Sermons - 2006
| “Jesus In Your Neighborhood” |
| (John 1) |
| December 31, 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| “New Every Morning” |
| (Lamentations 3:19-30) |
| December 31, 2006, 6:00p.m. |
| “Glory to God in the Highest and the Lowest” |
| (Luke 2:1-14, Isaiah 10:10-11) |
| December 25, 2006, 9:30 a.m. - Christmas Day |
| “When We Cheat God” |
| (Malachi 1:6-9, 3:1-5) |
| December 24, 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| "For to Us a Child is Born" |
| (Isaiah 7:1-7, 9:1-7) |
| December 24, 2006, 6:00 p.m. |
| "Comfort & Many Voices" |
|
(Isaiah 40:1-11) Seminarian Eric Dirksen |
| December 17, 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| “The Church at the Manger” |
| (Luke 2:15-20) |
| December 10, 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| "Letting Go" |
| (John 3:15 & Philippians 2:6,7) |
| December 10, 2006, 6:00 p.m. |
| “God's Great Shakedown” |
| (Haggai 1-2:9) |
| December 3, 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| "Another Piece of the Puzzle" |
| December 3, 2006, 6:00 p.m. |
| “Real Hope in Uncertain Days” |
|
(1 Corinthians 15:57-58) Life has no guarantees, but one: we have the victory in Jesus – now and forever. |
| November 26, 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| "Revelation – God's Answer to the Two Beasts" |
|
(Revelation 14) Just as God judged and triumphed over the injustice of humanity, now God triumphs over the power of evil authorities and Satan’s agents in the world. |
| November 26, 2006, 6:00 p.m. |
| “Changing from the Inside Out” |
|
(Colossians 2:6-23) Real change (in our church or in our lives) is not superficial. Real change starts on the inside as Christ has fundamentally changed us – which then translates into changed behavior. |
| November 19, 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| "Revelation – The Two Beasts" |
|
(Revelation 13:1-18) Theme: In this very vivid passage, the power, influence, and evil of Satan’s agents are described. Satan’s power: not to be over stated and feared; not to be understated and ignored. |
| November 19, 2006, 6:00 p.m. |
| "How Does the Church Grow?" |
|
(Mark 4:1-20; 1 Corinthians 9:19-23) |
| November 12, 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| "Revelation: The Woman and the Dragon" |
|
(Revelation 12:1-17) This passage describes the arrival of Jesus on earth and the spiritual battle that revolved around His ministry. |
| November 12, 2006, 6:00 p.m. |
| "How Does a Church Grow Stronger?" |
|
(Hebrews 5: 11-6:3) God designed church ministry to help each member mature – doing their unique part in the church’s works of service. No gift is too small or unimportant. God wants us all stronger. |
| November 5, 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| "Revelation: - The Final Trumpet" |
|
(Revelation 11: 15 - 19) In this conclusion to another section, the completeness of God’s judgment and victory becomes clear once again. |
| November 5, 2006, 6:00 p.m. |
| 'Faith Friends' Sunday - Profession of Faith Service |
| October 29, 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| "Revelation: – The Two Witnesses" |
|
(Revelation 11:1-14) As history comes to its closing, God will continue to bring His message through the church, even though they will not be received well. |
| October 29, 2006, 6:00 p.m. |
| "A Straight Path and the Issue of Trust" |
|
(Proverbs 3:5-6) Rev. Clifford Bajema - guest pastor |
| October 22, 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| "The True Nobility" |
|
(Psalm 16) Rev. Clifford Bajema - guest pastor |
| October 22, 2006, 6:00 p.m. |
| "How is the Church Like a Family" |
|
(Acts 2: 42-47) God has made the church to be a family so that we can belong, help each other, and reach other people together. We are stronger together than individually. |
| October 15, 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| "Revelation: Message #14 - An Interlude" |
|
(Revelation 10: 1-11) This passage again echoes many previous sections, especially Old Testament ones. In this, the smaller scroll of Revelation is given to John to communicate. Its smaller size reminds us that some parts of God’s will are secret, and that His message is sometimes hard. |
| October 15, 2006, 6:00 p.m. |
| "Why Does the Church Worship" |
|
(Romans 12:1-2) Worship is not an event, but a lifestyle of gratitude. We live lives of worship to honor the God who deserves even more than we can give Him. |
| October 8, 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| "Revelation: Message # 13 - The Next Trumpet" |
|
(Revelation 9:1-21) The imagery of this section resembles the battles of the Old Testament, reminding us that the world we live in is the setting for warfare, and that the victory – short term and long term – is in God’s hands. |
| October 8, 2006, 6:00 p.m. |
| “Why Does The Church Exist?” |
|
(I Peter 2:4-16) God created the church as an incubator for Christians who go out into the world, equipped, ready, and eager to serve Him. |
| October 1, 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| “Revelation: Message #12 – The Seventh Seal” | ||||||
|
(Revelation 8:1-13) The center section of the book of Revelation is a repeated theme of human evil and divine judgment. These next judgments resemble the plagues of Egypt, reminding us that God’s work in the future has roots in the past. |
||||||
October 1, 2006, 6:00 p.m.
