Discovery Church: Grand Rapids: Recent Episodes
Discovery Church: Grand Rapids
We are a gathering of imperfect people who have been and are being changed by the work of God in us. Most sermons in this podcast are preached by Pastor Paul Sausser, who is a lifelong learner, especially in the area of biblical literature and ancient biblical culture. He has a M.Div. degree from Calvin Theological Seminary and a D.Min. degree from Bethel Theological Seminary in St. Paul, and served at three other churches leading up to Discovery.
Matthew 22:37-40
We were meant to know and love, to be known and be loved. That’s the life to which He has called us—this is what we desperately need. When we shift from just fellowshipping to the risk of being known, we learn to truly love each other.
Watch the full service on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/h_kgyYA9Vfs
Some churches hold that all they need to be is friendly to others. While good, what the church needs to practice is true love. Love is concerned with all aspects of another person, while being friendly keeps interaction at the surface. Loving others, individually and as a community, is a core sign of spiritual maturity.
1 Corinthians 13:1-7
Watch the full service on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/Loj01dZtjIw
Bonus episode! Our Fourth Sundays in 2023 usually involve a simple intro from Pastor Paul and a video or podcast from The Bible Project before breaking into small group discussion, so there's not been much to share on this podcast. But not this month! Instead of a video, Pastor Paul taught us how to share our story of faith with others.
While we may not be as bold as the Apostle, we can tell our story of what Jesus has done for us, whether that be for our salvation, guiding us in life’s troubled times, or an instance when God blessed us with undeserved grace. We’ll look at some pegs to hang our story on: we remember where we were, we received God’s grace, and we confess the difference He has made.
Key Verse: Paul proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance!(Acts 28:31)
Watch the service: https://youtu.be/JCj5NA4BO9c
Pastor Paul spoke from Acts 2:42-47 on the topic of Fellowshift. The church, the brainchild of God, is intended to do more than inspire people—it is to grow people and help people grow people. In following the methods of Jesus, the early church focused on fellowship, on being together, as the primary way we care for and build each other up. The church family moved from a feed me mentality to feed each other.
Key Verse: Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts. (Acts 2:46)
Watch the full service on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/IrJDgegqll4
1 Peter 5:12-13; Matthew 4:19
We believe that Jesus’ mission led him to die on the cross for our sins. That’s a big part of His mission, but it isn’t just that. His mission includes making disciples who, by being together, live out his teachings and tell the gospel story. What good is this truly fantastic real story if no one knows about it?
Key Verse: “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” (Matthew 4:19)
Watch the full service on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/7z5PfCsOvqw
2 Peter 1:3-11
Living a Christian life is not a matter of willpower and self-effort, but it is tied to being connected to the Holy Spirit. We radically invest in what the Holy Spirit is doing in our lives, and when we do, He turns us into people who radically love.
View the full service on our YouTube channel.
Preached by Pastor Paul Sausser.
Pastor Paul is back to preaching!
2 Peter 1:3-11
Living a Christian life is not a matter of willpower and self-effort, but it is tied to being connected to the Holy Spirit. He brings the radical change in all areas of our life that we need.
Key Verse: His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. (2 Peter 1:3)
Watch the full service on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/NopNQEhTfhQ
Psalm 44
As we cry out to God, the scriptures assure us that He hears us, answers us, and has sent the Savior who holds us in His hand.
Preached by guest Pastor David Van Der Wiele
Watch the full service on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/kc0jL4V7giY
This week we welcomed Pastor Robert Kennedy from Comunidad Cristiano Internacional.
Matthew 5:14-16
Jesus calls us to shine His light through our good works. Let people know by word and deed that we belong to Jesus. His light through us doesn’t bring glory to us but glory to Him.
Watch the full service on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/i6xJZRc3L3s
This week's talk comes from Pastor Mary.
Jesus Christ invites us all to join Him in the exciting and powerful ministry of healing and miracles. We are encouraged to faith in the God who expresses His inexhaustible love and compassion through healing. We will learn about Jesus’ model for healing and explore the theological framework for healing. Following the talk, we engaged in healing prayer for our beloved Pastor Paul.
