Isaiah 63:7-9 “They Will be Called Children of God”

Message: Isaiah 63:7-9 “They Will be Called Children of God”

-Christmastide, the twelve days of Christmas, begins with Christmas Day. On this first Sunday after Christmas Day, we celebrate the “Holy Family.” In this passage from Isaiah, we’re reminded that not only is Jesus God’s Son, but through Christ we’ve been adopted as God’s Children. God is a Parent who brings us life and liberation from the oppression of sin and brokenness, allowing us to take our first breath in His new world.

Isaiah 7:10-16 “A Sign”

Message: Isaiah 7:10-16 “A Sign”

This Sunday we will focus on the gift of God sending his Son in the world as a Sign of His love and the hope of redemption!

Isaiah 35:1-10 “Joy Will Overtake Them”

Message: Isaiah 35:1-10 “Joy Will Overtake Them”

As we light the third Advent candle, we celebrate the theme of ‘Joy.’ The Candle is pink, representing the sunrise of the dawn of a new day. This is what Isaiah points to in our passage today. He speaks to those in exile in Babylon of a Way being made through the wilderness which will lead them safely to Zion and God’s promised future for them. We share in this promise with the exiles, looking forward to a future defined by Joy.

Isaiah 11:1-10 “The Poor and Needy”

Message: Isaiah 11:1-10 “The Poor and Needy”

This week’s Advent Theme is ‘Peace’. Isaiah envisions a coming day when ‘A shoot shall come out of the stump of Jesse.” This advent message reminds us that Jesus is the fulfillment of a promise. With the coming of Jesus comes the beginning of a great redemption and restoration promises to turn the world right-side-up. Are we sure we want this kind of world? This will be a world where the wolf and lamb live in peace with one another. Are we ready to see the redemption of our enemies rather than the retribution of our enemies? This is the kind of peace Christ offers us. What areas of your own life need peace and renewing?

Isaiah 2:1-5 "Envisioning God's Future"

Message: Isaiah 2:1-5 "Envisioning God's Future"

We begin this new season of Advent by envisioning the hope of God's future for humanity. In this broken world, having hope takes both faith and courage. Isaiah presents a vivid picture of God's future for us in this passage. We must not only envision it, but walk toward it. 

Exodus 20:18-21 “Draw Nearer”

Message: Exodus 20:18-21 “Draw Nearer”

When God visited the Israelites on Mt. Sinai, this was the beginning of God drawing near to humanity and the beginning of the reversal of the separation that began after the Fall. The people are called to draw nearer to God at the foot of the mountain, but they choose to stay at a distance. God came down from heaven again in Jesus Christ, in a way that we no longer need to fear drawing nearer to Him. The question is, are you staying at a distance or drawing nearer?

Judges 16:4-22 “Samson & Delilah”

Message: Judges 16:4-22 “Samson& Delilah”

The opening chapters of Genesis tell us that it is not good for man to be alone. Humans need human companionship. But when we begin looking for someone or something, rather than God, to make us complete and whole, our whole world comes tumbling down. It is in Christ alone that we find our identity. Anytime we seek our fulfillment from someone or something else, we can expect to be disappointed. But when we find our fulfillment in God, it brings life and health to our relationships with others.

John 18:28-40 “Lessons from the Land: Jerusalem”

Message: John18:28-40 “Lessons from the Land: Jerusalem”

We all have to make choices. Pontius Pilate did not believe Jesus deserved death, but he chose what was easiest to appease the crowd. Jesus would have liked to avoid a painful death, but he chose to follow God’s path to the cross knowing that it would ultimately bring about the redemption and joy of the world. These two choices are ever before each one of us.

Matt 21:23-32 “Lessons from the Land: The Temple”

Message: Matt 21:23-32 “Lessonsfrom the Land: The Temple”

After Jesus enters Jerusalem to the acclamations of the crowds, he enters the Temple and cleanses it. The religious leaders ask him by what authority he does this. In this message we’ll talk about the Temple, Jesus’ claim to replace the Temple, and our new identity as God’s Temple. How are Jesus’ followers called to be different from the religious leaders Jesus challenged in the Temple?

Luke 19:28-39 “Lessons from the Land: Mt. Olivet”

Message: Luke 19:28-39 “Lessonsfrom the Land: Mt. Olivet”

The Mount of Olives plays a significant role in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, God departed the temple and rested upon the Mt. of Olives before leaving Israel. In the New Testament, God returns, in the person of Jesus, coming back by way of the Mt. of Olives and returning to the city. But God’s people don’t recognize his return, and Jesus weeps over the city as it looks upon it from the famous Mount. God is constantly coming to us. Do we recognize his visitations?

