Doing Hard Things
This week is the final message in our "Suffering King" series, where we delve into the life of Jesus during Passion Week, exploring the trials and sufferings He endured as a result of His obedience to the Father. This week, we focus on "The Battle of Being Misunderstood," examining how Jesus was often misunderstood by religious leaders, His own disciples, and even His family. As followers of Christ, we too will face misunderstandings and challenges in a world that is increasingly moving away from Christian values. Discover how to navigate these challenges by following Jesus' example of grace and truth, recognizing the spiritual nature of our battles, and embracing the unique path of faith that may seem "weird" to the world. Join us as we learn to walk the narrow path that leads to life, guided by the love and truth of Jesus.
Join us for week 2 of our sermon series as we continue to explore the journey of Jesus to Calvary, focusing on His extraordinary path as a suffering King who embraced humility and sacrifice. This week's message, centered on Matthew 4, takes us into the wilderness experience of Jesus, where He was led by the Spirit into a time of intense testing and temptation. Discover how Jesus navigated this challenging season, using the power of God's Word to counter the enemy's deceptions. Learn how to face your own wilderness moments, recognizing them not as setbacks but as opportunities for spiritual growth and a deeper reliance on God. Embrace the assurance that God is with you in every trial, providing strength and guidance through His presence and promises. Join us as we journey together, growing in faith and becoming more like Christ, even amidst the wilderness.
Join us for an inspiring sermon series leading up to Easter, as we delve into the profound journey of Jesus from His incarnation to His ultimate victory in the resurrection. In this series, we explore the themes of humility, suffering, and obedience as exemplified by Jesus, who, despite being in the form of God, emptied Himself and took on the form of a servant. Discover how the Apostle Paul, writing from a Roman prison, found joy and purpose in knowing Christ and sharing in His sufferings. This series invites us to reflect on the cost of discipleship and the power of the resurrection, encouraging us to embrace the journey with Jesus through life's trials. As we prepare our hearts for Easter, we are reminded of the hope and assurance found in the victory of our Savior. Join us as we celebrate the greatest day in history and the transformative power of the Gospel.
Join us for the final installment of our series, "Doing Hard Things," as we delve into one of the most challenging yet transformative aspects of Christian life: biblical forgiveness. In this sermon, we explore Ephesians 4 and the profound call to forgive others as God has forgiven us. Discover how forgiveness is not about minimizing the hurt or trusting again without boundaries, but about releasing a debt and finding freedom in Christ. Through powerful biblical insights and real-life stories, we learn that forgiveness is not a sign of weakness but a testament to the strength and grace we receive from God. Whether you're struggling with past hurts or seeking to understand the depth of God's mercy, this message offers hope and healing. Join us as we uncover the path to true freedom and the power of releasing others from the debts they owe us, just as we have been released by the love of Christ.
As we continue our Doing Hard Things series in this weeks message we focus on Parenting. Pastor Jon explores the challenges and responsibilities of Christian parenting in today's culture, emphasizing that following Jesus does not equate to an easy life. The message delves into the complexities of raising children amidst cultural pressures and technological influences. Drawing from Deuteronomy 6, Pastor Jon highlights the importance of modeling a Christ-centered life, making God a normal part of daily conversations, and trusting in God's faithfulness. With a focus on creating environments that foster a love for Jesus, the message encourages parents to integrate faith into everyday life, pray prophetically for their children, and trust in God's enduring love and guidance. Join us as we explore how to navigate the hard but rewarding journey of parenting with faith and grace.
In this weeks message titled "Myth Busting Marriage," we explore the challenging yet rewarding journey of marriage through the lens of biblical truth. As part of our "Doing Hard Things" series, this message delves into the common myths and lies surrounding marriage, such as the belief that marriage is merely a piece of paper or that one can change their spouse. Drawing from Ephesians 5 and Genesis 2, we reaffirm that marriage is a divine covenant instituted by God, not just a human contract. The message encourages couples to give 100% to their marriage, emphasizing the importance of prayer, selflessness, and spiritual leadership within the home. Whether you're single, married, divorced, or widowed, this message offers hope and practical wisdom for all, reminding us that with God, all things are possible. Join us as we seek to strengthen our relationships and align them with God's perfect design.
