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  • LaGrave Live, May 3, 2026

    LaGrave Live, May 3, 2026
    2026/05/03
    LaGrave Live LIVE Morning Worship Service 05-03-2026 What’s Good About the Church About The Service: We will witness the installation of our new Elders and Deacons. Reverend Jonker will preach on Acts 11:19-30, a passage where, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we see the church beginning to take form. Order of Worship: https://lagrave.org/wp-content/uploads/2026-5-3-AM-Order-of-Worship.pdf About the Church: We are a traditional CRC church in the middle of Downtown Grand Rapids, MI, worshipping at 8:40am, 11:00am, and 6:00pm. (10:00am and 6:00pm during the summer months) We'd love to hear from you: Connection: https://www.lagrave.org/contact Let us pray for you: Prayer: https://www.lagrave.org/prayerrequest/ Giving: https://www.elexiogiving.com/App/Giving/lagr107178 The April special offering is for Family Promise. Family Promise partners with local congregations, individuals, families, foundations and corporations to provide emergency shelter and case management for families with children facing a housing crisis. Listen on the go: Amazon Music: https://bit.ly/LGPodAmazonMusic Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3tuOdwQ Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/LGPodGoogle Soundcloud: / lagravecrc https://soundcloud.com/lagravecrc Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3yXDFaT Follow us! Facebook: / lagravecrc https://www.facebook.com/lagravecrc Instagram: / lagravecrc https://www.instagram.com/lagravecrc Website: https://www.lagrave.org #LaGrave #LaGraveCRC What’s Good About the Church: Embracing the Spirit and the Institution What’s Good About the Church? A defense of the institutional church and the movement of the Holy Spirit. May 03, 2026 Core Argument "Negative stories are not our main story. We are still the bride of Christ, and the Holy Spirit still moves in us." 1 The Spirit’s Surprise The Spirit moves beyond strategic plans (e.g., the Gentile mission in Acts, the Ethiopian revival, and modern digital shifts like livestreams). 2 Institutional Grace Structure provides essential oversight, theological teaching, leadership training, and organized benevolence to the community. 3 The Barnabas Model Being a "Son of Encouragement"—standing by others when they are untrusted and fostering growth in new communities. Crisis of Trust 32% Church Favorability (2024) 27% Trust in Leaders (2024) *Down from ~65% in the 1960s/90s Key Figure: Barnabas Meaning "Son of Encouragement." He bridged the gap for Paul when the church was suspicious and led the Antioch mission. #Acts11 #HolySpirit #Ordination #Leadership Source: LaGrave Avenue CRC Service TranscriptEst. Reading Time: 12 min This worship service at LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church centers on the ordination and installation of new church officers while addressing modern skepticism toward religious institutions. The message highlights how the Holy Spirit works through both spontaneous movement and organized church structures to foster encouragement and benevolence. Detailed Point Summary The Call to Servant Leadership and Ordination The service emphasizes that leadership within the church is defined by servanthood rather than the exercise of authority, following the example of Jesus who came to serve and give his life as a ransom. During the ceremony, several individuals were ordained and installed into the offices of elder and deacon, committing to oversee the spiritual life of the congregation and promote ministries of service. These leaders are charged to be mature in faith, exercising their duties with prayer, patience, and humility while supporting the pastors and the community. The Ministry of Encouragement A central theme of the service is the biblical figure Barnabas, whose name means "Son of Encouragement." Through the children's message and the subsequent sermon, the congregation is reminded that encouragement is a vital tool for helping others persevere through difficulties. Barnabas serves as a model for the church because he stood by those whom others mistrusted, such as the apostle Paul, and empowered new faith communities to remain true to the Lord. The Decline in Public Trust (1965 vs. 2024) Reflecting on the sermon's data regarding the general public's perception of the church and its leaders. 65% 1965 Favorability 32% 2024 Favorability Trust in church leaders has similarly dropped from 65% to 27% in the same period. The Synergy of Spirit and Institution The sermon addresses the tension between the "organic" movement of the Holy Spirit and the "institutional" nature of the church. Using the growth of the church in Antioch (Acts 11) and modern examples like the Ethiopian Lutheran Church, the message argues that while the Spirit often initiates surprising new directions—such as LaGrave’s unplanned adoption of livestreaming and property acquisition—the institution provides the necessary framework to sustain that growth. The institutional church functions through oversight, teaching, the training of leaders, and the organized response to ...
