Transformation Church Tallahassee

The Paradox of Sacrifice

"A faith that doesn't cost anything is a faith that won't change anything." - Pastor Ryan Kramer The Costly Yes: Why Sacrifice Is Your Setup, Not Your Setback Have you ever wanted a breakthrough in life without any discomfort or surrender? In week five of the "Kingdom Paradox" series, Pastor Ryan Kramer dives into the tension between the world's view of sacrifice as a setback and the Kingdom's view of it as a step forward. Looking at the story of the poor widow in Mark 12:41-44, Ryan reveals that true giving is an overflow of gratitude, not obligation, and that Jesus measures our offerings not by their size, but by the size of the sacrifice. This message challenges us to move beyond superficial faith and embrace a life that truly costs us something, remembering that just as God delivered us from our "Egypt" (sin and bondage), our full response should be one of complete and loving surrender. The message explores these main points: -- This story isn't a money story, it's a love story—a testament to gratitude and remembering God's salvation. -- The danger of spiritual drift occurs when we stop remembering how bad we were or where God has brought us from. -- Gratitude isn't measured by the size of the gift; it's measured by the size of the sacrifice (100%). -- A faith that doesn't cost anything is a faith that won't change anything. -- Sacrifice is the doorway into new seasons, serving as a "setup" for what God wants to give us next. -- We must stop trying to carry everything from the last season into the next one. Scriptures for Further Study -- Mark 12:41-44 -- 1 Corinthians 6:12 +++++++ Join us for church this Sunday. For service times and meeting location please visit https://transformtlh.com/

The Paradox of Worship by Andrea Kramer

Worship isn't a style—it's surrender. In this powerful and vulnerable fourth message of the "Kingdom Paradox" series, Pastor Andrea reveals why our preferences can become the enemy's favorite weapon in the church and reminds us that worship was never meant to center around us—it's always been about Him. From CeCe Winan's national anthem to a heartbreaking personal story of loss and praise, this teaching will challenge you to ask the hard questions: Is worship about me or about Him? Does it start in my heart or on the stage? Am I responding to His love or my feelings? Whether you've been focused on your preferences or ready to worship in spirit and truth—this message is packed with biblical truth, honest vulnerability, and a call to declare who He is without even singing a song. True worshippers worship the Father in spirit and truth. Scripture Reference: John 4:21-24, Psalm 51:7, James 3:9-10, Romans 12:1, 1 John 4:9 Big Idea: Worship isn't about a style or a song—it's about the One who is worthy of all praise and glory. True worshippers worship the Father in spirit and in truth. Key Quote: "Worship is a response to His love. Our spirit responding to the truth of who He is. And who He is, is love." ⸻ Topics in this Message: Why preferences can become powerful tools to divide the church Three truths about the kingdom paradox of worship Worship isn't about me—it's all about Him Worship starts in the heart, not on the stage Personal story: Leading worship after losing a baby Worship isn't based on my feelings—it's a response to His love The difference between our soul (mind, will, emotions) and our spirit How to worship in spirit and truth (not personality, feelings, or style) We won't know who we're worshiping unless we know what's written about Him +++++++ Join us for church this Sunday. For service times and meeting location please visit https://transformtlh.com/

The Paradox of Citizenship

In the third message of the Kingdom Paradox series, Pastor Ryan Kramer digs into the unexpected demand of Jesus's call: citizenship. He warns against a "crossless Christianity" that seeks salvation without surrender, or grace without guidance. This message hands us a mirror, not for condemnation, but to help us answer the essential question: How do I know that I am saved? The evidence isn't found in a prayer, but in a life of discipleship, which is revealed by answering three core questions: -- Who Is Leading My Life? The evidence of who leads your life is public, showing up in how you handle conflict, temptation, and decisions. The fruit of your life indicates the root; you cannot be saved by Jesus and remain unsurrendered to Jesus. -- What Am I Holding On To In Life? Taking up your cross is not an illness, a bad job, or a difficult spouse. It is that point where God's will and your desires diverge. It's the obedience that costs you comfort, reputation, or pleasure, choosing things like forgiveness over revenge or serving over being served. -- Do Others See Jesus In Me? Following Jesus is not admiration or intellectual agreement; it is apprenticeship. It is a commitment to being with him, becoming like him (in attitudes, reactions, and choices), and representing him by carrying his heart for the lost and broken. Scriptures for Further Study -- Matthew 6:24 -- John 15:5 -- John 15:6 -- Galatians 5:19-21 -- Matthew 26:39 +++++++ Join us for church this Sunday. For service times and meeting location please visit https://transformtlh.com/

The Paradox of Spirituality

In this challenging and profound message, Pastor Ryan Kramer (speaking on "The Paradox of Spirituality") confronts the cultural idea that spirituality is a low-effort, open-option path. Using the image of a closed, narrow door, he urges listeners to wrestle with the eternal consequences of a passive faith. This sermon shifts the focus from merely agreeing with Jesus to fully following Him, revealing that surrender, though hard, leads to the ultimate reward: Jesus Himself. Here are the main points Jesus wants us to see: -- The door to heaven is open, but it's narrow. Jesus is the only choice—not to limit us, but to guide us to the right one. -- The door won't stay open forever. Jesus is trying to wake us up, not scare us, because forgiveness has an expiration date we don't know. Choosing nothing eventually becomes a choice with eternal consequences. -- The door is open to everyone. Although the path is narrow, the invitation is global, welcoming every color, culture, and story. -- The door is Jesus. He is the only way in and is everything we have been looking for. The true reward is not heaven, but Him. Scriptures for Further Study -- Luke 13:22 -- Luke 13:23-24 -- Luke 13:25 -- Luke 13:26-27 -- Luke 13:28 -- Luke 13:29 -- Luke 13:30 -- Luke 6:46 -- Luke 9:23 -- John 10:9 +++++++ Join us for church this Sunday. For service times and meeting location please visit https://transformtlh.com/

The Paradox of Success by Andrea Kramer

Success isn't climbing a ladder—it's carrying a cross. In this powerful opening to the "Kingdom Paradox" series, Pastor Andrea reveals why Jesus's definition of success is completely opposite from what our culture says and reminds us that real greatness comes from serving others, not seeking status. From the disciples arguing about who's greatest to Jesus washing feet, this teaching will challenge you to ask the hard questions: Who am I serving? Can I celebrate when someone else wins? Am I wanting to be seen, or do I want to make Jesus famous? Whether you're chasing titles and recognition or ready to embrace kingdom success—this message is packed with biblical truth, honest conviction, and a call to stop seeking the spotlight and start choosing sacrifice. Jesus didn't climb a ladder of success. He carried a cross. Scripture Reference: Mark 9:33-35, Mark 10:35-45, Luke 22:24-27, Philippians 2:3-11 Big Idea: Jesus didn't climb a ladder of success—He carried a cross. Real success isn't found in being first, but in helping someone else get there. Key Quote: "Jesus didn't climb a ladder of success. He carried a cross. Real success looks like Jesus—giving up rights, privileges, titles, and positions just to serve you and your people." ⸻ Topics in this Message: What does success really look like to you? (Be honest) Why the disciples kept arguing about who was greatest Real success is found in serving others, not seeking status Real success comes from putting others first The pursuit of being first leads to comparison, insecurity, and division Stop seeking the spotlight and start choosing sacrifice Jesus gave up His divine privileges to serve us Three heart-check questions for kingdom success +++++++ Join us for church this Sunday. For service times and meeting location please visit https://transformtlh.com/