 The Christmas story is one of the most familiar tales in history: a baby born in a manger, angels singing to shepherds, and wise men traveling from afar to bring gifts. We know the figurines of the nativity scene, but there’s a deeper truth behind why God orchestrated this story in such an unexpected way. Why shepherds? Why wise men? Why a stable? These questions point us to a God who doesn’t do things by human standards but instead chooses unexpected people and situations to reveal His glory.
This Christmas, as we make our lists and fill our calendars, we are invited to reflect on the lessons of Christ's birth. The angels didn’t announce the birth of the Savior to kings or scholars but to shepherds, some of the most overlooked people of their time. Meanwhile, God also drew wealthy, educated wise men to worship Him. These two groups had little in common except for one key thing: they were willing to be interrupted by God. Their willingness to stop, listen, and follow God's leading serves as a powerful example for us during this busy season. God’s choice of shepherds and wise men to witness Jesus' arrival reminds us of His heart for all people. Shepherds, lowly and unclean, represent those who feel unworthy or overlooked. The wise men, outsiders from a distant land, represent those who seem far from God. Both were called to the manger, showing us that God's love and salvation are for everyone. The Christmas story is a reminder that Jesus came not just for the expected but for the unexpected—the outsiders, the broken, and the forgotten. How often do we let our plans get in the way of hearing God's voice? The shepherds were going about their daily work, and the wise men were studying the stars when God interrupted their lives with a call to worship. This Christmas, God may be trying to speak to you, too. Will you be willing to pause and listen? Will you allow Him to guide your priorities, even if it means changing your plans? Let’s learn from the shepherds and wise men by being open to God’s interruptions. Another lesson from the Christmas story is to show grace to those we least expect. Just as God prioritized shepherds and foreigners in the nativity story, He calls us to extend grace and love to people we might otherwise overlook. Who in your life feels like the least likely candidate for God’s love? This season, we are challenged to reach out, to show kindness, and to share the good news of Jesus with the unexpected people in our lives. Jesus’ birth is just the beginning of the ultimate act of grace. That baby in the manger grew up to die on the cross for our sins, offering salvation to everyone. Reflecting on His sacrifice reminds us of the depth of His love and calls us to embody His grace to others. When we allow ourselves to be interrupted by God and extend grace to others, we become part of His redemptive story. As we celebrate Christmas, let’s keep our hearts open to the unexpected. May we be ready to hear God’s voice, willing to change our plans, and eager to extend His love to others. This season, let’s let God’s agenda become our priority and follow where He leads us, just as the shepherds and wise men did long ago. - Adapted from the sermon preached at our Walloon Lake campus on 12/01/24.
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Life can be filled with storms—moments of doubt, pain, and uncertainty. In such times, we need something firm to hold onto, an anchor for our souls. Hebrews 6:7-20 reminds us that God’s promises are just that: unbreakable anchors rooted in His unchanging character. The faith that saves is not momentary; it endures to the end, reflecting a genuine transformation of the heart.
Through the example of Abraham, we see what it means to trust God’s promises, even when they seem impossible. Abraham waited 25 years for the birth of Isaac, believing against all odds that God would fulfill His word. In the same way, we are called to persevere in faith and service, loving others out of reverence for Christ. This diligence and love are evidence of our salvation, showing that Christ lives in us. God’s promises are sealed with an oath, making them reliable and trustworthy. They are not wishful thinking or optimism—they are firm foundations that keep us steady in the storms of life. Jesus, our eternal High Priest, has guaranteed these promises through His sacrifice. His resurrection is proof that nothing can separate us from God’s love. When the enemy whispers lies that God is unjust or that He has forgotten us, we must cling to the truth of His Word. As Hebrews 6:19 declares, this hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls, leading us directly into God’s presence. Whether we face challenges, delays, or uncertainties, we can trust that Jesus walks with us, never leaving or forsaking us. For those who do not yet know this anchor, the invitation is open. Jesus, who left the glory of heaven, lived a sinless life, and died for our sins, offers a relationship with God. His promises are eternal, and His love is unshakable. In Him, we find not only hope for today but also the assurance of eternity. Let us stand firm in faith, persevering in love, and anchored by God’s unbreakable promises. - Adapted from sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 11/24/24. Persevering in faith is not just about starting strong; it’s about enduring to the end. This is an invitation to reflect on the authenticity of our commitment to Christ. Think about Judas, who appeared to be followers but ultimately revealed a lack of genuine belief. These sobering reminders emphasize that faith isn’t proven by an initial profession alone but by a lifelong journey marked by growth, spiritual fruit, and obedience.