Watch the full service on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/rX30aJONq1Y
Ryan Waalkes (Bridge Street Ministries) is back to guest preach while Pastor Paul continues to recover from surgery.
Acts 2:42-47
We will continue the theme of the work of the Holy Spirit in forming a welcoming and restorative community. Two weeks ago we looked at the unifying work of the Holy Spirit in the Ephesian church. This week we will step back and explore the genesis of this work following the outpouring of the Spirit at Pentecost.
Watch the full service on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/ADiP8VfQGLI
Romans 8:28-39
We live in a time of challenges and uncertainty in a world or local community that often tries to undermine our confidence. We need the certainty and promises of God as His Word provides it.
Preached by Rev. George Vink
2 Peter 1:3-11
Living a Christian life is not a matter of willpower and self-effort. Because of the Holy Spirit in us, there is the potential for radical character change—from selfishness to unselfishness, from enslavement to freedom.
Pastor Mary filled in for Pastor Paul, who is sick this week.
1 Corinthians 12:12-27
Father God has created each person with gifts and passions to serve others, and with areas where each person needs to be helped and cared for. Jesus created the church so that all the people work together and fit as a united whole—where strengths and hurting areas come together. The great joy comes when we serve together as co-laborers to minister to others as Jesus’ people.
Key verse: For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.Even so the body is not made up of one part but of many….Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it. (1 Corinthians 12:13, 14, 27)
Preached by Pastor Paul Sausser
Luke 19:1-10
Zacchaeus was an outsider, and he knew it. He also knew that having Jesus would change his life. In Jesus’ encounter with him, we see the Savior’s love for the outcast which begins with seeing him. To follow in Jesus’ steps, we also must see those that are considered forgotten or those mistreated, affirm their value with the giving of time, and lead them to Jesus and His community so they can be fully engaged in a new way of life with Jesus at their center.
Key Verse: When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, “Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.” So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. (Luke 19:5-6)
Preached by Pastor Paul Sausser
The family table is the place where we feel we all belong. Jesus’ guest list is quite startling. Those who might be deemed worthy of an invite reject it. Those whom others pass over on the invitation list are compelled to come to His table. Those who are the most vulnerable should be ones Jesus’ followers show radical hospitality and offer a compelling invitation to be a part of the Father’s Table.
Key Verse: Then the master told his servant, “Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.” (Luke 14:23)
Watch the full service here: https://youtu.be/-ap3eevSncs
Preaching by Pastor Paul Sausser
The family table is the place where we feel we all belong. The risk in welcoming people to the table is that they will be different than us, and even a bit messy. Yet, the genuine longing that people have (because it was placed in all of us by God), is to belong to God and to His family. We must follow this calling as a church because this is how Father God has welcomed us.
Key Verse: I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. (Ephesians 4:1-2)
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John 20:1-18Jesus came to bring us new life through faith in Him. The evidence is there to show the belief in the resurrection is the most reasonable answer to the events of that day. The resurrection is not an abstract idea, but a personal invitation to come and know this Man who loves us and wants us to love Him.Watch the full Easter service on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/vBjxJK78sUU
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Jesus came to bring us new life through faith in Him. Our journey with Jesus is not just about the end—eternal life--but just as much about the now. How we live, following the values that shape us, and the glory of God that we seek to bring Him is what Kingdom life is about. We experience God’s new abundant life through the unfiltered abundant love of Jesus as He addresses our needs in His way, not in our way. Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; and whoever lives by believing in me will never die." (John 11:25-26)Watch the full service here: https://youtu.be/vYvFSGx5ypc
Today's talk comes from Pastor Mary.Luke records in the book of the Acts of the Apostles the story of the first ever Revival in the New Testament Church. The revival birthed the Church 2000 years ago and spread the Good News of Jesus Christ to the ends of the earth. Since then God has sent Revival and Spiritual Awakening to revive His people about every 40-60 years.Could it be that God is reviving His Church again in 2023?Could this be the beginning of the Greatest Spiritual Awakening the world has ever seen?This, my friends, gives us HOPE!Watch the full service on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/WOPi3T31Kd4
Acts 1:1-11In between the time of Jesus' departure and His returning, we are called to all be witnesses. God Himself, empowers us for that mission. May we not get distracted by the things of this world and remember what we have been called to do.Watch the full service on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/eriMwMkrI0k
