Summit Church Sermons

Why does Christianity sometimes seem like a religion of rules when the gospel is about grace? In 1 John 5:3–5, Pastor Catlan explains why God’s commands are not burdensome. Through biblical example and personal reflection he shows that true obedience is a matter of loving God, loving others, and doing what pleases our Lord.

Why does the Bible speak of being born of God? In 1 John 5:1-2, Pastor Catlan explains that faith in Jesus as the promised Christ is evidence of new spiritual life, that God is the giver of that spiritual new birth. The message searches the consequence of new birth, loving others by loving God and obeying Him.

What does true repentance look like when guilt weighs heavily on us? With Psalm 51, Pastor Spencer traces David's response to his sin; explaining transgression, sin, and iniquity while showing why our wrongdoing is ultimately against God. He points to confession and God's mercy as the road from discipline and misery to cleansing, restoration, and renewed joy.

What makes Christian community both good and pleasant? Preaching from Psalm 133, Pastor Catlan unpacks the images of Aaron’s anointing oil and the dew of Mount Hermon to show that unity among believers is a blessing that flows from God, brings abundant joy, and joins different members into one body. Even when community can feel awkward or unfamiliar at first, Christians were never meant to follow...

How should Christians live as citizens of heaven while surrounded by the “Babylon” of a fallen world? Preaching from Psalm 137, Pastor Catlan traces Israel’s grief in exile to the Christian’s longing for Zion, challenging us to treasure Christ above this world, honestly lament evil, love sinners without accepting sin, and trust God’s righteous judgment.

What does it look like to truly love because God first loved us? From 1 John 4:19–21, Pastor Catlan shows how Christ’s love becomes our motive, our example, and the cause of our ability to love. He challenges believers to put that love into action through generosity, reconciliation, and meaningful participation in the life of the church.

How can we face the day of judgment with confidence instead of fear? In 1 John 4:17–18, Pastor Catlan explains that God’s perfected love produces assurance as it bears fruit in genuine believers. As we know and live out His mercy, generosity, and love, we understand His character more deeply and can rest in Christ without fear of punishment.

Is God’s love in you? In 1 John 4:16, Pastor Catlan explains that being “in” God is not about being inside a place, but being so saturated and enveloped by Him that His presence affects our entire lives. As we know and believe God’s love, that love bears recognizable fruit in us—becoming increasingly sacrificial, persistent, and unconditional toward others.

What is your faith based on? In this sermon on 1 John 4:13-15 Pastor Catlan unpacks a scriptural foundation for knowing that God is in us.

How should Christians share the gospel with a culture that rejects God? Pastor Spencer concludes this series by examining Paul’s message in Acts 17:24-31. Paul clearly presents God as Creator, Sustainer, Sovereign, and Seeker before calling everyone to repent and believe in Jesus or be judged. Faithful gospel witness must ultimately lead people to Jesus and the resurrection.

How can Christians connect with people who hold different beliefs without compromising the truth? Teaching from Acts 17:22-31, Pastor Spencer examines how Paul contextualized his message while still confronting the Athenians’ false worship. Paul reveals that their gods were too small and proclaims the one true God who created everything and can be personally known.

How should Christians respond to a culture filled with false beliefs and spiritual darkness? Preaching from Acts 17:16–18, Pastor Spencer examines Paul’s response to the idolatry of Athens. Rather than withdrawing in anger, believers should allow righteous concern to move them toward lost people, engaging them with compassion and boldly proclaiming Jesus and the resurrection.

What is a Christian’s responsibility after meeting Jesus? In Mark 5:1–20, Pastor Catlan examines Jesus’ deliverance of a tormented man and His command to return home and share the mercy he had received. Every believer is called to make Christ known, whether God sends us far away or keeps us among our own people.

How does Jesus satisfy the deepest hunger of the soul? In John 6:35–40, Pastor Catlan proclaims Jesus as the Bread of Life who gives true life, draws sinners to Himself, and never casts out those who come to Him. Because Christ sustains and raises His people, believers can rest in God’s sovereignty and live for the last day.

How is God’s love perfected in His people? In 1 John 4:11–12, Pastor Catlan shows that believers are truly beloved because Jesus gave Himself for us. God’s perfect love does not stop with us; it abides in us, is perfected in us, and moves us to love one another.

What is perfect love? In this sermon from 1 John 4:9–10, Pastor Catlan shows that God revealed His love by sending His only Son into our wicked world, giving eternal life through Him, and calling those who have tasted His love to sacrificially live for His glory.

What does it mean to love like God loves? In this sermon on 1 John 4:7–8, Pastor Catlan shows that love is not ours to redefine because love comes from God and God is love. Those who know Him are called to receive His love, form accountable relationships, and love even the difficult and undeserving.

Are Christians wiser than unsaved people? Preaching from 1 John 4:5-6, Pastor Catlan explains the difference between the main sources of wisdom, the world and the Bible. Through biblical examples and modern comparisons, he calls believers to listen to God’s Word and be compassionate to those who are from the world.

What gives believers confidence to stand firm against the lies of the world? Preaching from 1 John 4:4, Pastor Catlan reminds the church that they are God’s little children, from Him and strengthened by Him. Because God is greater than the enemy, His people have already overcome false teaching and can define victory by nearness and fruitfulness to Christ.

How do God’s people remember the Lord when His blessings become familiar? In Deuteronomy 8, Pastor Spencer calls the church to resist spiritual forgetfulness by remembering God’s provision, discipline, and faithfulness. From Israel’s memorial stones to Memorial Day, this sermon points us to humble gratitude and faithful worship.

How do we remember what God has done without making it about us? Preaching from Joshua 3, Pastor Catlan reflects on Israel crossing the Jordan and setting memorial stones to God’s glory. As Summit Church celebrates one year, this sermon remembers twelve works of God’s faithfulness and calls the church to keep trusting Him.

How do we test the spirit's? In 1 John 4:1–3, Pastor Catlan shows that those outside the family of God are not merely mistaken, but under the blinding power of Satan. Because of this spiritual danger, believers must “test for genuineness,” measuring every spirit and message by the truth of Jesus Christ.

What is the real danger of false spirits? In this sermon, Pastor Catlan opens 1 John 4:1, showing that God lovingly warns His people not to believe every spirit. False teachers and falsehoods about Jesus are real hazards, so the church must stay rooted in God’s Word and alert to deception.

What does true greatness look like in the kingdom of God? In this sermon, Pastor Catlan preaches from Matthew 20:20–28, showing that Jesus overturns worldly ideas of power and leadership. Because Christ came not to be served but to serve, His people—including elders and deacons—are called to follow Him in humble, sacrificial service.

What does it mean to live a life worthy of the gospel in the face of opposition? In this sermon, Pastor Spencer unpacks Philippians 1:27–30, calling believers to stand firm in unity, strive together in faith, and embrace both belief and suffering for Christ as evidence of God’s saving work in and through them.