The Knowledge

Luke 1:76-79

Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church

Most of us have heard, or used, the phrase “Fake it ‘til you make it”, right? The implication is that if you are unfamiliar with something, you can just put on a façade that will convince others that you are actually very knowledgeable about the topic so you can stumble along until you either learn enough to get by or finish the task without being challenged on your knowledge. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t!

Truth is not a fake it ‘til you make it situation, however. A more apt phrase for truth would be “You either know it, or you don’t.” Scripture proclaims that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life; so, to know truth, we must know Jesus! Tomorrow morning, we are continuing our advent series, and we will hear about truth, knowledge, and why they go hand-in-hand.

The Spirit

Mark 2:1-13

Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church

Have you ever been to a really good restaurant? You know the kind: you can smell its pleasing aroma as soon as you step out of the car into the parking lot. You walk in and every table has a tantalizing dish; you order an appetizer because you can’t wait any longer. What does an appetizer do? It increases anticipation of the meal. The appetizer isn’t the meal; it simply whets your appetite. It makes you wonder, “If the appetizer is this good, how much better is the entrée?”

John the Baptist paved the way for the long-awaited Messiah. He wasn’t the savior; he was simply the appetizer. When Jesus came and defeated sin and death, He fully satisfied our hunger for salvation. Tomorrow morning, we will continue to explore the depths of God’s generous heart and what He gave to us through His only Son Jesus.

The Star

Matthew 2:1-8

Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church

Throughout antiquity, creation has been held in high esteem by most cultures; its undeniable beauty and power lead many to believe some kind of deity was responsible for it. Notably, the heavens were of utmost importance in ancient religions and astronomy played a vital role in their belief systems. Some viewed the stars as lanterns for the angels, some thought they were the nail heads holding up the sky, still others believed stars to be the children of the sun and moon. Clearly, the skies have always drawn mankind’s gaze heavenward.

We know that a Deity is in fact responsible for this beautiful creation. And as the Almighty Creator, He can and does use His creation to accomplish His will. When we gather together tomorrow morning, we will hear about one of the mightiest acts in creation and its far-reaching impact.

Exiles, Keep Watch

1 Peter 5:8-14

Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church

Two friends were having dinner at a restaurant. A sign over the coat rack read, “Keep watch over your coat.” One gentleman was constantly craning his neck around to make sure his coat was still there, taking pains to see around other guests as they walked by. His friend, without regard for his own coat, said, “You can stop checking on our coats, they’re fine!” The first man replied, “I’m only watching mine; yours has been gone for half an hour.”

Keeping watch is certainly important for our physical safety and belongings, but it is even more important for our spiritual safety. Jesus charged His followers to keep watch many times, just as Peter does at the end of his letter. Join us tomorrow morning as we hear Peter’s final words of encouragement and admonition.

Favor to the Humble

1 Peter 5:1-7

Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church

There was a popular TV show on the CBS network called “Undercover Boss” that ran from 2010-2022. The premise of the show is for a company’s top executive to go undercover and work in various entry-level positions to gain a deeper understanding of the company and its employees. At the end of the week, the boss reveals their identity and surprises everyone. They often learn more about themselves than the company though when hearing amongst employees about the character traits that are respected and valued. Many times, the employees appreciated the bosses that showed empathy, humility, and servant-leadership above intellect and authority.

While our modern American culture prides itself on independence and personal freedoms, the Bible teaches that pride comes before a fall and that the meek will inherit the earth. On Sunday morning we will look further into biblical leadership in the church and the crucial role we all play.

Destined to Suffer & Overcome

1 Peter 4:12-19

Teacher: Caleb Middleton, High School Pastor / Student Director at Oak Pointe Church

There are some students bearing the name of Christ in public schools who receive ridicule and teasing for their faith. As parents, when we witness our children suffering for their convictions we are tempted to swoop in and carry out swift justice. Sometimes we ourselves are on the receiving end of persecution, in the workplace or just out running errands.

