 Have you ever noticed how being thirsty changes everything? When our bodies lack water, thirst quickly becomes the loudest need. Nothing else matters until that craving is satisfied. Yet, beneath the physical thirst is a deeper, often ignored reality: a soul-level thirst that no drink, no achievement, and no distraction can truly quench. This spiritual thirst is something every human carries, whether we recognize it or not. Just as our bodies need water to survive, our souls long for something more—something only Jesus can satisfy.
In John 4, we see this truth illustrated through the story of a Samaritan woman who came to a well, simply trying to get through another day. She was tired, worn out, and carrying deep emotional wounds. But in the middle of her routine, Jesus met her. What seemed like an ordinary moment—a request for a drink of water—quickly turned into an extraordinary encounter. Jesus wasn’t just asking for a drink; He was offering her living water that would satisfy her soul in a way nothing else ever could. This passage reminds us that Jesus intentionally goes where others avoid. While cultural norms, prejudices, and personal discomfort kept most people from interacting with Samaritans, Jesus went straight through Samaria. He chose not to avoid the awkward, messy, or different. Instead, He sat down at the well, tired and thirsty, to connect with someone everyone else overlooked. That same intentional love is extended to us today. Jesus meets us in our brokenness, without shame, offering grace and truth in a way that heals. The woman at the well had spent years trying to satisfy her soul’s thirst with temporary solutions—relationships, distractions, and the hope that “maybe this time will be different.” Yet, none of it worked. Like her, we often turn to things like success, relationships, entertainment, or even good things like community and service, hoping they’ll fill the void. But these wells always leave us coming back empty. Only Jesus offers a spring of living water that never runs dry. One of the most beautiful moments in this story is how Jesus responds to her brokenness. He doesn’t flinch at her past. He doesn’t shame her for her mistakes. Instead, He names what’s broken with compassion and invites her into something better. Jesus gives her both truth and love—truth that reveals the source of her emptiness and love that assures her she’s still wanted and seen. This kind of encounter changes people. It changed her, and it can change us too. After encountering Jesus, the woman’s priorities shifted. She left her water jar behind—the very reason she came to the well no longer seemed so important. Instead of hiding, she ran to tell others about the one who truly satisfied her soul. Her story became a testimony of transformation. The people who once dismissed her could not ignore the evidence of a real encounter with Jesus. Jesus invites us to consider the wells we’ve been going to in search of satisfaction. Are we still thirsty after chasing things that the world promises will fulfill us? Jesus offers us the same invitation He extended to the woman at the well: to drink deeply of the living water He provides. When we discern our true thirst, repent of the things that keep us empty, indulge in His presence, nurture authentic community, and share our stories with others, we discover a satisfaction that the world’s temporary fixes can never match. Our prayer as a church is that we would stop going back to empty wells and instead embrace the living water Jesus offers. He alone satisfies what the world intensifies. Today, may we accept His invitation, lay down our empty jars, and experience the soul-deep fulfillment found only in Him. - Adapted from the messages preached at our 3 campuses on 5/18/25.
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 At Walloon Lake Community Church, we have been on a transformative journey since 1898—a journey rooted in faith, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of God's mission. From our earliest days in the village of Talcott, built by hands and hearts committed to spreading the gospel, our church has grown into a thriving spiritual family. As we step into a new season with gratitude for our 126-year legacy, we are taking intentional time to reflect on the six core values that define who we are and guide everything we do.
