Oak Pointe Church Podcast

A Better Motive and IdentityActs 16:13-15Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe ChurchStudies all throughout history have unanimously reportedthat every human has a mother. In fact, those same studies all say that if you do not have a mother, you are in fact, not here. Due to this overwhelming evidence, it is a safe conclusion to say that everyone is impacted by mothers. All joking aside, celebrating Mother's Day is a joy and blessing not to be taken lightly. Our sweet Lord was born of a woman, and He honored her up until the moment of His death. Tomorrow is not only for moms, however, as the Word of the Lord is able to teach and admonish us all. Make sure you join us tomorrow in honor of the moms in your life, but to also worship the living God and hear His truth for you.

One of our favorite student events of the year is almost here—Student Takeover! Join us tomorrow as our students lead everything at church—and we mean everything. From greeting and handing out donuts to leading worship, sharing testimonies, and more, it's a day where students step up, serve, and lead.It's an amazing opportunity for our church family to witness and participate in our students' passion and hearts for Jesus. You won't want to miss it!

A Piece of Fish and Death UndoneLuke 24:36-43Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe ChurchHistory is comprised of moments that have altered the course of humanity – singular yet pivotal events that have redefined our reality.Even in our lifetimes, we've experienced the horror of 9/11, the shockwave of a global pandemic, and the victory of technological breakthrough, each of which has forced us to cope with an ever-changing world. And yet, no single moment throughout all of human history compares to the one when death itself was undone. Join us this Sunday as our upcoming message, “A Piece of Fish and Death Undone,” brings us face-to-face with the realities of life after death. Surely, as the old adage goes, life will never be the same.

The First Meal of the New WorldLuke 24:28-35Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe ChurchWhat do Easter, a disastrous first date, and strangers sharing a meal together have in common? One key ingredient. Tomorrow morning is the most important day in the history of all creation. Bring your neighbors, family, coworkers, friends, enemies, strangers, and your postman because they need to hear the most important truth, the only truth, that can save their souls. Hear about the risen Lord, two disciples receiving eyes to see the truth, and the missing piece that could have saved a bad date. New mercies will rise with the sun tomorrow, come and see what the Lord has done!

They Stood at a DistanceLuke 23:49Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe ChurchJoin us on Good Friday as we come together in reflection and reverence to remember the sacrifice our Savior made for us on the cross. It will be a time of worship, gratitude, and remembrance of the hope we have because of His death.

The Table of RiskLuke 22:14-30Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe ChurchMeals can be some of the most memorable events in our lives, especially when they are centered around important events. For God's people of Israel, there was one meal in particular that was celebrated every year with the purpose of looking back and remembering. The Passover was the greatest act of deliverance in the Old Testament, and the annual feast of remembrance afterward was a monumental celebration where the whole country packed into Jerusalem to partake in it together.Jesus participated in this meal with His disciples just before He was arrested, and what took place during that feast forever changed God's people.

Little Man, Big ChangeLuke 19:1-10Teacher: Blaine Dennison, Congregational Care Pastor at Oak Pointe ChurchA study performed in 2021 by the Pew Research Center revealed that 41% of Americans have experienced some form of harassment online, with 75% of those saying the abuse took place on social media. It's clear that communication between humans has been impacted significantly by the internet, and not always in the best way. Online interactions don't allow human connection because the person at the other end of the sentence is just a screen. When humanity is reduced to an object, then anything goes.During His earthly ministry, Jesus looked into eyes, touched with His hand, held with His arms, and spoke with His voice. Today He speaks into our hearts through His word, and now we are His hands and feet that deliver His message to others. The Word of Life breaks barriers and defenses and invites outsiders to come in and sit at His table.

