Steve Smith :: Creekside Church :: Sunday, January 5, 2025 Pastor Steve resumes our sermon series in 2nd Samuel. Preaching from chapter 12, Steve explores 3 ways that God shows His amazing grace in response to our rebellion. Our God graciously rebukes the rebellious, reconciles the repentant, and restores the righteous. Worship music permitted under CCLI License #264436.
Funeral service for Betty Jean Billings at Creekside Church, Monday, December 30th. Welcome & Prayer: Pastor Steve Smith Musical Selection: "Goodness of God" - Elizabeth Tenney Obituary: Meribeth Tenney Family Reflections: Ami Randazzo, Jesse Tenney, and Alana Gentosi Musical Selection: "O Little Town of Bethlehem" - Ayla and Eliana Gentosi Family Reflection: Michael Gentosi Musical Selection: "I Surrender All" - Lucia Randazzo Final Prayer: Pastor Steve Smith Betty Jean Billings was born Fe...
Jude Augusma :: Creekside Church :: Sunday, December 29, 2024 When God called Jonah to a place 550 miles east of his comfort zone, he tried to run 2,500 miles in the other direction. Following a brief update of his ministry in Haiti, Jude Augusma preaches from Jonah chapter 1, the consequences of running away from God, and the blessing found in obedience. Jude’s message follows announcements and encouragement from Alan Crim with the New Year in view. To learn more about Jude's work in Haiti thro...
Steve Smith :: Creekside Church :: Wednesday, December 24th, 2024 “And the Light shines in the darkness...” (John 1:5a) One of the reasons Christmas is celebrated on December 25th is the symbolism derived from the beginning of increasing daylight beginning after the winter solstice: God sent Light into a dark world in the form of His Son Jesus. Pastor Steve shares a Christmas Eve message about Jesus as the “Light of the world”, exposing darkness, directing our path, and delivering us from the co...
Steve Smith :: Creekside Church :: Sunday, December 22, 2024 The world often leaves Christ out of Christmas, and even Christians can forget the significance of this “happy holiday.” From the reactions of the shepherds (Luke 2:15-16), saints (Luke 2:25-38) and sages (Matthew 2:1-2) on that first Christmas, we discover that a proper response to Jesus’ birth has 3 features that keep Christ at the center of our celebration. Pastor Steve’s message shows us how the story of our Savior’s arrival inspir...
Steve Smith :: Creekside Church :: Sunday, December 15, 2024 Christmas is often only seen as a holiday to give and receive gifts—but it’s actually about Jesus, the gift we’ve already received so that we can receive pardon from our sins. Pastor Steve begins our service with a short message about the reason for Christmas and our response to it. Following Steve’s message and an Advent candle reading, we celebrated the gift of our Savior with our Christmas program, through music, art, poetry, and Sc...
Bob Short :: Creekside Church :: Sunday, December 8, 2024 "O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth! ... What is man that You are mindful of him?..." For the 2nd Sunday of Advent, Bob Short explores Psalm chapter 8, the contrast between the majesty of God and the smallness of man, and the connection to Christmas. Bob's message follows and Advent reading by Bruce and Jill Cameron. The helpful resources Bob included in his sermon notes are included below. Worship music permitte...
Steve Smith :: Creekside Church :: Sunday, December 1, 2024 Sin has far-reaching effects. In contrast to David’s kindness in recent chapters, 2nd Samuel 11 records his moral failure and the deadly coverup that followed. To guard against sin’s destruction, Pastor Steve’s sermon examining David’s downfall provides 3 lessons on sin and temptation. Steve’s message is followed by a reading for Aaron and Brooke Westphal for the first Sunday of Advent. Worship music permitted under CCLI License #264436...
Steve Smith :: Creekside Church :: Sunday, November 24, 2024 From the Ammonite king Hanun’s hostility toward David’s generosity found in 2 Samuel 10, we see some important marks of character in God’s kingdom in its initial, ongoing and final form. Following announcements, Pastor Steve teaches of the kindness from, opposition to, courage of, and victory in the kingdom. Worship music permitted under CCLI License #264436.courage
Steve Smith :: Creekside Church :: Sunday, November 17, 2024 David, fulfilling a promise to his friend Jonathan's son: “I will assuredly show kindness to you for the sake of your father... and I will restore... you... and you yourself shall eat at my table..." (2 Sam. 9:7). In his message from 2nd Samuel 9, Pastor Steve connects the kindness of the Lord's anointed king David to the grace of God through Christ. Steve encourages Christ followers to accept, appreciate, and apply toward other the ki...