First and foremost, Jesus is our everything. He is not a side note or an accessory to our faith—He is the foundation of our lives. In Him, we find justification, sanctification, and one day, glorification. Every word we teach, every song we sing, and every mission we pursue is centered on Jesus. As Colossians 3 reminds us, our real life is hidden with Christ in God. That’s why we are determined to lift Him highest and point others to Him above all else. We also believe that prayer is our power. It’s not just a practice—it’s our lifeline. In every gathering, decision, and private moment, we seek God’s guidance and strength. Prayer is how we invite the resources of heaven into the needs of earth. Whether it’s a churchwide prayer event or a quiet cry for help, we acknowledge our dependence on the Lord and His ability to do what we cannot. Community is another essential part of our DNA. Family is our framework, and we are convinced that we grow better together. Church is not a building or a program—it’s a spiritual family. God designed His people to live in unity, to bear with one another, and to be transformed through imperfect relationships in His perfect grace. We are deeply committed to being the kind of church where everyone belongs, even when it's messy. Scripture is our source. We believe the Bible is inspired by God and completely sufficient for life, faith, and ministry. It’s not just a book we study—it’s the foundation upon which we build our lives. God’s Word instructs, corrects, equips, and leads us through every season. As a church, we commit to teaching and living out the truth of Scripture with courage and clarity. Love is our lifestyle. We aim to love others with the same radical, sacrificial love that we have received from Jesus. This means that grace isn’t reserved for the polished—it’s offered freely to the broken, the searching, and the struggling. We want to be a church that loves without conditions, not just when it’s convenient or popular, but as a way of life in every season. Finally, outreach is our objective. Lost people matter deeply to Jesus, and therefore they matter deeply to us. We are not content to keep the hope of the gospel to ourselves. Whether it's through local service, global missions, or simply extending an invitation to a friend, we are committed to making space for everyone to meet Jesus here. Even if it gets messy or uncomfortable, we believe that’s exactly where grace thrives. These six values aren’t just ideals on a page—they are the heartbeat of our community. They shape how we live, how we serve, and how we love. As we move forward together, we do so with the confidence that when we live with sanctified purpose, our lives have power—and when we live with shared purpose, our church has power. Let’s continue to be transformed so that we can be a transforming presence in our world. - Adapted from the sermon preached at our Walloon Lake campus on 5/4/2025.  For more than a century, Walloon Lake Community Church has stood as a spiritual cornerstone in the heart of northern Michigan. From its beginnings in the logging village of Talcott in 1898 to its present-day role as a dynamic non-denominational congregation, WLCC has been a place where generations have gathered to worship, serve, and grow in faith. Now, in its 126th year, the church is preparing for a significant leadership transition: the appointment of Pastor Brant Cole as its 18th pastor to lead its Walloon Lake campus. The other part of this transition includes Pastor Jeff Ellis assuming the role of Lead Pastor over the church’s three campuses (in Walloon Lake, East Jordan, and Alanson).
The church was founded in October 1898, when developers Lee and Montague donated a plot of land for the construction of the first church building in Talcott (now Walloon Lake). With no machinery, local volunteers cleared the land, hauled lumber from John F. Sheatsley’s Mill, and raised the building that would become the Church of the United Brethren. Miss Maud Teachout, a passionate and trailblazing minister, led the newly formed congregation with tireless dedication—sometimes preaching five times in a single Sunday. Over the years, the church transitioned from its denominational roots to embrace a non-denominational identity in the early 1930s, reflecting its growing and diverse membership. Since then, 17 pastors have shepherded the congregation, none more enduring than Pastor Jeff Ellis, who has faithfully led WLCC for over 34 years—the longest tenure in the church’s history. Now, Pastor Brant Cole will be stepping into leadership on April 27, 2025, bringing with him a compelling vision to lead WLCC into a new season of growth, unity, and outreach. And as he does, Pastor Jeff Ellis will assume the role of Lead Pastor over all three of the church’s locations. A husband, father of three, outdoor adventurer, and recovery coach, Pastor Brant holds a Master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry and Congregational Leadership from Moody Theological Seminary. Known for his thoughtful teaching and heart for discipleship, he is passionate about helping people encounter the transforming grace of Jesus in real, practical ways. “What is it that Jesus has called us to do here in northern Michigan?” Brant asks. “It’s to make disciples who love like Jesus. That means equipping and releasing this congregation to love God more deeply, to love each other more fully, and to serve our community more boldly.” He acknowledges the challenges ahead, especially in a rapidly shifting cultural and social climate. Quoting Pastor Jeff, he reminds the church that while the message of the Gospel never changes, the methods must continually adapt to remain effective. “Our methods must meet the needs of the real world we’re in,” Brant said. “We are called to be in the world, but not of the world.” His immediate focus as campus pastor will include continuing to preach the Word faithfully, nurturing spiritual hunger through worship and prayer nights, and strengthening the church’s evangelistic outreach. Special attention will also be given to kids ministry, life groups, and the training and unification of ministry leaders in this immediate season, as well. “We’re going to have a renewed focus on always making one more disciple,” he emphasized. “But it’s going to take all of us. This is our mandate—and our privilege. If we do this together, faithfully, we will see lives transformed, families restored, and our communities touched by the love and truth of Jesus.” As Walloon Lake Community Church steps into this new chapter, it carries with it a rich legacy—126 years of preaching the Gospel, serving the community, and faithfully following Jesus. And with Pastor Brant Cole, it carries a bold vision for the future: one that is rooted in Scripture, powered by grace, and driven by love. In a world that feels increasingly unstable, it’s easy to look backward—to the life we left behind, to old comforts, or to ways of living that don’t require as much surrender. But Hebrews 12:14–29 reminds us that steady faith isn’t built on nostalgia or fear. It’s built on moving forward with Jesus. Just like the illustration from the sermon—about driving backwards with only your rearview mirrors—faith becomes dangerous when we try to move forward by constantly looking behind us.
