Grace Church of Ocala

Giving Grace, 3 of 4 from June 8th, 2025"Giving is designed to improve the overall health of the entire body."2 Corinthians 8:10-15  by Ryan Gagnon (@RyGagnon)SUMMARYThis sermon explores the importance of transparent and accountable giving procedures within the church. It emphasizes that proper handling of finances not only honors Jesus but also encourages the body of believers. Pastor Ryan highlights the need for trusted individuals to administer church finances, proactive communication about giving, and the importance of planning in advance. He  connects these practical aspects of giving to the larger spiritual context of following Jesus and participating in His mission.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Giving Grace, 2 of 4 from June 1st, 2025 "Giving is designed to improve the overall health of the entire body." 2 Corinthians 8:10-15 by Ryan Gagnon (@RyGagnon)SUMMARYThis sermon explores the biblical concept of giving as a means to improve the overall health of the church body. It emphasizes that giving is not just about money, but also about time, talents, and resources. Pastor Ryan highlights how giving grows our discipline, teaches personal stewardship, and reflects God's economy of abundance. The sermon encourages Jesus-followers to move beyond intentions to actions, trust God's provision, and participate in His work of blessing others.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Giving Grace, 1 of 4 from May 25th, 2025 "When we have received it, we share God's gracious generosity." 2 Corinthians 8:1-9 by by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks)SUMMARYThis sermon explores the concept of Christian giving, emphasizing that it's not just about money but about the grace of God manifested through generosity. Pastor Michael explains how the Macedonian churches, despite their severe affliction and poverty, displayed abundant joy and generosity. He highlights that true Christian giving stems from first giving oneself to God, then to others, following Christ's example of sacrificial love.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Tripping Hazard, 3 of 3 from May 18th, 2025"Treating leaders as if they are sus (suspect) will be the tool we use (and the Enemy helps to create) to make our very own tripping hazards."2 Corinthians 7:2-16 by Matthew Wheelock (@matthew.wheelock.31)SUMMARYThis sermon explores the concept of spiritual tripping hazards, focusing on how believers can avoid stumbling in their faith journey. Pastor Matt Wheelock emphasizes the importance of trusting godly leadership, embracing correction, and maintaining strong relationships within the church community. He contrasts godly grief (conviction) with worldly grief (guilt), encouraging listeners to respond to spiritual guidance with repentance and positive change rather than remaining weighed down by past mistakes.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Tripping Hazards, 2 of 3 from May 11th, 2025 "We get tripped up when we blend lesser loves with Jesus." 2 Corinthians 6:11-7:4 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks)SUMMARYThis sermon warns against the "tripping hazard" of blending Jesus with lesser loves or idols. Using 2 Corinthians 6, Pastor Michael emphasizes the importance of fully surrendering to Christ and not allowing anything to take God's place in our lives. The sermon concludes with a call to repentance and putting God first in all areas.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Tripping Hazard, 1 of 3 from May 4th, 2025 "Jesus wants us to walk with Him wholeheartedly, free from obstacles like closed hearts." 2 Corinthians 6:1-13 by Orrin WittSUMMARYThis sermon urges believers not to receive God's grace in vain, emphasizing the urgency of responding to the gospel now. Pastor Orrin Witt challenges the congregation to open their hearts wide to God and others, using Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 6 as a model. The sermon stresses that a faith that hasn't changed you probably hasn't saved you, and encourages vulnerability and authentic relationships within the church community.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

The News is Good, 4 of 4 from April 27, 2025 "The good news begins and ends with Jesus who is remaking all things." Colossians 1 & 3 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks)SUMMARYThis sermon explores the transformative power of Christ's work in transferring believers from the domain of darkness to His kingdom. It emphasizes that while Christians still live in a broken world, they are called to live as citizens of heaven, putting to death old sinful habits and embracing Christ-like virtues. The message underscores the importance of community in Christian life and the ongoing process of being renewed in Christ's image.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

The News is Good, 3 of 4 from April 20, 2025 "The good news is that Jesus' death & resurrection mean God can give us true life." Mark 15-16 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks)SUMMARYThis sermon explores the core message of Christianity: the good news of Jesus' death and resurrection. It emphasizes that God's plan to restore a broken world is not through a set of rules or philosophy, but through the person of Jesus Christ. Pastor Michael explains how Jesus' death on the cross and His subsequent resurrection offer true life to all who believe, providing a way for humanity to be restored to God's original good creation.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

