Woodside Bible Church Detroit

Can you imagine what Heaven is like? There are portions of scripture that are described in such vivid ways that we can only dream of what it actually looks like, but God gives us a hope to cling to in tough times.  Things won't always be in termoil.  He will make all things new.Text: Revelation 5:1 – 10, Revelation 22:1 – 5 Sermon Summary: Big Idea: God's mission results in a redeemed people, purpose, and place.Key Question: How does God complete his mission? 1.     In Jesus, he redeems a global people. (Revelation 5:9)2.     In Jesus, he restores our purpose. (Revelation 5:10)3.     In Jesus, he renews all creation. (Revelation 5:10, 21:1 – 5)

Have you ever wondered if things in this world could be different?  Have you ever muttered, "someone shourld do something about that?" We all have in various ways.  When it comes to the mission of God, and his plans for this world, you were factored in and God wants you to take your place in the journey.Text: Acts 1:6-8; 2:1-13Sermon Summary:Big Idea: The church is sent out to continue God's mission.Key Question: How does the church fulfill God's mission?1.     We continue the ministry of Jesus. (John 20:21)2.     We make disciples of all nations. (Matthew 28:18 – 20)3.     We witness in the power of the Spirit. (Acts 1:8)

What is the word that comes to mind when you think of Jesus? Jesus does not fit neatly into the boxes or groups that we create for ourselves.  Often times he calls us out of those boxes to join him on his mission of salvation for all the world.Text: Luke 4:14-30Sermon Summary:Big Idea: Jesus brings good news for all people.Key Question: How is Jesus good news for all people?1.     He fulfills the promise of salvation. (vv. 16 – 21)2.     He reveals the extent of God's grace. (vv. 22 – 27)3.     He exposes our prideful tribalism. (vv.28 – 30)

Sometimes we can get so focused on our world, our family, our life that we forget that there is so much more to this planet.  The mission of God is a mission that can simultaneously be micro focused on you, while working for the blessing and good of the world.Text: Genesis 12:1-3Big Idea: God promises to bless the nations.Key Question: What does God do to bless the nations?1. God forms a people for his purpose. (vs. 1-2a)2. God blesses his people. (vs. 2a, 3a)3. God blesses the nations through his people. (vs. 2b, 3b)

New years often bring new plans for your life.  We sit and draft grand dreams of the impact our lives will have on the world only to have abandoned many of them a few weeks later.  Humanity was created and designed with a particular mission in mind, and very soon after we traded in God's grand designs for the plans of our own.  In the message Pastor FIkre Prince shares that God has a way of bringing us back from mission drift and helping us to fulfill our role in the earth.Text: Genesis 11:1-9 Sermon Summary:Big Idea: God disrupts human pride to advance his mission.Key Question: How does God disrupt our pride to advance his mission?1.     God exposes our false self-sufficiency. (vv. 1-5)2.     God hinders our collective power. (vv. 6-7)3.     God overcomes our prideful resistance. (vv. 8-9)

The bigining of each year generally has people questioning or planning what they desire the year to look like.  Many of us consider where we have been and the challeneges we've faced to try to find the path forward to where we want to go.  We chart our own course, and pursue our own mission.  What if there was more to the story than what we desire and what we feel?  In this message Pastor Fikre Prince shares that all of humanity was created with a particular mission and purpose, and starting at that point is the best way to find joy, and have peace for the journey.Text: Genesis 1:26-30Sermon Summary:Big Idea: God created humanity to fill the earth with his glory.Key Question: How was humanity to fill the earth with God's glory?1.     Humanity was given God's image. (vv. 26a, 27)2.     Humanity was given God's mission. (vv. 26b, 28b)3.     Humanity was given God's blessing. (vv. 28a, 29-30)

