Sermons
Messages based on God's Word.
Hosanna
April 13, 2025 • Pastor Travis Voeltz • Luke 19:28–40
In this powerful exploration of Palm Sunday, we're invited to reflect on the paradoxical nature of faith and human behavior. The scripture from Luke 19:28-40 paints a vivid picture of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem, with crowds shouting 'Hosanna!' – a cry for salvation. Yet, we're reminded how quickly these same voices turned to shouts of 'Crucify him!' This stark contrast serves as a mirror to our own lives, where mountaintop experiences of faith can swiftly give way to moments of doubt or betrayal. The message challenges us to examine the authenticity of our praise and the depth of our need for a Savior. Are we, like those in Jerusalem, quick to celebrate Jesus one moment and forget Him the next? This Palm Sunday reflection calls us to honest self-examination and renewed commitment to living out our faith, even in the face of life's challenges and distractions.
What if Jesus Returned Tomorrow?
Pastor Travis Voeltz • 2 Corinthians 5:16–21
Do you ever feel like you need a do-over? This video explores the powerful message of 2 Corinthians 5:16-21, focusing on transformation, reconciliation, and our role as ambassadors for Christ. We start with a funny story about selfishness (and a Seinfeld reference! 😉) to highlight our human tendency to put ourselves first. But the good news is that God offers us a radical change of heart! In this video, we'll unpack: What it means to see others (and ourselves) through God's eyes, not worldly standards How Jesus makes us a "new creation" and leaves the past behind God's incredible act of reconciliation – making peace with us through Jesus Our calling to be ambassadors for Christ, sharing the message of reconciliation with others The amazing truth that Jesus took our sin so we could have God's righteousness! Practical ways to live out your faith and represent Christ in your daily life (it's easier than you think!) If you're feeling far from God or want to deepen your understanding of your mission as a believer, this message is for you! 🙏 Let us know how this message resonates with you! And don't forget to look through the app for more inspiring content!
Who Are We Listening To?
March 2, 2025 • Pastor Marty Toepke-Floyd • Luke 9:28–36
In a world filled with countless voices vying for our attention, we're reminded of the transformative power of truly listening to Jesus. The Transfiguration story from Luke 9:28-36 serves as a powerful backdrop, emphasizing the divine command: 'This is my chosen son. Listen to him.' This message challenges us to cut through the noise of our modern lives and focus on Christ's teachings. We're encouraged to dive deep into the Gospels, not just to hear, but to actively listen and apply Jesus' words. The sermon draws a crucial distinction between merely hearing and truly listening, urging us to concentrate on Christ's sometimes difficult teachings about love, forgiveness, and selfless service. As we navigate our faith journey, we're called to embody these teachings, transforming our world one act of compassion at a time.
Jesus' Mic Drop
January 26, 2025 • Pastor Travis Voeltz • Luke 4:14–21
The sermon explored Jesus' powerful announcement of His ministry in Luke 4:14-21. "Christianity" is what we call it today following Jesus' appearance and preaching of God's kingdom. We delved into the significance of Jesus reading from Isaiah and declaring the fulfillment of Scripture. This moment marked the public inauguration of Jesus' earthly ministry and highlighted the core of Christianity - Jesus as the Messiah and His gospel message of salvation for sinners. The sermon emphasized how this applies to our lives today, reminding us that Jesus came for all of us, offering hope, freedom, and transformation. Takeaways: Jesus is the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy and the answer to all our spiritual needs. The good news of Jesus is for everyone - the poor, the captives, the blind, and the oppressed, both literally and spiritually. As Christians, we are called to use our voices and platforms to share the transformative message of Jesus with others. As we go about our week, let's remember that we each have a voice and a platform. Instead of pushing human agendas, let's use our influence to point others to Jesus - the way, the truth, and the life. Whether through starting meaningful conversations, living by example, or sharing our personal testimonies, we can all play a part in spreading the good news. May we be encouraged and empowered to share Christ's love and truth with those around us.
Dreams & Revelations
January 19, 2025 • Pastor Marty Toepke-Floyd • Isaiah 62:1–5, John 2:1–11
In this powerful message, we explore the transformative power of God's promises and the beauty of divine revelation. The prophet Isaiah's passionate words remind us that God is tirelessly working for our vindication and salvation, even when circumstances seem bleak. Just as fog obscures our view but eventually lifts, so too will God's glory be revealed in our lives. The story of Jesus turning water into wine at the wedding in Cana serves as a profound symbol of how God can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary in our lives. This miracle, rich in symbolism, invites us to consider how Christ can change our 'dry hearts into fruitful lives.' As we reflect on these scriptures, we're challenged to maintain hope and trust in God's timing, even when His work isn't immediately visible. How might we cultivate patience and faith in our own lives, trusting that God is actively working for our good?
Tag in Jesus
January 12, 2025 • Pastor Travis Voeltz • Luke 3:15–17, Luke 3:21–22
In this powerful message, we're reminded of the profound significance of Jesus' baptism and its implications for our own spiritual journey. The central scripture focuses on John the Baptist preparing the way for Christ, emphasizing the stark difference between John's baptism with water and Jesus' baptism with the Holy Spirit and fire. This pivotal moment in biblical history reveals Jesus' willingness to identify with sinners, despite His own perfection. As we reflect on this, we're challenged to consider our own attempts to 'earn' our way to God, and the futility of such efforts. The imagery of wheat and chaff serves as a poignant reminder of the ultimate judgment we all face. Yet, in this sobering reality, we find hope in Jesus' role as our perfect replacement, standing in our place and accompanying us through life's challenges. This message calls us to 'tag in Jesus,' recognizing our need for His grace and presence in every aspect of our lives.
Presents Matter, But Not as Much as Presence
January 5, 2025 • Pastor Marty Toepke-Floyd • Matthew 2:1–12
In this powerful reflection on Matthew 2:1-12, we're invited to explore the profound journey of the Magi and its relevance to our own faith. The story of these wise men from the East reminds us that the greatest gift we can offer is our presence and devotion. Just as the Magi traveled great distances to worship the Christ child, we too are called to go the extra mile in our spiritual lives. Their journey teaches us that encountering Christ requires personal commitment and effort, but the reward is immeasurable. The contrast between King Herod's fear-driven response and the Magi's faith-filled adoration challenges us to examine our own hearts. Are we willing to humble ourselves and recognize the divine in unexpected places? This message encourages us to seek Christ in the faces of others, especially those who are vulnerable or marginalized. As we reflect on this timeless story, we're reminded that true worship isn't about the material gifts we bring, but about offering ourselves wholly to God.
Rejoice in the Lord: Finding Peace Amidst Anxiety
December 15, 2024 • Pastor Travis Voeltz • Philippians 4:4–7
In a world where corporate giants are desperately trying to sell us happiness through products like 'toilet bombs', we're reminded of a timeless truth from Paul's letter to the Philippians. 'Rejoice in the Lord always,' he writes, even from a Roman prison. This powerful message challenges us to find our joy not in circumstances, but in our unshakeable relationship with Christ. We're called to let our gentleness be known to everyone, even the most difficult people in our lives, because 'the Lord is at hand.' This isn't just about being nice; it's about reflecting God's character in our interactions. As we face anxiety and stress, we're encouraged to turn to prayer and thanksgiving, allowing God's peace to guard our hearts and minds. This peace surpasses all understanding, offering us a profound sense of calm amidst life's storms. How might our lives change if we truly embraced this joyful, gentle, and peace-filled approach to life?