Recorded June 7, 2026

Pastor Larry Stephens begins a new sermon series through the Letter of James on "Seeking Wisdom."

James 1:1-18, “Seeking Wisdom in Times of Turmoil, Doubt, and Temptation”

I. Seeking Wisdom: In Times of Turmoil (vss. 1-5)

II. Seeking Wisdom: In Times of Doubt (vss. 6-13)

III. Seeking Wisdom in Times of Temptation (vss. 14-18)

This letter was written around 45 AD, during a time of heavy persecution of the church. The letter was written to the scattered Christians who fled Jerusalem because of extreme persecution. James, the brother of Jesus, is the author of this letter.

James explains that trials produce a steadfast and unshakable faith. The word here is that testing and pressing through, pushing through, produces staying power. This is what James calls “the full effect.” We can find wisdom in times of turmoil, doubt, and temptation by being secure in the word, seeking godly counsel from others, praying, and learning when to speak and when to listen.

Doubting God is like being on the waves of the sea, driven by the wind. Sometimes we are close, and then we are away from the wisdom of God. Therefore, to be like the one who is secure in their ways, we can pray the scriptures and identify the difference between doubt and disbelief. Doubt is a fight of the mind seeking understanding, while unbelief is a deliberate refusal to trust God.

We have faith because He has given it. God does not cause temptation; He offers freedom. Jesus Christ came to die a sinner's death, rise again, offering salvation to those who will repent and call upon Him, not to be tossed about on a sea of doubt.

In our time of response, let us pray in these specific ways:

1. We will seek godly wisdom in difficult times, and its times of prosperity
2. We will seek to be steadfast or unmovable in our faith.
3. That God will help us with our doubts and alleviate unbelief.
4. When we are tempted, know it isn’t from God, but then for Him to remove temptation.
5. To offer a prayer of thanksgiving to God for giving us the greatest gift of all, Christ Jesus.

Recorded for Graduation Sunday, 5/31/2026

Youth Minister Eric Hudson brings a timely message to the graduating class of 2026 from II Timothy, chapters 1 and 2.

Eric issued six challenges, not only for the graduates, but also for the whole body to consider.

2Ti 1:6 For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, 2Ti 1:7 for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control. 2Ti 1:8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God, 2Ti 1:9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, 2Ti 1:10 and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 2Ti 1:11 for which I was appointed a preacher and apostle and teacher, 2Ti 1:12 which is why I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that he is able to guard until that day what has been entrusted to me. 2Ti 1:13 Follow the pattern of the sound words that you have heard from me, in the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 2Ti 1:14 By the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, guard the good deposit entrusted to you.

II Corinthians 9:12-15 “The Worshipful Giver”

May 24, 2026

Pastor Larry Stephens

1. The Worshipful Giver Will Bring Confession and Glory to God
2. The Worshipful Giver Anticipates God’s Providence

Paul composed this section of the epistle to remind the congregation of their commitment to support the church in Jerusalem. He encourages them to proceed with the preparations for the offering and to reflect thoughtfully on the purpose of their donation, emphasizing that it should be a willing gift and not one that was given begrudgingly or without any thought, pray about it, seek the Lord about it.

Wouldn’t that be great to know that a person’s deepened sense of worship could be inspired by the generosity of the church? God uses the church to express the gospel through generosity, and it helped to strengthen someone’s faith. Worship isn’t dependent on how much we give—our worship isn’t just about what God has provided. Instead, it’s rooted in His sovereignty, His holiness, and the gift of salvation through His Son, Jesus.

What ways can we bring a worshipful confession to God for His generosity?

1. We confess and worship God for supplying vision for mission and ministry (vs. 12).
2. We confess and give worship to God for supplying the resources we need to grow the kingdom (vs. 12).
3. We confess and worship God for the thanksgiving to God we hear in others (vs. 12).
4. We confess and give worship to God for people who pray on our behalf (vs 14).
5. We confess and give worship to God for His gift of grace (vs. 14).
6. We confess and give worship to God for His indescribable gift (vs. 15).

Generosity Series: II Corinthians 9:10-11 “The Thankful Giver”

Pastor Larry Stephens

May 17th 2026

The reformers had a tenet that is helpful in regard to salvation, or anything pertaining to the Christian life, it is, Sola Deo Gloria, to the “glory of God Alone,” and that the only ambition we have is to bring Glory to God Alone. I. I. I.Express Open-Handed Giving: The Latin word provideo, from which we get our word providence, means “to see beforehand, a prior seeing, a foresight.” God’s providence is about Him being about the well-being of His people. In Romans 8:31, Paul writes, “What then shall we say to these things?” Paul asks, If God is for us, who can be against us, and who can separate us from the love of Christ? Will it be distress, peril, the sword, persecution, suffering, sickness, or human hostility that will undo you? None of the above. Open-handed generosity displays a heart that’s been touched and transformed by the gospel of Jesus—one that seeks to honor God by loving others just as He loves us. Often, open-handed generosity shows the world the powerful change the Gospel brings to our lives.