|
| "The Crossroads of Grace" |
|
(Luke 15:1-2, 11-32) Pastor Dan Ackerman |
| September 17, 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| "The Risk of Mission" |
|
(Mark 5) Just as Jesus risked by coming closer and closer to unclean people, we must accept the risk that getting involved in Christ's mission is risky business for us. |
| September 17, 2006, 6:00 p.m. |
| "To Prepare God's People" |
|
(Ephesians 4:1-16) As we begin another season of ministry, each person plays a part: their “works of service.” This not only is Christian growth, but facilitates unity within the church. |
| September 10, 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| "Elijah's Discouragement" |
|
(I Kings 19:1-21) Even the bravest get discouraged, which often clouds our ability to see thing correctly. God’s grace never leaves us, even in the darkest of our days. |
| September 10, 2006, 6:00 p.m. |
| "The Picture of Rest" |
|
(Hebrews 3:12-4:1-13) Another picture of redemption is rest: rest from earning salvation, rest from pointless living, and rest that begins now and is fulfilled in eternity. |
| September 3, 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| "The Picture of Unfinished Business" |
|
(Philippians 3:1-21) We aren’t there yet. We just aren’t. And where we’ll be tomorrow won’t be “there” either. In this world, till Christ returns, our transformation continues each day. Our faith isn’t a destination, but a journey. |
| August 27, 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| "Justice & Grace" |
|
(I Kings 18) In this familiar story, we see what looks like a great victory for God. What we really see is something much more gracious – and awesome. |
| August 27, 2006, 6:00 p.m. |
| "The Picture of Transformation" |
|
(Ephesians 4:17-5:2 & II Corinthians 5:16-17) Christ has not only removed our guilt and set us free, but He has transformed us by the power of the Spirit into a completely new kind of person. |
| August 20, 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| "Elijah Outside the Box" |
|
(I Kings 17:7-34) God’s view is larger than only His people. His view is larger than ours. When God’s people fail, He often brings His blessings elsewhere. |
| August 20, 2006, 6:00 p.m. |
| "The Picture of Freedom" |
|
(Galatians 3:26-4:7) Another important picture is that Christ has set us free from the addictive power of sin. We don’t have to go back to that road anymore. |
| August 13, 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| "Now I Can See" |
|
(John 9:1-12, 35-41) Rev. Gerrit Koedoot) |
| August 13, 2006, 6:00 p.m. |
| "The Picture of Innocence" |
|
(Romans 8:1-11) One picture of Christ’s work for us is the removal of guilt. While it is not the only picture, it is significant that we now stand without guilt before God. |
| August 6, 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| "The Story of Our Lives" |
|
(Psalm 73) Rev. Marv Beelen |
| August 6, 2006, 6:00 p.m. |
| "God of the Future" |
|
(Jeremiah 29:1-14) For us, the future is an unknown. God is already there. The future holds no fear for us, because God will always be true. |
| July 30, 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| "Elijah's First Statement" |
|
(1 Kings 16:29-17:6) Israel was to be a shining light to the nations. When they strayed from following God, He did not ignore their actions, but used drastic means to guide them back. |
| July 30, 2006, 6:00 p.m. |
| “Telling
Stories” |
|
(Psalm
78:1-7) Pastor Cal Niewenhuis |
| July 23, 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| “Christ Pays for Unity” |
|
(John
17:20-26) Pastor Bernard Dokter |
| July 23, 2006, 6:00 p.m. |
| "A Growing Temple of Living Stones" |
|
(1 Peter 2:4-10) Rev. Robert Holwerda |
| July 16, 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| "God, Show Me Your Glory" |
|
(Exodus 33:12-34) Rev. Robert Holwerda |
| July 16, 2006, 6:00 p.m. |
| "God of the Present" |
|
(Colossians 3:1-17) While we often talk about God in terms of the past, He is very much active and present in the world and in our lives today. |
| July 9, 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| "Elisha's World" |
|
(1 Kings 16) This introductory message to the life of Elijah centers on the major themes in Elijah's ministry as well as the evil times in which this brave man lived. |
| July 9, 2006, 6:00 p.m. |
| "God of the Past" |
|
(Deuteronomy 6 & 8) While we should neither idolize nor ignore the past, we should look to the past to see how God has been faithful, to know He will remain faithful. |
| July 2, 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| "Real Home Improvement #7: Keys to a Stronger Family" |
|
(Joshua
24:15)
No
one can promise happiness, but with a strong foundation,
we can build stronger families. |
| June 25 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| "Exploring the DaVinci Code #4 - What About People Who Believe the Book" |
|
(1
Peter 3:15-16)
As ‘off’' as the book is, sincere people believe it – even
some Christians.