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    1 時間 19 分
  • LaGrave Live, April 26, 2026

    LaGrave Live, April 26, 2026
    2026/04/27
    LaGrave Live LIVE Evening Worship Service - Outward Bound About The Service: Pastor Jonker will preach on Luke 4: 42-44 Order of Worship: https://lagrave.org/wp-content/upload... About Us: We are a traditional CRC church in the middle of Downtown Grand Rapids, MI, worshipping at 8:40am, 11:00am, and 6:00pm. (10:00am and 6:00pm during the summer months) We'd love to hear from you: Connection: https://www.lagrave.org/contact Let us pray for you: Prayer: https://www.lagrave.org/prayerrequest/ Listen on the go: Amazon Music: https://bit.ly/LGPodAmazonMusic Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3tuOdwQ Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/LGPodGoogle Soundcloud: / lagravecrc Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3yXDFaT Follow us! Facebook: / lagravecrc Instagram: / lagravecrc Website: https://www.lagrave.org #LaGrave #LaGraveCRC This worship service at La Grave Avenue Christian Reformed Church explores the dual nature of the Christian life through the example of Jesus. It emphasizes the necessity of both inward spiritual replenishment and the outward mission to engage with a distracted world. Community Worship and Mission Focus The service opened with a call to worship from Psalm 108, celebrating God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. A significant portion of the gathering was dedicated to the mission of the church, specifically highlighting the work at Zuni Christian Mission School (ZCMS) in New Mexico. Tim Beckford shared that the school is currently experiencing a "season of harvest," evidenced by recent baptisms of students and their family members. He emphasized that this work is sustained not by human strength, but through the Holy Spirit and the collective prayers of the global church. Intercessory Prayer and Social Reflection During the pastoral prayer, the congregation reflected on the beauty of creation while acknowledging the "dark valleys" of modern life. Specific concerns were raised regarding the rise of hatred, violence, and tension within the nation. The prayer sought peace, patience, and the frustration of those who promote fear. Additionally, the community interceded for those facing acute medical needs, specifically mentioning individuals battling cancer, chronic pain, and addiction, asking for both physical and soulful restoration. The Sermon: The Two Moves of Jesus The core message, based on Luke 4:42-44, examined Jesus’ devotional rhythm, which consists of two essential "moves": 1. The Inward Move (Replenishment) Jesus frequently sought "deserted places" to pray and commune with the Father, especially after exhausting periods of ministry. This inward discipline is framed as vital for restoration. In a modern context, this is challenged by the "Attention Economy," where smartphones and digital distractions are designed to prevent quiet contemplation. The sermon noted a resurgence of interest in ancient spiritual disciplines (Sabbath, silence, fasting) among younger generations, such as Millennials and Gen Z, who are seeking "food and water" for their distracted souls. 2. The Outward Move (Mission) The second move is the "must" of the Gospel—the necessity to move toward others. Jesus resisted the temptation to stay in a comfortable, successful ministry in Capernaum to reach other towns. His outward move was characterized by radical inclusion, reaching out to tax collectors, Samaritans, lepers, and the poor. The sermon argued that outward disciplines, such as hospitality, do not just bless others but also form and change the believer. By engaging with people from different backgrounds, Christians gain a fresh perspective on their own lives and ministries. The Christian life is compared to the act of breathing: the inward move of spiritual replenishment is the "breath in," and the outward move of mission and hospitality is the "breath out." True human life, fully lived in the Holy Spirit, requires both moves to remain healthy and faithful to the example of Christ.
