In this series we are looking together at the power of vows, promises and commitments that we make to God. In this message we look at the commitment that we can make to God to serve him – the vow to volunteer. Together we’ll see the power of fulfilling this commitment and the outcomes God brings as we do so. Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: Matthew 14:13-21 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on July 13, 2025
Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Joel 1 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on July 13, 2025
This message introduces the concept of vows in the Bible, inspired by a passage in Ecclesiastes 5. We see that Solomon is right in Ecclesiastes – it is a terrible thing to make a vow and not keep it. But the rest of the story is that if you make a vow and do keep it, that is even more powerful. When we make vows to God and fulfill them, this enables life to flow from heaven to earth and for God to bring blessing into our lives. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Genesis 28...
This message closes out our series in Ecclesiastes with a look at the passage that has served as our benediction throughout. We will examine the importance of fearing God. Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on June 22, 2025
As we near the end of Ecclesiastes, we find ourselves asking – how is it that a book that is about the meaninglessness of life can be used by God to give so much meaning to life? And how will God continue to take our world’s pursuit of meaningless things and continue to speak life and meaning to us? In this message, we see that the Bible is a one-of-a-kind book and it holds the answer to these questions and so many more. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Ecclesiastes 12:9...
This devotional looks at the most important date on the church calendar. As we explore the significance of Pentecost, Pastor Jim offers two metaphors to help us recognize the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. Speaker: Jim Samra, Minister & Senior Pastor Passage: Acts 2 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on June 8, 2025
In this message, guest teacher Dave Morlan shares how we can make progress in our faith and experience more joy. Speaker: Dave Morlan, Teaching Pastor, Fellowship Denver Church Passage: Philippians 1:19-26 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on June 1, 2025
Speaker: Director, Special Needs Ministries; Zach Schmuck Passage: Exodus 33:12-23, 34:6-7 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on May 18th, 2025
In the typical fashion of this series in Ecclesiastes, this message looks at what the world gets wrong about aging and how Jesus brings a better perspective. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Ecclesiastes 12:1-8 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on May 18th, 2025
This message looks at the anxiety, depression, and darkness that come with living life in this fallen world. We learn a defense against these elements and are encouraged to embrace the reality that we are loved by God. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Ecclesiastes 11:7-10 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on May 11th, 2025
This sermon looks at the blessing and value of work. This covers anything that we apply energy and effort to in an attempt to accomplish something productive. With this broad definition in mind, we are given five principles we can apply to our lives as we work by faith. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Ecclesiastes 11:1-6 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on May 4th, 2025
God’s compassion goes beyond welcoming us home, he also wants to help us make better decisions so we can experience the fullness of life that he offers. These decisions include how we speak about the rulers of our people. While this can feel like a small thing, it speaks volumes of the state of our heart and where our trust lies. Learn more in this timely message. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Ecclesiastes 10:15-20 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on April 2...
Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Ecclesiastes 10:14 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on April 6, 2025
We live in a culture that thrives on contentious exchanges and vitriolic arguments. In Ecclesiastes 10:1-14, Solomon emphasizes the value of remaining calm in the face of foolish arguments. In this message, Pastor Jim offers us four principles for making our way through these contentious conversations. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Ecclesiastes 10:1-14a This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on March 30th, 2025.
In this sermon, Pastor Jim explores Ecclesiastes 9:18, emphasizing how wisdom is more powerful than weapons of war but can be easily overshadowed by the destructive power of sin. He highlights how just one act of sin can undo the good work of many, illustrating this through biblical and real-life examples. This message challenges believers to pursue godly wisdom and recognize the dangers of allowing sin to corrupt their lives and communities. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Pass...
In Ecclesiastes 9:17, Solomon highlights the value of wisdom that comes from those who measure their words. Pastor Tom explains the significance and the power of words. We are encouraged to pursue proper speech when engaging with others. Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: Ecclesiastes 9:17 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on March 16th, 2025.
This sermon explores how life’s unpredictability often challenges our personal definitions of success. Drawing from Ecclesiastes 9:11-16, Pastor Tom highlights how human effort alone does not guarantee outcomes and emphasizes God’s providence in guiding our paths. True success, as defined by Scripture, is recognizing that we are exactly where God wants us to be and using our gifts for His glory. Rather than striving for accumulation, achievement, or acclaim, we are called to trust in God’s plan,...