Struggle changes us.  When you go through tough times, you can find yourself hiding away from life, and love and even the calling of God.  What if there was a way to come from behind those walls and walk in the freedom that comes in Christ?  In this message, Pastor Ryan Russell shares that in Jesus we have not only have a savior but a counselor, restorer and protector.Text: Hebrews 2:10-18Big Idea: Wonder that Jesus suffered to save us.Key Question: What is the result of Jesus suffering for us?1.     Our glory is restored. (vv. 10-13)2.     Our enemy is defeated. (vv. 14-16)3.     Our help is here. (vv. 17-18)

Every year there is a new epic movie or book that tells the story of heroism and salvation. We get sucked into the story because of it's many details and see ourselves in the characters.  There is an epic story that is unmatched throughout time and has been told over and over, but have you stopped to wonder at the story of your own salvation from oblivion by Jesus.  It is worth considering the work of salvation and how God brought this great gift through a child.Text: Hebrews 2:1-4Sermon Summary:Big Idea: Wonder at the salvation of God.Key Question: Why wonder at God's salvation?1.     It brings God's deliverance. (vv. 1-3a)2.     It bears God's declaration. (vv. 3b-4)

Jesus holds many titles to us.  To some he is savior, to some he is Lord.  In this message Pastor FIkre Prince shares that who Jesus is is more than just his relationship to humanity, he is also divine.  His divinity should never be stripped away from our understanding of him, instead we should take the time to marvel at who he is as the Son of God.Text: Hebrews 1:5-14Sermon Summary:Big Idea: Wonder at the greatness of God's Son.Key Question: How do we know the Son of God is greater than the angels? 1.     Because of his sonship. (v. 5—6)2.     Because of his status. (vv. 7—9)3.     Because of his sovereignty. (vv. 10—14)

Christmas over time can become common if we let it.  This season we want to take the time to slow down and consider the many aspects of Jesus that spark wonder at who he is and restore the joy of looking forward to not only Christmas Day, but him coming again.  IN this message Pastor Fikre Prince urges us to dwell on the magnitude of a larger than life, supreme God, who chose to come to us as a little child and deliver us from sin and evil.Text: Hebrews 1:1-4Sermon Summary:Big Idea: Wonder at the supremacy of Christ.Key Question: Why is Jesus supreme?1.     His word is supreme. (vv. 1-2)2.     His worth is supreme. (v. 3)3.     His work is supreme. (vv. 3-4)

Where do you invest whats important to you? What you invest in shows where your heart is. In this message Jeff Totten shares that we need to invest wisely to see the right returns not just in thihs life, but the one to come.Text: Matthew 6:19-24Sermon Summary:Big Idea: Gospel work is our great investment.Key Question: Why should I generously invest in gospel work?1.     It is eternally secure. (vv. 19-20)2.     It directs your heart. (v. 21)3.     It clarifies your perspective. (vv. 22-23)4.     It reveals who you serve. (v. 24)

When you hear the word tithe what comes to mind? Is it joy? Is it honor for God?  In this message Pastor Fikre Prince talks about the instutution of the Tithe and what God's heart was for it at it's inseption.  Heaviness, cynasism, and frustration should not be associated with giviing towards God, but honor and celebration should be.Text: Deuteronomy 14:22–29Sermon Summary:Big Idea: God is always teaching his people to put him first. Key Question: How does the tithe teach us to put God first?1.     The tithe teaches us priority. (v. 22)2.     The tithe teaches us perspective. (vv. 23-26)3.     The tithe teaches us provision. (vv. 27-29)

Do you identify as a GM guy or Ford lady? An Apple girl, or a Samsung Bro?  Sometimes our identity can become overshadowed by our posessions and we develop a sense of worth based on what we have.  In this sermon, Pastor Fikre Prince shares that there is a very real danger in the way many of us live, and our response and engagement with THINGS.Text: Luke 12:13-21Sermon Summary:Big Idea: Generosity protects us from being owned by the things we own.Key Question: How do we guard against being owned by our stuff?1.     See the danger. (vv. 13-15)2.     Check your motives. (vv. 16-19)3.     Turn from greed. (vv. 20-21)

