Oviedo City Church Sermons

Love doesn't rush. Love moves at 3 miles per hour—the pace of a walk. In the Gospel of Luke, we see this slow, steady movement in the life of Jesus, who walked toward people in love and service. In the same way, he first moves toward us in his sacrificial love revealed in the gospel, and then he sends us out to do the same. Listen in as we see how Jesus moved toward others in Luke's Gospel—and how he still moves toward us today. And might his love be on the move in our lives, families, neighborhoods, workplaces, and even in our midst.

We are thrilled to welcome Dela Adadevoh as our guest preacher! Since 1980, Dela has authored several books and worked with Cru in Africa and the U.S., holding various leadership roles, including National Director of his home country of Ghana. He currently serves as the Senior Vice President of Global Leadership. With a passion for seeing the gospel transform individuals and nations, Dela founded the International Leadership Foundation, where he serves as president. Dela and his wife, Elizabeth, have three children and five granddaughters. They have been longtime members of OCC, and we are blessed to have him lead us as we finish our "Is Christianity Sane?" series!

Everyone's talking about freedom. But what is it? We're told it means living without limits, but has that really brought the joy and meaning we're searching for? Romans 1 shows that casting off God doesn't lead to freedom; it leads to captivity. We become enslaved to our desires, our idols, and the pressure to define truth on our own. True freedom isn't found in autonomy but in being grounded in something greater. Like a kite held by a string, we soar not when we break free but when we're tethered to truth. Jesus said, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36). Come discover the freedom you were made for—the kind that begins not in self-rule but in surrender to the One who made you.

Is science at odds with faith? Our culture often says yes, but the divide is more imagined than real. Psalm 19 declares that the heavens don't just hint at a Creator—they proclaim Him. From the fine-tuning of the universe to the laws of nature, the evidence points not to chaos but to design. Science is the song; faith is how we know the Songwriter. Together, they point to a created world, a creating God, and a gospel that restores our relationship with Him.

We live in a culture quick to cancel, where relationships are messy. We hurt and get hurt. Words wound, trust breaks, silence grows. We long for healing but are handed outrage. We crave reconciliation but are told to cut people off. What if there were another way—something strong enough to absorb the wreckage instead of returning it? Christianity offers a surprising answer: Forgiveness. Join us as we explore why, in a fractured world, following Jesus may be the sanest choice we can make—and the only way to carry the remedy our world needs.

Does the presence of evil and suffering in the world mean that a loving and all-powerful God must not exist? If such a God does exist, why does He allow suffering to happen? The presence of suffering is perhaps the most serious objection to the existence of God. But it can be answered, and the answer can even strengthen belief and trust in God.

In a culture filled with confusion about right and wrong, how do we make sense of our deep instinct for justice, fairness, and morality? As we continue our series exploring how following Jesus is the sanest solution to life's deepest questions, Romans 2 invites us to consider that God's law is written on every human heart and points us to the One who made us. Yet even with this inner sense of right and wrong, we fall short—not just of God's standards, but of our own. Could it be that true hope isn't found in trying harder, but in the grace of the Lawgiver who fulfilled the law for us?

We live in a world of constant change and noise—news that never stops, voices that never quiet. It can all feel overwhelming as we try to make sense of life and look for something solid, something sane. But what if the radical claims of Christianity are not only true but also the key to finding sanity? In this new series, we'll explore how the core truths of the Christian faith not only help us make sense of ourselves and the world, but also lead us to the One who is the source of life—and the love we're all searching for. In the end, we'll see that trusting Jesus isn't a blind leap into the dark, but a step into the light—and the sanest thing we can do.

Join us as we gathered in celebration of the resurrection of Jesus — our victorious King and the unshakable source of eternal hope!

What would you pray for if God said you could only pray one prayer? What would you ask of the Lord if you had but a few seconds to make your request known? When Jesus entered Jerusalem on the first Palm Sunday, the people cried out the same prayer, with one voice. It was a prayer that encompassed all other prayers they could possibly speak. It was one word; Hosanna. Intrigued? Join us and listen in now!

