Sunday Message

Celebration Sunday: Participating in God's Mission

In this Celebration Sunday message, Jeremy shares how Jesus' first miracle of turning water into wine reveals God's invitation for us to participate in His extraordinary work through ordinary obedience. Just as the servants at the wedding had to trust Jesus by filling the jars with water, we are called to pour out what we have—our time, resources, and prayers—trusting that Jesus will transform our efforts into something miraculous. Short-term mission trips and everyday acts of service become opportunities for others to "taste and see that the Lord is good" when we step out in faith and obedience.

Missions Month: Interview with Spencer and Bethany from M4C

Campus ministry is genuine missionary work that requires understanding today's college culture and building relationships one student at a time. Rather than waiting for students to walk through doors, effective campus ministers go where students are, creating entry points like coffee service and deeper connections through worship and discipleship groups. The goal isn't just social activities but making disciples whose identity rests in Christ rather than academic performance or social status. Churches can support this mission by learning students' names, living lives worthy of following, and engaging at campus ministry locations to model healthy relationships for students from broken families.

A Mission Field in Our Back Door

The landscape of campus ministry has transformed dramatically since 1962, with today's college students facing unprecedented mental health challenges amid our digital age. Despite these difficulties, this may be the most exciting time for campus ministry as Gen Z shows increasing spiritual curiosity, openness to intergenerational relationships, and a hunger for authentic mentorship. Churches have a unique opportunity to be trustworthy guides for young people who are often 'harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.' By positioning ourselves as authentic witnesses and engaging intentionally with students, we can respond to Jesus's call to shine our light and enter the plentiful harvest field.

Blessed Assurance: Confession

Sin creates division between us and God, but the gospel restores fellowship through Jesus Christ. God is light without darkness, and we cannot claim fellowship with Him while living in spiritual darkness. Walking in the light means agreeing with God's definition of sin and confessing when His light exposes darkness in our lives. Confession brings healing and restoration, allowing us to experience true fellowship with God and others. The mark of a Christian isn't sinlessness but a willingness to bring sin into the light through regular confession.

Blessed Assurance: Complete Sentences

John's first letter addresses believers disturbed by false prophets, offering them blessed assurance through fundamental truths. He emphasizes that the gospel of Jesus is complete, based on eyewitness testimony, not requiring new additions. John teaches that true fellowship centers entirely on Jesus Christ - we must decide if Christianity is absolutely true or completely false, as there is no middle ground. Finally, he reveals that our joy becomes complete when we share the message of Jesus with others, experiencing a fulfillment that cannot be taken away.

Blessed Assurance: 1st John

In this message on "Blessed Assurance," Ken explores how the Apostle John wrote his first letter to help Christians know with certainty that they have eternal life, addressing the confusion caused by false teachers who had left the church. He outlines three key areas of Christian assurance: knowing the true identity of Jesus as the Son of God, having certainty about your conversion through three tests (believing Jesus is God's Son, walking in the light through moral transformation, and loving fellow believers), and trusting in the security of your salvation even when you fail. Ken emphasizes that true assurance comes not from perfect performance but from humble dependence on Christ, who serves as our advocate when we confess our sins and get back on the path of faith.

Ancient Faith: I Believe in the Resurrection and Life Everlasting

Throughout history, humans have sought immortality, but only God can truly conquer death through Jesus Christ. The Christian belief in bodily resurrection affirms that God created our physical bodies as good and worthy of respect. This stands in contrast to philosophies that view the body as worthless, leading to destructive behaviors. Scripture consistently portrays burial as an act of faith and hope, using the metaphor of a seed planted that will grow into something greater. Our belief in resurrection should impact how we treat our bodies in life and how we approach death, living with the confident hope that through Christ, we will be raised with glorious bodies.

Being a Good Neighbor - MSU Sunday 2025

Jesus challenges our understanding of neighborliness through the parable of the Good Samaritan. While religious leaders passed by a wounded man, a Samaritan - someone from a despised group - showed extraordinary compassion. This story redefines 'neighbor' not by cultural, religious, or ethnic boundaries, but by showing mercy to those in need. As disciples of Christ, we must focus less on who qualifies as our neighbor and more on being the best neighbor to anyone God puts in our path. Like a MASH unit positioned near battlefields, we are called to care for all who come our way, regardless of background.

Ancient Faith: I Believe in the Forgiveness of Sins

The Apostles' Creed mentions only one aspect of Christian living: 'the forgiveness of sins,' highlighting its central importance. Sin is attractive and pleasurable, which makes it such a persistent problem in our lives. Society has tried to eliminate guilt by removing rules, but this approach has only led to more chaos and suffering. Psalm 130 teaches that the answer to our sin problem lies not within ourselves but with God. When we humble ourselves, confess our sins, and turn to God, He responds with forgiveness, mercy, and compassion. This forgiveness frees us from guilt and enables us to serve God with reverence.

2025 Back to School Blessing

As the school year begins, there are essential spiritual supplies that can't be found on any store list. Wisdom from God helps students, parents, and teachers navigate relationships and make good choices. Discipline enables balancing academics, activities, and spiritual growth despite initial discomfort. The peace of Christ provides stability during school anxieties and transitions. Community creates connection through being devoted, generous, and welcoming to others. By seeking wisdom daily, building good habits, cultivating inner peace, and investing in relationships, everyone can experience a more meaningful educational journey.