What is the most important part of a gift given? Is it the actual item, or is it something deeper? In this message Pastor Fikre Prince looks at the expereince of Jesus with his disples in the temple and a lesson he shares with them about the most important aspect of honoring God through generosity.Text: Mark 12:41-44Sermon Summary:Big Idea: Generosity is marked by sacrifice, not selfish gain.Key Question: What marks true generosity?1.     It's seen by God. (vv. 41–42)2.     It's measured by sacrifice. (v. 43) 3.     It's motivated by faith. (v. 44)

Who is the most generous person you know?  Why are they so generous? We ahve all been touched by the generosity of others and at times that generosity stands out as exceptional and changes our lives forever.  When we think of the effects of generosity, we see how we can be a blessing to the world by modeling the most generous giver of all.Text: John 3:16BI: Because God is Generous, we should be generous.Question: How is God generous?God gave because of His love for usGod gave His very best for usGod gave so that we could live

Have you ever felt unwanted or alone?  Have you expereinced the sting of rejection? Mnay of us have known this hurt and the bible shares what is on the other side of that sting.  It is the loving choice of adoption.  In this message Pastor fIkre Prince shares that God so lovingly sent his son to bring us in to his protection and provision by means of adoption, and since we have been shown this great love we should extend it to others.Text: Ephesians 1:3-6Sermon Summary:Big Idea: In Christ, we are adopted sons and daughters of God.Key Question: What does adoption show the world about who God is? Adoption displays...1.     God's fatherly love. (vv. 3, 4a, 5)2.     God's restorative power. (v. 4)3.     God's glorious grace. (v. 6)

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder," is what the old adage says but what does it mean?  What is Beauty and how should people ingage with that which is considered "beautiful."  In this final message of the In Christ series, Pastor Fikre Prince shares a framework for understanding the origins of beauty, the importance of beauty, and our role in bringing about beauty into the the world.Text: Ephesians 2:4-10Sermon Summary:Big Idea: In Christ, we enjoy and create to reflect God's Beauty.Key Question: What does it mean to value Beauty as the people of God?God is the source of beauty. (Psalm 19:1)We are created to enjoy and create. (Ephesians 2:10)Beauty points to Jesus. (Hebrews 1:3)

How do you know if something is good or not? For the most part you need something to refernce it against. You test drive a car, you check reviews online, but how do you know what is good when it comes to eternal matters?  In this sermon, Pastor Fikre Prince shares that as God is the standard for God he deisres that you just expereince him to see what true goodness is.Text: Psalm 34:8-10, Titus 3:4-6Sermon Summary:Big Idea: In Christ, we receive and respond to God's goodness.Key Question: What does it mean to value goodness as the people of God?1.     Taste it. (v. 8a)2.     Trust it. (v. 8b)3.     Seek it. (vv. 9-10)

"What is Truth?" that is a question that has been asked by people for centuries.  It is a tense point in many of our lives in that it really is a question of value.  How much do I value objective truth in light of my expereinces?  Pastor Nick Bogardus shares in this message that God has very clear directives as to how we as believers should value truth, and how it should inform our lives.Text: Isaiah 45:18-19; John 14:6;Sermon Summary:Big Idea: In Christ, we see and live by the truth God has revealed.Key Question: What does it look like to value truth as the people of God?1.     We love God's truth. (John 8:31-32; Psalm 19:7-11)2.     We proclaim God's truth. (Proverbs 12:17; Ephesians 4:15)

Who are you? Why are you here? Where are you going?  You have been asked these questions many times in your life, but do you have an eternal answer for them.  In this message Pastor Fikre Prince shares that Jesus gives hs followers an answer to these questions that transends family, community, and career.Text: Matthew 28:16 – 20 Sermon Summary:Big Idea: In Christ, mission is the expression of our identity towards the world.Key Question: How does being in Christ change the way we live on mission in the world?1.     We go with his authority. (vv. 16-18)2.     We pursue his purpose. (vv. 19-20a)3.     We carry his presence. (v. 20b)