The early Christians in Hebrews were facing that very tension. They had left behind Judaism to follow Jesus, and now the pull of their old life was strong. Discouraged and overwhelmed, they were tempted to retreat. But the writer of Hebrews calls them—and us—not to shrink back, but to lean into a better future. There’s something far greater ahead: a life shaped by peace, love, and holiness, rooted in Jesus and his unshakable kingdom. This passage gives us a clear call to action: live in peace with others, uproot bitterness in community, and pursue holiness. These aren’t just moral checkboxes; they’re the evidence of a faith that pleases God. When our lives reflect Jesus in how we treat others, care for each other, and live set apart, our faith becomes more than belief—it becomes a visible witness to the world around us. Hebrews goes even deeper by comparing the old and new covenants through the imagery of two mountains—Mount Sinai and Mount Zion. Sinai was terrifying: smoke, fire, thunder, and fear. Even Moses trembled. But Mount Zion paints a different picture—a heavenly city filled with celebration, grace, and a God who invites us close. In Jesus, we don’t tremble in fear; we come boldly into God’s presence, confident in his love. That doesn’t mean God is any less holy or powerful. He still deserves our awe, reverence, and obedience. But we are no longer cut off or condemned. Through Jesus, we’ve been made right with God, and that changes how we approach him. We fear God’s greatness, but we don’t fear losing his love. His kingdom cannot be shaken, and those who belong to him can stand firm—even when everything else feels uncertain. Bitterness, compromise, and fear are all symptoms of shaky faith. But God calls us to steady faith—faith that expresses itself in Christlike love. One way to fight bitterness, the sermon reminded us, is through generous love. Pray for the person you’re struggling with. Serve someone who’s difficult to love. Give with no expectation of return. It’s hard to stay bitter toward someone you’re blessing. As we grow in holiness and walk in love, we find the strength to keep going—even when our hands are tired and our knees are weak. Hebrews 12:12–13 tells us to “take a new grip” and “mark out a straight path.” Not just for our own sake, but so others can follow and find strength through our faith. That’s the kind of steady, forward-moving faith we want to cultivate as a church. So let’s be people of peace. Let’s be a community of grace. Let’s live holy lives that point others to Jesus. When the world shakes, we will stand steady—because our faith is anchored in the unshakable kingdom of God. - Adapted from sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 4/6/25. At our church, we believe following Jesus is not a sprint—it’s a marathon. The Christian life is long, often uphill, and full of challenges that test our endurance. Life can feel agonizing, mentally, physically, and spiritually, especially when we experience loss, sickness, hardship, or disappointment. But even in those moments, God offers us clear and life-giving truth: we don’t have to quit. We don’t have to give up.