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    1 時間 4 分
  • LaGrave Live, April 26, 2026

    LaGrave Live, April 26, 2026
    2026/04/26
    LaGrave Live LIVE Morning Worship Service 04-26-2026 Stepping Out About The Service: It's GEMS Sunday, the Sunday when our GEMS (Girls Everywhere Meeting the Savior) help lead the service. Pastor Jonker will be preaching, and he will preach on the GEMS text, Deuteronomy 7:19 and their theme, “Walk on Water.“ Order of Worship: https://lagrave.org/wp-content/uploads/2026-4-26-AM-Order-of-Worship.pdf About the Church: We are a traditional CRC church in the middle of Downtown Grand Rapids, MI, worshipping at 8:40am, 11:00am, and 6:00pm. (10:00am and 6:00pm during the summer months) We'd love to hear from you: Connection: https://www.lagrave.org/contact Let us pray for you: Prayer: https://www.lagrave.org/prayerrequest/ Giving: https://www.elexiogiving.com/App/Giving/lagr107178 The April special offering is for Family Promise. Family Promise partners with local congregations, individuals, families, foundations and corporations to provide emergency shelter and case management for families with children facing a housing crisis. Listen on the go: Amazon Music: https://bit.ly/LGPodAmazonMusic Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3tuOdwQ Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/LGPodGoogle Soundcloud: / lagravecrc https://soundcloud.com/lagravecrc Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3yXDFaT Follow us! Facebook: / lagravecrc https://www.facebook.com/lagravecrc Instagram: / lagravecrc https://www.instagram.com/lagravecrc Website: https://www.lagrave.org #LaGrave #LaGraveCRC Stepping Out: A Celebration of Faith and Growth LaGrave Live: Stepping Out A spiritual roadmap on trusting God’s faithfulness amidst life's storms. 1 GEMS Celebration "Walk on Water" theme focusing on youth trust. 2 Public Profession Commitment of faith by Charlie & Will. 3 The Call Peter's choice to leave the boat in the storm. 4 Divine Assurance Jesus is ahead, behind, and all around us. Sermon Core: Matthew 14 "Stepping out is hard because there is nothing between you and the icy depths... but Jesus is already out there." ✔The Risk: Faith requires leaving the "safety" of the boat (comfort/stagnation). ✔The Scale: Stepping out is often small/daily (e.g., including a difficult classmate). ✔The Safety: Success isn't guaranteed, but being "okay" in Christ is. 1,000Generations of faithfulness (Deut 7:9) Avoid Pitfalls The voice of "Reasonable Safety" Keywords #GEMS #Faith #Resurrection #Community Duration: ~87 mins | Speaker: Pastor Peter & Tina LaGrave Avenue CRC Introduction On April 26, 2026, La Grave Avenue Christian Reformed Church held a vibrant service centered on the theme of "Stepping Out." The congregation celebrated the GEMS girls' ministry, witnessed the public profession of faith of two new members, and explored the biblical call to trust God’s faithfulness amidst life's storms. Detailed Points of Reflection 1. GEMS Sunday: Walking on Water The service highlighted the GEMS (Girls Everywhere Meeting the Savior) program, a youth ministry for girls in kindergarten through eighth grade. This year’s theme, "Walk on Water," focused on stepping out to trust a faithful God. Hailey Cornolia and Annalee Vandenberg shared "ministry moments," describing a year filled with Bible stories, creative crafts, and community-building events like the Lake Michigan overnighter and a father-daughter Western line-dancing night. The program aims to create a space of belonging where girls learn to rely on Jesus to stay afloat through life's challenges. GEMS 2025-2026: "Walk on Water" 🌊 Theme: Stepping out in faith and trusting God's covenant. 🎨 Activities: Bible character reenactments, craft coordination, and outdoor games. ✨ Highlights: Lake Michigan retreat, Orchard hayrides, and Father-Daughter dance. "God is our refuge, our lighthouse, and our peace." 2. Public Profession of Faith The congregation witnessed Charlie Cornolia and Will Sadler make their public profession of faith. Both men, joined by their wives Haley and Jenny, were welcomed into the full life and mission of La Grave. By answering the liturgical questions, they affirmed their belief in Jesus Christ as Savior, their trust in the Word of God, and their commitment to the work of the Lord within the church community. The congregation in turn promised to support them through prayer and encouragement. 3. Sermon: The Call and the Storm Pastor Peter delivered a sermon based on Matthew 14, focusing on Peter’s attempt to walk on water. He challenged the common perception that Peter "failed" by sinking, noting that Peter was the only disciple brave enough to leave the boat. The sermon outlined four core truths: everyone is called to step out by the Holy Spirit; internal voices of "safety" often discourage us; stepping out is usually found in small, daily acts of inclusion or sacrifice; and we need not fear because Jesus has already gone ahead into the storm. The Four Pillars of "Stepping Out" Universal Call: No matter your age or ability, the Spirit pushes you to move. The "Boat" Voice: Recognizing ...