How do you make your faith in Christ practical to daily living? In what ways would the world know that you belong to Jesus? In this sermon Pastor Nick Bogardus shares that our living for Christ is also shown by the way that we live in community with one another.Text: Acts 4:32–37Sermon Summary:Big Idea: In Christ, community is the expression of our identity toward one another.Key Question: What values do a gospel community hold when Jesus—not self—is at the center?1.     We share one heart and soul. (v. 32a)2.     We give with open hands. (vv. 32b-35)3.     We strengthen one another. (vv. 36-37)

Who are you? When you consider the ssence of who you are what do you think of?  There are no questions of greater importance than understanding who you are.  In this series, we hope to guide you to an understanding of what it truely means to have your life IN CHRIST.Text: 1 Peter 2:9-10Sermon Summary:Big Idea: In Christ we find our true identity and mission.Key Question: What does it mean to be God's people in a world that has forgotten who it belongs to?1.     Know who you are. (v. 9a)2.     Know why you are here. (v. 9b)3.     Know what God did. (v. 10)

What happens when the storms of life hit? When everything goes left, where do you turn? In this message Pastor Fikre Prince shares that we should not only turn to Jesus in our times of trouble but we should seek to dwell with Christ in the good times.Text: Psalm 91:1-8Sermon Summary:Big Idea: Trusting in the Lord places us under his protection.Key Question: Why should we trust fully in the Lord?1.   God secures with his presence. (vv. 1–2)2.   God shields with his faithfulness. (vv. 3–4)3.   God saves with his justice. (vv. 5–8)

Have you ever felt like things in your life just don't add up?  Are you trying to find meaning in work and life?  In this message Pastor FIkre Prince shares how a meaningful life is a product of understanding and dwelling with the giver of life.  In all the places you could live and work, working and living what God has called you to is the most meaningful.Text: Psalm 90:13-17Sermon Summary:Big Idea: Dwelling in the Lord makes life meaningful.Key Question: What does God provide to those who dwell in him? 1.     Relief in our struggles. (vv. 13-14)         2.     Joy in our days. (v. 15)3.     Meaning in our labors. (vv. 16-17)

What happens at the end of our life? That is a question that many don't slow down long enough to ask.  If we can take the time to stop and dwell on the auther and finisher of our lives than we should also evaluate our living.  In Psalm 90 Pastor Fikre Prince shares that there are three things that help us give an honest evaluation of our decisions and direction in life.Text: Psalm 90:5-12Sermon Summary:Big Idea: The unexamined life is the wasted life. Key Question: How do we examine our lives well? 1.     Confess our sins before God. (vv. 5-8)2.     Contemplate the brevity of human life. (vv. 9-10)3.     Consider the greatness of God. (vv. 11-12)

Are you overwhelmed? Does it seem like things change just as you catch up to them? In a world of instability and anxiety how do we find calm and rest?  In this first message of the series Pastor Fikre Prince shares that we can have rest in this life when we learn to Dwell in the presence of an eternal unchanging God.Text: Psalm 90:1-4Sermon Summary:Big Idea: Dwelling in the Lord is eternally secure.Key Question: Why is it good for the Lord to be our dwelling place?1.     God has always been. (vv. 1-2)2.     God will always be. (vv. 3-4)

Does God's purpose and plan for his people stop after a certain age? Are those who have retired from professional work assigned to just sit and rest, or is there still an opportunity for spiritual impact?  In this final message in the series You are Here Pastor Fikre Prince shares some priorities for maximizing spiritual impact opportunities in our senior years.Text: 2 Timothy 2:1-3; 4:6-8 Sermon Summary:Big Idea: Our final years provide irreplaceable opportunities for spiritual impact. Key Question: What should our priorities be for maximizing the opportunity of our final years?1. Godly impact. (2:1)2. Gospel urgency. (4:6-7)3. Confident hope. (4:8)