But, how many of us have celebrated this harsh treatment? Have we ever skipped away from a crowd of jeering and let out a “Woohoo!” Well of course the answer is no, but did you know that not only are we encouraged to rejoice, but we actually have the ability to do it in the face of suffering? Jesus has given us every reason to not fear suffering, and every reason to be encouraged by it! Tomorrow morning we’ll hear more about this incredible truth and how we can live it out.

Going a Long Way in a Short Life

1 Peter 4:1-11

Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church

According to a study done in 2021, 1 in 4 Americans volunteer their time in nonprofit organizations. In a separate study done in 2023, it was reported that the percentage of church members who volunteer their time is about 1 in 5. While the numbers aren’t too different (and different studies yield varying results), that’s where the problem lies isn’t it?

As the body of Christ, giving our time and resources should involve every single one of us. Isn’t that what would make the world stop and stare? To see a group of people otherwise unacquainted spending their free time and talents on serving each other.

Tomorrow morning we will hear more about Peter’s letter giving instruction on how the church should live in a way that stands out from the world.

The Sovereign Suffering Savior

1 Peter 3:17-22

Teacher: Charlie Koopman, Worship & Pastor at Oak Pointe Church

Have you ever played on a sports team and had a coach who had never played the sport themselves? It doesn’t seem like the greatest idea, but it happens. What usually ends up happening? The players don’t trust the coach! They think, “Yeah yeah, you’re yelling at us, but you couldn’t do this!” Compare that with the trust that comes from a coach who has been through it all and instructs from a place of tried-and-true wisdom. Night and day difference!

As we run our Christian race, we can do it knowing that our Savior “coach” has already run it perfectly! He felt every anguish, every temptation, every pain and hurdle; He has been through all of it, came out the other side perfectly, and has come back to coach us through it. Tomorrow morning, come and listen to what our Suffering Savior has done for you!

Peacemaking and Coffee

1 Peter 3:8-16

Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church

In the late 19th century, the Colt .45 SAA revolver was given the nickname “Peacemaker.” One suggested theory on why it was called the Peacemaker has to do with its popular use among lawmen, and with it being the weapon of choice in the Wild West. The idea is that you would comply with the demands of the owner of the revolver, thereby enforcing “peace.”

Thankfully, Almighty God calls us to a much better, true peace both with Himself and with other believers. The God of all peace has set forth the guidelines for His children to follow and put into practice. With so much to celebrate tomorrow during our Grand Opening, please come and be encouraged through the preaching of His Word and learn how to cultivate peace in your life and the lives of those around you.

The Christian Superpower

1 Peter 3:1-7

Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church

A common scene when a younger child receives a brand new LEGO set is that they open all the packages, dump the pieces into one big pile, and begin to put them together at random, leaving the instruction book cast aside and forgotten. Naturally, frustration ensues, and the child becomes less than eager to press on and finish the project. The resulting creation looks nothing like the picture on the box.

Much of the world approaches marriage in the same way. The excitement of the wedding day causes the instruction book to become a distant memory, and the bride & groom begin piecing together their new partnership at random. After a while they take a step back and see that it looks nothing like they thought it would. Frustration ensues, and they become less than eager to press on. Tomorrow morning, we will hear Peter give the instructions for marriage, what pieces are needed, and how it should look.

The Christian Superpower

1 Peter 2:18-25

Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church

Superheroes have become a large part of modern culture. Audiences everywhere are drawn to these larger-than-life characters displaying awe-inspiring powers and abilities. In more recent years there has been an increased interest in learning about a superhero’s origin story—the “where it all began” explanation that led to the character becoming super.

Christians have their own origin story, and it began about 2,000 years ago on an old, rugged cross. Jesus’ death paved the way for believers to become new creations, capable of unthinkable deeds. Much like Peter Parker awakening with new super abilities from the radioactive spider venom coursing through his veins, Christians awaken to a new life filled with the Holy Spirit, the very presence of God Himself.