John 5:1-13Jesus responds to a need of a person with a weakness, but it is not at the person’s request. Out of the compassion of His heart, Jesus gives life to one who is truly hopeless. Sin has so ruined the human heart that we’ve become grumbling, ungrateful creatures. Jesus came to restore the human heart, to give us a new nature and restore us to Father God.Key Verse: Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk.” At once the man was cured; he picked up his mat and walked. (John 5:8-9)Watch the full service on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/hsaBU-c6iNc
Matthew 5:17-20Jesus came to fulfill the commands of God. He shows us the true intent and reveals the proper meaning of God’s Word. He did not misinterpret or undermine God’s Word, but showed how to really live it out, in a way more God glorifying than the Pharisees did.Key Verse: Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them…. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. (Matthew 5:17, 20)Watch the full service on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/kDo3UjedfpA
Luke 1:1-4; 24:25-32There is nothing more foundation in how you live as a Christian than your view of the Bible. Many say that the Bible, while good, is mostly fables and accepted lies. But in truth, the Bible is totally reliable, an authority in all that it teaches. The truth found in the Bible points to a certain Man who wants to impact all of our hearts.Key Verse: Since I myself have carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I too decided to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, so that you may know the certainty of the things you have been taught. (Luke 1:3-4)Watch the full service on YouTube: https://youtu.be/uwvDQPAwduQ
John 4:43-54Jesus brought in the Kingdom of God to bring restoration, healing, and grace to a broken world. All He asks for is faith—even when we have fears and doubts, and even when true faith can’t be 100% proved. Come to him, yield to His terms, then tell others how Jesus provided.Key Verse: The royal official said, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” “Go,” Jesus replied, “your son will live.” The man took Jesus at his word and departed. While he was still on the way, his servants met him with the news that his boy was living. (John 4:49-51)Watch the full service on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/k-I9eTAG8pE
This week's talk from Matthew 8:1-13 is on Love the Differences. We are people divided in our hearts, in our allegiances, in everything besides Jesus. We typically feel most comfortable among people who are similar to us—it shows who we are. By connecting with two people who are on the extreme outside, Jesus shows that differences do not necessitate division. He enfolds them with empathy and love, and we should do the same.
Watch the full service on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/z8TozLZhamA
Romans 15:1-9 | The Bible portrays the church as a diverse community that live thick lives together. This can be rather messy, but very possible. Living together as God’s family involves bearing with one another, carrying the burdens of others by caring and coming alongside them, even when there are times we are not in agreement on how the gospel is to be lived out.
Watch the full service on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/vQOp10FhibY
Today's talk continues Pastor Paul's series on Love One Another.
Acts 8:26-40
Our society is highly polarized, especially with political differences. Humans are good at division. Philip and an Ethiopian, who are so different, connect deeply for no other reason than that God is up to something. God, through the work of his Son Jesus, is reconciling people. The book of Acts is God creating a new humanity, a redeemed humanity, one that brings diverse people together into His family for His glory. God is intent on destroying boundaries that separate people from one another.
Pastor Paul continues the series on Love One Another. His Talk from Matthew 5:14-16 is on The 10 Second Rule. By following the Spirit’s inner promptings, we have the privilege to serve others. The 10 Second Rule says: “Just do the next thing you’re reasonably certain Jesus wants you to do, commit immediately—within 10 seconds—before you change your mind.”
1 Thessalonians 5:1-11
Watch the full service on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/cxTfffi4gq4
Galatians 6:1-10
In giving a picture of true love for one another, Jesus’ law of love includes carrying each other’s burdens—the church hasn’t always done this well—we can do this better. We need to get humanly close enough to see what those burdens are, and we have to be a person who is connecting deeply to God so He can empower us, open our eyes, and prompt us to help bear these burdens, great or small, of our sisters and brothers.
Key Verse: Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ. (Galatians 6:2)
Romans 12:1-13
When God calls us to draw near to Him, we don’t do so just by ourselves. His call is not just about a private commitment or faith, but to belong to others. He calls us to be a part of a rich family of intimacy and accountability. What we see in the Bible is that the gospel has the power to renew our lives—it upends us. The gospel wants to move us away from the inward focus of just ourselves to being a people who love well—love God, love one another, and love the world. Because of God’s mercy, He calls us to be a living sacrifice that is part of one big family being empowered by His Spirit.