Are you a single person? Do you feel like you are missing out on something?  I'm sure you have heard that God has a plan for you, but what if that plan is to feel and be complete in your singleness.  This may sound like an oxymoron but in this message Pastor Fikre Prince shares that singlness is a gift from God and he can equip you to maximize this gift for his glory and your blessing.Text: 1 Corinthians 7:25-38BI: Singleness is a gracious gift of GodWhy would God gift singleness?1. Singleness avoids certain worldly troubles(v.25-31)2. Singleness enables undivided devotion (v.32-35)3. Singles can expereince God's empowering grace (v.36-38)

There are so many wonderful aspects of being married.  There are also many challeneges.  How do we navigate the challeneges in a way that keeps the realtionship thriving?  In this message Pastor Fikre Prince shares that God's plan for marriage has always centered on Him being the bedrock of the relationship and each husband and wife remembering how to be honor the other well.Text: 1 Peter 3:1-7Sermon Summary:Big Idea: Spouses are called to mutually honor one another.Key Question: How do wives and husbands show honor to one another?1.     Wives, follow your husband with respect. (vv. 1-6)2.     Husbands, lead your wife with love. (v. 7)

Do you have a good friendship? A person you can talk to and grow with, who will encourage you in your walk with Christ.  Do you desire to be in a relationship? There are similarities in the qualities of life long friends and spouses that we should look out for if we hope to have lifelong companionship.Text: Ephesians 5:22-33Sermon Summary:Big Idea: Dating is for discerning a gospel partner. Key Question: How do you discern if a person is a good gospel partner? 1.       Do they love and follow Jesus. (vv. 22-30)2.       Are they a lifelong partner. (v. 31)3.       Will they help you embody the mystery of the gospel. (vv. 32-33)

Are you waiting for something to happen before you begin your life? Do you need just one more degree, one more promotion, or one more thing before you will follow what God has called you to do?  In this message Pastor Fikre Prince encourages those who are in waiting to trust the Lord and utilize the spacees they are in and the time that the have to influence the world for Christ.Text: 1 Timothy 4:12Sermon Summary:Big Idea: God is calling you to lead by example right now. Key Question: How can I live out my purpose right now?1.   Set an example in speech.2.   Set an example in conduct.3.   Set an example in love.4.   Set an example in faith.5.   Set an example in purity.

The church has a particular mandate from Jesus to develop believers and to go and carry the gospel message to new places.  Where are you your journey? Developing? Or going?  In this final message of the Reach series Missionary Pastor Victor Nuwamanya shares that there should be a commitment from every believer to go and share the gospel.  The mandate is to go to near neighbors and to far off people, vut we all should be a part of the sending and going process.Text: Acts 12:25-3:3Sermon Summary:Big Idea: The Church is not just a gathering place but a sending place.Key Question: What does our gathering and sending look like? 1.       A church that fasts and prays. (v. 2)2.       A church that is led by the Holy Spirit. (v. 2)3.       A church that sends the called. (v. 3)

In this life you have undoubtably faced opposition.  Does that mean that God is not with you? Not neccisarily.  In this message pastor Fikre Prince shares that if you choose to follow after Jesus their will be opposition to the gospel and your daily living, but scripture encourages us by telling us that though we face trilas of many kinds, the work of God will prevail.Text: Acts 12:1-24Sermon Summary:Big Idea: God's mission will not be stopped. Key Question: What common hurdles must be overcome to advance the gospel?Persecution can't stop the mission. (vv. 1-5)Prison can't stop the mission. (vv. 4-6)Powerful opponents can't stop the mission. (vv. 19b-22)