In this impactful sermon from our "Doing Hard Things" series, we explore the challenging yet rewarding call to live a life of generosity. Drawing from 1 Timothy 6:17-19, the message emphasizes that following Jesus involves doing hard things, including being generous with our time, talents, and treasures. The sermon highlights that true generosity is countercultural and counterintuitive to our sin nature, urging us to hold loosely to worldly possessions and instead invest in eternal treasures. Through practical insights and biblical wisdom, we are encouraged to give God our first, use our gifts for His glory, and remember that this life is not all there is. Join us as we learn to live generously, reflecting the heart of God, who gave His best for us.
In the second week of our series "Doing Hard Things," we explore the profound call of Jesus to love not only our neighbors but also our enemies. Drawing from John 13 and Matthew 5, the message emphasizes that love is the true trademark of Christianity. Jesus' command to love others, even those who persecute us, challenges us to rise above societal norms and reflect the unconditional, sacrificial love He demonstrated. Through prayer and forgiveness, we are encouraged to align our hearts with God's will, allowing His love to transform us and those around us. Join us as we delve into the heart of what it means to follow Jesus and embody His love in a world that desperately needs it.
This week we start a new series called "Doing Hard Things". In this first message Pastor Jon begins by laying the ground work, exploring the profound call to follow Jesus beyond mere cultural Christianity. Drawing from 2 Timothy 3 and Luke 9, the message challenges us to embrace the true essence of discipleship, which involves denying ourselves, taking up our cross daily, and making Jesus the Lord of our entire lives. The message emphasizes that while following Christ may not make life easier, it brings unparalleled fulfillment, joy, and purpose. As we navigate the challenges of living counter-culturally, we are reminded that salvation is a free gift, but true discipleship requires a daily commitment to surrender and transformation. Join us as we delve into what it truly means to be a follower of Jesus and how we can live out our faith with authenticity and courage.
In this powerful message from guest Pastor Zach Dillon from Radiant Kalamazoo, we as believers are invited to delve deeper into the true essence of our faith, moving beyond mere religious familiarity and routine. Pastor Zach challenges us to examine our hearts for any signs of a religious spirit that might prioritize outward appearances over genuine, heartfelt faith. Through biblical narratives such as those of Martha and Mary, the church of Laodicea, and the father seeking healing for his son, we are reminded of the importance of a sincere, desperate pursuit of God. Pastor Zach encourages us to move beyond theological certainty and embrace a faith that reaches for God amidst life's messiness and challenges. This message calls us to seek a deeper, more authentic relationship with God, characterized by humility, hunger, and a willingness to believe for more in every area of our lives. Join us as we explore what it means to have true faith and experience the transformative power of God in our lives.
Join us for the concluding message of our series, "The Seeker's Reward," as we dive into Romans Chapter 4 to explore "The Seeker's Journey of Faith." Pastor Jon reveals the profound truth that God rewards those who earnestly seek Him, not through their works, but through faith, as demonstrated by Abraham. A life of faith is a dynamic journey of discovery, growth, and deepening friendship with God. Pastor Jon illuminates Abraham's path from a pagan land to becoming the father of faith, showcasing the transformative power of trusting in God's promises. No matter where we find ourselves on this journey, as believers, we are encouraged to uncover God's faithfulness, deepen our relationship with Him, and nurture an intimacy that leads to true friendship with God. Ultimately, every follower is called to continually seek God, understanding that faith is not a singular event but a lifelong journey of growth and relationship with the Lord.
Join us for week 3 of our sermon series titled "The Seeker's Reward," where we explore the profound journey of seeking God and the transformative power it brings to our lives. In this week's message, we delve into 2 Corinthians 3 and the concept of transformation as a reward for those who earnestly seek God. Discover how the new covenant in Christ frees us from the limitations of the old law and invites us into a life of ever-increasing glory. Learn about the two aspects of transformation: the initial conversion moment and the ongoing process of becoming more like Christ. Through practical keys such as proximity to God, reliance on His power, consistent practice, prayer, and patience, we can experience true transformation. Embrace your new identity in Christ and overcome life's challenges with the power of the Holy Spirit.
Join us for the second message in our "Seeker's Reward" series, where we delve into the profound encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman in John 4. As part of our annual "Seek" season, this message explores the theme "God Is Also Seeking," highlighting how God desires true worshipers who balance spirit and truth. Discover how spiritual hunger and passion for God's presence can transform our lives and lead us to become ambassadors of His love. Through the lens of this powerful biblical narrative, we are reminded that God is not seeking the most talented or qualified, but those with hearts devoted to Him. Be encouraged to pursue a deeper relationship with God, fueled by gratitude for His eternal gifts and a zeal for His kingdom. Join us as we align our hearts with God's purpose and seek to be true worshipers in spirit and truth.
