Connections Church: Recent Episodes
George Saylor
Weekly messages from Connections Church in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, where our mission is to help you connect with your calling in Jesus Christ. Find out more about our mission and what we do at www.myconnections.church
Join Pastor Rob Byker as he shares a message from Psalm 24 in the Daring to Draw Near series, titled “Join the 'Seek God’s Face' Generation.” Who can stand in God's holy presence? Only those with clean hands and a pure heart—those who seek Him above all else. Like Jacob, we’re called to stop chasing blessings and start treasuring God as the ultimate blessing. Be part of the generation that seeks His face with wholehearted devotion.Want to learn more about Connections Church? Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Pastor Rob Byker joins us with a message from Romans 8:14-17, titled “We Cry Abba!.” While religion says “Do, do, do,” the gospel says, “It is done.” Christ has already done everything needed for our salvation. We rest in His work, rejoice in His grace, and reflect His love. Through the Spirit, we cry out “Abba, Father” and draw near with confidence.Want to learn more about Connections Church? Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Pastor Rob Byker joins us with a message from Genesis 32:22-32, titled “Prepare to Wrestle.” Have you ever wrestled with God? Jacob did—desperate for a blessing, he held on and wouldn’t let go. He left the struggle with a new name, Israel, and a limp that marked him forever. We’re called to do the same—to wrestle with God in prayer, to fully engage, and not hold back. The blessing is worth the struggle.Want to learn more about Connections Church? Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Rev. John Byker joins us with a message titled “Hearts Refreshed,” based on Philemon 1:1–7 and the verse, “Because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord’s people” (v.7). His message will explore how God renews and refreshes our hearts through His Word, the call to repentance and glimpses of eternity.Want to learn more about Connections Church? Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Pastor Rob Byker joins us with a message from Isaiah 61, titled “A Planting To Display His Splendor.” God’s people were in exile and in despair. They felt like ashes. Their life had fallen apart. Sometimes we can feel that way too! In Isaiah 61, God promises to restore us and give us beauty for ashes. He will give us the beauty of a righteous character. Indeed, we will be called “oaks of righteousness for the display of His splendor.”(verse 4). But this gift is also a task. A task to praise His restoring grace, prize His promise to beautify and pursue His righteousness.Want to learn more about Connections Church? Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Pastor Evan Kim joins us with a message from Mark 1:1, titled “Worthy to Follow.” Humans are wired to be followers; the question is, who will we follow? While the world might offer many options, Christianity is a call to be followers (disciples) of Jesus Christ. As we look at the introduction to the Gospel of Mark, we will see why Jesus is truly the only one worth following.
Pastor Ruth Febriana joins us with a message from Ruth 1:1-22, titled “May the Lord Be with You: A New Hope for Mental Health.” This May 4th—Star Wars Day—we’re shining a light on Mental Health Awareness Month through the powerful story of Naomi and Ruth. Let’s explore healing, friendship, and a steadfast faith that never lets go—offering hope and restoration, even in life’s darkest chapters.
Pastor Evan Kim joins us with a message from Genesis 22:15-18, titled “The Assurance of Faith.” Christians might feel their faith ebb and flow as they continue to grow in Christ. Doubts and questions may lead us to seek assurance of our salvation. We’ll be looking at Abraham, the father of faith, to learn how it was that he (and we) might find the assurance of our salvation.
Pastor Paul Jorden joins us with a message from Luke 24:36-48, titled “The Surprises of Easter.” The Easter story begins in a cemetery where a handful of grieving women come out to pay their last respects to a friend and mentor. But something HAPPENED there. Something completely unexpected, so SUPRISING , so REMARKABLE that they would have a hard time believing it. And so would everyone else who heard about it. Including US. But what happened was so remarkable, that, if it were TRUE, it really would change EVERYTHING. Join us on Easter morning as we take a closer look at what happened that day. And see if there's any reason to believe that our stories don't have to end in graveyards.Want to learn more about Connections Church? Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Pastor Kelly Vander Woude joins us with a message from Mark 11:1-11, titled “Palm Sunday.” It's "Palm Sunday" - the day we celebrate Christ's glorious entrance into Jerusalem to celebrate and commemorate Passover. And yet, on this massive celebratory day - when we zoom in (and out) - we find a day full of contradictions. A day, not unlike our lives today: one of contradictions.Want to learn more about Connections Church? Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Pastor Josh Speyers joins us with a message from John 11:38-44, titled, "A Joy Worth Sharing". One historic Christian tradition for the Fifth Sunday of Lent is to focus on the Resurrection of Lazarus, since this miracle took place in the days directly preceding the Triumphal Entry. This story in John 11 includes the shortest verse in the Bible about Jesus weeping at the tomb of Lazarus. Why would Jesus cry if he knew he was about to raise his friend from the dead? Bible scholars have had various reasons throughout time, but as we explore together we will see the heart of Jesus and be led to joy.Want to learn more about Connections Church? Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Yvonne Biel joins us with a message from Matthew 8, titled “Jesus is in your Boat.” Storms of life happen to even the bravest of disciples, but it often takes us until we hit a point of desperation before we realize the presence and power of Jesus available to us. As we study Matthew chapter 8, we will remember who Jesus is and what he can do for us in the midst of the storm.Want to learn more about Connections Church? Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Pastor Tim Spykstra joins us with a message from John 17:20-26, titled “To the Place I Belong.” We are always searching for the place we belong, our true home. Jesus ends His prayer by asking His Father to make His love known to His children. Our true home, the place where we belong is knowing the Father's love for us.Want to learn more about Connections Church? Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Pastor Rob Byker joins us with a message from Matthew 25:1-13, titled “Keeping Your Love Real.” The foolish bridesmaids do not bring reserve oil to welcome the groom with lamps to light His path. The groom comes when they least expect it and they are not prepared for him. Jesus says that He is the groom and we must always be ready for His return. We will be wise to prepare for His coming by keeping our love for Him real, warm and vital!Want to learn more about Connections Church? Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Pastor Evan Kim joins us with a message from Colossians 2:6-7, titled “Rooted in Christ.” Paul exhorts Christians to be rooted in Christ, another way of saying to be established in the faith. We’ll learn how faith provides the foundation for Christian living and flourishing, and consider how we are to understand and exercise our faith.Want to learn more about Connections Church? Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Exodus 24:9-11, titled “A Meal with God.” What would it be like to see God? Exodus 24:9-11 tells us that the leaders of Israel saw God. And we will see why they are not destroyed when doing so. Then we will also see how they had a beautiful meal with God. Celebrating communion on Sunday will give us a foretaste of seeing God and having a meal with him.Want to learn more about Connections Church? Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Luke 6:43-49, titled “Hypocrisy.” What’s the solution to hypocrisy? How do we get our actions, words, and feeling all in sync? This Sunday we conclude our series on the Sermon on the Plain in Luke 6:43-49. Jesus’ solution is to raise all our actions, words, and feelings to a higher level. What a challenge and joy to follow Jesus.Want to learn more about Connections Church? Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Luke 6:37-42, titled “Judging Others.” You’re not allowed to judge,” many will say as they defend their immoral actions. That’s what Jesus seems to say in Luke 6:37-42. But we’re also told by Jesus and in other parts of Scripture that we must judge immoral behavior. As we look at this passage, it will help us to understand the Sermon on the Plain as wisdom literature. We will also find ourselves thinking about Australia!Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Luke 6:27-36, titled “Love for Enemies.” Is there anyone you don’t like? Anyone you can’t stand to be with? In Luke 6:27-36 Jesus calls us to love these people, to do what’s best for them. We’ll also find out how to carry out this virtually impossible mandate.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Luke 6:17-26, titled “How Are You Really?” How are you really? Jesus answers that for us in his “sermon on the plain,” similar to his “sermon on the mount.” As we start this series, we see in Luke 6:20-26 that our true situation may be different that we’re going through right now. If we follow Jesus, we are blessed.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Job 19:25-27, titled “My Redeemer Lives.” Is it OK to desire honor? To be well-thought-of in the community and respected by family, classmates, coworkers, and others? But there are times in our lives when we lose our honor: rejection by family or friends, failure in a school or work project, false rumors spread, loss of dignity when aging or getting dementia. In Job 19:25-27 we see that someone is there to restore our honor.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Matthew 16:27, titled “Jesus’ Return to Judge.” A final court date has been set for all of us. Matthew 16:27 and other passages show that we all will stand before Jesus as judge. This is the third of our series on Jesus’ return to earth. We will see what the Bible says about that sobering final day of human history.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Revelation 22:7-21, titled “When Will Jesus Come Again?” When is Jesus coming again? Christians celebrate Jesus’ first Advent (coming) as a baby. Christians also look forward to Jesus’ second Advent. We will go through a short series on the second coming of Jesus. We begin by looking at Revelation 22:20, reflecting on what Jesus means when he says he’s coming soon. More importantly, are we ready for that?Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Psalm 121, titled “Where Our Help Comes From.” What are your deepest fears about the future? As we reflect on this past year and we look ahead to the New Year, what - or who - do we ultimately rely on to take care of us? Psalm 121 points us the eternal Creator as our personal security.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Matthew 1:1-17, titled “Jesus’ Roots.” Ashamed of someone in your family? In Jesus’ ancestry see a number of failures and scandals. In this passage we notice that God unashamedly uses all these ancestors to prepare for Jesus’ birth.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Luke 2:1-3, titled “Governments Prepare for Jesus’ Birth.” How do we know what events today will be in the history books later? How are government leaders used to bring in God’s kingdom? Lukde 2:1-3 illustrates how God uses governments to prepare for Jesus’ birth. And it shows what God’s people do in preparation for Jesus coming.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Pastor Paul Jorden joins us with a message from Galatians 4:4-7, titled “The Hopes and Fears of All the Years.” What does it mean that Christmas fulfills the hopes and fears of all the years? Paul’s letter to the Galatians offers a glimpse into how God’s perfect timing, remarkable plan, and profound purpose came together in the birth of His Son. Could this moment in history truly answer humanity’s deepest longings?Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Micah 5:1-5a, titled “The Savior in Bethlehem.” Where do we look to find someone to make things better? We all live by the hope that someone somewhere will fix life for us. This Sunday we start an Advent series seeing how God prepared for the birth of his son. Micah 5:1-5a points to where we are to look.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Esther 8:3 – 10:3, titled “Let’s Celebrate!” How do we celebrate the holidays as Christians? We do enjoy the food, people, and festivities as others do. But we especially direct our joyful hearts and gratitude to God, the source of all our blessings. In these final chapters of Esther (8-10) we see how God’s people celebrated God’s goodness and saving power.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Esther 6:1 – 8:2, titled “Sweet Victory.” Do we trust God to make things right? Do we trust God’s timing? When events in life are the bleakest, God delights in suddenly turning it all around. We see how God does this in Esther 6:1 – 8:2.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Esther 4-5, titled “Willing to Be Used.” Ever wonder why God placed you where you are—in your family, school, career path, or community? Even if that place feels dark or difficult, Esther 4-5 (especially 4:15) reminds us of God’s call to be used by Him in any situation.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Esther 2:19 – 3:15, titled “Two World Views”. What is a worldview? How we look at reality and live it out affects the way we respond to God and how we treat others. In Esther 2:19 – 3:15 we will see very different worldviews and how they clash.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Esther 1:1 – 2:18, titled “A New Queen.” We may wonder at times if there are any true Christians in government. Are there Christians in leadership of educational institutions, the entertainment industry, or large corporations? As we begin going through Esther (1:1 - 2:18) we see that God does plant his people in influential positions and has special plans for them.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Philippians 4:14-20, titled “Offerings.” Why do we give offerings and financial gifts at church and elsewhere? Why does God tell us to give financially? As we conclude our series in Philippians (4:14-20) we see the value of our giving. Not only are causes we give to helped. But we ourselves also receive a benefit. And giving is a way to show our love for God.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Philippians 4:10-13, titled “Contentment.” How can a rich person be content? How can a poor person be content? We are told the secret to contentment in Philippians 4:10-13, no matter how great life is for us or how terrible life is for us.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Philippians 4:8-9, titled “Noble Thoughts.” How do we manage our thoughts so they are God-honoring? And how do we cultivate healthy thought patterns? The Bible has a lot to say about our thought life. This includes Philippians 4:8-9, which we will carefully review Sunday morning.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Philippians 4:4-7, titled “Rejoice in the Lord.” How can we rejoice when there is little to be happy about? Christians turn to the loving heavenly Father. In this passage we see that God does something better than take away our problems and heartaches.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Pastor Rob Byker joins us with a message from Psalm 16, titled “Taking Christ as Your Portion and Your Cup.” Sometimes evangelists sharing Christ on the street will cry out, "Have you taken Christ as your personal Savior?" It's an unsettling question and a blunt approach. And yet, it is also a key question every heart must wrestle with. But there is second question every Christian must ask, "Have I taken Christ as my Portion and my Cup?" That's the question we will explore this morning. David says in Psalm 16:5 "LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup". This means David ranks the LORD as his top joy and his great hope. David's choice inspires his worship, informs his service and secures his heart amid the troubles and threats he faces. Every Christian who takes Christ as their Portion and Cup will experience a similar blessing. Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!What are your goals in life? What are our goals as a church? And how do we achieve them? In this passage we see God revealing through Paul lofty goals, how to pursue them, and who they are focused on.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Philippians 3:1-11, titled “Losing, Gaining.” Have you ever bragged on how religious you are? Have you ever wanted to? In Philippians 3:1-11 we see how this kind of religion sucks out our joy. We’re reminded how Christ alone makes us good and gives us his joy.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Proverbs 6:6-11, titled “Call to Work.” Where does our work ethic come from? Christians derive their work ethic from the Bible. We will scan Scripture to see what God is telling us about our approach to work.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Philippians 2:19-30, titled “Christian Altruism.” How do we avoid burnout when caring and giving? Christians are called to share time and money with those in need. But how do we do this without giving up? In this passage we find where the strength comes from to truly care.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Philippians 2:12-18 titled, "On Your Own." How much hovering is needed to make sure people we love are good Christians? How much do we need for ourselves? How do we let go and let God work? When God does the work, we begin to shine like stars.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Philippians 2:5-11, titled “Jesus’ Song.” If someone were to produce a song about you and your entire life, what would be included? Would others be able to identify with it? Sunday morning we look at a song written about Jesus. And we see the call to make that our song too.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Philippians 1:27 – 2:4, titled “Christian Unity." A sign of mature Christians is that they get along with each other and are united. But how do we achieve that? Especially when we all believe our way is the best way! May God give us listening hearts as he calls us again to unity.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Philippians 1:19-26, titled “To Live, or to Die." Is it healthy to want to live and want to die, at same time? For a Christian it can be. We maintain a healthy balance by being anchored in Christ.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Philippians 1:12-18, titled “Whatever It Takes." Could being falsely accused and going to prison be better? Could leaders of other churches stealing our sheep be a good thing? Could whatever struggle we’re going through right now actually be for the best? In this passage we see how God works in ways that may not make sense to us right now. But in the end we can say it was good.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Welcome Pastor John Gorter for his first sermon as our interim pastor! Over the next few months, he will guide us through the Book of Philippians, beginning with a message from Philippians 1:1-11, titled ‘Maturing in the Gospel.” What goals would an interim pastor have for a congregation? In Philippians we see the special relationship Paul had with the Philippian church and how he wanted them to grow as Christians. May God similarly gift us with close bonds. And may we mature in the gospel: to know, love, and follow Jesus Christ.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Pastor Evan Kim has a message from Ephesians 5:15-21 titled "Walking the Walk". The Bible commonly regards the Christian life as a “walk.” Employing that analogy, Paul exhorts Christians to live a life walking in the Spirit by being mindful of our time, our words and our attitudes. Doing so will help us to be established in the truth that God is always walking with us.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Pastor Joy Englesman has a message from 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 and Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 titled “Flying in Formation”. What does it mean for Christians to “encourage one another?” As we discern God’s direction for our personal lives and the ministry of our church, we find strength, support, inspiration and strategy when we fly in formation with each other.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Pastor Rob Byker has a message from Acts 12:1-19, “Surprised by Prayer”. Even though the church of Jerusalem prays for God to deliver Peter out of prison, they are shocked when God does it and Peter stands before them free! This shows us that even when we pray, there is often some levels of unbelief in us when we pray. Some Christians notice this and then pray more, praying for better faith. Other Christians notice this and stop praying altogether. We need to avoid that response at all costs. Prayerlessness is a serious sin and our Lord Jesus charges us to “always pray and not give up.” In this message, we will address some barriers to prayer as well as look at some truths that help us to return to prayer again.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Pastor Sheri Admiraal, from Hope Fellowship CRC, has a message from Matthew 15:21-28, “The Stacked Deck of Grace”. God’s grace is something that far exceeds our human understanding. We have our own standards of inclusion vs. exclusion, restriction vs. freedom, judgment vs. grace. The cards of life that we are dealt often are stacked one way – either in favor or against us – according to societal or cultural standards. But no matter what cards in life we are dealt, God showers his grace upon us, through faith, by the working of the Holy Spirit. If God has showered his grace upon us, so are we called to receive God’s grace in our own lives and extend it to others.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Pastor Evan Kim has a message from Ephesians, titled “The Armor of God”. His message, The Armor of God, is a well-known passage in which Paul compares Christian living to warfare. In Ephesians 6:10-18, Paul provides a threefold map to fighting the spiritual battle: knowing our enemy, knowing our equipment, and knowing our engagement. Ultimately, we may rest in the truth that it is Jesus who is fighting with us and who has already secured our victory.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Yvonne Biel has a message in preparation for Pentecost from Acts 1-2, titled "Day 50". This week we learn that there are too many Christians living defeated lives, losing the battle, and settling for a painful tormented life of discouragement and despair. Resurrection seems to be a far-off reality and Christians are walking around powerless letting the enemy take the upper hand. Why does it feel like Christians are losing the battle when the victory has already been won? How come we feel powerless? Perhaps Christians are getting stuck between Resurrection and Pentecost. Let's look at Pentecost and the keys it gives us to Kingdom victory.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Pastor Paul Jorden joins us with a message from John 1:35-42, titled “What it Takes to Do the Introductions.” Jesus instructed his disciples in the art of making more disciples, emphasizing reliance on God. Today, we follow this model by actively seeking opportunities to share His message, trusting in God to guide the outcomes.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Connections Church welcomes back Pastor Rob Byker with a message from Jeremiah 13:1-11, titled “A Belt for God’s Glorious Reputation.”Join us as we learn how sometimes the Prophets teach through object lessons. God instructs Jeremiah to buy a linen belt and then bury it in a river bank. Jeremiah returns months later to retrieve the belt and finds it completely ruined. Jeremiah shows the people his ruined belt and says, “You have become like this useless belt.” How do Christian’s become corrupt? Even more, what steps do we need to take to become the people God desires us to be? We will explore such questions in the message: A Belt for God’s Glorious Reputation.