Justification - God Declared You Righteous - Dr. Brian Keesler

Sermon Recap

God doesn’t move because we’re good, He moves because He’s good. In the sermon, Justification: God Declared You Righteous, Dr. Brian Keesler delivers an enlightening message about the source of our righteousness—Jesus. Our righteousness does not come from what we do, it comes from who God says we are. Since Jesus took our penalty of sin on the cross, we can now plead not-guilty before God. As you watch this sermon, prepare to surrender your need to strive once you see yourself through the finished work of Jesus.

Scripture References

• Romans 5:1-9 (NKJV)

• Romans 4:25 (NKJV)

• Romans 3:20, 28 (NKJV)

• Galatians 2:16 (NKJV)

• Romans 8:29-30 (NKJV)

• Romans 5:1-9 (NKJV, TPT)

UNFINISHED: Becoming a Disciple - Dr. Brian Keesler

Sermon Recap

The work of our salvation might be finished, but we still have something to do. In Part 3 of the sermon series, UNFINISHED, Dr. Brian Keesler expounds upon another responsibility of the Christian here on earth—becoming a disciple. Becoming a disciple is not something that just happens, it takes action and intentionality. Many believers place the responsibility of their education and advancement in the hands of their teacher, but their growth is completely up to them. A pastor can put out a meal, but it’s up to the individual to eat. As you watch this sermon, prepare to walk away with a better understanding of the true meaning of discipleship and an increased desire to learn.

Scripture References

• Ephesians 4:7-16 (NKJV)

• Hebrews 5:12-14 (NKJV)

• 2 Timothy 2:2 (NKJV)

UNFINISHED: The Least of These - Dr. Brian Keesler

Sermon Recap

The work of our salvation might be finished, but we still have something to do. In the continuation of the UNFINISHED sermon series, Dr. Brian Keesler shares another work that Jesus left for his church to do on this earth—take care of the least of these. Part of our duty as members of the body of Christ is to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, and comfort the widow. But are we walking out that lifestyle? Our contribution to this command can produce great results—negatively or positively. Dr. Keesler shares a statistic that if every Christian were to tithe then world hunger cease to exist. As you watch this sermon, prepare to examine your own heart and actions to determine if you really are carrying the love of Jesus.

Scripture References

• Matthew 25:31-46 (NKJV)

• 1 John 3:16-17 (NKJV)

UNFINISHED: On Purpose - Dr. Brian Keesler

Sermon Recap

The work of our salvation might be finished, but we still have something to do. In the introduction to the sermon series, UNFINISHED, Dr. Brian Keesler delivers a stirring message about our commission as Christians to go into all the world and preach the gospel. Numerous times Jesus commanded His disciples to go, yet many in the church today are staying still. Dr. Keesler reminds listeners that those who do not follow the Words of Jesus are described as fools in the Bible. If we truly want to say that Jesus is the foundation of our life we must follow all of His commands, not just a few. And if we truly want to love our neighbor as ourself we must share the good news with them. We cannot just sit back and bask in our salvation experience, we must share it with those around us. There is an unfinished work and Jesus has commissioned us to complete it. As you watch this sermon prepare for an increased desire to share the good news of Jesus with the lost.

Scripture References

• Matthew 7:24-29 (NKJV)

• Matthew 28:18-20 (NKJV)

• Mark 16:15-20 (NKJV)

• Luke 24:46-49 (NKJV)

• John 20:19-23 (NKJV)

• Acts 1:8 (NKJV)

Reconciled in Jesus - Dr. Brian Keesler

Empowered Women's Conference - Pastor Dana TenBrink

The Trap of Unforgiveness - Dr. Brian Keesler

Sermon Recap

Along life’s journey all Christians are bound to come across traps that have been set by the enemy. Those traps include comparison, distraction, offense, and one of the most deadly—unforgiveness. In the conclusion of the Traps sermon series, Dr. Brian Keesler delivers a crucial message about avoiding the trap of unforgiveness. Dr. Keesler likens unforgiveness to carrying around a metal bucket filled with acid. Everything might look alright from the outside, but before long the acid will eat its way to the outside of the bucket. Harboring unforgiveness might not seem like a big deal at first, but it causes a landslide of issues including hindering the blessing of God, stopping your prayers from being answered, and turning into a root of bitterness. Remaining in unforgiveness locks pain in while simultaneously locking God out. In order to stay out of this trap, we must learn to forgive just as Jesus forgave–constantly and immediately. Jesus did not wait for anyone to repent before He died on the cross and He does not continue to hold our sins against us. We too must completely release those who have hurt us, even if they never feel any remorse. After watching this sermon you’ll not only be able to decipher between Biblical repentance and human sorrow, but you will also gain a greater understanding of how to walk in true forgiveness.