Joy at the Father's TableLuke 15:11-32Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church

The Man Who Eats with SinnersLuke 15:1-10Teacher: Brent Buttermore, Kids Pastor at Oak Pointe Church

There's Still RoomLuke 14:15-24Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe ChurchIf you have ever thrown an event that requires a guest list and invitations, there are two lists running in your mind: the guests you want to come, and the guests who you hope can't make it. The former are the ones that you are close with, or you know will be the life of the party; the latter are maybe the ones who make you feel awkward or are hard to talk to. But—what if everyone on the first list said no? What if they said they were too busy for you and your celebration?God enrobed Himself in humanity and became God with Us, to deliver His people and invite them into His kingdom. But when He arrived, they rejected both His invitation and His kingdom. Thankfully the story didn't stop there; the King extended the invitation to all who would believe. In this message, we'll learn as we continue in our series and hear what the Lord has for us.

Seating Charts and Guest ListsLuke 14:7-14Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe ChurchAncient Rome utilized the dining table as a means for gaining social, political, and economic advantages. The host of an opulent dinner party would be an elite Roman citizen, and their goal was to showcase their wealth and sophistication by bringing out the best in class from food to entertainment. Their guest list was a who's who of influential society, and the seating arrangement around the central table was no mere coincidence. Places of prominence were reserved for those guests who offered some kind of gain for the host, be it political or financial.When Jesus attended dinner parties of the prominent Pharisees, He was surely rubbing shoulders with people of means and power. He frequently called out their motives and lack of humility because their dinner parties were no different than their Roman counterparts. Jesus has a much different guest list in mind for us, however, and in this message, we will walk through His instructions for us.

Tension at the TableLuke 14:1-6Teacher: Blaine Dennison, Congregational Care Pastor at Oak Pointe ChurchStubbornness is a character quality that can be a strength or weakness, but in most situations it's a stumbling block. Frederick Nietzsche said, “Many are stubborn in pursuit of the path they have chosen, few in pursuit of the goal.” In other words, the way something is done is more important than the final outcome. Once someone sets their mind on what they perceive is the right way to do something, it is difficult to convince them otherwise.The Pharisees found themselves clashing with the path that Jesus laid before them. They had convinced themselves that what they were doing was right, so anything different than their way had to be wrong, even if God Himself said it. It's shocking to think they were bold enough to oppose God to His face, and it should cause us to pause and check our own hearts. In this message, we'll learn about a time when Jesus encountered this kind of stubbornness, and how we can equip our own hearts to prevent repeating that same mistake.

Servants of JesusLuke 12:35-48Teacher: Caleb Middleton, High School Pastor / Student Director at Oak Pointe ChurchHere is, perhaps, an all-too familiar scene: you have left your teenaged children at home while you and your spouse attend an event together. You wrote down specific instructions on chores they were expected to do while you're out, and that when the chores are finished, they can play. But what actually happens? They immediately play and forget all about the chores until they receive your text at the end of the night: “Coming home.” Now they're in a panicked state as they hurry around to get the house in order before the door opens.Jesus has left us with similar instructions; He's told us what to do, and when He returns, He wants to see that we haven't procrastinated or forgotten! Tomorrow morning let's come together and hear the Word of our Lord on how we can get ready for His return.

Meals with JesusLuke 10:5-7Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe ChurchWhen you look up the word peace, the first definition given is: “freedom from disturbance; tranquility.” This can be applied in a lot of ways, but one area it relates to is the people around us. Our American culture can be pretty hostile when it comes to certain controversial topics; a common mindset is, “If you're not with me, you're against me.” That kind of thinking creates such a disturbance in our mental and emotional state, the very opposite of peace!With ever-increasing defensive postures and hostile comments, there is a great temptation to want to stick within a certain bubble and keep out the negativity. But Jesus sent out His disciples anyway, and He wants to send us out too. In this message, we will hear some very encouraging news from the Lord about when we are out in the world and who we might encounter.