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Connections Church is pleased to welcome a visit from Pastor Cliff Hoekstra as he preaches from Mark 1:1-13.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Connections Church welcomes back Pastor Rob Byker with a message from Proverbs 24:13-14, titled “Savor the Sweetness!”. Just as honey is sweet to the taste buds, wisdom is sweet to our souls. While Christianity does contain some difficult duties, it is also a pleasurable thing which yields many blessings. It is no wonder Proverbs encourages us to savor the sweetness of knowing wisdom!Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Connections Church welcomes back Pastor Jon Kool for Epiphany Sunday with a message from Matthew 2:1-12, titled “The Surprise of Epiphany”. We will look at the tradition and history of Epiphany Sunday. We’ll learn from the story of the Magi that Jesus brought good news for all people, even some people who might surprise us.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Connections Church welcomes back Pastor Rob Byker for our second Advent message with a message, "God With Us: Peace", from Isaiah 57:14-21. This Advent we remember that God desires to be with us! Some think of peace as the absence of conflict but the Bible pictures peace in a fuller way. Peace is also the presence of harmony in our relationship with Him. He does everything necessary for peace but calls us to honest tears over our sin.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Connections Church is so blessed to welcome back Yvonne Biel for our first week of Advent with the message "Advent Hope." Clinging to hope is necessary for our souls - not just during the Christmas season but all year around. Come learn about our God-given hope and steps we can take to raise our hope in our Emmanuel this Advent season.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Connections Church welcomes Pastor Rob Byker for more from his series, this week from Philippians 1:20-26. We learned that Paul is determined to see his suffering as an opportunity to exalt Christ in His body. Paul prays for sufficient courage to live a Christ exalting life. His vision is breathtaking: “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Connections Church continues our series from Pastor Rob Byker on Philippians, Chapter One with a sermon from Philippians 1:12-19, titled "The Potential of Suffering to Advance the Gospel." Paul sees that suffering can advance the gospel. His jailtime gave him an audience to preach the good news to the entire palace guard. His example also emboldened others to share. His enemies had jailed him to defeat the gospel but Paul rejoices in the Lord who uses his jailtime to promote the gospel.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Connections Church welcomes Pastor Rob Byker for the second week with a sermon from Philippians 1:9-11, titled "Growing in Love for God’s Glory." Paul wants the Philippians to love wisely and well through their suffering! An appointment to suffering is an appointment to love and such Love will yield glorious blessings. Blessings like being able to discern the good, right and true path in life and finding ourselves glorious on Judgment Day as the people God intended us to be: pure and blameless, filled with the fruit of righteousness.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Connections Church welcomes Pastor Rob Byker with a sermon from a series on Philippians, Chapter One, starting with Philippians 1:1-9, "God Will Finish What He Started in You!". We learn about how Paul overflows with thanks for the Philippian church. Other churches fed on Paul’s gospel teaching but this church supported it. They were partners in the Gospel with Paul and they were not ashamed of his chains. Sometimes when we hurt we lose sight of the blessings we possess as God’s holy people bound for glory.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Connections Church is honored to welcome Pastor Joyce Schroeder from Cadence International with a message from 2 Thessalonians 2:13–3:5, titled "He Called Us to This."Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
Welcome to Connections Church Online!Connections Church is blessed to be joined by Yvonne Biel with a message from Romans, titled “Unashamed”, teaching us about Paul's transformative journey.Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/
“For the grace of God has appeared that offers salvation to all people. It teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.” ~ Titus 2:11-12
You've seen it happen. (Maybe it's happened to you.) Without this fruit you can crash your job, your marriage, your health, your life, your faith.
Self-Control. When we listen to the siren songs of the world we inevitably crash. But there is another song- A better song- that calls us home to the shores of grace.
This Sunday we wrap up our "Bear Fruit" series with our final fruit of Self-Control.
“I am gentle and humble in heart.” ~ Matthew 11:29
It seems that angry, loud, and down-right mean voices have taken control. Maybe this is the most important fruit for our times-
To cultivate gentle hearts like the heart of Jesus.
We don't have to guess how Jesus described himself. He tells us. Directly. "I am gentle and humble in heart."
And more, he lived it- He came to us gently, the babe born in a manger. He treated us gently, not holding our sins against us. He comes to us gently, in the whisper of the Holy Spirit to all with open hearts.
“When Jesus heard this, he was amazed... with such great faith." ~ Matthew 8:10
Only twice in the bible do we read that Jesus was "amazed." (I suppose it's pretty hard to amaze the creator of the universe!)
On one occasion he was amazed at his hometown's lack of faith. But on another occasion we read that one man, a man others presumed to be far from God, actually amazed Jesus with his faith.
In Christian circles we throw around this word "faith" a lot. So this Sunday we'll take a deep dive into, faith, being faithful, and the fruit of faithfulness.
The goal is simple enough- that we too might amaze Jesus with our faithfulness!
God is love. (1 John 4:8)
And love is patient. (1 Corinthians 13:4)
This Sunday we continue our "Bear Fruit" series with a deep dive into patience.
Perhaps no other characteristic of the Spirit's fruit is more easily dismissed than patience.
Too many people excuse themselves by simply saying they are just not patient.
And that may be true. In our flesh most of us are naturally impatient and irritable.
But that's the point of the fruit of the Spirit- We have a strength and power not of ourselves. We can become more loving. More joyful. More peaceful. And yes, even more patient!
And like all the fruit, it takes some practice.
“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.” ~ John 14:27
It's become cliche- If you could have one wish what would it be? World Peace!
Except that it might be the right answer!
World peace would mean all people in a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ It would be right relationships with one another as the body of Christ. It would mean no more personal pain- mental, emotional, physical.
So yeah- world peace!
This Sunday we continue our "Bear Fruit" series and look into the fruit of peace. Ultimately peace is a gift. Peace is a person. Peace is Jesus!
"I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete." ~ John 15:11
The bible mentions "joy" over 250 times. And "rejoice" over 150 times. So there are literally hundreds of things we can say about joy from the bible.
But this Sunday, in our "Bear Fruit" series, we'll say three things about joy.
Jesus wants joy for us. Jesus even promises joy for us. So we'll look at the three sources of joy that come to us through Jesus.
Because if there's one thing we can say for sure about joy it is this...
True joy comes from Jesus!
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” ~ Galatians 5:22
In March of 2020 we had just kicked off a series on the Fruit of the Spirit. I preached two sermons from John 15- Jesus is the vine; we are the branches; let's bear fruit!
Then something happened. Enough said.
I think it's time we revision that series and work out way through the fruit of the Spirit.
This Sunday we kick it off with one fruit that leads to all the others- love.
“Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” ~ Luke 15:23-24
A lost lamb. A lost coin. Lost kids.
Jesus loves lost things. Or rather, he loves us so much that when we lose our way, he comes searching.
This Sunday we look at the most beloved parable of Jesus- The Prodigal Son.
This is really the story of two lost sons, and a father who loves them prodigiously (extravagantly).
Join us this Sunday, and join the feast of the found- those who were dead, but who are alive in Christ!
“Go and do likewise.” ~ Luke 10:37
It's not a problem of understanding. It's not even a problem of agreeing.
It's a problem of doing.
We all know we should be a good neighbor. But what is our motivation to love our neighbor like Jesus? And what does loving like Jesus look like?
This Sunday we look at the parable of the Good Samaritan. You already know it. And you already agree with it. But are we living it?
Let's start this Sunday and invite a neighbor to hear the Good News!
"Well done, good and faithful servant!" ~ Matthew 25:
We had an amazing week at the Jicarilla Reformed Church in Dulce New Mexico.
Our team lead VBS for nearly 30 kids, we did some manual labor around the property, learned some of the history of the Jicarilla people, and so much more.
One of the lessons we taught in our "One the Case" curriculum was on the Parable of the Talents (or Bags of Gold).
In that story we hear the master say to two of his servants, "Well done, good and faithful servant!"
These are the words we all long to hear from Jesus. We were made to do good works in the name of Christ (Eph. 2:20) We were made to be good stewards of God's treasures.
This Sunday we'll find out how we might live so that we too will hear those wonderful words of Jesus... "Well done!"
"Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."~ Ephesians 4:3This Sunday we celebrate Pentecost-The outpouring of the Holy Spirit!The birth of the Church!The fulfillment of the promise of Jesus!Pentecost was not a one-and-done day in history.Pentecost is an invitation to all-Repent and be baptized.Believe in Jesus.And receive the gift of the Holy Spirit!This Sunday we'll celebrate the Holy Spirit.We'll invite His presence and power into our lives and church.And we'll do the one thing He told us to do as believers to welcome Him.UNITE!
"Come, let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation.Let us come before him with thanksgiving and extol him with music and song."~ Psalm 95:1-2This Sunday we'll wrap up our Mental Health month with part three of the holy trinity-First, your daily devotions, or "office," with God.Second, your Group of fellow disciples.Third, Sabbath and Awe!Recent research highlights the essential experience of awe for humans.We crave awe, wonder, transcendence,a deeper connection to God and the world around us.When it's missing boredom and isolation can set it.But when we have it, we flourish.I hope you'll join us this Sunday.Because God deserves our worship.And because, according to the science,you were made for this!
"Once you were not a people,but now you are the people of God."~ 1 Peter 2:10Turns out that something we've been talking about for a long time is essential for mental health and wellness...Connection.Specifically, social connection.We need to be seen.Known.Accepted.Loved.Part of something bigger than just me.Yet embraces me as essential.God has been inviting us to be part of something big-A chosen people.A holy nation.A special possession.This Sunday you are invited to be a part of it too!
"Fix your thoughts..."~ Philippians 4:8It turns out that feelings often follow thoughts.Anxiety,sadness,anger,fear,and other feelings,are often the symptoms of negative thought patterns.This must be why the bible is so adamant about fixing our thoughts-fixing them on the truth of God,and the love of Jesus,and the power of the Holy Spirit.This Sunday we'll apply some CBT-Christian Biblical Truth-to the negative thoughts that can take hold of our hearts and minds.