Addressing their questions with grace, kindness, and consideration is more important that having “the right answers.” |
| June 25, 2006, 6:00 p.m. |
| "Real Home Improvement #6: Why the Family and Why Dads" |
|
(Psalm
103)
While
families today are under great pressure,
God created families as incubators for the next generations, demonstrating His great love for us. |
| June 18 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| "Exploring the DaVinci Code #3 - What About Church History?" |
|
(Various
passages)
Dan
Brown asserts that the church’s history is about power and domination.
On the one hand, we have to be very honest about darker chapters of the church’s past (and present). However, that is not the same as rewriting the church’s history and ignoring its immense ministry and care. |
| June 18, 2006, 6:00 p.m. |
| "Real Home Improvement #5: Resolving Conflict" |
|
(Ephesians
2:11-18)
When anger and frustration occur,
conflict almost always results.
God shows us that He initiated reconciliation with us and sets before us the same goal. The greatest key is valuing your relationships more than getting your own way or being right. |
| June 11 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| "Exploring the DaVinci Code #2 - Can We Trust Our Bible?" |
|
(Various
passages))
While critics often call the integrity
of the Bible into question, its
manuscript foundation is better than any other ancient document. The other "so-called" Gospels shouldn't cause Christians anxiety either: they are filled with flaws and such obviously non-Christian doctrine that omitting them from the Bible is hardly a difficult issue. Can we trust our Bible? Absolutely! The Bible is an unfailing compass pointing to Christ. |
| June 11, 2006, 6:00 p.m. |
| "Real Home Improvement #4: Handling Anger in Your Home" |
|
(Ephesians
4:17-32)
Anger - not only common and potentially
harmful - is expressed in healthy
and unhealthy ways. God shows us that chronic anger is a unwise course. The true remedy is allowing ourselves to be changed by the Holy Spirit. |
| June 4 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| "Exploring the DaVinci Code #1 - Is Jesus' Identity Important?" |
|
(Various
NT passages))
One key question Christians have to
answer is the question of Jesus'
identity. While "The DaVinci Code" calls this into question, the issue has been around for two thousand years. It is important to see Jesus as fully human and divine. |
| June 4, 2006, 6:00 p.m. |
| "Being About the Business of the Church" |
|
(Titus
1:1-9, 2:1-10))
Guest Pastor - Rev. Lou Wagenveld
|
| May 28 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| "Results From Life's Happenings" |
|
(Philippians
1:12-30)
Guest Pastor - Rev Lou Wagenveld
Memorial Day Combined Service (with 1st CRC of Allendale) |
| May 28, 2006, 6:00 p.m. |
| "Real Home Improvement #3: Keys to a Happier Marriage" |
|
(Romans
12:9-21)
Because God designed relationships -
particularly marriage - His way of
managing and behaving in those relationships is the best way. |
| May 21 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| "Revelation #11 – Heaven’s Great Multitude" |
|
(Revelation
7:7:9-17)
Another powerful vision of the great
multitude in heaven:
showing us God's power in their lives, their victory over trouble, and the endless praise given to God. |
| May 21, 2006, 6:00 p.m. |
| "Real Home Improvement #2: Choosing Wisely" |
|
(Ephesians
5:21-33)
One important feature for improving our
home life begins long before
we begin a home - it starts with choosing wisely - vital, since we vow to stay with this person for life! |
| May 14 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| "Revelation #10: 144,000" |
|
(Revelation
7:1-8)
In a passage that causes some confusion,
God sets apart
for His service and for His "army" those who are counted for that purpose. This is another passage of comfort and encouragement to "rise up." |
| May 14, 2006, 6:00 p.m. |
| "Home Improvement Begins With Me" |
|
(Matthew 7:1-5)
We really have little power to change
someone else.
A healthy relationship begins with acknowledging and facing our own flaws - in the light of God's grace to us. |
| May 7 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| "A Heart of
Praise" - Sermon only "A Heart of Praise" - Choir and Sermon |
|
(Psalm 147)
A meditation on worship as part of an
evening choir concert.
