Oak Pointe Church • Novi

Wisdom Calls: Without Wisdom Our Nation Runs on FumesPicture this: A woman walks out of a store with grocery bags stacked up both arms. Her hands are shaking, items are slipping, and the door in front of her seems impossible to open. Bystanders step in to help, but she insists, “No, I’ve got it.” In reality, she doesn’t.It’s easy to feel frustrated imagining this unfolding before you. We want to shout, “Just accept the help!” But this is often exactly how we live. Wisdom calls out to us, offering a better way – a life not crushed under the weight of sin, pride, and self-sufficiency. It seems obvious that we should accept this offer, but strangely, we often act just like this woman: unwilling to humble ourselves and receive what God offers.Join us this Sunday as we read through the second chapter of Proverbs, seeking to answer the question: Do you want wisdom? 

Wisdom Calls: Without Wisdom Our Nation Runs on Fumes (Part 1) Proverbs 1As you settle into bed, you pick up your phone for a quick scroll. Your intentions are harmless. You just want to catch up on the world or maybe even learn something new. “Cut off your toxic friends immediately,” one influencer demands. You swipe. “Vegetables are actually inflammatory and will give you arthritis,” claims a self-appointed nutrition expert. One more scroll, you tell yourself, only to be reminded by another influencer to reduce your screen time. With a sigh, you set your alarm. That’s enough advice for one night. Our world is convinced it has the answers. Advice is offered freely, loudly, and constantly to anyone willing to listen. But where does true and lasting wisdom come from? Join us this Sunday as we begin our new series in the book of Proverbs, seeking to gain wisdom from the One who created us.

The Calling of Congregational Worship (Part 2) Worship: More Than Music, a Life of Worship Whether you are a new believer or have been walking in the faith for years, we’ve all stepped into a church for the first time. Maybe you noticed people raising their hands, kneeling or singing at the top of their lungs. Perhaps you felt a bit timid about singing out loud, or maybe you just aren’t an expressive person. While those feelings are completely natural, scripture shows us a beautiful truth: corporate worship is a command designed for God’s glory and for our good. Have you ever wondered why we are specifically commanded to sing? Does it matter that we worship with others? Join us this Sunday as we discover what it means to gather in worship, and experience the blessings that inevitably follow. 

The Believer’s True Worship (Part 1)Worship: More Than Music, a Life of WorshipWe give things up all the time. Marriage involves giving up certain comforts and conveniences to care for another person. Parenting requires giving up sleep, time, and personal space for the sake of a child. Generosity implies giving up money and possessions to meet the needs of others. But Scripture invites us into something far deeper than giving up things. It calls us to give up ourselves. This is the heart of worship. Webster’s dictionary defines worship as “to regard with great or extravagant respect, honor, or devotion” which is helpful, but incomplete. True worship is not just admiration. It is the offering of not only our songs, but our priorities, our desires, our decisions, and our very identity. Join us this Sunday as we discover what genuine worship looks like and how it becomes a joyful giving of ourselves to the God who gave up everything for us. 

Our Turn with Guest Speaker David NelmsThe Timothy Initiative“It’s my turn!” a child shouts from the top of the playground slide. After watching others race down the long curving slide with laughter and joy, he finally steps forward. He’s seen what’s possible and now it’s finally his moment. Scripture shows how God has been moving His story forward, generation after generation. From the very beginning, He has invited His people to step into what He is doing in the world. Each time, someone new takes their turn in the unfolding work of redemption. And now, it’s our turn. Join us this Sunday as we discover our place in God’s mission, exploring how we can faithfully step into His redemption story. 

Praying for Our Daily Needs  (Prayer Part 2)Matthew 6:11-13 We depend on food and water to survive. An individual can only go for about 40 days without food, and only three days without water. We depend on the air in our lungs; without it, we survive only a few minutes. Every breath, every sip, every bite is a reminder that we are not self-sustaining. So then, who provides these things? It’s easy to give the credit to our routines, our jobs, or the country we live in. But Scripture reminds us that God Himself is the One who supplies every need. Our dependence is not a flaw, rather it’s an intentional design. We were created to rely on Him. Join us this week as we continue our series on the Lord’s Prayer and explore how Jesus’ model of prayer becomes our declaration of dependence on God. 

