Embracing the Promises of the Messiah - God With Us
by Nick DeYoung on November 4th, 2024
In our own lives, the presence of God through Jesus is just as real. This truth assures us that no matter what we face, we are never alone. Whether in the middle of a personal crisis, an illness, or a season of uncertainty, we can take heart knowing that God is with us. He walks with us, sharing in our struggles and offering hope that cannot be taken away. Read More
Walking with God
by Nick DeYoung on October 28th, 2024
At the core of walking with God is abiding in His love. Enoch’s life with God was not transactional; it was relational, rooted in God’s love and Enoch’s response to that love. Read More
Walking Humbly in a Divided World: A Call to Live Differently
by Nick DeYoung on October 14th, 2024
As we bring our sermon series on Micah 6:8 to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on what it truly means to walk humbly with our God. Over the past few weeks, we’ve explored how God calls us to act justly and to love faithfulness, each of which is deeply rooted in our relationship with Him. Today, we arrive at perhaps the most challenging and countercultural part of the verse: walking humb... Read More
Loving Faithfulness in a Divided World: A Call to Live Out Mercy
by Nick DeYoung on October 7th, 2024
As we reflect on this call to love faithfulness, let’s take a moment to ask ourselves: Are there people in our lives from whom we have been withholding mercy? Are we willing to separate our need to be right from our responsibility to show compassion? In the midst of political tension, can we extend steadfast love to those who think differently than we do? Read More
A Call to Deep Faith: Reflecting Inwardly, Loving Outwardly
by Nick DeYoung on October 3rd, 2024
The Franciscan Blessing offers us a framework for living a deep and compassionate faith. It calls us first to look inward, to examine the places where we’ve settled for less than what God desires for us. It invites us to sit with discomfort, to confront the ways we’ve contributed to injustice, to allow our hearts to break for the suffering of others, and to believe that God can use us to make a difference. Read More
Embracing Change in a Time of Transition
by Nick DeYoung on October 3rd, 2024
This season of change may bring challenges, but it is also an exciting time of growth, refocusing, and deeper connection. As we embrace this cultural shift, may we do so with open hearts, ready to see the new things God is doing in and through us. Read More
The Call to Act Justly
by Nick DeYoung on October 1st, 2024
Justice is not just a lofty ideal or something reserved for legal experts or politicians. It is a way of life that God calls each of us to embody. The call to act justly is an invitation to align our hearts and actions with the character of God, who is both just and righteous. As we pursue justice in our personal lives, our communities, and our world, we reflect the heart of our Savior, bringing His light into the darkness. Read More
Embracing God’s Call in a Divided World
by Nick DeYoung on September 24th, 2024
In a world filled with injustice, God calls us to act justly. What does this mean? Acting justly means standing up for the vulnerable, advocating for fairness, and resisting the systems and practices that oppress others. It means seeing the image of God in every person, regardless of their social or political status, and treating them with the dignity and respect they deserve. Read More
Embracing God's Design for Rest
by Nick DeYoung on September 8th, 2024
As all of us navigate the busyness of life, it can be easy to forget the importance of rest. We live in a world that constantly pushes us to do more, achieve more, and be more. However, God, in His infinite wisdom, established a rhythm of work and rest that is not only necessary but also sacred. The Sabbath is God’s gift to us, a time set apart for rest and renewal, not just physically but spiritually as well. Read More
Finding Purpose and Joy in Our Daily Lives
by Nick DeYoung on September 2nd, 2024
Paul’s words challenge us to examine our motives in everything we do. Are we working just to meet deadlines, earn a paycheck, or gain the approval of others? Or are we working with a higher purpose in mind? When we shift our focus from merely fulfilling duties to serving the Lord with all our hearts, our work becomes more than just a task—it becomes an act of worship. Read More
Loving One Another: The Heartbeat of Christian Life
by Nick DeYoung on August 26th, 2024
From the earliest days of the Christian church, love has been the cornerstone upon which the community of believers was built. John reminds us in 1 John 3:11, “For this is the message you have heard from the beginning: We should love one another.” This isn’t a new directive but a reaffirmation of what has been true since the beginning of time—love is the foundation of our relationship with God and with each other. Read More
Walking in the Light
by Nick DeYoung on August 20th, 2024
When we consider the role of light in our lives, we might think of it as something that simply helps us see, whether it’s a flashlight guiding us in the dark or sunlight nourishing the earth. However, God’s light is far more profound. It’s not just about visibility; it’s about revelation. Read More
Experiencing True Life
by Nick DeYoung on August 20th, 2024
What John is describing here is a life that is found in Jesus Christ—a life that is not just about the quantity of years we live, but the quality of those years. It’s about living in a way that reflects the very nature of God, who is love, light, and life itself. Read More
Discovering Our Identity in Jesus: Embracing a Transformed Perspective
by Nick DeYoung on June 19th, 2023
Living in a world where expectations, comparisons, and images consume our thoughts, the quest to find our true identity can feel overwhelming. Society constantly bombards us with messages that tie our worth to achievements, appearances, and popularity. However, as followers of Christ, we have a distinct advantage – our identity is rooted not in the ever-changing world, but in the unchanging person... Read More
Jesus: Our Ultimate Source of Hope
by Nick DeYoung on June 18th, 2023
We were reminded again in today's sermon that Jesus is our hope, and the only hope for the world. In times like these, when life seems to throw one curveball after another, it's crucial for us to hold tight to the unwavering hope we have in Jesus Christ. He is our rock, our refuge, and the wellspring of our inspiration. As followers of Christ, not only do we get to embrace this hope ourselves, but... Read More
The Forgotten Widow
by Nick DeYoung on June 5th, 2023
In the Bible, we come across some pretty amazing stories that teach us valuable lessons. One such story that hits close to home is found in Luke 21:1-4. It's a short but powerful tale about a widow who was totally neglected by society. This story forces us to take a hard look at our own attitudes towards those in need and reminds us of the importance of compassion. Let's dig into the story and see... Read More
Who Is In Charge?
