This Sunday, Dan draws our attention to repentance and grace. He starts with a story of the Titanic's tragic end—not just a historical disaster, but a powerful metaphor for spiritual warning signs we too often ignore. He explains that repentance is more than just saying "sorry" - it involves both turning away from sin (humility) and turning toward God (seeking righteousness). The sermon outlines four main points: the necessity of repentance, the urgency of repentance (emphasized by Zephaniah's repeated use of "before"), the elements of repentance (seeking the Lord, righteousness, and humility), and the effects of repentance (being hidden from God's judgment). Throughout, Dan emphasizes God's grace in giving people opportunities to repent while also stressing the urgency of not delaying repentance, as judgment will eventually come.

This Sunday, Philip continues our series in Zephaniah, where God addresses the dangers of spiritual complacency and procrastination in our faith journeys. Through the lens of God's wrath, defined as His holy response to human rebellion, Philip emphasizes that neglecting our spiritual lives can have dire consequences. As the people of Zephaniah’s time faced judgment for their complacency, we too are reminded that God's judgment is personal, widespread, and thorough. He urges us to confront the uncomfortable truths about our faith, challenging us to examine our hearts for hidden sins or lazy attitudes toward our relationship with God. This message is an invitation to reflect, repent, and reignite our passion for the Lord.

This past Sunday, we started a new series in the book of Zephaniah addressing God's very real message of impending judgment and the hope that follows. Jonge, dives deep into this often-overlooked prophetic book, revealing its historical context during a critical period in Judah's history and drawing parallels to our lives today. He emphasizes the resonating truth that the "great day of the Lord is near," urging the congregation to confront their spiritual complacency and embrace a life of authenticity and discipleship. As Jonge connects the themes of Zephaniah to the church's current initiatives—like fostering community and establishing local ministries—he reassures us that God’s patience is a call to action. This sermon encourages believers to live with a keen sense of urgency, recognizing the nearness of God's return.

This Sunday, Dan reflects on the transformative parable of the sower from Matthew 13, exploring the vital connection between the soil of our hearts and our response to the Gospel. He emphasizes that while the sower indiscriminately scatters the seed—symbolizing the eternal Word of God—the different types of soil represent our varying receptivity to this divine message. Dan's personal stories about gardening serve as a backdrop, illustrating how the quality of soil influences not only growth but the fruitfulness of our faith journeys. He challenges the congregation to consider their own hearts and to embrace the role of sowers in their communities, understanding that many may reject the Gospel due to hardened or distracted hearts. In conclusion, he urgently calls the audience to go forth as ambassadors of Christ, sowing seeds of hope and truth in a world longing for the Gospel.

This Sunday, Philip invited us to explore the profound concept of discernment centered on Matthew 12. When faced with the miraculous healing of a demon-possessed man, the Pharisees were quick to dismiss the work of God, blinded by their own rigid beliefs. Philip challenges us to be more than just churchgoers; he calls us to be engaged disciples, actively discerning where God is at work in our lives. This message resonates deeply in our everyday experiences, showing how easily we can become sidetracked by distractions and negativity, much like the persistent nightmare of running astray that Philip shares. He reminds us that discernment isn’t just about making decisions—it’s about recognizing the Kingdom of God versus the distractions that lead us away from Him.

This Sunday, Jonge dove into Matthew 11:28-30, revealing the profound truth that Jesus is the ultimate rest-giver. As he unpacks the context of these verses, we learn that Christ invites each one of us—especially those burdened by life's pressures—to come to Him for true rest. This is not just an ancient invitation; it’s a call to the present, teaching us how to practically live as followers of Christ. Jonge emphasizes that while our world often burdens us with expectations and regulations, Jesus offers us the freedom to lay down our struggles and embrace a relationship with Him, who is gentle and lowly in heart. He reminds us that the actions of coming, taking, and learning are essential in our spiritual journeys. As you navigate the challenges of life, Jonge invites you to find solace in Jesus.

This past Sunday, Philip, takes us into Matthew 9, challenging us to envision the world through God-sized glasses. He reminds us that Jesus' mission extended beyond big cities to small towns, showcasing that the Gospel is a gift for everyone, just like a cherished item we might have overlooked. Using the vivid story of a man unknowingly wheeling out a wheelbarrow, Philip draws us into our own lives, urging us to recognize the unseen needs around us. The need for compassionate connection is louder than ever, especially as today’s youth search for truth amid confusion. Just as Jesus had compassion for the crowds, we too are called to act—whether through healing, sitting with someone in pain, or inviting them to church. As we gear up for upcoming initiatives, like Serve Sunday, we are not just participants in a church; we are laborers in God's abundant harvest.

This Sunday, Jonge emphasizes the importance of following Christ's example by reaching out to the unlikely, similar to how Jesus called Matthew, a despised tax collector, to join him. He highlights that Jesus not only invited those considered sinners into fellowship but also defended their worthiness before critics, demonstrating mercy over mere religious duty. As disciples, we are challenged to engage with those who may differ from us and to reflect on whether we are blocking the path to Jesus for others through judgment. Ultimately, Jonge urges the church to cultivate relationships with those in need of grace and to make a conscious effort to embody Christ's love in our everyday interactions.