Scripture References

• Matthew 6:14-15 (NKJV)

• Ephesians 4:29-31 (NKJV)

The Trap of Offense - Dr. Brian Keesler

Sermon Recap

What is holding you back? In part three of the sermon series, Traps, Dr. Brian Keesler unpacks another common snare that people get caught in—offense. Although plenty of opportunities for offense exist, they can only occur with your consent. As governors of our mind, will, and emotions, it is up to us to decide if we are going to get offended. Choosing to remain out of offense is so important because bitterness can otherwise take root. Several ways to combat offense includes studying and loving the Word of God and making a conscious decision to forgive quickly. Dr. Keesler also reminds listeners of the connectivity of the body of Christ. When one person in the body of Christ wins, we all win. If one person in the body of Christ is hurt, we all hurt. After watching this sermon, expect to walk in new freedom as you release offenses that have weighed you down for years.

Scripture References

• Luke 17:1 (NKJV)

• Hebrews 12:14–15 (NKJV)

• Romans 12:14–18 (NKJV)

• Ephesians 4:1–3 (NKJV)

Trust in the Lord - Reverend Sam Wells

Sermon Recap

The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still. In the sermon, Trust in the Lord, Reverend Sam Wells explains the importance of fully putting our trust in God for every need. Many times our trust gets tested by those we love, and this distrust then gets projected on God. Reverend Wells reminds listeners that although people may fail, God never will. The Lord is faithful to act upon His Word and He will direct the paths of those who place their trust in Him. As you watch this faith-building message, find encouragement knowing that God will come through for you in every situation—big or small. There is nothing that is too trivial or too substantial for God to take care of. God sees what you’re going through, He cares, and He will come through.

Scripture References

• Psalms 146:3

• Proverbs 3:5-6

• Exodus 14:10-14

The Trap of Comparison - Dr. Brian Keesler

Sermon Recap

If only I was taller. If only I was smarter. If only I was prettier. The items people use to compare themselves to others is endless, but waiting at the end of every judgement is a trap. In the continuation of the sermon series, Traps, Dr. Keesler outlines yet another pitfall that ensnares too many of God’s people–comparison. Many believe if they possessed every item of perfection on their list: status, wealth, popularity, etc., that they would be happier than they are now. Making this assumption is easy, but the result is never satisfaction. Only two results ever come from measuring oneself to another: an attitude of despair and a mindset of fatality. My life must not be as important because I can’t _____, or why should I even try because I’ll never be as good as _____.  Dr. Keesler admonishes that we must stop thinking about what could have been and start pursuing God’s purpose for the present time. Jesus is the only answer to the trap of comparison and everyone will always come in second next to His perfection. Our job as a Christian isn’t to constantly measure ourselves to one another, it’s to constantly labor to renew our minds. As you watch this sermon, discover areas where you have allowed comparison to constrict your growth and free yourself of this debilitating trap once and for all.

Scripture References

• John 10:10 (NKJV)

• 2 Corinthians 10 (NKJV, TPT)

Compassion of Jesus - Dr. Brian Keesler

Sermon Recap

Jesus is the same yesterday, today, and forever, and if He was willing to heal then, He is willing to heal now. In the sermon, Compassion of Jesus, Dr. Brian Keesler delivers a message of hope and healing for those dealing with a broken heart. It doesn’t matter if the wounds in your heart are fresh or happened years ago, Jesus cares about your wellbeing and wants to bring restoration to every area of your life. To demonstrate this willingness, Dr. Keesler takes listeners through numerous examples in the Bible where Jesus displays compassion on those that came to Him. It didn’t matter what issue they had—physical or emotional—if they came to Him, Jesus healed them. The same is true for us. The first step we need to take to receive healing is to just come to Jesus. It doesn’t matter what we have gone through, if we come to Him He will deliver us. We might have an adversary that will try to lock us down with all kinds of wounds, but we also have an advocate that can deliver us from any problem that we might have. As you watch this sermon, allow the healing ministry of Jesus to bring deep restoration into the areas where you have been stifled by rejection, trauma, or loss.