"Cast all your anxiety on Himbecause He cares for you."~ 1 Peter 1:7This Sunday Pastor Ruth kicks our our new series,"I'm Fine"Actually, I'm not.You're not.No one is "just fine."We all have anxieties, struggles, temptations and more.If you think you're alone, you're not.If you believe asking for help is weakness, it's not.If you've been told that Christians don't need counseling,that you just need to pray about it more,that it's unfaithful to take medication...That's wrong.Throughout May we will be talking about the intersection of faith and mental health. The bible has much to say about the mental health and wellness.
for it is written:"Be holy, because I am holy.”~ 1 Peter 1:16If I were to ask you to pick one word to describe Godyou might very well say, "Holy." And you'd be right. No adjective is used more in connection with God.But what if I asked you to describe yourself?I doubt that "holy" would be the first word to jump to your mind.This Sunday we're making the case-Actually Peter is going to make the case for us-That just as God is holy,so we-God's chosen,sanctified,born again,obedient children-(this is how Peter is redefining us)We too are called to be holy!
"To God’s elect,exiles scattered... chosen... Grace and peace be yours in abundance."~ 1 Peter 1:1,2God's people have a long history of being strangers in strange lands-exiled, scattered, elect, chosen ones...This Sunday we'll look at Peter's letter to suffering Christians,and how he helped them to understand God's plan for them,and the world."In all this you greatly rejoice,though now for a little while you may have had to suffer griefin all kinds of trials."~ 1 Peter 1:6
He is risen!"~ Matthew 28:6, Mark 16:6, Luke 24:6, John 20:9Join us Easter Sunday to sing, shout and sharethe three words that change everything...He Is Risen!We'll have an Easter Egg Hunt at 9am sharp.Then we celebrate the resurrection at 9:30am.We'll also celebrate baptisms,welcome new members,and watch a dramatic narrative of Easter morning.
The crowds that went ahead of himand those that followed shouted,“Hosanna to the Son of David!”“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”“Hosanna in the highest heaven!”~ Matthew 21:9It's kind of funny-After the crowd shouts these praises to Jesus,we read that they asked a question,"Who is this man?" (Matthew 21:10)It seems they were swept up in the moment,but didn't really know who he was, or what was happening.But we do.Simply put, Jesus is the one we've been waiting for-Prophet.Priest.King.Christ!This weekend we celebrate Palm Sundayand the beginning of Passion Week-The week that leads us through Good Fridayand on to Easter Sunday!
"...can these bones live?"~ Ezekiel 37:3 It sounds more like Halloween.But other than the Easter story-(We're only two weeks away!)There no more "Easter" story than this!Ezekiel 37.The valley of dry bones.The evidence of past violence.And defeat."Can these bones live?" Asks God.The answer-YES!It will take a word from God.It will take the breath of God.But resurrection,New Creation,can, and will, happen!
"One thing I do know.I was blind but now I see!"~ John 9:25 This Sunday, our 4th week of Lent,we'll look at John 9-where Jesus heals a man born blind from birth.And Pastor Ruth will be preaching!While many suffer from a physical blindness,many more suffer from a spiritual blindness.Thanks be to God-Jesus is the light of the world who opened the eyes of the blind!
"Now he had to go through Samaria.'~ John 4:4Jesus displays the perfect balance of urgency and presence.Jesus resolved to get to Samaria.He "had to go..."Then, as soon as he got there,He "sat down by the well."Like Jesus, when we understand our calling and mission,we can have both urgency and presence.An urgency that gives direction and drive.And a peace that allows us to be fully present in the moment.This Sunday we will see the urgency of Jesus that gets him to Samaria.And the presence of Jesus that changes a woman,and in turn,brings revival to an entire city.It's awesome.It's one of my favorite stories in the bible.Don't miss out.
"For God so loved the worldthat he gave his one and only Son,that whoever believes in him shall not perishbut have eternal life."~ John 3:16It might be the most famous,most beloved,most shared Bible verse in the world.For good reason.It is simple enough to share with a child.Yet deep enough to discuss for a lifetime.This Sunday,our second Sunday of Lent,we'll look at a nighttime exchange between Jesus and Nicodemus,and the declaration that changed the world.
"Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil."~ Matthew 4:1Our first Sunday in Lent takes us into the wilderness with Jesus and Satan.Of course this teaches us some essential things about Jesus:He was tested and tried,and yet overcame.But in learning about Jesus' victory we'll learn a few things our our own temptations,and how to have victory in Jesus.
"His face shone like the sun,and his clothes became as white as the light"~ Matthew 17:2If you read Matthew, Mark, and Luke,all will bring you to a moment called "the transfiguration."It's peculiar to say the least.It almost feels out of context with the the rest of the story. Why does Jesus pull aside these disciples?Why do dead prophets appear?Why does Peter want to build a tent?The transfiguration is the answer to the question… “Who is Jesus?"And that answer changes everything.
"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it."~ Proverbs 4:23God tells us to guard our heart.Not to make you cold or caused or cruel.But to make you godly.And to protect you from harm.This Sunday, with Valentine's Day around the corner,we'll look at the wisdom of guarding our heart.How do we "unclutter" our heart from past sins and pain,and open our heart to cleansing and virtue?Jesus has some wisdom to share.
"Do not conform to the pattern of this world,but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."~ Romans 12:2Do you want to know the will of God?Of course you do.Every Christian prays to know the will of God.(and if you're not a Christian, the idea most certain intrigues you)There is a way to learn the will of God.But there is a catch.It will cost you your body.And your mind.Join us this Sunday as we declutter our brains, and our bodies,to learn the will of God.
"Let us throw off everything that hindersand the sin that so easily entangles."~ Hebrews 12:1Sometimes our homes get so cluttered that we don't know where to begin-The kitchen, closet, garage...So much stuff!The experts will tell you to start small.Unclutter one space.And one small victory will lead to others.It can feel the same with our faith-Where do we start when we want to grow?The answer is clear-If we want space for spiritual growth,we have to throw off everything that hinders and holds us back.
"(They) were both naked,and they felt no shame."~ Genesis 2:25You may recall the television show,"How To Look Good Naked."It was (obvious) a very titillating title meant to catch our attention.In reality the show was about helping women and men with body images issues learn to accept, respect and even love their bodies.With a mix of therapy, fashion and encouragement people were able to shed their guilt and shame.There was a time when we image-bearers of God were completely "uncluttered" by guilt, shame and sin. We were naked and unashamed. We were naked and didn't even know it!It was the "uncluttered" life we were created to live.This Sunday we are going to take a look in the mirror of the bible to reveal what it says about us-How we are created.Why we are created.What difference our creation makes.We are going to get unclutteredbefore our Creator!
Given time, we all collect clutter-Cluttered homes. Cluttered schedules. Cluttered lives.But it doesn’t have to stay that way. With some thought, work and discipline we can clear out the clutter and made room for matters. God. Relationships. And spiritual habits that bring blessing. Join us this winter as we take out the old and bring in the new!
“... to fulfill all righteousness." ~ Matthew 3:15It's a natural human inclination-To make a resolution to change our life.Even Jesus did it.He launched into his public ministry after living in relative obscurity for nearly 30 years.He did it by being baptized.it was a turning point in his life.A resolution.And the reason..."To fulfill all righteousness."How and why Jesus fulfilled all righteousness...Join us Sunday to find out,and make a fresh start in this new year!
“What is your life? ~ James 4:14This Sunday Pastor Ruth will be bringing the Word,and we'll be bringing in the New Year!Her message is titled,"When Plans Change: What to do with the Unexpected?"Our plans do not always align with God's plans.What do we do in these circumstances?How do we trust God and move forward in faith?Don't miss the opportunity to join together in worship as we welcome 2023.
“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you;he is the Messiah, the Lord.”~ Luke 2:11If you were to ask someone on December 24 what they want for Christmas,I wonder how many would answer,"To see God?"As crazy as that question may sound,that is the gift we are given on Christmas.And it is what we want more than anything else.Join us this Christmas Eve, 4pm, andtogether we will sing carols;Lift prayers;Give our gifts;And behold the face of God in Jesus.It does sound crazy.It is audacious.It is foolishness to many...But it is the promise of Christmas-In a baby born in Bethlehem we see the face of God,and gaze on our hearts true desire.
“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”(which means “God with us”).”~ Matthew 1:23This Sunday is week 4 of our Advent season.We will light the love Candle.And we' finally get to the baby Jesus!(I know, it's about time!)When open to the first chapter of the firs book of the New Testament and the story of Jesus what do we actually find...Names.Lots and lots of names!This Sunday we'll see why those names are so important.But most important,we'll be introduced to the name that is above all names-His name is Jesus.And we will call him "Immanuel."
“Are you the one who is to come,or should we expect someone else?”~ Matthew 11:3This Sunday is week three of our Advent season.We will light the Joy Candle.And we'll continue with the story of John the Baptist.No one had more faith in Jesus than John...Until his expectations for Jesus were not met.A similar thing can happen to us.We have high expectations for Christmas...And heavy disappointments.What happens when our expectations of Jesus, faith, life itself,are not met-Do we look at Jesus and re-adjust our expectations?Or we do we ask Jesus to re-adjust to us?
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.”~ Matthew 3:2This Sunday is week two of our Advent season.We will light the Peace Candle.And we'll hear the surprising, and unwelcomed, message of Jesus' cousin John the Baptizer.John preached a simple message,"Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near."And he used a few images that help to understand the true meaning of Christmas-A Road.A River.An Ax.And a Fire.
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come." ~ Jesus, Matthew 24:42
Advent is our season of preparation and anticipation for Christmas. It is the four Sundays that lead us to our celebration of Jesus’ birth. Perhaps you grew up in a church that made much of Advent. Or not. Either way you are invited to go all in this year with Connections!
Join us this Sunday as we look the future hope of Christmas- Jesus' second coming.
This Sunday we wrap up our "Low Anthropology" series and look into our selfishness. Paul puts it this way...