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    1 時間 27 分
  • LaGrave Live, April 19, 2026

    LaGrave Live, April 19, 2026
    2026/04/20
    LaGrave Live LIVE Evening Worship Service - Tips for the Tightrope About The Service: Pastor Jonker will lead us in worship and we will welcome missionaries Dan and Priscila Cummings, who will give an update on their medical ministry in Kalukembe, Angola. Order of Worship: https://lagrave.org/wp-content/upload... About Us: We are a traditional CRC church in the middle of Downtown Grand Rapids, MI, worshipping at 8:40am, 11:00am, and 6:00pm. (10:00am and 6:00pm during the summer months) We'd love to hear from you: Connection: https://www.lagrave.org/contact Let us pray for you: Prayer: https://www.lagrave.org/prayerrequest/ Listen on the go: Amazon Music: https://bit.ly/LGPodAmazonMusic Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3tuOdwQ Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/LGPodGoogle Soundcloud: / lagravecrc Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3yXDFaT Follow us! Facebook: / lagravecrc Instagram: / lagravecrc Website: https://www.lagrave.org #LaGrave #LaGraveCRC This evening service at La Grave Avenue Christian Reformed Church centers on the metaphor of life as a challenging journey or "tightrope." Through scripture from Philippians 4 and insights from a long-term study on happiness, the service explores how prayer and joy provide a divine "fortress" of peace amidst life's inevitable crosswinds. The Journey and Global Mission The service opens with a call to worship from Psalm 125, emphasizing that those who trust in the Lord are as unshakable as Mount Zion. This theme of a "journey" or "ascent" is woven throughout the liturgy, mirroring the Psalms of Ascent used by Israelites traveling to Jerusalem. A significant portion of the service is dedicated to a mission update from Daniel Cummings, a medical missionary serving at the Kalu Kembe hospital in Angola. He describes the stark reality of serving in a region where subsistence farmers earn roughly $15 a month and spiritual needs are as pressing as physical ones, yet emphasizes that the same "living Savior" worshipped in Michigan is at work in Angola. The Illusion of Advantage: The Harvard Happiness Study The sermon introduces the "Harvard Happiness Study," a longitudinal project spanning nearly 90 years that tracked 268 undergraduates to determine what makes humans flourish. Surprisingly, the study revealed that even highly advantaged individuals—Harvard graduates—frequently struggled with depression, addiction, and mental illness, with one-third of the cohort facing mental health issues by age 50. This data serves as a backdrop to the biblical reality that life is a "tightrope walk with a strong crosswind," where worldly success and "righteousness Olympics" fail to provide true stability. The Fortress of Prayer and Transcendent Peace Focusing on Philippians 4, the sermon redefines prayer not as a tool to change circumstances, but as a means to enter a "safe room" of peace. Paul’s promise is not necessarily the removal of obstacles, but that the "peace of God" will guard the heart like a soldier protecting a fortress. This internal sanctuary allows believers to remain steady even when "storms" of disease, loss, or worry rage outside the perimeter. The sermon notes that while prayer may not solve every problem, it connects the believer to a peace that "transcends all understanding." Joy as a Rooted Reality The final movement of the service distinguishes between "happiness" and "joy." While happiness is an "above-ground phenomenon" dependent on favorable weather and circumstances, joy is rooted in the unconditional love of God. Using the illustration of a grandchild’s unconditional embrace of a grandparent, the sermon explains that joy does not depend on skill or status; it is a "wild, wonderful overflow" of grace. Believers are encouraged to live under this "waterfall" of love, which holds them steady on the tightrope of life. The service concludes with a reminder that while the "tightrope" of life is difficult for everyone—regardless of their advantages—believers are not left to walk it alone. By inhabiting the "safe room" of prayer and rooting themselves in the unconditional joy of Christ, they can find a peace that remains unshaken by the world's crosswinds.
