This sermon explores the concept of having a pure heart and how it enables us to see God at work in our lives and in the world. Pastor Gerald goes back to his experience as a photographer to teach about seeing the unseen and capturing unique perspectives to illustrate the idea. A pure heart is one that has been transformed by the love and grace of God, and it requires ongoing refinement and cleansing. Daily practices such as prayer, scripture reading, fasting, fellowship, and service help...

In this sermon on the teachings of Matthew 5:7, 'Blessed are the Merciful: Embodying Compassion in a Harsh World,' we look into the Beatitude that calls us to show mercy, offering insights from both Old and New Testament examples. Discover how mercy intertwines with justice and how true compassion can transform our lives and those around us. Learn about the biblical basis of mercy, witness Old Testament figures like Abraham advocating for mercy, and understand how our modern response to...

To Hunger and Thirst for Righteousness, what does that mean? We'll answer that and more as we look at this beatitude of Jesus, "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." What does it truly mean to hunger and thirst for righteousness in today's world? How does it compare to the things the world says we should seek? How can this pursuit impact our daily lives and decisions? This teaching explores the practical implications of this deep spiritual...

What is the significance of meekness in the Christian life? How does meekness relate to our personal circumstances and struggles? What is the relationship between meekness and happiness or joy? What assurance and hope does meekness offer to those who are struggling? Many of those listening to Jesus teach the beatitudes would have held themselves in low esteem, or meekness. These would not have been “proud” people. They’d been made to feel as though they were less than. ‌ They weren’t normal...

In this sermon, "Blessed are those that Mourn: Finding Comfort in Mourning," we look at the second of Jesus' beatitude teachings. This sermon is an older recording, but very applicable as part of our "BE-Attitudes" series of teachings. The sermon focuses on 'Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.' In the sermon we explore the concept of mourning, both in the context of loss and in the context of repentance. The point I make in the sermon is that mourning our sinfulness and...

In this special first message of Innovate Church's series, "The BE Attitudes," we here from guest preacher, Vincent Oginksi begins by expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share their message on the Beatitudes. Vincent emphasizes the importance of having the right attitude and recognizing our spiritual poverty before God. Salvation and the kingdom of heaven are only possible through Christ, not through our own efforts or religious practices. Vincent then highlights the need for humility...

Easter Sunday is a celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, a pivotal event that reshapes the landscape of faith and opens the door to new beginnings. In this Easter Sunday sermon, "Easter's Promise: Victory, Hope, and Renewal Through Christ," we dive deep into the heart of the resurrection's implications, exploring how this miraculous event offers us forgiveness through Jesus, reconciliation with God, and victory over sin and death. As we partake in an Easter Communion Service, we...

Reflect on the solemnity of Maundy Thursday with Pastor Gerald at Innovate Church, as we delve into Jesus' poignant final night with His disciples, captured in John's Gospel, chapter 13. On this night, filled with love, betrayal, and the institution of Communion, we are drawn into the heart of Jesus' commandment to love one another, amidst the shadow of an impending betrayal. In our Maundy Thursday service, we don't partake in Communion, yet our focus shifts to the deep contrast between love...

Pastor Gerald (Pastor G) concludes our transformative "I Am" series with a powerful message on Jesus's profound declaration, "I Am the True Vine," from John 15:1-17. As we prepare our hearts for Easter Sunday, we'll dive deep into the rich symbolism of the vine and branches, exploring how this metaphor speaks to our daily lives and our connection to Christ. In this sermon, you'll discover the importance of remaining in Jesus, the True Vine, to bear fruit that lasts. Learn how this connection...

The message explores the concept of finding the path in life and the struggle to know the way to heaven. It discusses how different religions offer various paths to salvation, but Christianity uniquely teaches that salvation and eternal life in heaven are attained through faith in Jesus Christ. Pastor G emphasizes the exclusivity of the Christian faith and the importance of placing faith in Jesus as the way, the truth, and the life. He encourages believers to live differently and point others...

In this message, "Find Life and Hope in Jesus as Our Resurrection," Pastor Gerald explores the story of Lazarus' resurrection from the dead in John 11 highlighting the emotions and thoughts of Mary, Martha, and the disciples as they waited for Jesus to come and heal Lazarus. Pastor Gerald emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's plan, even in the midst of suffering and unanswered prayers. He also discusses the significance of Jesus' statement, 'I am the resurrection and the...

In this sermon, Pastor Gerald explores the theme of Jesus as the Good Shepherd. He begins by recapping the previous week's sermon on Jesus as the door or gate of the sheep. He then delves into the role of shepherds in the Old Testament, focusing on Moses and David as examples. Pastor Gerald highlights the prophecies of the coming Messiah and emphasizes Jesus' exclusive inclusivity as the only way to salvation. He discusses the sacrifice of the Good Shepherd and extends an invitation to find...