This weekend as we begin a new year, we also start a new series called "Seek". Pastor Jon highlights the importance of intentionally pursuing the heart of God at the start of the new year, and emphasizes that seeking God brings rewards, not in material terms but in the deeper knowledge and intimacy with Him. The process of seeking requires spiritual hunger and a willingness to develop that appetite through prayer, scripture, and communal worship. Pastor Jon elaborates on the differences between being a seeker and a wanderer, defining seekers as those driven by spiritual hunger and thirst. Seeking God is not about legalism but rather a genuine desire to know Him, as He is always available and waiting to draw closer to those who seek Him. Together lets embrace this opportunity for deeper communion as we embark on this journey over the next 21 days!
As we conclude the Gift Series, this weekends message focuses on the "Gift of His Peace," drawing from Luke 2 and Isaiah 9, where Jesus is referred to as the "Prince of Peace." Pastor Jon delves into the concept of biblical peace, explaining that true peace is not the absence of troubles but the presence of God in our lives, even during difficult times. We are reminded how to experience this peace through vulnerable prayer, thanksgiving, and focusing on God's promises.
This weekend in the second message of “The Gift” series Pastor Jon focused on the themes of waiting for Jesus' arrival and the meaning of Emmanuel, which translates to "God with us." He emphasized the importance of recognizing that God is always present with us, never leaving or forsaking us, regardless of our shortcomings or struggles. We are reminded of the need for intentionality in our relationship with God, and the importance of creating space for His presence in our lives. Ultimately through faith in Jesus, we can experience a deep and abiding relationship with God, filled with grace and freedom from shame.
This weekend we begin a new Christmas series titled "The Gift," focusing on the significance of Jesus' incarnation and the promises associated with his coming. Pastor Jon emphasizes the importance of waiting on God during the Advent season, illustrating this with the biblical accounts of figures like Joseph and Simeon, who waited patiently, watchfully, and trustfully for the fulfillment of God's promises. We are reminded and encouraged that while waiting can be difficult, it is a time for spiritual growth and preparation and a time to renew our confidence in God's faithfulness, trusting that even in seasons of waiting, God is at work for our good.
This weekend was the final week of the series, and Pastor Tim Matthews delivered a powerful sermon emphasizing that Jesus ultimately wins over evil and the devil. He explored biblical passages, highlighting God's promise of victory through Jesus, who was sent to destroy the works of the enemy. The message reminds us to engage in spiritual warfare with faith, repentance, and unity within the church as a supportive family. Ultimately, Pastor Tim encouraged us as believers to embrace our victory in Christ and seek His strength in our battles.
In this weekends sermon we focus on Intercession and what it means to stand in the gap. Pastor Jon emphasizes the importance of prayer as a spiritual weapon in the ongoing battle of spiritual warfare, particularly focusing on intercessory prayer. He urges us to pray for all people, including those in authority, as God desires everyone to come to the knowledge of the truth and be saved. Prayer not only impacts others but also transforms the hearts of those who pray and ultimatley we as believers are called to be active in interceding for others while recognizing the profound significance of our prayers and role in God's kingdom.
This weekend we learned the significance of worship as both a lifestyle and an activity, and the reality that everyone worships something. Worship is a powerful weapon against the attacks of the enemy, Pastor Jon highlighted the at biblical examples of Paul and Silas as well as King Jehoshaphat to illustrate how worship can lead to deliverance and victory. Pastor Jon defined worship as an offering to God, stressing the importance of humility and focus on Him rather than personal preferences. Ultimately, we are encouraged to recognize the battle for our worship and to confidently use it as a weapon in our spiritual lives.
In this week’s message Pastor Jon discusses spiritual warfare and the importance of prayer as a weapon for Christians. He emphasizes that true strength comes not from ourselves but from the Lord, highlighting the necessity of putting on God’s armor to stand against the enemy's schemes. As believers we are encouraged to approach God with childlike dependence, understanding that prayer is the language of the Kingdom and should be our first response in all situations. Through prayer, we connect with God’s power and align ourselves with His will, which leads to true victories in our lives.