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    1 時間
  • LaGrave Live, April 19, 2026

    LaGrave Live, April 19, 2026
    2026/04/19
    LaGrave Live LIVE Morning Worship Service 04-19-2026 More Than Merely Human About The Service: Pastor Jonker will preach on 1 Corinthians 3. Order of Worship: https://lagrave.org/wp-content/uploads/2026-4-19-AM-order-of-worship.pdf About the Church: We are a traditional CRC church in the middle of Downtown Grand Rapids, MI, worshipping at 8:40am, 11:00am, and 6:00pm. (10:00am and 6:00pm during the summer months) We'd love to hear from you: Connection: https://www.lagrave.org/contact Let us pray for you: Prayer: https://www.lagrave.org/prayerrequest/ Giving: https://www.elexiogiving.com/App/Giving/lagr107178 The April special offering is for Family Promise. Family Promise partners with local congregations, individuals, families, foundations and corporations to provide emergency shelter and case management for families with children facing a housing crisis. Listen on the go: Amazon Music: https://bit.ly/LGPodAmazonMusic Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3tuOdwQ Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/LGPodGoogle Soundcloud: / lagravecrc https://soundcloud.com/lagravecrc Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3yXDFaT Follow us! Facebook: / lagravecrc https://www.facebook.com/lagravecrc Instagram: / lagravecrc https://www.instagram.com/lagravecrc Website: https://www.lagrave.org #LaGrave #LaGraveCRC More Than Merely Human: Living the Resurrection Life Beyond the Mortal: Reflections on Life After Easter More Than Merely Human: A guide to spiritual reconstruction based on 1 Corinthians 3 "We are no longer defined by the sum of fear, sorrow, or sin. Our Judge is also the Redeemer, and we are the resurrected people. ” — LaGrave Sunday Sermon Summary Core metaphor: dots and stars Quote from Max Lucado's fable: Wemmicks wooden figures label each other every day – good for Venus and mess up gray dots. Secular trap: Corinthian "climbing spirit" that turns faith into competition and comparison. Path to Freedom: Like Lucia, the label can no longer be attached to her body due to her connection to the Creator. Comparison of the two foundations of life Secular Mode (Merely Human)Grass and straw / pride / comparison In ChristGold, silver, gemstones, grace, and security Action Guide: Build the Eternal Project # Stop comparison# Build confidence# Live your love 1. Recognize: Realize that social media and the workplace are essentially a "dot and star" game. 2. Rooted: Christ alone is the unshakable foundation. 3. Build: Invest in things that will survive even after the trial of fire with "faith, hope, and love." Reading time: about 12 minutes | Suitable for: Seeking spiritual growth Easter Season 2026 2026, at LaGrave Church. The service explores the transition from celebrating Christ's resurrection to understanding its practical implications, specifically how believers can move beyond "merely human" tendencies of competition and comparison to live a life rooted in grace. Detailed Point Summary The Call to Resurrection Life The service opens with a celebration of the Easter season, emphasizing that Jesus’ victory over death allows believers to shrug off fear and live a life that is "really life." This "Resurrection Life" is not just a future hope but a present reality that redefines how individuals view their griefs, sins, and identities. By setting their minds on "things above," the congregation is encouraged to put to death earthly practices like anger and greed, instead clothing themselves in compassion, humility, and love. The "Merely Human" vs. The New Creation Merely Human Competitive Climbing "Dots and Stars" Validation Factions & Pride Worldly Wisdom In Christ Radiant Grace Secure Identity in the Maker Unity in Love Faith, Hope, & Love The Spirit of Corinth and the Climbing Culture Drawing from 1 Corinthians 3, the sermon highlights Paul’s frustration with the early church's "worldliness." Ancient Corinth was a strategic, wealthy trade hub—a city of "competitive climbers" and aggressive entrepreneurs who sought to make something of themselves in a new Roman colony. This cultural spirit of climbing the ladder of success had infected the church, leading to factions where members competed over spiritual maturity, knowledge, and gifts like speaking in tongues. Paul critiques this as being "merely human," noting that such behavior is indistinguishable from the surrounding secular culture. The "Dots and Stars" Analogy To illustrate the exhaustion of a life built on comparison, the sermon references Max Lucado’s You Are Special. In the story, the "Wemmicks" spend their days sticking gold stars on the impressive and gray dots on the clumsy. This "dots and stars game" mirrors modern social media and workplace dynamics, where validation is external and performance-based. The character Lucia, however, remains unaffected by these labels because she maintains a constant relationship with her Maker. This serves as a metaphor for the Christian life: when one's foundation is the grace of Christ, the "dots and stars" of worldly opinion no ...