Meals with JesusLuke 9:10-17Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe ChurchWatching a cat's absurd overreaction to normal objects is a pastime many people enjoy on social media. For whatever reason, the smallest movement of a stick or paper can send the cat flying an impressive distance at unfathomable heights. As soon as they land and look back at what made them jump, you can almost see their expression thinking, “Oh. I might've overreacted.”How many times does this happen when we're startled by something the Holy Spirit wants us to do? We jump in fear, we fumble around with excuses, we might even try running away. But when it's over we can look back and say, “Oh. I might've overreacted.” Jesus isn't out to scare us or sabotage us with impossible tasks and heavy burdens. Just the opposite! His yolk is easy, and His burden is light. When He calls us to do something, He is working in and with us. In this message, we'll see just how tender He is when He has big plans for us.

Meals with Jesus Luke 5:36-50 Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church Financial debt is something most Americans are well-acquainted with. Forbes conducted a survey and found that 77% of Americans currently have some level of debt, with 72% reporting they were likely to continue accumulating more. Debt brings a host of problems with it, the most being the emotional strain it puts on us and our relationships: 86% of those surveyed reported that their debt was hurting their closest relationships in some way. Imagine the relief these people would feel if they received a notice in the mail tomorrow stating that their debt was 100% erased? This is exactly the relief that Jesus offers to everyone and their debt of sin. In this message, we will hear of two ways we can respond to this incredible offer, and it will impact those around us.

Meals with Jesus Luke 5:33-34 Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church When you are invited over for dinner at a friend's house, the proper etiquette is that no one eats until everyone has been served, right? Imagine the scene: a long dining table with friends and family crammed all around. The table is adorned with a spread of steaming dishes, bowls of gravy, plates stacked with biscuits, a juicy roast. The smells alone are enough to send you into a frenzy. But—you cannot take a single bite until every person has their plate. So, what happens in the waiting? Your anticipation and longing for the feast grows exponentially. Right now, we are in a season of waiting; we await Jesus returning in His glory, and once He does, we will feast like never before! Until then, however, our longing and anticipation of His arrival grows daily. In this message, you'll hear about how that longing can drive us into a deeper relationship with Jesus.

Meals with Jesus Luke 5:27-32 Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church A young family invited their neighbors over for dinner one night. Their four-year-old daughter, curiously asked her mother, “Who are they? Why are they eating here?” Her mother replied, “Daddy and I want to get to know them because they're our neighbors, so we invited them over for dinner. Eating together is one of the easiest ways to make friends!” Later that night at bedtime, the mother peeked into her daughter's room and saw a curious scene: all her daughter's dolls were sitting on a blanket surrounding plastic food. “What are you doing, honey?” she asked. “They're all neighbors and they want to get to know each other!” the daughter explained excitedly. Jesus modeled to His disciples the kind of lives and ministries He wanted for them, and His practice of sharing a meal with others was intentionally laid out as an example. In this message, you'll learn how opening your home and dinner table can have lasting impacts on the kingdom of God.

Love My Enemies and Do Good to Them? Seriously? Luke 6:27-36 Teacher: Blaine Dennison, Congregational Care Pastor at Oak Pointe Church Statistics show that young people today are lonelier than ever before in human history, and social scientist Arthur Brooks surmises that society is experiencing a “loneliness epidemic.” He explains some of this by the idea that our culture has emphasized safety over risk and has therefore impeded our ability to love others who are different than us. Love, especially loving others who are difficult to love, requires risk. Jesus knows how loving our enemies grates against our flesh and instigates fear. He knew what He was saying when He taught the principle of “turn the other cheek.” However, Jesus doesn't deliver an impossible command and leave it up to us: He Himself supplies the very love He's asking us to give. In this message, we will hear how Jesus wants us to treat our enemies, and how we can carry it out.

1 Corinthians 12:12-14 Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church

The Son John 3:14-18 Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church

The Knowledge Luke 1:76-79 Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church Most of us have heard, or used, the phrase “Fake it ‘til you make it”, right? The implication is that if you are unfamiliar with something, you can just put on a façade that will convince others that you are actually very knowledgeable about the topic so you can stumble along until you either learn enough to get by or finish the task without being challenged on your knowledge. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't! Truth is not a fake it ‘til you make it situation, however. A more apt phrase for truth would be “You either know it, or you don't.” Scripture proclaims that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life; so, to know truth, we must know Jesus! Tomorrow morning, we are continuing our advent series, and we will hear about truth, knowledge, and why they go hand-in-hand.

