Grace Church of Ocala

Bad Theology, 2 of 4 from October 12, 2025 “Both God's justice and love are beyond our capacity to understand.” Job 11 by Ben Russell (@neighborhoodpastor93)SUMMARYThis sermon explores the complex themes of God's justice and love as presented in the book of Job, emphasizing how they often surpass human understanding. Pastor Ben discusses how Job's story includes both accurate and flawed human perspectives about God, which are ultimately addressed and corrected by God Himself. The sermon also delves into the suffering faced by Job and the well-intentioned yet misguided responses from his friends, encouraging listeners to find appropriate ways to support those in distress.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Bad Theology, 1 of 4 from October 5, 2025 “All suffering comes from sin but God's purpose is greater than our pain.” Job 4-5, 22, 42; 1 Peter 2 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks)SUMMARYThis sermon explores the relationship between suffering and our beliefs about God through the story of Job, challenging the idea that suffering always results from personal sin. Pastor Michael discusses the flawed belief that "if you do good, you get good," and highlights Jesus' example of suffering without sin. The message emphasizes that God's purposes are greater than our pain, urging trust in God's perfect justice and compassion amidst trials.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

3-2-1: A Call to Prayer, 4 of 4 from September 28, 2025“Jesus uses leaders to help companions work together to find lost wanderers.”Luke 10:1-24 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks)SUMMARYThis sermon develops the last part of the "3-2-1" prayer initiative, encouraging believers to pray for three people daily: a spiritual wanderer (someone who doesn't know Jesus), a spiritual companion (fellow believer), and a spiritual leader. Using Luke 10:1-24, Pastor Michael Lockstampfor demonstrates how Jesus sends out ordinary people on His mission, emphasizing that the work begins with prayer and requires complete dependence on God, with the ultimate goal being that Jesus uses leaders to help companions work together to find lost wanderers.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

3-2-1: A Call to Prayer, 3 of 4 from September 21, 2025“Jesus sends us as His body and maturing in Him means caring for our companions.”Ephesians 4:4-16 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks)SUMMARYThis sermon explores the concept of the church as the body of Christ, emphasizing unity, spiritual maturity, and the importance of mutual care among believers. Pastor Michael discusses how Jesus sees the church as a unified entity despite apparent divisions, and how spiritual growth is a process that requires patience, prayer, and active participation in the body of Christ. The sermon encourages believers to pray for both spiritual wanderers and companions, highlighting the significance of each member in the body of Christ regardless of their current level of spiritual maturity.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

3-2-1: A Call to Prayer, 2 of 4 from September 14, 2025 "The spiritual wanderers are the future found." Luke 15 by Ryan Gagnon (@RyGagnon)SUMMARYThis sermon explores Jesus' parables about the lost being found, emphasizing God's relentless pursuit of sinners and the joy in heaven when they repent. Pastor Ryan connects these teachings to the Neighborhood Church's mission of reaching out to spiritual wanderers, highlighting the importance of prayer in this endeavor. The sermon concludes with a practical challenge for the congregation to engage in strategic prayer for the lost.ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

3-2-1: A Call to Prayer, 1 of 4 from September 7, 2025 "We must choose God-dependence over self-confidence in both easy and hard times." Hosea 10 by Michael Lockstampfor (@mikocks)SUMMARYThis sermon explores "the test of wealth" through Hosea 10, revealing how abundance can be a greater spiritual challenge than scarcity. Pastor Michael explains that humans naturally spend wealth to increase personal control rather than trusting God, and challenges the congregation to "choose God-dependence over self-confidence in both easy and hard times" as they launch the Grove Initiative to develop leaders and plant churches.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

What We Believe, 11 of 11 from August 31, 2025 "Our unseen spiritual battle is to stand anchored on Jesus' truth and work." Angels, Satan, Demons by Michael Lockstampfor (@mikocks)SUMMARYThis sermon explains that angels and demons are created spiritual beings who operate primarily in the spiritual realm but can influence the material world. While angels serve God's purposes, Satan and his demons—who make up one-third of all angels—rebelled against God and now work to deceive humans through disguise, dialogue, doubt, and denial. Pastor Michael highlights that our spiritual battle isn't to fight these unseen enemies directly but to “stand anchored on Jesus's truth and work,” remembering that Christ has already disarmed these spiritual authorities through His work on the cross.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

What We Believe, 10 of 11 from August 24th, 2025 "Until Christ returns we're on mission: inviting our neighbors to meet and follow Jesus." Future Life by Matt WheelockSUMMARYThis sermon explores the concept of future life and end times in Christian theology. It emphasizes the importance of understanding eschatology as a driving force for the church's mission to invite others to follow Jesus. Pastor Matt discusses the return of Christ, the rapture, tribulation, and final judgment, culminating in the creation of a new heaven and earth. The message underscores the urgency of sharing our faith with our lost neighbors and the hope believers have in eternal life with God.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