John 13:31-35
It is often once a year (New Year’s) that we resolve to do better. Do typical resolutions help us to live better lives? What if Jesus was the one who influenced what our resolutions should be? Jesus’ last words on love is primary for all disciples. You can’t be a growing disciple without a resolve to follow His example of humble servant love. When we love this way as community, it shows Jesus to those around us because it is God’s Spirit who is empowering us with God’s very own love.
Matthew 6:9-13
Many people struggle with prayer—finding time, having variety, removing boredom, staying awake—why shouldn’t we struggle because prayer is the area that the evil one would most want to discourage us in. As we act on the truth that prayer draws us close to the heart of God, God’s Spirit in us encourages us to come close to God in prayer.
This week brings the final talk in our series on the book of Daniel.
Daniel 12:1-13
God gives a picture of His ultimate triumph, along with His people who have suffered much. Although there are still many questions of how this will all come to be (Who, When, What, Why), we now know because Jesus came that He will always be our living, loving Lord. “If God is on our side, who is against us?” finds the truth lived out in Daniel’s experience. His life and visions promise those who believe that “nothing in all creation can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:39).
Key Verse: At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people—everyone whose name is found written in the book—will be delivered. (Daniel 12:1)
This week's talk comes from Daniel 10:1-21.
Burdened for his people, Daniel goes into prayer for them and is visited by an angel. The angel tells of his wrestling match with evil in trying to reach Daniel—a picture of how God fights for us. It is also a picture of our wrestling in prayer. We find in prayer that God gives strength, even for what seems overwhelming to comprehend. Through this we are reminded that God not only hears our prayers but sends the forces of heaven to bring His answer.
Key Verse: The angel’s hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. He said, “Daniel, you who are highly esteemed, consider carefully the words I am about to speak to you, and stand up, for I have now been sent to you.” (Daniel 10:10-11)
This week's talk continues our series on Daniel.
Daniel 9:1-19 Though in captivity, Israel is still God’s covenant people. During the captivity, God measured up to all that He was, while Israel fell far short once again. So Daniel prays his confession on behalf of Israel for how they have been properly punished for their sin. In his confession, Daniel asks God to keep his promise to restore Israel and Jerusalem. God will restore His people, not because they are worthy, but because of God’s great mercy. His mercy still prompts God to care and provide for His people, for He is a faithful and covenant God.
Key Verse: The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him. (Daniel 9:9)
This week's talk in our series on Daniel comes from Daniel 7.
Daniels sees a dream but oddly he can’t interpret his own dream, so an angelic messenger needs to explain it to him. He sees 4 beasts and each one symbolizes an arrogant kingdom. Then there is a super beast with lots of horns and one prominent one (horns often represent kings). This arrogant king exalts himself as god and persecutes God’s people.
Then God shows up, destroys the super beast and exalts the Son of Man on the throne and shares God’s rule over all of the nations. As a snapshots of the whole book, this dream is about the fading glory of the world’s power and kingdoms, and the increasing glory and power and presence of God’s kingdom. The battle continues on—God might not seem in control but He is, and God’s sure arrival and eternal rule will come.
Key Verse: As I watched, this horn was waging war against the holy people and defeating them, until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favor of the holy people of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom. (Daniel 7:21-22)
Watch the full service here: https://youtu.be/JKxOM_ZW-0M
Today Pastor Paul continues the summer series on the book of Daniel. His Talk on The Lions' Den is from Daniel 6. In comparison to chapter 3, now Daniel is persecuted. He refuses to pray to and worship the king as a god. Like his friends earlier, he is sentenced to death and thrown into the lion's den. God delivers Daniel from the beasts, and like his friends, the king then exalts Daniel and praises his God. Daniel can face the consequences of being faithful to God because he has felt God's love and experienced God's faithfulness to him first. If people doubt God's faithfulness because of circumstances, look to the cross. Being faithful includes making prayer a priority.