"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves," ~ Philippians 2:3
One of my best memories of ministry was working with Summer’s Best Two Weeks, a sports camp in western PA. It was two weeks of sports, worship, bible study and growing relationships. But through it all, with each activity, we were trying to teach and model to the campers that the best way to live is summarized in that simple statement: Jesus first. Others second. I’m third. To this day I still recite this words in my morning devotions.
This is the counter intuitive path to joy and fulfillment and discovering your calling in life: Serving others.
This Sunday we continue our "Low Anthropology" series and look into our "Doubleness." Paul puts it this way...
"I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do." ~ Romans 7:15
A Native American parable pictures a father is talking to his son. He tells him, “Everyone has two wolves inside of them. One wolf is violent, wild and destructive. The other wolf is disciplined, wise and generous. They are fighting inside of you.” "Which wolf will win?” His troubled son asks. His father answered, “The wolf that will win is the wolf that is fed.”
The bible tells of a similar battle that goes on inside all people. Yes, we are encouraged to feed the "good" wolf. But we have more- We have a savior who is able to deliver us from this battle of living a double life!
"I am gentle and lowly in heart..." ~ Jesus (Matthew 11:29)
This Sunday we continue our "Low Anthropology" series as we look to Jesus, who described himself as "gentle and lowly in heart."
What is the heart, biblically? The center of being. The driving force. It is who we are, revealed.
When Jesus reveals his innermost being, he is gentle. And he is lowly, or humble, in heart.
This is good news for all who can admit that they are lost and lonely, beaten and broken, addicted and afraid, sick and sinning and in need of a savior.
Join us this Sunday as we approach God in worship. Don't worry, he is ready to receive you... Gently. Humbly.
"(Jesus) came to seek and to save the lost." ~ Luke 19:10
This Sunday we start a new series inspired by David Zahl's book, "Low Anthropology: The Unlikely Key to a Gracious view of Others and Yourself"
From the book: "Many of us spend our days feeling like we’re the only one with problems, while everyone else has their act together. But the sooner we realize that everyone struggles like we do, the sooner we can show grace to ourselves and others."
This Sunday we look into the story of a man named Zacchaeus who had a truly low view of himself (do you see what I did there? It will make sense Sunday). But he was able to turn this disadvantage into an advantage.
Maybe your breakthrough can happen by simply seeing Jesus, and yourself, from a different point of view!
This Sunday we welcome back Mike Sares, Executive Director of Urban Skye, with the message "To Forgive or Not".
In a perfect relationship, there is no need to forgive or to be forgiven. This sermon speaks to all those other relationships—the ones that are not perfect. What does it mean to forgive someone, and just how do we forgive someone who has hurt us deeply?
"Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." ~ 1 Corinthians 9:6-7
This Sunday we look into the one of our core values as a church and as followers of Christ- Generosity in Giving.
Every Christ follower needs to take seriously their role as a steward. Every steward needs to have a DETERMINED, DECIDED, and DEDICATED plan for generously giving back to God.
Join us this Sunday!
This Sunday we wrap up our "God is Green" series. We'll look at the final vision of what is to come, and answer some of your questions on faith and creation care.
Now, as in the future, we are called to: - Worship the Creator; - Live as stewards; - And Look forward to our inheritance: - the return of Jesus, - the resurrection of our bodies, - and life everlasting in the New Creation.
Creation Groaning... "We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time." ~Romans 8:22
Something is coming. We all sense it. But what is it? This Sunday in our "God is Green" series we turn the corner to what most people may find most interesting, and most life changing. Because what we think about what's coming has a profound impact on how we think and act today. Is the earth, and all our efforts, doomed to destruction? Or are we to eagerly await a hope and redemption (Romans 8:23) that actually means our lives, and our world, matters?
Join us this Sunday!
In week three of our "God is Green" series we turn to Genesis 2 and the Creation or Cultural Mandate. Work and care, or keeping, was a part of God's original plan and design for creation and His image bearers. And while work can often be less-than-awesome, that not the way it's supposed to be. In this sermon George will connect the Creation Mandate and the Great Commission as we seek to engage all of creation with the mission of renewal.
This Sunday in our "God is Green": series we turn from the Creator's role to our role as stewards. Men and women, As God's image bearers, have both an "immanent" and "transcendent" role to fulfill. We are both a part of the created order (immanent) and serve a role of "rule and dominion" over creation (transcendent). How do we hold both in balance as we see to exercise our role like Jesus who came to serve and even sacrifice for creation.
This September Connections Church, along with millions of Christians around the world, will celebrate "The Season of Creation." Churches across the globe join together to praise God for Creation’s beauty, focus on the call of stewardship, and lament the brokenness and the groaning of all creation. This Sunday we praise the Creator through Psalm 104 and break down the story of creation. How wonder that the same God who created oceans, mountains and galaxies decided that the world needed you too!
This Sunday we welcome Pastor George back to Connections after his summer sabbatical. It's time to get back to work that God is calling us to do! Join us as we celebrate Labor Day weekend with an international potluck lunch after the service.
Join us for celebrating Father's Day with a message from Steve Garcia, Get Your Business Done Coaching Founder and the Retired Celebration Community Church Founder.
David Eaton Axis President & Cofounder brought us a message about The Meaning of Life from the Book of Ecclesiastes. The wisdom of Solomon shows that he searched for the meaning of life through the ways of the world but found it all as vapor. He concluded that the meaning of life is a relationship with God the Father. We searched through popular culture in the message to find that the meaning of life today is still the same, a relationship with God the Father through the risen and reigning Christ Jesus.
"Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light." ~ Jesus, Matthew 11:28-30
There's a solution to the overworked, overwhelmed, running-on-empty frenetic pace of life. But you don't want the solution. Because chances are you already know the solution.
It's called Sabbath. It means stop. Rest. Worship. Trust.
This Sunday I'm excited to share a message called "The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry." (It's a quote from Dallas Willard.)
It's also my last Sunday preaching before my Sabbatical- a summer of rest and re-connecting with Jesus, my family, and myself.
"... anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires." ~ James 1:20
Have you noticed that many people seem really angry? Like a constant, underlying rage that is ready to explode at any moment?
Anger isn't new. And not all anger is bad. But too many are living with a level of anger that is personally destructive, relationally toxic and sinful against God.
This Sunday in our "God Help Me: Biblical Help For Mental Health" series we'll look into what the bible has to say about anger, and more specifically, what to do with the ungodly anger that is causing so much harm.
"Do not be anxious about anything..." ~ Philippians 4:6
Sometimes the bible is pretty direct. Maybe a little too direct. "Do not be anxious about anything..." Really?! It's that easy. Just stop being anxious?
Yes and no. Think of it more like an invitation rather than an insensitive command.
"... but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." ~ Philippians 4:6-7
God sees us and knows our anxious hearts. And offers a way of living and approaching anxiety-inducing circumstances.
This Sunday we'll be continue our series God Help Me: Biblical Help for Mental Health and we'll be addressing one of the most common, and most pervasive of all experiences- Anxiety.
Does the Bible even address mental health? Yes.
This Sunday we'll set the foundation for a biblical view of mental health. Simply put, Jesus invites us to love God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength. And to love our neighbor as ourselves.
We so can, and are called, to love ourselves holistically: - Our heart (the emotions). - Our mind. - Our soul. - Our strength (the body).
The church is generally good about asking for help when someone is physically sick. No so much when it comes to mental health and illness.
But God cares about our mental health and the bible is not silent on matters of mental illness. This May 2022 we want to break the silence, de-stigmatize, and open the conversation about mental health awareness, and help, in the church.
It happens to all of us- A mistake. A failure. A choice we can't take back.
Then we get stuck in that moment. Reliving, replaying that scene over, and over and over...
How do we move on from failure? Jesus' friend Peter made a monumental mistake. Even after Easter, after the resurrection, Peter was still stuck.
So Jesus goes to him, and restores their relationship, and Peter's calling to lead the church.
Please don't miss this Sunday. Please take this opportunity to invite someone to worship who you know is struggling with something from their past that haunts them.
Resurrection, and Restoration, is available.
Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord! ~ John 12:13
The weekend we celebrate Palm Sunday. Palm Sunday sets the stage for Holy Week- the last week of Jesus' ministry, leading us to Easter.
How is it that this one event can be both the most humiliating, and most exalting, demonstrations of Jesus' mission?
Families, your children will be invited to come forward in the service, bringing their own palm branches to worship Jesus.
We will also be celebrating communion, so prepare your hearts to come to the Lord's Table.
And make plans to join us for Good Friday, April 15, at 7pm.
And of course Easter Sunday and our celebration of the resurrection April 17.
Have you ever stopped to consider what "Christian" means? Yes, it means we are aligning ourselves with Jesus. But more, we are identifying with his title of Christ. And Christ means anointed. So it means we are identifying with Jesus' anointing.
And why was Jesus anointed? For burial.
When a person calls oneself "Christian," we are identifying with the death of Jesus, and the death of our own lives.
He died that we might live. We die that we can rise in him.
This Sunday we'll look into a story told in each of the gospels- Jesus' anointing for burial. It's truly awesome. And the implications for us are truly life changing.
Giving your life to Jesus isn't a "one and done" deal. For many of us we first come to Jesus as a savior. We received the forgiveness of our sins and the promise of eternal life. Perhaps next, out of gratitude, we make Jesus our Lord. We seek to honor him with every area of our lives. But for some the journey is still not over. As we follow Jesus we pick up the mantle of his mission, and join in the "ministry of reconciliation." "All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation." 2 Corinthians 5:18 This Sunday we'll look at, what form many, is the third conversion- embracing our role in the ministry of reconciliation and becoming ambassadors of Jesus.
"Here I am, Great I AM." God said to Moses, "I AM who I AM." Exodus 3:14 We all need a second chance. Or third. While we can simply erase the past, God does give the opportunity to start over. In fact, God can take our experiences, even or mistakes, and use them for his plans. This week week look at the story of Moses and the burning bush. It's really a story about a God of second chances: A God who hears and sees our suffering. A God who remembers His promises. A God who deserves our worship. A God who makes Himself known, and calls us to His mission.