When life squeezes you—what comes out? Under immense pressure, the Apostle Paul didn't default to panic, despair, or conflict. He turned to prayer. From a Roman prison, his first response wasn't grumbling but gratitude—joy-filled prayer shaped by the gospel. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul not only shows us that prayer was his first instinct in hard times, he shows us what to pray: for abounding love, spiritual wisdom, and lives bearing fruit, ready for Christ's return. Join us as we explore Paul's example so that when life squeezes us, what comes out is a life shaped by prayer: love, insight, and lasting fruit.

What was the most pressing prayer of Jesus on the night before his death? It wasn't for our comfort or ease—but for our unity. A deep, unshakable oneness rooted in the love he shares with the Father. Like the redwoods, whose towering strength comes from a hidden network of intertwined roots, our unity holds when it's grounded in something deeper than preference or proximity. In a world marked by division and pressure, Jesus prayed that we would reflect the very heart of God to a watching world. As we continue A Praying Life, we'll follow Jesus in prayer and discover that true unity isn't something we achieve—it's something we reflect when our hearts are tuned to his.

Do you ever feel like your relationship with Jesus puts you out of step with much of the world around you? Do the values and priorities of the culture run counter to what it means to be faithful to God? That's what it is like to live as an exile, someone who doesn't exactly fit. The prophet Daniel experienced just such an existence and found a way to be faithful, even though it cost him dearly. We have much to learn from his experience.

Life can feel like a rollercoaster—one moment, you're on top of the world; the next, you're struggling to keep going. Elijah knew that feeling. After a spectacular victory, he spiraled into fear, exhaustion, and despair. But instead of rebuking him, God met him with care, wisdom, and a whisper of grace. This week in A Praying Life, we'll see how God meets us in our lowest moments, tending to our physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. Through Jesus, we see this even more clearly—He meets us in our weakness, speaks peace into our chaos, and calls us to rest in His grace. Are we listening?

Do you find yourself at a fork in the road, facing a big decision about a job, a relationship, or your future? Choose wisely and you flourish. Choose foolishly and you may find yourself broken down on the side of the road, wondering what went wrong. Solomon knew he couldn't navigate life's complexities alone, so he asked God for wisdom, and God gave it generously. If you haven't yet faced a moment where you desperately need wisdom, you will. Join us as we continue our series and learn what it means to pray for wisdom—not just seeking answers, but trusting the One who gave his life for us and leads us with wisdom in every part of life.

It's one thing to feel guilty about something you should not have done but did anyway. It is another thing all together to feel shame, to feel like there is something deeply wrong with who you are, that you are broken and unfixable. It is in those moments that we must all the more cry out to God, who makes all things new. Join us as we continue our series, "A Praying Life."

Sin can be debilitating. Guilt can be crippling. Shame can make us feel worthless. What if someone saw us at our worst? Would we be unlovable? Would our worlds fall apart? Sometimes, the easiest response to guilt and shame can be to hide and close ourselves off from God and those who love us. But what if the very place God wants to meet us is in our brokenness? Join us as we continue our series, A Praying Life, and learn how our God LOVES to grant mercy to His people when we boldly pray for it.

What's the biggest prayer you've ever prayed? The boldest thing you've ever asked God? This week, we're looking at one of the most daring prayers in all of Scripture—Moses' request: “Show me your glory.” There's no greater prayer, no deeper longing, and no better way to grasp what we were made for. Join us as we continue in our series, A Praying Life, and learn what it means to pray with that kind of boldness—by embracing an even bolder gospel!

A praying life. Do you have one? But prayer is hard. Unless life presses us through crisis, illness, or routine moments like giving thanks before a meal, we often neglect it. Too often, we settle for the status quo. But what if we didn't? What if prayer became our lifeline—not just in crisis but in every moment?In this series, we'll explore those in Scripture who refused to settle, who wrestled in prayer like gasping for air. And we'll awaken to the staggering truth: we have a Father, the Creator of the cosmos, who not only hears us but delights in listening and powerfully meets us there. 

