Onward Community Church

On Christmas Eve, we were reminded that God always keeps His promises—if He said it, He will do it. In a world full of temporary fixes and unmet longings, we looked again to the truth that only Jesus can truly satisfy the soul. Scriptures: Matthew 2:4-6, John 6:35

We need light because without it we stumble, lose direction, and settle into chaos. The light doesn't just help us see where we're going—it reveals who we are becoming. Jesus is the Light who guides us out of darkness, reshaping our hearts and leading us into purposeful, kingdom-centered living Scriptures: Luke 1:76-79, John 8: 12-14

Friendship with Jesus means He is present with us in every moment, meeting us in exactly the way we need—not distant or conditional, but constant and faithful. Where we often get it wrong is reducing that friendship to feelings or emotional highs, when real friendship with Jesus is built on trust and surrender. True friendship with Jesus always leads to transformation, shaping who we are, how we l...

Humility grows out of true JOY—putting Jesus first, others second, and yourself last. When our hearts are ordered this way, we reflect the self-giving love of Christ and discover the freedom and joy that come from living beyond ourselves. Scriptures:  Phillipians 2:5-11, Hebrews 4:15, 1 Corinthians 4:1-4

As we begin the Advent season, we remember that we are citizens, not the King. Too often we climb onto a throne that isn't ours, trying to rule our own lives. But Advent invites us to step down from the throne and let the King be King. When we shift our identity from king to citizen , we find the freedom, peace, and joy that come from living under the reign of the One who has come — and is coming...

God is our Creator—the One who shapes our identity and gives us worth. Made in His image, we reflect His character and carry His imprint wherever we go. And because He created us with purpose, our lives are meant to display His glory and join His work in the world. Scriptures : Psalm 139: 12-17, Genesis 1:26-27

In a world that trains us to grab power and protect ourselves first, Jesus flips the script. In Mark 10:42–45, He shows that true greatness isn't found in being served but in serving. Moving from selfish to servant begins when we follow His example—laying down our preferences, lifting up others, and choosing the cross-shaped path where love leads and pride dies. Scripture:  Mark 10:42-45

Ruth 4 shows the beautiful redemption of Ruth through Boaz — a kinsman-redeemer who restores her future and name. But it points to a greater Redeemer. Jesus is the greater Boaz — He frees us from our sin and frees us for Himself, bringing us into His family and securing our eternal redemption. Scriptures: Ruth 4: 9-17, 1 Peter 1: 18-19, Mark 10:45, Titus 2: 14, 1 Peter 2:9

God's providence invites our participation. Ruth steps out in faith, acting with courage and humility, while trusting God to do what only He can. It's a picture of how obedience and divine provision work hand in hand—our faithful steps align with His faithful plan. Scriptures: Ruth 3: 1-18

Self-Control: Mastery over self for the sake of love and holiness. It's not about willpower alone, but about surrender—letting the Spirit rule our impulses, desires, and reactions so that love leads and holiness marks our lives. Scriptures:  Galatians 5: 22-23, Proverbs 25:28, Titus 2:11-12

Today in our Life Worth Living series, we're looking at Kindness and Gentleness—two fruits of the Spirit that reflect the heart of Christ. Kindness is undeserved action that meets real needs. Gentleness is strength wielded for the good of others, especially the weak, the wrong, and the wounded. Today, we'll see kindness and gentleness in Christ, and how His Spirit grows kindness and gentleness in...

Faithfulness, a fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5, is steadfast loyalty to God and dependable care for others.  Loyalty means a long obedience in the same direction—staying true to God's Word and ways over time.  Dependability means doing what you said you would do—living with integrity so others can count on you.  Shaped by the Spirit, this kind of faithfulness reflects the unwavering heart of C...

Goodness isn't something we can manufacture—it flows from God's own heart. On our own, we can't live truly good lives. But God did what we never could: through Jesus, He gave us a new nature. Now the Spirit grows His goodness in us, so that what once felt impossible becomes the natural overflow of a life made new. Scripture: Micah 6:6-8, Romans 3: 10-12, Matthew 22: 37-40

After hearing of John the Baptist's death, Jesus withdrew by boat to be alone with the Father—but when the crowds followed, He stepped back into ministry with compassion. In the same way, when the world feels heavy and the week has been intense, God invites us to first draw near to Him, to be strengthened in His presence. From that place of renewal we can love in truth and stand firm against the e...

Patience is trusting God in the waiting. Our role is to lean on Him instead of forcing our own way, while the Spirit shapes us to endure with peace and hope. Patience looks like faith in action—loving, enduring, and holding on to God's promises even when the outcome isn't clear. Scripture: Galatians 5:22, James 5: 7-11

Peace is a part of Jesus' character that the Holy Spirit is developing in every Christian. It's not dependent on what's happening around us but is rooted in God's unchanging presence. This peace was secured through Jesus and grows as we learn to surrender and trust Him. The Spirit's work in us is to shape our hearts so that Christ's peace becomes evident in our lives and overflows to others.

Today we begin a brand-new sermon series on the Fruit of the Spirit from Galatians 5 called A Life Worth Living. We start with the first two fruits—love and joy. Love is the foundation on which everything else is built, and a life worth living is rooted in God's love. From that love flows true joy—a deep satisfaction found not in circumstances, but in our relationship with Him. Scripture: Galatian...

Our Lord Jesus came not to be served, but to serve. He knelt to wash His disciples' feet, showing the depth of His humility and love, reminding them that they were already completely clean. He calls His followers to do the same—serving others with that same spirit of humble obedience. Scriptures : John 13: 1-15

As we conclude our time in Jonah, chapter 4 reveals a powerful truth: Feelings change, but God's character does not. While Jonah wrestles with frustration and anger, God remains patient, compassionate, and consistent—offering grace not just to Nineveh, but to Jonah too. Scriptures:  Jonah 4

Jonah 3 shows that a right relationship with God begins with repentance. God uses a rescued messenger with a simple message to spark the right response—turning hearts back to Him. Scripture:  Jonah 3

Today, we dive into Jonah 2 and wrestle with the powerful truths of this remarkable story. As we closely examine Jonah's journey, his confession, and his prayer, we seek to apply its timeless lessons to our daily lives. Scripture: Jonah 2

A right relationship with God requires running toward repentance, not away from it. Disobedience is costly, and since God is in control, our faith should reflect trust, surrender, and alignment with His will. Scripture: Jonah 1

1 Timothy 6 teaches that greed distorts godliness, turning faith into a tool for personal gain. It robs us of true contentment and traps us in endless striving. Paul reminds us that we came with nothing and leave with nothing. The way to fight greed is through generosity, which frees our hearts and realigns us with what truly matters. Scripture:  1 Timothy 6

The Church holds a unique calling to care for people, embodying God's unmatched love and grace. In 1 Timothy 5, Paul offers clear and practical instructions on how this care should be lived out within the Church family. Scriptures:  1 Timothy 5

In 1 Timothy 4, Paul reminds us that being a good servant of Christ Jesus means staying anchored in truth, consistently training in godliness, and faithfully teaching others. This passage calls us to spiritual discipline and devotion that leads to lasting impact. Scripture:  1 Timothy 4