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 good news: Jesus doesn't shame us in our sexual brokenness but seeks to heal us, enabling us to flourish in His Kingdom.

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 it. Take a listen as we learn what this means for us today and how it leads to a flourishing life in His Kingdom.

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 continue our series on the Sermon on the Mount, learning to more fully embrace who we are: the salt and light of the world!

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 gospel? Join us as we discover that—far from contradicting the gospel—this Beatitude actually encapsulates it, revealing its natural outcome. Take a listen as we discover God’s flourishing Kingdom life together!

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 our new series on the Sermon on the Mount — Flourish: Life in the Kingdom!

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 pastors, Timothy and Titus, is a great example.

At OCC we are blessed to be able to carry on that biblical model. This Sunday Pastor Dan will be handing the Lead Pastor reigns to Pastor Pete as Dan takes on a new role as Pastor for Discipleship and Church Planting at OCC. As part of that process, Pastor Dan will preach a different kind of sermon. It will be a charge to both Pete and the congregation on the importance of keeping a Gospel-focused ministry into the future. 

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 tunes at full volume, finding harmony in our union with Christ. Don't miss this Sunday as we conclude our "I AM" series together!

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 of Easter, expressed in Jesus' words: "I am the Resurrection and the Life."