With so much debate, noise, arguing, and social media trolls, it’s easy to get caught up with being sidetracked by things that ultimately don’t matter and actually cause harm. It is not an exclusively 21st century problem. The early church wrestled with getting distracted by petty issues that only served to cause division and damage the Gospel. How…

Why is change so hard? Many of us wonder, if Jesus saved me, why don’t I see real change? The gospel isn’t just the ABCs of faith; it’s the A to Z, meant to transform every part of us. Titus 3:3-7 shows that true transformation goes beyond behavior modification—it’s about gospel change. Our justification and sanctification are by Jesus’ grace alone…

Par Pete Geiger

What motivates you to be a better person? It is an important question, especially if you already know you are forgiven by Jesus and are destined for Heaven. It is a question that has been asked since the earliest days of the Church and in the earliest writings of the New Testament. In the search for an answer, how do you avoid the danger of legalis…

Have you every been around someone who makes you feel good and inspires you just by there presence? On the other hand have you ever been around someone whose very presence puts you on edge or makes you cautious? In both cases you are experiencing the power of personal presence. In Jesus we have the very presence of God powerfully demonstrated for u…

How would you feel if something you thought was priceless turned out to be a complete fake? That’s the danger Paul warns against in Titus—people falling for a counterfeit gospel that promises much but is ultimately empty. The same threat is real today—whether it’s self-righteous rule-keeping or the promise of freedom in rule-breaking, any of us can…

How do we navigate the cultural storms swirling around us? Polarizing views blow in every direction, creating chaos and uncertainty. In the midst of it all, how do we remain faithful to Jesus—in our homes, in the church, and in the world? Join us as we journey through the New Testament book of Titus to discover what it means to reflect the characte…

This sermon concludes our exploration of 2 Corinthians 8 and 9, where Paul calls the Corinthian church to embrace generosity. As if catching his breath, he ends with an outburst of praise and gratitude: "Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift!" (2 Cor. 9:15). Here, Paul lifts our gaze, reminding us that our giving is but a faint reflection of …

Have you ever felt obligated to give something to someone? Have you ever felt pressured to make a contribution or donation? That is just not enjoyable. On the flip side, have you ever been excited to give someone a gift, and the giving of it made you feel good? Have you ever given someone a gift, and their face lit up with joy, and then yours did, …

Why do we do what we do? Why do we want what we want? Motivation. As we continue in our stewardship series, we will discover the biblical motivation for generosity. Paul writes, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” (2 Cor. 8:9) Whe…

“It’s not important who does the planting or watering. What matters is that God makes the seed grow“ (1 Cor. 3:7). At OCC, we’ve seen incredible growth, and we know it’s God making it happen! This growth brings joy as lives are transformed by the Gospel. It also brings new opportunities to expand our ministry and advance our vision to reach more pe…

How do you keep your life from collapsing all around you? How do you remain strong as the storms of life batter you about? The storms will come. This week, we look at how Jesus wraps up the Sermon on the Mount with a final reminder that summarizes all we have heard from Him over the previous eighteen weeks. He brings it all together, giving us what…

As we near the end of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, we confront some of His most sobering words: "I never knew you; depart from me." These words cut to the heart of what it truly means to follow Him. In this week's passage, Jesus reveals a startling reality: some, despite their knowledge, passion, and good works, will not enter the Kingdom. They call…

Prayer seems to be a universal religious practice. It also is something that few people feel as if they do well or often enough. In this weeks message we will look at some of what Jesus taught about prayer. In His words we find both encouragement and challenges that give us the tools for a deeper and more rewarding prayer life as well as answer som…

Have you ever heard a recording of your voice and found it jarring? It sounds so different from the sound in your head. To hear your own voice accurately, you need to listen closely. The same applies to our faults. We often criticize others while ignoring our own shortcomings. Jesus said, "Judge not, that you be not judged." He calls us to examine …

Ever notice the constant stream of notifications we receive every day? Imagine if we received weekly worry notifications, showing us how many hours we spent fretting—about the past, the future, and things that never happen. Jesus tells us there's nothing to worry about because it's not our kingdom, it's God's. The best part? We follow the lead of t…

Have you ever gone swimming in the ocean, only to realize you’ve drifted far from where you started? It happens in an instant, often without our notice. As followers of Jesus, we often find ourselves caught in the strong currents of material wealth and distractions, losing sight of our true treasure. Jesus said, "For where your treasure is, there y…