Have you ever restored something—a car, a house, or even a broken relationship? What did it take? The Bible promises that one day, God will fully restore all things through Christ Jesus—our relationships, our world, and even our work. Join us as we conclude our series and explore how the gospel gives hope for our work today and reveals its eternal purpose: work without frustration, filled with joy, as part of God's perfect restoration in the new heavens and new earth.

How is it possible for work to be fulfilling if it has been cursed because of sin? What does work have to do with being made in the image of God? Isn't the work of ministry what really matters, and other work is just to put food on the table? What does Jesus dying on the cross have to do with my work? Wasn't that only about salvation and getting to heaven? Those are all great questions, and all of them are answered when we understand what we mean by Work Redeemed. 

Is work leaving you drained and dissatisfied—a case of the blahs? Or does it feel more like a dumpster fire—frustrating, chaotic, and overwhelming? Do you find yourself stuck in an endless cycle of cleaning up messes—at home, at work, in your relationships—only to see them unravel again? It's a lot like thorns and thistles, isn't it? As surprising as it may seem, Scripture has been describing this reality all along. Join as we dive into Genesis 3 to discover how the Fall of humanity shattered the flourishing relationships we were created to enjoy with God, each other, and our work. Yet, even in this story of brokenness, there's a seed of hope—a promise of rescue and redemption that can transform everything.

Work. Is it just another four-letter word? Or is there more to it than the daily grind? Whether you're clocking in for a job, studying in school, raising kids, or navigating retirement, join us as we uncover the true significance of work. It's not just something that wears us down—it's woven into the story of redemption. In four parts we'll explore the biblical foundation of work: its creation, its brokenness through the fall, and how God redeems and restores it as part of His greater plan.

In a world that is constantly shifting and pivoting, some things remain solid and reliable. One of those is the mission Christ has given His church. We are emerging from 2024 with great momentum and focus and can't wait to see what He has in store for us in 2025. Take a listen to our annual Vision Sunday as we reaffirm what God has done and continues to do through all of us at Oviedo City Church as well as get a glimpse into that future.

Christmas is usually seen as a time of peace. After all, on the first Christmas, the angels declared that there would be peace on earth as a result of the birth of Jesus. Yet, we are far from having peace. Why do we not see the promised peace that the Prince of Peace was said to bring? How can we have that peace, and what is God's plan to bring it about? Is there more to the idea of peace than we think? Two thousand years after the Prince of Peace lived among us, these are all valid questions that we will explore.

We live in a world full of distractions, yet beneath it all lies a deep longing for connection, belonging, and home. This week, we'll explore Isaiah's prophecy of a child born to us—our Everlasting Father. How does Jesus, the Son given to us, reveal the heart of a perfect father? And how does his fatherly care lead us out of loneliness and into what we long for most: a true and lasting home in him? Listen as we discover how Jesus is the great light for our loneliness.Advent Reflection Questions: Isaiah calls Jesus our Everlasting Father (Isa. 9:6), not as God the Father, but to describe the quality of his character. How does this title reveal Jesus' loving, protective, and shepherding nature toward his people?In a world where 1 in 3 people feel lonely weekly, many turn to distractions like TV, social media, or temporary escapes to cope. How does Jesus, as our Everlasting Father, offer a deeper solution to loneliness and the longing for connection?Psalm 103:13 says, “As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.” How does this verse deepen your understanding of Jesus' father-like care and compassion for you?Reflecting on the human longing for connection and home, how does Jesus' incarnation at Christmas address the brokenness in our world and draw us into God's fatherly love?In the Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15), the father welcomes his son with unconditional love and grace. How can we reflect this same welcoming love and grace of Jesus as we call others back home to God?

We often see strength as the answer to weakness, but the gospel turns this idea upside down. Isaiah 9:6 announces the birth of a child, a son called Mighty God, a profound paradox: strength wrapped in fragility. Throughout Scripture, God's power is made perfect in weakness, culminating in the arrival of Christ. Born in weakness, He came to fight and defeat our greatest enemies—sin, death, and the devil—securing our victory through sacrificial love. Join us this week as we discover how Jesus meets us in our weakness and leads us to His strength as our Mighty God.

