Category: Sermons

Pastor Adam Sellen

“Empowered”

Romans 8:1-11

As we’ve begun discussing our vision and values, I’ve had two very interesting reactions. First, how great is it that the Almighty God loves us and wants to have relationship with us. God has called us, as a church, to be the reflection of His truth, and this only happens through a deepening relationship with Him! What a blessing. But the second part hit me like a ton of bricks–how can we see this become a reality? I don’t have the power to save people, stop sinning, or even do anything right. In fact, the Apostle Paul refers to this in Romans 7 where he says that the very thing he wants to do he can’t, but the very thing he doesn’t want to do, he does. The question for us is this: is it even possible for me to live the life of faith? As we continue in our message series, “Becoming a Reflection of God’s Truth,” we will explore how God empowers the life of a believer through the person and work of the Holy Spirit. I’m excited to gather with you all this Sunday!

Pastor Adam Sellen

“All About Jesus”

Colossians 1:15-20

In Matthew 16, we find Jesus having a conversation with His disciples that would shape how they related to Him and determine the path of their entire lives. The question He asked is twofold. First, He asked, “Who do the people say that I am?” They gave a variety of answers from Elijah, to a great teacher, to a prophet. Then Jesus narrowed the question to them by asking, “Who do you say I am?” Peter, the spokesman for the 12 answered by saying, “You are the Christ, the Son of the Living God.” It’s amazing how different the answers are from each other. The looming question is, why? What led to the differences? The answer was determined by their experiences with Jesus–seeing Jesus clearly gave the disciples the focus that everything was all about Jesus. As we continue in our Vision Series, “Becoming a Reflection of God’s Truth”, we will unpack the first key to being a Christ-filled disciple by seeing how the amazing encounter with Christ shapes our life to be all about Jesus.

Pastor Adam Sellen

“A Reflection”

2 Corinthians 3:12-18

There was a group of friends who decided to take a road trip. They all met up at Fred’s house, packed up the car, made sure it had gas in it, and with a breath of excitement all got into the car. Fred, being the driver, started the car but didn’t put it in drive. Mary, who was sitting in the passenger seat, asked Fred a question, “Why aren’t we moving?” Fred gave this answer–I don’t know where we’re going? Isn’t this a common question in our spiritual lives–we’re excited to follow after Jesus but we don’t know where we’re going or what He longs to make us? For the last 18 months, the Elders and I have been praying over and pondering through the direction God has for OGC–where has He called us to go and what does He want us to look like. I’m excited to share the fruit of this vision journey as we discover over the following weeks how we are called “To Be a Reflection of God’s Truth” by looking at how we can reflect the glory of God in our lives.

By: Jim Klein – Elder

“New Year’s Resolutions that will change your life!”

Luke 6:37-38

This time of year has many of us scrambling to make New Year’s resolutions. They may include such things as: losing the ten pounds we gained during Thanksgiving through New Year’s Day. Or, this year I’m going to be on a strict budget, get more exercise, eat healthier and the list goes on and on and on…….These are all good resolutions which are easier to write down than to keep. This Sunday, we are going to unpack resolutions that not only will change our lives but are also commanded by God as spoken through Jesus. Get ready to change your life and the lives around you. See you there!

Layne Kuhn – Youth and Worship Director

“Get In The Game: Why The Bench Is Not An Option”

1 Corinthians 12:12-27, Ephesians 2:8-10, Joshua 24:15

Are you tired of just sitting in the stands while the world’s most important “game” happens on the field? This Sunday, we’re looking at why the church isn’t a spectator sport and how your unique, God-given calling is the “missing piece” our team needs to function. Join us as we draw a line in the sand and move from being consumers of the Gospel to contributors in God’s Kingdom. It’s time to get off the bench—your position is waiting!

Pastor: Adam Sellen

“Let’s Reflect”

Luke 2:19

Can you imagine what it must have been like to see the events of the Christmas story as they unfolded? What would it have been like seeing Gabriel declare the gospel message? Could you imagine the volume and splendor of the angelic host singing “Glory to God in the Highest?” What would it have been like for Joseph and Mary to make the journey to Bethlehem? How would you respond to this incredible scene? We see that the shepherds praised God for all they had seen and heard. The Wise Men, later on, offered wholehearted worship. But how did Mary respond? As we continue in our Advent Series, “Missing Christmas,” we will look at Luke 2:19 and see Mary’s response to the Christmas story, and that through her reflection, she did not miss the amazing message of Christmas. I look forward to joining you all!

Pastor: Adam Sellen

“How to Celebrate”

Matthew 2:1-12, Luke 2:13-14

Do you like to celebrate? I think everyone does. Whether we celebrate by watching a parade, going to a party, sending a card or greeting, or feasting over a delicious banqueting table, celebrating is something that brings great joy to us all. And there is no season in our world today that brings about more joy and celebrations than Christmas. Between the parties, decorations, food, and music, people seem to be in better spirits as we celebrate Christmas. As we rejoin our message series, “Missing Christmas,” we’re going to explore two of the great celebrations of Christmas that have ever been–those of the Wise Men and the Angelic Host–and talk about two things: the reason for the celebration and also how they celebrated Christ, the Newborn King. I look forward to gathering with you all this Sunday!

Pastor: Adam Sellen

“Don’t Rush Me”

Matthew 1:18-25

It’s here! The Christmas season is now upon us! I must confess that I absolutely love celebrating Christmas. From the music and decorations to the food and gatherings; from the gifts and giving, to the snow and the lights, there’s nothing quite like it. But most of all, I love the Christmas message that Jesus Christ is born to save people from sin and restore right relationship with God! But have you noticed that the elements of celebrating the greatest message ever seemed to have eclipsed the message of Christmas itself? In fact, we seem to be missing Christmas! As we begin this Advent message series, we turn our attention to Joseph and examine how rushing and busyness could have cost him dearly, and how can we avoid Missing Christmas by the curse of “busyness”.

Pastor: Adam Sellen

“With Thanksgiving”

1 Thessalonians 5:12-22

One of the amazing blessings that God has bestowed on us is the creation of the church–the joining of the body of believers for the opportunity to live the life of faith together. But how is it possible to live this life together? Paul, in his letter to the Thessalonian church, expresses three defining traits that need to mark every believer to effectively live out the faith. I’m excited to join you all this Sunday before Thanksgiving as we unpack this passage together and take time to give thanks to God for who He is and all He does.

Pastor: Adam Sellen

“Reunited”

Genesis 46:28-34

In last week’s message, we saw Joseph working through what must be one of the hardest aspects of life–forgiveness and reconciliation. As we come to the conclusion of our message series, “Faith in Times of Adversity,” we find Joseph finally having the opportunity to see his father Jacob face to face! But this event leads us to ask a question–even though we’ve forgiven and reconciled, are we simply to resume life like nothing ever happened? I look forward to unpacking how Biblical reconciliation leads to holy reunification.