Celebration Center

Luke 15 reveals the heart of a Father who relentlessly pursues, graciously restores, and joyfully receives His lost children. Our guest speaker, Peter Smith, will unpack the parable of a father's children to show how God values every individual and longs to bring them home—no matter how far they’ve wandered.

When we have fear and anxiety about tomorrow, it robs us of peace, presence, and purpose today. Jesus calls us to live in the moment with trust, reminding us of our immense value and God’s promise to provide daily what we truly need. When we let go of tomorrow’s fears and embrace today’s grace, we find freedom, strength, and deep reassurance in God’s care.

What do we do when fear and anxiety feel like constant companions? Today we explore the Apostle Paul’s powerful words to the Philippians about finding peace—even in the middle of chaos. From honest prayers to everyday struggles, we’ll discover how putting our fears in their proper place—in God’s hands—leads to a peace that surpasses all understanding. Whether it’s bills, broken-down cars, or the uncertainty of the future, this message reminds us that peace isn’t found in having control—it’s found in trusting the One who is.

What do you do when fear takes over? In this powerful message, we kick off our series Fear Is a Liar by exploring 2 Timothy 1:7 and how God equips us with power, love, and self-discipline to overcome unhealthy fear. From childhood stories to biblical truths, this sermon will help you identify the fears holding you back—and show you how to walk in freedom.

In the final message of our series, we’ll explore what it means to not only be known and loved by God but to be sent as citizens of His Kingdom. We’ve received the invitation to sit at the table of grace—now it’s our turn to extend that same invitation to others. Whether it’s through building relationships, inviting someone into your life, or simply refusing to give up on those who seem far from faith, this week is all about taking what we’ve been given... and giving it away.

This Mother’s Day message reminds us that we are created for deep connection—with Jesus, with community, and by living out our faith daily. Drawing from 1 Peter 2:4-5, this message emphasizes our relationship with Jesus is the foundation for spiritual growth and peace. We are also called to be part of a supportive, imperfect but essential community that encourages, celebrates, and walks with us through every season of life. Finally, we must live out our faith through prayer, sharing the gospel, and embodying Christ's love in our everyday actions.

Even when we were lost in lesser loves and false identities, God knew us fully and pursued us relentlessly. His knowledge of us isn’t just informational—it’s relational, personal, and redemptive. Because we are known by God, we can lay down our idols and live in the freedom of being deeply loved and truly seen.

God fully knows and fully loves us but this message often gets lost in the chaos of life. We’ve got to reconnect with the Father and reconnect with His life giving words over us.

Against all odds, Jesus conquered death, validating His identity as the Son of God and proving there is life beyond the grave. Through eyewitness accounts and the undeniable transformation of His followers, we’re reminded that the resurrection is not just a historical event but an invitation to new life and eternal hope for all who believe.

Palm Sunday explores Jesus’ entrance into Jerusalem and how it fulfilled ancient prophecy against all odds. Zechariah 9:9 details these events in prophecy, and the events of Holy Week culminate into the greatest comeback story ever told. What did the last week of Jesus life look like, and how doe that prepare us for Easter?

Jesus, though sinless and divine, willingly took on the status of a criminal, fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy and demonstrating the depths of His love for humanity. His crucifixion alongside thieves and His comparison to Barabbas show that no one is too far gone for His grace—He descended to the lowest place to lift us up. As we prepare for Easter, we are reminded that true greatness is found in humility and service, just as Jesus humbled Himself for our salvation.

We serve a generous God who gives abundantly to us as we steward for Him.  Because God owns everything and we manage things for Him, He will hold us accountable for what we do.

Against all odds, Jesus fulfilled every prophecy about the coming Messiah, proving that His life, death, and resurrection were divinely orchestrated. Isaiah 53, written 700 years before Christ, details with stunning accuracy how He would be rejected, suffer, die, and ultimately triumph for the salvation of all who believe. God did what only He could do—sending His Son as the perfect sacrifice—so that we, incapable of paying for our own sins, could receive the free gift of eternal life.

In the parable of the shrewd manager, Jesus challenges us to be wise and faithful stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us. He teaches that our use of earthly wealth reflects our spiritual priorities, urging us to serve God rather than being enslaved by money. True discipleship requires faithfulness in both small and great matters, reminding us that our ultimate allegiance must always be to God.

Luke 15’s story of the prodigal son reveals our immense worth in God’s eyes, showing that His love is not based on our failures or successes. The father in the parable willingly humiliates himself—running to his son, embracing him, and restoring him—to demonstrate the depth of his unconditional love. In the same way, God spares no cost to welcome us back, proving that His grace is greater than our mistakes.

