First Church of Christ-Owosso, MI

Worship is more than just singing—it's a way of life. True worship happens when we place God at the center of everything we do, aligning our attitude, posture, and trust with Him. In this message, we'll explore what it means to live a life of worship and how putting our faith in motion starts with a heart fully surrendered to God. Let's examine ourselves and respond with genuine worship.

This Mother's Day, we honor the powerful impact of a mother's faith. A godly mother comforts with compassion, guides with love, prays with persistence, and teaches her children the truth of God's Word. Her faith lays a foundation that shapes hearts and builds lives rooted in Christ. Let's celebrate and be inspired by the faith of mothers who lead the way.

In John 15, Jesus declares, "I am the Vine, you are the branches." Our lives find true purpose and strength only when we abide in Him. Apart from Jesus, we can do nothing—but when we remain in Him, He shapes us, prunes us, and empowers us to bear lasting fruit. Are you abiding in Christ? Are you being transformed? Are you producing good fruit?

In John 14, Jesus boldly says, "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life." There is no other path to the Father—Jesus is the only way. We have all sinned, but through His life, death, and resurrection, He made a way for us to be forgiven and live a new life. Are you walking the right way with Jesus, or are you searching for another? What's stopping you from stepping into the life He offers?

On Easter Sunday, we celebrate the powerful truth of John 11, where Jesus declares, "I am the Resurrection and the Life." He has defeated sin and death so we can be forgiven, transformed, and live with purpose. The resurrection isn't just an event—it's a reality that changes everything. Do you believe? Are our lives living proof of the Resurrection and the Life?

In John 10, Jesus declares, "I am the Good Shepherd." He knows His sheep, calls them by name, and leads them into a life of abundance, peace, and security. His way is better, His care is perfect, and His future for us is full of hope. But are you part of His flock? Are you following the voice of the Good Shepherd?

In John 10, Jesus says, "I am the Gate." He is the only way to true life, peace, and salvation. Through Him, we find safety, rest, and purpose. But are we listening to the voice of the Good Shepherd and following Him to His pasture? Jesus is the Gate—are we walking through it, or standing outside looking for another way?

Jesus declared, "I am the Light of the World" (John 8:12). When we follow Him, submit to His truth, and allow His Word to guide us, we walk in His light—and our lives reflect His glory. But are we truly walking in the light, or are we still clinging to the shadows? Let's step fully into the light of Christ and shine for Him in a world that desperately needs His truth.

In John 6, Jesus declares, "I AM the Bread of Life." He alone satisfies our deepest hunger and offers the words of eternal life. Yet, so often, we seek fulfillment in lesser things. Are we truly hungry for Jesus? Do we trust Him to be enough? Let's fix our eyes on the One who sustains, nourishes, and gives life that never fades.

In Exodus 3, God reveals Himself as "I AM"—the One who is everything we need in every circumstance. When we feel inadequate, unworthy, or incapable, God reminds us: "I AM." He is our strength, our wisdom, and our sufficiency. Instead of focusing on our own limitations, we are called to trust in the Great I AM, who faithfully fulfills His promises and is always enough for us.

2 Thessalonians 3 reminds us that as God's Church, we are set apart to share the Gospel, encourage one another, and wait in hope for the return of Jesus. We are accountable to God's Word and His calling on our lives—and we are accountable to one another. Together, we stand firm in faith, walking in obedience and unity as we fulfill His mission.

Is the truth you've built your life on truly enough? Or are you searching for something more? Has sin deceived you, or is God's truth sufficient to sustain you? In the end, Jesus is victorious—so let's stay focused on Him, stand firm in His Word, and hold onto the unshakable hope we have in every circumstance. Let's pursue more and more of His truth.

Every day, we face choices—some big, some small—but each one shapes the direction of our hearts. Are we living to bring glory to God, or are we seeking recognition for ourselves? As followers of Christ, we are called to be a faithful church that magnifies His name in all we do. In this sermon, we explore what it means to live a life that continually reflects His glory while growing deeper in faith and devotion to Him.

W.W.J.D. - What would Jesus do? Do we fully understand His true character? Do we have fellowship with Him and with the people around us? One day, Jesus will return, and all who repent of sin and believe in Him will experience true fellowship.

As believers, we have hope in Jesus Christ - and we know that our future is with Him in Heaven. This hope needs to be the vehicle that drives us! We must encourage one another to grab onto hope and let it change everything about who we are and who we will be.