Lord, Teach us to Pray Prayer (Part 1)Matthew 6:9-10 Most things in life don’t come naturally to us. We need a tour guide when we travel, a mentor to walk with us through parenting, and a teacher to help us learn how to read. In the same way, it’s unrealistic to assume that everything in the Christian life will come naturally the moment we step into faith. When we assume that everything will come naturally, we forget how much we need God to teach and shape us. God knows that prayer is a spiritual discipline – one that takes time, practice, and guidance as we learn how to honor Him when we approach His throne. Thankfully, He doesn’t leave us on our own. Jesus gives us a model for prayer right in the Sermon on the Mount. Join us this Sunday as we dive into our series on prayer and discover how prayer is first and foremost about God, the ruler of the universe 

Pentecost (Part 2) Fulfillment and Harvest Acts 10:23-48 Children often insist, “I can do it myself!” as they wobble on their new bike or reach for shoelaces they haven’t quite learned to tie. Teenagers can also strive for independence, convinced they can navigate life themselves. Even adults pride themselves on self-sufficiency, learning new skills from videos, solving problems alone, and pushing through challenges without asking for help. But deep down, we know the truth: we can’t live this life alone. Thankfully, God never asked us to. The celebration of Pentecost reminds us that the Christian life is not driven by our effort but by His Spirit. We need His presence to guide us, shape us, and empower us in ways we never could on our own. Join us this Sunday as we continue our Pentecost celebration and learn what it means to live a truly Spirit-empowered life. 

Pentecost (Part 1)Promises in the FamineJoel 2:28-32 Awaiting someone’s promised arrival can be thrilling. Children write letters to Santa weeks in advance, bursting with excitement at the thought of his Christmas visit. Families crowd around the airport, scanning every traveler for the familiar face they’ve been longing to see. Parents in the delivery room hold their breath, waiting for that first cry confirming the arrival of their newborn baby. But what if the waiting wasn’t minutes, hours, or weeks. What if it stretched into centuries? From early in the Old Testament until the day of Pentecost, God’s people lived with a promise: that His Spirit would one day dwell among them. Prophets proclaimed this coming blessing, but generations passed without seeing its fulfillment. Still, Israel waited – longing, hoping, and trusting. Join us this Sunday as we celebrate Pentecost, the day Joel prophesied about, and the day God’s long-awaited promise came to life among His people. We’ll explore miraculous truths about the Holy Spirit including His work then, His work now, and His work in the future. 

Instruments of God’s Grace Guest Speaker Steve Zarrilli Acts 9:36-42 Our world celebrates the loud. We chase after famous people on bright stages, quote authors and podcasters we’ve never met, and take on the agendas that shout the loudest. Yet something in us still longs for the quiet – the soft wind, the lapping waves, the songs of birds at dawn. Jesus celebrates that quiet place. He lifts up the humble and the lowly. He honors the unseen, the overlooked, and the ordinary. He Himself entered the world not with applause, but as a baby in a manger. This Mother’s Day, join us as we explore how Jesus views humble, natural servanthood within His supernatural kingdom and discover what a life of gospel faithfulness truly looks like. 

Come and See John 1:43-51 We don’t always grasp how good something is until we experience it ourselves. A famous landmark, a five-star restaurant, even a New York Times bestseller may be highly recommended, but you only know it’s worth it once you’ve seen it for yourself. In the same way, Jesus invites His followers with a simple call: “Follow me.” Naturally, those who accepted Him couldn’t keep it to themselves, so they passed the invitation along with three life-changing words: “Come and see.” Join us this Sunday for Student Takeover, as we hear from both Scripture and from the mouths of our students – young men and women who have responded to that same invitation, discovering the goodness of Jesus for themselves. Come and see what happens when God’s children say yes to their King. 