Key verse: So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the lions’ den. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, rescue you!” (Daniel 6:16)
View the full service on our YouTube channel at: https://youtu.be/1dvnGsKPBBQ
Today's Talk from Pastor Paul is titled Nebuchadnezzar’s Pride, and comes from Daniel 4:34.
The king is filled with pride because of his imperial power. So God, like in chapter 2, warns him in dreams and visions. Again, only Daniel can interpret. The king is to humble himself before God and the king arrogantly resists. Nebuchadnezzar is stricken with madness and becomes like a beast in the field. Then he humbles himself before God, humanity is restored to him, he is forgiven by God, and he reigns as king again. Pride is incompatible with trusting God. God’s judgment might be patient, but it is absolutely certain, so don’t put God to the test of “how long?”
Key Verse: At the end of that time, I, Nebuchadnezzar, raised my eyes toward heaven, and my sanity was restored. Then I praised the Most High; I honored and glorified him who lives forever. “His dominion is an eternal dominion; his kingdom endures from generation to generation.” (Daniel 4:34)
Watch the full service on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/yEC6H8Xd61Q
Today's Talk from Ryan Phan is titled Why, God?, and comes from Habakkuk 1.
Pastor Ryan Phan says about himself "I am the new Associate Pastor at inSpirit Church, from Windsor, Ontario, Canada and married to my wife, Kezia Phan." and we are excited to welcome them on July, 17.
Key verse: The prophecy that Habakkuk the prophet received. How long, Lord, must I call for help, but you do not listen? Or cry out to you, “Violence!” but you do not save? Why do you make me look at injustice? Why do you tolerate wrongdoing? Destruction and violence are before me; there is strife, and conflict abounds. Therefore the law is paralyzed, and justice never prevails. The wicked hem in the righteous, so that justice is perverted. The Lord’s Answer “Look at the nations and watch—and be utterly amazed. For I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told. I am raising up the Babylonians, that ruthless and impetuous people, who sweep across the whole earth to seize dwellings not their own. They are a feared and dreaded people; they are a law to themselves and promote their own honor. Their horses are swifter than leopards, fiercer than wolves at dusk. Their cavalry gallops headlong; their horsemen come from afar. They fly like an eagle swooping to devour; they all come intent on violence. Their hordes advance like a desert wind and gather prisoners like sand. They mock kings and scoff at rulers. They laugh at all fortified cities; by building earthen ramps they capture them. Then they sweep past like the wind and go on—guilty people, whose own strength is their god.” Lord, are you not from everlasting My God, my Holy One, you will never die. You, Lord, have appointed them to execute judgment; you, my Rock, have ordained them to punish. Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; you cannot tolerate wrongdoing. Why then do you tolerate the treacherous? Why are you silent while the wicked swallow up those more righteous than themselves? You have made people like the fish in the sea, like the sea creatures that have no ruler. The wicked foe pulls all of them up with hooks, he catches them in his net, he gathers them up in his dragnet; and so he rejoices and is glad. Therefore he sacrifices to his net and burns incense to his dragnet, for by his net he lives in luxury and enjoys the choicest food. Is he to keep on emptying his net, destroying nations without mercy? (Habakkuk 1)
Watch the full service on our YouTube channel with this link: https://youtu.be/pZz8KjSM0ks
Today's Talk from Ryan Waalkes is titled The Kingdom in the City, and comes from Matthew 4:12-17.
Mr. Ryan Waalkes from Bridge Street Ministries will be giving The Talk. We bless God for our partnership with BSM. We give thanks for the blessing the Waalkeses are to Discovery Church. We look forward to what God has to say to us through our brother Ryan.
Key verse: When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali— to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: “Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.” From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Matthew 4:12-17)
You can watch the full service on our YouTube channel here: https://youtu.be/gRI_O2a5jMg
Find the digital prayer pad, outline, lyrics, and how to give here: http://www.discoverycrc.com/worship-online
Today's talk from Pastor Paul is called The Fiery Furnace and comes from Daniel 3:17-18
Daniel’s 3 friends refuse to bow down and worship a huge idol statue, which represents the king and his power. The friends are persecuted and thrown into a fiery furnace. God delivers them from death. The king exalts the 3 and finally acknowledges their God as the true God. They stood up for God, placed their faith in a sovereign God, and allowed God’s faithfulness to carry them to whatever destiny He has planned.