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    1 時間 22 分
  • LaGrave Live, April 12, 2026

    LaGrave Live, April 12, 2026
    2026/04/13
    LaGrave Live LIVE Evening Worship Service - Resurrection Risk About The Service: Rev. John Steigenga will lead us in worship. He will preach on John 12: 1-11 and his sermon is entitled “Resurrection Risk.” Order of Worship: https://lagrave.org/wp-content/upload... About Us: We are a traditional CRC church in the middle of Downtown Grand Rapids, MI, worshipping at 8:40am, 11:00am, and 6:00pm. (10:00am and 6:00pm during the summer months) We'd love to hear from you: Connection: https://www.lagrave.org/contact Let us pray for you: Prayer: https://www.lagrave.org/prayerrequest/ Listen on the go: Amazon Music: https://bit.ly/LGPodAmazonMusic Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3tuOdwQ Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/LGPodGoogle Soundcloud: / lagravecrc Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3yXDFaT Follow us! Facebook: / lagravecrc Instagram: / lagravecrc Website: https://www.lagrave.org #LaGrave #LaGraveCRC This evening worship service at La Grave explores the profound implications of Christ’s resurrection through the lens of Lazarus’s story in John 12. The service calls believers to shed the "grave clothes" of their old selves—specifically prejudice and selfishness—to embrace a new identity defined by "good trouble" and sacrificial love. Liturgical Foundation and Global Intercession The service opened with a call to worship from Psalm 100 and a responsive reading of Psalm 146, emphasizing God’s role as the maker of heaven and earth who remains faithful forever. This liturgical focus shifted into a pastoral prayer that acknowledged the "recreating power" of spring as a testimony to God's covenant. The prayer specifically interceded for those suffering in global conflicts, including the wars in Ukraine, Gaza, Lebanon, Sudan, and the uncertainties facing people in Iran and Israel. The congregation sought the strength to "see like Christ" and to act justly in a broken world. Shedding the "Grave Clothes" of the Old Self Drawing from Colossians 3 and Romans 6, the sermon compared spiritual transformation to Lazarus being told to "take off those grave clothes." These metaphorical clothes include sexual immorality, greed, anger, and—most stubbornly—prejudice and racism. The speaker noted that even the founders of the United States, despite declaring all men equal, failed to shed the "grave clothes" of slavery because they viewed others as subhuman. True conversion requires "new eyes" to see that in Christ, there is no distinction between Greek or Jew, slave or free, as Christ is all and in all. The Identity of a Witness and "Good Trouble" The service highlighted that following Jesus inevitably leads to "trouble," which the late Senator John Lewis called "good trouble." Historical examples, such as the 16th-century "hidden Christians" of Japan, and modern examples, like a retired pastor visiting undocumented immigrants in detention centers, illustrate the cost of being a "living sign" of Christ. Lazarus’s core identity became inseparable from the man who brought him back to life; similarly, believers are called to live as those who are safe in God's arms even while serving in a hostile world. The service concludes with a powerful reminder that while the world may target those who follow Christ, the resurrection is proof that the "old order of things" is passing away. To live as Lazarus is to be a living testimony of life-giving power, choosing intimacy with God over the safety of silence.
