Cedarcrest Church

This powerful message takes us deep into the story of Esau and Jacob from Genesis 25, revealing a sobering truth about how our uncontrolled appetites can cost us everything we hold dear. We discover that Esau traded his birthright—his inheritance, leadership, and God's best plan for his life—for a simple bowl of stew in a moment of hunger. This ancient story becomes a mirror for our modern struggles, whether with pornography, alcohol, financial decisions, or emotional affairs. The sermon brilliantly connects the concept of the seven deadly sins to our God-given desires that, when left unchecked, become destructive forces. We learn that appetites for significance, provision, intimacy, and rest are all gifts from God, but without proper boundaries, they morph into pride, greed, lust, and sloth. The message doesn't leave us without hope, though. We're reminded that while sin always carries consequences and we may lose something we can never fully regain, God is still the God of second chances. Through the power of the Holy Spirit living within us, we can resist the temporary satisfaction of our 'bowl of stew' and hold onto the birthright God has planned for our lives.

In this message from Genesis 22, we step into one of the most challenging moments of Abraham's journey—the test on Mount Moriah. God's tests are not meant to harm us, but to reveal what is truly in our hearts and to strengthen our faith.Abraham's willingness to trust God, even when he didn't understand, points to the power of obedience and the refining work God does in us through difficult moments. When God provided a ram in place of Isaac, it foreshadowed the ultimate provision of Jesus Christ as our substitute.Through seasons of testing, God is shaping perseverance, character, and hope—preparing us for the good works He has planned for us and inviting us to trust Him even when the path seems impossible.

In this message from Genesis 11–15, we follow Abraham's journey from settlement to promise and uncover powerful truths about our own walk with God.Abraham's father began the journey toward Canaan but settled short of the promise. How often do we start strong in faith, only to grow comfortable and stop short of where God is leading? This teaching challenges us to examine whether we're truly walking with God or simply maintaining a “good enough” spiritual life.Through Abraham's worship, failure, and restoration, we see our own story. When he compromised in Egypt, he eventually returned to the altar — reminding us that no matter where we drift, coming home to God is always possible. When we fail, the key is returning quickly to intimacy with Him.Finally, we're reminded that the promises given to Abraham belong to us as his spiritual children. We are called to live with integrity, to be a blessing, and to trust God to fulfill His purposes in and through our lives.

This sermon redefines greatness through the lens of Jesus' teaching in Mark 10, challenging the world's understanding of power, status, and achievement. Pastor Richard Hopkins contrasts worldly greatness—measured by authority, position, and accolades—with kingdom greatness, which is measured by servanthood and humility. Drawing from Jesus' conversation with His disciples as He prepared for His crucifixion, the message emphasizes that true greatness comes not from being served but from serving others. Jesus modeled this perfectly by giving His life as a ransom for many. The sermon calls believers to adopt a servant mindset, recognizing that when we serve others, we become more like Christ, experience greater joy, and store up eternal treasures in heaven rather than seeking temporal recognition on earth.

What happens when humanity attempts unity without God? In Genesis 11's Tower of Babel story, Pastor Van explores how civic religion—using religious symbols for earthly gain—leads to division and destruction. Through God's mercy, He scattered people into different languages and nations, not as punishment but as protection from human pride. Yet in Acts 2, we glimpse God's ultimate plan: true unity through Jesus Christ, where every nation, tribe and tongue worships together while celebrating their God-given diversity. Don't miss this powerful message about finding genuine unity in Christ alone.

Have you ever wondered what true, unshakeable commitment looks like in a world of easy exits and broken promises? Through the timeless story of Noah, Pastor Van reveals how God's covenant love offers both justice and mercy. In this powerful message, we discover that the flood narrative isn't primarily about destruction—it's about God's desire for lasting relationship with those whose hearts are fully His. Drawing parallels between Noah's ark and Christ's church, Pastor Van shows how God provides refuge from life's storms while calling us to covenant faithfulness.

In Genesis 3, Pastor Van unpacks humanity's first taste of regret through Adam and Eve's story, revealing how sin's allure leads to immediate remorse. Through vivid examples from modern life to ancient Scripture, he shows how God's response wasn't condemnation but compassionate pursuit, calling out "Where are you?" to His hiding children. Whether you're wrestling with past choices or current struggles, this message offers hope: through Jesus, God provides freedom from shame and a path to restoration.