The Message of the Gospel is not only for those in the church, it is for everyone.  So what methods does God use to spread the message of Jesus, it's not what you would think. In this message PAstor Ryan Russell shares that God uses a gospel centered church to carry the good news to a world in termoil.Text: Acts 11:1-19-30Sermon Summary:Big Idea: Gospel centered churches reach out—to proclaim, to send, and to serve.Key Question: What does a gospel centered church look like?1.     A church that proclaims the gospel wherever it goes. (vv. 19-21)2.     A church that raises up and sends out leaders. (vv. 22-26) 3.     A church that serves others with sacrificial generosity. (vv. 27-30)

What is the responsibility of every believer no matter how long they have followed Christ?  We who are believers and followers of Christ should be telling the story of how Jesus changed us and the blessings and benefits of following him.  In this message Pastor Fikre Prince shares that there are some distinctions that every christian should have and how they can have an affect on the world around them.Text: 1 Peter 2:9-10BI: Christians are God's distinct People, and are special to himWhat makes Christians distinct?1.  Christians faith in Christ is what identifies and unifies them2. Christians live in the mercies of God3. Christians live a life that proclaims the change God has made in them

There is something special about mothers. Whatever your actual situation when you consider the act of being loved by a mother, it brings thoughts of joy.  In this message Pastor Fikre Prince considers the attributes of a disciple of Jesus as she walks out her faith, and shares how we can look to her example to see the power of God in our every day lives.Text: Acts 9:32-42BI: God moves in the faithfulness of godly women1. We should serve others in the grace of God2. We should have community impact and influence through the grace of God3. We should know that God's power is in the extraordinary and common miracles

In our life filled with fast fashion, fast food, same-day delivery and viral fame we have grown accustomed to not waiting for what we want.  The Christian faith, after 2 millinia, is still waiting for the return of our savior Jesus.  In Acts 1, it is said that Jesus will return, but what should we do while we wait? In this final sermon of the Crowned series Pastor Fikre Prince shares the directives that Jesus leaves for every believer, and equips you to do the work of a witness.Text: Acts 1:6–11Sermon Summary:Big Idea: Jesus will return to complete his Kingdom.Key Question: How should we live in light of Jesus' return?1.     Stop guessing when. (vv. 6–7)2.     Start witnessing now. (v. 8)3.     Set your hope on his return. (vv. 10–11)

Christians often call Jesus king, and rightfully so. But how often do we consider what it truly means to live under the rule of a King?  As the final days of Jesus earthly ministry comes to an end he ascends into heaven to take his place enthroned in heaven where he reigns forever, and Pastor Fikre Prince asserts that this should mean something to the believers daily living.Big Idea: Jesus is enthroned as King.Key Question: How does Jesus' enthronement impact us today?1.     He rules over us. (Daniel 7:13-14)2.     He intercedes for us. (Hebrews 7:26, 8:1-2)3.     He commissions us. (Acts 1:6-11a, 2:33)

The central tenant of the Christian faith is that Jesus died, was burried and resurrected. It is an unnatural chain of events for humanity to conclude the process of death with life, but it is the promise that comes to those who believe in the words of God.  In this message Pastor Fikre Prince Challeneges us to process what we believe about the resurrrection and consider the words of several witnesses, and make a decision to live in the power of a resurrected king.Text: Mark 15:37– 16:8Big Idea: Jesus is the risen King.Key Question: What do the key witnesses at Jesus' resurrection have to say?The Centurion – Jesus is the true King. (vv. 37 – 39)Joseph – Jesus is the buried King. (vv. 42 – 47)The Women – Jesus is the resurrected King. (vv. 1 – 8)The Young Man – Jesus is the saving King. (v. 6)