by Nick DeYoung on May 22nd, 2023
Hey there! Let's dive into Luke 20:1-26 because it's packed with some seriously powerful lessons straight from the Word. In this passage, Jesus is faced with a bunch of religious bigwigs who come at Him with their questions, trying to discredit His authority. But guess what? Jesus doesn't back down. He responds with wisdom and grace, showing them who's really in charge. Luke 20:1-26The Authority o... Read More
What Must I Do?
by Nick DeYoung on May 15th, 2023
Luke 18:18-30 is a powerful passage of scripture that contains important teachings about salvation, wealth, sacrifice, and rewards. In this passage, Jesus encounters a rich ruler who is seeking eternal life and provides some profound insights about what it means to follow him. As we reflect on these teachings, we can gain a deeper understanding of what it means to be a disciple of Jesus and how we... Read More
An Empty Tomb
by Nick DeYoung on April 10th, 2023
As a pastor, I love diving into the stories of the Bible and discovering new insights and lessons that can inspire us in our daily lives. Today, I want to explore Luke 24:1-12 with you - the story of the empty tomb. This powerful story reminds us of the hope and transformation that can come from encountering the risen Jesus, and I believe there are some valuable lessons we can apply to our own liv... Read More
Kingdom Generosity
by Nick DeYoung on March 27th, 2023
Luke 16:19-31 is a parable that Jesus tells about a rich man and a poor beggar named Lazarus. It’s a story that has been retold and interpreted in many different ways, but at its core, it’s a warning about the dangers of greed and the importance of showing compassion for others. The Rich Man and Lazarus“There was a rich man who would dress in purple and fine linen, feasting lavishly every day. But... Read More
Our Calling
by Nick DeYoung on March 13th, 2023
Do you ever wonder about your purpose in life? It's a question that we all grapple with at some point, and it can be both daunting and exciting. The good news is that the Bible has a lot to say about our calling, and when we understand and embrace it, we can live with purpose and passion, knowing that we are making a difference in the world.So, what does the Bible say about our calling? Let's dive... Read More
Counting the Cost
by Nick DeYoung on February 20th, 2023
Luke 14:25-35Now great crowds were traveling with him. So he turned and said to them, “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, and even his own life—he cannot be my disciple. Whoever does not bear his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple.“For which of you, wanting to build a tower, doesn’t first sit down and calcu... Read More
Honor and Humility
by Nick DeYoung on February 13th, 2023
Luke 14:7-14He told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they would choose the best places for themselves: “When you are invited by someone to a wedding banquet, don’t sit in the place of honor, because a more distinguished person than you may have been invited by your host. The one who invited both of you may come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this man,’ and then in humi... Read More
A Door to a Feast!
by Nick DeYoung on February 6th, 2023
Luke 13:22-30The Narrow Way22 He went through one town and village after another, teaching and making his way to Jerusalem. 23 “Lord,” someone asked him, “are only a few people going to be saved?” He said to them, 24 “Make every effort to enter through the narrow door, because I tell you, many will try to enter and won’t be able 25 once the homeowner gets up and shuts the door. Then you will stand... Read More
Recent
Embracing the Promises of the Messiah - God With Us
November 4th, 2024
Walking with God
October 28th, 2024
Walking Humbly in a Divided World: A Call to Live Differently
October 14th, 2024
Loving Faithfulness in a Divided World: A Call to Live Out Mercy
October 7th, 2024
A Call to Deep Faith: Reflecting Inwardly, Loving Outwardly
October 3rd, 2024
Archive
2024
September
October
2023
January
April
2022
October
December