Have you ever been afraid of the dark? Darkness has a way of stirring confusion, fear, and uncertainty. It surrounds us in the world, and it dwells within us. But Christmas reminds us that into all our darkness, a great light has come. This Advent, we'll reflect on the powerful names of Jesus in Isaiah 9:6 and discover how he brings light to every shadow we face. He is our Wonderful Counselor, guiding us in our decisions. He is our Mighty God, strengthening us in our weakness. He is our Everlasting Father, comforting us in our loneliness. And he is our Prince of Peace, calming the storms of our conflict. Join us as we come to adore the One who is our Great Light!

With so much debate, noise, arguing, and social media trolls, it's easy to get caught up with being sidetracked by things that ultimately don't matter and actually cause harm. It is not an exclusively 21st century problem. The early church wrestled with getting distracted by petty issues that only served to cause division and damage the Gospel. How do we keep main things as main things and how do we know what the main things are? That's the message from Paul's Letter to Titus.

Why is change so hard? Many of us wonder, if Jesus saved me, why don't I see real change? The gospel isn't just the ABCs of faith; it's the A to Z, meant to transform every part of us. Titus 3:3-7 shows that true transformation goes beyond behavior modification—it's about gospel change. Our justification and sanctification are by Jesus' grace alone, bringing real transformation through the work of the Spirit. These aren't just theological ideas; they're the living power of the gospel that creates lasting change. Join us as we explore how being a Faithful Presence means embracing this gospel change!

What motivates you to be a better person? It is an important question, especially if you already know you are forgiven by Jesus and are destined for Heaven. It is a question that has been asked since the earliest days of the Church and in the earliest writings of the New Testament. In the search for an answer, how do you avoid the danger of legalism that leads to pride and self-righteousness on the one hand and lawlessness that leads to chaos on the other? Grace in action is the answer we will explore this Sunday. 

Have you every been around someone who makes you feel good and inspires you just by there presence? On the other hand have you ever been around someone whose very presence puts you on edge or makes you cautious? In both cases you are experiencing the power of personal presence. In Jesus we have the very presence of God powerfully demonstrated for us. But how do we experience that presence today? Let's find out!

How would you feel if something you thought was priceless turned out to be a complete fake? That's the danger Paul warns against in Titus—people falling for a counterfeit gospel that promises much but is ultimately empty. The same threat is real today—whether it's self-righteous rule-keeping or the promise of freedom in rule-breaking, any of us can be drawn in. Join us as we explore how the truth of Jesus exposes these fakes and points us to the only One who offers true life and salvation.

How do we navigate the cultural storms swirling around us? Polarizing views blow in every direction, creating chaos and uncertainty. In the midst of it all, how do we remain faithful to Jesus—in our homes, in the church, and in the world? Join us as we journey through the New Testament book of Titus to discover what it means to reflect the character of Jesus in every area of life. Together, we'll explore what it looks like to be a Faithful Presence, firmly rooted in the gospel, as we navigate the cultural storms of our time.Along with this series we are providing a Sermon Study, written by Pastor Dan. Click the link below to download the study guide. Faithful Presence Study Guide

This sermon concludes our exploration of 2 Corinthians 8 and 9, where Paul calls the Corinthian church to embrace generosity. As if catching his breath, he ends with an outburst of praise and gratitude: "Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift!" (2 Cor. 9:15). Here, Paul lifts our gaze, reminding us that our giving is but a faint reflection of God's boundless generosity toward us in Christ. On this Commitment Sunday, we're reminded that we give not out of guilt or obligation but from a heart of worship, transformed by God's generous grace. Join us as we commit to a Gospel-focused future together!

Have you ever felt obligated to give something to someone? Have you ever felt pressured to make a contribution or donation? That is just not enjoyable. On the flip side, have you ever been excited to give someone a gift, and the giving of it made you feel good? Have you ever given someone a gift, and their face lit up with joy, and then yours did, too? Why can't all of our gift-giving be of that second variety where both the giver and the recipient are thrilled, happy, and full of joy? That is the kind of giving God wants us to experience and that Paul writes about in this passage from 2 Corinthians. 