Palm Sunday marks a momentous occation in the life of the world and the ministry of Jesus. It commemorates the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem in a royal procession, to shouts of Hosanna! Just like the people that surrounded Jesus then who had heard the stories, and seen the miracles, we too have to make a decision on if Jesus will be our King or will we reject him.Text: Mark 11:1-14Big Idea: Jesus arrives as the promised King!Key Question: How will you respond to the arriving king?1.     Jesus' arrival reveals Him as the promised King. (vv. 1-7; Zech 9:9)2.     Celebrate Him and receive His salvation. (vv. 8-10)3.     Reject Him and receive His judgment. (vv. 11-14)

Communion is an ordinance or sacrament founded by the Lord Jesus himself.  He brought his disciples together to share a meal and he told them to continue this practice until he returns. Just after this meal he goes to pray in the garden and again prays for his followers to be one, or united through him.  Jesus had a heart for his people to be together, and in this message Pastor Ryan Russell shares how and why this Common unity should be important to us today.Text: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34Sermon Summary:Big Idea: Communion shapes our relationship with Christ and with others.Key Question: What is God's desire for His people in the Lord's Supper?The Lord's Supper Calls Believers to:1.     Unity with Christ. (vv. 23-25)2.     Personal reflection. (vv. 27-32)3.     Public proclamation. (vv. 26, 33-34) 

Are you willing to make a decision to follow Jesus and Live for Him? After seeing Jesus perfom miracle after miracle, and teach as no one ever has, Pastor Fikre Prince says that you must at somepoint make a decision.  This seventh sign of raising Lazarus from the grave is an irrefutable showing of the power of Jesus to work in our lives.Text: John 11:1-47Big Idea: You can't escape responding to Jesus. Key Question: What makes it impossible to escape responding to Jesus?1.       His purpose is intentional. (vv. 1-16)2.       His passion is invitational. (vv. 17-37)3.       His power is irrefutable. (vv. 38-47)

If you opened your eyes this morning you probably didn't get far into your day before you encountered some level of suffering.  It's hard to live in this world and not be touched by struggle and pain either in your life or in aomeone close to you.  How do we deal with that? Is this what God intended for us to endure? In this message Pastor Nick Bogardus shares that God has an answer to these questions and he shares  that there may even be purpose in the pain.Text: John 9:1-41Sermon Summary:Big Idea: Jesus opens eyes.Key Question: How do you respond to the revelation of Jesus?  1.     Are you curious? (vv. 8-12)2.     Are you skeptical? (vv. 13-17)3.     Are you afraid of others? (vv. 18-23)4.     Are you dismissive? (vv. 24-34)5.     Are you blind? (vv. 35-41) 

The stories surrounding the person of Jesus can lead to confusion about who he actually is.  One of the best ways to know someone is to ask them to reveal themselves to us, or tell us who they are.  When we desire to know Jesus, the best way that we can get to know him is by listening to his words about himself and pying attention to the things he does.  In this message Pastor Fikre Prince encourages us to view Jesus through the lens of scripture and not through the lens of our needs.Text: John 6:14-21Sermon Summary:Big Idea: God's people rightly know Jesus.Key Question: How can you fail to rightly know Jesus? 1.     When you engage him as only a great prophet. (v. 14)2.     When you exploit him as a political power. (v. 15)3.     When you erase him as the divine I AM. (vv. 16-21)

The term “going viral” has become a part of the vocabulary of the world because of how quickly content and information spreads around the world.  The vitality can lead to good spreading or bad things spreading, but in any case it grows faster than expected. In this sermon Pastor Fikre Prince shares a message from the book of John where Jesus' fame spread throughout the crowds and they saw something special about him as a leader, but Jesus knew what he really wanted to accomplish.Text: John 6:1-15, 25-35BI: We need to know our motives for following Jesus1. Jesus is the greatest Leader-He is Compassionate -He is Collaborative-He is Considerate2. We need to be godly followers-godly followers are humble-godly followers are honest with themselvesQuestions for yourself:Do I have a right view of how Jesus is?Am I following Jesus because I want what he gives?