In Hebrews 12, we’re reminded that we are surrounded by a “great cloud of witnesses”—heroes of the faith who suffered and struggled but refused to give up. These men and women endured trials we can hardly imagine, yet they held fast to God’s promises. They’re cheering us on from the sidelines of eternity, urging us to keep going. Their lives testify that even when we don’t understand what God is doing, He is still worthy of our trust. Their legacy challenges us not to quit, even when we feel like we’re at the end of our strength. Scripture gives us four powerful truths to help us persevere. First, we remember the faithful who’ve gone before us. Second, we strip off anything that slows us down—whether it’s sin or something that just weighs heavy on our hearts. That might include toxic relationships, habits, distractions, or debt. Not everything that slows us down is sinful, but anything that keeps us from running freely is worth surrendering to God. He wants us to run light and run strong. The third truth is where we find our focus: we fix our eyes on Jesus. He’s not just the one who saves us; He’s the one who sustains us. He endured the cross for the joy set before Him—our redemption, our restoration, our place in God’s family. Jesus has already won the race, and now He invites us to keep running with Him. When we feel tired, confused, or overwhelmed, we look to Him. He is our strength, our steady place, and our motivation. Fourth, we are called to trust God’s plan for our lives—even the painful parts. Hebrews 12 reminds us that discipline is a sign of God’s love. Like a coach strengthening an athlete, God uses every hardship, every challenge, and every trial to shape us into who He’s created us to be. He doesn’t waste our pain. He works through it to build our endurance, deepen our faith, and form Christ in us. His discipline isn’t punishment; it’s transformation. We know this isn’t easy. There are seasons when the weight of life feels unbearable. Sometimes the temptation to quit feels louder than the call to press on. But God’s Word is clear—there is a harvest coming for those who don’t give up. Peace, righteousness, and spiritual maturity await on the other side of faithful endurance. That’s not just a promise for some future day—it’s the reality we begin to experience here and now when we trust Him in the middle of our trials. As a church family, we want to walk this journey together. If you’re in a season of discouragement, you are not alone. If you’ve been tempted to quit, know that Jesus hasn’t given up on you. Let’s strip off what’s weighing us down, fix our eyes on the Savior, and keep running. One step at a time. One prayer at a time. One act of obedience at a time. Because finishing well is everything. And with Jesus, we will. - Adapted from the sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 3/30/25. Life is full of moments that don’t fully make sense until we live them. Whether it’s entering a new phase of life or enduring trials we never anticipated, we often feel unprepared or alone. Yet Scripture reminds us that our stories are never isolated. As believers, we are part of a much larger narrative—one rooted in the faithfulness of God and the courageous endurance of those who came before us. Hebrews 11 draws back the curtain on this grand story, showcasing generations of people who lived by faith, even when the outcomes were uncertain or painful.
The final verses of Hebrews 11 point to saints who didn’t experience miraculous deliverance or earthly success. Some were mocked, imprisoned, tortured, and even killed. Their stories are often sobering and difficult to read, but their legacy is one of deep faith. The Bible tells us that "the world was not worthy of them." These faithful men and women placed their hope not in comfort or escape but in the promises of God—promises that extended beyond this life into eternity. Faith, as we learn here, is not a guarantee of an easy life. In fact, Scripture shows that pain and persecution are not exceptions for the believer—they are often part of the journey. Our culture may encourage us to avoid suffering at all costs, but the gospel invites us to embrace faith even when it’s costly. Our hope is not in temporary relief but in the better resurrection that awaits all who trust in Christ. This message is as relevant today as it was in the early church. Around the world, Christians face incredible risks for following Jesus. From North Korea to Nigeria, believers are worshiping in secret, sharing the gospel under threat, and standing firm in places where their faith could cost them everything. Their courage challenges us to examine our own lives: Are we taking risks for Jesus? Are we living in such a way that reflects our trust in his promises? At the heart of Hebrews 11 is the powerful reminder that we are not alone. The same God who sustained the saints of old walks with us today. He has not abandoned us in our struggle. He understands our fears, weaknesses, and disappointments, and he intercedes for us. In him, we find mercy and strength in our time of need. We are surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, and our faith—however small—is part of a grand, victorious story. This kind of faith isn’t just personal; it’s deeply communal. We need each other. We need the encouragement of fellow believers, the accountability of spiritual friendships, and the legacy of those who’ve gone before us. Faith was never meant to be lived in isolation. That’s why we encourage everyone to get connected—whether through the church community, a small group, mission partnerships, or stories of faithful men and women across history. As a church, we believe that “life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” God is calling each of us to step out in faith, to endure when it’s hard, and to stand firm when the world pushes back. Let’s live like we believe that our story is part of something greater—his story—and that, in the end, it always leads to victory. - Adapted from sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 3/23/25. We live in a world that celebrates achievement. From the Hall of Fame in sports to the Walk of Fame in Hollywood, we recognize those who have accomplished great things. But when it comes to what truly matters, God isn’t impressed by trophies, talent, or success—He is pleased by faith. Hebrews 11, often called the "Hall of Faith," highlights men and women who lived not by what they could see but by what they knew to be true about God. Their lives were marked by trust in Him, even when the outcome was uncertain.
