The holiday season can contribute to our relationship with money being characterized by concerns, frustrations, anxieties, and doubts. In Ecclesiastes 5:8-17, Solomon wrestles through the disappointment of how money fails to satisfy. Our difficult emotions surrounding money stem from our love for money. We find that two blessings that God gives are enjoying money, and investing in eternity through giving it to the church and personal opportunities.

Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra

Passage: Ecclesiastes 5:8-6:6

This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on December 15th, 2024.

What does it mean to be a serious Christian? To answer this question, we turn to Ecclesiastes 5:1-7. Solomon shares four instructions on how to be a serious Christian. These instructions are to guard your steps, listen to God, watch your mouth, and keep your promises to God. In all this, we are reminded of the importance of having a healthy fear of God.

Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson

Passage: Ecclesiastes 5:1-7

This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on December 8th, 2024.

In this message, we see that the lie of the “Sigma Male” popular in our current culture is that it romanticizes loneliness and replaces our need for genuine companionship with something else. Instead we find that the truth of the Gospel is that we were created for meaningful relationships with God first and then with others. If you are feeling the sting of loneliness, during the holidays or whenever, turn to God first in faith, hope and love, in prayer, in Scripture and in serving and then watch Him provide human companionship to fill out the friendship that He himself offers through Jesus.

Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra

Passage: Ecclesiastes 4:7-12

This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on December 1st, 2024.

In this message, we receive four encouragements to help us to take our focus off of others, so that we don’t end up in either envy-fueled ambition or quitting on life. Instead we learn we are to focus on surrendering to God, trusting that His choices are better than ours. When we do this we can experience the blessings of contentment.

Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra

Passage: Ecclesiastes 4:4-6

This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on November 24th, 2024.

In this sermon, Jim preaches on Ecclesiastes 4:1-3. We are reminded of how oppression is very present in the world. We discover that our call as a church is to draw attention to cases of oppression, to call people to repentance, and to comfort the oppressed.

Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra

Passage: Ecclesiastes 4:1-3

This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on November 17th, 2024.

This sermon explores Ecclesiastes 3:18-22, where Solomon reflects on the similarities between humans and animals. However, Pastor Jim emphasizes the distinction of humans from animals by explaining what it means to be made in the image of God. We realize that humans are made for relationship, dominion, and to be indwelled by God. As we walk by the Holy Spirt, we understand the privilege of what it means to be truly human.

Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra

Passage: Ecclesiastes 3:18-22

This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on November 10th, 2024.

In Ecclesiastes 3:15-17, we see Solomon distressed about injustice in the world. Pastor Tom teaches that we find hope in the midst of injustice, by remembering that God is the ultimate judge. We find that our call to love leads to significant change.

Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson

Passage: Ecclesiastes 3:15-17

This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on November 3rd, 2024.

In Ecclesiastes 3:9-14 and John 1, Pastor Jim explains how the eternal God places eternity in our hearts. Everything God does lasts forever, and that includes the endurance of our souls. We recognize that our response to Jesus is directly linked to how we spend eternity.

Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra

Passage: Ecclesiastes 3:9-14

This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on October 27th, 2024.

In Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, Solomon points out the many different seasons of life. Through this teaching, we discover the importance of discerning what season we are in, how to accept the season, and when to ask God to change our season.

Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra

Passage: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8

This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on October 20th, 2024.

In this message from Ecclesiastes 2:12-26, we find that the best legacy is living a life that is pleasing to God.

Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra

Passage: Ecclesiastes 2:12-26

This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on October 13th, 2024.