In Revelation 7:9-17, Pastor Artie Lindsay explains how all things are united things, and everything is brought under the authority of Jesus. We see how God’s people will worship him together in unity, and how He will set all things right. Speaker: Teaching Pastor, Tabernacle Community Church; Artie Lindsay Passage: Revelation 7:9-10 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on March 2nd, 2025.
Every human life will come to an end. In Ecclesiastes 9:1-10, Solomon expresses how both the good and the evil experience death. Through this message, we learn how death takes on new meaning for those who believe in Jesus. We are all faced with the choice to live in the light of the resurrection or in the shadow of death. Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: Ecclesiastes 9:1-10 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on February 23rd, 2025.
Why do the wicked prosper? This is the question Solomon wrestles with in Ecclesiastes 8:10-17. As we explore this, we find that while we often reach the end of our rope when confounded by such realities, God’s mercy proves to be more extensive than we ever imagined it could be. Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: Ecclesiastes 8:10-17 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on February 16th, 2025.
Why do bad things happen to good people? This is the question that confronts us as we experience suffering. In Ecclesiastes 7:15-8:1, Pastor Jim explains how Solomon acknowledges that sin is the root cause of suffering. Despite Solomon’s pursuit of wisdom, he finds no solution within himself, showing us that the ultimate solution is in Jesus. Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: Ecclesiastes 8:2-10 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on February 9th, 2025.
Why do bad things happen to good people? This is the question that confronts us as we experience suffering. In Ecclesiastes 7:15-8:1, Pastor Jim explains how Solomon acknowledges that sin is the root cause of suffering. Despite Solomon’s pursuit of wisdom, he finds no solution within himself, showing us that the ultimate solution is in Jesus. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Ecclesiastes 7:15-8:1 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on February 2nd, 2025.
It is natural for us to attempt to change the unpleasant situation in which we find ourselves. In this message, we learn that it is pride when we take these matters into our own hands, rather than relying on God. From Ecclesiastes 7:7-9, Jim demonstrates the ways in which patience in such difficult circumstances is better than pride. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Ecclesiastes 7:7-9 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on January 19th, 2025.
It is natural for us to attempt to change the unpleasant situation in which we find ourselves. In this message, we learn that it is pride when we take these matters into our own hands, rather than relying on God. From Ecclesiastes 7:7-9, Jim demonstrates the ways in which patience in such difficult circumstances is better than pride. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Ecclesiastes 7:7-9 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on January 19th, 2025.
In life we experience lots of struggles and difficulties. In Ecclesiastes 7: 1-6 Pastor Jim identifies 4 blessings that come through suffering! We are challenged to lean into God amid the struggle reminding us that God ordains our path drawing us closer to him. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Ecclesiastes 7:1-6 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on January 12th, 2025.
Insatiable appetites are desires we turn to for fulfillment instead of seeking satisfaction in God. In Ecclesiastes 6:7-12, Jon identifies four insatiable appetites: words, knowledge, the question of “what’s next?”, and power. We discover that we are powerless to defeat these appetites, but God is able to crush these appetites when we find satisfaction in Him. Speaker: Director, Young Adults Ministry: Jon Nuenke Passage: Ecclesiastes 6:7-12 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on January 5...
Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: 2 Corinthians 5:17 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on December 29th, 2024.
In this message, we explore the differences between receiving a gift like a book and the gift of Jesus! We find that the gift of Jesus is both costly and supplies all wisdom and knowledge. The lordship of Jesus is not just for one part of our life but grows to have authority over every part of our life. Speaker: Minister & Senior Pastor, Jim Samra Passage: Colossians 2:6 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on December 22nd, 2024.
What does it mean to be a serious Christian? To answer this question, we turn to Ecclesiastes 5:1-7. Solomon shares four instructions on how to be a serious Christian. These instructions are to guard your steps, listen to God, watch your mouth, and keep your promises to God. In all this, we are reminded of the importance of having a healthy fear of God. Speaker: Minister & Lead Pastor, Tom Olsson Passage: Ecclesiastes 5:1-7 This was recorded live in Grand Rapids, MI on December 8th, 2024.
In this message, we see that the lie of the “Sigma Male” popular in our current culture is that it romanticizes loneliness and replaces our need for genuine companionship with something else. Instead we find that the truth of the Gospel is that we were created for meaningful relationships with God first and then with others. If you are feeling the sting of loneliness, during the holidays or whenever, turn to God first in faith, hope and love, in prayer, in Scripture and in serving and then watch...