The Summons: Grappling With God’s Kingdom and King (Part 14) The Seed and the StormMark 4:35-41 There’s a reason we’re drawn to action movies, thrilling fiction, and dramatic rescue stories: everyone loves a big, cinematic save. But what about the rescues that feel quiet? What about when the miracle looks less like a calmed storm and more like a verse on a page? In Scripture, Jesus rescued His people in powerful, unforgettable ways. It’s easy to look at our own lives and wonder, “Why isn’t He fixing my problems like that?” But Jesus hasn’t left us empty-handed. He’s given us something living, active, and deeply powerful – His Word. Join us this Sunday as we explore how Jesus uses both mighty miracles and His living Word to reach the hearts of His children, then and now. 

The Summons: Grappling With God’s Kingdom and KingThe Unconcealable Kingdom Mark 4:21-25 We’ve all heard the phrase “let’s address the elephant in the room.” It describes that moment when something feels too important to ignore, or so obvious that there might as well be a full-sized elephant standing between you and the other person. In a way, Jesus’ ministry began in the opposite manner. It arrived quietly. He was born in a manger, in a small town, and grew up like every other child. And yet, unlike any other human life, Jesus was bringing forth the Kingdom of God into the world. He knew that even though His mission began quietly, it would eventually become impossible to overlook – an “elephant in the room” of sorts. Join us this Sunday as we discover how the light of Jesus’ Kingdom refuses to stay in the shadows and how we’re invited to live in it. 

The Summons: Grappling With God’s Kingdom and King (Part 13)The Seed of the KingdomMark 4:26-34We’ve all been there. The teacher assigns a group project, and you’re paired with two people who likely won’t do a thing. You spend all week working, and by the time presentation day arrives, your only goal is to make sure the teacher knows exactly who did all the work.From Lego towers in the living room, to reference pages in academic writing, we are wired from a young age to claim credit for our accomplishments. We want the acknowledgment we feel we’ve earned.But the Kingdom of God operates differently.Scripture reminds us that we are simply vessels in the greater plan of the kingdom, not the source. God tells his children that all credit should be given to him, because any growth we see is a product of his plan being carried out.Join us this Sunday as we read the parables of Jesus and rediscover our role in God’s great plan.

Risen to Lead YouEaster SundayMark 14:26-29Humans are often captivated by life’s great mysteries. Questions about why we dream, how life began, or what lies beyond our solar system can feel unexplainable. Yet one question continues to puzzle even the sharpest historians: What sparked the rise of Christianity? Jesus’ life stirred up curiosity and wonder, but His resurrection provides the answer.Join us as we open God’s Word and discover the power of the risen Savior and the life-changing hope that His resurrection brings.

The Summons: Grappling with God’s Kingdom and KingThe Parable of the SowerMark 4:1-20We’ve all heard that gentle but pointed question, “Are you listening to me?” Not because we’re hard of hearing, but because our attention has drifted. Parents asking a child to repeat back their words aren’t just checking for repetition, they’re checking for presence, engagement, and for a heart that’s tuned in. This is a familiar concept because we know the difference between hearing sounds and actually taking them in. Jesus understood that difference to an even greater degree. People heard him but often did not receive him. His words were misunderstood, misconstrued and reinterpreted by some of his audience. Conversely, his parables stood as an invitation for those who were ready to listen, not simply hear. Join us this Sunday as we dive into this parable with open hearts, ready to listen for the summons of the King. 

The Summons: Grappling With God’s Kingdom and KingMark 3:20-35 When the Kingdom Becomes God’s Family Family is often the first way we understand who we are. We introduce ourselves through the people we’re connected to, and we give our time and affection to those who share our blood. In Jesus’ day, this was even more intense. Your family line was your identity, your security, and your place in the world. But when Jesus announces His kingdom, He reshapes even this. He shows that God’s family is not defined by ancestry, last names, or bloodlines, but by a deeper allegiance: doing the will of the Father. In a culture where family defined everything, Jesus invites His followers into a new family tree. Join us this Sunday as we explore how Jesus redefines family and what it means to belong to God’s household today. 