The Spirit Mark 2:1-13 Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church Have you ever been to a really good restaurant? You know the kind: you can smell its pleasing aroma as soon as you step out of the car into the parking lot. You walk in and every table has a tantalizing dish; you order an appetizer because you can't wait any longer. What does an appetizer do? It increases anticipation of the meal. The appetizer isn't the meal; it simply whets your appetite. It makes you wonder, “If the appetizer is this good, how much better is the entrée?” John the Baptist paved the way for the long-awaited Messiah. He wasn't the savior; he was simply the appetizer. When Jesus came and defeated sin and death, He fully satisfied our hunger for salvation. Tomorrow morning, we will continue to explore the depths of God's generous heart and what He gave to us through His only Son Jesus.

The Star Matthew 2:1-8 Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church Throughout antiquity, creation has been held in high esteem by most cultures; its undeniable beauty and power lead many to believe some kind of deity was responsible for it. Notably, the heavens were of utmost importance in ancient religions and astronomy played a vital role in their belief systems. Some viewed the stars as lanterns for the angels, some thought they were the nail heads holding up the sky, still others believed stars to be the children of the sun and moon. Clearly, the skies have always drawn mankind's gaze heavenward. We know that a Deity is in fact responsible for this beautiful creation. And as the Almighty Creator, He can and does use His creation to accomplish His will. When we gather together tomorrow morning, we will hear about one of the mightiest acts in creation and its far-reaching impact.

Exiles, Keep Watch 1 Peter 5:8-14 Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church Two friends were having dinner at a restaurant. A sign over the coat rack read, “Keep watch over your coat.” One gentleman was constantly craning his neck around to make sure his coat was still there, taking pains to see around other guests as they walked by. His friend, without regard for his own coat, said, “You can stop checking on our coats, they're fine!” The first man replied, “I'm only watching mine; yours has been gone for half an hour.” Keeping watch is certainly important for our physical safety and belongings, but it is even more important for our spiritual safety. Jesus charged His followers to keep watch many times, just as Peter does at the end of his letter. Join us tomorrow morning as we hear Peter's final words of encouragement and admonition.

Favor to the Humble 1 Peter 5:1-7 Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church There was a popular TV show on the CBS network called “Undercover Boss” that ran from 2010-2022. The premise of the show is for a company's top executive to go undercover and work in various entry-level positions to gain a deeper understanding of the company and its employees. At the end of the week, the boss reveals their identity and surprises everyone. They often learn more about themselves than the company though when hearing amongst employees about the character traits that are respected and valued. Many times, the employees appreciated the bosses that showed empathy, humility, and servant-leadership above intellect and authority. While our modern American culture prides itself on independence and personal freedoms, the Bible teaches that pride comes before a fall and that the meek will inherit the earth. On Sunday morning we will look further into biblical leadership in the church and the crucial role we all play.

Destined to Suffer & Overcome 1 Peter 4:12-19 Teacher: Caleb Middleton, High School Pastor / Student Director at Oak Pointe Church There are some students bearing the name of Christ in public schools who receive ridicule and teasing for their faith. As parents, when we witness our children suffering for their convictions we are tempted to swoop in and carry out swift justice. Sometimes we ourselves are on the receiving end of persecution, in the workplace or just out running errands. But, how many of us have celebrated this harsh treatment? Have we ever skipped away from a crowd of jeering and let out a “Woohoo!” Well of course the answer is no, but did you know that not only are we encouraged to rejoice, but we actually have the ability to do it in the face of suffering? Jesus has given us every reason to not fear suffering, and every reason to be encouraged by it! Tomorrow morning we'll hear more about this incredible truth and how we can live it out.