Scripture References

• Matthew 9:35-36 (NKJV)

• Psalms 34:17-18 (NKJV)

• Luke 4:18-19 (NKJV)

• Isaiah 61:1-3 (NKJV)

• Hebrews 13:8 (NKJV)

The Trap of Distraction - Dr. Brian Keesler

Sermon Recap

Distractions. They’re inconvenient, unavoidable, and more dangerous than you think. In the revisitation of the sermon series, Traps, Dr. Brian Keesler takes another much needed look at the downfalls of distractions. Distractions come in various forms, but all of them hinder our growth and keep us from reaching our full potential. To illustrate this point further, Dr. Keesler uses the Gap Theory which looks at where you are at now, where you want to go, and what might hinder you in the middle. Many times the blockades to our success are only excuses and distractions. Although unavoidable, there are ways to limit the effect of distractions. One of the primary ways to reach your destination is to really place value on the goal you are trying to achieve. Seventy-eight percent of people will make a purchase if they believe the item will add value to their life. What do you value the most? Is it comfort and entertainment or is it your relationship with Jesus Christ? Another way to avoid distractions is to ignore false senses of emergency. What seems important and urgent, typically is not as pressing as we think. Living a distracted life may not seem like a big deal, but when you dig deeper you find much is at stake. Families are at stake. Nations are at stake. And most importantly, the kingdom of God is at stake.

Scripture Reference

• Psalms 119:110 (NKJV)

Wake Up, Stand Up, Speak Up - Dr. Brian Keesler

Sermon Recap

Terrible. Stressful. Perilous. Paul was very clear in 2 Timothy 3 that there would be dark and difficult times in the end days. In the sermon, Wake Up, Stand Up, Speak Up, Dr. Brian Keesler acknowledges that we are indeed in those days and that the Body of Christ needs to rise up and shine the light of Jesus. Despite the urgency of the times we are living in, many members of the church have fallen asleep and are not walking in their authority. More than ever we need to wake up, rise up, and stand up for the gospel of Jesus. When the church falls asleep, the entire world pays. Dr. Keesler reminds the church that Jesus never had a problem proclaiming right and wrong and if we want to follow in his footsteps, we must do the same. Dr. Keesler also encourages the church that one of the ways they can exercise their God-given authority is by voting in the upcoming election. He reminds the church that they are not voting for a personality, they are voting for a mechanism. It’s high time to wake up, the world needs us.

Scripture References

• 2 Timothy 3:1

• 1 Timothy 4:2

Through the Storm Part 3: Who Do the Storms Come From? - Dr. Brian Keesler

Sermon Recap

The Bible states that every good gift comes from God, yet many Christians still accredit Him for every event they encounter in their life—even the storms. In this perspective-shifting sermon, Dr. Brian Keesler sheds some much needed light on a common question—did God send the storm? To help answer this question, Dr. Keesler begins his message by clarifying the true meaning of God’s sovereignty. Although God is the greatest authority, He does not have complete control over everything that happens. To illustrate the instability of the belief that God is in complete control, Dr. Keesler takes the congregation through some through-provoking scenarios. If God causes everything to happen, does that mean we should praise Him if our house burns down and all of our loved ones perish? It was His will after all. Most would agree this makes no sense. If one believes that God causes every situation, then they must credit Him for all the evil in addition to the good. Another supporting event is found in Mark 4:35 where the disciples are facing a disastrous storm. As their ship began to fill with water the disciples woke Jesus who was sleeping in the stern of the ship. Jesus got up and rebuked the wind and the sea. If God truly is in charge of every event, then didn’t Jesus rebuke God by calming the storm? In summary, the storms that come up against us are not God’s will. His plans are to prosper us and give us hope, not to produce disease and disaster. If you find yourself in a storm, know that it is not from God, and it’s not punishment for something you did wrong. What you do need to know is that you have the ability to command the storm to hush, and be still.