Have you ever wondered what could bring unshakeable joy in a world of ups and downs? Pastor Van shares how the Christmas story reveals a joy deeper than fleeting happiness. Through the angels' announcement to lowly shepherds, we discover God's invitation to lasting joy available to everyone. Drawing from personal stories and biblical wisdom, Pastor Van offers practical steps for cultivating joy as a daily strength—choosing it intentionally, practicing it consistently, and spreading it to others. This transformative message shows how the arrival of Jesus brings access to a well of joy that never runs dry, changing not just our circumstances but our entire experience of life. Don't miss this encouraging guide to finding true joy this Christmas season!

Pastor Van unveils how Mary's extraordinary encounter with God's love changed everything—from a teenage girl in Nazareth to the mother of Jesus. Through vivid storytelling and biblical insight, he reveals how finding our identity as God's beloved children aligns every aspect of our lives, like perfectly buttoned shirt. Whether you're carrying heavy burdens or seeking purpose, this message illuminates how God's unconditional love can heal, restore, and give you a fresh start. Don't miss this timely reminder that you are seen, known, and deeply loved by God.

What if standing firm in your faith meant walking through fire? In this powerful message, Pastor Van unpacks the timeless story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to reveal how true emotional intelligence means pleasing God alone, not people. Through their courageous example of respectfully but firmly refusing to bow to culture's golden idols, we learn that authentic faith may cost us something—but it gains us everything. This transformative message challenges us to examine where we might be compromising and inspires us to live unashamedly for Jesus in our modern "Babylon."

Have you ever wished you could take back words that you said to someone else? Through James 3's vivid imagery of ships' rudders and untameable tongues, he reveals how our speech reflects our hearts and shapes lives. Drawing from personal experience with hurtful words spoken over him, Logan offers hope: while we can't control our tongues alone, the Holy Spirit can transform our speech from death-dealing to life-giving. Don't miss this practical guide to speaking words that honor God and build others up.

Have you ever wondered if your faith is more than just words? Pastor Van delivers a powerful message from James 2 that challenges us to examine whether our faith is alive and active or merely empty talk. True faith produces visible fruit in our lives. This timely message reminds us that while we're saved by grace alone, authentic faith naturally leads to action—whether through serving others, practicing forgiveness, or giving generously. For anyone seeking to move beyond surface-level Christianity to a faith that transforms daily life, this message offers practical wisdom and inspiration.

What does authentic, Jesus-centered parenting look like in today's complex world? Pastor Van and Kelly share hard-won wisdom from raising three children, emphasizing that perfect parenting isn't the goal—faithful following of Jesus is. From navigating technology and social media to handling tough conversations about sexuality, they reveal practical ways to impress God's truth on children's hearts. Through stories of both successes and failures, they demonstrate how consistent communication, clear boundaries, and genuine relationship-building can help parents raise kids who love God and enjoy family.

What if the key to raising thriving kids isn't choosing between gentle or strict parenting, but finding God's balanced way? Pastor Van shares how Godly parenting requires both loving connection and consistent correction—just as our Heavenly Father disciplines those He loves. Through personal stories and biblical wisdom, he reveals practical steps for "bending their will without crushing their spirit." Whether you're managing toddler tantrums or teen challenges, discover how setting loving boundaries with consistency creates children of character who flourish. Don't miss this transformative message about raising the next generation God's way.

Have you ever wondered what it truly means to honor one another in our homes? In this thought-provoking sermon, Kelly explores the vital role of honor in parenting, inviting us to reflect on how we cultivate respect, gratitude, and kindness in our families. Drawing from Ephesians 6:1-3, Kelly shares how obedience is essential, but honor—an attitude rooted in the heart—holds incredible promise for our children's futures. With relatable anecdotes from her own parenting journey, she emphasizes that the transition from mere compliance to genuine honor requires intentional guidance infused with God's Word, showcasing the lasting impact this can have on family dynamics. Kelly connects the dots by demonstrating how this principle of honor transcends parenting, providing a roadmap for all of us to navigate relationships with kindness and consideration. Whether you are a parent, a student, or an empty nester, this message serves as powerful encouragement to infuse your interactions with thoughtfulness and gratitude.