Why do we do what we do? Why do we want what we want? Motivation. As we continue in our stewardship series, we will discover the biblical motivation for generosity. Paul writes, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” (2 Cor. 8:9) When this truth takes hold of our hearts, generosity takes hold of our lives. Listen as we learn how the Gospel becomes our new motivation, cultivating a Gospel-focused future as a church!

“It's not important who does the planting or watering. What matters is that God makes the seed grow“ (1 Cor. 3:7). At OCC, we've seen incredible growth, and we know it's God making it happen! This growth brings joy as lives are transformed by the Gospel. It also brings new opportunities to expand our ministry and advance our vision to reach more people for Jesus. Listen in to the launch of our new series and initiative: Cultivate: A Gospel-Focused Future.

How do you keep your life from collapsing all around you? How do you remain strong as the storms of life batter you about? The storms will come. This week, we look at how Jesus wraps up the Sermon on the Mount with a final reminder that summarizes all we have heard from Him over the previous eighteen weeks. He brings it all together, giving us what we need to ensure we flourish and not fall apart when the winds and waves of life in a broken world threaten to undo us. 

As we near the end of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, we confront some of His most sobering words: "I never knew you; depart from me." These words cut to the heart of what it truly means to follow Him. In this week's passage, Jesus reveals a startling reality: some, despite their knowledge, passion, and good works, will not enter the Kingdom. They call Him "Lord, Lord," yet miss the essence of what it means for Him to be Lord. Why? Take a listen as we explore what Jesus truly seeks: the total surrender of our will—a surrender that leads to true life and peace in His Kingdom.

Prayer seems to be a universal religious practice. It also is something that few people feel as if they do well or often enough. In this weeks message we will look at some of what Jesus taught about prayer. In His words we find both encouragement and challenges that give us the tools for a deeper and more rewarding prayer life as well as answer some of our most perplexing questions about unanswered prayer. 

Have you ever heard a recording of your voice and found it jarring? It sounds so different from the sound in your head. To hear your own voice accurately, you need to listen closely.The same applies to our faults. We often criticize others while ignoring our own shortcomings. Jesus said, "Judge not, that you be not judged." He calls us to examine our own failures—the log in our eye—before pointing out someone else's speck. He invites us to truly listen to ourselves for an accurate self-assessment.

Ever notice the constant stream of notifications we receive every day? Imagine if we received weekly worry notifications, showing us how many hours we spent fretting—about the past, the future, and things that never happen. Jesus tells us there's nothing to worry about because it's not our kingdom, it's God's. The best part? We follow the lead of the King, who isn't worried about anything. He is in complete control. Take a listen as we explore this challenging yet comforting truth and learn how to flourish by seeking His Kingdom first!

Have you ever gone swimming in the ocean, only to realize you've drifted far from where you started? It happens in an instant, often without our notice. As followers of Jesus, we often find ourselves caught in the strong currents of material wealth and distractions, losing sight of our true treasure. Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

What was the last great meal you had? Do you remember how it tasted? The aroma? The people you shared it with? Eating is essential to being human (because, well, we need food), so why does Jesus talk about fasting in the Sermon on the Mount? Why does Jesus, himself, fast? Fasting is an ancient tradition, but it is so easily interpreted as "not eating". According to Jesus, fasting leads to a feast that transcends even the best meals that we have ever had.

We are thrilled to welcome Dela Adadevoh as our guest preacher this Sunday! Since 1980, Dela has authored several books and worked with Cru in the U.S., holding various leadership roles, including National Director of his home country of Ghana. He currently serves as the Vice President of Global Leadership. With a passion for seeing the gospel transform individuals and nations, Dela founded the International Leadership Foundation, where he serves as president. Dela and his wife, Elizabeth, have three children and four granddaughters. They have been longtime members of OCC, and we are blessed to have him lead us this Sunday as we continue our Flourish series!

We love movies! There's nothing like a talented actor to make you laugh, scream, or cry. While these performers are perfect for the screen, Jesus has a different view of those who put on an act for Him. He calls them hypocrites. Jesus seeks authenticity in our lives, not acting. Join us this Sunday as we learn how Jesus fights for our hearts and calls us from phony righteousness to authentic righteousness, allowing us to flourish in the Kingdom!