Faith is not just an abstract idea or a religious cliché; it is a deep conviction that God is who He says He is and will do what He has promised. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." This kind of faith is more than belief—it shapes our choices, directs our steps, and influences how we respond to challenges. When we trust God enough to follow Him, we begin to see Him move in ways that strengthen our faith even more. The heroes of faith in Hebrews 11—Abel, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Moses, and others—did not have easy lives. They faced uncertainty, opposition, and trials, yet they chose to trust God. Noah built an ark before he had ever seen rain. Abraham left his homeland without knowing his destination. Moses chose suffering over the temporary pleasures of Egypt. Their faith was not passive; it was active, bold, and transformative. They believed God's promises, even when they had no evidence except His word. This kind of faith is not just for biblical times—it is for us today. History is full of men and women who lived by faith: missionaries like Saint Patrick and Amy Carmichael, who risked everything to share the Gospel; George Müller, who trusted God to provide for thousands of orphans without ever asking for financial support; Corrie Ten Boom, who endured a concentration camp yet still forgave her captors. Their faith was not in their own strength but in the unchanging character of God. The challenge for us is simple: Are we living by faith, or are we just agreeing with the idea of faith? True faith requires action. It is stepping into the unknown, believing that God is leading even when the path is unclear. It might mean trusting God in a difficult situation, stepping into ministry, choosing obedience over comfort, or surrendering control over an uncertain future. As Hebrews 11:6 reminds us, "It is impossible to please God without faith." A life that pleases Him is one that is fully surrendered, willing to follow Him wherever He leads. We may not always see the results of our faith immediately, but Hebrews 11 reminds us that those who lived by faith did so with an eternal perspective. They were looking for a "better country—a heavenly one" (Hebrews 11:16). Our faith is not just about the here and now; it is about trusting God for what is to come. When we step out in faith, we are not just shaping our own lives—we are becoming part of God’s greater story, pointing others to Him. So what does your story of faith look like? If Hebrews 11 were still being written, would your life be included as an example of bold trust in God? Faith is more than belief—it is action. When we trust God enough to follow Him, we will see Him enough to show Him. And that is how we make God happy. - Adapted from sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 3/16/25. There are moments in life when we feel like giving up—when the weight of trials, disappointments, and spiritual exhaustion makes us wonder if continuing in faith is even worth it. The early Hebrew believers felt this same pressure. Persecution, suffering, and hardship tempted them to walk away from Jesus, questioning if their faith was strong enough to endure. The writer of Hebrews speaks directly to this struggle, urging them—and us—not to give up, but to hold onto faith with endurance. Faith isn’t just about belief; it’s about steadfast faithfulness, even when circumstances make us want to quit.
Hebrews 10:26-39 presents both a sobering warning and an encouraging promise. The passage reminds us that rejecting the Gospel after receiving its truth has severe consequences. There is no other sacrifice for sin apart from Jesus. Yet, the emphasis here is not on fear but on perseverance. The writer calls believers to remember their past faithfulness and the strength they once had in the face of suffering. Faithfulness in the midst of trials is not just possible—it’s essential. So how do we keep our faith from fading when life gets hard? First, we must freshen up our faith. When we first came to know Jesus, our faith was fresh and vibrant. We listened eagerly to His Word, obeyed quickly, and shared our excitement with others. Over time, trials and distractions can cause that passion to fade. The call of Hebrews 10 is to rekindle that fire—to go back to the posture of faith that says, “God, whatever You say, I will do.” One way to do this is by engaging with Scripture in a fresh way, practicing new spiritual disciplines, and stepping out in obedience immediately when God speaks. Second, we must preview our prize. The believers in Hebrews endured suffering, imprisonment, and loss of possessions, yet they accepted it with joy because they knew something greater was coming. They understood that the reward of faithfulness is far greater than any temporary hardship. When we fix our eyes on eternity—on the promises of God that await us—we find the strength to keep going. The struggles we face today are real, but they are not permanent. Patient endurance leads to an eternal reward that far outweighs any difficulty. The Christian life is not a call to comfort; it is a call to endurance. Following Jesus means standing firm when culture pushes back, remaining faithful when trials press in, and trusting God when we can’t yet see the outcome. Faith in theory may seem appealing, but faithfulness in practice is what truly matters. If we only follow Jesus when it’s easy, our faith will never mature. But when we choose to remain steadfast, even in hardship, we will experience God’s faithfulness in ways we never imagined. So today, we have a choice: Will we allow our faith to fade, or will we fight for fresh faithfulness? God is calling us to a deeper commitment, to renew our trust in Him, and to hold on to the promise that what He has prepared for us is worth every moment of struggle. Don’t give up. Keep believing, keep following, and keep trusting. Faithfulness leads to reward—and on the other side of endurance, we will see the goodness of God in ways we never expected. - Adapted from the sermon preached across our 3 campuses on 3/7/25. As followers of Jesus, we are called to live with a bold confidence, not because of our own strength, but because of what Christ has done for us. Hebrews 10:1-25 reminds us that Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross has forever changed our relationship with God. The Old Testament sacrifices, which had to be offered again and again, were never enough to fully remove sin. But Jesus, as the perfect sacrifice, completed the work once and for all. Because of this, we don’t need to live in fear or uncertainty—we can stand before God with boldness, knowing we are fully forgiven and completely loved.
