He has the power to change everything. He can change your heart. He can change your mind. He can change what you believe. He can change your priorities. He can change your attitude. You name it, and Jesus has the power to change it.

Many people today misunderstand the nature and character of God. They think He's distant, far away, and not interested in people personally. That's not what the Bible teaches us, though. God wants to bless us with the gift of salvation that frees us from the guilt and shame of our sins. In this message, Brian Baker will unpack Psalm 67. We'll learn more about what God wants to give His people as we live in a relationship with Him. Do you live near Indian Trail, NC? Make plans now to attend one of our services. We can't wait to see what God does in your life this year.

Saying yes to Jesus requires everything but costs nothing. It demands that we be 'all in.' Following Jesus 'all in' means giving all you have into His hands, and it's where most people get stuck. It's intentional. It's risky. But it can also be life-changing. Many people fear missing out on what life offers and never go all in. But the truth is, the only thing you'll miss out on is everything God has to offer. And the good news is: if you don't hold out on God, God won't hold out on you. So, why wait? In this series we will talk about different areas of our lives that we need to surrender to God completely. In other words, we need go All In with God!

When life doesn't go your way and everything around you is falling apart, you don't have to. Your attitude, emotions, and behavior don't have to mimic your situation. Instead of focusing on the chaos and despite any limitations, you can have peace, contentment, and even joy in the middle of your mess. It may seem impossible, but all that is required is A Better Perspective. Our perspective is always limited, while God's is limitless. In other words, His is better.

We're almost two weeks into 2023. How is your year going so far? There's a lot of pressure to set yearly goals and resolutions. You might have started things off with a goal to spend more time with your family. But it's only January, and your schedule is already packed. You may want to run or walk a certain distance this year. But you've only managed to make the dent in your couch a little deeper. Maybe you haven't set any goals or resolutions and wonder if it's already too late. We've got good news for you. There is still time! This year, you can do something that can set you on a path to your best year ever! It starts by pressing the reset button spiritually. 2023 can be the best year of your life if it's your best year spiritually. In this message, Pastor Lance starts a new message series, The Reset. Using an Old Testament story about King Hezekiah, he shows us three ways to reset our spiritual lives. It is the most important message you will hear all year because when we live life God's way, God's way takes over our life. Imagine what 2023 would look like if that happened! Make sure to catch the entire message. If you know someone who is struggling, share this with them. It's a message that could change the trajectory of their year! Do you live near Indian Trail, NC? Make plans now to attend one of our services. We can't wait to see what God does in your life this year.

For many, the most wonderful time of the year isn't so wonderful. It brings with it stress and worry. It could be the financial stress, hectic schedule, your marriage, or a report from the doctor that's overshadowing the peace and joy that Christmas is supposed to bring. We believe God's answer to all our needs is Jesus. In this message series, we're going to have a gift exchange. Together, we'll bring God what we don't want and allow Him to give us what we need. It's an opportunity to find renewed hope and joy in The Greatest Gift, Jesus. In this message, Pastor Lance will show us how to give God our worries and receive His peace. We can dwell on our problems or learn to dwell on God's promises. It's His faithfulness we'll learn to lean on this Christmas.

Can you believe it's already Thanksgiving? It's this time of the year when there's a lot of talk about being thankful. But are you? This time of the year can often bring out more feelings of depression, loss, and sadness and leave you overwhelmed. Apart from having a severe disorder, living with an attitude of gratitude can have a positive effect on your daily life. Studies show that thankfulness can transform your mindset, improve your health, help deal with adversity and even strengthen relationships. If you're having a hard time being thankful, this service can help. God's desire for you is to live a thankful life. In the message, Pastor Lance will show you three things thankfulness can do for you. When you're not thankful, you can become forgetful, and when you forget what God has done, you'll stop believing what He can do. At The LIFT, we want you to know the power of thanks. It can change your life!