God loves us all, even at our worst. We all have sin, and we all fall short of His glory, but God wants to show us a better way of life. God won't force us. We must deny ourselves and choose to allow Him to make us Holy. Are you willing to let go of the sin you cling to and let God transform you?

As we grow in our faith, we will need to have perseverance. Through sin, trials, hardships, and when life doesn't make sense, we will need to persevere, and when we are in Christ Jesus, He will give us perseverance.

Boldness comes from God when the church lives faithfully. If we live faithfully, God will produce boldness within us, and we will be more effective in evangelism and serving those around us in a way that backs up our faith. God uses faithful people. Live so faithfully that God gives you more boldness to reach His world!

Jesus brings peace that the world needs, and He will bring us goodness and light.

2,000 years ago, a child came to save the world. That child was Jesus Christ. God with us - Emmanuel! He came to earth to live as an example and to die a death that would save us all. Do you know what I know? Will you surrender to the One who can save you from death and sin?

Christmas is a time to remember that Jesus came into the world to save us from a sinful world. On the night that Jesus arrived, a heavenly host sang "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests." - We join with that voice as big as the sea to worship Him because He is the savior! We praise the name of Jesus now and forever more!

On the first Christmas, a star in the sky pointed the way to the Messiah, Jesus. Jesus offers light and hope to a dark world. The truth of God's Word is the star that we follow. It is available to all who will take the time to let God train their hearts and minds for Him!

When we give into sin, we blind ourselves. We don't have to walk in darkness. We don't have to be blind to what God is calling us to. We can walk in the light when we fix our eyes on Jesus. Jesus is the author and perfector of our faith, and He is willing to carry the weight of sin and shame and lead us to live a fulfilling life for Him.

On November 17th our church held a heartfelt Child Dedication Service, where families from our church come together to celebrate the gift of children and dedicate them to the Lord. This special ceremony is a time for parents to publicly commit to raising their children in a Christ-centered home, surrounded by the love and support of the church family. Senior Pastor Mark Walter prayed over each child, asking God for guidance, protection, and blessings. Parents will also be encouraged and equipped to nurture their child's faith journey as they grow. "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." – Proverbs 22:6

God's word is truth. When we truly hear God's message of truth and let it change who we are, our lives will produce good fruit.

We serve a good and faithful God. He has redeemed mankind from our sinful and selfish hearts. Even in the simplicity of our senses, we can learn how to draw close to God. May we taste and see that the Lord is good!

Trusting God in all circumstances isn't always easy, but we shouldn't let our circumstances shape our relationship with God. Instead, let's allow God to shape our view of our circumstances. He has the power to change our hearts and the way we see and experience things. As Christ's church, we are held to a higher standard. We must be strong and courageous to stand firm, trust in God's ways, and live out our faith boldly, no matter what.

As the church, we must be established in God's word. God's word is alive and active, it is sharper than a double-edged sword. It reveals to us the truth that God wins in the end. When Jesus returns, every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord! God wins, and we can be confident in that!

When we preach the Gospel message to ourselves and meditate on it daily, it will take root in our hearts and change our lives. As the church, we must do this so we can be true ambassadors of Jesus Christ. We all need the Gospel.

Every one of us are sinners who stand before a perfect God. God is very specific about His plan for our salvation, and what His desire is for us. God has created a way for all of us to be made new in His eyes - that is, salvation that comes only through Jesus Christ. Jesus took the penalty for our sins, and we can be reconciled by accepting His sacrifice, acknowledging our sins, and repenting (turning away) from them. As the church, we must be strong and courageous to acknowledge our sins and repent of them.

God is calling us to be faithful to Him in a sinful and fallen world. The enemy is constantly throwing everything he has at us to try to get us to distract us and get us to stumble. As believers, we need to hold up our shield of faith and put our trust and faith in God. The proof of our faith will be in our attitude and actions. God is with us, He is for us, He is faithful, and He will help us as we remain faithful to Him.

Worship is all about your heart. As believers, we need to guard our hearts from chasing after the things of the world. Freedom comes from knowing, worshipping, and honoring the one true God.

When God's people live faithfully, they get to see God do amazing things! If we are a strong and courageous church that stands on truth, we will live by the Gospel message and proclaim that to the world.

We live in a world that is full of lies... but God is Truth. God's way is far greater than man's way. As His church, we must be strong and courageous. We must live our lives with purpose, and stand firm on TRUTH - no matter what deceptions the world tries to throw at us. Are you willing to submit to God?