Going a Long Way in a Short Life 1 Peter 4:1-11 Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church According to a study done in 2021, 1 in 4 Americans volunteer their time in nonprofit organizations. In a separate study done in 2023, it was reported that the percentage of church members who volunteer their time is about 1 in 5. While the numbers aren't too different (and different studies yield varying results), that's where the problem lies isn't it? As the body of Christ, giving our time and resources should involve every single one of us. Isn't that what would make the world stop and stare? To see a group of people otherwise unacquainted spending their free time and talents on serving each other. Tomorrow morning we will hear more about Peter's letter giving instruction on how the church should live in a way that stands out from the world.

The Sovereign Suffering Savior 1 Peter 3:17-22 Teacher: Charlie Koopman, Worship & Pastor at Oak Pointe Church Have you ever played on a sports team and had a coach who had never played the sport themselves? It doesn't seem like the greatest idea, but it happens. What usually ends up happening? The players don't trust the coach! They think, “Yeah yeah, you're yelling at us, but you couldn't do this!” Compare that with the trust that comes from a coach who has been through it all and instructs from a place of tried-and-true wisdom. Night and day difference! As we run our Christian race, we can do it knowing that our Savior “coach” has already run it perfectly! He felt every anguish, every temptation, every pain and hurdle; He has been through all of it, came out the other side perfectly, and has come back to coach us through it. Tomorrow morning, come and listen to what our Suffering Savior has done for you!

Peacemaking and Coffee 1 Peter 3:8-16 Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church In the late 19th century, the Colt .45 SAA revolver was given the nickname “Peacemaker.” One suggested theory on why it was called the Peacemaker has to do with its popular use among lawmen, and with it being the weapon of choice in the Wild West. The idea is that you would comply with the demands of the owner of the revolver, thereby enforcing “peace.” Thankfully, Almighty God calls us to a much better, true peace both with Himself and with other believers. The God of all peace has set forth the guidelines for His children to follow and put into practice. With so much to celebrate tomorrow during our Grand Opening, please come and be encouraged through the preaching of His Word and learn how to cultivate peace in your life and the lives of those around you.

The Christian Superpower 1 Peter 3:1-7 Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church A common scene when a younger child receives a brand new LEGO set is that they open all the packages, dump the pieces into one big pile, and begin to put them together at random, leaving the instruction book cast aside and forgotten. Naturally, frustration ensues, and the child becomes less than eager to press on and finish the project. The resulting creation looks nothing like the picture on the box. Much of the world approaches marriage in the same way. The excitement of the wedding day causes the instruction book to become a distant memory, and the bride & groom begin piecing together their new partnership at random. After a while they take a step back and see that it looks nothing like they thought it would. Frustration ensues, and they become less than eager to press on. Tomorrow morning, we will hear Peter give the instructions for marriage, what pieces are needed, and how it should look.

The Christian Superpower 1 Peter 2:18-25 Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church Superheroes have become a large part of modern culture. Audiences everywhere are drawn to these larger-than-life characters displaying awe-inspiring powers and abilities. In more recent years there has been an increased interest in learning about a superhero's origin story—the “where it all began” explanation that led to the character becoming super. Christians have their own origin story, and it began about 2,000 years ago on an old, rugged cross. Jesus' death paved the way for believers to become new creations, capable of unthinkable deeds. Much like Peter Parker awakening with new super abilities from the radioactive spider venom coursing through his veins, Christians awaken to a new life filled with the Holy Spirit, the very presence of God Himself.

Foreigners at War 1 Peter 2:11-17 Teacher: Brent Buttermore, Missions, Outreach, & Kids Pastor at Oak Pointe Church In an effort to preserve endangered animals, scientists have created programs to breed those animals in captivity and then release them into the wild. Unfortunately, the captive-bred animals often do not survive after being released. They're not accustomed to the environment, they haven't learned enough survival skills, and they don't fear humans enough to stay away from poachers. They become foreigners in their own land. Likewise, we become foreigners and aliens when we bear the name of Christ. We look, act, and think differently. There is a great temptation to blend in and ease the strain, however Peter reminds us that Jesus has paved the way for us to live joyfully as foreigners as we await our true home. Join us tomorrow for a time of equipping and encouraging in the Word.

Stumbling or Standing? 1 Peter 2:4-10 Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church On January 2, 1922, the Texas A & M Aggies faced off against Centre College, the nation's top-ranked football team. As the grueling game pressed on, the team was low on energy and morale. An ex-football player, E. King Gill, was called on for backup. He suited up and stood on the sidelines at the ready, waiting to step in. He had never played for the Aggies, but at that moment, he was an Aggie as far as he knew—the famous 12th Man. This tremendous show of support was exactly what the team needed. They won the game. Gill was never called in. When God calls a sinner to repentance, to walk in newness of life, He calls them into a whole family of fellow sinners-saved-by-grace. Tomorrow morning, we will dig into this truth about God's chosen people.

Purified and Born Again 1 Peter 1:22-2:3 Teacher: Blaine Dennison, Congregational Care Pastor at Oak Pointe Church Dr. Chris van Tulleken set out on a 30-day quest to discover what happens to the body on a diet of ultra-processed food (UPF). He found himself consuming more and more calories as time went on, yet he rarely felt full. One night he remarked, “I'm not enjoying it, but I can't stop.” The UPFs were causing him to want to eat increasingly more even while physically he was feeling worse. With a similar introspection, the Apostle Peter calls us to take care of our spiritual diet by consuming what is good and putting off the junk that stunts our growth. Is your heart feeling sluggish and insatiable? Do you crave what you know you shouldn't? Join us tomorrow morning for a spiritual checkup and learn how to get your heart in shape.

New Birth, New Love 1 Peter 1:1-9 Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church There was a powerful king who was preparing for his son's fast-approaching wedding day; the palace grounds were filled with hustle and bustle as servants dashed about. The excitement was palpable, and it was all the king could talk about. Finally, the day arrived, and the feast was prepared with decadent treats, the finest meats, the sweetest fruits. The king sent out his fastest servants to call on the guests. He and his son eagerly awaited inside the beautifully ornate chapel for their friends and family to fill the seats and join in the celebration. After too much time had passed, the king was astonished to see his servants return alone. “Where are the guests?” he inquired. The servants nervously glanced at each other and stammered, “Th-they're not c-coming, Your Majesty.” Scripture tells us that God is preparing for a glorious wedding day. Come join us tomorrow morning to hear how this should impact us today!

New Birth, New Love 1 Peter 1:1-9 Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church Little Louise McMorris was born with oculocutaneous albinism type 1, which causes nystagmus and a misrouting of ocular nerves from the absence of melanin. Little Louise was given a very special pair of glasses as a baby that allowed her to see her mother for the very first time. When the glasses were placed on her, Louise lit up and locked eyes with her mama. Her mother said, “It's like she really saw me.” Her mother had always been there, but Louise didn't have the eyes to see her. Right now, as Christians, we have faith that allows us to see dimly as through veiled glass, but one day we will see Christ clearly and our faith will become reality. How does this truth impact your life now? How should we then live? Come hear what Scripture has to say about our faith and its life-changing impact.

Come. Come. Come. Come! Isaiah 55 Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church In almost every post-apocalyptic novel and film, there is a catastrophic event that virtually destroys the economy and cripples the infrastructure of America. There is an inescapable leveling that takes place because of that: the rich and poor are suddenly in the same position. Whether you own a million dollars or ten dollars, it won't buy you anything! You can either cling to a currency that won't get you what you need, or you can acknowledge your desperate need for help. And so it is with all of man before the cross of Christ: all must admit their desolation and need. The command is to come and receive, not come and bring. Tomorrow morning, hear the gracious Lord telling you to come and hold your empty hands open.

Good News, Great News! Isaiah 54 Teacher: Charlie Koopman, Worship Arts Pastor at Oak Pointe Church Close your eyes for a minute and imagine that it is Christmas morning. You're in your coziest pajamas with a steaming cup of fresh coffee, settled onto the couch with your spouse, watching your kids' eyes light up. Their delight grows as they open the first few gifts. Then, imagine that you bring out a new wave of gifts. Bursting with excitement, they tear through them and are overjoyed with the abundance. Then, you bring out another wave, and another, and another. Can you imagine what that would feel like for them? And yet God is so much more abundant in His giving towards us! Tomorrow morning the good news will come wave after wave as we hear of God's relentless, over-the-top love for His children.

 Healed By His Wounds Isaiah 52:13-53:12 Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church “Then he isn't safe?” said Lucy. “Safe?” said Mr. Beaver; “don't you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn't safe. But he's good. He's the King, I tell you.”   This excerpt from C.S. Lewis' famous The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe is in response to the children's questioning of whether Aslan is to be trusted because of his great power. The answer is simple: “But he's good.” The God who demands holiness and justice can have peace with sinners when His wrath is satisfied. When the debt is paid, there is no separation between God and His children. But how can this happen? Can there be real hope for restoration? Tomorrow morning, come and hear the good news of how this has been made possible.

Wake Up! Isaiah 51:17–52:12 Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church In the movie “Hook”, Robin Williams plays the grown-up Peter Pan. Captain Hook, seeking revenge, kidnaps Peter's two children and holds them hostage. Peter returns to Neverland to save the captives, but in one crucial scene, all hope is seemingly lost. His children literally hang in the balance as they watch their dad try to save them to no avail. The children are horrified, and Captain Hook is elated.    Dear Christian, you HAVE been saved and set free; God saved His children from captivity long ago, and He has saved His children once and for all through Christ. Tomorrow morning we will hear God's call to Israel (and you) to rise up and rejoice, salvation is at hand!

A Journey of Joy Isaiah 51:1-16 Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church Have you ever taken a wrong turn? Driving along you felt confident and assured that you knew where you were going; despite several signs (and your spouse) telling you to turn, you ignored them.  Then, you soon found yourself somewhere you didn't want to be: lost. It's easy to lose hope when you don't know where you are, and all you want to be is back home where it's familiar and comforting! Israel felt abandoned and hopeless in their exile, lost in a land that was scary and unfamiliar, but God had a word of hope for them. Tomorrow morning, we will hear how God responded to their fears and learn how His comfort for Israel then is also comfort for His people today

The Abundant Life is the Dependent Life Isaiah 50 Teacher: Caleb Middleton, High School Pastor / Student Director at Oak Pointe Church Paul Alexander, known as “Polio Paul” passed away March 11, 2024 after spending over 70 years in an iron lung. He was diagnosed with polio at age 6 during the height of the epidemic in 1952; he became paralyzed from the waist down, rendering him completely dependent on a machine to provide his oxygen. If Paul had looked at the iron lung and declared, “I don't need you anymore,” and walked away, it would've been a foolish and fatal decision. As created beings, we are entirely dependent on our Creator for our very life and breathe, and yet how many times have we said to God, “I don't need you anymore.” Join us on Sunday to hear about our dependence on God and the blessing it brings.

Hope for the Hopeless Isaiah 49 Teacher: Blaine Dennison, Congregational Care Pastor at Oak Pointe Church Have you ever witnessed your toddler thinking they're lost? Maybe you've been in the store with them, and they got distracted looking at a toy, only to look up a minute later in a panic because they can't see Mommy or Daddy right away. Their sight is limited to what's right in front of them because they don't know better yet. They don't realize that they simply need to look up to see that Mommy and Daddy have been there the whole time. Similarly, have you felt lost and forgotten by God? Remember to lift your eyes! Join us tomorrow as we hear about the promises of our Servant Redeemer, the One who rescued us and will keep us until the end.

When Your Enemy Is Yourself Isaiah 48 Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church We are cursed daily with thoughts of “the grass is greener on the other side,” aren't we? How many of us spend countless hours daydreaming of what life might be like if only we could have _____? Whether it's a new job, house, ability, health, or wealth, we imprison ourselves through our longings for a better situation. But what is it that is really holding us back? How can we break through this bond we feel? The answer may surprise you and it is closer than you think. Join us in service tomorrow and come ready to listen.

The Fall of Empire Isaiah 47 Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church “O beautiful for heroes proved In liberating strife, Who more than self their country love And mercy more than life! America! America! May God thy gold refine Till all success be nobleness, And every gain divine!” Author Katharine Lee Bates penned the above poem-turned-song “America the Beautiful” in 1895 after being inspired by the natural beauty she saw during a trip to Colorado Springs. It has since become the unofficial anthem of the United States, declaring the country's brotherhood, blessings, and bounty. As believers, we know that Christ is our Lord and Savior. And we also remember that Jesus said we would not be removed from the world, but that we would remain in it. How do we walk in the tension of being citizens of a worldly country, yet also citizens of heaven? Is it right to take pride in political success and power? How do we balance our hope in the visible and invisible? This Sunday we will walk through Isaiah 47 and dissect “The Fall of Empire,” exploring what God's Word has to say on the matter.

False vs. True Religion Isaiah 46 Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church If you've ever watched a movie set in high school, this probably sounds familiar: Protagonist leaves her friends behind for a chance to get in with the populars. After securing a spot at the cool table, she quickly discovers being “in” isn't all it's cracked up to be. Turns out, her new “friends” are heartless back-stabbers in high heels. (Who knew?!) Enlightened to the value of true friendship, she dumps her jock boyfriend and begs her real friends to take her back. Cue happily ever after. While we all find ourselves thinking Protagonist should've known better, are we really so different ourselves? Join us this Sunday as our upcoming message, “False vs. True Religion,” exposes what you and I are chasing to feel loved, happy, and secure. Could it be that what you're searching for has been there all along?

Unlikely Ways, Unending Hope Isaiah 44:24-45:25 Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church Streaming services are filled with low-budget chick flicks telling the same old story. From the millionth Cinderella story to the Prince of Who Knows Where falling for a small-town girl, these movies come and go without anyone blinking an eye. While the same-old and predictable are a dime a dozen, the films that top box offices and build franchises are of a different kind—original and unexpected. Among the greatest plot twists in cinematic history, this iconic line says it all: “No. I am your father.” If we love unpredictability on the silver screen, why do we complain when things don't go the way we expect in real life? Join us this Sunday as our newest message, “Unlikely Ways, Unending Hope,” challenges our response when God works in ways we didn't see coming

Remember. Return. Redeemed! Isaiah 43:22-44:23 Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church April showers bring May flowers. Whether you're tending flower beds, sowing a vegetable garden, or wrangling a lawn that seems to grow a foot a week, you know what a difference those showers make. Without rain, you'd be left with nothing but a crispy patch of hay and some floppy zucchini. Biblically, water is often used as a symbol of life. We understand this, so we've invented hoses, watering cans, and sprinkler systems to keep our yards healthy under the summer sun. But there's a type of dryness – the kind the prophets warn about – that runs much deeper than our lawns. Join us this Sunday as our upcoming message, “Remember. Return. Redeemed!” reveals why our lives so often feel barren, empty, and tired – and where to find Water that never runs dry.

A New Thing! Isaiah 42:18-43:21 Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church The 2018 film Beautiful Boy depicts the true story of a father's struggle to redeem his son from the drug addiction that has torn their lives apart. Viewers grieve for a dad willing to give everything for his son, yet powerless to save him. We ache as the hope we once held gives way to despair. And we long for the happy ending that never comes. It's stories like these that reveal a deep longing for our own happily ever after, and our yet-deeper fear that it won't come. Join us this Sunday as our newest message, “A New Thing!” tells another true story—one of a different Father, and with a different kind of ending.