Steve Smith :: Creekside Church :: Sunday, November 10, 2024 “So David reigned over all Israel; and David administered justice and righteousness for all his people.” (2 Samuel 8:15) In his message about the conquests by Israel’s king David described in 2nd Samuel 8, Pastor Steve highlights the victory, the bounty, and the justice that is always present in God’s kingdom. Steve’s message follows announcements and a recognition of Creekside’s military veterans in honor of Veteran’s Day. Worship mus...
Steve Smith :: Creekside Church :: Sunday, November 3, 2024 In 2nd Samuel 7, David makes plans to build a temple for the Lord to house the Ark of the Covenant, while God reveals His plans to build David a kingdom. Pastor Steve presents 3 stages in our reception and response to this plan that have profound personal implications. Christ followers are encouraged to plan to serve God but let God determine how, to praise God for His experienced and expected grace, and to use His promises as a guide f...
Steve Smith :: Creekside Church :: Sunday, October 27, 2024 From David's life we learn not only who God is but how we should behave in His presence. Covering 2 Samuel 6, Pastor Steve teaches about 3 proper responses—worship that is joyful because of God's presence, reverent because of His holiness, and humble because of His kindness. Steve's message follows brief announcements. Worship music permitted under CCLI License #264436.
Steve Smith :: Creekside Church :: Sunday, October 20, 2024 God’s kingdom is secured by His promise, strengthened by His presence, and safeguarded by His power. Preaching from 2nd Samuel 5, Pastor Steve presents these 3 reminders from David’s life experience of God’s work for the gain of His kingdom and the good of His people, giving joy to our hearts and rest for our souls. Steve's message follows several announcements and music from Creekside's Generation Jesus youth band. Worship music permit...
Alan Crim :: Creekside Church :: Sunday, October 13, 2024 From the grim account of the murder and beheading of one of Saul’s sons in 2nd Samuel 4, Alan Crim draws several contrasting features between the kingdoms of Saul and David—pictures of fear vs. courage, selfish ambition vs. humble trust, and corruption vs. justice. Ultimately this story points to the contrast between the two kingdoms we have to serve, the flesh or the spirit of God. Alan’s message follows announcements about an upcoming p...
Steve Smith :: Creekside Church :: Sunday, October 6, 2024 In light of the looming presidential election next month, Pastor Steve invites us to consider three perspectives that provide Scriptural grounding and guidance as we consider political involvement. God’s word instructs us to prize God’s sovereignty, pursue the good of our city and country, and prioritize our God-given responsibilities. Steve's message follows announcements, including one from Karen Clarkson about our Christmas program.
Steve Smith :: Creekside Church :: Sunday, September 29, 2024 In 2 Samuel 2:17-3:29, the clash between Judah’s army (David and his “mighty men”) and Israel’s army under Ish-Bosheth’s military commander Abner continues. Pastor Steve’s message from this narrative warns of the sins of opposing God’s kingdom through intentional rebellion, pursuing God’s kingdom for personal ambition, and subverting God’s kingdom for selfish consideration. While these activities certainly can restrain God’s kingdom, ...
Steve Smith :: Creekside Church :: Sunday, September 22, 2024 In the days of King David—as in our world today—people have to choose between two diametrically opposed kingdoms. From 2 Samuel 2:1-11, Pastor Steve covers three stages in the struggle for acceptance of God’s divinely ordained kingdom that encourage us to embrace it. We see the kingdom that is obtained by God’s instruction, offered by gracious invitation, and opposed by godless insurrection. Steve's message follows announcements. Wors...
Steve Smith :: Creekside Church :: Sunday, September 15, 2024 "How the mighty have fallen!" Pastor Steve teaches from 2 Samuel 1:17-27 how David's song of lament (over the loss of Saul and Jonathan) instructs us on the priority, propriety, and practices of grieving from three viewpoints. Apologies for the poor audio quality. Worship music permitted under CCLI License #264436.
Steve Smith :: Creekside Church :: Sunday, September 8, 2024 Pastor Steve begins a new sermon series covering the book of 2nd Samuel, “From Refugee to Reigning Kingdom.” In the first 16 verses of chapter 1, David’s reception of the news and response to the death of Saul and a Jonathan reveals three kingdom principles for everyday living. From the two major scenes in this story, we see the steadfastness of our confidence, the requirement of innocence, and the reward of reverence before God. Steve...