As churchgoers, our goal shouldn't be to find a church we like and sit passively in our seats to get fed and think that is all that is required. Our goal should be to fully engage in the mission of the church! We've become passive when we need to be passionate. In this message, Pastor Lance challenges us to reject passivity and engage spiritually. We have good news that can help change people's lives. Let's learn together to live out and serve the mission God has called us to as the church.

If you don't like where your life is headed, or you're becoming the person you never wanted to be, you need a comeback. It's time to step out of the fast pace burnout society of life that this world offers to a way that can change your life. There is one in all of us. For a comeback to happen, you've got to do something different. A change has to happen. In this message series, Pastor Lance calls for us to come back to the One who can change lives, Jesus. He promises an easier way when we follow His way.

In our world, everyone wants to be strong. Strength is talked about, celebrated, and even worshiped as the ultimate characteristic. Our personalities, skillsets, and relationships are all defined by their strength. No one wants to be called weak. But what if the way to be genuinely strong is found in being weak? The strongest man to ever live in the Bible was Samson. God gave Samson unimaginable strength combined with a divine calling. Yet Samson's outer strength couldn't make up for his inner weakness. His accomplishments are legendary. He had so much God-given potential, but poor decisions defined his life. Unfortunately, the man who was so strong that no one could defeat him was defeated from within. In this four weeks series, we'll look at the story of Samson and see how his decisions led him to the life he never wanted. Yet through his failures, God powerfully used him. We're going to see that when we're weak, God is strong. Watch these messages as we look at Samson's life and learn how to stay strong and become all God wants us to be.

The Bible carries the most incredible message in the world. It has the power to transform our thoughts and, ultimately, our lives. We love to quote its verses to encourage ourselves and others in difficult times and when giving advice or counseling––but sometimes, those verses get taken out of context. What happens when we miss the original intent and meaning of the most powerful message in the world? Can it hurt, and does it matter? It's important to try not to make the Bible say something it didn't say. In this message series, Pastor Lance will cover some of our favorite and most misused verses. We'll learn the context of the verses and what they really mean. We hope this message series, The Bible Didn't Say That, strengthens and encourages your faith.

"Who is Jesus?" Do you ever wonder who He really is? He was a man few understood and everyone desperately needed. To some, He was greatly revered. To others, He was harshly criticized. And to most, He was sadly misunderstood. Jesus is much more than just a good man, someone to admire, or even a teacher to emulate. Jesus is the One who created the universe. He is the center of all things and the One who holds everything together. In this series, Jesus is ________, we'll explore Jesus' earthly life and the impact it has on us both today and for eternity. We'll see Him for who He really is and why He matters to us.

Have you ever wondered why God created you? It's a question we all have from time to time. Are you trying to figure out what to do with your life? How do you know what God's calling is for you? We all want to live a life of significance. We all want to have meaning, purpose, and direction in life. We want you to know that you have a unique calling by God. In this two-week series, we will look at that specific calling. Most people think their calling is connected to what they do, but we will see that it starts with who we are. Watch this message series, "The Calling," as we will focus not on what we're doing but on who we're becoming.

Winning means something different to all of us. For some, it means getting a promotion. For others, it's gaining more followers or becoming more popular. It could be a son or daughter becoming a professional athlete. It could be a new girlfriend or a ring on your finger if you're single. But is that winning? What if our idea of winning changed? If we want 2022 to be different, we must focus on what matters. Is it possible that you can live the life you want later by changing what matters now? Let's learn together in this series, Winning Where It Matters.

It's the most wonderful time of the year. It can also be the most challenging time of the year for some of you struggling with a strained marriage, the loss of loved ones, financial difficulties, a lingering pandemic, broken relationships, or even declining health. When life hits hard, a temptation to give up comes our way. Maybe you feel that way right now. We want to encourage you not to give up on Christmas! Christ came to do something for us and to do life with us. Ideally suited for this Christmas season, this message series, "Don't Give Up On Christmas," will provide an inspirational reminder of the impact the birth of Jesus can have on your life.

