The Local Church

This weekend, we looked at the baptism of Jesus in Matthew 3:13-17, when He enters the waters to symbolize bringing order to the chaos of the world. The Father in Heaven then declares His love and delight in Jesus - all before Jesus's ministry even begins. Jesus began beloved simply based on His identity as God's son; if we're in Him, so do we. If we begin beloved, how does the way we...

Research shows that the majority of Americans don't enjoy and aren't satisfied by our jobs. Dr. Conrad of the GLR challenges us - what would happen if we allowed God to move us into the other camp? To do this we must understand that all ethical work is sacred and deeply matters to God; and that we are ambassadors of Jesus in the workplace. --- Join us for service online or in-person in Gra...

This weekend we're learning from Moses - specifically, from the end of his life in Deuteronomy 34. This text brings up a scary possibility that we could work long and hard toward a dream, and at the end, God might say we won't see it finished. But notice that Moses didn't plead with God to allow him into the Promised Land. Might it be that after his long life with God, he realized that...

In John 14:6-7, Jesus makes what is perhaps his most counter-cultural "I Am" statement. As "the way, the truth and the life", Jesus doesn't just show us the way to the Father - He IS the way to the Father. As His followers, we must be obedient to His way and connected to His truth in order to bring about His life. And as we share this with others, we have the privilege to u...

Have you ever felt like your life isn't producing the fruit you thought it would? In John 15, we see Jesus describe himself to his disciples as the "true vine". He says that remaining in Him - abiding with Him - is the key to living a fruitful life that glorifies the Father. How do you sense He wants you to draw closer to Him in this season? --- Join us for service online or in-perso...

There is a strange and compelling power of Jesus's sacrificial and all-encompassing love. This beauty is what Jesus is referring to when, in John 10, he calls himself "the good shepherd". As His sheep, we should emulate Him in laying down our lives for others. --- Join us for service online or in-person in Grand Rapids every Sunday at 8:30, 9:45 & 11:15AM (EST). Decided to follow...

Might pursuing a life of safety on our own hold us back from experiencing the life God has for us? Many of us think that we can create a life of safety and security through our own means. With enough planning and smart decisions, we will be safe. But in John 10, Jesus tells us that He is the shepherd who we go through for refuge and protection in the world. In week 4 of our "I Am" series...

We continue our i am series by looking at another one of Jesus’ statements and the story that it is embedded in. Jesus is the light of the world. His proclamation of this and the response that followed offers us the chance to reassess our source(s) of light and invites us to surrender to Jesus for true fulfillment. -- Join us for service online or in-person in Grand Rapids every Sunday at 8:30, 9:...

While we wrestle with the disappointment of a different offer being accepted on a building we continue to feel like God has for us, the Bible encourages us to bring those to God and remember God’s mighty works. Our birthday presented the perfect opportunity for that. -- Join us for service online or in-person in Grand Rapids every Sunday at 8:30, 9:45 & 11:15AM (EST). Decided to follow Jesus?...

Together, we focus on Jesus’ proclamation, "I am the bread of life". This statement from Jesus draws parallels to the Old Testament story of the Israelites' exodus and invites anyone who hears it to go beyond seeking material or political gains and instead receive Jesus as the true source of eternal life and fulfillment. -- Join us for service online or in-person in Grand Rapids ever...

Kicking off our series I AM, we're examining 7 of Jesus's "I am" statements found through scripture. On Easter Sunday, we see the truth that Jesus IS the resurrection and the life as we read the story of Lazarus being raised from death. -- Join us for service online or in-person in Grand Rapids every Sunday at 8:30, 9:45 & 11:15AM (EST). Decided to follow Jesus? We would love...

We conclude our Victories & Valleys series by looking at the last written words of David. Who is suitable to serve as a king? David’s final words focus on righteousness, justice, and the fear of God while emphasizing David's acknowledgement of needing transformation. -- Join us for service online or in-person in Grand Rapids every Sunday at 8:30, 9:45 & 11:15AM (EST). Decided to follow...

The story of David and Absalom is a story which highlights the need to heed God's warnings and avoid taking matters into our own hands. It highlights the importance of accountability, resisting temptation, and establishing checks and balances in our lives. We need to seek God's help, genuine community, and accountability to prevent falling into the traps of sin and rebellion. -- Join us fo...

Mephibosheth highlights David's countercultural act of grace, emphasizing God's pursuit of us and the importance of extending grace to others. We read about David's restoration of Mephibosheth and God's promise to make all things new. -- Join us for service online or in-person in Grand Rapids every Sunday at 8:30, 9:45 & 11:15AM (EST). Decided to follow Jesus? We would love to...

In 2 Samuel 11 we read the deepest darkest moment in the life of David. It’s a moment that, if we let it, can serve as a mirror to our brokenness and desperate need for God’s grace. -- Join us for service online or in-person in Grand Rapids every Sunday at 8:30, 9:45 & 11:15AM (EST). Decided to follow Jesus? We would love to help you figure out what's next! Let us know at https://bit.ly/TL...

God’s covenant with David speaks volumes about who David was, but even more so about who God is. In David’s response, we see a model of response that should be reflected in our own lives. -- Join us for service online or in-person in Grand Rapids every Sunday at 8:30, 9:45 & 11:15AM (EST). Decided to follow Jesus? We would love to help you figure out what's next! Let us know at https://bit...

As the Ark of the Covenant was brought into Jerusalem, David makes a fool of himself and dances before it and the Lord. Instead of being ashamed of it, David, and the Lord, is proud of his declaration and boldness. It causes us to pause and ask the question, how are we willing to look foolish to honor God? -- Join us for service online or in-person in Grand Rapids every Sunday at 8:30, 9:45 &...

Two moments conclude the feud between David and Saul. The difference between them was closely connected to who they were listening to. David was listening to the voice of the Lord; Saul was listening to the voice of others. This causes us to ponder a pretty pointed and obvious question: whose voice are we listening to? -- Join us for service online or in-person in Grand Rapids every Sunday at 8:30...

We chat about Toran's sabbatical, church planting, and our current space.

Have you ever wanted something that others seemed to be getting but you weren’t? The story of Saul and his envy is an odd one. For three chapters there is no mention of God. The evil and envious spirit of Saul infects and destroys Saul and everything around him. For David, what God wanted and God’s timing was more important than any position.

1 Samuel 17 holds the familiar story of David and Goliath. The young shepherd boy, David, heard and saw the same things that terrified the Israelite king and soldiers, but he responded with confidence in God's victory. When we trust what God has said about our future, we can be unafraid in the present; when we know God's heart through the Spirit, we can see with eyes of faith - just like D...

In 1 Samuel 8, we get a glimpse of what's to come in the story of David's life - of a human king who will fall short. But if we get distracted by his shortcomings, we will miss the point: that King Jesus is a king who doesn't take, but gives, and refuses to give up on His people.

At the start of the year, it's good to examine our priorities. How do we align these priorities with those of Jesus. Priorities of justice, mercy, and faithfulness?

As we move into 2024, how do we continue to "strengthen our roots" in Jesus? Following the outline in Colossians 2:6-7, consider memorizing scripture, writing a daily note of gratitude, and getting involved in biblical community.

The biggest gift isn't always the BEST gift.