Key Verse: If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up. (Daniel 3:17-18)
Watch the full service on our YouTube channel at: https://youtu.be/fabadMh7mH4
Daniel’s 3 friends refuse to bow down and worship a huge idol statue, which represents the king and his power. The friends are persecuted and thrown into a fiery furnace. God delivers them from death. The king exalts the 3 and finally acknowledges their God as the true God. They stood up for God, placed their faith in a sovereign God, and allowed God’s faithfulness to carry them to whatever destiny He has planned.
Key Verse: If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up. (Daniel 3:17-18)
Watch the full service on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/JjGssSrMoI0
The king has a dream and only Daniel is able to interpret. It is a huge statue made out of 4 types of metal. It represents a sequence of kingdoms with the head being Babylon. A huge rock flies in and shatters the statues. This is how many of the rest of the dreams unfold. There will be kingdoms that come after Babylon. One day God’s kingdom will come and He will humble the arrogant kingdoms of this world and fill this world with the healing justice of God.
Key Verse: After Daniel interpreted the king’s dream, King Nebuchadnezzar fell prostrate before Daniel and paid him honor and ordered that an offering and incense be presented to him. The king said to Daniel, “Surely your God is the God of gods and the Lord of kings and a revealer of mysteries, for you were able to reveal this mystery.” (Daniel 2:46-47)
Watch the full service on our YouTube channel at: https://youtu.be/flZFqYHHAEA
This introduces the ongoing tension of the book. Daniel and his friends are wise and capable and are recruited to serve in the royal palace of Babylon. They are told to turn from their Jewish way of life and view of life in all aspects of their life. They refuse. This puts them in danger, but God rescues them, then elevates them by Babylon’s king. Faith and obedience are our common food, for in this God preservers and takes care. He is faithful by giving to Daniel a way to show the Babylonians that God’s way works.
Key Verse: To these four young men God gave knowledge and understanding of all kinds of literature and learning. And Daniel could understand visions and dreams of all kinds. King Nebuchadnezzar talked with them, and he found none equal to Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael and Azariah; so they entered the king’s service. (Daniel 1:17, 19)
Key Verse: At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me. (Matthew 18: 1-5)
Are we willing to suffer and sacrifice for principles that get into our imagination and change us? Always learning and always growing is the longing the church should have. This moves the church to engage with those who are searching, showing how radically counter culture God’s community is from a spirit of humbleness.
Key Verse: Jesus stepped into a boat, crossed over and came to his own town. Some men brought to him a paralyzed man, lying on a mat. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the man, “Take heart, son; your sins are forgiven.” (Matthew 9:1-2)
Watch the full service on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/rnH-FDj-Zfs
We want to be known as a church where people are known, loved, and cared for. This is much needed as loneliness penetrates the deepest parts of our lives. In Paul’s letter to new Christians, he wants them to know the life transforming power that is possible—it is still possible today.
Key Verse: From Christ the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. (Ephesians 4:16)
Watch the full service on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/d9wc0IxXb5w
James 2:1,5-13
We know that we are living out what God longs for the church to be when we live for others. focusing on ourselves instead of serving our neighbor is part of our fallen human nature—yet, God calls us to sacrifice what pleases us for those who he longs to reach.
View the full service on our YouTube Channel: https://youtu.be/r9wVEg_1b58
Being a community is more than a gathering of people. It is living out together the wisdom and ways of God. As a faith community does just this, its neighbors see God and His people as something they need and want. Living out God’s way of life together results in being on mission together with God.
Key Verse: Observe God’s laws carefully, for this will show your wisdom and understanding to the nations, who will hear about all these decrees and say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” (Deut 4:6)
Watch the full service on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/kXi2Lgd6k9c
This week's talk is from Luke 15:1-2 and 11-32.
God’s love for others spans the huge spectrum of people on all levels. It reaches to the younger brother, the older brother, and to us. We reflect this love to those who know their brokenness shows they need God, and those who believe their goodness makes them not seek after God.
Key Verse: But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate. (Luke 15:22-24)
Today we begin a new series: A Church that Looks Like Jesus.
Acts 8:1-8
What a church is includes living out with joy a reflection of God’s love for others. When the church moved out of Jerusalem, it moved into diverse and skeptical communities. The result of going and sharing the good news is that the church was filled with joy.
Key Verse: Those who had been scattered preached the word wherever they went. Philip went down to a city in Samaria and proclaimed the Messiah there…. So there was great joy in that city. (Acts 8:4-5, 8)
Watch the full service on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/hlG91zQqVx8
Pastor Paul preaches this Easter Sunday on Matthew 28:1-10 and John 20:19-29.
This is the day that promises new beginnings. Jesus faced the worst of the worst and yet rose from the grave on this day to start a new era. Because of His resurrection, He meets and fills those who yearn and search after Him. Jesus also meets those who are misunderstood and feel defeated—you can be different because of today. It is not because of anything you can do, but only because of Jesus and what He did on this day anyone can have a fresh start.
Key Verse: On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” (John 20:19)
Pastor Paul preaches on Matthew 27:57-66.
Watch the full service on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/duEyTpLdwvY
Welcome to Holy Week. We continue our walk with Jesus to the Cross with this sixth Sunday of Lent.
Jesus willingly suffered on behalf of people (including us) who don’t deserve the offering of grace, forgiveness, and new life.
Key Verse: “What shall I do, then, with the one you call the king of the Jews?” Pilate asked them. “Crucify him!” they shouted. “Why? What crime has he committed?” asked Pilate. But they shouted all the louder, “Crucify him!” (Mark 15:12-14)
Watch the full service on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/lTEj96kFEXs
Luke 22:54-71
Peter’s failure mirrors our human weakness—Peter’s repentance demonstrated God’s love and mercy. Only remembering Jesus’ words saves Peter from total despair and total destruction.
Watch the full service on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/b1S9F_3D8K8
This fourth week of Lent, our talk comes from Luke 22:39-53.
The emotional anguish of Jesus portrays the full suffering He endured and also was still to come. The garden, Gethsemane, the place of the olive press, is a picture of how Jesus would be severely pressed. Because of Jesus we can face the certainty of suffering in hope and use the disciplines God has given us to not lose heart in times of suffering.
Key Verse: Jesus went out as usual to the Mount of Olives, and his disciples followed him. On reaching the place, he withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done.” And being in anguish, he prayed more earnestly, and his sweat was like drops of blood falling to the ground. (Luke 22:39-44)
Watch the full service on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/N6O4twTxVrM
This week, Evan Tinklenberg preaches from Mark 14:12-31.
In his last meal with his disciples, Jesus offers his body and blood despite imminent betrayal and rejection. Because this is who Jesus is, we can trust that he will nourish our faith, forgive our failures to trust in him, and restore us finally and fully to himself.
Watch the full service on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/jL6fWnSt7-Y
This second week of Lent, our talk comes from Mark 14:1-11 by Pastor Mary.
Has the Holy Spirit ever nudged you to do something extravagant and sacrificial and maybe, by the eyes of the world, crazy? Jesus praises Mary for anointing Him with oil, despite the outcry from His disciples who thought it was a waste.
Watch the full service on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/gqVplaOk_vU
This first Sunday of Lent, Paul's talk comes from Luke 19:29-44.
God’s way of rescuing humanity goes totally against the grain of how people want God to do rescue. God’s plan was so amazing and so brilliant, humankind had nothing to do with it. On Jesus’ final entry into Jerusalem, God gave a picture of the way He was going to rescue us from our sin—peace brought about by His suffering. Jesus’ suffering not only saves us but demonstrates His care for us in the midst of all of our suffering.
Key Verse: Jesus said, “Go to the village ahead of you, and as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there, which no one has ever ridden. Untie it and bring it here. If anyone asks you, ‘Why are you untying it?’ say, ‘The Lord needs it.’” (Luke 19:30-31)
Watch the full service on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/hnfW2OWIjww
Genesis 2:20-24, Song of Songs 1:1-4, 1 Corinthians 7
God’s Word reveals the gift of sexual love that finds its expression in the union of husband and wife. Yet, in our broken world filled with broken people, sin has affected all aspects of humanity’s being, including our sexuality. Jesus’ redeeming work on the cross points us towards God’s plan for understanding and practicing His plan for human sexuality, and a wide open heart to care for, nurture, and comfort those and their families who struggle in this area.