As the church, we are called to be a light to those around us. God has called us out of darkness and into His marvelous light. He has given us mercy, and we can live our lives in a way that motivates other people to turn to God and receive His mercy. Let's encourage everyone around us, shine brightly, and make a difference in the lives of those who we come in contact with - all for God's glory!

We live in a busy world, full of work and responsibilities. God does not intend for us to be so busy with work, ministry, or family that we neglect time for celebration and renewal. He wants to bless our relationship with him by giving us time to experience His presence and celebrate the redemption we have through Christ. As believers who love God, we worship Him and grow in devotion when we find time for rest.

How does music move us to faithfulness in God and how can it help to encourage our souls? - In this week's message, we took a look at the song "Empty Me" by Chris Sligh. This song shows us that it's important not to become too focused on our own desires and accomplishments. The chorus emphasizes that nothing is as important as God, and that we need to be willing to let go of anything that gets in the way of our relationship with Him. When we are emptied of our selfishness and pride, we can be fully devoted to God's will, and He can work in our lives in amazing ways.

Certain circumstances in life can and will lead us to despair. We will find ourselves overwhelmed, anxious, and afraid. These times of despair are common to the people of God. The question is, what will you do when you find yourself in that place? In this week's message, we took a look at the song "Cry Out to Jesus" by Third Day. This song reminds us that there is hope, grace, forgiveness, mercy, and healing in Jesus. He will meet you wherever you are and be there for you.

How does music move us to faithfulness in God and how can it help to encourage our souls? - In this week's message, we took a look at the song "Come to the Table" by Sidewalk Prophets. This song reminds us that Jesus came to save sinners. We have all sinned, every one of us... but we have been redeemed through Christ! He is inviting you to come to Him. No matter how lost you feel, if you are full of shame and guilt… you're welcome at the table of Christ. Will you accept the invitation?

How does music move us to faithfulness in God and how can it help to encourage our souls? - In this message, we will take a look at the song "Things That I'm Afraid Of" by Josh Wilson. This song takes a unique look at the 23rd Psalm and points out that we are not in the valleys of life alone. While life is scary and downright painful at times, we must remember that we have a Good Shepherd who loves us, cares for us, and guides us. Will you follow the Good Shepherd?

Music has a way of expressing and bringing out our thoughts, struggles, emotions, and memories. What does music teach us about God? How does music move us to faithfulness in God and how can it help to encourage our souls? - In this Message we will take a look at the song "Me on Your Mind" by Matthew West.

As believers, we are the body of Christ in this world. What can you do that makes the body better, stronger, and a more powerful witness for God? We must work together and show Jesus to the world! See the sermon from last Sunday here!

Jesus' Sermon on the Mount is for everyone, and it is a roadmap for righteousness. His message calls us to have the right foundation, the right heart, and the right worship. Jesus gave us His words to live by. Will you let Him transform your life?

Jesus revealed His glory to Peter, James, and John on Mt. Tabor during the transfiguration. What an incredible experience that must have been! Jesus was fully God and fully man. Jesus was fully submitted to God no matter what. We are also called to be fully submitted to God. We are called to be faithful and obey God - even when we don't fully understand. As believers, we are called to be living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God as a spiritual act of worship. Will you let God transform your life?

What are your mountaintop experiences? Where have you learned the most about how to follow God? We are called to be faithful and obey God, no matter what - even when we don't fully understand. As believers, we are called to be living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God as a spiritual act of worship. Will you let God transform your life?

What are your mountaintop experiences? Where have you learned the most about how to follow God? We are called to be faithful and obey God, no matter what - even when we don't fully understand. As believers, we are called to be living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God as a spiritual act of worship. Will you let God transform your life?

What are your mountaintop experiences? Where have you learned the most about how to follow God? We are called to be faithful and obey God, no matter what - even when we don't fully understand. As believers, we are called to be living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God as a spiritual act of worship. Will you let God transform your life?

As a church where are we at in our faith journey? Where are we missing the mark? In what areas are we doing well? These are important questions to ask as a church. Our goal as the church is to glorify God through the gathering together of believers and to honor the upward call of God together. So... where are we at?

Do you want to know where you're at in your faith and walk with God? There are a few questions that we can ask ourselves to help us better learn and understand how we can reach our destination. God's goal is to transform our lives through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. Together, let's follow the narrow road of life, with Jesus showing us the way.