Ember Church Sunday Sermon

In this powerful message, we're challenged to examine what truly matters in our spiritual lives. The central theme revolves around Acts 2:42, where we see the early church's devotion to four key areas: the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. This devotion wasn't casual; it was a steadfast commitment that oriented their entire lives around Christ. We're reminded that in our information-saturated age, we must be careful not to mistake information for authority. True spiritual growth comes from devotion to God's Word and His people. The message urges us to consider: Are we merely fitting God into our schedules, or are we orienting our lives around His rhythms? This call to devotion is especially relevant in our busy, distracted world. It encourages us to deepen our commitment to Scripture, authentic community, and prayer, recognizing that these practices are vital for our spiritual health and growth.

Pastor Jeff Thorp preaches on Psalms for Father’s Day.

In this powerful message, we're reminded that God often chooses the hidden and faithful to accomplish His purposes. The story of Matthias, the forgotten disciple who replaced Judas, teaches us that hiddenness is not insignificance. We're challenged to embrace the 'anonymous seasons of the soul' where God shapes us away from the spotlight. The central theme encourages us to be Christ-centered rather than self-centered, focusing on faithfulness over visibility. This message urges us to reconsider our motivations - are we serving for recognition or out of love for Christ? It's a call to find joy in being faithful in the small, unseen acts of service that build God's kingdom. We're reminded that our value doesn't come from being seen by others, but from being known by God.

In this powerful message, we're challenged to embrace the spiritual discipline of waiting. The book of Acts begins not with action, but with Jesus commanding His disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit. This waiting isn't passive; it's an active expectation that forms us spiritually. We're reminded that God isn't just making us wait—He's making us ready. In our fast-paced world, we often rush past what God is forming in us. But there's a blessing in waiting, whether it's for a spouse, a calling, or God's presence. The story of the disciples waiting in Jerusalem parallels our own journeys. We're asked to consider: What are we rushing that God is forming? What's forming in us as we wait? What could it cost us if we don't wait? This message encourages us to confess our impatience, seek God's presence, and declare 'I won't move without You.' It's a call to trust God's timing and allow Him to work deeply in our lives.

In this powerful exploration of the Genesis creation story, we're invited to see ourselves as part of God's grand narrative. The message emphasizes three key aspects of God's nature: He creates, He calls, and He sees. By understanding these truths, we can find our purpose and identity. The speaker challenges us to reconsider our understanding of 'good' in the creation story - it's not just about God's preferences, but about things fulfilling their intended purpose. This perspective shift can transform how we view our own lives and roles in God's plan. The story of Hagar introduces us to El Roi - the God who sees. This reminds us that even in our darkest moments, we are fully known and loved by our Creator. As we embrace these truths, we're encouraged to live from a place of divine identity and purpose, accessing the 'keys of heaven' that have been given to us as children of God.

Guest speaker Shannon Kapp invites you to explore the powerful concept of 'staying' in your faith journey through the study of Acts 16, where Paul and Silas demonstrate unwavering faithfulness in the face of adversity. Their story teaches us that sometimes, the most Christ-like thing we can do is simply stay put, even when everything in us wants to run. We learned that worship isn't just for good times - it's a weapon in our darkest moments. The jailer's transformation reminds us that our decision to stay faithful might be the very thing that saves someone else's life. This message challenges us to reconsider our 'exit strategies' and instead focus on staying rooted in our purpose, aware of those around us who need hope. It's a call to defiant faith, to choose joy in the face of injustice, and to remember that with Jesus, pain always has a purpose. As we navigate our own challenges, let's ask ourselves: Where is God calling us to stay, even when it's difficult? Our faithfulness might just be the miracle someone else is waiting for.

Micah Lorenz Preaches on Stories Colliding following Easter.

Pastor Jeff preaches on Easter Sunday