Oakhaven Church's Podcast

Rubel Shelly - "Really Seeing Jesus" Mark 8

What Did Jesus Do? No. 5 He Demonstrates How to Respond to Criticism

We've all had our try at responding to criticism. It seems no matter what choices we make, there is someone waiting to criticize and judge. That's not to say than any of us are above criticism or that there is no benefit to listening and discerning when it comes our way. The cold truth is that much that is offered even as helpful criticism is just a veiled attempt to frustrate and discourage. The passage we will be discussing is in Luke 7 where the antagonists accuse Jesus of being a glutton and...

Seeing the Face of Jesus as the Light - Gary Cleveland with Matthew Cleveland

This podcast is the result of a collaborative effort between Gary and his son Matthew. Matt is an elementary school art teacher in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. Over the past few years has created a series of "Jesus" drawings at youth rallys and special services. He begins with a blank canvas and sketches as I preach a sermon based in the Gospel of John and select passages from 1 John. I encourage the listener to consider who their personal view/understanding of the Savior becomes more detailed in tim...

What Did Jesus Do? No. 4 He Touches, Heals and Reaches Out - Gary & Nate Cleveland in conversation

Jesus has compassion, reaches out and touches a leper and with that action demonstrates the gospel in microcosm. We find here Grace, Inclusion and a foreshadowing of substitutionary atonement. Listen in as Gary and son, Nate have a conversation about one of the great things Jesus did. Explore with us the wonder of the Savior.

The Church, It's Purpose as An Encouraging Body of Believers

Listen in today as Wayne Hawley shares thoughts about the nature of the church as an encouraging enterprise. Each member contributes in ways he or she probably does not fully appreciate. You will be encouraged and inspired by listening in.

Jesus Knew His Purpose and Kept His Focus - Lk. 4:40-44

It is easy to lose sight of what is most important. A thousand and one things scream to get done. Jesus must have experienced this more than most. Listen in today as we explore the texts found in Luke 4: 40-44, and Mark 1: 35-39.

What Did Jesus Do? No. 2 He Specialized in Restoration

Many of the activities of Jesus are centered around miraculous works. No doubt, the miracles of Jesus loom large in the acts of mercy he administers during his earthly ministry. This series will focus on some of what might be referred to as ordinary, even though extraordinary.....things Jesus did. Today we look at the last few verses of the Gospel of John where Jesus asks Peter if he loves him. 3 times the question is asked. Jesus affirms Peter and sets the stage for the early period of the chur...

The Church, Missional

Does the church have a mission? OR Does God have a mission and the church plays a role in the carrying out of that mission? Admittedly, this question could get bogged down in semantics, but I think there is something worth considering. The church follows closely the style of Jesus in responding to needs and crises. There is no doubt that Jesus had a strategic plan and the early church had goals and purposes. But time after time, Scripture shows that the church, like Jesus, was a response organis...

What Did Jesus Do? No. 1 Jesus As Crisis Responder - Luke 9: 10-17

Jesus specialized in responding to a crisis. From his first miracle in Cana of Galilee, he calmly handles crisis after crisis in his ministry. Miracles are often a part of the story. No matter what the circumstance, Jesus draws others into the story. On each occasion there is frequently found these three: Prayer, Planning and Participation. In today's story of the feeding of the 5,000, we find Jesus at work responding to a crisis. Listen in as Josh Cleveland and Gary Cleveland have a conversatio...

In A Manner of Speaking- Prayer No. 9 Job 42 God Can Be Counted On for the Tough Stuff

We wrap up our series on Prayer "As A Manner of Speaking" today. We finish with a conversation between Job and God. This being the occasion of Fathers' Day, we make application in particular to fathers and how we demonstrate trust in God in how we face tough circumstances.

