Sorry for the late publication, but we’ve been enjoying a little downtime to celebrate Christmas. This week, we combine the final two messages of our series, Characters of the Nativity, and turn our attention to the two main characters: Mary and Jesus.
Read MoreDespite Joseph’s responsibility in God’s plan, his role in the story is almost secondary. He remains primarily in the background, but his actions speak volumes about his character and faith. Joseph’s obedience, humility, and unwavering sacrificial love make for a powerful witness story.
Read MoreOften, when we think of the story of the birth of Jesus, we focus on the “big three” characters: Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus. This week, we turn our focus to the supporting cast. Those characters that had an impact and played a role but weren’t necessarily significant enough to gain top billing.
Read MoreThis week, we begin a four-week Advent series, Characters of the Nativity. In this series, we’ll look at some of the characters in the Christmas story. We start with the angels and will follow with some of the unsung heroes as well as the main characters, Joseph and Mary. We’ll close the series with our Christmas Eve message about Jesus.
Read MoreFor many, gathering around the Thanksgiving table means participating in the time-honored ritual of sharing what we’re thankful for. What a great exercise this is. But isn’t it sad that we only share our gratitude out loud and with one another during a special occasion?
Read MoreVolunteer Appreciation Sunday is not just about acknowledging our volunteers' hard work and commitment. It's also an opportunity for us to consider the deeper meaning of service in the context of our faith.
Read MoreThere is power in speaking scripture. Adam's Road Piano combines a refreshing expression of praise and worship through instrumental piano music with heartfelt recitation of God's Word, to renew faith and enrich hearts with the wonder of God's grace.
Read MoreWhile there are aspects of Communion that cause disagreement, namely the mechanics, our goal in this message is to focus on what is at the core. When we strip away how we celebrate the sacrament, the specific elements used, and who is allowed to preside and participate, it is the table that remains - the Lord’s Table.
Read MoreWith this parable as a backdrop, we will discuss that despite God being so wonderful, kind, gracious, and loving, we sometimes respond to him with anger and offense rather than wonder. It seems strange that we would be offended when God is gracious and kind to others. We question why God is being so generous to them.
Read MoreHave you ever found yourself in a situation where you just had to cry out to the Lord? Have you ever made a wish for something more? All of us, at one time or another, have said a prayer, hoping for the best and hoping for it to come true. In this week’s message, we discuss how we receive the wishes and dreams God has for us and how we can become good stewards of those dreams.
Read MoreThis week, we conclude our two-part series Ripples to Redemption, A Journey from Sin to Salvation. In Part 1, we looked at the collateral damage of sin - the ripple effect - and how the consequences of our sins can affect people we don’t even know. In Part 2, we’ll focus on the idea that despite how far the impact of our transgressions reaches, God will still lead us to redemption and salvation.
Read MoreWe have a tendency to avoid frank and honest conversations about sin, but there really is good news: we have received a clear path to salvation, no matter what sins we have committed in the past or those we might commit in the future.
Read MoreThis week, we conclude our sermon series, Unpacking the Lord’s Prayer. During the past two weeks, we’ve taken a closer look at one of the most well-known passages of scripture. Universally referred to as the Lord’s Prayer, these words are more than just the prayer Jesus taught his disciples. They are a guide to Christian living. Last week, we unpacked the first half of the prayer. This week, we’ll dissect the remainder.
Read MoreThis week, we continue our sermon series, Unpacking the Lord’s Prayer, in which we’re taking a closer look at one of the most well-known passages of scripture. Universally referred to as the Lord’s Prayer, these words are more than just the prayer Jesus taught his disciples. They are a guide to Christian living.
Read MoreThroughout history, it [the Lord’s Prayer] has served as a cornerstone of worship and as a unifying prayer for people of all Christian traditions. We at Ocoee Oaks include this prayer every week as part of our regular order of worship.
Read MoreBut miracles are not reserved for just displays of God’s great power. They include the small, sometimes unnoticed blessings that make up the fabric of our lives. They are occurring all around us all of the time.
Read MoreWhile the miracles we read about in the Old Testament established God’s power and authority, those of the New Testament were displays of compassion, healing, and a vision of a kingdom to come.
Read MoreDuring this three-part series, we will look at some of the miracles from the Old Testament, the New Testament, and those that occur in our daily lives.
Read MoreThis week we reflect on a third part of Jesus’ answer that we might sometimes overlook. When he says we are to love our neighbor, he adds the qualifier “as yourself.” Anytime we think of the greatest command, love God and love people, we should also include love ourselves.
Read MoreAs we experience declines in attendance, questions about its relevance, and rejection by some, the faithful search for ways to revive the Church. Perhaps we need to refresh our memories and revisit the description of the early church in the Book of Acts.
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