II. Will Be Enriched in Every Way (The Gospel Way): ways of enrichment for the generous are in 1Co 1:5 that in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge. The redeemed will understand, even if the bank account isn’t overflowing and my possessions are few, the richness comes in knowing Christ as redeemer. That I am rich in that I possess the righteousness of Jesus, and nothing will wash that away.

Our Generosity: Reflects His character to others, showing His love and provision. Serves His purposes in the world, meeting needs and building His kingdom.

Our Blessing: Our reward is not in what we get in return, but in the blessing of being used by God to bless others.

Practical Application: Give from the heart, not out of guilt or obligation, but because you see God’s generosity in your life. Use generosity to reflect Christ’s love to those around you. Trust God’s timing and measure—He will use your giving in ways you may not see at the time.

In short, God uses our generosity to extend His grace, fulfill His purposes, and glorify Himself. It is not about what we give, but about how we give in response to His boundless generosity. The generosity of the cross.

Pastor Larry Stephens brings a message on the importance of families praying together. This message was preached on Mother's Day 2026, and also with a Child Dedication Service.

From Genesis 25:21-24, Pastor Larry makes the points,

I. The Family that Prays Together Stays Together (vss. 21-22)

II. Pray Through The Adversity(vss. 23-24)

Discipleship Reflection: How to Protect and Train Your Children:

• Read Scripture daily, teaching them to connect their ideas more closely with God’s Word.
• Establish media and social boundaries to restrict exposure to harmful influences.
• Promote godly values and foster open, honest conversations about challenging questions.

1. The Hilarious Giver Will Sow Bountifully
2. The Hilarious Giver Will Be Fully Supplied, for Every Good Work

• Paul is mediating an offering to the Saints in Jerusalem who are experiencing poverty. Historically, poverty was a common condition in Jerusalem. In Acts, it is noted that some individuals had relinquished their property to assist “all those who had need.”
• Sowing bountifully implies more than just planting the seed; there must be continual care for the seed planted. For the one who “sows or gives bountifully,” there is a plowing of the field “with hope.” The idea is to “plow in hope.” If Highland plants seeds sparingly and is not generous, do not expect a robust expression of the gospel throughout her outreach. If we sow generously and plow in hope, God will honor our commitment, but our motives must be centered on Him.
• Paul describes the kind of giver that brings joy to God as “cheerful.” He sets this cheerfulness as opposed to “reluctantly” or under “compulsion.” That we must foster an attitude of cheerfulness as we give, instead of being full of sadness to see our gift lift from our hands, or that we give it no thought. Charles Spurgeon stated, “The greatest joy of a Christian is to give joy to Christ.” Who we are in Jesus drives our generosity. To be a happy giver is to think more deeply and intently on who Christ is and what He accomplished on the cross. Discipleship Reflection: How can we be examples of a cheerfully giving church?

1. Trust in God’s Provision
2. Instead of focusing on how much you do, focus on the impact

Youth Minister Eric Hudson delivers a message from James 1:22-25 on living out your faith.

Recorded during morning worship, the challenge is to be doers of the Word and not just hearers.

Jas 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. Jas 1:23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. Jas 1:24 For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. Jas 1:25 But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

Pastor Larry begins a new sermon series on Generosity, based on II Corinthians chapter nine.

• Chapter Nine of II Corinthians discusses a relief offering that has been gathered, appearing as a letter embedded within a letter addressed to Christians in the cities of Achaia. The implication suggests that the church at Corinth has been preparing for the Jerusalem relief offering since the previous year.

I. Let Our Willingness Be Known (vss.1-2):

“Do you want to be a church known for its gospel generosity?”

"Let our willingness be known to others, not for boastful reasons, but so people can know they can count on Highland to obey God."

II. Let Our Integrity Be Known (vss.3-5):

Discipleship Reflection: How do we cultivate a willingness and readiness to give?

1. Strive to be a church above reproach and exhibit gospel integrity in all areas of life.

2. Plan a mission-minded strategy that is bound with faith and reason.

3. Pray fervently that the Lord would shape generosity in your heart and mind.

4. Add the language of generosity to our daily interactions.

5. Emphasize Discipleship Above Financial Gain.

"The goal isn’t just to increase giving – it’s to shape disciples who live generously. Our priority should be making disciples, not just increasing cash flow. We teach generosity as part of following Jesus, not just funding the church.” Therefore, focus on heart transformation, not just financial transactions."