Eternal security, as presented in Scripture, affirms that true believers are kept by God’s power. Verses from John 6:37-39 and John 10:27-29 affirm that no one can snatch us out of God’s hand. However, complacency is dangerous. The sermon urges us to question whether we’re relying solely on a prayer or decision made years ago without recent evidence of faith. The apostle Paul’s reminder in Galatians 5:22-23 about the fruit of the Spirit sets a standard for examining our lives. Repentance, far from being a one-time event, is described as an ongoing practice. When we stumble, the path back to assurance is repentance and running to Jesus. Just as the prodigal son turned back to his father and was met with love, we are encouraged to turn to Christ, who is eager to restore us. This sermon serves as both a warning and an invitation: a warning against superficial faith and an invitation to deepen our walk with Christ daily. - Adapted from sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 11/17/24. Spiritual growth is an invitation to a deeper life with God, where believers are called to move beyond the basics of faith into a vibrant, maturing relationship with Jesus. Hebrews 5:11-6:3 serves as a wake-up call to followers who may have become "spiritually dull" or stagnant in their journey. This passage urges us to examine whether we're still spiritual infants, relying on others to feed us, or if we've taken the next step to feed ourselves and grow stronger in our faith.
The analogy of moving from milk to solid food serves as a powerful reminder that the life of faith requires responsibility. Just as physical growth demands a shift from baby food to real sustenance, spiritual maturity requires us to dig into Scripture ourselves, not merely depending on a weekly sermon or a favorite worship song. Spiritual maturity grows when we put into practice what we learn, allowing God's teachings to shape our daily lives. Hebrews makes it clear: knowing about God isn’t enough. We must put that knowledge into action. This takes us from simply hearing about forgiveness, love, and patience to actually practicing them in challenging situations. Just as children mature through practice and repetition, so do we mature in faith through consistent action and trust in God's leading. Spiritual growth also requires relying on God rather than solely on our own efforts. Growth happens in a partnership with God, as we cultivate time in His Word, lean on the Holy Spirit, and engage in community. Our role is to create the right conditions for growth, but it’s ultimately God who does the transformative work. Are we ready to let God lead us deeper, even when it’s uncomfortable or challenges us to change? It’s not easy to move out of our comfort zones, but God’s promises encourage us to trust Him as we step into a more mature, impactful faith. By trusting in God’s strength and letting His Spirit guide us, we find a life full of purpose, growth, and spiritual fruit that impacts the world around us. Are you willing to step forward in your faith journey? Spiritual growth isn’t an end goal but a lifelong journey with Christ. Let’s choose to be open, available, and ready to grow as He leads us into a richer, more fulfilling walk with Him. - Adapted from sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 11/10/24. Life often confronts us with situations that leave us feeling unsure and overwhelmed. Moments when we face the loss of a loved one, betrayal by a friend, or health challenges that persist, no matter how much we pray. These trials test our faith and push us to our emotional and spiritual limits. So, what do we do when we don’t know what to do? Hebrews 4:14-16 gives us hope by pointing us to Jesus, our Great High Priest. This passage reminds us that in our confusion, pain, and anxiety, we have a Savior who fully understands our struggles and offers us grace and mercy.