"Jesus snorted." This Sunday we look into the second half of Jesus final miracle in the book of John- resurrecting Lazarus.
Just before the miracle we read in verse 33, "(Jesus) was deeply moved in spirit and troubled." But here's the interesting thing: in the Greek it's one word- Embrimaomai It literally means to snort.
So what is that all about? Why does Jesus "snort" at death? More importantly, what does Jesus do about it?
Pastor Ruth Folkerts starts our Lenten series, "Focus on the Cross." 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:
6 Who, being in very nature[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; 7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature[b] of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!
Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent, the 40 days (excluding Sundays) that lead up to Easter. The Old Testament records acts of repentance or mourning accompanied by symbolic ash and sackcloth. Recall stories of David, Esther, Job, Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Daniel.
Why do we put ashes on our foreheads? Ashes are a biblical reminder of our mortality: “You are dust, and to dust you shall return” (Genesis 3:19). The spreading of ashes on foreheads is a visible reminder of this. The ashes also represent sorrow and repentance for sin.
Lent is often thought of as a time to “give up” something, for example chocolate, but we sometimes forget that the intention of the fast is for repentance, remembrance, and reflection on the cross of Jesus Christ. We give up something in the flesh so that we might gain something in the spirit.
Pick up your Lent 2022 devotional and guide at church, or download a copy from our website.
We needed help. We cried out to God. Nothing seemed to happen.
Ever feel like God was "a day late and a dollar short"?
This Sunday we look into our seventh and final sign in the book of John- The raising of Lazarus.
Ask Mary and Martha, Jesus seemed a day late and dollar short of answering their cry for help.
But God's timing is never wrong. And in this case, it points us to a greater miracle, and a greater promise.
To get to resurrection, you have to go through the grave. I hope you'll join us this Sunday at 9:30am.
Don't be late!
"Eyes Wide Open" "Who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" ~ John 9:2 We may be offended by the question, but we've had the thought. "Does God punish us for sin?" On one level the answer is "Yes." All suffering, sickness, disease and death has, at its root, the punishing consequences of sin. But does God actually, punitively, punish you or me for sin? In this case, the short answer is "No." (Insert sigh of relief!) But there's more- Because people do sin. And people do suffer... And Jesus is doing something about it. Join us this Sunday as we look at the sixth sign in John's gospel- Healing the man born blind.
"Walk on Water" My kids called them water wings. Those floatation devices you slipped onto your arms. Fast. Easy. Safe.
But the day came when we told them, "No more water wings allowed!"
This week we'll be looking at the story of Jesus walking on the water. Like all the miracles, this is a sign that tells us about Jesus- He's the creator of the cosmos, bringing order out of chaos, and the deliverer taking us out of captivity.
But it's also telling something about ourselves, and what Jesus is looking for from his followers- a faith that fully trusts in him; a faith without water wings.
"Fishers of People" Series: Faith In Focus Luke 5:1-11
We often ask people if they believe in God. And we should. It's a great question and one we all must answer.
But have you ever thought about God's belief in you? Jesus apparently believed in the people he called to be disciples. Despite their failures and mistakes, he believed they could carry on his mission.
In today's lesson Jesus believes that Simon Peter has what it takes to become a fisher of people!
(Jesus) asked him, "Do you want to get well?" ~ John 5:6
The answer seems obvious. Of course we want to be well. Right? Interesting fact- 80% of illness in America is caused factors under our control: Poor Diet. Lack of Exercise. Lack of Sleep. Smoking and Drug Abuse. It seems that many people are choosing to live "not well."
So when Jesus asks, "Do you want to be well?" we have to consider the miracle he offers, and what it means for our lives.
I hope you'll join us, in person or online, as we look at miracle #3 in the Gospel of John.
"The man took Jesus at his word and departed." ~ John 4:50
What role to we play in making a miracle happen? Hard to say.
I've never know anyone able to perform miracles at will. Jesus rarely seems to do the same miracle twice. And when Jesus does a miracle it can happen by word, touch, being touched or other means.
So what can we take from Jesus healing the official's son in John 4? It's not a magic formula to get the miracle you want. But there are some principles of faith that seem to show up.
I hope you'll join us tomorrow, in person or online, as we look at miracle #2 in the Gospel of John.
"Do whatever he tells you. " ~ John 2:5
The first miracle of Jesus. Turning water to wine at a wedding. It's been misunderstood and misrepresented by many.
John, the disciple who Jesus loved, who doesn't even bother writing his gospel chronologically, could have kicked off Jesus' ministry with any number of miracles.
So why this most obscure of all miracles, turning water to wine, and telling no one what had happened?
Maybe there's something deeper going on? Maybe this is more than a mere parlor trick miracle?
There's meaning in the miracle that will help us understand who Jesus is, why he came, and what it means to follow him.
Christmas In Focus: Epiphany "When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. " ~ Matthew 2:10 Magi. Three Kings. Wise men. Whatever you call them, (and all three of those titles have some merit) there is much to learn from their example. When they saw the star that marked the birth of Jesus- They were overjoyed. They worshiped. They gave. We would be wise to follow in their steps. And that's what we do in this celebration called "Epiphany."
"So he did what the Lord had told him..." ~ 1 Kings 17:5
Sometimes it's that simple. And sometimes it's that hard. To do what the LORD calls us to do.
Love God with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. Sounds easy. But to really be that devoted to God is the work of a lifetime.
Love your neighbor as yourself. So simple. But we sometimes hardly even know how to love ourselves.
This past Sunday Pastor Ruth kicked off 2022 with some great words from 1 Kings 17. She reminded us of three powerful lessons:
First, commit yourself completely to God. Obedience in following God is not always fun or easy.
Second, fear not! God knows our needs and will provide.
Third, ask for help. You do not have to go it alone. We are the body of Christ!
Christmas Eve 2021 "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." John 1:5
C.S. Lewis captured the moment perfectly when he wrote in "The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe," that it was,
"Always winter, but never Christmas."
He was talking about Narnia. But he was really talking about the world. Perhaps that phrase still captures our world today- Pandemic. Political turmoil. Economic distress. School shootings. Riots and unrest...
700 years before Jesus would be born the prophet Isaiah was inspired to write this promise,
"The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned." ~ Isaiah 9:2
In Jesus we have seen the great light. In Jesus the promise is fulfilled, and being fulfilled.
This Sunday we see how Jesus brought together all the hopes and dreams for one who would be the prophet, the priest, the king... The Messiah.
"...because he belonged to the house and line of David." ~ Luke 2:4
We've looked at Jesus our Prophet. And Jesus our Great High Priest. Now we turn to Jesus our King.
Perhaps you've heard reference, or used the phrase yourself, "Jesus, our Lord and Savior."
Think about that a moment: He can only be our Savior if he is actually Lord, or King, of all creation. And if he is our Savior, well, then we'd want to pledge our lives to him as our King.
This Sunday we'll dive deep into the Christmas story and how, perhaps more than anything else, it is the story of a King- A promised King. A disruptive King. An infant King.
More we'll learn that what the King claims, you give. When the King calls, you come. And what the King decrees, you do!
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. ~ Hebrews 4:16
We have two great questions: What's up there? (Is there a God?) What's down there? (What happens when we die?)
Last week we looked at the first "office" of Jesus- Our Great Prophet. Jesus came to us to tell us, and show us, God is with us and God loves us!
This Sunday we look at the second office- Jesus our Great High Priest.
Maybe you haven't thought about Jesus as a Priest. Maybe you're not even comfortable with it.
But it's Jesus' role as Priest that opens the door for our salvation, and gives us the promise of forgiveness and eternal life.
"The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth." ~ John 114
This Sunday we kick-off our new series, “Christmas In Focus” Of course it’s about keeping Christ the focus. It is far too easy to be swept up into the chaos of Christmas. But it’s more. For generations the promise of a savior was coming into focus- He would be a prophet like Moses, bringing the word of God to the people; a priest like the descendants of Aaron, bringing sacrifices to God; and a king like David, ruling with justice and righteousness. Like none before he would be the Prophet, the Priest and the King- The promised Messiah. The Christ.
"They were completely amazed, for they had not understood about the loaves." ~ Mark 6:51-52
The best part of Thanksgiving is not Thanksgiving day. It's the day after. And the leftovers!
Jesus once taught his disciples about leftovers. Actually, he taught them, but they didn't understand.
They didn't understand that leftovers means there's more than enough for everyone.
Someday you are going to need something. More time, energy, resources, influence...
And that's when you'll need to remember the lesson of the leftovers.
"Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children." ~ Ephesians 5:1
Imitation sometimes gets a bad rap. But there's an old expression that says imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.
That's the kind of imitation Paul has in mind writing to the church in Ephesus. And it's the kind of imitation we are called to exemplify.
Jesus put it this way, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35).
We are invited to imitate the love of Jesus. But we have more- We have the Holy Spirit living in us, transforming our minds, renewing our emotions, guiding our steps, to help us live like Jesus.
"You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self... and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness." ~ Ephesians 4:22,24
Last Sunday the message was "Grow Up!" This Sunday we're inviting you to "Dress Up!"
You can literally get dressed up in a gown or tuxedo. That would be fun.
But we're talking about taking off the old self and putting on the new self, "created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
Many of us struggle with our past, littered with regrets, shame, pain and heartache.
God doesn't just erase the past, but God does offer us a path forward in righteousness and holiness.
Grow Up "Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming." Ephesians 4:14
Paul mixes his metaphors here. But his point becomes crystal clear:
He wants his fellow Christians to grow up. To weather the storms of life. To recognize charlatans and their schemes.