David's Prayer 2 Samuel 7: 18-29

Prayer is often situational by nature. There are times when prayer is a crying out.....perhaps not even in words or phrases, but a groan. Sometimes prayer is a sustained plea for healing, or hope or direction. The prayer of David in 2 Samuel 7 is a prayer of looking back at what God has done, a current look at what God is in the process of doing and a look forward at all He will do in the future. Today's lesson is coupled with a time of honoring a couple of recent graduates and an exhortation fo...

Hannah's Prayer - 1 Samuel 2: 1-11

The prayer of Hannah is rich in theological content and illustrates the highest respect for God and his ways. If this prayer sounds familiar, it might be because of the close parallels it has with Mary's Magnificat in Luke 1:46 and following. The prayer is also given in the form of song or poetry. It is a well constructed, highly contemplative prayer. In this sermon, we will explore the idea of prayer being a part of action and willingness to participate in the agenda of God. It is my prayer tha...

Living Hope - Don Truitt

Join in today as we explore the idea of living in the Hope of God. Listen as Don Truitt, one of the founding ministers of Oakhaven, shares from God's Word. You will be blessed, encouraged and exhorted to live for God in fresh creative and thoughtful ways.

This is My Story- This is My Song: Mission Report by Kathy Rabitoy and Emily Crowe

Today's podcast is a mission report by two of our Oakhaven family who recently did mission work in Cancun, Mexico at an orphanage. Listen in as Kathy Rabitoy and Emily Crowe share their story. You will be inspired and encouraged by the work God is doing in the lives of those who will answer the call as did Emily and Kathy.

In A Manner of Speaking- Prayer No. 8 Nehemiah & God's Covenant of Love: Nehemiah 1: 5-11

This is a most unlikely text for a Mother's Day sermon. Blushingly, I would admit that this is one of the more hair-brained ideas for a sermon I've ever tried to pull off. You can't blame me for trying the near impossible.....well....maybe you can. Nehemiah offers a prayer to God asking for guidance in rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem. At this time, Israel is released following the period when Babylon destroyed the city and took many of Jerusalem's residents captive. The re-building of the wall ...

A Brief Presentation Regarding Bella Medial Clinic by Executive Director Beth Nemecek

Bella Medical Clinic provides care for pregnant women who are seeking options which recognize the sanctity of life and reflect the heart of God. This message is a brief overview of this ministry.

In A Manner of Speaking- Prayer No. 7 Solomon: "God Reigns No Matter What" 1 Kgs. 8: 23-53

We continue to explore prayer as a "manner of speaking". Today's lesson is a prayer voiced by Solomon as the temple of God is being dedicated. Pay careful attention to the language in this prayer. Not only is the temple being dedicated, but the people are to dedicate themselves to the carrying out of God's agenda.

This is My Story- This is My Song: Carolyn McPherson

This is the first in a series of interviews by Gary of Oakhaven members. The series is called This is My Story, This is My Song. It is an opportunity for the Oakhaven family to hear personal statements from individuals about their faith and their growth in Christ. In addition to sharing of their story, each person is asked to share a song that has been especially meaningful to them in their walk with God. The Bible is a collection of stories about individuals who were willing to let God's story ...

In A Manner of Speaking- Prayer No. 6 The Lord Bless and Keep You - Numbers 6: 22-26

This week we have experienced great tragedies in our country in Boston and the little town of West, Texas. In times like this we grasp for peace in the midst of suffering and loss. The promise of peace seems like a far reach. In fact, it might be out of reach for a time among those whose losses were so personal. In spite of the great pain and hurt, we yearn for comfort. In this passage in Numbers 6 we find God giving a blessing to his people as they leave Sinai for the promised land. The journey...

In A Manner of Speaking- Prayer No. 5 Elijah on Mount Carmel

There is so much drama in 1 Kings 18. Elijah is called upon to give testimony to the greatness of God. More specifically, he is to bring about a show down between the servants of Baal and the God of Israel. The event is filled with drama and a spectacular display of God's power. The prayer of Elijah is in contrast, very short and to the point especially when compared to the sideshow demonstrated by the Baal worshipers. If you haven't read this narrative in a while, I invite you to revisit the dr...