What really matters in your life?  If you made a list called Things that matter, what would be at the top?  Now if you made that same list but put it in God’s perspective, what would be at the top?  Today we will look at two passages and see two types of people that God specifically “looks” for, and why they matter so much to Him and His purposes.

Continuing our Journey though Luke 14, we look at the excuses people make in scripture for not coming to the “Party.” Jesus talks about how important it is to not only invite people in, but to make sure we are also finding reasons to spread the Word, not excuses to avoid it… Are we looking for reasons to Attend, Serve, Give, and Invite, or excuses to step away from them?

Every one of us was created for purpose, but we can often wonder what that purpose is? Do we just live to Eat, work, sleep, pay bills, and repeat? Or is there more? The Kingdom of God has an amazing story, and we were not called to make an excuse for not participate, we have a responsibility to be all in, because our life has a SIGNIFFICANT part to play in God’s story.

God has given us the opportunity to share His love with the world. In order to do so, we must always be ready to give witness to Jesus through word and deed. We can either give Him a good name or be the reason someone would reject Him.

Every choice we make in life has consequences. We must use wisdom that is given to us by God to choose wisely. That all begins with a fear of God. This fear is a reverence and respect for Holy God, but that fear can mature into a deep and abiding trust. Ultimately it is our trust in God that helps us make better choices.

Our relationships are a good indicator of the trajectory of our lives. The people that we spend most of our time with have an incredible influence on who we become. To become better, we may need to make better choices concerning the “whom” we spend our time “with”.

When we put the things of God first in our lives, the other things fall into proper order. However, when we prioritize earthly things, we find ourselves anxious and full of worry. God helps us have better priorities.

What happens when the people of God lose a hunger for the word of God? The story of Josiah’s reign as king of Judah teaches us that a return to the heart of God happens through the word of God. This week we will discover that the word of God will guide our lives once it hits our hearts.

Join us as we bring in the new year and the Regional Executive Director of Open Bible, Chris Hansler shares with us.

The name given to Jesus at His birth was Emmanuel which means “God with us”. Christmas reminds us that our God has come close in the form of Jesus. No matter where we find ourselves today, God is close to us and so is redemption.

Christmas time fills us with joy as we remember the salvation that comes through the birth of Jesus. The mark of a Christian should be a joy that is not dependent upon external circumstances or situations. Our joy springs eternally because we have been rescued from our sin.

When the God of the universe was born into the world, it was not in an ivory tower somewhere far from the broken world, but instead, it was right in the middle of a messy stable and a world that needed a Savior. This song reminds us that God is born to each of us, no matter who we are or where we come from.

The announcement given to the shepherds in the field was good news for all people. A Savior was born who would bring peace to a world that was in great need. The shepherds could have ignored the news as it seemed too good to be true, but they went away at once to see for themselves. This song reminds us that this good news is for us today, but will we believe it?

For a Christ follower, living a life connected to Christ is of utmost importance. It’s because of Him and through Him that we can experience abundance, fruitfulness, purpose, and joy. The truth is, as the scripture says, “apart from Him you can do nothing.”

It’s easy to love Jesus. He’s patient, kind, gentle, and lowly. He literally traded His life so that we could experience eternal life and salvation. But obedience is hard. Following the commands of Jesus to love, forgive, and extend mercy is all so difficult. Thankfully He gave us a helper, the Holy Spirit. And thankfully, through the enabling of the Spirit we can enter into the life giving and sacrificial love shared by Jesus and God.

The more you get to know Jesus, the more you understand about the Father, the Spirit, and ultimately the Kingdom of Heaven. In John 14:1-14 we learn; if you really know Jesus then you know some pretty incredible truths about salvation, God the Father, and living an empowered life. Really knowing Jesus is really knowing life.

Some of the baggage we haul around with us gives us anxiety about things out of our control. When we feel anxious, instead of bottling it up and keeping it within us, we should cast it on Jesus and trust Him to handle it.

Many people are unwilling to experience the new things God is trying to do in their lives because of the baggage that keeps them longing for the past. When we wonder, “what if” or “if only,” we rob ourselves of the fresh work of God within us that can take us places we cannot imagine.

Jesus does not just offer us the promise of eternal life one day after we die. He offers us the strength and power to sustain us in the present. In His own words, Jesus tells us that he is a vine and we are the branches. When we remain connected to Him, we receive all of the power and strength necessary to produce wonderful fruit with and through our lives.

The Bible teaches that there is only one way to God and that is through Jesus. Like a door, Jesus is the way we access the grace of God and eternal life available to us. Like any entrance, however, we must receive the invitation and walk through in faith.