This week we continue the Battle You’re in series and the focus of putting on the full armor of God including the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and notably, the sword of the Spirit, which is God's Word. This week Pastor Jon stresses the importance of understanding and internalizing Scripture, indicating that it's vital for effectively navigating life's challenges and combating the enemy’s lies. We are encouraged to build our own spiritual "sword" through diligent study and application of the Scriptures, reinforcing that knowledge of God's truth sets us free and equips us for the battles ahead.
This week Pastor Jon explores Paul's message to the Ephesians, urging them to stand strong in the Lord and to put on the full armor of God for spiritual battle. He emphasizes that our true enemies are not people, but the spiritual forces of darkness, illustrating this with examples from scripture and Paul's imprisonment for proclaiming Jesus as Lord. Each piece of armor—truth, righteousness, readiness with the gospel, faith, and salvation—serves a specific purpose in protecting believers against the enemy's schemes. Ultimately, Pastor Jon encourages us to actively engage with our faith and the Word of God to navigate the challenges and deceptions of the world around us.
This week Pastor Jon delves into the spiritual battle that Christians face, focusing on understanding our true enemy, Satan, and the nature of the warfare we are engaged in. Pastor Jon emphasizes that our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against spiritual forces of evil. He stresses that people are not our enemies; rather, they are the ones we are fighting for.
A significant aspect of the sermon is the focus on the warfare of the mind. Pastor Jon explains that much of the spiritual battle occurs in our thoughts. We learn that Satan uses deception and accusation to attack believers, primarily through our thoughts. He aims to make us question God's truth and our identity in Christ. Understanding our identity in Christ is vital to overcoming Satan's accusations. Our strength and victory come not from our own efforts but from the finished work of Jesus. By standing firm in this truth, we can dismantle strongholds and resist the enemy's schemes.
In this first installment of the 8 week series, Pastor Jon emphasizes the reality of the spiritual battle we face, which is not always visible but nonetheless existent, and that the devil is a real adversary who seeks to undermine our faith and keep us from realizing our victory through Jesus. We learn that the community of believers—the church—is framed as a vital component in this battle. Pastor Jon highlights the term "Koinonia," meaning fellowship, which defines the church's unity and purpose beyond mere gatherings.
In the final installment of the hearing God series, Pastor Jon emphasizes the importance of recognizing how God communicates with us, primarily through scripture, the Holy Spirit, prayer, and sometimes through dreams and visions. He explains that dreams can reveal God's plans, but they must always align with scripture to be valid. Additionally, Pastor Jon shares that God still performs signs, wonders, and miracles today to inspire faith, and that these should come from a place of compassion. Lastly, he highlights that God uses other people to speak into our lives for strengthening and comfort, encouraging individuals to seek God directly while being open to voices of wisdom from others.
In this sermon Pastor Jon emphasizes the importance of prayer as a vital means of knowing God and hearing His voice. He explains that prayer should be seen as a relationship rather than a routine obligation, highlighting that it involves intentionality and consistency. Drawing from scripture, Pastor Jon points out that true prayer is conversational, where we listen as much as we speak, and it’s imperative to cultivate a personal connection with God. Ultimately, he encourages believers to create a “secret place” for prayer, emphasizing that the rewards of this practice are a deeper understanding of God and the strength to navigate life’s challenges.
Pastor Jon emphasizes that God is actively speaking to us and desires a personal relationship with His children, contrasting our perception of Him as distant. He highlights the significance of Jesus as the ultimate revelation of God, explaining that the Bible serves as God's primary means of communication, which is not merely a collection of rules but a love story. As believers we are encouraged to actively engage with scripture, asserting its role in building faith, guiding our lives, and renewing our minds, helping us align with God's will.
Join us for an impactful sermon exploring the profound message of Easter, "The Resurrection That Still Requires Death." Dive into Matthew 28 and Colossians 3 as we reflect on the resurrection of Jesus and its implications for our lives today. Discover how true resurrection power is accessed through a willingness to die to ourselves, our sins, and our self-righteousness. This sermon challenges us to embrace a life of victory over sin, surrender to Christ, and find our true identity in Him. Whether you're seeking encouragement, correction, or a deeper understanding of your faith, this message offers a transformative perspective on living a life fully surrendered to Jesus. Don't miss this opportunity to experience the life-changing power of the resurrection in your own journey.