The News is Good, 2 of 4 from April 13, 2025 "The good news is that God Himself died to give us mercy." Genesis 3 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks)SUMMARYThis sermon examines the fall of humanity in Genesis 3, explaining the process of temptation and sin. Pastor Michael emphasizes God's mercy in not destroying Adam and Eve. Instead God provides a way for redemption through Jesus Christ. The sermon concludes that "God's mercy is good news" and His justice makes this good news shine, as He Himself paid the penalty for our sin.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

The News is Good, 1 of 4 from April 6, 2025 "The good news begins and ends with the Living God who created all things." Genesis 1-2 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks)SUMMARYThis sermon explores the concept of our earthly bodies as temporary "tents" and the promise of an eternal, heavenly dwelling prepared by God. Pastor Michael emphasizes that while we experience affliction and groaning in our current bodies, we can have hope in the unseen reality of our future resurrection bodies. The sermon encourages believers to live with purpose and faith, knowing that our current struggles are preparing us for an eternal weight of glory.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Picture This, Week 1 of 4 from March 9th, 2025 "The person and work of Jesus is the only true light in our dark world." 2 Corinthians 3:12-4:6 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks)SUMMARYThis sermon explores the nature of the gospel as light in a dark world, emphasizing Jesus Christ as the embodiment of God's glory. Pastor Michael discusses the concept of spiritual blindness versus spiritual sight, the transformative power of beholding Christ, and the personal nature of salvation. He challenges listeners to consider where their attention is focused and how that shapes their spiritual growth.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Picture This, Week 4 of 4 from March 30, 2025 "Gospel ambassadors are called and equipped to follow in Christ's footsteps." 2 Corinthians 5:10 - 21 by Ryan Gagnon (@RyGagnon)SUMMARYThis sermon explores the concept of being an ambassador for Christ, drawing from 2 Corinthians 5. Pastor Ryan Gagnon emphasizes the coming judgment before Christ, the fear of the Lord as motivation, and how Christ's love compels believers to view others through a spiritual lens. The sermon culminates in the transformative power of becoming a new creation in Christ.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Picture This, Week 3 of 4 from March 23, 2025 "We endure here by trusting God has prepared our eternal home." 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:10 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks)SUMMARYThis sermon explores the concept of our earthly bodies as temporary "tents" and the promise of an eternal, heavenly dwelling prepared by God. Pastor Michael emphasizes that while we experience affliction and groaning in our current bodies, we can have hope in the unseen reality of our future resurrection bodies. The sermon encourages believers to live with purpose and faith, knowing that our current struggles are preparing us for an eternal weight of glory.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Picture This, Week 2 of 4 from March 16th, 2025 "Though carried in busted containers, Jesus' Gospel is true treasure." 2 Corinthians 4:7-18 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks)SUMMARYThis sermon explores the concept of the gospel as treasure carried in clay jars, based on 2 Corinthians 4. Pastor Michael emphasizes that our weaknesses and brokenness allow Christ's light to shine through, and that the resurrection life of Jesus is manifested in believers despite suffering. The eternal weight of glory far outweighs our present light afflictions.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Comfort & Affliction, Week 3 of 3 from March 2nd, 2025 "When we know Jesus deeply He shows clearly that our life is His." 2 Corinthians 2:12-3:18 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks)SUMMARYThis sermon explores the paradoxical nature of Christian faith, where believers are portrayed as captives in Christ's triumphal procession. Pastor Michael challenges the congregation to view their relationship with God not as victorious conquerors, but as those conquered by Christ's love. He emphasizes that true Christian life involves surrender, being led by Christ, and becoming a living testimony of God's work. The sermon also addresses the tension between personal faith and public witness, urging believers to let their lives tell Jesus' story to the world.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Comfort & Affliction, Week 2 of 3 from February 23rd, 2025 "Walking in the presence of Jesus means giving and receiving correction." 2 Corinthians 2:12-2:11 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks)SUMMARYThis sermon explores the challenges of communication, conflict, and correction within the Christian community. Using Paul's relationship with the Corinthian church as a backdrop, Pastor Michael emphasizes the importance of trust, grace, and forgiveness in resolving misunderstandings. He highlights that walking in the presence of Jesus involves both giving and receiving correction, and that individual sin affects the entire community. Ultimately, the goal of correction and conflict resolution is restoration, reflecting God's love and the redemptive work of Christ.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Comfort & Affliction, Week 1 of 3 from February 16th, 2025 “Affliction teaches us to rely on God and comfort others." 2 Corinthians 1:1-11 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks)SUMMARYThis sermon explores the relationship between comfort and affliction in the Christian life, drawing from Paul's letter to the Corinthians. It emphasizes that God's comfort doesn't eliminate affliction but teaches believers to rely on God and comfort others. Pastor Michael challenges the notion that faith is merely a crutch, arguing instead that it provides real hope and strength in times of difficulty. He highlights God's nature as merciful and comforting, and encourages gratitude for God's mercies even in challenging times.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