Sin and brokeness has far reaching affects on our lives. It can change not just a momentary situation but it can alter our identity of our selves and others.  Is there a remedy for this deep impact of brokeness? Pastor Chris Brooks shares a message that illustartes that there is a remedy and it's in the person of Jesus Christ. When we encouter Jesus, He asks us "Do you want to be healed?"Text: John 5:1-18Sermon Summary:Big Idea: The scandal of Jesus is his divine authority.Key question: How does Jesus demonstrate his divine authority?1.     He has the authority to heal. (vv. 1-9a)2.     He has the authority to command. (vv. 9b-14)3.     He has the authority to work. (vv. 15-18)

Faith is an essential part of the Christian's life. It's the first choice we must make, in following Jesus, "Do you Believe?" When we pray and when we read the word of God, each moment is another opportunity to ask ourselves will we believe what God has spoken.  IN this third message of the Signs of the King series, Pastor Fikre Prince share's that signs and miracles are a part of how God reveals himself, but God is still moving even when we don't see it, and we can just trust his words.Text: John 4:46-54 Big Idea: You don't need a sign! 1.  Will you believe without conditions? (vv. 46-48) 2.  Will you ask without doubt? (vv. 49-50) 3.  Will you trust without wavering? (vv. 51-54)

Who do you turn to first when you face challenges in life? Are you unsure who you can trust? In one of the most talked about signs of his greatness Jesus responds when he is trusted with a major problem, and what he does causes many to believe in him.  In this message Pastor Fikre Prince shares that no problem is too small or too big to bring to Jesus, and if we trust him we will be surprised and blessed by the outcome.Test: John 2:1-11Big Idea: In every circumstance, always lean on Jesus.Key Question: What does it mean to lean on Jesus?1. We must come to Jesus. (vv. 1-5)2. We must fully obey Jesus. (vv. 6-8)3. We must receive the gift of Jesus. (vv. 9-11)

What are you searching for? Have you been earnestly seeking for meaning and purpose? Have you considered Jesus? People have always sought after a purpose for being and thriving, but often times have turned to temporary things to provide eternal meaning.  In this message Pastor Fikre Prince shares what happens when we bring our questions to Jesus, even our most bizare and tough thoughts.  There is an answer, and once we expereince the presence of the king, we will be filled with a joy that will make faith contagious.Text: John 1:43-51Big Idea: an invitation to investigate Jesus can lead to spiritual illuminationPt.1 Jesus responds to our questionsPt.2 Invite others to experience JesusPt.3 Jesus will reveal to you who you really are

What is intersession? What is our role in the sharing of the gospel? How do we connect with others around our common faith in Christ? in this final message of the Why Pray? series, Pastor Victor Nuwamanya affirms that prayer is a principle action of believers and one of the most important ways we can connect with God and others.  He encourages us to "bother God on behalf of someone."Text: John 17:20 - 26Big Idea: Why Pray? To Know God & Make Him KnownKey Question: What does Jesus desire for His followers?Jesus desires that we experience God's Unity (v. 20 – 23)Jesus desires that we experience God's Glory (v. 24)*Jesus desires that we experience God's Love (v. 25 - 26)*

Prayer is an awkward human expression. Apart from faith it seems to be a silly act. To the Christian though, prayer is an essential expression of belief and reliance on the God of Heaven.  The simple act of prayer is a part of our devotion to the sustaining benevolent father of creation.  In this opening message to the Why Pray? series, Pastor Fikre Prince encourages us to read through John 17 to understand the heart of Jesus through his prayer in the garden before he is crucified.Text: John 17:1-5Big Idea: Why Pray? To glorify God.Key Question: How does prayer glorify God?1.     When we acknowledge God as Father. (v. 1)2.     When we acknowledge Jesus as the Son. (vv. 2-3)3.     When we acknowledge the glory of Christ. (vv. 4-5)