The Summons: Grappling With God’s Kingdom and KingCrowds Versus Followers Mark 3:7-19 We’re often swept into whatever the majority is doing – the music everyone listens to, the clothes everyone wears, even the phrases we use just to blend in. Crowds feel safe and familiar. They offer belonging without requiring anything of us. But does simply blending in ever lead us into the sweetness of the life we’re called to live? Jesus was constantly surrounded by crowds who wanted something from Him. And though the disciples followed Him too, there was a stark contrast in their approach. Join us this Sunday as we explore the difference between joining the crowd and becoming a faithful follower. 

The Summons: Grappling With God’s Kingdom and KingNew Wine Into Old Wineskins Mark 3:1-6 No one likes change. Whether it’s a new manager, a new president or a new housing development moving in right across the street, we all know the complaints that come with unfamiliarity. Moving away feels uncomfortable, switching jobs feels unsteady and inviting new people in can feel nerve wracking. But why do we fear change when it’s guaranteed to happen? When Jesus brought forth the new kingdom, people were confronted with uncomfortable change. Some responded with flexibility, humility and resilience, while others reacted with resistance and hostility. Join us this Sunday as we explore how Jesus came to pour out His new wine, and what it means for us to become new wineskins, ready for his renewal.

The Summons: Grappling With God’s Kingdom and King (Part 7)The King is HereMark 2:23-28Rules can often leave a bitter taste. They can feel confining, stifling creativity and limiting freedom. Authority figures can silence people rather than guide them. Parents can fail to explain the heart behind their rules. Teachers can unintentionally shut down the inspiration of their students. For many, rules bring more frustration than order. But what if there was a perfect rule-maker? An Authority whose commands aren’t meant to restrict, but to help His people thrive. A Father whose rules protect His children. A Teacher whose instructions lead to joy and new life. Living in a world full of broken rules and leaders, causes us to seek the voice of a gentle Shepherd. Join us this Sunday to discover how the commands of the King Jesus are for the flourishing of His subjects. 

The Summons: Grappling With God’s Kingdom and King (Part 6) On That Day They Will Fast Mark 2:18-22Picture this: A sweet smell of pot roast wafts from the kitchen to your room. As you draw closer, you hear vegetables sizzling on the stove and catch a glimpse of the apple pie baking in the oven. Your mother has spent hours preparing a feast for you. But when she serves you a generous helping, you push the plate away. “Does it not look appetizing?” she asks, though you know it does. “Are you not hungry?” she wonders, as your stomach growls. Why deny a delicious and nourishing meal? Fasting has been a spiritual discipline for thousands of years, yet many of us still wrestle with questions like these. What is the point? How can going without food deepen our spiritual life? Join us this Sunday as we listen to Jesus’ words and discover how fasting can deepen our fellowship with the bridegroom.

The Summons: Grappling With God’s Kingdom and KingThe Sanitized vs the Scandalous Church Mark 2:13-17 Jon Morales Have you ever voiced an unpopular opinion? One that makes people look up from their plates at a dinner party or causes passionate debate amongst friends? These opinions can often be polarizing, occasionally causing people to choose sides, leaving little room for neutrality. Similarly, Jesus had an approach to ministry that sparked strong reactions. It was unpopular to many religious leaders of the day and didn't fit neatly into their expectations. Some called it a scandal, but Jesus called it the gospel. Join us this Sunday to discover how Jesus' relational ministry invites us into a life of radical hospitality and healing. 

The Summons: Grappling With God’s Kingdom and KingMark 2:1-12 Jon Morales Most of us spend a good portion of our lives learning how to respond to authority. We learn it early, through the parent that tells us when to cross the street, the teacher who decides when recess ends, and the boss who sets the deadlines. Some of these voices are trustworthy while others leave us questioning. But when we encounter the voice and power of Jesus, we experience a different kind of authority at work—one that didn’t make empty promises or use His position for personal gain. This kind of authority chose service over status, lifting others up rather than prioritizing Himself. Join us this Sunday in our Mark series as we discover what the authority of Jesus does for our biggest problem.  And come ready to experience anew how we should respond. 