The Rest of the Story, 6 of 8 from December 15th, 2024 "Our richest wealth is an inheritance of Christ's disgrace." Hebrews 11:23-29 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks) SUMMARY This sermon explores the story of Moses and the Exodus, emphasizing the power of faith in God's promises even in the face of overwhelming odds. It highlights how God demonstrated His supremacy over the Egyptian gods through the plagues and the parting of the Red Sea. The sermon draws parallels between the Israelites' journey and our own spiritual walk, encouraging believers to trust in God's plan and timing, even when circumstances seem dire. REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

The Rest of the Story, 5 of 8 from December 8th, 2024 “Our hope for the future is that God will finish what He started.” Hebrews 11:21-22 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks) SUMMARY This sermon explores the life of Joseph, emphasizing how God works through adversity and family dysfunction to fulfill His purposes. Pastor Michael highlights the theme that God's path of blessing is not always straightforward but often involves trials and challenges. He underscores the importance of faith in God's providence, even when circumstances seem dire, and encourages believers to trust in God's ultimate plan for eternal good. REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

The Rest of the Story, 4 of 8 from December 1st, 2024 “God uses our desires to grow our desire for Him.” Hebrews 11:17-19 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks) SUMMARY This sermon explores the challenging story of Abraham's willingness to sacrifice his son, drawing parallels to God's sacrifice of Jesus. Pastor Michael emphasizes the importance of trusting God even in difficult circumstances, holding His gifts with open hands, and understanding that God uses our desires to grow our desire for Him. We cover themes of faith, obedience, and God's ultimate provision, encouraging Christ-followers to live with an expectation of resurrection and trust in perfect God's character. REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

The Rest of the Story, 3 of 8 from November 24th, 2024 “Our compromises yesterday do not define our trust today.” Hebrews 11:6-7 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks) SUMMARY This sermon explores the story of Abraham and Sarah, focusing on their long wait for God's promise of a child to be fulfilled. It emphasizes the importance of trusting God's character and timing, even when circumstances seem impossible. Pastor Michael highlights how our past compromises don't define our present faith, and encourages believers to trust God's faithfulness despite delays or setbacks. REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

The Rest of the Story, 2 of 8 from November 17th, 2024 “God is not tripped up when we don't finish well.” Hebrews 11:6-7 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks) SUMMARY This sermon explores the story of Noah and the flood, emphasizing that it's not merely a children's tale but a profound narrative about faith, God's judgment, and His enduring love. Pastor Michael challenges listeners to view the story through the lens of faith, highlighting God's intervention to save humanity and His covenant with Noah. When we observe the aftermath of the flood, including Noah's imperfections, we see that God's plans are not thwarted by human failings -- God is not tripped up when we don't finish well. REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

The Rest of the Story, 1 of 8 from November 10th, 2024 “God remembers our worship when the world wipes it away.” Genesis 4 & Hebrews 11:1-4 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks) SUMMARY This sermon explores the story of Cain and Abel, focusing on Abel's faithful worship and God's eternal perspective on our actions. It emphasizes that while doing the right thing doesn't guarantee an easy life, God remembers and values our faithful acts even when the world forgets them. Pastor Michael draws parallels between Abel's sacrifice and Christ's ultimate sacrifice, highlighting God's grace and the power of faith in the face of suffering. REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