Luke 10:38-42 “Lessons from the Land: Bethany”

Message: Luke 10:38-42 “Lessons from the Land: Bethany”

-There are many things we must do in life, but what is the most important human task? There are a lot of opinions about this matter, but Jesus resoundingly and definitively answers it when he tells Martha that ‘Mary has chosen what is better.’ But what is most shocking about this passage isn’t that Mary left her sister to do the work of hospitality. Are you engaged in the most important task of life?  

Luke 18:35-19:10 “Lessons from the Land: Jericho”

Message: Luke 18:35-19:10“Lessons from the Land: Jericho”

As Jesus makes his way to Jerusalem for the events that will lead up to his crucifixion, he stops over in Jericho. It is here that he answers the call of a blind beggar who cries out to him and also saves a rich man from an empty way of life. God desires to restore all who call out to him, from the least to the greatest, because all humanity is in equal need of restoration.

Matthew 16:13-20 “Lessons from the Land: Caesarea Philippi”

Message: Matthew 16:13-20“Lessons from the Land: Caesarea Philippi”

Jesus takes the disciples to Caesarea Philippi, the capital of Gaulanitus. It was here that the world believed the gates of Hell were to be found. Standing nearby the ancient pagan shrine to Pan and the underworld, Jesus asks the disciples who they say he is. Each of us must come to know and recognize God in an intimate way. If we believe Christ is the center, then this confession will re-center our lives.

Luke 8:26-39 “Lessons from the Land: Gergesa”

Message: Luke 8:26-39 “Lessons from the Land: Gergesa”

As we continue to visit the places Jesus ministered on the Sea of Galilee, we now move toward the darkest region of all, known as the Decapolis. This was a Gentile region where Jesus extends his ministry beyond the Jewish people and toward the Gentiles. In this place, a man who had been living in separation and exclusion was made whole and restored to his family. This man became a witness of God’s love and power among this non-believing region. The next time Jesus returned here many came out to see him.

Psalm 1 "Surprised by Pleasure - The Joy of Following God's Word"

Message: Psalm 1 "Surprised by Pleasure - The Joy of Following God's Word"

Devin Scott brings the message this week.

John 8:1-3 “Lessons from the Land: Magdala”

Message: John 8:1-3 “Lessonsfrom the Land: Magdala”

This week we visit a city called Magdala, on the Western side of the lakeshore. This is the town that Mary Magdalene was from, just seven miles south of Capernaum, Jesus’ ministry base. Jesus restored Mary’s life and she dedicated the rest of her life to him. She is mentioned more times in the Gospels than most of the Apostles. Her life is an example to us of what it looks like to be transformed by Jesus and devote ourselves to following him. Like Mary Magdalene, it is important to remember what Jesus has rescued us from and called us to.

John 14:1-4 “Lessons from the Land: Chorazin”

Message: John 14:1-4 “Lessons from the Land:Chorazin”

In Chorazin you will find an incredible example of the family home, known as an “insula.” In Jewish terminology, this was called at Bet Av, or ‘The Father’s House.’ It is not a mansion, like many westerners are prone to think of, but a community living center. When Jesus goes to the Father’s house to prepare a place for us, he is talking about bringing us into intimate community with the Father, himself, and the believing community.

Matthew 4:12-17 “Lessons from the Land: Capernaum”

Message: Matthew 4:12-17 “Lessons from the Land:Capernaum”

After being nearly thrown from a high cliff in Nazareth, Jesus moved his ministry base to Capernaum and made it his home of operation. Capernaum sat upon a major trading route along the Sea of Galilee. This enabled Jesus to reach many people from all over the surrounding world. In this message, we’ll look at our mission to learn as Jesus’ disciples and to enter the world around us with the Gospel message of hope.

Matthew 4:18-22 "Lessons from the Land: Bethsaida"

Message: Matthew 4:18-22 "Lessons from the Land: Bethsaida"

Jesus announced his ministry calling in the Synagogue in Nazareth. After this he leaves Nazareth and before beginning his ministry, he calls his disciples. In this message we’ll talk about how Jesus personally calls each of us to follow him. Following Jesus and becoming disciples who are shaped by him is our primary calling in life. Everyone who is called ‘to’ Jesus is also called ‘away’ from something else. There are things we need to leave behind in order to follow him more fully.

