John the Baptist came preaching one message, "a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins". John the Baptist stood and called the culture of his time to do a major heart check before coming to God for baptism. He wanted the culture to know that they truly need to repent and not just turn to religion or look toward their ethnicity for the forgiveness of their sins. And we, today, need to do the same heart check! Follow along as pastor Donnie De La Cruz challenges us to truly repent and turn toward Jesus.
Who Do You Think You Are? (Luke 2:39-52)
Who are you? There are so many people, at every stage of life, that struggle with answering that question. We find a 12-year-old Jesus who knew exactly who he was and what his purpose is on earth. He was to be about his Father's business because He is the Son of God!
If It's True, Then You Have To Respond (Luke 2:21-38)
Many people who encounter Jesus have been so drastically changed that their entire life is a testimony of Jesus and his glory. We read about 2 people who have been holding on to God's promise of a coming comfort and savior, and when they both meet baby Jesus, they know that God answered his promise!
Pastor Donnie De La Cruz says," if the story of Jesus is true, that he is God's son sent to be the savior of the world, then you have no other choice but to surrender to him! He is the King, He is God!"
Humility Before Glory: (Luke 2:1-20)
Jesus' birth is a miraculous story that should be told throughout the year and not just on Christmas! Jesus is the highest of Glory and power and honor! If you have experienced Jesus birth then you should respond to it by sharing it. Follow along as pastor Donnie De La Cruz challenges us to remember that humility comes before glory in the kingdom of God.
It's Been The Plan All Along (Luke 1:67-80)
When Luke was inspired to write his Gospel account he made sure to really focus in on God's plan. Follow along as pastor Donnie De La Cruz walks us through God's plan to send us salvation that would save us from our sins.
Open Your Mouth! (Luke 1:57-66)
When a believer becomes obedient to God's will for their life it creates a ripple effect that spreads to everyone around them. This is what happened when Zechariah's mouth was finally opened and he spoke up! Follow along as pastor Donnie De La Cruz calls us to have the same obedience and willingness to open our mouths!
You Are Blessed: (Luke 1:38-56)
Entitlement can be a dangerous quality to have for anyone, but even more so for Christians. When a Christian becomes entitled to God's blessing, they forget that in the midst of hard times, God doesn't have to bless us. Follow along as pastor Donnie De La Cruz reminds us that God chooses to love us despite our sinful ways and that in our hardships, don't just look for the blessings, look for the Blesser!
You Have To Respond! (Luke 1:26-38)
Have you ever looked at your own life and thought, "I'm too insignificant to make a true impact in this world." Or maybe you thought because of your past or where you are from that you couldn't be used to make a difference in this world?
Follow along as pastor Donnie De La Cruz shows us in Luke 1 that God cares more about our willingness to respond to him rather than who we think we are or where we come from.
The Gospel of Luke: Check The Facts!
We are beginning a new sermon series on the gospel of Luke! Because of Luke's very detailed, historical facts, and eyewitness accounts of Jesus and his life/ministry we can have the assurance that our faith in Jesus being the Son of God is true! Follow along as we take a look into why Luke went through all the trouble of writing his Holy Spirit inspried gosple account.
Surrender: Just Be a Branch!
As we wrap up our sermon series "Surrender", we look at John 15 where Jesus gives us a very simple instruction. Jesus said, "I am the vine, you are the branches!". Have you ever felt like you just didn't have the same amount of joy as you use to? Maybe you feel like you don't have that "abundant life" that Jesus says he gives Christians? John 15 challenges us to look at our own lives and see if we are connected to the true vine or if we are broken off branches that are slowly withering away. To be fully surrendered you have to be fully attached to Jesus.
Surrender: Guilty As Charged
Guilt is something that can haunt a person for their entire life and can come upon a person in so many ways. Most people believe that they cannot come to Jesus because they are guilty and are afraid that Jesus will condemn them for their guilt. Praise God the Bible says otherwise! Follow along as pastor Donnie explains how there is no condemnation for those who believe in Jesus Christ as their Lord and savior.
Surrender: Bitter Roots (Bitterness)
The sin of bitterness not only hinders your walk with God but it destroys every aspect of your life. Bitterness can poison your family, relationships, the church you attend, and can even bring you health issues and diseases. The Bible tells us that the only way to uproot bitterness is by seeking forgiveness and peace. Follow along as we talk about what bitterness really is and how we can surrender our own bitterness to Jesus.
Surrender: Run Free! (3 aspects of a surrendered life)
There are multiple factors in your life that hinder you from living out your purpose given by God. Those factors consist of multiple distractions, the sin in our life, and us not being willing to fully surrender to God. Hebrews 12 calls us to lay aside all wegiht and sin and run our race, with our eyes fixed on Jesus! Follow along as we talk about the 3 aspects of a surrenderd life.
Surrender: Don't Worry About It (Anxiety)
Recent surveys say that around 18% of the American population suffer from Anxiety Disorder. They even go as far to say that the true number should be closer to 30% but most Americans won't identify with having issues with anxiety. What is anxiety and why does it seem like its becoming more common amongst believers? What is God doing about our stress, worries, and fears? Follow along as we search the scriptures and see what Jesus has to say about our anxiety.
Surrender: What Is On Your Alter?
We can learn a lot about the Israelites and their relationship with God throughout the Old Testament. One of biggest things we can learn from them is that we need to be careful not to make false gods and place them in place of God in our lives. "The deadliest war that is going on in the believer's heart is a war with false gods and Jesus Christ. Fighting over God's rightful place in their heart."
Surrender: Why Go Back To Your Grave?
Easter Sunday is the day we celebrate the fact that Jesus rose from his grave! This year, pastor Donnie De La Cruz challenges us to surrender those things in our lives that call us to go back into the grave and back into sin. Follow along as we look at the miracle that Jesus performed in Lazarus's life and how Jesus is calling us to live today!
Surrender: Take Off Your Mask
In today's sermon, pastor Donnie De La Cruz talks about what it looks like when someone encounters God and surrenders the mask they are hiding behind. Follow along as we look at the life of Paul and how his encounter with Jesus can help us surrender our mask today.
Surrender: When your blessings turn into your problems
When you think of surrendering something in your life you probably think of some of the negative things. What if God was calling you to surrender your blessings? What happens when your blessings turn into your problems? Follow along and see what it is that God is truly calling you to surrender.
A Church That is Focused, Centered, and All In
What if you were told that being a Christian isn't hard but rather simple. That all you had to be was focused, centered, and all in? Sound too good to be true? Follow along with this week's sermon and see what it looks like for Christians to be focused on the right things and what impact the church could have in today's culture if the people inside were all in!
The cost of non-discipleship
We know that following Jesus might cost us something. Maybe our time, money, family...but have you ever thought about what it cost you if you choose not to follow Jesus? Follow along as pastor Donnie walks us through the cost of non-discipleship.