Oak Pointe Church • Novi

The Spirit’s Help in Persecution Teacher: Brent Buttermore, Outreach Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 16:1-11 On July 4, 1918, combined U.S. and Australian infantry marched into battle at the French town of Le Hamel against a German force that outnumbered them 5 to 1. Under the leadership of Lieutenant General John Monash, the Allied forces secured a decisive, and certainly remarkable, victory aga...

The World’s Hatred Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 15:18-27 In two weeks, our nation will commemorate St. Patrick’s Day, but amid the leprechauns, shamrocks, and corned beef, does anyone remember what we’re celebrating? Maewyn Succat, later known as St. Patrick, was born in Britain in the fourth century A.D. Shortly before Patrick turned 16, his family’s villa was attac...

Spiritual Fruit that Lasts Teacher: Blaine Dennison: Congregational Care Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 15:9-17 Have you ever placed your go-to order from a restaurant, only to be disappointed? In 2021, fast food giant Taco Bell experienced a widespread shortage of multiple ingredients—including chicken, beef, beans, and its signature hot sauce. The floundering supply chain led once-loyal custom...

The Vine and the Branches Teacher: Pastor Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 15:1-8 Since ancient times, sieges have been used by military forces to weaken and subdue their enemies. Victims are cut off from essential supplies, while their attacker counts down the days to their eventual surrender. The effectiveness of a siege lies in its exploitation of basic human needs: a war-torn...

What the World Does Not Have Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 14:22-31 Since its Broadway premiere in 1977, Annie has charmed and delighted audiences worldwide. From the stage to the silver screen, the heartwarming story of Annie’s transformation from a penniless orphan to a beloved, billionaire daughter has been told time-and-again. Annie’s rise from “the hard knock lif...

Divine Life, Divine Love John 14:12-21 Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church The goal of every great leader is for those who follow to one day surpass them. It’s this principle that motivates coaches to raise up star athletes, the C-Suite to invest in up-and-coming talent, and parents to give their kids every chance at a better life. From families to Fortune 500 companies, we stri...

Overcoming a Troubled Heart Teacher: Caleb Middleton, Middle School Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 14:1-11 Whether the terror of 9/11, the desperation of the Great Recession, or the hysteria of the COVID-19 pandemic, the generations that make up our church today have known hardship. We’ve known grief. We’ve known fear. And that’s not to mention the storms raging in our personal lives—from broken...

Urgent Hour, New Love Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 13:31–38 Few things get fans riled up like a debate over the GOAT. Recognition as the Greatest Of All Time has become one of the most sought-after titles in professional sports, where athletes dedicate their lives to reaching new heights. 2023 marked a historic year as LeBron James shattered Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s 38-...

Love Betrayed Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 13:18-30 Immortalized by Shakespeare’s, “Et tu, Brute?” the assassination of Julius Caesar by his own nephew, Marcus Junius Brutus, is perhaps one of the most infamous betrayals in human history. Brutus is joined in the annals of history by such villains as Revolutionary War traitor Benedict Arnold and US Navyman-turned-USSR...

Love Demonstrated Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 13:1-17 Jennifer Garner made headlines this fall when a paparazzo captured a touching moment between the millionaire actress and a man experiencing homelessness. While passing out bags of basic necessities, Garner noticed a man without any socks or shoes. Moved, she leaned down, took off her own socks and shoes, and hand...

The God of the Year Teacher: Brent Buttermore, Missions / Outreach Pastor at Oak Pointe Church Zechariah 3:1-5; Job; Luke 23:32-43. With 2024 peeking its head around the corner, it’s the time of year when millions of Americans form their New Year’s resolutions. Research shows that saving more money is a top priority for many in the year ahead, along with reducing work stress and spending less time...

Veiled in Flesh Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 1:14 Each Christmas seems to be even bigger and brighter than the one before. Advertisers vie for our attention through eye-catching displays, larger-than-life decorations, and – most of all – same-day shipping. And the $960 billion projected in holiday spending says they’ve got our attention. The question is, in the haze...

Fullness of Grace Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 1:15-18 For many, the Christmas season wouldn’t be complete without re-runs of timeless holiday films. Beyond the well-loved scenes of wintry weather and family festivities, you might be surprised at what many of these classics have in common: a second chance. From “It’s a Wonderful Life” to “A Christmas Carol,” there’s...

