Soaring Faith

Baptism – A Call to Faith

This week on Soaring Faith, we reflect on the powerful ways God moves in our lives, even in the most unexpected moments. Just like the lake-effect snow that inevitably follows cold air over warm water, God's presence creates undeniable transformation.
We dive into Acts 16, where Paul and Silas, imprisoned and beaten, respond with worship instead of despair. Their faith leads to an earthquake—not just a physical one, but a spiritual awakening for the jailer who once guarded them. His desperate question, “What must I do to be saved?”, leads to his life-changing encounter with Jesus.
Faith is more than belief—it’s a commitment to transformation. When we trust in Jesus, we step into a new life, just as those baptized declare their faith and embrace change.
Are you ready to trust Him? To believe and commit? Let’s embrace the change God brings and walk in His purpose.

Communion – A Call to Examine and Commit

This week, we reflect on the significance of communion — powerful symbol of our faith. Paul urges believers to flee from idolatry and ensure their worship is fully devoted to Christ. Communion is more than a ritual; it’s a participation in the body and blood of Christ, a reminder of our unity in Him.
As we break bread together, we are called to examine our hearts, casting aside anything that takes priority over God. Are we fully devoted, or are we divided in our worship? Paul warns that we cannot drink from both the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons—our faith must be undivided.
Are you at the right table? Are you fully participating in the body of Christ? This episode challenges us to reflect, repent, and renew our commitment to Christ through this sacred act of worship.

Encounter God’s Presence in Pain

This week, we reflect on Joseph’s unexpected journey and how, in the midst of confusion and disappointment, he encountered the presence of God. In Matthew 1:23, we see the powerful promise of Immanuel—God with us. Though Joseph faced uncertainty and heartbreak, God was working behind the scenes, revealing His plan and calling Joseph to trust Him.
Pain often sharpens our focus on God. Like Joseph, we may experience seasons where our dreams seem shattered, our plans fall apart, and we struggle to understand what’s happening. But even in those dark moments, God is present, guiding us toward His greater purpose.
Faith calls us to react in the light of God’s Word, to trust His promises, and to find comfort in His presence. Fear may try to hold us back, but God’s plans are always greater than our uncertainties. He invites us to step forward in faith, knowing that His purpose is unfolding even when we can’t see the full picture.
Are you looking for God in the midst of your struggles? Are you trusting Him even when life doesn’t go as planned? Let this season be a reminder that God is with you—always.

Stand Out for Jesus

This week, we explore another parable about the Kingdom of Heaven—this time, through the imagery of a fishing net. Jesus describes the Kingdom as a net cast into the sea, gathering all kinds of fish. When the net is full, the fish are sorted—the good are kept, while the bad are discarded.
This parable reminds us that we all coexist in the world, both righteous and wicked, but a final separation will come. At the end of the age, God will judge, dividing those who belong to Him from those who do not. The contrast is stark: the righteous experience life with God, while the wicked face eternal separation.
Our choices matter. Though we all share common experiences—love, hardship, and daily life—we are ultimately distinguished by faith in Jesus. Righteousness isn’t about being “good enough” but about trusting Christ and following Him.
Are you living in obedience to God? Do you stand out as a follower of Christ? Now is the time to commit to Him and live in a way that honors Him. When the net is drawn in, make sure you’re found among those who are kept for eternity.
 

Buy into the Kingdom of Heaven through Faith

This week, we uncover the priceless value of the Kingdom of Heaven through two parables: the hidden treasure and the pearl of great price. These short but profound stories remind us that the Kingdom is the ultimate treasure—worth sacrificing everything to obtain.
Jesus compares the Kingdom to a man who finds treasure hidden in a field and a merchant who discovers a pearl of great value. Both recognize the unparalleled worth of what they've found, selling all they have to claim it as their own. Their joy-filled sacrifice highlights the transformative power and eternal significance of the Kingdom of Heaven.
The message is clear: the Kingdom exists, often hidden in plain sight, waiting to be discovered. Some stumble upon it unexpectedly, while others seek it diligently. Regardless of how it’s found, its value far surpasses anything we can give up for it.
Reflect on your faith journey: Are you all in for the Kingdom? Have you embraced the joy and sacrifice that comes with following Jesus? The Kingdom is real, life-changing, and worth everything. Let’s strive to make it our greatest treasure.
 