The Christian Starter Pack, 6 of 6 from November 3rd, 2024 “All of us can find true rest in Christ.” by Ethan Labouff SUMMARY This sermon explores the concept of Sabbath and its relevance in our fast-paced, restless world. Guest speaker Ethan Labouff emphasizes that true rest can only be found in Christ, not in worldly pursuits. He challenges listeners to consider adopting Sabbath practices in their lives, not as a burdensome religious obligation, but as a gift from God for spiritual renewal and deepening one's relationship with Him. The sermon highlights the importance of abiding in Christ, recognizing the temporary nature of worldly work, and resting in the completed work of salvation. REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

The Christian Starter Pack, 5 of 6 from October 27th, 2024 “Our investments reveal whose kingdom we're loyal to.” by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks) SUMMARY This sermon explores the Biblical principles of giving and generosity as essential aspects of Christian discipleship. Pastor Michael emphasizes that our investments, both financial and in terms of time, reveal our where our loyalty lies. He challenges the congregation to view giving not as a legalistic obligation but as a joyful response to God's grace, highlighting that true generosity extends beyond money to include how we spend our limited time on earth. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

The Christian Starter Pack, 4 of 6 from October 20th, 2024 “Jesus reshapes us to be like Him on His mission through the church.” Ephesians 4:1-16 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks) SUMMARY This sermon explores the concept of church as an essential part of the Christian faith. It emphasizes that the church is not merely a building or institution, but a people called by Jesus to grow together and fulfill His mission. Pastor Michael explains that church is both a universal body of all believers (the Church) and local congregations (a church). He stresses that Jesus intentionally designed the church as a relational community where believers are reshaped to be more like Christ and equipped for His mission. REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

The Christian Starter Pack, 3 of 6 from October 13th, 2024 “How we speak with Jesus shows our heart towards Him.” by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks) SUMMARY This sermon explores the essential role of prayer in the Christian life, emphasizing that prayer is not about following a system but about developing a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Pastor Michael highlights that how we pray reflects our heart towards God and that prayer is a two-way communication where God is always attentive and waiting for us to engage. The sermon encourages believers to pray continually, pray with concentration, and use various postures and practices to focus their attention on God. REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

The Christian Starter Pack, 2 of 6 from October 6th, 2024 Psalm 1 by Ben Russell (@neighborhoodpastor93) SUMMARY This sermon explores the importance of the Bible as a fundamental component of the Christian faith. It emphasizes that the Bible is a unified story leading to Jesus, inspired by God but written through human creativity. Pastor Ben encourages believers to engage with Scripture regularly, highlighting its role in spiritual growth and blessing. He also provides practical advice on how to approach Bible reading and study. REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