In short, he wants mature Christians living in union with Christ and unity with one another.
If I may be so bold... We're not there yet.
Young Christians have wandered from the faith like children lost at the mall.
The perfect storm of pandemic, economic crisis and social unrest have ripped believers from the moors of faith.
Cable news charlatans and social media hucksters have schemed division in pursuit of dollars.
And it has created unprecedented division in Christ's church.
But there is a solution:
Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. Ephesians 4:15
This Sunday we study Pauls prescription for growing up into Christian maturity.
Keep the Unity of the Spirit Ephesians 4:1-6 LIVING OUR CALLING FOCUSED ON UNITY: LOVE GOD AND LOVE PEOPLE LIVING OUR CALLING ON SHARING THE GOOD NEWS: DO SOMETHING
Immeasurably, Inconceivably More! Ephesians: Union and Unity Ephesians 3:14-21
Chances are you pray. (Most people do.) Chances are you don't know how to pray. (Most people say they don't know what they're doing.)
Chances are the prayer you pray are too small. This Sunday we're going to learn how to pray. God is going to invite us to pray immeasurably, inconceivably more that we are asking or imagining!
"Identity. Belonging. Purpose." Series: "Ephesians: Union and Unity" We are all on a quest to discover who we are (identity), where we fit (belonging), and our unique contribution (purpose). Ephesians has some answers and insights to help! Ephesians 3:1-13
"Brought Near" Ephesians 2:11-22 "You have been brought near..." "You are no longer strangers..." "You are joined together..." "You are the temple of the Holy Spirit..." In short, you are a part of the body of Christ- the church!
"Grace Alone" Ephesians: Union and Unity Week 4: Grace Alone
Ephesians 2:1-10 2 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.
I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you,
the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people,
and his incomparably great power for us who believe. ~ Ephesians 1:18-19
This Sunday we continue our series "Ephesians: Union and Unity"
Why do you often feel powerless to change your life? Or more importantly, How can you find power to change?
God know you need help, and God wants to help you change!
Join us this Sunday not just to learn more about God's power, but to experience God's power at work through your life.
Every Spiritual Blessing "Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ." ~ Ephesians 1:3
This Sunday, September 12, we'll dive into Ephesians 1:3-14
Right now you have available every spiritual blessing. That's right- Every spiritual blessing is already yours through Jesus. So just what is, or what are, the spiritual blessings of Jesus?
Join us Sunday and find out!
Today we kick off our new series taking us through the book of Ephesians. 1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places...
We finish our summer 2021 series, "Words To Live By" with a look into Romans 12:1-2 "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will."
We are in a battle. But is it not against your neighbor. It's against the evil one. Thanks be to God we have victory in Jesus, and armor to advance the gospel. This Sunday we look at the far-too-often misrepresented and misunderstood armor of God from Ephesians 6:10-20.
Church Growth: Then and Now This Sunday we welcome Pastor Ruth as she brings the word. She'll be preaching from Acts 2:38-47.
Fear is a part of life. Sometimes fear is healthy and helpful. Often fear is misplaced and mistaken. And the bible warns us that fear can even be a spiritual battle.
This Sunday in our "Words To Live By" series we'll take on the spirit of fear with the spirit God gives- A spirit of power, of love, and of self-discipline.
This Sunday Brooke Bartelson shares her "Words To Live By"
"He must increase, but I must decrease." John 3:30
Jesus said his cousin John was the greatest man who ever lived. Which means we're all in a race for silver. But that's OK. Actually, it better. We're all in a race to make more of Jesus, and less of ourselves.
We'll discover some practical ways to do this as we embrace John's Mission, Message and Motto.
Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 1: Q. What is your only comfort in life and in death?
A. That I am not my own, but belong— body and soul, in life and in death— to my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ.
This Sunday Joy Engelsman will be sharing our "Words To Live By."
If you ever felt like an outsider- like you didn't fit- come hear what God's word has to say about belonging.
"Words To Live By" Psalm 63 Who or what do you desire? There are the usual suspects- Money. Sex. Power. So what does it look like to desire God, delight in God, and trust in God's defense?
Psalm 63 reveals David's heart for God. Under the most dire of pressure, his highest priority became God his savior.
How do we discern God's Path? W.A.T.C.H. Word of God Attentive prayer Think it through Counsel of the saints Hand of God
Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. These are some of the freedoms we enjoy and celebrate this 4th of July weekend.
Yet much of life is consumed with worry.
Worry, anxiety and stress are a reality of life. But they are not to control our lives. Jesus gives us a simple but not simplistic antidote to life characterized by worry.
We'll break it down in our "Words To Live By" tomorrow.
"You are worthy, because you're called. Because you're called, you are worthy."
This Sunday we continue our "Words To Live By" series. We'll dig into Ephesians 4:1 and this life changing, life directing, life empowering promise from God.
We're not called because we're worthy. We're worthy because we're called- - Called to Jesus. - Called to adoption in the family of God. - Called to a life worthy of our salvation!
There's good news this Father's Day- We all have a Heavenly Father who knows us, loves us, and is even pleased with us!
Join us this Sunday to celebrate our dads, eat some donuts, play some games on the front lawns, and learn a power lesson from our Heavenly Father and how he showed his love to Jesus. Show Up. Speak Up. Spirit Up.
Some might consider it a four letter word. Well it is literally a four letter word. But you know what I mean. It's a bad word. A word they'd rather not say... help.
This Sunday Ruth Folkerts will share why Psalm 121 helped her so much in a difficult transition, and how we all need a little help from our friends, and a lot of help from God!
"Love God. Love people. Do something."
This Sunday we kick off our summer series, "Words To Live By."
Each week we will look at a passage of the bible that every person exploring faith should consider, and every person following Christ should know.
Plus, each week we will welcome someone from Connections to share how these words from God have shaped their life. This week Amy Luinstra will share why Jesus' Greatest Commandment are her "Words To Live By."
"In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy." ~ Joel 2:28-29, Acts 2:18-19
This Sunday we celebrate Pentecost- that means we celebrate the Holy Spirit. The old preacher once said,
"The Holy Spirit is available to you. Are you available to the Holy Spirit?"
Come with open hearts and open minds, and let's welcome the Spirit into our church and all our lives!
When we belong to the Shepherd, we become shepherds too!
You are called to care for the people the Shepherd has put in your life- Family. Friends. Neighbors. Coworkers.
The people in your life need you, perhaps now more than ever before!
Nobody wants to be a "Taker." But what does it take to be a "Giver?"
This Sunday we look at our 4th Sign of Belonging- Giver
The radical, counter-cultural revelation of the bible is that you can't give back what was never yours. You can only return it to its rightful owner, and use it in a way the owner desires.
It's difficult. It's challenging. It's revolutionary. But it is without question the best way to live, and the way that frees us to give like Jesus.
God brought the Israelites out of captivity and led them into His blessings, leading them by a pillar of cloud by day, and fire by night..
Through the story of the pillar of cloud and fire we are going to discover God's "G.P.S." Guidance. Protection. Surrender.
"Jesus first. Others second. I'm third."
This Sunday we look at our third "Sign of Belonging." Server. This is the counter-intuitive secret to true happiness. We actually experience more joy in serving others than in being served.
Most us already know this. We served another and experienced an incredible blessing.
So what stands in the way of our serving more? It's usually one of three things:
We're too busy. We're too important. We're too insignificant.
Jesus addresses each of these and invites to serve like he did. After all, "The Son of Man (Jesus) came not to be served but to serve..."
For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. Romans 12:4-5
Many will remember the old advertising campaign, "Membership has its privileges."
We know that in belonging to Christ we have many privileges- Salvation. Eternity. Fruits and gifts of the Spirit...
But we also have many joyful responsibilities- We are a part of the body of Christ, and we belong to one another.
This Sunday we look into the joy of Membership in the Body of Christ.
Belonging. It speaks of something deep within us. The need to have a people, a place, a purpose. The need to be part of something bigger than our own lives, The need to be seen. The need to be vital.
Belonging does for us what soil does for seeds- It grounds us, nurtures us, and frees us to blossom.
Far too many live without belonging- They are isolated, estranged and disconnected.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. Discover the Signs of Belonging at Connections Church. Bringer. Member. Server. Giver. Pastor.
This Sunday: Attending is great. Inviting is better. Bringing is biblical.
Sunday, April 4, 2021 Mark 14:1-7 "He Is Risen." Resurrection doesn't just mean salvation. It means new creation! This Easter we look at three blessings that come with the new creation: Renewed Bodies. Renewed Mission. Renewed Spirit.
This year we celebrate Good Friday by reading the Gospel of John chapters 18-19. We encourage you to pick up a bible, or open up your bible app, and read along with us. Then reflect upon the "stations" of Jesus' march to the cross.
Good Friday is the day we remember Jesus’ death on the cross. Is good Friday really “good”? It may seem odd that people celebrate the day Jesus’ was crucified as “good.” Obviously, the suffering Jesus went through on Good Friday was not good. He was whipped, beaten, mocked, and killed in a very violent way. How can that be good?
The results of Jesus’ death are very good! This is explained in Romans 5:8: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Then in 1 Peter 3:18, it is reiterated again: “For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit.”
"Hosanna!" "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!" "Hosanna in the highest heaven!" ~ Mark 11:9-10
Maybe you grew up in church and know what happens on Palm Sunday. But do you know "why" Palm Sunday?
Palm Sunday actually reveals who Jesus is. It reveals why he came to earth. It reveals what he is going to do.
This Sunday, Palm Sunday, March 28, Sometimes we don't get what we want, but with Jesus we get what we need!
A night of prayer for the victims of the shootings in Atlanta and Boulder.
Lord, in our shock and confusion, we come before you.In our grief and despair in the midst of hate, in our sense of helplessness in the face of violence, we lean on you. For the families of those who have been killed we pray. For the shooters—help us to pray, Lord. For the communities that have lost members—their anger, grief, fear—we pray. For the churches striving to be your light in darkness beyond our comprehension, we pray. In the face of hatred, may we claim love, Lord. May we love those far off and those near. May we love those who are strangers and those who are friends. May we love those who we agree with and understand,and even more so, Lord, those who we consider to be our enemies. Lord, have mercy. Heal our sin-sick souls. Make these wounds whole, Lord. Amen.
“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant..." ~ Jeremiah 31:31
In chess the winning move can come long before the final move. The board is set for an inevitable series of moves that will end with one players victory.
God set up a "winning move" some six centuries before the birth of Jesus. God promised the forgiveness of all our sins. God promised a new kind of relationship. God even promised a new way of knowing Him where the law would be written on our hearts and in our minds.
It's called the "New Covenant." It comes through the work of Jesus. It means we can know and be known by God. It changes everything!
When was the last time you lost something important? Your phone. Your car keys. Your kid!!
Everything stopped. Nothing was more important than finding the lost object of love.
In Luke 15 Jesus tells three stories, all about lost things, all pointing to this one life-changing, paradigm-shifting, status-quo shattering revelation...
God loves lost people.
This Sunday we'll look at Jesus' parables of lost things. If you've ever felt lost, or that you've wandered too far, or that made too many mistakes, or that you're just not worthy of love... Jesus has come to seek and save the lost.
Then (Jesus) called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said:
“Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.
For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. ~ Mark 8:34-35
Call it the counterintuitive invitation. Or the paradoxical path of discovery. Or the implausible key to everything...
We find our life by losing it to Jesus.
This Sunday, we make our own "gambit" with Jesus- Lay down your life to him, and find the life you were made to live.
A "gambit" was originally a chess term. The King's Gambit is an opening move in which a player, sacrifices material, usually a pawn, with the hope of achieving a resulting advantageous position.
“Sacrifice a player to achieve an advantageous position.”
God made a sacrifice on our behalf. The King of Heaven became human and was nailed to a cross. But that move has gained us a great advantage-
By his sacrifice we can have eternal life.
This Sunday we start our Easter Season. We walk with Jesus through the moves that led to his death, burial and resurrection. Our King’s Gambit has won victory over sin and death!
Psalm 103 Of David 1 Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. 6 The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed. 7 He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel: 8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. 9 He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; 10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; 14 for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. 15 The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; 16 the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. 17 But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children— 18 with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts. 19 The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all. 20 Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. 21 Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will. 22 Praise the Lord, all his works everywhere in his dominion. Praise the Lord, my soul.
You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. ~ Genesis 50:20
God promises the outcome is always good. But that doesn't mean the process isn't painful.
This Sunday we continue our "God is Good" series. We look to one of the most inspirational and encouraging characters in all of the Bible- Joseph.
He was able to see the good of God's plan, even in the face of great personal pain and suffering.
Psalm 5[a] For the director of music. For pipes. A psalm of David. 1 Listen to my words, Lord, consider my lament. 2 Hear my cry for help, my King and my God, for to you I pray.
3 In the morning, Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. 4 For you are not a God who is pleased with wickedness; with you, evil people are not welcome. 5 The arrogant cannot stand in your presence. You hate all who do wrong; 6 you destroy those who tell lies. The bloodthirsty and deceitful you, Lord, detest. 7 But I, by your great love, can come into your house; in reverence I bow down toward your holy temple.
8 Lead me, Lord, in your righteousness because of my enemies— make your way straight before me. 9 Not a word from their mouth can be trusted; their heart is filled with malice. Their throat is an open grave; with their tongues they tell lies. 10 Declare them guilty, O God! Let their intrigues be their downfall. Banish them for their many sins, for they have rebelled against you. 11 But let all who take refuge in you be glad; let them ever sing for joy. Spread your protection over them, that those who love your name may rejoice in you.
12 Surely, Lord, you bless the righteous; you surround them with your favor as with a shield.
"God saw all that he had made, and it was very good." ~ Genesis 1:31
This Sunday we start a new series, "God is Good"
In the midst of difficult times we can know beyond any shadow of doubt that our God has good intentions.
In the beginning it was all good. In the end all things will work together for good. And in between... God is still good!
Psalm 4 For the director of music. With stringed instruments. A psalm of David.
1 Answer me when I call to you, my righteous God. Give me relief from my distress; have mercy on me and hear my prayer. 2 How long will you people turn my glory into shame? How long will you love delusions and seek false gods? 3 Know that the Lord has set apart his faithful servant for himself; the Lord hears when I call to him. 4 Tremble and do not sin; when you are on your beds, search your hearts and be silent. 5 Offer the sacrifices of the righteous and trust in the Lord. 6 Many, Lord, are asking, “Who will bring us prosperity?” Let the light of your face shine on us. 7 Fill my heart with joy when their grain and new wine abound. 8 In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.
This Sunday we look at our fourth resolution redo- Know Christ.
Like Tolkien's famous line, "One ring to rule them all." This is our one resolution to rule them all!
To know Christ, and him crucified, is to know God, and to know the past, present and future of creation!
If you make no other resolution in life, make this one- Know Christ.
Psalm 2 1 Why do the nations conspire[a] and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, 3 “Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.”
4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. 5 He rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, 6 “I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.” 7 I will proclaim the Lord’s decree: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have become your father. 8 Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. 9 You will break them with a rod of iron[b]; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.” 10 Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. 11 Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling. 12 Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
"...you have not resolved to honor me. ~ Malachi 2:2
This Sunday we look at our third resolution found in the bible- Honor God.
On the outside everything looked fine. The temple had been rebuilt. People were gathering. Worship was happening. But something wasn't right.
A prophet named Malachi named the elephant in the room- on the outside it looked like everyone was worshiping and honoring God. But on the inside it was a different story- half hearted worship and leftover offerings meant that the people had not really turned to God.
Join us this Sunday as we look at what wholehearted, all-in, God honoring worship is really all about.
Today we talk about our second resolution- Stay Pure.
A man named Daniel was forced into a very difficult situation. He had every reason to compromise his faith- He had good reason to drop his faith!
But he made the resolution not only to keep true to God, but to stay 100% committed and pure!
It's the resolution that comes with a promise- The pure will see God!
"Alarmed, Jehoshaphat resolved to inquire of the Lord, and he proclaimed a fast for all Judah." ~ 2 Chronicles 20:3
Sometimes we just stumble upon something, or someone.
Other times we seek, we search, we even shout!
Our first "Resolution Redo" is to resolve to seek the Lord in 2021.
"I am making everything new!" Jesus, Revelation 21:5
Most of us have a love/hate relationship with New Year's Resolutions- Some have stuck and changed your life. Some have failed and left you feeling guilt and shame.
God promises us a "Redo!" In Jesus we can experience a spiritual rebirth. And in our rebirth we have the spiritual power for ongoing transformation and life change.
Join us January 2021 as we hit the reset button. Because of Jesus you can be born again and your life can be changed forever!
"Eager Anticipation". "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed." ~ Romans 8:18-19 Today we wrap up our Christmas series, and 2020. If you're watching this there is work to be done in 2021!
“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” ~ Luke 2:14
Christmas is all about the favor of God. Not a future favor. Not a favor that depends on us. It's a favor that comes from God. It's a favor that is the gift of God. It's the favor that is our God Jesus Christ! The good news of Christmas is that we can all hav the favor of Jesus when we call on him as our Lord and savior.
Love has caused people to do all kinds of wonderful, and crazy, things: - Princes have left royal families. - Princesses have forgone fortunes. - People have had names, and faces, tattooed across their body!
Christmas teaches us that God did some amazing things for us because of love: - Love became us. - Love died for us. - And love will inspire us.
Christmas is about joy! A joy that doesn’t come from external circumstances. Not even a joy we manufacture within ourselves. True joy, the joy of Christmas, comes from the Christ. It is the joy of God with us. It is the joy of our salvation.
It's the ubiquitous beauty pageant question: If you could have one wish what would it be? The answer... "World peace."
Just because it sounds scripted doesn't make it wrong. In fact the more I've thought about it this week, I can't come up with a better answer!
"Peace" is also ubiquitous with Christmas. And it should be. Christmas is the celebration of the birth of the Prince of Peace. And it's the anticipation of the return of the King who will establish peace- shalom.
Sermon: The Return of the King Series: All I Want for Christmas Text: Psalm 80, Isaiah 64:1-4
Advent means "arrive."The Advent season invites us to celebrate what God has already done and what God has promised yet to do. In this message Joy Engelsman shares the hope of "The Return of the King." We long for a king who cares for us, goes to battle for us, and who will have the last word in our lives and in this world.
When we are under spiritual attack we have one form of defense: Our worship. And what is our ammo: Our thanksgiving!
Check this out:
"After consulting the people, Jehoshaphat appointed men to sing to the Lord and to praise him for the splendor of his holiness as they went out at the head of the army, saying:
“Give thanks to the Lord, for his love endures forever.” ~ 2 Chronicles 20:21
"There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment." ~ 1 John 4:18 Perhaps the greatest personal blessing of our union with Jesus is that his love can drive out all fear. Join us this Sunday as we explore this spiritual blessing and how we can actually live into Jesus' command- "Fear not." Facebook Live at 9:30am Sunday, November 15
This Sunday we kick off a 3-week series, "The State of our Union with Christ"
What is our union with Christ? And why are so many Christians unfamiliar with this revelation?
For the believer Union with Christ: Is the source of every spiritual blessing; Is the source of freedom from fear; Is the foundation of our gratitude.
Today we kick off our 30 Days of Gratitude. We'll look into the story of the 10 lepers in Luke 17:11-19. Here we find the connection between gratitude and our salvation in Jesus. We'll also celebrate Communion, otherwise known as "Thanksgiving."