Be a Good Influence for Jesus

This week, we explore two of Jesus’ parables: the mustard seed and the yeast. These stories, though simple, illustrate profound truths about the Kingdom of God. Both the mustard seed and yeast start small, yet their impact is transformative, growing into something far greater than their beginnings.
Jesus describes the Kingdom as something that begins humbly, like a mustard seed planted in a field, or yeast worked into dough. Over time, these small, unassuming actions produce growth and permeate their surroundings, much like the Gospel transforms lives and communities.
The parables remind us to trust in the power of small acts of faith. A kind word, a prayer, or sharing the Gospel may seem minor but can lead to extraordinary change. They also challenge us to consider the influence we bring into the world: Are we planting seeds of faith and working the yeast of the Gospel into every area of our lives?
As we reflect on this message, let’s be encouraged by the power of God’s truth to grow and transform. Small beginnings can have eternal impact when rooted in His Kingdom. Let’s remain confident, persistent, and intentional in being a good influence for Jesus.

Which branch are you?

This week, we dive into John 15, a passage that feels like a parable but stands as a profound analogy from Jesus during His final hours with His disciples. Set in the context of the Upper Room Discourse, Jesus uses the imagery of the vine, branches, and gardener to highlight the necessity of staying connected to Him.
The key message is simple yet powerful: Jesus is the vine, believers are the branches, and God the Father is the gardener. Those who remain in Christ will bear much fruit, while branches without fruit are cut off. The gardener prunes fruitful branches to produce even more. This pruning may be uncomfortable but is essential for growth.
Spiritual fruit comes in various forms, including the Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), acts of worship (Hebrews 13:15), and good works (Colossians 1:10). Remaining in Christ ensures we are fruitful, glorifying God and proving our discipleship.
Jesus also warns of the consequences of being fruitless: separation from the vine and ultimate judgment. His words remind us to self-examine: Are we fruitful branches or withering ones?
As we reflect, let’s commit to remaining in Christ, the source of life, and faithfully bearing fruit that glorifies God.

Be a Productive Part of God’s Work

Jesus’ parable of the wheat and the weeds reminds us of the ongoing spiritual battle in the world. God, the good sower, plants seeds of faith and goodness, while the enemy sows seeds of sin and destruction. The field, representing the world, contains both wheat (believers) and weeds (those aligned with evil). Though they coexist for now, the harvest—God’s judgment—will bring separation and clarity.
This story calls us to evaluate our role in God’s kingdom. Are we producing good fruit that nourishes others, or are we hindering God’s work like weeds? As wheat, we are planted with purpose, called to grow in faith and make a positive impact. Despite the enemy’s attempts to disrupt, God assures us that His plan will prevail.
Ultimately, this parable challenges us to live intentionally as part of God’s work, bearing fruit that glorifies Him and blesses others. Let’s remain steadfast, recognizing that God’s justice will come, and ensure that we are wheat, not weeds, in His field.

Open Your Heart to God’s Truth

This week’s message from Matthew 13 calls us to evaluate the condition of our hearts as we respond to God’s truth. Jesus shares the parable of the sower, highlighting how truth is received in various ways depending on the soil—the heart—into which it is planted.
Through simple, relatable terms, Jesus illustrates the transformative power of God’s word when it lands on fertile ground. The truth is clear and accessible, meant to inspire change and growth in our lives. Yet, not all hearts respond the same way. Some are hardened and resistant, others are shallow and uncommitted, while some are distracted by life’s worries. The good soil, however, receives the truth and bears fruit abundantly.
This message challenges us to reflect on the state of our hearts. Are we receptive to God’s word? Are we willing to let it take root and flourish, bringing lasting change? The truth of God’s word is constant and transformative, but its impact depends on how we embrace it. Let us open our hearts and allow God’s truth to grow and bear fruit in our lives.

Truly Spiritual

This week, we explore what it means to respond to God from the heart and to offer ourselves in pure devotion and blessing. In Genesis 24:45, we find the servant praying silently, offering a profound reminder that God hears the quietest prayers of our hearts. The servant's experience shows us the power of inward prayers, as God answers with exact guidance, confirming the mission by bringing Rebekah to the well.
This sermon calls us to three responses: First, to commune with God in authentic, heart-led prayer. We see how prayer isn’t always about spoken words but about sincerity, as seen with Hannah in 1 Samuel, who prayed with only her lips moving, yet God heard her anguish and answered. Second, we’re encouraged to bless others from a place of genuine love, as Rebekah’s family did when they sent her with words of support and a bright future. Lastly, we’re called to meditate—like Isaac did—quieting our busy minds to truly focus on God.
Reflecting on God’s work in our lives, we find inspiration to strengthen our spiritual habits: pray sincerely, bless generously, and seek stillness with God.