The Christian Starter Pack, 1 of 6 from September 29th, 2024 “Believe in Jesus & share His story.” 1 Corinthians 15 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks) SUMMARY REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Just Fishing, 4 of 4 from September 22nd, 2024 “We grow personally as we invest in Jesus' family mission.” Acts 2, Ephesians 4 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks) SUMMARY This sermon explores how personal growth in faith is intrinsically linked to investing in Jesus' family mission. It emphasizes the importance of community in the Christian journey, highlighting that while faith is personal, it was never meant to be private. The sermon draws parallels between the early church's practices and the call for modern believers to actively participate in ministry, equipping one another for God's work. REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Just Fishing, 3 of 4 from September 15th, 2024 “Following Jesus' mission means being treated like Jesus.” Matthew 10 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks) SUMMARY Following Christ isn't always comfortable - it often leads to conflict and opposition. Yet, we're called to be 'fishers of men,' interrupting the ordinary with God's extraordinary purpose. In Matthew 10, we're challenged to embrace Jesus' mission with courage and conviction. The imagery of fishing from the fish's perspective offers a profound insight: people may resist the gospel, but that doesn't mean we're doing something wrong. We're encouraged to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves, advancing the kingdom despite persecution. The key message is clear: centering our identity on Jesus gives us the strength to face any opposition. We're reminded that we're of immense value to God, who knows even the number of hairs on our heads. This teaching urges us to reorder our priorities, putting Christ above all else, even family ties. As we engage in this mission, we're promised that those who receive us will be blessed. It's a call to step out in faith, knowing that following Jesus' mission means being treated like Jesus Himself. REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Just Fishing, 2 of 4 from September 8th, 2024 “Jesus entrusts His mission to us, together.” John 4:27-42 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks) SUMMARY Sometimes our spiritual lives can feel stale, like opening a bag of chips that's lost its crunch but Jesus invites us into a fresh, living relationship with Him. He offers 'living water' that satisfies our deepest thirsts and transforms us from the inside out. In this message we are reminded us that Jesus' heart is for all people - those we like and those we tend to avoid. The Samaritan woman's excitement about her encounter with Jesus led her to share with others, showing us that we don't need to have all the answers to share our faith - we just need to be excited about what Jesus is doing in our lives. REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Just Fishing, 1 of 4 from September 1st, 2024 “Jesus' invitation is an interruption.” Luke 5:1-11 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks) SUMMARY We're reminded that Jesus' invitation is often an interruption to our daily lives. Just as He approached Peter after a long night of fruitless fishing, Jesus meets us in our 'meh' moments - those tedious, frustrating parts of life. The key lesson is that obeying Jesus, even when it doesn't make sense to us, opens our eyes to the work He is already doing in the world. Simon (-Peter)'s willingness to cast his nets again, despite his exhaustion, led to a miraculous catch that revealed Jesus' power and Peter's own sinfulness. This encounter teaches us that Jesus' presence clarifies our predicament, but also offers us grace and a new purpose. We're challenged to see our everyday environments as mission fields where we can 'catch people' for Christ. REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Standalone Sermon from August 25th, 2024 “We must SHOW commitment to Jesus.” 2 Peter 1:1-15 by Logan Dean SUMMARY This week we're reminded that our spiritual journey is a process of growth, much like learning a new skill. We start with faith as our foundation, then build upon it with virtue, knowledge, self-control, steadfastness, godliness, brotherly affection, and ultimately, love. This progression, outlined in 2 Peter 1, challenges us to continually develop our relationship with God and others. God has already provided us with everything we need for spiritual growth. Are we utilizing these resources, or are we remaining spiritually stagnant? This message encourages us to actively engage in our faith, moving beyond being 'spiritual babies' to becoming mature, effective followers of Christ. REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Heavy Hearts, 9 of 9 August 18th, 2024 “God will completely restore all that our sin broke.” Ezekiel 40-48 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks) SUMMARY Today we'll examine God's vision for restoration. The central theme revolves around God's promise to completely restore all that sin has broken. We're taken on a journey through Ezekiel's detailed measurements of a future temple, which at first may seem tedious, but ultimately reveals God's meticulous care for His people. This vision challenges us to set our hearts on God's promises, even when they don't immediately align with our expectations. The living water flowing from the temple, bringing life to the Dead Sea, beautifully illustrates God's power to transform and renew. As we reflect on this, we're encouraged to trust in God's timing and His ability to bring