Scripture References

• Psalms 34:17-19 (NKJV)

• John 16:33 (NKJV)

• Mark 4:35 (NKJV)

Through the Storm Part 2: Storms Come Even When We Obey - Dr. Brian Keesler

Sermon Recap

No matter who you are or what you’ve done, storms will come up in your life. In the revisitation of the sermon series, Through the Storm, Dr. Brian Keesler comforts those finding themselves in the middle of a trial by reminding them that Jesus is the wave walker. Dr. Keesler stresses that the presence of a storm generally has nothing to do with what that person has done, but rather who they are and where they’re going. If you find yourself in a trial or tribulation, it is likely happening because you are walking in obedience. Dr. Keesler uses the account of the disciples crossing the lake in Mark 6:45 to illustrate this concept. The disciples obeyed Jesus’s command to get in the boat and head toward Bethsaida. As the disciples traveled to the destination that Jesus commanded, they encountered a storm. When Jesus saw the disciples struggling at rowing and heard their cry for help, He got in the boat and calmed the storm. This passage notes that Jesus was ready to pass them by before He heard their cry. The same is true for those found in Christ. Jesus is attentive and willing to respond, but the righteous must be willing to ask for help. As you watch this encouraging sermon, find reassurance in any situation knowing that Jesus sees you, your trial is not because of anything you’ve done, and He is about ready to get in your boat. 

Scripture References

• Psalms 34:17-19 (NKJV)

• Mark 6:45-52 (NKJV)

• John 16:33 (NKVJ)

Through the Storm Part 1: The Afflictions of the Righteous - Dr. Brian Keesler

Sermon Recap

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all. In the introduction to the sermon series, Through the Storm, Dr. Brian Keesler brings encouragement to the body from Psalms 34:19. Dr. Keesler reminds the church that living a perfect life does not equate to having a problem-free life. As long as we live in the world, we will encounter various storms. Even Jesus who was without sin was faced with temptations from the enemy during moments of weakness. Despite the surety of the storm, Dr. Keesler advises listeners to maintain their hope because Jesus promised deliverance from every trial. As you watch this sermon, find encouragement as you secure yourself in the truth that God is greater than anything you will ever face.

Scripture References

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all. Psalms 34:19 (NKJV)

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NKJV)

Wake Up - Pastor Dana TenBrink

Sermon Recap

You can’t fight an excellent fight if you’re sleeping. In the sermon, Wake Up, Pastor Dana TenBrink delivers a message of urgency to the body of Christ to arise from its slumber and pursue Jesus once again. Now is not a time to sleep, now is a time to get stirred up to run our race with even more excellence and endurance. Pastor Dana challenges listeners to ask themselves if they are sleeping in any areas of their life. Is your prayer life sleeping? Your faith walk? How about reaching out to the lost? It is possible for parts of the body to be awake while others are not. Christians must ask themselves these questions because they are in the ultimate race—the race to keep the faith. As you watch this sermon, prepare to get stirred in your spirit to pursue Jesus with boldness and fervency.

Letting Go - Dr. Brian Keesler

Sermon Recap

When you’re running a race, even the slightest addition of weight can slow you down. In this self-reflective sermon, Dr. Brian Keesler expounds upon Hebrews 12:1-2 before asking listeners to search their own hearts for anything that may be keeping them from running their race with endurance. These hidden weights may include bitterness, unforgiveness, pride, etc. The Christian life is not a sprint, it’s a marathon. Therefore, it is imperative that we uncover and strip off any hidden burdens that may hinder our journey.

Scripture References

Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Hebrews 12:1-2 (NKJV)

Progressing into Spiritual Maturity Part 2 - Pastor Dana TenBrink

Sermon Recap

Every follower of Christ has a race to run, but how they finish is up to them. In the continuation of the message about maturing spiritually, Pastor Dana TenBrink compares the priorities of a spiritually mature believer with the pitfalls of someone who is spiritually immature. A spiritually mature Christian rejoices instead of complaining, receives the Word through repetition, avoids evil, worships in the Spirit, and places no confidence in the flesh. The immature Christian does not mature because they are spiritually lazy, easily distracted by the things of the world, consumed with harmful relationships, and careless with the knowledge they already received. Prepare to grow up even more in God after listening to this motivational sermon.

Progressing into Spiritual Maturity Part 1 - Pastor Dana TenBrink

Sermon Recap

A separation is soon coming to the Body of Christ. This distinguishing event will signify rapid growth for some and a great falling away for others. In this cautionary sermon, Pastor Dana TenBrink, Associate Pastor of New Creation Church of Owosso, warns the church about the pending downfall that can result from not pursuing spiritual maturity. Learn the signs of an immature Christian (needs milk, unskilled in righteousness, doesn’t develop) vs. a mature Christian (can handle solid food, skilled in righteousness, can accept correction from the Word) and make sure you endure the race by growing up in God.