This boldness isn’t just about how we approach God; it transforms how we live in the world. In the early church, believers faced intense pressure to conform to the culture around them. The writer of Hebrews encourages them—and us—not to shrink back but to stand firm. We are not called to blend in, but to live differently, confidently, and with holy boldness. Jesus didn’t die just to secure our place in heaven; He died to make us holy, and that holiness should shape the way we think, act, and engage with the world around us. But how do we develop this kind of bold faith? Hebrews 10 gives us four reasons we can live with holy boldness.
So what does this mean for us today? It means we draw near to God daily, spending time in His Word and in prayer. It means we hold onto hope, reminding ourselves of the gospel and trusting in God’s faithfulness. It means we take action—serving, loving, and encouraging others instead of waiting for someone else to step up. And it means we stay connected to the church, knowing that we need each other now more than ever. Because we’re made holy, we can live boldly. We don’t have to live in fear, doubt, or insecurity. Christ has done the work—our role is to walk in the confidence He has given us. Let’s live boldly, love courageously, and stand firm in the faith, knowing that Jesus is with us every step of the way. - Adapted from sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 03/02/25. We all know what it’s like to be in a relationship where offenses happen. Sometimes, we hurt people by accident, and other times, it’s intentional. In many cases, a mediator is needed—someone who can step in, bridge the gap, and bring reconciliation. The Bible tells us that the greatest conflict in existence is between humanity and God. On one side, we have a perfect, holy, and righteous God. On the other, we have sinful, broken people who cannot stand in His presence on their own. We need a mediator. The good news is that God Himself has provided one—Jesus Christ.
In Hebrews 9:13-28, we see that under the Old Covenant, the people of Israel could only approach God through the temporary covering of animal sacrifices. These sacrifices were a reminder that sin required a payment, but they were never enough to fully remove guilt. However, Jesus came as the perfect and final sacrifice. He took our place, bearing the punishment we deserved, so that we could be made right with God once and for all. His sacrifice is not just temporary—it is eternal. This changes everything. Because of Jesus, we don’t have to live under the weight of guilt and shame. We don’t have to try to earn God’s favor by working harder or punishing ourselves for our past mistakes. His blood has paid for our sins completely, meaning we can live in freedom. Yet, so many of us still struggle with believing this truth. We find ourselves striving for approval, replaying our failures, or wondering if we’ve done enough to stay in God’s grace. But the message of the gospel is clear: Jesus’ sacrifice was enough. There is nothing more we need to do except receive it. Because of Christ, our standing before God is secure. The Old Covenant required constant sacrifices, but Jesus’ death on the cross fulfilled the law once and for all. Now, we are no longer seen as sinners but as beloved children. We are heirs of God’s promises, and nothing can separate us from His love. This truth should reshape how we see ourselves and how we live each day. Instead of living in fear of judgment, we can walk with confidence, knowing that God delights in us. Living like we are loved means embracing four key responses: first, we receive the perfect gift of salvation, understanding that we can’t earn it but only accept it by faith. Second, we rest in unconditional grace, refusing to carry burdens that Jesus already took upon Himself. Third, we reset our perspective, fixing our eyes on the eternal hope we have in Christ. And finally, we relax in God’s pleasure, knowing that He truly delights in His children. Hebrews 9:27-28 reminds us that Christ will return, not to deal with our sins—because that has already been done—but to bring salvation to those who eagerly wait for Him. This means our future is not uncertain or filled with fear, but with hope and anticipation. We have been given an eternal inheritance, secured by Jesus Himself. As we live our lives, we should not only remember this truth but let it shape the way we think, act, and worship. So this week, let’s live as people who are truly loved. Let’s stop striving for what has already been given to us. Let’s let go of shame, rest in grace, and embrace our identity as God’s children. Because of Jesus, we are forgiven, we are free, and we are forever loved. Jesus died in our place as a better sacrifice so we can live in His place as beloved children. Let’s live like it! - Adapted from sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 2/23/25. |
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These posts are adapted from our pastors' weekly sermons.
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