God does not prefer certain styles or methods of worship. God is pleased by hearts that want to honor and to praise Him - in whatever style. |
| May 7, 2006, 6:00 p.m. |
| "Everything is Holy" |
|
(Zechariah 14:20-21) The GEMS ministry to young girls has been focusing how God gives us all things to use for Him. This message complements that by noting that God changes life from secular/holy and He makes all things holy. |
| April 30, 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| "Opening the 5th and 6th Seals" |
|
(Revelation 6:9-17) The finality of God's judgment encourages us to work until the end and to trust His timing. |
| April 30, 2006, 6:00 p.m. |
| "Raising Kids Today" |
|
(Ephesians 6:1-4) Raising and teaching the next generation is not only a parent's primary job, but a task for which we're all responsible. This is vital in these days when growing up is filled with stress for kids and parents. |
| April 23, 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| "The Opening of the Scroll" |
|
(Revelation 6:1-8) The conflict between the two kingdoms is difficult; but God is in control of it all. God is also the one who will judge those who rebel against Him. |
| April 23, 2006, 6:00 p.m. |
| "I Am Returning to My Father" |
|
(John 20:1-13) On Easter morning, we not only celebrate what Christ did when He rose, but we look forward. Because of Easter, the best is yet to be. |
| April 16, 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| "I Am the True Vine" |
|
(Isaiah 5:1-7 & John 15:1-17) We are cared for by the Father and connected to the life found in Christ. When the "Master Gardener (God)" walks through the vineyard, He isn't impressed by religion, appearances, or anything outward: He looks for fruit. |
| April 9, 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| "The Scroll and the Lamb" |
|
(Revelation 4) The unfolding and completion of history is in the hands of Jesus: the Lion, the slain Lamb - He is worthy to bring history to its intended resolution. |
| April 9, 2006, 6:00 p.m. |
| "I Am the Way, the Truth and the Life" |
|
(John 14:1-14) While we tend to look for a map, Jesus is the way. While we tend to look for answers, Jesus is the truth. While we tend to look for religion, Jesus is the life. |
| April 2, 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| "A Vision of Heaven" |
|
(Revelation 4) This vision of heaven gives us a glimpse of the glory and majesty of God and a definition of worship: our response to the presence and work of God. |
| April 2, 2006, 6:00 p.m. |
| "I Am The Resurrection and The Life" |
|
(John 11:17-44) Jesus doesn't bring life - He is life. He restores all of life to the way it should be. |
| March 26, 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| Revelations #5 "The Last Three Letters" |
|
(Revelation 3:1-22) The last three letters of Revelation 3 address a dying church, a weak church, and one that had become self-sufficient. |
| March 26, 2006, 9:30 p.m. |
| "I Am The Good Shepard" |
|
(John 10:1-21)
Christ is the leader of the entire church.
Church leaders have Him as the perfect example of loving, strong, and gentle leadership. The church does admit that Jesus is our Savior; do we follow Him as our Shepherd? |
| March 19, 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| "Revelation #4: Three More Letters" |
|
(Revelation 2:8-29)
The next letters in Revelation are addressed
to
a church joyfully facing persecution (Smyrna), a church that allowed itself to mix the Gospel with pagan influences (Pergamum), and a church that tolerated immorality (Thyatira). |
| March 19, 2006, 6:00 p.m. |
| "I Am The Bread of Life" |
|
(John 6:25-59)
Jesus is exactly what we need - in a world
filled
with other substitutes that are tempting but unhealthy. |
| March 12, 2006, 9:30 a.m. |
| "Revelation #3: A Letter To The Complacent Church" |
|
(Revelation 2:1-7)
Dealing with the structure of the letters in
Revelation,
this message also describes the cooling love of the church in Ephesus. |
| March 12, 2006, 6:00 p.m. |
| "I Am The Light of the World" |
|
(John 8:12-20)
Jesus is the Light. He is the light of
God's glory.
His life points to the way things should be. In this way, He makes us His lights in a dark and hurting world |
| March 5, 2006 9:30 a.m. |
| "Revelation #2: John's Introduction to the Churches" |
|
(Revelation 1)
God gives John a wondrous vision of the
majesty of Christ.
It is Christ's power, majesty, and resurrection that gives us hope, confidence, and a proper attitude toward worship |
| March 5, 2006, 6:00 p.m. |
| "God Never Wastes a Hurt" |
|
(2 Corinthians 1:1-7)
Life does hurt, but God comforts us in our
hurts and
will use every pain for our benefit and for His glory. |
| February 26, 2006 9:30 a.m. |