The Summons: Grappling With God’s Kingdom and KingMark 1:35-45Nate LeeMost of us have a junk drawer where all kinds of household items get tossed: pens, chargers, receipts and keys, all piled together until it’s hard to tell what’s important. Our lives can often feel the same way. Tasks stack up, responsibilities blur, and the things that matter most get buried under everything else. Thankfully, we’re not left to sort through the mess on our own. We have a God who knows exactly what belongs where, a master organizer who can reorder our priorities the moment our hearts are open to His work.Join us this Sunday as we continue our series in the Gospel of Mark and explore what it means to let the King set our priorities.

The Summons: Grappling With God’s Kingdom and KingMark 1:21-34 Jon Morales It is a common reality in the art world to find a masterpiece hidden beneath an ordinary layer of paint. Countless stories tell of lost Picassos or Magrittes uncovered in the midst of restoration projects. An art restorer’s task is to look past the surface to reveal the masterpiece that lies below. When a famous painting is found beneath layers of plain paint, the goal is not to create something new but to uncover what was always there. Once he is finished, the restorer ultimately reclaims the artist’s original design. In much the same way, God is reclaiming His beautiful masterpiece. Join us this Sunday as we continue our series in the Gospel of Mark and discover how Jesus entered our world to take back what belongs to Him.

The Summons: Grappling With God’s Kingdom and KingMark 1:14-20 Jon Morales Picture a typical day in your life: your morning routine, your commute to work, your wind-down time at night. Over the years, these rhythms settle in and become second nature to you. You perfect your breakfast recipe, learn the quickest route across town, and end each evening preparing for the next day. Eventually, the familiar becomes most comfortable. But what if that comfort was never meant to be the end goal? What if our routines were meant to be interrupted? What if we were made for more? Join us this Sunday as we begin a new series in the Gospel of Mark and discover the kind of life the King is calling us into. 

Vision SundaysPsalm 67 Jon MoralesWhen you think of missions, what comes to mind? Traveling overseas to serve the poor? Building homes and raising support? Bold evangelism in the streets? For many, the idea of reaching the nations feels overwhelming, whether it’s too costly, too time-consuming, or beyond our comfort zones. It’s easy to assume that “this calling must be for someone else.” However, God reminds us that His plan for the nations involves something simple yet powerful: our generosity. Join us as we read Psalm 67 and discover how our surrender can bring blessing, joy and salvation to the nations. 

Vision SundaysRevelation 5:9Jon MoralesIn Japan, a sign of respect is to finish all the food on your plate, avoiding “mottainai”, or wastefulness. In China, leaving a small amount of food on your plate is polite, communicating that the host has provided more than enough.In Germany, punctuality is highly valued and arriving exactly on time can even be seen as late. In Spain however, arriving late is often the norm, as it shows that the guest is relaxed and not rushing the host.These are only a few of the numerous examples of diverse ways of life we see exemplified across our world. What can unite nations that are so different from one another? Could it be that we all have a need for food? That we all crave sleep? Perhaps that we all have the desire to be loved?The answers to these may all be yes, but none of them are fully complete. Join us this Sunday as we discover what truly unites the nations together. 

AI, Identity, and What it Means to be HumanAbdu MurrayA woman sits with a knitting pattern, carefully planning each stitch of her creation. She chooses the yarn, the needles and the design, already envisioning the finished work before the first knot is even made.Similarly, God knew you before you even knew yourself. Though many spend their lives searching for their identity, Scripture reminds us that God has already carefully knitted us together (Psalm 139:13).Join us this Sunday as we explore the nature of what God has intricately woven into our true identity.