spiritual and physical restoration to our lives and the world around us. REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Heavy Hearts, 8 of 9 August 11th, 2024 “Ultimately God moves everyone from shame over our failure to wonder at God's character.” Ezekiel 38-39 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks) SUMMARY Explore the mysterious prophecy of Gog and Magog in Ezekiel 38-39. The central message revolves around God's ultimate control over all nations and His desire to reveal His character to the world. We learn that evil cannot coexist with peace and that challenges will arise even in times of prosperity. However, God's purpose is not just to protect Israel but to demonstrate His power and holiness to all nations. This passage reminds us that no matter how dire circumstances may seem, God is always in control. God is orchestrating events to fulfill His greater plan. As we grapple with uncertainties in our own lives, we're encouraged to trust in God's sovereignty and to find wonder in His love and mercy, even in the face of our own failures and shortcomings. REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Heavy Hearts, 7 of 9 August 4th, 2024 “God's desire is for us to know Him and be led by Him” Ezekiel 36-37 by Matthew Wheelock (@matthew.wheelock.31) SUMMARY We're reminded of God's unwavering commitment to restoration and redemption through Ezekiel 36 and 37. The vision of the valley of dry bones serves as a striking metaphor for spiritual renewal. We learn that no matter how dire our circumstances may seem, God has the power to breathe new life into us. This message encourages us to trust in God's plan even when we feel lost or broken. It emphasizes that our position in life is divinely ordained and that God speaks to us even in our lowest moments. The key takeaway is that obedience to God leads to blessings, though these blessings may not always align with our expectations. Ultimately, we're called to know God intimately and allow Him to lead us, transforming us from spiritual death to vibrant life in Him. REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Heavy Hearts, 6 of 9 July 28th, 2024 “All of our hope is secure in the honor of our True Shepherd.” Ezekiel 34, 36 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks) SUMMARY We confront the harsh reality of failed spiritual leadership and its consequences in Ezekiel 34. The passage reveals God's deep concern for His people and His commitment to personally intervene when human leaders fall short. We're challenged to consider how the quality of our spiritual journey corresponds directly to the character of those we choose to follow. This serves as a stark reminder to carefully discern our spiritual influences and to ultimately place our trust in the True Shepherd - God Himself. The message offers hope and comfort, assuring us that God sees, knows, and will act to rescue and care for His flock, even in the face of human failure. REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Heavy Hearts, 5 of 9 July 21st, 2024 “Jesus' authority extends to every area of our lives.” Ezekiel 24, 33:21-22 by Ryan Gagnon (@RyGagnon) SUMMARY The central theme of these chapters revolves around the consequences of persistent disobedience and the weight of sin. We're reminded that we cannot bear the burden of our own transgressions - only Jesus can. The imagery of a corroded pot symbolizes how sin taints everything, making us unfit for God's purpose. Yet, even in judgment, God's grace shines through! He offers cleansing, but we must choose to accept it. This serves as a wake-up call for us to examine our own lives and consider where we might be resisting God's authority. Are we trying to bear our own sin? Are we fully surrendering to God's will? The message challenges us to recognize Jesus' authority in every area of our lives, reminding us that partial obedience is still disobedience. REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Heavy Hearts, 4 of 9 July 14th, 2024 “God's love will not be deterred by our rebellion.” Ezekiel 16 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks) SUMMARY In Ezekiel 16 we're confronted with a stark parable of God's relationship with Jerusalem, symbolizing His love for His people. The chapter presents a challenging narrative of undeserved love, rebellion, and ultimate redemption. We're reminded that God loves the unloved and unlovely, choosing us not for our merit but out of His boundless compassion. This love story begins with God's intervention in our desperate state, nurturing us to beauty and prominence. However, the parable takes a dark turn as it depicts our tendency to forget God's goodness, turning to idolatry and spiritual adultery. This serves as a powerful reminder of how easily we can take God's blessings for granted and seek fulfillment in lesser things. Despite our unfaithfulness, God's love remains steadfast, culminating in the promise of an everlasting covenant through Jesus Christ. REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Heavy Hearts, 3 of 9 July 7th, 2024 “Our heart will be filled with whatever we make space for.” Ezekiel 8-11 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks) SUMMARY This sermon explores the concept of idolatry and its consequences, the visions recorded in Ezekiel 8-11. With the observation that our hearts will be filled with whatever we make space for, whether the true God or false idols. We are warned against the dangers of subtle idolatry in modern life and called to genuine commitment to God. Even in a message describing God's judgment against idolatry, God's grace in marking and preserving those who remain faithful underpins the heart of