Sermons – Connections Church

Rev. John Byker joins us with a message titled “Hearts Refreshed,” based on Philemon 1:1–7 and the verse, “Because you, brother, have refreshed the hearts of the Lord's people” (v.7). His message will explore how God renews and refreshes our hearts through His Word, the call to repentance and glimpses of eternity. Want to learn more about Connections Church? Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Pastor Rob Byker joins us with a message from Isaiah 61, titled “A Planting To Display His Splendor.” God's people were in exile and in despair. They felt like ashes. Their life had fallen apart. Sometimes we can feel that way too! In Isaiah 61, God promises to restore us and give us beauty for ashes. He will give us the beauty of a righteous character. Indeed, we will be called “oaks of righteousness for the display of His splendor.”(verse 4). But this gift is also a task. A task to praise His restoring grace, prize His promise to beautify and pursue His righteousness. Want to learn more about Connections Church? Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Pastor Evan Kim joins us with a message from Mark 1:1, titled “Worthy to Follow.” Humans are wired to be followers; the question is, who will we follow? While the world might offer many options, Christianity is a call to be followers (disciples) of Jesus Christ. As we look at the introduction to the Gospel of Mark, we will see why Jesus is truly the only one worth following.

Pastor Ruth Febriana joins us with a message from Ruth 1:1-22, titled “May the Lord Be with You: A New Hope for Mental Health.” This May 4th—Star Wars Day—we're shining a light on Mental Health Awareness Month through the powerful story of Naomi and Ruth. Let's explore healing, friendship, and a steadfast faith that never lets go—offering hope and restoration, even in life's darkest chapters.

Pastor Evan Kim joins us with a message from Genesis 22:15-18, titled “The Assurance of Faith.” Christians might feel their faith ebb and flow as they continue to grow in Christ. Doubts and questions may lead us to seek assurance of our salvation. We'll be looking at Abraham, the father of faith, to learn how it was that he (and we) might find the assurance of our salvation.

Pastor Paul Jorden joins us with a message from Luke 24:36-48, titled “The Surprises of Easter.” The Easter story begins in a cemetery where a handful of grieving women come out to pay their last respects to a friend and mentor. But something HAPPENED there. Something completely unexpected, so SUPRISING , so REMARKABLE that they would have a hard time believing it. And so would everyone else who heard about it. Including US. But what happened was so remarkable, that, if it were TRUE, it really would change EVERYTHING. Join us on Easter morning as we take a closer look at what happened that day. And see if there's any reason to believe that our stories don't have to end in graveyards. Want to learn more about Connections Church? Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Pastor Kelly Vander Woude joins us with a message from Mark 11:1-11, titled “Palm Sunday.” It's "Palm Sunday" - the day we celebrate Christ's glorious entrance into Jerusalem to celebrate and commemorate Passover. And yet, on this massive celebratory day - when we zoom in (and out) - we find a day full of contradictions. A day, not unlike our lives today: one of contradictions. Want to learn more about Connections Church? Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Pastor Josh Speyers joins us with a message from John 11:38-44, titled, "A Joy Worth Sharing". One historic Christian tradition for the Fifth Sunday of Lent is to focus on the Resurrection of Lazarus, since this miracle took place in the days directly preceding the Triumphal Entry. This story in John 11 includes the shortest verse in the Bible about Jesus weeping at the tomb of Lazarus. Why would Jesus cry if he knew he was about to raise his friend from the dead? Bible scholars have had various reasons throughout time, but as we explore together we will see the heart of Jesus and be led to joy. Want to learn more about Connections Church? Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Yvonne Biel joins us with a message from Matthew 8, titled “Jesus is in your Boat.” Storms of life happen to even the bravest of disciples, but it often takes us until we hit a point of desperation before we realize the presence and power of Jesus available to us. As we study Matthew chapter 8, we will remember who Jesus is and what he can do for us in the midst of the storm. Want to learn more about Connections Church? Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Pastor Tim Spykstra joins us with a message from John 17:20-26, titled “To the Place I Belong.” We are always searching for the place we belong, our true home. Jesus ends His prayer by asking His Father to make His love known to His children. Our true home, the place where we belong is knowing the Father's love for us. Want to learn more about Connections Church? Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Pastor Rob Byker joins us with a message from Matthew 25:1-13, titled “Keeping Your Love Real.” The foolish bridesmaids do not bring reserve oil to welcome the groom with lamps to light His path. The groom comes when they least expect it and they are not prepared for him. Jesus says that He is the groom and we must always be ready for His return. We will be wise to prepare for His coming by keeping our love for Him real, warm and vital! Want to learn more about Connections Church? Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Pastor Evan Kim joins us with a message from Colossians 2:6-7, titled “Rooted in Christ.” Paul exhorts Christians to be rooted in Christ, another way of saying to be established in the faith. We'll learn how faith provides the foundation for Christian living and flourishing, and consider how we are to understand and exercise our faith. Want to learn more about Connections Church? Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Exodus 24:9-11, titled “A Meal with God.” What would it be like to see God? Exodus 24:9-11 tells us that the leaders of Israel saw God. And we will see why they are not destroyed when doing so. Then we will also see how they had a beautiful meal with God. Celebrating communion on Sunday will give us a foretaste of seeing God and having a meal with him. Want to learn more about Connections Church? Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Luke 6:43-49, titled “Hypocrisy.” What's the solution to hypocrisy? How do we get our actions, words, and feeling all in sync? This Sunday we conclude our series on the Sermon on the Plain in Luke 6:43-49. Jesus' solution is to raise all our actions, words, and feelings to a higher level. What a challenge and joy to follow Jesus. Want to learn more about Connections Church? Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Welcome to Connections Church Online! Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Luke 6:37-42, titled “Judging Others.” You're not allowed to judge,” many will say as they defend their immoral actions. That's what Jesus seems to say in Luke 6:37-42. But we're also told by Jesus and in other parts of Scripture that we must judge immoral behavior. As we look at this passage, it will help us to understand the Sermon on the Plain as wisdom literature. We will also find ourselves thinking about Australia! Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Welcome to Connections Church Online! Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Luke 6:27-36, titled “Love for Enemies.” Is there anyone you don't like? Anyone you can't stand to be with? In Luke 6:27-36 Jesus calls us to love these people, to do what's best for them. We'll also find out how to carry out this virtually impossible mandate. Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Welcome to Connections Church Online! Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Luke 6:17-26, titled “How Are You Really?” How are you really? Jesus answers that for us in his “sermon on the plain,” similar to his “sermon on the mount.” As we start this series, we see in Luke 6:20-26 that our true situation may be different that we're going through right now. If we follow Jesus, we are blessed. Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Welcome to Connections Church Online! Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Job 19:25-27, titled “My Redeemer Lives.” Is it OK to desire honor? To be well-thought-of in the community and respected by family, classmates, coworkers, and others? But there are times in our lives when we lose our honor: rejection by family or friends, failure in a school or work project, false rumors spread, loss of dignity when aging or getting dementia. In Job 19:25-27 we see that someone is there to restore our honor. Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Welcome to Connections Church Online! Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Matthew 16:27, titled “Jesus' Return to Judge.” A final court date has been set for all of us. Matthew 16:27 and other passages show that we all will stand before Jesus as judge. This is the third of our series on Jesus' return to earth. We will see what the Bible says about that sobering final day of human history. Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Welcome to Connections Church Online! Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Revelation 22:7-21, titled “When Will Jesus Come Again?” When is Jesus coming again? Christians celebrate Jesus' first Advent (coming) as a baby. Christians also look forward to Jesus' second Advent. We will go through a short series on the second coming of Jesus. We begin by looking at Revelation 22:20, reflecting on what Jesus means when he says he's coming soon. More importantly, are we ready for that? Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Welcome to Connections Church Online! Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Psalm 121, titled “Where Our Help Comes From.” What are your deepest fears about the future? As we reflect on this past year and we look ahead to the New Year, what - or who - do we ultimately rely on to take care of us? Psalm 121 points us the eternal Creator as our personal security. Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Welcome to Connections Church Online! Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Matthew 1:1-17, titled “Jesus' Roots.” Ashamed of someone in your family? In Jesus' ancestry see a number of failures and scandals. In this passage we notice that God unashamedly uses all these ancestors to prepare for Jesus' birth. Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Welcome to Connections Church Online! Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Luke 2:1-3, titled “Governments Prepare for Jesus' Birth.” How do we know what events today will be in the history books later? How are government leaders used to bring in God's kingdom? Lukde 2:1-3 illustrates how God uses governments to prepare for Jesus' birth. And it shows what God's people do in preparation for Jesus coming. Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Welcome to Connections Church Online! Pastor Paul Jorden joins us with a message from Galatians 4:4-7, titled “The Hopes and Fears of All the Years.” What does it mean that Christmas fulfills the hopes and fears of all the years? Paul's letter to the Galatians offers a glimpse into how God's perfect timing, remarkable plan, and profound purpose came together in the birth of His Son. Could this moment in history truly answer humanity's deepest longings? Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Welcome to Connections Church Online! Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Micah 5:1-5a, titled “The Savior in Bethlehem.” Where do we look to find someone to make things better? We all live by the hope that someone somewhere will fix life for us. This Sunday we start an Advent series seeing how God prepared for the birth of his son. Micah 5:1-5a points to where we are to look. Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Welcome to Connections Church Online! Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Esther 8:3 – 10:3, titled “Let's Celebrate!” How do we celebrate the holidays as Christians? We do enjoy the food, people, and festivities as others do. But we especially direct our joyful hearts and gratitude to God, the source of all our blessings. In these final chapters of Esther (8-10) we see how God's people celebrated God's goodness and saving power. Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Welcome to Connections Church Online! Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Esther 6:1 – 8:2, titled “Sweet Victory.” Do we trust God to make things right? Do we trust God's timing? When events in life are the bleakest, God delights in suddenly turning it all around. We see how God does this in Esther 6:1 – 8:2. Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Welcome to Connections Church Online! Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Esther 4-5, titled “Willing to Be Used.” Ever wonder why God placed you where you are—in your family, school, career path, or community? Even if that place feels dark or difficult, Esther 4-5 (especially 4:15) reminds us of God's call to be used by Him in any situation. Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Welcome to Connections Church Online! Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Esther 2:19 – 3:15, titled “Two World Views”. What is a worldview? How we look at reality and live it out affects the way we respond to God and how we treat others. In Esther 2:19 – 3:15 we will see very different worldviews and how they clash. Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Welcome to Connections Church Online! Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Esther 1:1 – 2:18, titled “A New Queen.” We may wonder at times if there are any true Christians in government. Are there Christians in leadership of educational institutions, the entertainment industry, or large corporations? As we begin going through Esther (1:1 - 2:18) we see that God does plant his people in influential positions and has special plans for them. Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Welcome to Connections Church Online! Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Philippians 4:14-20, titled “Offerings.” Why do we give offerings and financial gifts at church and elsewhere? Why does God tell us to give financially? As we conclude our series in Philippians (4:14-20) we see the value of our giving. Not only are causes we give to helped. But we ourselves also receive a benefit. And giving is a way to show our love for God. Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Welcome to Connections Church Online! Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Philippians 4:10-13, titled “Contentment.” How can a rich person be content? How can a poor person be content? We are told the secret to contentment in Philippians 4:10-13, no matter how great life is for us or how terrible life is for us. Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Welcome to Connections Church Online! Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Philippians 4:8-9, titled “Noble Thoughts.” How do we manage our thoughts so they are God-honoring? And how do we cultivate healthy thought patterns? The Bible has a lot to say about our thought life. This includes Philippians 4:8-9, which we will carefully review Sunday morning. Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Welcome to Connections Church Online! Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Philippians 4:4-7, titled “Rejoice in the Lord.” How can we rejoice when there is little to be happy about? Christians turn to the loving heavenly Father. In this passage we see that God does something better than take away our problems and heartaches. Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Welcome to Connections Church Online! Pastor Rob Byker joins us with a message from Psalm 16, titled “Taking Christ as Your Portion and Your Cup.” Sometimes evangelists sharing Christ on the street will cry out, "Have you taken Christ as your personal Savior?" It's an unsettling question and a blunt approach. And yet, it is also a key question every heart must wrestle with. But there is second question every Christian must ask, "Have I taken Christ as my Portion and my Cup?" That's the question we will explore this morning. David says in Psalm 16:5 "LORD, you alone are my portion and my cup". This means David ranks the LORD as his top joy and his great hope. David's choice inspires his worship, informs his service and secures his heart amid the troubles and threats he faces. Every Christian who takes Christ as their Portion and Cup will experience a similar blessing. Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Welcome to Connections Church Online! What are your goals in life? What are our goals as a church? And how do we achieve them? In this passage we see God revealing through Paul lofty goals, how to pursue them, and who they are focused on. Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Welcome to Connections Church Online! Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Philippians 3:1-11, titled “Losing, Gaining.” Have you ever bragged on how religious you are? Have you ever wanted to? In Philippians 3:1-11 we see how this kind of religion sucks out our joy. We're reminded how Christ alone makes us good and gives us his joy. Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Welcome to Connections Church Online! Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Proverbs 6:6-11, titled “Call to Work.” Where does our work ethic come from? Christians derive their work ethic from the Bible. We will scan Scripture to see what God is telling us about our approach to work. Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Welcome to Connections Church Online! Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Philippians 2:19-30, titled “Christian Altruism.” How do we avoid burnout when caring and giving? Christians are called to share time and money with those in need. But how do we do this without giving up? In this passage we find where the strength comes from to truly care. Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Welcome to Connections Church Online! Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Philippians 2:12-18 titled, "On Your Own." How much hovering is needed to make sure people we love are good Christians? How much do we need for ourselves? How do we let go and let God work? When God does the work, we begin to shine like stars. Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Welcome to Connections Church Online! Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Philippians 2:5-11, titled “Jesus' Song.” If someone were to produce a song about you and your entire life, what would be included? Would others be able to identify with it? Sunday morning we look at a song written about Jesus. And we see the call to make that our song too. Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Welcome to Connections Church Online! Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Philippians 1:27 – 2:4, titled “Christian Unity." A sign of mature Christians is that they get along with each other and are united. But how do we achieve that? Especially when we all believe our way is the best way! May God give us listening hearts as he calls us again to unity. Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Welcome to Connections Church Online! Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Philippians 1:19-26, titled “To Live, or to Die." Is it healthy to want to live and want to die, at same time? For a Christian it can be. We maintain a healthy balance by being anchored in Christ. Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Welcome to Connections Church Online! Pastor John Gorter joins us with a message from Philippians 1:12-18, titled “Whatever It Takes." Could being falsely accused and going to prison be better? Could leaders of other churches stealing our sheep be a good thing? Could whatever struggle we're going through right now actually be for the best? In this passage we see how God works in ways that may not make sense to us right now. But in the end we can say it was good. Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Welcome to Connections Church Online! Welcome Pastor John Gorter for his first sermon as our interim pastor! Over the next few months, he will guide us through the Book of Philippians, beginning with a message from Philippians 1:1-11, titled ‘Maturing in the Gospel.” What goals would an interim pastor have for a congregation? In Philippians we see the special relationship Paul had with the Philippian church and how he wanted them to grow as Christians. May God similarly gift us with close bonds. And may we mature in the gospel: to know, love, and follow Jesus Christ. Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Welcome to Connections Church Online! Pastor Evan Kim has a message from Ephesians 5:15-21 titled "Walking the Walk". The Bible commonly regards the Christian life as a “walk.” Employing that analogy, Paul exhorts Christians to live a life walking in the Spirit by being mindful of our time, our words and our attitudes. Doing so will help us to be established in the truth that God is always walking with us. Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Welcome to Connections Church Online! Pastor Joy Englesman has a message from 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11 and Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 titled “Flying in Formation”. What does it mean for Christians to “encourage one another?” As we discern God's direction for our personal lives and the ministry of our church, we find strength, support, inspiration and strategy when we fly in formation with each other. Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Welcome to Connections Church Online! Pastor Rob Byker has a message from Acts 12:1-19, “Surprised by Prayer”. Even though the church of Jerusalem prays for God to deliver Peter out of prison, they are shocked when God does it and Peter stands before them free! This shows us that even when we pray, there is often some levels of unbelief in us when we pray. Some Christians notice this and then pray more, praying for better faith. Other Christians notice this and stop praying altogether. We need to avoid that response at all costs. Prayerlessness is a serious sin and our Lord Jesus charges us to “always pray and not give up.” In this message, we will address some barriers to prayer as well as look at some truths that help us to return to prayer again. Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Welcome to Connections Church Online! Pastor Sheri Admiraal, from Hope Fellowship CRC, has a message from Matthew 15:21-28, “The Stacked Deck of Grace”. God's grace is something that far exceeds our human understanding. We have our own standards of inclusion vs. exclusion, restriction vs. freedom, judgment vs. grace. The cards of life that we are dealt often are stacked one way – either in favor or against us – according to societal or cultural standards. But no matter what cards in life we are dealt, God showers his grace upon us, through faith, by the working of the Holy Spirit. If God has showered his grace upon us, so are we called to receive God's grace in our own lives and extend it to others. Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Welcome to Connections Church Online! Pastor Evan Kim has a message from Ephesians, titled “The Armor of God”. His message, The Armor of God, is a well-known passage in which Paul compares Christian living to warfare. In Ephesians 6:10-18, Paul provides a threefold map to fighting the spiritual battle: knowing our enemy, knowing our equipment, and knowing our engagement. Ultimately, we may rest in the truth that it is Jesus who is fighting with us and who has already secured our victory. Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/

Welcome to Connections Church Online! Yvonne Biel has a message in preparation for Pentecost from Acts 1-2, titled "Day 50". This week we learn that there are too many Christians living defeated lives, losing the battle, and settling for a painful tormented life of discouragement and despair. Resurrection seems to be a far-off reality and Christians are walking around powerless letting the enemy take the upper hand. Why does it feel like Christians are losing the battle when the victory has already been won? How come we feel powerless? Perhaps Christians are getting stuck between Resurrection and Pentecost. Let's look at Pentecost and the keys it gives us to Kingdom victory. Visit our website: https://myconnections.church/