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    1 時間 8 分
  • LaGrave Live, April 12, 2026

    LaGrave Live, April 12, 2026
    2026/04/12
    The Reality of the Resurrection: A Service of Eastertide The "What If" of Easter A logical defense of the Resurrection based on 1 Corinthians 15 2026-04-12 Service The 6 Logical Consequences 01 Useless Preaching Empty shells without a nut; just hot air. 02 Futile Faith Faith is only as good as its object. 03 False Witness Apostles misrepresenting God's actions. 04 Unsolved Guilt No atonement; we are still in our sins. 05 No Hope for Dead Those who "fell asleep" have perished. 06 Most to be Pitied Living a grand delusion; a crime to share. Key Quote "Christianity is not a philosophy... it is first and foremost a claim that something happened." Speaker DB David Bass Guest Preacher Keywords #Eastertide #1Corinthians15 #Resurrection #ApostolicCreed Summary: The sermon pivots on the word "BUT"—Christ has indeed been raised. Reading Time: 4 mins This worship service, held on April 12, 2026, at LaGrave, centers on the theological and practical necessity of the physical resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through liturgical music, intercessory prayer, and a rigorous examination of 1 Corinthians 15, guest preacher David Bass explores the "counter-factual" history of what the Christian faith would become if the resurrection were merely a myth. Liturgical Celebration and the Season of Eastertide The service opens with a vibrant celebration of "Eastertide," a period the church observes for six Sundays following Easter Sunday. During the children's message, it was explained that the continued use of white banners and festive decorations serves as a reminder that the "Good News" of the resurrection is too significant to celebrate for only a single day. This liturgical season emphasizes the ongoing presence of the risen Christ and the mandate given to his followers to share this message with the world. The Eastertide Calendar Why the celebration continues for 50 days 6 Sundays of Celebration 50 Days to Pentecost 52 Lord's Days per Year "We celebrate Easter for 52 Sundays a year because Christ rose on the Lord's Day." Community Intercession and Global Mission The congregation engaged in deep intercessory prayer, focusing on three distinct areas: the global church, the local community, and the internal needs of the parish. Specific prayers were offered for persecuted Christians worldwide and for peace in conflict zones including the Middle East, Ukraine, and Sudan. Locally, the church reaffirmed its commitment to ministries such as Dégagé, Guiding Lights, Mel Trotter, and the Downtown Food Pantry. The service also marked the safe return of the Mexico City mission team, who spent the previous week engaged in ministry and vacation bible school. The Sermon: "What If?" Guest preacher David Bass delivered a sermon based on 1 Corinthians 15:12-20, addressing the "logical hammer blows" Paul uses to defend the resurrection. Bass argued that Christianity is not a mere philosophy or moral code, but a claim that a specific historical event occurred. He utilized a "counter-factual" approach—asking "What if Christ has not been raised?"—to illustrate that without the physical resurrection, preaching is empty, faith is futile, the New Testament is a record of false witnesses, and there is no atonement for sin. The sermon concluded with the "flip of the script," asserting that because Christ has indeed been raised, he is the "firstfruits" of a future harvest of all believers. The Six "Hammer Blows" of 1 Corinthians 15 1. Useless Preaching: The apostolic message becomes "hot air." 2. Futile Faith: Faith is only as good as its object; a dead Christ cannot save. 3. False Witness: The New Testament authors become liars misrepresenting God. 4. Unforgiven Sin: Without the resurrection, the "atonement" has no divine seal. 5. Perished Saints: Those who died in Christ are simply gone forever. 6. Pitiful Delusion: Christians become the most pitiable people on earth. Key Data Mission Update: The Mexico City mission team returned home at 1:00 AM on the day of the service. Pastoral Care: The congregation recorded 44 funerals in the previous year. Upcoming Event: A detailed report from the Mexico City team is scheduled for May 2. To-Do / Next Steps Members are encouraged to check the bulletin for various opportunities and events happening during the 10:00 hour. Attend the special presentation regarding the Mexico City mission trip on May 2 during the 10:00 hour. Pray for Ellen Decker and Bill Stroh as they both face surgeries scheduled for Monday. Keep Jack VanSledwight in prayer for healing from blood clots. Continue to support and pray for local ministry partners including Dégagé, Guiding Lights, and Mel Trotter. Conclusion The service concludes by affirming that the resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian hope. As summarized by the closing story of a child’s perspective, the resurrection is not just a past miracle to be studied, but a present reality that promises future restoration for all who believe.
