First Church of Christ-Owosso, MI

How can being in awe of God change the way we see ourselves and our circumstances? In Psalm 8, David reflects on the majesty of God—the Creator of the heavens who still cares deeply for us. Even in the valley, the Shepherd is worthy of our praise. When we shift our focus from our problems to the greatness of the King of kings, we find strength to keep going. Awe reminds us who God is and who we are in Him. The valley still has a Shepherd, and when we set our minds on the One who leads us, our hearts are lifted even in the lowest places.

There are many reasons we can find ourselves sinking into the valley of desperation... grief, worry, sickness, sin, or shame. Sometimes it feels like the deeper we go, the darker it gets, and the harder it becomes to see a way out. In Psalm 143, David cries out to God in his own moment of desperation, seeking not just relief, but the will of God. When we are in our lowest moments, we too can reach out to the Shepherd who hears us. Seeking God's will means surrendering our situation to Him and allowing Him to mold and change us through it - no matter the outcome. In the valley of desperation, will you call out to your Lord and trust Him to lead you through?

In Psalm 27, David faced moments of deep fear and uncertainty, yet he placed his confidence in God... the One who was his light, salvation, and stronghold. We all encounter seasons when fear threatens to overwhelm us, when circumstances seem too complex or uncertain to face alone. But even in the valley of fear, the Shepherd is with us. When our confidence is in ourselves, fear can consume us; but when our confidence is in God, we find courage and peace. He is our strength and our salvation. Will you place your confidence in Him and trust Him to lead you out of the valley of fear?

In Psalm 51, David cries out to God for mercy and transformation after being confronted by his own sin. Shame can feel like a heavy valley, one that tells us we're unworthy and beyond hope. But even in that valley, the Shepherd is there, offering forgiveness and renewal. We can either stay trapped in sin and shame or turn to God and let Him change us from the inside out. Through Jesus, sin has been defeated, and shame no longer has the final word. When we confront our sin with our Savior, we find grace, freedom, and new life.

Psalm 42 and 43 remind us of the deep thirst our souls feel in dry valleys—times when life feels empty, heavy, or distant from God. But even there, the Shepherd is present, offering living water to refresh and restore us. Whatever has brought you into a dry valley, hope can be found by seeking God. He alone satisfies, He alone renews, and He alone is our source of life.

In Psalm 57, David shows us that even in the darkest places, we can choose to lift our voices in praise. The valley is not easy, but praise reminds us that God is greater than our circumstances and worthy of exaltation no matter what surrounds us. Will you choose to praise Him in the valley? Even in the hardest moments, our Shepherd is with us—and He is always worthy!

We live in a world filled with anxiety, fear, worry, stress, and uncertainty. Anxiety is real, and it's something many of us battle daily. But even in the valley of anxiety, we are not alone. Psalm 13 reminds us that the Good Shepherd is with us, offering hope, peace, and salvation. The valley still has a Shepherd. Do you trust Him, even when anxiety overwhelms you?

nspired by Rich Mullins' song “Sing Your Praise to the Lord,” this message reminds us that God is worthy of all our worship. He is high and mighty, yet He longs for the throne of our hearts. In His love, He gives us the choice to follow Him or not, but true life is found when we surrender and lift our praise to Him. Will you choose to give Him your heart and sing your praise to the Lord?

Inspired by Matthew West's song “Truth Be Told,” this message reminds us that no matter our struggles, we are chosen by God and we are not meant to walk alone. As the church, we are called to care for one another, to bring light into the darkness, and to help each other find healing and hope in Jesus. Step out of the shadows, let God's truth shine, and discover the power of being part of His church family.

Inspired by MercyMe's song “Even If,” this message takes us to Daniel 3, where Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego faced the fiery furnace with unwavering faith. We all face struggles. Moments where we must choose between faithfulness to God or the approval of culture. What is your fiery furnace? Do you have an “Even If” mentality? Even if life is painful… even if the struggle is great… will you still worship God? He can rescue us from any situation, but even if He doesn't, He is still good. His perspective is eternal, His ways higher than ours, and His peace gives us the strength to trust Him no matter what.

Inspired by Carrollton's song “Tell Me,” this message challenges us to ask: What does God say about us? And what does our mind say? Sometimes our thoughts get in the way of who we want to be. We chase after things we shouldn't, stumble into sin, and then tell ourselves we're not worthy. But God knows us better than we know ourselves, and He loves us still. When we've given our hearts to Jesus, we can rest in the truth that He died for us, loves us, and has given us purpose and hope. And that hope will never disappoint.

Every great journey begins at base camp. In our walk with Jesus, the Gospel is that starting point - the foundation that gives purpose, direction, and hope. Philippians 1:3-6 reminds us that God begins a good work in us and will carry it to completion. Your response to the Gospel determines the path of your journey. Will you follow Jesus toward the best destination - heaven? When the Gospel is your base camp, your life is filled with purpose, joy, and a future worth celebrating.

Inspired by Matthew West's song “Do Something,” this message challenges us to look at a broken world and ask, “What can we do as believers to make a difference?” It's easy to question God when things seem to be getting worse, but Scripture reminds us that God is our hope. Romans 8:18-25 and Ephesians 2:1-10 teach us that while Jesus' return is the ultimate solution to sin and pain, He has prepared us to do good works now. Salvation is a free gift. We can't earn it! As people alive in Christ, we are called to help others and point them to Him. Only Jesus can change the world, but He chooses to work through us.

How do you respond when you hear the Word of God? Do you allow it to shape your life, or set it aside? In this message, we'll explore what it means to truly respond to Scripture with a heart that trusts and obeys. If we believe God's Word is true, then our lives should reflect it. None of us are perfect, but by listening to His Word and making necessary changes, we grow. Let's put our faith in motion by responding to Scripture with humility, courage, and action.

Following Jesus means going all in. In this message, we'll take a look at what it means to serve, give, and get involved in the life of the church. It's a personal decision between you and God - to take that leap of faith and dive deep. It might feel overwhelming at times, but when we give our all to God, He does more than we could ever imagine. Are you ready to dive in and put your faith in motion?

Life's storms can be overwhelming, and in the chaos, it's easy to lose our focus. But as believers, we're called to stand firm and trust - even when we don't understand. In this message, we'll explore how to keep our faith in motion by leaning on God during life's hardest moments. His ways are higher, His Word is our guide, and His presence never leaves us. Jesus is worthy of our praise, even in the storm - and He is with us through it all.

Being a disciple starts with a personal relationship with Jesus. It's not just about belief—it's about transformation. In this message, we'll explore what it truly means to follow Jesus and how that relationship changes every part of our lives. As a church that desires to honor Him, let's seek opportunities to grow closer to Christ and live as faithful disciples with our faith in motion.

Jesus calls every believer to be a disciple who makes disciples. In this message, we'll look at the importance of sharing our faith and walking alongside others as they grow in Christ. Making disciples isn't just for a few—it's a mission for the whole Church. Are you willing? Are you prepared to share what you believe? Let's put our faith in motion by living the life and leading others to Jesus.

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.