Return to the God of Glory

When God Chooses the Unlikely

Guest Pastor Sergio Arce preached from 1 Samuel 9–10 in a message titled “When God Chooses the Unlikely,”reminding the church that God often works through ordinary people and unexpected circumstances to accomplish His purposes. Through the story of Saul’s calling as king, the sermon highlighted the faithful and sovereign providence of God in every detail of life. Pastor Sergio shared three powerful truths about God’s providence. First, God’s Providence is Present in the Ordinary. What seemed like a simple search for lost donkeys was actually God orchestrating events to lead Saul exactly where He wanted him. The message encouraged believers to trust that God is actively working even in the everyday moments of life that may appear insignificant. Second, God’s Providence is Purposeful in His Choosing. God intentionally chose Saul, an unlikely candidate, to fulfill His plan for Israel. The sermon emphasized that God’s calling is not based on human expectations, qualifications, or status, but on His sovereign will and purpose. God delights in using unlikely people so that His power and glory are clearly displayed. Lastly, God’s Providence Requires a Personal Response of Obedience. As Saul responded to God’s call, the church was challenged to faithfully obey wherever God leads. Pastor Sergio encouraged believers to trust God’s direction, surrender to His plans, and walk in obedience even when the path ahead feels uncertain. This message served as a reminder that God is always at work behind the scenes, guiding His people according to His perfect providence and calling them to trust and obey Him wholeheartedly.

Live Under God's Rule

Pastor Austin preached from 1 Samuel 8 in a message titled “Live Under God’s Rule,” challenging believers to examine who truly reigns over their hearts. As Israel rejected God’s leadership and demanded a king like the surrounding nations, the passage revealed the ongoing struggle God’s people face when they desire the ways of the world more than the rule of God. Through this text, Pastor Austin highlighted two daily battles every Christian must fight. First, believers must fight against the desire to be like the world. Just as Israel wanted to conform to the nations around them, Christians are constantly tempted to adopt the values, priorities, and pursuits of a culture that often stands opposed to God. The call of Scripture is not to blend in with the world, but to live as a people set apart for God’s glory. Second, believers must fight daily to keep Jesus as King. Every day presents opportunities to place something else on the throne of our lives—whether comfort, success, approval, or self-rule. Yet true joy, peace, and purpose are found when Christ alone reigns as Lord. Pastor Austin encouraged the church to continually surrender to the authority of Jesus, trusting His rule above their own desires and ambitions. This message served as a powerful reminder that following Christ requires daily surrender, steadfast faithfulness, and a commitment to live under the loving and sovereign rule of God rather than the fleeting promises of the world.

Church on Mission

Pastor Austin preached from Colossians 4:2–6 on what it means to be a Church on Mission. Challenging believers to live with Gospel intentionality, he reminded the church that God has not called His people to simply gather, but to actively participate in His mission of making disciples and proclaiming Christ to the world. Drawing from Paul’s instructions to the Colossian church, Pastor Austin shared three ways a church can live on mission. First, a church on mission goes on mission together, recognizing that Gospel ministry is not a solo endeavor but a collective calling for every believer. Second, a church on mission participates in global missions, partnering in the spread of the Gospel beyond its local community and supporting the work of reaching the nations. Third, a church on mission seeks to plant and strengthen other churches, investing in the growth of healthy congregations that will continue advancing the Gospel for generations to come. Through this message, the congregation was encouraged to devote themselves to prayer, walk in wisdom toward outsiders, and seize every opportunity to make Christ known. As the church embraces these mission-focused priorities, it becomes a faithful witness to the saving power of Jesus both locally and around the world.

Life on Mission

In this message from Colossians 4:2–6, Pastor Austin challenged the church to embrace a lifestyle of living on mission every day. Through Paul’s encouragement to pray faithfully, walk wisely, and speak graciously, we were reminded that God has strategically placed us in specific places and relationships for His purpose. Pastor Austin highlighted two key rhythms of a missional life: first, that life on mission happens where we work, live, and play, and second, that it grows as we intentionally invite, invest, and introduce others to Jesus. This sermon encourages believers to see everyday moments as opportunities to share the hope of the gospel with intentionality and love.

Message of the Mission

Pastor Austin preached from 1 Corinthians 15:1–11 in a message titled “Message of the Mission,” calling the church to remember and boldly proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Through passionate preaching and practical encouragement, the sermon centered on four simple words that help believers clearly communicate the Gospel: God, Man, Christ, Response. The message walked through the holiness and righteousness of God, the sinfulness and brokenness of humanity, the saving work of Jesus Christ through His death and resurrection, and the necessity of responding to the Gospel with repentance and faith. Pastor Austin reminded the church that the world is searching for hope, peace, purpose, and redemption, but lasting hope is found only in Christ. Drawing from Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 15, the sermon emphasized that the Gospel is not only the message that saves us, but also the message believers are called to carry to the world. With practical tools for evangelism and a challenge to live on mission, the church was encouraged to know the Gospel well, listen for opportunities to share it, and trust God to work through faithful proclamation of His Word.