What was the last great meal you had? Do you remember how it tasted? The aroma? The people you shared it with? Eating is essential to being human (because, well, we need food), so why does Jesus talk about fasting in the Sermon on the Mount? Why does Jesus, himself, fast? Fasting is an ancient tradition, but it is so easily interpreted as "not eati…

We are thrilled to welcome Dela Adadevoh as our guest preacher this Sunday! Since 1980, Dela has authored several books and worked with Cru in the U.S., holding various leadership roles, including National Director of his home country of Ghana. He currently serves as the Vice President of Global Leadership. With a passion for seeing the gospel tran…

We love movies! There's nothing like a talented actor to make you laugh, scream, or cry. While these performers are perfect for the screen, Jesus has a different view of those who put on an act for Him. He calls them hypocrites. Jesus seeks authenticity in our lives, not acting. Join us this Sunday as we learn how Jesus fights for our hearts and ca…

G.K. Chesterton once wrote, "The Bible tells us to love our neighbors, and also to love our enemies; probably because generally they are the same people." So, who is your enemy? Is it the neighbor, coworker, or family member with different ideologies, or the one who mocks Christianity? We might all answer this question differently. But regardless o…

Jesus is relentless. He confronts us on our anger, lust, and now, our words. Each of us grapples with broken promises, white lies, or hurting others. This unveils our need for healing in both our hearts and speech. Amidst a sea of untruths, Jesus calls us, as Kingdom people, to speak Kingdom words—buoys of grace and truth.…

Fire can be life-giving, providing comfort and warmth in a fireplace, but it can also cause great destruction when it spreads beyond its boundaries. Sex is much like fire. In the next section of the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus confronts the powerful force of human sexuality and the destructive power of lust in our hearts. However, the gospel brings …

Par Dr. Steve Brown

What comes to mind when you hear "the law"? Order, restrictions, or breaking the rules? Probably not “flourishing” or “thriving.” Yet that's precisely why God gave us His law—so that we might live in right relationship with Him and others. There's only one problem: none of us can keep it! Enter Jesus, who came not to abolish the law but to fulfill …

Are you salty? Not in terms of your attitude, but in terms of your life? If you're a Christian, the answer is most certainly "yes." Jesus says, “You are the salt of the earth" (Matt. 5:13). Following Jesus frees us to accept this new identity. Your life brings the flavor of the Kingdom into a world that desperately needs it. Take a listen as we con…

This Sunday, we'll pick up where we left off last week, exploring some of Jesus' most profound and puzzling words—the Beatitudes. Consider, for instance, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy." Is this a tit-for-tat situation? Does it imply that if we show mercy, we'll receive God's mercy in return? How does this align with the go…

Have you ever pondered what it truly means to flourish? Amidst the clash of conflicting ideas in today's world, Jesus offers a clear path for thriving in his Kingdom. Discover how Jesus not only imparts radical wisdom on flourishing but also ignites the power within us to live it out through His gospel of radical grace. Take a listen as we explore …

It is unusual these days to see a smooth leadership transition in a church. It is also unusual, but not unheard of, that the outgoing leader stays on and takes a supportive role in the church. Yet, in the early church, the nature of mentoring/discipleship relationships, meant that it was more the norm than not. Paul's relationship with the young pa…

Ever been on a road trip with family or friends, arguing over which playlist to put on the speakers? Sometimes life with Jesus feels like listening to two competing melodies: radical grace vs. radical discipleship. Which wins? The amazing grace of the gospel or the call to obey? Find out how Jesus' final "I am” statement invites us to play both tun…

What do we do when life's unexpected punches leave us flat on the mat? How do we rise again? Where do we turn? These questions echo the experience of one family who faced the loss of their brother, Lazarus. As we journey through Jesus' "I am” statements, we encounter a story brimming with hope. This week, we are confronted with the profound truth o…

How many times have you stumbled around in the dark looking for something, or stubbed your toe on the leg of the bed in the middle of the night? Stubbing your toe in the dark is one thing. Crashing into a spiritual or emotional wall in the darkness of life is quite another. Jesus promises to be the light in such darkness. But what does that mean in…

How do we try to attain freedom in life? Usually through rebellion or religion. But Jesus tells us there is only one path to true freedom: relationship. As we explore the "I Am" statements of Jesus, we’ll see how He emphasizes that He is the doorway to this vital connection. He is the gateway to genuine freedom, where abundant life awaits! Take a l…

When you reflect on your life's journey, how do you define yourself? Is it by your job, your circumstances, or the voices within? Amidst the clamor, we often hear: "I am unsatisfied, alone, anxious, afraid. I am empty, lost, disconnected." Yet there is a stronger, eternally secure "I Am" for which we were made, which is the center of reality. The G…