We live in a world that is shrouded in darkness. This darkness causes us to stumble around, making mistake after mistake. In order to be able to see things clearly, we need to have light that exposes all of the dangers and temptations around us. In Jesus’ own words we find that he is the only true source of light that can guide us into eternal life now and forever.

The world has always offered its own version of fulfillment and sustenance. But in Jesus’ own words we find that he is the only true source of nourishment and life. When we find ourselves settling for counterfeit versions of fulfillment, we will always find ourselves spiritually hungry.

Prayer is not the least we can do; prayer is the best we can do. May we be quick to respond to the brokenness of our world with targeted prayer and powerful faith. With thankfulness in our hearts that God hears the prayers of His people, we must be quick to bring our concerns to Him.

The world needs genuine followers of Christ who are ready to respond to the injustices in the world. Life comes at us fast, and often we don’t have time to think before we respond. We need to be ready to react from a place of deep faith and strong convictions. Keep an eye out for darkness in the world that is in need of light.

We have an amazing responsibility as followers of Jesus to be quick to share the hope that we have with others. When we have so internalized our love for God, we can respond to others with gentleness and respect, trusting that God will make himself known to them. We must prepare our hearts and live ready to share the hope we have in Christ.

It is easy to get “stuck” in life. We can experience things that so impact our lives that it is hard to move forward. It could be the loss of a loved one, it could be our own failures, it could be someone else’s failure and we just don’t know how to move forward in life, we are stuck. It could even be something that was spectacularly good. We are uncomfortable with the changes and transitions that come in our lives. We want what used to be but since things have changed, now we are stuck. How do we move forward. God has made certain promises and decisions that free us up to move forward in life. We are “Stuck No More”.

The most important aspect of being ready is having a saving relationship with Jesus Christ. We do not know when He will return, but one day He will. We must all take an honest assessment of our hearts and lives and ask ourselves if we have placed our faith, hope, and trust in Jesus and the saving work He did on the cross. Once we make this decision, we don’t have to be afraid of anything that might come our way.

In the midst of a 3 year drought, Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to ask their gods for rain.  He could see that it was a big ask, and that only a BIG GOD could deliver.  He offered up a mighty prayer to the only one true God in a huge moment, showing us that God is ready and able to rain down blessing on us if we are willing to faithfully make the big ask with the right heart.

Ask anyone and we’ll all answer the same—we want to be free.  But what if the thing that’s chaining us up lives inside our own minds?  In this message we’ll look at Jesus’ heart to free us from worry and explore two shifts in thinking we can make as we accept His invitation to a freedom we would never find on our own.

The Golden Rule, “Treat others the way you want to be treated.” (Matthew 7:12) We all know the rule, but do we really follow that rule? Sometimes we don’t think about what we say, do, or post online, when in reality we should always be making sure that our actions, words, and posts are done with this question in mind... “Would I say this if the person was standing right in front of me, and is what i am saying or doing bringing out the BEST in people?

One way or the other, there comes a moment when you need to cut the rope and take a step or a leap of faith. At the end of our lives, according to psychologist Tom Gilovich, 84% of our regrets will be the things we would have, could have, and should have done but did not do. It’s not the mistakes we made, as painful as that is. It’s the opportunities we miss. Yes, you will experience a few fails, a few falls. But cutting the rope is the way we cut the ribbon on our dreams. We aren’t called to play life safe, we are called to take risks!

How you do anything is how you’ll do everything. God has given each of us dreams in life, and called us to various ways to serve Him. Sometimes we can be our own worst enemy and make excuses like “I don’t have the time, money, skills.” Actually, you have everything you need, you just have to start small and be consistent, and watch how He faithfully steps in every time!

Almost anyone can accomplish almost anything if they work at it long enough, hard enough, and smart enough. If we set our sights on accomplishing a goal, God has said that we can accomplish almost anything we set our minds to, the trick is to set good Godly habits to help us along the way.

When we set out to Win the Day, often we are faced with daily challenges, and some of those come in the forms of our fears. Fears can be big, or small, but fear has the ability to cripple us if we don’t learn to overcome it, and we do that by taking one step at a time. Something we need to realize is that You have to take the FIRST STEP of faith, and then God reveals the second step.

Life happens every day, and we have to choose. Do we accept life as tough, or do we see it through a lens of victory? If we want to see change in our lives, we have to take a step and change our story. God is always working and moving, so do we give Him the reigns and let Him steer, or focus on the bad and become subject to our situation?

Jesus and Peter gave us an amazing example to follow by looking at several interactions between them when it comes to discipling someone. There is not one single way to make a disciple but there are specific things we must do if our disciples will become disciple makers themselves. Today we will be learning what to do once you’ve found someone to disciple… its something that ALL of us can do!