Give thanks no matter the circumstances. That makes for a great saying, but it's not always easy to do. It's easier and more natural for us to be preoccupied only with ourselves and grapple with being ungrateful. Nothing turns us into bitter, selfish, and discontent people more quickly than an ungrateful heart. It's a heart that is cold towards God and indifferent to His mercy and love. It's a heart that doesn't realize how dependent we are on God for everything, and this kind of heart can lead to a dark place.

When the world around us is spinning out of control and uncertainty is at every turn, it's easy to lose stability and become trapped by things like depression, anxiety, and stress. Most of us walk around with little sleep, shortness of breath, and threats of fear that dominate our every thought.

Along shorelines, there is a current called "the rip." It flows away from the shore toward the ocean. You could be caught in "the rip." A current that pulls you away from your faith and the things of God.

Like the ancient Israelites, God's people today often receive the gift of freedom but remain enslaved to sin. They see God as having a long list of rules to live by that only limit fun and take away freedom. God doesn't want to limit freedom, He creates freedom.

Whether you realize it or not, all of us are affected by our homes. Family affects us in ways like nothing else—No one can love you like your family, and no one can hurt you like your family. Family dynamics are complicated. Marriage is messy. Parenting is difficult. Relationships within a family are frustrating and sometimes, destructive.

Who do you want to become? A loyal friend? A great parent? A loving and supportive spouse? Someone who loves and follows Jesus? Whoever it is, it begins now. We are notorious for putting things off, procrastinating and saying, “I’ll wait until later.” The problem is, later never comes. Now is the time! It’s a New Year with new opportunities. In this series, you'll be inspired and led by God to live NOW for the life you want LATER.

It's the most wonderful time of the year. Yet that might not be the way you feel. It could be one of the most painful times of the year for you. Or one of the most loneliest times of the year. At The LIFT, we want you to know that you're not alone. There is still hope to be found this Christmas. That's why we are excited about our series, Hope Is With Us. This series is designed to welcome those who are hurting, lonely, or feeling anxious. It will provide an inspirational reminder of the impact of Christ's birth.

Many people get their profession confused with their purpose. They want to be needed and to be known. They want to have purpose and make a difference, but are confused about how to find it, and end up settling for less than God’s best. This series is an invitation for us to understand and live our purpose. We are here to be difference makers. Instead of settling for less, we should EXPECT MORE.

God is faithful. He is still in control. We don’t have to worry about what will happen to us because our God is with us.

There is no doubt that COVID-19 has disrupted most everything in our lives. So, as followers of Jesus how do we handle disruptions? In this series we are looking at the life of Joshua and how he handled disruptions.

As our culture becomes more divided over racial issues, we as the church of Jesus Christ are called to unify. And this starts with us. Government is not the answer. The Church is the answer! In a this series called, “Let’s Talk,” we face the problem of racism head-on and the responsibility we have as followers of Jesus. We believe racism must be revealed and repented of before healing can happen. With God’s help, we will be known for supernatural unity in the midst of diversity.

It's all about being bold. When you pray, do you go boldly to God asking for powerful things to happen or do you play it safe? In this message, Pastor Lance will talk about what it looks like to pray bold prayers and what to expect when we do. We are believing that God is going to stretch and strengthen your faith as you watch this service.

When it seems like people are looking for reasons to be negative, you can be different and we can help you find out how! Don't let life get you down. Negativity is the easy choice, but it's not the best choice. If you seek what's good, you'll see what's good. As followers of Jesus, let's Be Positive!

We are going to face struggles. We will have opposition. Trials and even persecution will be part of our lives. But, just because everything around us is falling apart doesn’t mean we have to fall apart on the inside. We are chosen to show the goodness and greatness of God. As the world grows darker, the light of Jesus shines brighter. In this series, Chosen, we will look at the book of 1 Peter. We’ll see where God is constantly refining our character and defining our calling. We’ve been set apart, made to be different, to stand out in this dark world.