True Light Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 1:6-13 “A person, device, or event which resembles what an individual or a group might be looking for, but it is only meant to lure them.” Historians estimate that decoys were invented as early as 2500 BC, when Egyptians placed clay ducks in the Nile River to bait and capture birds. Since that time, decoys have become a trusted...

True Life Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 1:1-5 Aptly abbreviated SAD, seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression noted for its recurrence each fall. At the turn of the season, millions begin to suffer chronic fatigue, feelings of hopelessness, and even thoughts of self-harm. What could cause such an epidemic? Darkness. As more and more daytime is shrouded in d...

The God Who Opens Doors of Faith Teacher: Blaine Dennison, Multiethnic & Congregational Care Pastor at Oak Pointe Church Acts 14:21-28 Walt Disney’s first animation company bankrupted, Steve Jobs was ousted from Apple, and J.K. Rowling’s first manuscript was rejected by 12 different publishers. But that’s not where their stories ended, is it? These wildly successful people all have one thing i...

Unstoppable but Uncomfortable Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church Acts 14:8-20 Celebrated as one of history’s greatest motivational speakers, the inspiring words of renowned author and orator Zig Ziglar have reached millions. Among dozens of books and countless speeches, perhaps one of Ziglar’s most prominent quotes is the oft-repeated, “It’s not going to be easy. It’s going to...

Preaching the Gospel without Words? Teacher: Pastor Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church Acts 14:1-7 In the thick of a fallout with longtime bandmate and co-writer Mick Jagger, Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards released his first-ever solo album in 1988. The title? Talk is Cheap. The album struck a chord with listeners across the US and UK, where it topped charts and amassed gold-re...

Gospel Reactions Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church Acts 13:42-52 Black licorice, bleu cheese, Brussels sprouts – what do they all have in common? You love it or you hate it. Let’s face it – when it comes to anchovies on pizza, there’s really no middle ground. And the Gospel is no different. Join us this Sunday as our newest message, “Gospel Reactions,” gives us a taste of the...

God’s Ultimate Work Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church Acts 13:26-41 Renowned today as the Father of Invention, Thomas Edison was not always so celebrated. In fact, in 1878, Edison’s work was deemed “unworthy of the attention of practical or scientific men” by a very unimpressed British Parliament Committee. Within the year, however, Edison’s scoffers would be silenced by the r...

The Search for Salvation Teacher - Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church Acts 13:13-25 “X” marks the spot. Throughout history, adventure-seekers have devoted their lives to the hunt for lost treasure. Even from childhood, we’re captivated by tales of their perilous journeys through jungles and across seas in search of something extraordinary. Like the great treasure-hunters of old, we all...

Into Enemy Territory Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church Acts 13:4-12 The first American soldiers to traverse the jungles of Vietnam had no idea what awaited them. Sent deep into remote areas of the country, these men were blind to the now-infamous “booby traps” that would injure and kill countless of them. As followers of Christ in a world that’s rejected Him, we ourselves have...

A Sending Church Teacher: Adam Mashni, High School Pastor at Oak Pointe Church Acts 12:25-13:3 What do a professional racecar driver, NBA point guard, and NFL quarterback all have in common? Sponsors. From Nike’s swoosh to Red Bull’s wings, the biggest stars rep the biggest brands. Stadiums are filled with the supersized logos and famous one-liners of the corporations that make these big-name athl...

Pride Falls Teacher: Caleb Middleton - Middle School Pastor at Oak Pointe Church Acts 12:20-24 “Pride is like bad breath – everyone else around you knows when you have it.” As we read these famed words by C.S. Lewis, we can all think of someone who gives off the “stench” of pride – maybe a coworker, relative, or the chair of your HOA – but did you ever stop to ask what others smell on you? Join us...

Happy Interruptions Acts 12:6-19 Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor of Oak Pointe Church “An unsuspected turn of events that completely changes the outcome from the direction it was likely to go” Few things captivate an audience like a plot twist. Who doesn’t love that mind-blowing, never-saw-it-coming feeling they get when the same-old story takes a staggering turn? As we continue our series “Agai...