Why is extravagant love so hard to receive—and just as hard to give? In John 12:1–11, we see Mary pour out costly perfume at Jesus’ feet in a beautiful, vulnerable act of devotion. This sermon explores the pride, fear, and need for control that can keep us from receiving love on God’s terms or giving it freely to others. As Jonathan Haage walks through this passage, he shows how the worth of Jesus changes our posture: we can release our pride, loosen our grip, and respond to Christ with thankful worship. This message will help you see God’s love more deeply and live with greater humility, generosity, and devotion.
Faith Milestone Celebration - Love That Won't Let Go - Week 1
What do you do when life does not go as planned, when grief settles in, or when God feels far away? In John 11:38–44, Jonathan Haage walks through the raising of Lazarus and shows how Jesus meets sorrow with both tenderness and authority. This sermon helps us see that God’s nearness is not wishful thinking for hard days but a reality rooted in who Jesus is: the Resurrection and the Life. As you listen, you will be encouraged to call out to Christ, trust him in disappointment, and join him in the work he is doing in the lives of others. This is a message of hope for anyone who feels weary, numb, or afraid.
Faith in the Waiting - Week 3
Waiting can be one of the hardest parts of faith. When God’s promises seem delayed, it’s tempting to take control and force the outcome ourselves. In Genesis 16–17, we see this tension play out in the lives of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar. After years of waiting for God’s promise of a child, Abraham and Sarah try to “help” God fulfill it—only to discover the painful cost of control. Yet even in the middle of human mistakes, God remains faithful to his promises. This message explores why control can quietly become an idol in our lives and how the path of trust—through prayer, rest, and serving others—helps us place God back in the driver’s seat.
Kingdom Priorities - Week 6
It’s possible to look spiritually healthy on the outside while something very different is happening within. In Matthew 23:25, 28, Jesus confronts the religious leaders of his day with a sobering warning about self-deception—clean cups on the outside, but hearts far from God. This message invites us to slow down and ask hard questions about what’s really shaping our faith. Are our lives centered on appearances, habits, and spiritual activity, or on genuine heart transformation? In this sermon, Pastor Jonathan Haage helps us see how Jesus calls his followers to reorder their priorities around the kingdom of God, allowing the gospel to reshape not just what we do, but who we are.
Kingdom Priorities - Week 2
How often are we tempted to look spiritually healthy instead of actually becoming healthy? In Matthew 23:5–12, Jesus confronts the Pharisees for living out their faith to be seen by others—and invites us to examine our own hearts. This message exposes the danger of religious performance and offers three life-giving remedies: private devotion, servant-hearted leadership, and honest confession. Rather than chasing approval or managing appearances, Jesus calls us into an integrated life where who we are in private matches who we are in public. This sermon helps us trade spiritual pretending for humility, integrity, and the freedom that comes from grace.