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    1 時間 21 分
  • LaGrave Live, April 5, 2026

    LaGrave Live, April 5, 2026
    2026/04/06
    LaGrave Live LIVE Evening Worship Service -Easter Morning Worship The Two Enemies of Easter - 2026-04-05 About The Service: We will celebrate Christ’s resurrection at both our 8:40am and 11:00am services. Pastor Jonker will preach. There will be brass and timpani and the choir will sing. We praise God for the grace and faithfulness represented in the celebrations this week and we hope many of you will be able to join us at these services. Order of Worship: https://lagrave.org/wp-content/upload... About the Church: We are a traditional CRC church in the middle of Downtown Grand Rapids, MI, worshipping at 8:40am, 11:00am, and 6:00pm. (10:00am and 6:00pm during the summer months) We'd love to hear from you: Connection: https://www.lagrave.org/contact Let us pray for you: Prayer: https://www.lagrave.org/prayerrequest/ Giving: https://www.elexiogiving.com/App/Givi... The April special offering is for Family Promise. Family Promise partners with local congregations, individuals, families, foundations and corporations to provide emergency shelter and case management for families with children facing a housing crisis. Listen on the go: Amazon Music: https://bit.ly/LGPodAmazonMusic Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3tuOdwQ Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/LGPodGoogle Soundcloud: / lagravecrc Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3yXDFaT Follow us! Facebook: / lagravecrc Instagram: / lagravecrc Website: https://www.lagrave.org #LaGrave #LaGraveCRC This Easter service at La Grave celebrates the resurrection of Jesus Christ, framing it as the definitive victory over the physical finality of death and the spiritual weight of cynicism. Through liturgy, song, and sermon, the congregation is encouraged to trade "cynical glasses" for a perspective of hope. The service commenced with a vibrant liturgical celebration, utilizing traditional hymns and scripture to establish the reality of the resurrection. Readings from Psalm 16 and Revelation 21 emphasized the promise of a "new heaven and new earth" where the "old order of things," characterized by mourning and pain, is replaced by God's eternal presence. The children's messages bridged the gap between historical narrative and personal faith. By recounting the story of Mary Magdalene at the empty tomb and the eventual belief of "Doubting Thomas," the speakers illustrated that while doubt is a natural response to the impossible news of the resurrection, a personal encounter with Christ transforms that doubt into the confession, "My Lord and my God". In the central sermon, the speaker addressed the modern struggle with "Death’s prescription glasses"—cynicism. Using personal anecdotes about physical aging (tinnitus) and the scientific concept of entropy, he described how death seeks to "flatten" the world into a cold, mechanical process. He argued that the resurrection is not just a historical event but a "new prescription" of hope that restores transcendence, beauty, and the presence of God to a world that cynicism tries to make dull. The service concluded with a call to global and local intercession. The congregation prayed for a mission team currently in Mexico, celebrated new births within the community, and sought comfort for those grieving recent losses, asserting that the "Easter hope" must sustain believers as they act as faithful servants in a cynical world. The service serves as a powerful reminder that while death and cynicism are persistent enemies, the resurrection of Christ provides a "bloodless revolution" of hope. By rejecting the "nonsense" of a flat world and embracing the reality of a risen Lord, the community is empowered to live with joy and transcendence.
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