The Heights Church

Election 2024 // What Is At Stake? ft. Dr. Gary Singleton, Pierce Vanderslice, & David Barrett

Why is it important to be unified as the Church during the election? Listen in to this conversation between Dr. Gary Singleton, Pierce Vanderslice, and David Barrett as they discuss the importance of Church unity – even when we might vote differently.

Election 2024 // Who Is In Charge? ft. Dr. Gary Singleton, Pierce Vanderslice, & David Barrett

Sometimes, believing that God is truly in control of all things is easier said than done. Listen in on this conversation between Dr. Gary Singleton, Pierce Vanderslice, and David Barrett about trusting in the sovereignty of God in the midst of uncertainty!

The International Community in Your Backyard // Message Recap ft. Beto Mayta & Miguel

It is clear that God's vision throughout Scripture is that every tribe, tongue, and nation would know Christ and make disciples! And as the landscape of America continues to shift, we will no longer need to cross borders to encounter cultures from all over the world. Listen in to this encouraging conversation between Pierce Vanderslice, Beto Mayta, and Dr. Miguel Lopez about what it looks like to embrace this beautiful opportunity and reach the International Community in our backyard!

Praying God Sized Prayers // Message Recap ft. Dr. Gary Singleton

Tune in to this week's episode of the Message Recap Podcast and hear Pierce and Gary dive into prayer and fasting! Listen as they cover topics like the connection between control and prayer, how fasting builds self-discipline, and more! Have a question about this week's sermon? Text it to the number 45859 and we will answer it in the next episode!

Turn Down the Noise of the World // Jesus in His Own Words // Dr. Gary Singleton

Summary of the Passage (Matthew 6:5-18):

Just like last week’s hypocrites who give to the needy, Jesus rebukes hypocrites who pray and fast for recognition and praise. He instructs us to instead pray as He does in the iconic “The Lord’s Prayer”. Jesus allows us to use Him as an example; commanding that we pray, forgive, and fast as He did—with full humility and with full intention to grow closer to the Father.

Discussion Questions:

1. Verses 5-8: Where are we at?

- What does prayer look like for you; which of these verses do you feel most accurately describes your prayer life?

2. Verses 9-13: The Lord’s Prayer

- Take some time to pray through The Lord’s Prayer.

- What did you think of this model of prayer?

3. Verses 14-15: Forgiveness and Prayer

- As you prayed verse 12, were you convicted of any unforgiveness in your life? If you’re honest, do you live a life marked by Jesus’ forgiveness so that you can forgive others?

4. Verses 16-18: Fasting

- Why do you think the Church treats fasting like a super discipline? Why do you think fasting is necessary and doable for ALL believers?

Follow us @heightspeople // www.theheights.org

The Heart Behind Holiness // Message Recap ft. Reece Hansen & Michael Warren

Listen in to this week’s episode of the Message Recap Podcast and hear guests Reece Hansen and Michael Warren unpack the heart behind holiness and what it looks like to find your ultimate approval in Jesus.

Don't Settle For Earthly Rewards // Jesus in His Own Words // Pierce Vanderslice

Summary of the Passage (Matthew 6:1-4):

Jesus once again promotes humility and trusting in God’s counter-cultural lifestyle, just as He has in the previous weeks. This time, Jesus discusses giving to the needy and how this action should stem from a love for God and understanding of who He is instead of a desire to be praise by God or man for “being a good person.” He promises us in verse 4 that our Father will see us in secret and that will be enough.

Discussion Questions:

1. Verse 1: Prideful Giving

- What is wrong with wanting the glory for ourselves? What harm can come upon us and others if we exalt ourselves above God?

2. Verse 2: Earthly Versus Heavenly Rewards

- What reward do you think the hypocrites have already received? How is this reward less than the reward our Father in Heaven will grant us?

3. Verse 3: Left and Right Hands

- What does the hyperbole of the hands mean?

4. Verse 4: Secret Serving

- In your hard of hearts, do you truly trust that God sees you and that you do not have to win the approval of Him or others? What would change in your life if you lived like you truly believed this verse?

Behind the Brand // Cultivate Podcast ft. Madison Bridges, Christy Butler, & Lizzie Klein

God is doing something new! This fall we are launching the Cultivate women’s movement here at The Heights – Including our new Cultivate Podcast!

Tune in to this episode to get an inside look into the creation of our new branding and our heart for Women's Ministry at The Heights!

Follow us on Instagram: @heightswomen

Accepting vs. Affirming // Message Recap Podcast ft. Dr. Gary Singleton

In this episode of the Message Recap Podcast, Pierce and Gary delve into the recent sermon on Matthew 5:38-48, where Jesus challenges believers to love their enemies and reject retaliation. Gary reflects on how this message of grace and humility resonates deeply in today’s society, marked by increasing anger and division. They discuss the timeless relevance of Jesus’ teachings, emphasizing that while human nature remains consistent, the practical need for such messages may feel more urgent in current times. They also explore how to balance standing firm in one’s beliefs while extending grace, and the difference between acceptance and affirmation in relationships. Through thoughtful discussion, they highlight how Christians can navigate these challenges by embodying love and truth in their interactions.

Love Your Enemies // Jesus in His Own Words // Dr. Gary Singleton

Summary of the Passage (Matthew 5:38-48):

The point that Jesus is driving home in all these verses can be summed up by verse 44, “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Jesus demonstrates a great humility that comes from following Him alone when He commands us to not retaliate when our enemies treat us poorly because He is slow to anger when people treat Him poorly. If we only tolerate our enemies instead of loving them or only loving people who are easy to love, then we are no different than those who do not know Jesus.

Discussion Questions:

1. Verse 38-42: Why are we Inclined to Retaliate?

- What about Jesus’ command to not retaliate is shocking and hard for us? Do you find yourself being more reactive or opting to let your anger against someone fester silently?

2. Verses 43-45: Children of our Father

- How does loving our enemies make us more like sons and daughters of God? How can we see God’s character in the command that He has for us in verse 44?

3. Verses 46-47: Purpose

- God doesn’t want us to look like the rest of the world in the way we love—why? What is the point of us being set apart for Christ, in loving our enemies and in life in general?

4. Application Question

- Identify someone in your life who is hard for you to love and spend a few minutes praying
intentionally for that relationship and that God would help you die to yourself in order to show them the Gospel by the way you love them.