Advent: The Beginning of the Good NewsMark 1:9-13Jon Morales

Advent: The Beginning of the Good NewsMark 1:1-8 Jon Morales Imagine a candle burning in a dark room, providing both warmth and light. Picture a lantern being held by a traveler who is seeking to find their way amidst the night. Consider the sun, the brightest light we daily behold, replacing the night entirely with its massive rays.But even the sun pales in comparison to the Great Light that has come to overcome the darkness. The fulfilled prophecy in Matthew 4:16a says, "The people who live in darkness have seen a great light." This light is the Messiah, bringing the good news to his beloved people.Join us this Sunday as we continue our Advent series, discovering more about our Great Light.

Advent: The Beginning of the Good NewsMark 1:1-6Jon MoralesGifts arrive in many shapes and sizes. They are often wrapped in paper and ribbons as signs of preparation for the grand reveal. And just as wrapping paper implies readiness for the gift inside, so our hearts must bear the mark of readiness for our Savior. During Advent, we prepare our hearts for the greatest gift of all, the coming Messiah. Join us this week in our Advent series as we explore how repentance prepares us to meet the Messiah. 

Advent: The Beginning of the Good NewsMark 1:1-3Jon Morales For many of us, Christmas preparation involves decorating the tree, hanging up the stockings, and stringing the lights. Meals with family are enjoyed while carols play, and excitement builds for this long-awaited day. While these traditions are joyful and festive, true Christmas preparation started long before us, carrying eternal significance. It began with God’s great plan for the salvation of the world through the Messiah. And just like scripture resounds with songs of anticipation for the coming King, our preparations ought to echo this reverent tune. Join us this week in our Advent series as we learn how to prepare our hearts for the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Can We Know God?1 John 5:13-21Jon Morales There are so many things we long to be certain about: Will we retire securely? Will we pass the next exam? Will our parenting be fruitful? To bridge the gap between uncertainty and assurance, we gather data, do our research and make educated guesses - attempting to avoid error. However, life is not about collecting the right information and controlling every aspect of our story. It is about forming a relationship with the One who already knows every detail, down to the number of hairs on our heads. Join us this Sunday as we conclude our 1 John series and answer the question, “Can we know God?”

Can We Know God?1 John 5:4b-12Jon MoralesLife offers a myriad of doors to choose from. Some promise success, comfort, or approval, but they all lead to dead ends. There is one door that leads to eternal life, truth, and communion with God. But the question remains: do you have the key?Join us this week as we continue our 1 John series and uncover the key that unlocks lasting assurance, unshakable truth, and a relationship with the God who never changes. 

Can We Know God?1 John 4:16b-21Caleb Middleton Throughout Scripture, the imagery of being rooted, planted, and grown paints a beautiful picture of spiritual formation. Like a tiny seed placed into soil, believers are planted by God and watered by His word. Over time, roots stretch deep into the ground, securing us in the love of the Father and forming a strong foundation beneath what was once so small. From this tender care and steady growth, something beautiful begins to bloom: the fruit of love. Join us this week in our 1 John series as we seek to be rooted in God’s truth, growing toward the goal of Christ-like love.

Can We Know God?1 John 4:7-16aImagine opening your mailbox and finding a letter addressed to you. The pages are filled with truth, affection, and invitation. It speaks not only of who you are, but of a deep desire to draw near to you.God has written you a love letter - one inked in grace and sealed with blood. Scripture reveals a love that never fades and a God who calls us to dwell with Him, a message spanning generations and enduring forever.Join us this week in our 1 John series as we read God’s love letter and discover how to respond with receptive hearts.

Can We Know God?1 John 4:1-6Brent ButtermoreIn 1 Kings 19, God’s voice doesn’t rush through the wind, quake through the earth, or blaze like a fire. Rather it comes as a gentle whisper, a quiet invitation to draw near to Him. Believers today are surrounded by the loud voices of politicians, influencers, and media — all seeking our attention. But God speaks differently. In a world that shouts, the disciple must learn to listen, pause, and discern for God’s voice. Join us this week in our 1 John series as we learn how to recognize the voice of our Father amid the noise of the world, and how to respond in courage and faith.