In A Manner of Speaking No. 4 Moses, Manna and Malcontents - Numbers 11

We continue our series titled, "In a Manner of Speaking" today. We are exploring the ways we speak to God and how God hears us. The most common way we tend to identify as our communication to God, is prayer. We are reminded in today's lesson that God hears everything we communicate for better or worse. In today's text, we revisit the time of Israel after having been set free from Egyptian captivity. It didn't take long for Israel to forget all the wonder of God witnessed in the Exodus. Where do ...

The Resurrection is Glorious - Wayne Hawley

On the occasion of resurrection Sunday or Easter, if you will, we explore the words of the Apostle John as he tells in his gospel of the things leading up to and including the resurrection. Listen in as Wayne Hawley shares the progression of John's ideas as told in the 4th gospel. You will be invited to revisit these familiar scenes and encouraged to celebrate anew the glory of the resurrection.

Pat Crowe - Serving, Ministering, Kingdom Work

Today's lesson by Pat Crowe uses the text in Acts 6 which highlights the heart of ministry which is conditional on the heart of the servant. Pat speaks from the text, from his heart and his life. Listen along and you will be blessed.

In A Manner of Speaking- Prayer No. 3 With Prayer and Report on Gary's fight with Cancer

This is perhaps as intimate a podcast as I have ever published. Prior to the sermon you will hear me speak of my ongoing battle with cancer. This past week Deb and I got the news that the Melanoma Cancer has spread to my liver and is inoperable. We will be going back to Mayo Clinic this week to find out what the treatment options are. I appreciate all those who are praying for Deb and me. We could not ask for more comfort, confidence and companionship than you have all provided us. The sermon is...

In A Manner of Speaking- Prayer No. 2 Crying Out

As we continue our exploration of prayer we discover that prayer doesn't require great formality nor even coherent language. God can even hear the desperate crying out for help and rescue. Perhaps the idea of praying continually is all about sensing a constant connection with God and an awareness of His abiding presence and His great and benevolent power. Join in our journey along the path to a more effectual and satisfying prayer life.

In A Manner of Speaking- Prayer No. 1

We begin a series on the subject of prayer in this podcast. Prayer in its most simple of descriptions is a calling upon the name of the Lord. Listen in today as we consider a simple approach to the grandest communication of all - Prayer.

Hearing The Voice of God No.3 Hebrews 1 "Jesus"

God is always speaking. Sometimes we can't hear him for the noise that bombards us from every corridor of our lives. In this series we are exploring how we can "tune in" better to what God is saying. Today we are examining a passage in Hebrews 1: 1-3. The writer of Hebrews emphasizes that God speaks to us today through Jesus, His son. The question we explore today regards how easy it is to use only the "sound clips" of Jesus which are most comfortable and edit the commands of Jesus which make us...

Hearing the Voice of God No.2 Luke 1 & 3 John the Baptist

John the baptist is arguably one of the most intriguing of the New Testament characters. Beginning with his birth announcement and his father's instructions about how John was to live, we observe that John is not your everyday, run of the day, Jewish boy. He has a mission, he has a call. He hears the voice of God. May we learn from John how to hear with more clarity, the voice of God. May the hearing of the voice of God give us clearer purpose, mission and meaning in our lives.

Hearing the Voice of God No.1 Exodus 3: 1-17 Moses and the Burning Bush

We begin a new series in this podcast on "Hearing the Voice of God". As our new year begins, we can be assured that various things will call for our attention. The question begging to be asked is: How will I be able to hear the voice of God above all the clamor and noisiness of everyday life? In the next few weeks, we will be attempting to address this vital question. May God grant us ears to hear His voice.

Growing In Wisdom, Stature and Favor with God and Man

Embedded in the early going of Luke's gospel is a rare statement about Jesus as a boy. It says simply, "Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and Man." May each of us plan, purpose and pray for God to help us grow in all facets of our lives in this new year. May God's will be done in our lives on earth as it is in heaven.