This is our 3rd episode of our Jesus the "I Am" series. Here we hear Jesus tell the religious leaders that He is the door to the sheep. There's a familiar teaching about this that many of us pastors use, and in this message, I look at more historical and important purpose for Jesus using the "I Am the Door," parable. Takeaways Jesus is the door and the shepherd who offers refuge and protection to all who enter through him. God is portrayed as the shepherd throughout the Bible,...

Embark on a journey of spiritual illumination with Pastor Gerald at Innovate Church, as we delve into the transformative "I AM" series. This enlightening exploration not only connects us back to God's profound declaration in Exodus 3:14 but also intimately acquaints us with Jesus through His powerful "I AM" statements. In this particular session, "I AM the Light of Life," we uncover the essentiality and impact of light in both our physical and spiritual realms. Pastor Gerald masterfully draws...

This message explores Jesus' claim of being the bread of life. It begins with the feeding of the 5,000 and the disciples' desire for miraculous power. The sermon then delves into the significance of the manna in the wilderness and its connection to Jesus as the bread of life. The concept of eating Jesus' flesh and drinking his blood is explored, leading to a deeper understanding of his role in salvation. The message also highlights the symbolism of bread in the Old Testament, particularly...

This sermon explores the identity of Jesus and the claims He made about Himself. It begins by discussing the importance of deciding who Jesus is and the implications of that decision. The message then delves into the name of God revealed to Moses in Exodus 3 and its connection to Jesus. Pastor Gerald explores Jesus' I AM statements and His claim to pre-existence. The response of the people to Jesus' claims is examined, as well as the implications of His identity for believers. The...

Are you feeling lonely or disconnected? You're not alone in this struggle. In our recent sermon from Innovate Church, titled "Friendships, Loneliness, Community, and Who's Got Your Back" we explored the crucial role of social health in our lives. We understand that loneliness isn't just a feeling; it's a significant health risk, comparable to smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day. But there's hope and a solution. At Innovate Church, we firmly believe that no one should walk their faith journey...

This message explores the topic of spiritual health and the importance of spiritual discipline. Pastor Gerald emphasizes the need for intentional growth and the role of various disciplines in achieving spiritual health. The chapters cover setting goals, the importance of rest and Sabbath, the power of God's Word, prayer as a conversation with God, the discipline of fasting, the act of worship, serving others, the importance of community, bringing back the wandering sheep, and accepting Jesus...

This teaching explores the teachings of the Bible regarding money and its importance in our spiritual lives. Pastor Gerald highlights various biblical verses and statistics to emphasize the significance of money in the Scriptures. The chapters cover topics such as setting priorities, seeking the kingdom of God, giving generously, being content, and not serving money. The teaching concludes by emphasizing the need to trust in God's provision and to place our faith in Him. Takeaways ...

This is part three of our "Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise in 2024" New Year's resolution series. This conversation explores the challenges faced by individuals with mental illness in Christian circles. It highlights the stigma and misconceptions surrounding anxiety and depression, emphasizing the need for the church to reform its approach to mental health care. The conversation also addresses the complexity of the brain and the physical basis of mental illness. It encourages individuals to be...

In "Healthy, Wealthy, and Wise: God's Plan for Well-Being in 2024," we begin a new journey to explore God's holistic plan for our well-being. This sermon series delves into the key areas of physical, mental, financial, spiritual, and social health, uncovering the biblical principles that guide us towards a more balanced and fulfilling life. Each week, we'll focus on a different aspect of health, learning how to align our New Year's resolutions with God's wisdom and purpose. Join us as we...

The sermon explores the concept of Jesus as the horn of salvation, drawing from the symbolism of the horns of the altar in the Old Testament. It emphasizes that God alone is the Savior and Deliverer, and that Jesus is the fulfillment of the prophecies and promises of God. The sermon encourages listeners to recognize Jesus as their refuge, strength, and rock, and to receive Him as the gift of salvation. Takeaways Jesus is the horn of salvation, symbolizing God's strength, presence,...

Have you ever wondered just how much God loves you? In this moving video sermon, Pastor Gerald helps us truly understand the depths of God's profound love by pointing to Jesus's birth as the greatest example of how God shows His love for us. He starts by sharing an emotional story of a little girl named Helen who gave up her chance to pet cute animals because she had learned the family motto "Love is sacrificial action." This, Pastor Gerald explains, is exactly what God did for us through...

Are you searching for true peace in your life? Do you wonder How You Can Experience the Peace of Christ? Welcome to our special Christmas sermon series, "Simply Jesus," where we explore the true essence of peace as narrated in the Christmas story. In this sermon, we delve deep into the heart of the Christmas message, revealing how it's intricately tied to experiencing Christ's peace. Today, we navigate through pivotal Christmas verses and peace scriptures that illuminate where Christmas...

Are you searching for true joy this Christmas amidst life's challenges? "True Joy In Hard Times: Where To Find It" is a heartfelt sermon that speaks directly to those facing hardships during the holiday season. Pastor Gerald explores the profound truth that Jesus Christ is the wellspring of lasting joy, even when circumstances seem bleak. In this week's teaching, we delve into the powerful illustration of Rick and Kay Warren's journey through grief and how they found joy in Christ amidst...