Summit Church Sermons

How can an unchanging, all-powerful God willingly suffer for us? Preaching from 1 John 5:6-8, Pastor Catlan explores the water, blood, and Spirit as three witnesses testifying that Jesus remained fully God throughout His earthly ministry, from His baptism to the cross. He explains how the Holy Spirit continues to testify through God’s Word, transforming hearts and assuring believers of forgiveness and fellowship with God. This message highlights God’s incredible love, the truth of who Jesus is, and His willing sacrifice for our salvation.

Is the Bible trustworthy? Looking at the potential problem of the text in 1 John 5:6-8 then preaching from Psalm 119:89-90, Pastor Catlan explores God’s promise that He has firmly fixed His Word. Looking beyond God’s word to historical events this sermon builds a reasonable foundation for the trustworthiness of the Bible.

Why does Christianity sometimes seem like a religion of rules when the gospel is about grace? In 1 John 5:3–5, Pastor Catlan explains why God’s commands are not burdensome. Through biblical example and personal reflection he shows that true obedience is a matter of loving God, loving others, and doing what pleases our Lord.

Why does the Bible speak of being born of God? In 1 John 5:1-2, Pastor Catlan explains that faith in Jesus as the promised Christ is evidence of new spiritual life, that God is the giver of that spiritual new birth. The message searches the consequence of new birth, loving others by loving God and obeying Him.

What does true repentance look like when guilt weighs heavily on us? With Psalm 51, Pastor Spencer traces David's response to his sin; explaining transgression, sin, and iniquity while showing why our wrongdoing is ultimately against God. He points to confession and God's mercy as the road from discipline and misery to cleansing, restoration, and renewed joy.

What makes Christian community both good and pleasant? Preaching from Psalm 133, Pastor Catlan unpacks the images of Aaron’s anointing oil and the dew of Mount Hermon to show that unity among believers is a blessing that flows from God, brings abundant joy, and joins different members into one body. Even when community can feel awkward or unfamiliar at first, Christians were never meant to follow Jesus alone.

How should Christians live as citizens of heaven while surrounded by the “Babylon” of a fallen world? Preaching from Psalm 137, Pastor Catlan traces Israel’s grief in exile to the Christian’s longing for Zion, challenging us to treasure Christ above this world, honestly lament evil, love sinners without accepting sin, and trust God’s righteous judgment.

What does it look like to truly love because God first loved us? From 1 John 4:19–21, Pastor Catlan shows how Christ’s love becomes our motive, our example, and the cause of our ability to love. He challenges believers to put that love into action through generosity, reconciliation, and meaningful participation in the life of the church.

How can we face the day of judgment with confidence instead of fear? In 1 John 4:17–18, Pastor Catlan explains that God’s perfected love produces assurance as it bears fruit in genuine believers. As we know and live out His mercy, generosity, and love, we understand His character more deeply and can rest in Christ without fear of punishment.

Is God’s love in you? In 1 John 4:16, Pastor Catlan explains that being “in” God is not about being inside a place, but being so saturated and enveloped by Him that His presence affects our entire lives. As we know and believe God’s love, that love bears recognizable fruit in us—becoming increasingly sacrificial, persistent, and unconditional toward others.