The Seekers Reward
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 the next six weeks as we focus on hearing God, beginning with insights from John 10, where Jesus describes his followers as sheep who recognize and respond to his voice. Pastor Jon outlines various ways in which God speaks, including Scripture, the Holy Spirit, personal conscience, prophetic messages from others, and through creation itself. He also addresses barriers to hearing God, such as unrepented sin and misunderstandings about how God communicates, reminding us that God's desire is for every believer to connect with Him personally and intimately.
This Week Pastor Jon shares about the significance of David's life, focusing on his heart for God and his servant leadership, especially in the context of his battle against Goliath. David saw challenges differently, understanding that with God, the battle belongs to Him, and that faith in God's faithfulness is crucial when facing difficulties. Like David we are encouraged to embrace obscurity, serve humbly, and speak faith over our circumstances rather than magnifying our giants.
This week Pastor Jon delves into the story of Jonah. The story is explored to show how God uses imperfect people as instruments of His grace. Despite Jonah's flaws, God ultimately displays His mercy and compassion towards even the most undeserving. Pastor Jon explains the power of prayer and the importance of having God's heart for all people. The sermon challenges us to reflect on God's mercy and to seek a similar love and compassion for others in our own lives.
Pastor Jon Zondervan delves into the story of Daniel in the Bible, emphasizing the theme of remaining faithful to God amidst cultural challenges. Daniel's unwavering faith and refusal to conform to societal norms are highlighted through famous biblical accounts like the fiery furnace and the lion's den. The sermon emphasizes the importance of standing firm in our faith, knowing our true identity in Christ, and recognizing the battles we face are spiritual. Believers are urged to take inspiration from Daniel's example and be counter-cultural agents of change, ultimately bringing glory to God through their steadfastness.
Pastor Jon Zondervan discusses Naaman, a Syrian general, who sought healing from leprosy in Israel. Despite initial doubt, he follows instructions from Elisha and is miraculously healed. The crux of this weeks sermon is the reinforcement of trust in God's plan and faithfulness in day-to-day life, emphasizing the importance of maintaining focus on Jesus instead of relying on government or external circumstances for spiritual revival.
Pastor Jon Zondervan discusses how God uses ordinary people like Esther to advance His kingdom, emphasizing that heroes in God's kingdom are regular individuals infused with faith and purpose. He contrasts cultural views of heroes with biblical examples of God choosing the weak. Highlighting the empowerment of women in Christianity, he delves into Esther's unique story set in 450 BC.