Have you ever wondered if God is really in a good mood, especially when life gets tough? Pastor Van walks us through this provocative question in his latest sermon, shining a light on Nehemiah 8, where the joy of the Lord becomes a powerful source of strength. In this compelling passage, after a long-awaited return to Jerusalem, the people are overwhelmed as they hear God's Word read aloud, leading them to tears. Yet, Nehemiah urges them not to mourn but to rejoice, for joy is transformative in our spiritual journey. Pastor connects this message to our lives, encouraging us to embrace God's joy as a vital aspect of our faith and inviting everyone to participate in upcoming church initiatives, like the 21 Days of Prayer. He emphasizes that joy isn't just a byproduct; it's a choice, a stance we take in our relationship with God. 

Have you ever paused to wonder why baptism is such a big deal? In this empowering message, Richard delves into the significance of baptism as a public declaration of faith, using Mark 1:9-11 as a foundation to reveal that even Jesus Himself participated in this sacred act. Richard clarifies that baptism is not just a tradition—it's a critical step for anyone wishing to deepen their relationship with Christ, highlighting that it symbolizes a death to the old self and a resurrection into new life. Take this bold step as it strengthens your spiritual journey and is an act of obedience in your walk with Jesus.

Have you ever pondered what happens after this life? In his compelling sermon, Pastor Van dives deep into one of Christianity's most profound truths: the realities of Heaven and Hell. Drawing from the parable of the rich man and Lazarus, Pastor Van highlights that our choices in this life hold eternal significance—illustrating that being “good” does not guarantee a relationship with God, nor a place in Heaven. He passionately reminds us that true salvation only comes through Jesus, urging us to reflect on our own lives and those we love.

In the sermon, Pastor Van discusses the significance of personal stories in sharing the gospel, asserting that everyone has a testimony that can influence others and draw them to faith. Pastor Van simplifies sharing the gospel into a structured approach, highlighting the four key components: God's love, human sin, Christ's sacrifice, and the invitation to relationship with God. He encourages attendees to prepare their own stories and be ready to share them, fostering connections that can lead others to find hope and salvation in Jesus.

Pastor Van emphasized the importance of reaching out to those who are lost and far from God. He encouraged the congregation to identify someone in their lives—referred to as "the one"—to invest in, intercede for, and ultimately invite to know Jesus. Using parables from Luke 15, Pastor Van highlighted how a party in Heaven happens when even one sinner repents, reminding everyone that the heart of God is seeking individuals rather than just groups. The call to action was to cultivate relationships outside the church community to share God's love and grace effectively, and to pray for the lost around us.

Pastor Van launched a new sermon series focused on being neighbors and sharing the love of Jesus with others. The sermon highlighted the growing spiritual hunger among younger generations, particularly Gen Z, and called on the congregation to actively share their personal stories of faith with others. Lastly, Pastor Van reminded everyone that the time for revival is now, urging them to embrace their role in reaching out to their neighbors and inviting them to know Jesus.

Richard Hopkins emphasizes that a genuine relationship with Jesus transforms us internally and externally, prompting us to live differently and serve others. He explains that understanding our spiritual gifts is crucial for contributing to the body of Christ, serving one another, and making a positive impact on those outside the church. Using the analogy of a body, he highlights the importance of every member working together to support and strengthen one another, ensuring no part is overlooked or sidelined. Ultimately, encouraging everyone to discover and use their unique gifts for God's glory, inviting those who haven't yet accepted Christ to experience the transformative power of faith.

Pastor Van began by expressing gratitude for the congregation's presence and shared updates about the church's expansion and ministry growth, citing a scriptural foundation from Isaiah 54 about enlarging their community. He highlighted the recent successes during Easter weekend, including over 4,000 attendees and 401 individuals expressing a desire to start a relationship with Jesus, emphasizing the importance of prayer and seeking God both privately and publicly. The pastor encouraged the congregation to engage in spiritual disciplines, stretch their faith, and regularly attend gatherings and small groups to strengthen their relationship with God.