Can We Know God? 1 John 3:18-24 Jon Morales We love acting as the authors of our own lives. We outline every chapter carefully avoiding crisis and failure, ensuring that our story ends in blessing, prosperity and joy. Fortunately, we are not the true writers. The Author of the universe is the author of every one of our stories, detailing them with eternal significance. As followers of Him, we need to learn how to put down the pen and surrender our lives to the Author and Perfector of our faith. Join us this week in our 1 John series as we learn to follow God’s perfect version of our story.

Can We Know God?Pastor Jon Morales1 John 3:11-18The Oxford Dictionary offers several definitions of love:An intense feeling of deep affectionTo like or enjoy very muchGreat interest or pleasure in somethingThese definitions portray the excitement, joy and emotion that love can bring to life. But something is missing in these descriptions. If love is simply a feeling or preference, what happens when they dissolve? What if there is more to the story of love?Join us this week in our 1 John sermon series to discover how God defines love.

Can We Know God?Pastor Blaine Dennison1 John 2:29-3:10Have you ever looked at yourself in a mirror and wondered “who am I?” The world in which we live offers a myriad of lifestyles and identities to reflect. As we lose sight of our true selves, we begin to mirror the actions, appearances and words of the world until eventually we become unrecognizable. Once more you wonder, “who am I”?In a world that leaves us searching for our identity, we must come back to our Heavenly Father for the answer.

Can We Know God?Pastor Jon Morales 1 John 2:18-28Have you ever asked yourself, “Am I still walking with Jesus?”Or maybe wondered, “Is it really worth it?”We live in a world full of noise — voices and influences pulling us in every direction. In the midst of it all, it can be difficult to find our way and sustain our allegiance to Jesus.Join us tomorrow as we continue our series in 1 John, “Can We Know God?” Together, we’ll explore how and why to remain in Jesus in a world full of distractions and noise.

Can We Know God?Pastor Jon Morales1 John 2:12–17Imagine standing in a crowded marketplace. Everywhere you turn, voices are shouting for your attention - “Buy this! Try that! You need this to be happy!” Bright colors, tempting smells, and shiny objects pull at your senses.But in the middle of the chaos, you notice someone you love deeply—someone whose presence brings peace. Their voice is quieter than the others, but it cuts through the noise. You realize you don’t need to chase after every distraction because you belong to them.That’s what John is showing us: in a world full of competing loves, the one love that matters most helps us put everything else in its rightful place.

Can We Know God1 John 2:3-11The Peavey AT-200 Auto-Tune electric guitar sounds as pretty as it looks. It offers solid basswood construction, so it plays beautifully enough on its own, but the secret sauce of this guitar lies in its auto-tune technology. You simply strum and push the button for an immediate, perfect tone. Beyond that, the Solid-Tune Intonation continues working for you to correct each note as you play. Amazing! Somewhere an old-school musician is grumbling about technology ruining music, but you have to admit it’s pretty cool.Unfortunately, our Christian walk isn’t so easily adjustable. There’s no magic button to correct our attitudes or behaviors, nothing that kicks in as we’re about to make a big mistake to bring us back on course. How can we test if we’re “in tune”? Let’s hear tomorrow morning from 1 John and learn the secret sauce of Christianity that keeps us in check.

Can You Know God1 John 1:5-2:2Pastor Jon Morales A common misfortune that can happen amongst toddler girls is when they pull up their shorts under a dress and sometimes the back of the dress ends up getting tucked into the shorts. It’s hilarious and endearing and they have no idea when it happens. They walk around with an abundance of confidence, clueless of what’s going on in the back. Meanwhile, everyone around them sees the truth. It would take some honest self-inspection for those girls to see how they actually are and not just what they think they are.Jesus calls us to a similar self-inspection to see if we are truly walking in righteousness, or if we just think that we are. Claiming to be righteous isn’t enough; our lives must match our speech. So, how can we figure out if our walk matches our talk? Tomorrow morning we will see what Scripture teaches us about it.