Steve Smith :: Creekside Church :: Sunday, September 1, 2024 In the last of a 5 part series addressing questions from our congregation, Pastor Steve explores the meaning of a believer's prayer "in Jesus' name" (John 24:13-14; 1 John 5:14-15) and the reality and practicality of all believers as "priests" (1 Peter 2:5,9; Hebrews 10:19-22). Worship music permitted under CCLI License #264436.
Steve Smith :: Creekside Church :: Sunday, August 25, 2024 In an effort to bring Biblical clarity to questions asking why sexual intimacy should be confined to marriage and how Christians should respond to the sexual confusion of our day, Pastor Steve dives into God's plan for human sexuality (Genesis 1:27-28;2:4 and Romans 1:8), man's perversion of human sexuality (Romans 1:24 and 1 Corinthians 6:9-13) and God's prescription for deviant human sexuality (Romans 3:23-24,28 and 1 Peter 2:24). Stev...
Steve Smith :: Creekside Church :: Sunday, August 18, 2024 Pastor Steve’s message is a challenge for both children and parents, seeking to answer questions from the congregation: What is the importance of a child to the Lord? When are children to grow up in faith? And, is teaching children to “work before play” Biblical? From Matthew 19:14; 1 Corinthians 3:1-3, Colossians 3:23-24 and others, we see the need to protect children’s worth, promote their spiritual growth, and provide for their produc...
Mark Kline :: Creekside Church :: Sunday, August 11, 2024 Mark Kline preaches a message addressing questions of eschatology—What is the Rapture? Why does it matter? Will the Church go through the Great Tribulation?—drawing from Scripture in John 14, 1 Thessalonians 4, 1 Corinthians 15, and Revelation 3. Mark's "Because You Asked" message follows announcements, including an introduction to Creekside's College Care ministry by Heather Derr and testimonies from several college students who have ben...
Steve Smith :: Creekside Church :: Sunday, July 28, 2024 As Pastor Steve concludes our study of Romans, we are presented with Paul's final three expressions of loving encouragement—a caution to guard against heresy, comforting greetings from family, and a call to glorify God. These closing words inspire faithful and fruitful ministry for believers confident in our place in God's family. Worship music permitted under CCLI License #264436.
Steve Smith :: Creekside Church :: Sunday, July 21, 2024 As Paul winds down his letter to the church in Rome in chapter 16, he offers a commendation of one brave woman and individual greetings to dozens of others. Pastor Steve presents these exhortations as an inspiration for spiritual intimacy, unity, and relational ministry within Christ's body. This sermon follows an introduction of and an encouraging update from Chad Clarkson, co-founder and executive director of Houston Church Planting Netw...
John Roskam's Funeral Service at Creekside Church, Saturday, July 20, 2024 Celebrating a Life Well Lived: John Ray Roskam (March 13, 1939 – July 14, 2024) Officiating: Pastor Steve Smith Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:1-8 Music provided by Jennifer Thomas (Soloist) and Karen McFadden (Pianist) Pallbearers: Silas Thomas, Simeon Thomas, Jacob Roskam, Devon Roskam, Curtis Guyer, Samuel Thomas Lunch following service Private burial at Iowa Veterans Cemetery, Van Meter, Iowa Psalm 16:5-11 Lord, you alone a...
Steve Smith :: Creekside Church :: Sunday, July 14, 2024 "Yet I have written you quite boldly on some points to remind you of them again, because of the grace God gave me to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles." Pastor Steve's message from Romans 15:14-33 uncovers two dominant reasons why Paul's ministry and future mission matter for believers then and now. Steve's message follows announcements by Alan Crim. Worship music permitted under CCLI License #264436.
Steve Smith :: Creekside Church :: Sunday, July 7, 2024 "We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors... to build them up. ...so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." From Pastors Steve's message from Romans 15:1-13, believers' (strong and weak in faith) obedience to 2 Christ-empowered imperatives promotes unity, which in turn proclaims God's glory. Steve'...
Steve Smith :: Creekside Church :: Sunday, June 30, 2024 God’s love has brought us freedom in Christ—freedom in how we dress, what we drink, or where we go. But a Christian’s love should compel us to in faith limit that freedom when it’s a potential stumbling block for others. Pastor Steve’s message from Romans 14:13-23 shows us 4 guidelines for lovingly limiting our liberty in order to promote unity and maturity in Christ’s body. Steve’s message follows several announcements. Worship music perm...