the message. CHAPTERS (0:00 - 6:20) Chapter 1: Understanding Holiness in Modern Context We explore the concept of holiness and its relevance in our modern, multi-purpose world. (6:20 - 17:21) Chapter 2: Ezekiel's Vision of Idolatry in the Temple Ezekiel receives a vision of various forms of idolatry taking place in the temple. (17:21 - 35:46) Chapter 3: God's Judgment and Grace God's judgment on idolatry is revealed, but His grace is also evident. (35:46 - 43:55) Chapter 4: The Departure of God's Presence Ezekiel witnesses the gradual departure of God's presence from the temple and Jerusalem. (43:55 - 50:17) Chapter 5: God's Promise of Restoration and Heart Transformation Despite judgment, God promises future restoration and heart transformation for His people. REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Heavy Hearts, 2 of 9 June 30th, 2024 “God relentlessly warns us of the crushing weight of sin so perhaps we might reject it.” Ezekiel 3-5, 12 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks) SUMMARY Through vivid and often bizarre signs, God uses the prophet Ezekiel to communicate His message to a rebellious people. We see how God creates an appetite for His word and illustrates the dire consequences of embracing our sin instead of His life. The silent signs, interpreted signs, and dramatic actions of Ezekiel serve as a stark reminder of God's impending judgment on Jerusalem. Yet, even in His warnings, we glimpse God's compassion and His desire for His people to turn back to Him. God is relentless in His warnings about the crushing weight of sin. This message challenges us to examine our own lives and the small phrases we use to dismiss God's warnings, urging us to heed His voice before it's too late. REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Heavy Hearts, 1 of 9 June 23rd, 2024 “Our pain may pave the road by which God gives us more of Himself.” Ezekiel 1-3 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks) SUMMARY As we kick-off this new series we are introduced to Ezekiel, a man with a heavy heart--disappointed that he couldn't fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a priest. Yet in this moment of despair, God reveals Himself in an awe-inspiring vision. This illustrates that our pain may pave the road for God to give us more of Himself. The vivid description of God's throne and the celestial beings reminds us of His majesty and power. We're challenged to consider: do we seek God in our moments of trouble, or do we fixate on ourselves and blame others? Rather, let's internalize God's word--'eat' it and make it part of who we are--even when the message is difficult. REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Greater Than Covenants & Blood, 4 of 4 June 16th, 2024 “We should continue to embrace all of Jesus' provision and direction.” Hebrews 10:26-39 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks) SUMMARY Pastor Michael explores the importance of continuing to embrace all of Jesus' provision and direction in our lives. Hebrews 10 reminds us of the incredible sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf. His blood has the power to cleanse our consciences and grant us access to God's holy presence. We are called to embrace Jesus' provision and direction in our lives, drawing near to Him with sincere hearts and full assurance of faith. We're encouraged to reflect on what we have already suffered for Christ - the rejections, trials, and material losses - and to offer those memories back to God with gratitude. By persevering in faith, we preserve our souls and experience the heavenly peace Jesus offers, even amidst life's storms. REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Supernatural Reconciliation, June 9th, 2024 “Jesus empowers us to deal with our past knowing He is in control.” Philemon by Ryan Gagnon (@RyGagnon) SUMMARY In this stand-alone sermon we explored the book of Philemon and how it demonstrates the power of reconciliation that comes through Christ. Using the story of Onesimus, a runaway slave, and Paul's appeal to Philemon for forgiveness and restoration, pastor Ryan showed how Jesus empowers us to deal with our past, extend forgiveness to others just as Christ forgave us, and seek reconciliation rather than avoiding conflict. REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Greater Than Covenants & Blood, 3 of 4, June 2nd, 2024 “Jesus invites us into heavenly peace for living in the midst of storms.” Hebrews 10:10-25 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks) REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Greater Than Covenants & Blood, 2 of 4, May 26th, 2024 “Jesus has done everything necessary to restore hearts to God.” Hebrews 9:22-10:10 by Michael Lockstampfor (miklocks) REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Greater Than Covenants & Blood, 1 of 4, May 19th, 2024 “Jesus exceeds what sin required so that we can draw close to God.” Hebrews 8:1-9:22 by Michael Lockstampfor (miklocks) REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Love Your Neighbor, 7 of 7, May 12th, 2024 “True love will stand up under testing for eternity.” 1 Corinthians 13:7-8 by Michael Lockstampfor (miklocks) REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Love Your Neighbor, 6 of 7, May 5th, 2024 “True love isn't defined by how we're feeling.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-6 by Michael Lockstampfor (miklocks) REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Love Your Neighbor, 5 of 7, April 28th, 2024 “True love serves loyally for the long-haul.” 1 Corinthians 13:4 by Michael Lockstampfor (miklocks) REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS