Oasis Faith Community at Church of the Lakes United Methodist Church in Canton, Ohio. Meeting weekly at 11am under the direction of Associate Pastor Jared Priset.
In Colossians 4:2-5, we read Paul's passionate call for followers of Jesus to pray with perseverance and purpose, act with boldness and clarity, and watch how we live and love others. In doing this, we can “live sent” and proclaim the gospel with our lives. churchofthelakes.org
In Colossians 3:16-24, we see what it looks like to live with Jesus in our everyday lives – in our homes, our workplaces, and in our relationships. When we let the gospel of Jesus Christ “dwell in us richly,” we are reminded that we are on mission for Christ every day, even in the mundane […]
In Colossians 2:20-3:5, we discover more about what it means to have “Jesus over everything” in our lives. The truth is, legalism is powerless to change us. However, real change happens when we have a resurrection mindset, and we kill the old life in order to live into the new life that Jesus offers us. […]
In Colossians 1:24-29, we are reminded that pain isn't pointless when we are in Christ. We suffer with purpose, we steward the mystery of God as Christ is “in us,” and we persevere with the Holy Spirit's power. churchofthelakes.org
We read at the beginning of Colossians that Jesus is at the center of everything. He is the center of revelation, the center of creation, and the center of the new creation. When we orbit our lives around Him, everything is aligned for our good and his glory! churchofthelakes.org
In Deuteronomy 6, we see that we are found in God's love and formed into Christ's image. We all are shaped by something, but the greatest life we can live is a life shaped by God as we are formed into the image of Christ. churchofthelakes.org
In the gospel of John, we read that Jesus is the resurrection and the life. This is not only true for our future, but for us TODAY as we step out of our spiritual tombs and step into something new in Christ. churchofthelakes.org
In John 14, Jesus claims to be the way, the truth, and the life. This is personal, absolute, and eternal. This statement by Jesus demands a response from us. What will you do with Jesus? churchofthelakes.org
As the bread of life, Jesus offers us true satisfaction. This type of satisfaction is given freely and it is eternal. Are we seeking satisfaction apart from Christ? churchofthelakes.org
Abiding in Jesus is the key to a life of spiritual growth, strength, and fruitfulness. Just as branches cannot bear fruit apart from the vine, we cannot thrive apart from Christ. When we remain in Him, He nourishes us, transforms us, and produces in us the lasting fruit of His Spirit that impacts the world […]
Jesus is the light of the world. As his followers, we must walk in fellowship with God and with one another, reflecting his light to those around us, and surrendering fully to him as the only light worth following. churchofthelakes.org
In John 8, we see Jesus claim to be the great I AM – directly invoking God speaking to Moses at the burning bush. In our lives today, we must all answer the question “Who is Jesus?” Our answer changes everything. churchofthelakes.org
What is your life? Life is chaotic, stressful, and uncertain. Make the most of your life by following the advice of James: surrender to God's will. churchofthelakes.org
In Mark 9 when we read about the transfiguration of Jesus, we see that Jesus revealed a glimpse of his glory to his disciples. We are not meant to stay in our “mountain top moments,” but to trust Jesus completely and carry his glory into the ordinary moments of life as well. churchofthelakes.org
In Mark 1:29-39, we see Jesus's healing as both comprehensive and personal. He not only meets our temporary needs but offers us a salvation that lasts forever. churchofthelakes.org
In Mark 1, we see that Jesus's authority is revealed. This authority demands a response from us, as we determine who or what has authority over our own lives. churchofthelakes.org
In Mark 1, we see the urgency that comes when we follow Jesus. This urgency stems from a realization that Jesus is the embodiment of the kingdom of God, we are called to follow Him, and He is everything we need. churchofthelakes.org
In Matthew 11, we see John the Baptist grapple with doubt as he asks, “Jesus, are you the One?” We each have situations in our lives that cause us to doubt, but through this passage, we learn that Jesus exceeds all of our expectations. churchofthelakes.org
During the baptism of Jesus, a voice from heaven proved his identity as the Son of God beloved by the Father. In our baptism, the water reminds us of the cleansing of our sins, and a new birth through the Lord. churchofthelakes.org
In Matthew 2, we read about the Magi seeking Jesus by following a star. This demonstrates God's pursuit of us through signs and wonders, the global nature of salvation, and the truth that we have all been tasked with carrying the light to those who have not yet known it. churchofthelakes.org
Jesus calls us to leave a legacy of love with every interaction that we have. That means, we are to extend ourselves for the benefit of others, even when it doesn't make sense. churchofthelakes.org
Jesus: What a Beautiful Name churchofthelakes.org
The first of the signs of Jesus is supplying the source of abiding joy for a wedding feast. In a world that is often searching for joy in all the wrong places, Jesus reminds us that when we do whatever he tells us, we experience real glory. churchofthelakes.org
Jesus asks “What are you looking for?” We are invited to come and see for ourselves that the Jesus way of service and sacrifice leads to eternal and abundant life. churchofthelakes.org
In John 1:1-14, we read about our God, who did not stay distant, but who lived as God's ultimate message for us, bringing light into the darkness, offering us grace and truth, and inviting us into His family. churchofthelakes.org
Committing to the ways, words, and wisdoms of God takes more than just words… it takes action! Fully commit to God by repenting and working in His vineyard. churchofthelakes.org
Ultimate security and fulfillment come, not from amassing possessions for self, but from a life that is “rich toward God,” grounded in faith and generosity. churchofthelakes.org
In Luke 16, we see the importance of thinking long-term and how our faithfulness in the small things is more important than “big opportunities.” However, our greatest need is not better money management or better investments, but a need for a Savior. Placing our faith in Jesus is the best investment we can make. churchofthelakes.org
God gives us resources not to hoard but to create opportunities to enhance the kingdom of God. Hoarding is not only an act of selfishness but of a lack of faith that God will provide for our daily needs. All of us will be accountable for the resources at our disposal. churchofthelakes.org
Jesus calls us to love the lonely by creating real relationships built upon listening, touch, and time. The most real relationship any of us can have is found with our Lord and Savior. churchofthelakes.org
In Luke 4 and 1 John 3, we see that empowering the poor is both a rallying cry to love others “in action and in truth” and a gospel mandate. We are called to step into the brokenness of others and bring freedom and restoration, just as Christ Jesus did for us. churchofthelakes.org
In James 1:27, we read that true religion is to care for orphans and widows. In our current context, children in foster care are some of the most vulnerable children in our society, and we have the opportunity to live out the gospel of Jesus Christ by stepping into foster care ministry as a church. […]
In a time of deep political divide, we are called to political reconciliation. In Philippians 2:1-5, we see the importance of having unity, humility, and the mindset of Christ, keeping the gospel at the forefront of our minds. churchofthelakes.org
Many things in the created world tempt us to attach our importance to their importance. Our wholeness comes when we become attached to our Creator rather than the creation. What helps us break the chains of addiction are honesty, surrender and community. churchofthelakes.org
Loneliness is part of the human condition, and not only do we feel this today, but many people in the Bible felt this as well. However, the gospel of Jesus is the antidote to loneliness. God turns to us, offers us his grace, grows closer to us, and offers us a family in which to […]
Many people need healing from the pain of divorce. In Matthew 19:3-9, Jesus points back to his ultimate goal – to restore us back into fellowship with God and with each other. Whether we have experienced divorce or another kind of broken relationship, we can experience hope and healing through Jesus' death and resurrection. churchofthelakes.org
In the parable of the ten bridegrooms, we see how important it is to be prepared for the coming of Christ. By living each day in light of the gospel, engaging in the spiritual disciplines, and keeping an eternal perspective, we can “be ready” for Christ's return. churchofthelakes.org
The parable of the fig tree causes us to stop and think about true repentance, which is necessary for producing “fruit.” God not only wants us to repent, but also is gracious enough to give us time to change. churchofthelakes.org
Fear causes us to walk past people who are in desperate need of our love and care. The way to casting out fear comes from the LORD. churchofthelakes.org
Beginning a relationship with God is like discovering a hidden treasure: new, exciting, and full of promise. As our relationship with God matures, it is like a the most valuable pearl: immeasurably priceless. However, a relationship with God will cost everything. churchofthelakes.org
The parable of the mustard seed shows us that the kingdom of God may start small, but it is spreading and offers us a hope and assurance for the future that we can take part in. churchofthelakes.org
In the story of Jacob, we see the importance of prayer as we wrestle with God. Through prayer, we gain blessings, and ultimately gain the greatest blessing of all – a relationship with Jesus. churchofthelakes.org
We should view our work not as a way to get ahead, find significance, or “make a killing,” but as an act of worship as we use our skills to bring good to others and glorify God. churchofthelakes.org
Our Lord blesses Jacob through a vision of awe inspiring proportions. Jacob's revelation is an appropriate reaction, to fall in humble worship of an amazing God. churchofthelakes.org
We have two paths in life when faced with the consequences of sin: to run away from our God or, to return to his loving arms full of abounding love, grace, and mercy. churchofthelakes.org
We are called by our Lord through Joel to return to God. For He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love, and relents from punishing if we honestly and earnestly repent. churchofthelakes.org/canal-fulton
Common misconceptions about grace make us think it's a magic pill or elixir that we can use while in the depths of sin to be saved. However, getting right with God isn't solely dependent on us… but it does require the powerful and transformative grace of God in our lives. churchofthelakes.org
Church of the Lakes’ One Church Celebration.
As we live in the “in-between time” in our current circumstances, we can look to Abraham and the covenant God made with Him to offer us encouragement and hope. churchofthelakes.org