What We Believe, 9 of 11 from August 17th, 2025 "Christ is building His church." Church by Tyler HofflerSUMMARYThis sermon explores the nature and purpose of the church as the beloved body of Christ. It emphasizes the importance of love, unity, and diversity within the church community. Tyler highlights that the church is not just a building, but a group of people called out by God to serve Him and each other. The sermon stresses the significance of understanding our individual roles within the church while maintaining unity in Christ, and the critical importance of loving one another as a testimony to the world.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

What We Believe, 8 of 11 from August 10th, 2025 "When we follow Jesus He transforms us completely for a fruitful life." Christian Life by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks)SUMMARYThis sermon explores how believers, having received salvation as a free gift, are transformed by Christ for a fruitful life. Using Galatians, Pastor Michael Lockstampfor demonstrates that sanctification happens by faith, not by our efforts to earn God's favor, as Christ's righteousness is applied to us and the Holy Spirit produces fruit in our lives when we trust what Jesus has declared over us.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

What We Believe, 7 of 11 from July 20th, 2025"We depend on God to save us every step of the way."Salvation by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks)SUMMARYThis sermon explores the concept of salvation through the lens of God's unwavering grace. It emphasizes that salvation is entirely a gift from God, not earned by human efforts. Pastor Michael explains the three stages of salvation: justification (being declared righteous), sanctification (ongoing transformation), and glorification (future perfection). The message underscores God's persistent love and the inclusive nature of the gospel, while also acknowledging its exclusive claim that salvation comes through Christ alone.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

What We Believe, 5 of 11 from July 20th, 2025 The Holy Spirit by Mark TumbleSUMMARYThis sermon explores the nature and work of the Holy Spirit as the third person of the Trinity. It emphasizes the Spirit's role in conviction of sin, guidance in truth, and empowerment of believers through spiritual gifts. Pastor Mark highlights how the Holy Spirit points to Jesus, aids in sanctification, and equips Christians to serve the church and glorify God.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

What We Believe, 4 of 11 from July 13th, 2025 "Who do you say Jesus is?" Christology by Tyler HofflerSUMMARYThis sermon explores the fundamental question Jesus asked his disciples: "Who do you say that I am?" It delves into the nature of Christ, examining His preeminence, incarnation, hypostatic union, substitutionary atonement, resurrection, and second coming. Tyler emphasizes the importance of understanding Jesus' identity as both fully God and fully man, and how this impacts our faith and daily lives. The sermon challenges listeners to reflect on their personal answer to Jesus' question and how it affects their beliefs and actions.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

What We Believe, 3 of 11 from July 6th, 2025 "We can love God even though we cannot understand him." The One True God by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks)SUMMARYThis sermon explores the nature of God as revealed in Scripture, particularly focusing on His holiness, self-existence, and triune nature. Pastor Michael emphasizes that while God is incomprehensible in His fullness, He desires to be known and loved by His creation. The sermon bridges the gap between God's transcendence and His immanence, highlighting His attributes of mercy, grace, and faithfulness. It concludes by discussing the Trinity and the importance of responding to God's revelation with worship and surrender.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

What We Believe, 2 of 11 from June 29th, 2025 "We know God and live for Him by practicing what He has written." The Bible by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks)SUMMARYThis sermon explores the nature, authority, and interpretation of the Bible as God's Word. It emphasizes that the Bible is God's chosen method of communication with humanity, containing diverse writings that reveal His character and actions throughout history. Pastor Michael stresses the importance of trusting, studying, and applying Scripture in our lives, guided by the Holy Spirit, to know God and live for Him.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

What We Believe, 1 of 11 from June 22nd, 2025 "God makes it possible for us to truly know Him." Introduction by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks)SUMMARYThis sermon introduces a series on theology, emphasizing that everyone is a theologian because we all have thoughts about God. Pastor Michael stresses the importance of accurate theology in fostering a genuine relationship with God and living a purposeful Christian life. He explains different approaches to theology and highlights that God makes it possible for us to truly know Him through His revelation.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

Giving Grace, 4 of 4 from June 15th, 2025 "God uses our hands to bring blessings when we open them to him." 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 by Michael Lockstampfor (@miklocks)SUMMARYThis sermon explores the Biblical principles of giving, emphasizing that Christian giving is not about obligation but about grateful, cheerful, and generous gifts according to God's purposes. Pastor Michael highlights that God uses our hands to bring blessings when we open them to Him, and that giving has benefits both for the giver and the receiver. The sermon stresses that all we have comes from God, and our giving should reflect our gratitude and submission to Christ's gospel.REFLECTION & DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

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