Key Verse: The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. (Genesis 2:23-24)
Watch the full service on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QTejHjGnAc0
This is the conclusion of our Connect Deeply series on spiritual disciplines.
The heart of prayer is drawing close to the heart of God. While this may be easier to do when times are good, in times of distress or silence it is even more vital. God’s faithfulness to us in our past, present, and future gives us the faith to carry on in His will.
Key Verse: As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When can I go and meet with God? (Psalm 42:1-2)
Watch the full service here: https://youtu.be/7VmGmozth6Q
Continuing our series on spiritual disciplines that help us Connect Deeply with God, this week's talk is on Fellowship. 1 Peter 2:1-10 Christian fellowship unites us to be one people who have common values, beliefs, and practices. Together as church He has built us as one so that we live out the longings of God, which sometimes affirms or offends our secular culture, but ultimately is used to draw the world to Jesus.
Watch the full service on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/1mk1R192oSE
Another way to Connect Deeply with God is through Worship & Celebration. This week's talk in our series on spiritual disciplines comes from Colossians 3:16, John 4:23, Matthew 4:10, and Isaiah 6:1-4.
Worship of God for His glory and celebrating His gifts to us keeps disciplines from becoming dull and lack luster. Our worship is because He is worthy, our celebration of Him leads us to greater joy in the midst of whatever.
Watch the full service on YouTube: https://youtu.be/YlQg3xcrnGI
Continuing our series Connect Deeply on spiritual disciplines that help us connect deeply with God, this talk comes from 2 Timothy 3:16; Deuteronomy 11:18-20, Acts 2:42.
The Bible is God’s gift of grace so that through the discipline of reading His word He brings change to our inner person.
Key Verse: Fix these words of mine in your hearts and minds; tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up. Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates. (Dt 11:18-20)
Watch the full service on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/RcNcLcnjPTY
Continuing our series on spiritual disciplines that help us Connect Deeply with God, today's talk comes out of Psalm 63:3; 1:2; John 6:48-50; and Hebrews 4:12.
The Bible was given so that our lives would be changed, not simply providing staff of information to fill our head. By taking time to ruminate and reflect on God’s word, His word shapes our life as it draws us deeper in intimacy with God.
Key Verse: Blessed is the one whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. (Ps 1:2)
Watch the full service on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/zVUFqRMn9Zg
Pastor Paul continues our series Connect Deeply, preaching this week from Matthew 6:16-18 and Luke 4:1-4.
Disciplines are a way to make the soil of our heart good ground for the seed of intimacy with God to grow richly. Fasting reminds us to keep coming to God all day long. The reason for hunger pains is to focus our attention on God. If we don’t do that, then it is all in vain.
Key Verse: But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen. (Matthew 6:18)
Watch the full service here: https://youtu.be/1EkzW0weBvY
Enjoy the second sermon in the Connect Deeply series.
Everything in life is to be directed by Jesus. Jesus is the Bright Morning Star that charts the course for your life. God has blessed us with the gifts of solitude and Sabbath, not to escape from this world, but to help orient our life to follow God intentionally for His will to be done in and through us.
Key Verse: One of those days Jesus went out to a mountainside to pray, and spent the night praying to God. When morning came, he called his disciples to him and chose twelve of them, whom he also designated apostles. (Luke 6:12-13)
Watch the full service on our YouTube channel: youtu.be/Id9-CacOUAY
Happy New Year! We've begun a new series: Connect Deeply.
We were created for relationship. We flourish when we are growing in our relationship with God and deepening relationships with others. This series looks at the ways God uses to deepen our connection with Him and others. Prayer stands out as the ultimate way for conversation to happen in our most important relationship—with Father, Spirit, and Son.
Key Verse: This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. And if we know that he hears us—whatever we ask—we know that we have what we asked of him. (1 John 5:14-15)
Watch the full service on our YouTube channel: https://youtu.be/ZIixmDtK8k4