Matthew 2:13-18 “Lessons from the Land: Nazareth”

Message: Matthew 2:13-18 “Lessons from the Land:Nazareth”

In this message we look at Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth. This is where Jesus grew in ‘wisdom and stature with God and man.’ Jesus learned through the stories of biblical heroes and his daily activities as a builder. But Jesus discovered his identity in God, not those of his hometown. Only God can show us who we are.

Matthew 2:13-18 “Lessons from the Land: Egypt”

Message: Matthew 2:13-18 “Lessons from the Land: Egypt” 

Luke 2:1-12 “Lessons from the Land: Bethlehem”

Message: Luke 2:1-12 “Lessons from the Land: Bethlehem”

This week we begin a new series called “Lessons from the Land.” We’ll begin in Bethlehem, contrasting Jesus’ birth in this humble village with the power and pomp of Herod the Great, whose Herodian fortress loomed over the little village. What does this contrast between the King of Glory and Rome’s puppet king mean to teach us about who God is and what it looks like to be a follower of Christ rather than the powers of the world? 

Luke 14 “Invite Them In”

Message: Rev. Garth McGrath Luke 14 “Invite Them In”

This will be a message about reaching out to others and inviting them in to your life and the life of Christ.

2 Peter 3:11-18 “In the (New) Beginning”

Message: 2 Peter 3:11-18 “In the (New)Beginning”

In this final message in our series, Peter will be wrapping up his main emphasis and conclusion. The main idea is that we are to live this life now with one eye toward the future that Jesus is bringing about. Jesus calls this future, "The Kingdom of God." We are to live in the present according to the principles we believe will be part life in the Kingdom of God. In this way, we are living 'now' in the way we believe God will have us live "In the New Beginning." 

West Michigan Teen Challenge

Message: West Michigan Teen Challenge Testimonies

2 Peter 3:1-10 “From Beginning to End”

Message: 2 Peter 3:1-10 “From Beginning to End”

Some in the early church determined that there was no such thing as Christ’s ‘return,’ since it hadn’t happened yet. Instead, they took a naturalist view of life and creation, positing that God was mainly ‘hands off’ and that the world would simply always continue on its course of time. Peter reminds us that there was a beginning and that God has acted decisively within time and creation and will indeed do so again. That Jesus has not returned is not a sign of his lack of concern, but just the opposite, he is giving humanity more time because he doesn’t want any to miss out on redemption. The call in this passage is to continue to live in such a way as to prove that life and the time we’ve been given matters. In other words, to live as though one day we will stand before God and give an accounting of our lives.

2 Peter 2:1-10a “The Road Less Traveled”

Message: 2 Peter 2:1-10a “The Road Less Traveled”

In this passage, Peter talks about two paths we can go by. One is the Way Jesus taught, while the other is any other way that is not in line with Christ’s teachings. There are many teachers and teachings out there that deviate from the way of Jesus even while claiming to embrace Jesus. We need to be able to discern the difference. God is able to hold the deviators accountable even as he’s able to redeem those who love and follow Jesus and his Way.

2 Peter 2:10b-22, “A Freedom which is Not Free”

Message: 2 Peter 2:10b-22, “A Freedom which is NotFree”

In this passage, Peter continues to warn against false teachings which offer a freedom which is no freedom at all. Our freedom has been bought with a great price, nothing less than the life of Jesus. But the freedom we’ve been given is a freedom from the bondage of sin, not a freedom to live for selfish pursuits.

2 Peter 1:12-21 "Tell It Again"

Message: 2 Peter 1:12-21 "Tell It Again"

In this passage Peter tells us that he doesn’t mind reminding and repeating the story we already know. In this message will focus on the necessity of being immersed in the Christian story of God’s redemption through Jesus.  Communion will serve as one of the ways we are called to ‘Remember’. It is this remembering that centers us in the life and plan of God as we look forward to the fulfillment of our salvation when Jesus comes again. 

2 Peter 1:1-11 “The Great Escape”

Message: 2 Peter 1:1-11 “The Great Escape”

In the ancient Greek world many came to believe that the material world itself, including their physical bodies, were corrupt and needed to be ‘escaped.’ They wanted to escape to a non-material world. Peter reveals that it is not the physical world they need to escape from, but the sinful desires that undermine all that is good about the world God created. Peter tells us that God has given us all we need to live a good and purposeful life, listing virtues that are meant to replace unhealthy patterns.

1 Peter 5:8-14 “After You Have Suffered a Little While”

Message: 1 Peter 5:8-14 “After You Have Suffered aLittle While”

As we come to a close of 1 Peter, we’re reminded that our suffering in this world is but for a little while. We fight for something greater when we fight to maintain our faith and commitment to Christ in the midst of a fallen world. We are called to invite Christ into our lives and our sufferings as he invites us into his Eternal Kingdom.

1 Peter 5:1-7, “Leading & Learning in Humility”

Message: 1 Peter 5:1-7, “Leading & Learning inHumility”

In this passage Peter encourages the elders, those leaders of the early church, to lead by example and with humility. He encourages those who are younger in the faith to find someone more mature and learn from them in humility. Our chief example of this is Jesus, who is called the chief shepherd. In the context of the early church in Asia Minor, we are to encourage one another in the faith through the difficult times of our life.

Isaiah 40:29-31 "When there is no more 'Why' or 'When' but just, 'Yes, Lord!'"

Message: Isaiah 40:29-31 "When there is no more 'Why' or 'When' but just, 'Yes, Lord!'"

Pastor Jen Heiney delivers the message on the theme: Waiting on God

1 Peter 4:12-19 “Committed”

Message: 1 Peter 4:12-19 “Committed”

This week we’ll be focusing on the theme of Christian persecution as we remember and pray for our brothers and sisters around the globe who are undergoing suffering on account of their commitment to Christ and the Christian faith.

1 Peter 4:1-11 “A Different Drummer”

Message: 1 Peter 4:1-11 “A Different Drummer”

In this week’s passage, Peter calls Christians to leave behind the sinful behaviors that so many in the world indulge in. Instead, they are to cultivate spiritual virtues. They can do this once they move their focus from receiving the praise of men to receiving praise from God. When we do this, we will begin cultivating and practicing loving behavior, that lives now for the type of world we look forward to, where God’s love rules supreme.

Luke 24: “Road to Emmaus”

Message: Luke 24: “Road to Emmaus”

After the resurrection, two followers of Jesus were walking along a road that led to the town of Emmaus. As they did, a stranger joined them and began talking to them, discovering how it was they were doing. It was some time before they realized it was Jesus who had joined them. They had heard that he had risen from the grave, but they were not convinced until they encountered Christ in a more personal way. We too have heard of Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection, but belief arises when we encounter Jesus personally ‘along the way.’

1 Peter 3:17-22 “Sacrifice”

Message: 1 Peter 3:17-22 “Sacrifice”

On this Palm Sunday, we revisit the moment when Jesus came riding into Jerusalem on a donkey. While he was exalted as a king by those waving palm branches and shouting hosanna, he came to lay down his life as a sacrifice for our sins. In this week’s passage, Peter talks about Christ as the sacrifice that saves us. All powers and authorities were subjected to him in this powerful event which changes everything.

1 Peter 3:8-16 “Inner Life, Outer Witness”

Message: 1 Peter 3:8-16 “Inner Life, Outer Witness”

In this week’s message, Peter speaks to the Christian community as a whole, revealing what it looks like to be like Christ in our inner attitudes and outer actions. Emphasizing of the teachings of Jesus himself, Peter tells us not to repay evil with evil, but instead practice blessing those who do us wrong. Practicing doing ‘good’ is a vital part of living the best life God has for us, here-and-now. We don’t have to fear what others may say or do to us, so long as we are living well before God.

1 Peter 3:1-7 “Beauty and the Beast”

Message: 1 Peter 3:1-7 “Beauty and the Beast”

In this message, Peter continues his talk about how our behavior will be our biggest witness to unbelievers. Here he emphasizes inner beauty over and above outer adjournment. Inner work is among the main works of the Christian life. Out of this inner work flows our character and witness to the outer world.

1 Peter 2:18-25 "Afflicted"

Message: 1 Peter 2:18-25 “Afflicted”

In this difficult passage on bearing up under persecution and mistreatment, Peter reminds us that in identifying with Christ, we enter into Christ’s sufferings. In our day and age, we don’t think we should have to take anything from anyone. Where there are laws to protect us, we can thank God for it and utilize them. Yet, there is something to consider about entering into the sufferings of Christ and bearing up under them. That is what we will consider in this passage.

1 Peter 2:11-17 “Silenced”

Message: 1 Peter 2:11-17 “Silenced”

Peter is speaking to a community that is being discriminated against and slandered. He tells this Christian community that they are to live out of their new identity as the people of God. In accordance with this new identity, they are to live such good lives among non-believers, that though people may slander them and make false accusations against them, ultimately the rest of the world will come to see for themselves that these accusations are wrong. In this message we learn how our way of life and interacting in the world is a major part of our testimony and the power behind our witness as Jesus’ followers.

1 Peter 2:4-10 “Living Stones”

Message: 1 Peter 2:4-10 “Living Stones”

In this week’s passage, Peter is still building identity as the people of God and now moving toward their greater purpose. Part of that purpose is to become stones in a temple that is not located in Jerusalem, but a living temple that houses God’s glory throughout the world. This fulfills the goal of God being glorified in all the earth. It is our purpose as God’s people to glorify God in all that we say and do.

1 Peter 1:22 – 2:3 “Nourishment and Growth”

Message: 1 Peter 1:22 – 2:3 “Nourishment and Growth”

In this passage, Peter emphasizes the primary focus for the follower of Christ, which is spiritual growth and maturity. He tells us that we need to work at love in the context of community. He encourages us to remove the unhelpful practices that lead to a break down in community. In order to do this, we need to differentiate between what is temporary and what is lasting, and develop those areas that are beneficial to us for an eternal co-existence with God and others.

1 Peter 1:10-21 “Children of the Son”

Message: 1 Peter 1:10-21 “Children of the Son” 

In this message we will see how the prophets who came before us shared a message that was for us. This messages of Ransom, freedom and redemption was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The results of Jesus’ work are being brought about within us even now. Jesus has redeemed us for a purpose and we are to live into and out of that purpose here and now. This message will explore what it means to live as ‘Children of the Son.’

1 Peter 1:1-9 “The New Me”

Message: 1 Peter 1:1-9 “The New Me”

This Sunday we begin a sermon study going through 1 & 2 Peter. This Sunday’s message focuses on Peter’s opening words to an audience facing the threat of persecution. They have been scattered abroad. Peter applies numerous of Jewish themes and titles to these Christians and speaks of their identity as those who are ‘chosen’ and receiving an ‘inheritance.’ Theirs is the new world that God has given them, but for now they must navigate the challenges of this world. These trials are a part of their preparation and refining, preparing them for their ultimate destination. Peter wants them to know and understand their new identity in Christ and focus on the greater goal which is yet before them.

Isaiah 6:1-8, [9-13] "Heaven and Earth"

Message: Isaiah 6:1-8, [9-13] "Heaven and Earth"

We'll be looking at a passage from the Lectionary, which is Isaiah 6:1-8. In this message we'll be noticing three things. First, Isaiah's realization of his own falleness, which will help us focus on self-reflection. Second, God's glory and goodness which are revealed in creation itself. Lastly, how God restores us. 

John 6: 53-59 "Unkosher"

Message: John 6:53-59 'Unkosher"

The message for February 3rd will be based on John 6:53-59. Just before these verses Jesus had declared that he is the bread of life. The religious leaders are aghast that Jesus would suggest his body is food. Jesus is talking figuratively of course, but their religious sensibilities don't allow them to pick up on that and see the deeper meaning. In this message we'll be asking 'what gets in the way of developing an authentic  relationship with God?' We'll be focusing on some of the presuppositions and 'rules' and 'lenses' we view life through that may keep us from encountering God in a real and authentic way. 

Matthew 13:53-58, 14:1-14 "When Things Fall Apart"

Message: Matthew 13:53-58, 14:1-14 "When Things Fall Apart"

Pastor Stan Hagemeyer

John 4:1-26, 31-32, 39-41 "Jesus Gets Personal"

Message: John 4:1-26, 31-32, 39-41 "Jesus Gets Personal"

Pastor Stan Hagemeyer

Matthew 3:13-17, Isaiah 53:1-6 "Who Do You Think He Is?

Message: Matthew 3:13-17, Isaiah 53:1-6 "Who Do You Think He Is?

Pastor Stan Hagemeyer

John 1:10-18, Ephesians 2:8-10 "What are You Becoming?"

Message: John 1:10-18, Ephesians 2:8-10 "What are You Becoming?"

Rev. Stan Hagemeyer brings the message.

Isaiah 40:3-11, John 1:1-14, Colossians 1:15-20 "The Word of God"

Message: Isaiah 40:3-11, John 1:1-14, Colossians 1:15-20 "The Word of God"

Rev. Stan Hagemeyer