The Jewish people had an intricate system for approaching God, one that required sacrifices, rituals, and a high priest who could enter the Holy of Holies only once a year. But Jesus transformed this entire system. As the writer of Hebrews explains, Jesus is a High Priest far greater than any who came before. Unlike the priests who served on earth, Jesus has entered heaven and sits at the right hand of God, having completed the work of salvation. His unique qualifications—being both God and sinless man—make Him a compassionate, understanding, and effective mediator for us. One of the most reassuring truths from this text is that Jesus understands. He experienced every kind of temptation and suffering but remained without sin. This means He can empathize with our weaknesses. Jesus knows the weight of sorrow, the sting of betrayal, and the exhaustion of relentless trials. Yet, in His perfection, He invites us to approach Him with confidence. The veil that once separated people from God’s presence has been torn, giving us direct access to our loving Father. We no longer need to be afraid or hesitant. Jesus doesn’t just give us access; He offers us help. We can come boldly to God’s throne, not because we have earned it, but because Jesus paved the way. When we approach Him, He promises two precious gifts: mercy and grace. Mercy is His compassion, understanding, and care for our needs, while grace is the strength to endure and the energy to keep going. Even when our circumstances don’t change, His grace empowers us to face each challenge with renewed courage and hope. The idea of running up to Jesus without fear reminds us of a beautiful image: children running to their father. When President Kennedy’s children played in the Oval Office, they didn’t need an appointment or approval—they belonged there because he was their dad. Similarly, Jesus has adopted us into His family, giving us the right to approach Him freely, any time we’re in need. This relationship transforms our prayers from hesitant requests to bold declarations of our need for His presence and help. This assurance doesn’t mean we’re spared from suffering. Jesus warned us that in this world, we would face many trials and sorrows. Yet, He promised to be with us, offering His presence, mercy, and grace. He may not always deliver us from the storms we face, but He promises to walk with us through them. Our High Priest isn’t distant or disconnected; He is right there with us, feeling our pain and extending His loving arms. We’re called to remember that when life’s struggles seem insurmountable, our first action should be to run to Jesus. He’s not too busy, and we don’t need to follow a protocol to gain His attention. Instead, we can make a beeline straight to His throne, knowing that He understands and has the power to help. So, when you don’t know what to do, take your confusion and pain to Jesus. Trust in His promise to provide exactly what you need. Let’s lean into this truth and be a church that approaches our High Priest with confidence. Whether you’re battling grief, pain, or uncertainty, Jesus is ready and willing to offer you His presence, mercy, and grace. May we find our strength in Him and hold firmly to our faith, even when it’s tested. Our God is faithful, and His throne is always open to us. - Adapted from the sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 11/3/24. In today’s world, rest often feels elusive. We’re more connected, more entertained, and more productive than ever, yet many of us still find ourselves restless. We take vacations, binge-watch shows, or pamper ourselves with self-care, hoping to recharge, but often these things only leave us feeling as drained as before. Hebrews 4 offers us an alternative path—a rest that isn’t just about taking a break but about finding peace for our souls. This kind of rest can’t be achieved by simply disconnecting from daily demands. Instead, it’s about connecting deeply to God, finding the inner calm that He provides.
Hebrews describes God’s rest as a unique invitation to live in a rhythm where our peace isn’t dictated by circumstances. It’s not a fleeting experience tied to achievement or a temporary reprieve from stress; it’s an ongoing presence of calm. This rest, centered on God’s unchanging love and provision, requires our choice to enter in. It’s not automatic, and it isn’t something we stumble into. Instead, God’s rest requires intention and commitment, a dedication to turning toward His peace over the chaos of the world. Entering into God’s rest requires three things: faith, obedience, and effort. Faith means trusting that God’s promises are real and steadfast, regardless of the challenges we face. This faith allows us to rest, knowing He is in control. Obedience, meanwhile, is an active choice to follow God’s ways and heed His guidance. When we live in obedience, we release our need to control every outcome and instead embrace the security that comes from walking with God. But even with faith and obedience, entering God’s rest also takes effort. Hebrews calls us to “make every effort to enter that rest,” a phrase that reminds us that finding rest in God is a disciplined choice. Just as we prepare for a vacation, we need to prepare our hearts and minds for God’s rest by setting aside time and space to be with Him. In this way, we intentionally let go of the things we hold too tightly and surrender them to God. Hebrews also speaks to the role of God’s Word in bringing us into His rest. Scripture acts as a mirror, revealing the areas in our lives that disrupt our peace, whether it’s fear, control, or pride. As we allow God’s Word to speak into our hearts, it can heal and release us from what holds us back from true rest. This process is a spiritual surgery, as Scripture reveals our innermost thoughts and desires and leads us toward the freedom of surrender. True rest, then, is about more than just unplugging; it’s about living with a heart surrendered to God. As we rest in Him, we’re invited to experience a peace that goes beyond our circumstances—a deep-seated calm that comes from trusting His goodness. This rest, according to Hebrews, is always available to us. It’s a gift that God offers, not just for a future day but for today, for the challenges and demands we face right now. If you’ve been striving for rest through escape or self-care, consider the peace that God is offering. By embracing faith, obedience, and intentionality, we can find the rest that God promises in Hebrews. As we connect more deeply with Him, we experience the rest that only He can provide—a rest that doesn’t depend on perfect conditions but on our perfect God. So, take a moment today to hear His voice and respond. God’s invitation to rest stands open, ready for anyone who will enter. As Psalm 95 reminds us, God cares deeply for us and desires to give us His rest. Will you accept this invitation today? - Adapted from the sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 10/27/24. The Christian journey is often compared to a race or a challenge that requires endurance, preparation, and unwavering faith. Just as athletes train rigorously to complete something as demanding as an Ironman triathlon, we too must spiritually prepare for the trials and hardships that inevitably come in life. Hebrews 3:12-19 warns believers to stay vigilant in their faith, encouraging us to avoid the slow drift that can pull us away from Jesus. It's not enough to start strong—we need to finish strong in our walk with Christ.
Our daily lives are filled with distractions and obstacles that can slowly erode our faith if we aren’t careful. Much like the Israelites who doubted God’s promises after seeing His mighty works in Egypt, we too can lose sight of God’s power and provision when we focus on life’s challenges. The result is often a gradual drift, where Jesus becomes smaller and smaller in our lives, and our faith weakens. This passage from Hebrews calls us to pay attention to the warning signs—our hearts can harden if we allow doubt and disbelief to take root. One of the dangers we face today, just like those early believers, is the temptation to let sin deceive us. Sin often looks harmless at first and even seems to please our eyes, but over time, it chips away at our relationship with Jesus. It’s easy to start thinking we’ve gotten away with it, but in reality, sin is hardening our hearts, making us slower to listen and less responsive to the truth of God’s Word. This is why Scripture emphasizes the importance of community—we must encourage and warn one another daily to avoid falling into this trap. The Christian life is not meant to be lived alone. We need each other’s support, friendship, and accountability to stay strong in our faith. When one of us begins to drift, we are called to come alongside them, offering help, not judgment. Just as Jesus comes to us through His Spirit, we are called to extend that same love and encouragement to others. The church is a team, a family, working together to grow in Christlikeness. This is a shared journey, and together, we can persevere. If you feel like you’re stuck in a spiritual wilderness or even living in spiritual bondage, know that Jesus is the Deliverer. Just as He led the Israelites out of Egypt, He wants to lead you into freedom and life. There is a better way than living in the deceitfulness of sin and the distractions of the world. Turn to Jesus by faith, and He will guide you to the fullness of life that He has prepared for you. For those who are faithfully walking with Jesus, we say, “Well done!” Keep persevering and telling the stories of what Christ is doing in your life. Your journey is a testimony to others, and your example can inspire those who may be struggling. Remember, it’s not about bragging—it’s about sharing the goodness of God’s work in your life. As a church, we need more people like Joshua and Caleb, who saw giants through eyes of faith and trusted God’s promises even when the obstacles seemed insurmountable. We need more in our family who are walking daily with Jesus, living obedient and Spirit-filled lives, and telling the stories of what it’s like to live strong for Christ. Together, let’s run strong and finish well! Our challenge to you today is to examine your faith. Are you living in the fullness of what God has for you, or are you drifting away? Don’t miss out on the blessings that come from a close relationship with Jesus. Let your faith be anchored in Him, trusting that even when your eyes deceive you, God’s promises remain true. In Hebrews 3:1-11, we are given a powerful reminder to keep our hearts soft and receptive to the voice of God. The letter to the Hebrews was written to early Christians who had begun their journey with Jesus but were facing the temptation to turn back to their old ways. The author of Hebrews challenges them to remain faithful, warning them not to let their hearts become hardened by the troubles they were facing. Just as Moses led the people of Israel, Jesus is the one who leads us, and His role is far greater. We must, therefore, continually “consider Jesus,” as Hebrews 3:1 tells us, because He is the one who helps us navigate life’s challenges.
Moses was a faithful servant of God, and he did many miraculous things by the power of God, including leading the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt. However, as great as Moses was, Jesus is far superior. The comparison is clear: while Moses was a servant in God’s house, Jesus is the builder of the house. Jesus is not just a leader; He is the one who created and sustains all things. When we understand this, it becomes even more important for us to follow His voice and not allow our hearts to grow cold or distant. The Israelites saw many miracles during their time in the wilderness. They experienced God’s provision in miraculous ways—water from a rock, manna from heaven, and guidance through a pillar of fire. Yet, despite these daily demonstrations of God’s power, their hearts grew hard. They grumbled and complained, and ultimately, many of them turned away from God. This serves as a sobering reminder that witnessing miracles does not guarantee a soft heart. What God desires from us is faith and obedience, even when we face trials. In our lives today, it can be easy to slip into a pattern of complaint or bitterness when things don’t go the way we expect. We might pray and feel like our prayers aren’t answered the way we want, or we may face ongoing struggles that make us question God's plan. However, Hebrews warns us to guard our hearts. When we face hardships, we have a choice—either to grumble and turn away, or to trust in Jesus, knowing that He is with us and has a future full of hope in store for us. The Bible teaches us that all sin begins in the heart. That’s why it’s crucial for us to take care of our hearts and minds, being mindful of what we allow to take root. Proverbs 4:23 tells us to guard our hearts above all else, because it determines the course of our lives. If we allow bitterness, fear, or anger to take hold, it will lead us away from God. Instead, we are called to stay connected to His Word and His ways, keeping our hearts soft and receptive to His leading. One practical step we can take is to become students of the Bible. Knowing God’s Word allows us to discern His will for our lives and helps us to remain steadfast in faith, even when the path is difficult. Waiting until we face a crisis to turn to Scripture can leave us feeling overwhelmed, but by building a foundation on God’s Word now, we prepare ourselves for whatever comes our way. Let’s also remember that chasing after signs and miracles won’t sustain our faith. The Israelites saw God work wonders every day, but it didn’t prevent their hearts from growing hard. What keeps us grounded is not seeing miracles, but cultivating a daily relationship with Jesus through prayer and obedience to His Word. That’s where true spiritual growth happens. In this season, let’s resist the temptation to complain or grow bitter, and instead fix our eyes on Jesus. He is faithful, and He has done, is doing, and will continue to do far more than we could ever ask or imagine. Let’s take time to consider Jesus every day and trust that His plans for us are good, even when we don’t fully understand them. - Adapted from the sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 10/13/24. We continue our journey through the book of Hebrews, focusing on the theme of “Humility Before Exaltation.” The passage, Hebrews 2:5-18, speaks about the path Jesus took through humility and suffering to reclaim what was lost for humanity through sin. It’s a powerful reminder that Jesus is not just better than angels, man, or even great prophets—He is the ultimate and perfect leader who made salvation possible for all of us through His sacrifice.
From the very beginning, God’s original plan was for mankind to rule over the earth, as outlined in Psalm 8. However, humanity’s fall into sin disrupted this purpose. We see in Jesus the restoration of this plan, as He humbled Himself, left the glory of heaven, and tasted death for all humanity. Jesus' humility, exemplified in His suffering, reminds us that God’s love is not a pampering love, but a perfecting love. He uses our suffering to shape us into who He’s called us to be. The lesson of humility is one that we all must embrace in our own lives. Jesus shows us that humility is not weakness, but strength under control. He surrendered His will to God’s plan, and we are called to do the same. We must recognize that we are not in control, our role in life is small compared to God’s grand plan, and life is ultimately about Jesus. By humbling ourselves and depending on Him, we prepare for the glory that is to come. Suffering and humility are not detours in the Christian life—they are the very path that leads to glory. Jesus suffered and was humiliated on the cross, but through that suffering, He defeated two of our greatest enemies: Satan and the fear of death. By dying on the cross, Jesus took on our greatest fears and emerged victorious, so that we no longer have to live in fear. His resurrection gives us hope and confidence in the future glory that awaits us. The example of Jesus shows us that the path to exaltation is not through power or pride, but through humility and dependence on God. Just as Jesus humbled Himself to the point of death, we are called to empty ourselves of pride, let go of our desire to control everything, and trust in God’s plan for our lives, even when it involves suffering. We need to run back to Jesus daily, acknowledging our need for Him. Our challenge is to remember that this life is not about squeezing everything we can out of our brief time on earth. Instead, our focus should be on eternity and preparing for the glory that is yet to come. Every season of suffering, every moment of humility, is preparing us for the day when we will rule with Jesus as our King. So let’s stay humble. Let’s remember that Jesus has already walked this path of suffering and victory, and He is with us as we walk through our own challenges. Let’s trust that in His perfect plan, our humility will one day be exchanged for exaltation when we see Him face to face. In Christ, we have nothing to fear—our victory is already won. - Adapted from sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 10/6/24. Have you ever noticed how easy it is to hit the "snooze" button? Whether it’s on our alarm clocks or in our spiritual lives, we can all be tempted to delay what’s most important. In Hebrews 2:1-4, we’re reminded of the urgency of listening to God’s Word and staying alert in our faith. The writer of Hebrews uses a powerful comparison: if the Jewish people took the messages of angels seriously, how much more should we pay attention to the message that came directly from Jesus, the Son of God? Let's not "hit snooze" on the Gospel message but stay awake, alert, and committed to following Christ.
Throughout the Bible, angels delivered God’s messages to His people, and these messages were revered. Jewish tradition even suggests that Moses received the Ten Commandments from an angel. But now, we have the Good News delivered by Jesus Himself. If the people held the words of angels in such high regard, how much more should we hold on to the words of Jesus? The call is clear: don’t ignore the Gospel; don’t hit snooze on the most important message we could ever receive. In our busy, fast-paced lives, it’s easy to drift away from Jesus without even noticing. Like a boat drifting off course, we can slowly slide away from our commitment to Christ if we’re not paying careful attention. Hebrews warns us that the consequences of ignoring this great salvation are serious. We must be intentional about anchoring ourselves to the truth of the Gospel and resisting the subtle temptations that try to pull us away. Drifting doesn’t happen overnight; it’s gradual. It might start with small compromises, distractions, or neglecting our time with God. But over time, these small decisions can lead to a significant distance between us and Jesus. That’s why the writer of Hebrews urges us to pay close attention to what we’ve heard. It’s not enough to simply hear the Gospel; we must act on it, let it change our lives, and stay anchored in our faith. One of the key ways to avoid spiritual drift is to shift our focus back to Jesus. We are called to live with intentionality, making sure that our attention is fixed on Him. We can ask ourselves: Are we giving as much attention to our spiritual growth as we do to other areas of life like work, finances, or even hobbies? The challenge is to shift our priorities and ensure that following Jesus remains our central focus. Beyond making the shift, we are also called to reverse the drift. This means not only returning to Jesus but allowing God to use us in powerful ways. Hebrews 2:4 reminds us that God confirmed His message through signs, wonders, and spiritual gifts. Every believer has been uniquely designed to share the Gospel and live out God’s purpose. Reversing the drift involves stepping into the gifts God has given us and being part of His plan to reach the world around us. Finally, we must remember that the Good News is still as relevant today as it was when we first believed. It wasn’t just Good News for a moment; it’s Good News for all time. For those who have never responded to the Gospel, now is the time. Don’t delay. Just as we wouldn’t ignore an angel sent by God, we must not ignore the message of salvation delivered by Jesus. It’s time to receive the gift of salvation and live fully for Him. As a church, we encourage you to stay awake, stay alert, and live with purpose. Don’t hit snooze on the Good News! Shift your focus, reverse the drift, and receive the gift of life that Jesus offers. - Adapted from sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 9/29/24. |
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These are powerful posts adapted from our pastors' weekly sermons.
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