Have you ever tried people watching? Jesus did. In Mark 12, we encounter a poignant story where Jesus observed a poor widow sacrificially offering two coins at the temple. He not only acknowledged her generosity but also praised her dependence on God to his disciples. Two thousand years later, this small act of radical generosity continues to inspi…

The very idea of evangelism gives some people heartburn. The thought of talking to people about deeply personal religious convictions is out of bounds for many of us. Having seen over-zealous people make a complete mess of sharing Jesus only adds to the anxiety most of us feel when it comes to telling others about Jesus. But what if it didn't have …

When it comes to studying the Bible, we often fall into two camps: feeling discouraged because we can’t find the time, or feeling proud because we do. Are those really our only two options? This week, we’ll look at Jesus' encounter with Nicodemus, a Pharisee renowned for his profound grasp of Scripture. In this story, Jesus offers a new motivation …

In this week’s Scripture, Jesus sneaks up, incognito, on two discouraged disciples. He asks some seemingly patronizing questions, calls them slow of heart, then delivers a compelling sermon about how all of Scripture revolves around him. Suddenly, the disciples find their “slow hearts” transformed into “burning hearts” and they gather the believers…

Jesus makes it clear that He came in order to serve, and He ultimately served us by giving His life in ransom for our eternal life. He calls His followers to be servants as well. The world outside the church has learned that serving is key, servant leadership is all the rage, and a service economy drives our nation. Service in the name of Christ th…

Of all the things Jesus’ disciples could ask for, one of their most pressing requests was: "Lord, teach us to pray." It wasn’t "Teach us to heal like you" or "Teach us to preach like you" but "Teach us to pray." After walking with Jesus, they observed that the power behind all he did was prayer—Kingdom-shaking prayer. It was intimacy with the Fathe…

What would happen if you were dying of thirst, and all that was available was saltwater? Well...you'd still be dying of thirst. Spiritually speaking, this is often our predicament. We attempt to quench our souls with things that do not satisfy, such as comfort, control, and the approval of others. We drink from broken wells, revealing our broken wo…

Every year on the first Sunday, we look at what lies ahead for OCC, anticipating what God will do. This year is no different, except we think God is going to do even more amazing things than in the past. You won't want to miss getting the inside scoop as we look into the future so we can dream about, pray for and celebrate what we believe God is do…

What are you afraid of? The future? Failure? Rejection? Beneath all of those fears lies a deeper question: Is God for me? Will God love me? This Christmas Eve, let's reconsider the shepherds who were filled with great fear when they encountered an angelic army shining with God's glory. Their fear was cast out by the angel’s announcement: “For unto …

Have you ever tried to figure out what God was doing in a situation and just could not wrap your mind around it? Have you ever had times when the nature of God was bewildering and didn't make sense? Have you ever been in the position of trying to figure out what God wanted you to do and couldn't? There are lots of times when the things of God are c…

When was the last time you belly-laughed? Laughed so hard that it hurt so good? There's nothing quite like it. That's because we were made for joy – and made for the Author of joy! Join us this week as we come to the part of the Christmas story when Elizabeth's baby leaps for joy as pregnant Mary arrives on the scene. Like the child in Elizabeth’s …

You've heard of Doubting Thomas. What about Doubting Zechariah? In this week's Advent message, we’ll witness doubts emerging in the Christmas story. After decades of disappointment, Zechariah is told that his prayer will finally be answered in his old age. Skepticism fills him. Yet even in his doubt, God is with him. This is good news for the doubt…

What is guaranteed in life? Some might cynically say "death and taxes," but as human beings, we know there are many other certainties: fear and joy, confusion and doubt, and countless times of waiting. However, the greatest assurance is the reminder that Christmas brings: God is with us. Join us this Advent season as we reflect on the profound stor…

What will heaven be like? It is a question that is asked often. The answer has been depicted in movies, books, paintings, poems and even cartoons. A vast majority of the time the answers are completely wrong. The Apostle Paul gives us a picture of heaven in our final message from 1 Corinthians this week as we explore chapter 15 and what the Resurre…

We've all witnessed a child’s tantrum. Whether it's our child or someone else's, we feel helpless when nothing seems to calm them down. Yet we know “this too shall pass” because children grow up and mature. But what happens when adults have tantrums and haven't grown up? That’s the issue Paul addresses in the well-known “love passage” of 1 Corinthi…