Pastor Jon MoralesCan You Know God? (Part 1)1 John 1:1-4If you have flown on a commercial flight, then you’ve sat through the well-known “pre-flight safety briefing.” The flight attendants crowd into the narrow aisle and demonstrate how to operate all the safety equipment and exits. Now imagine that instead of the safety equipment demonstration, they spend the whole time talking about how to order the food, choose a movie to watch, and what’s going on in all the cities you’ll be flying over. Would that information make you feel safe and secure if an emergency were to happen?Certain situations demand a certain level of assurance. The more important something is, the more you want assurance about it, right? God knows this and He has met that need abundantly through His Word. Tomorrow morning, we will begin a new series in 1 John, “Can We Know God? Assurance About What Matters Most.”Come, ready to listen in. Everything else John tells us in the letter hinges on the things he tells us at the outset.

The Question That Changed EverythingJohn 8:2-11A small little boy waited until his mother left the kitchen when he snuck in and stood before the plate of fresh-baked cookies. Her earlier admonishment echoed in his head, “No cookies before dinner.” But as he gazed at the cookies and smelled their sweet scent, her voice grew faint and he reached out and grabbed a cookie. One wasn’t enough however, and soon he found that he had eaten all but one cookie. He panicked and heard his mother walking back to the kitchen. Before he could hide the evidence, she walked in.For most of us, our mind fills in the rest of the story with the little boy receiving some sort of consequence because of his disobedience. But how would we feel if his mother hugged him and told him not to do it again? Tomorrow morning we will hear how Jesus handles a delicate situation with mercy and justice.

Ruth: Meditations on God's KindnessHebrews 11:6Philanthropy in the US began in the colonial period with the Puritans. They believed in not just supporting the poor and needy but strove beyond that to help the colonies as a whole. Men such as Cotton Mather, Benjamin Franklin, and Paul Revere exemplified this model and had tremendous impact on the development of the country. When these men gave aid and helped ensure the hungry were fed, children were looked after, and education was accessible, no one turned away their gifts.According to Psalm 119:68, God is the greatest Benefactor, for all He does is good. Again, in Romans 8:28 it says that He causes everything to work for good for those who love Him. How often do you find yourself asking for and accepting His goodness? Do you feel too undeserving to accept His gifts? We wrap up our series Ruth: Meditations on God’s Kindness tomorrow morning with one final look at God’s hesed towards His children.

Ruth: Meditations on God's KindnessRuth 4:13-22A popular fantasy book series that began in the late 1990s featured a young boy who soon discovered he was a wizard. He attends a school for wizards and soon after his arrival he puts a special hat that will sort him into his dormitory. This hat looks inside to the character of a person and puts them where they will fit best. Every new student undergoes this process at the start of their school journey, and they remain with their dormitory the entire time.We too will face a sorting ceremony, only instead it will take place at the end of our journey. The sorting will depend on what is found in our hearts: will we present with our good deeds to earn God’s favor, or will we present with the work of Jesus to pay for our iniquities? Join us tomorrow morning to hear how we can be living right now for the sorting that is to come.

Ruth: Meditations on God's KindnessRuth 4:1-12When Michigan Central Station opened in 1914, it quickly became very popular, peaking at 4,000 passengers a day by 1944. After its closure in 1988, it lay abandoned for 30 years and fell victim to vandalism and neglect. Ford Motor Company later stepped in and bought the property in 2018. After renovating for 6 years, the station was re-opened on June 6, 2024, and it did not disappoint. The grandeur and beauty inside and out made visitors gasp and marvel.In our own lives we can see tragedy and suffering and wonder if it will remain this way forever. We know God is good, but in the moment, despair wins over hope. But God, being rich in mercy and lavish in love, pulls us out time and again and restores us to a place of beauty that makes us gasp and marvel. Come and hear more tomorrow morning about how God fights for His children.