Prayer and Love  John 17:20-26 Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s…   For generations, Americans have been captivated by the larger-than-life personas of superheroes. Why the fascination with men and women in capes?   Whether a narrow escape from planetary destruction, a science experiment gone awry, or an other-worldly bug bite, we relish their origin stories. We’re inspired by their resilience, catchphrases, and sharp jawlines. But,...

Prayer & Fullness Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 17:13-19 When her enslaver fell into financial trouble, a newlywed Harriet Tubman realized her family would soon be torn apart and sold for top dollar. It was then she faced unthinkable danger by attempting an escape from slavery. At the end of her long journey from Maryland to Philadelphia, Tubman had achieved her lifelong dream of freedom—but her story didn’t end there. Selflessly, and fueled by her...

Prayer & Fullness Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 17:6-12 It was a Saturday with nothing planned, so you decided to surprise your kids with a trip to Chuck E. Cheese. A few hours later, the tokens have been spent, the pizza eaten, and the last of their over-priced prizes secured. From your seat at the table, you see the kids make their way over to you with smiling faces and, without a word from you, start gathering their things and putting on their...

Prayer & Heaven Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 17:1-5 Among the most iconic moments in cinematic history is Neo’s life-altering choice between two pills: red or blue. The protagonist of the 1999 blockbuster, The Matrix, must decide whether to return to the simple life he knows, or to have his eyes opened to a greater, mind-bending reality. You and I face a similar choice. Will we live for the world we see today, or seek the higher reality of heaven—a...

Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church This year, millions will observe the Easter holiday simply out of tradition. Churches will be filled with people whose lives have not been changed by the reality of the resurrection—people who’ve perhaps never questioned whether they even believe it. How about you? This Easter Sunday, join us as we consider the resurrection of Jesus through the perspective of a first-century skeptic. Don’t let another year pass by without answering...

Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church

Overcoming the World Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 16:23-33 If you’ve ever been in the market for a house, you know the importance of looking “beneath the surface.” While a new coat of paint, fresh flowers, and a snickerdoodle candle can make most any place feel like a dream, a wise buyer thinks twice. It’s experienced house-hunters you’ll find brushing away cobwebs around the furnace, peering close at the seals of the windows, and, most importantly, taking a...

Grief Turns to Joy Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 16:12-22 The great promise of the American Dream hinges on one condition: No pain, no gain. It’s in the name of this ambition that many professionals forfeit their families for the corner office. Athletes sacrifice their bodies for the title. And gamblers spend their last dollar for the chance at hitting it big. But do any of these things truly satisfy? In a world marred by longing, striving, and pain, our...

The Spirit’s Help in Persecution Teacher: Brent Buttermore, Outreach Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 16:1-11 On July 4, 1918, combined U.S. and Australian infantry marched into battle at the French town of Le Hamel against a German force that outnumbered them 5 to 1. Under the leadership of Lieutenant General John Monash, the Allied forces secured a decisive, and certainly remarkable, victory against their much larger opponent in a mere 93 minutes. History celebrates stories like the...

The World’s Hatred Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 15:18-27 In two weeks, our nation will commemorate St. Patrick’s Day, but amid the leprechauns, shamrocks, and corned beef, does anyone remember what we’re celebrating? Maewyn Succat, later known as St. Patrick, was born in Britain in the fourth century A.D. Shortly before Patrick turned 16, his family’s villa was attacked by pirates, who abducted him to their homeland of Ireland and sold him as a slave. It was...

Spiritual Fruit that Lasts Teacher: Blaine Dennison: Congregational Care Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 15:9-17 Have you ever placed your go-to order from a restaurant, only to be disappointed? In 2021, fast food giant Taco Bell experienced a widespread shortage of multiple ingredients—including chicken, beef, beans, and its signature hot sauce. The floundering supply chain led once-loyal customers to flood social media with complaints: “For anyone craving Taco Bell tonight, I’ll save...

The Vine and the Branches Teacher: Pastor Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 15:1-8 Since ancient times, sieges have been used by military forces to weaken and subdue their enemies. Victims are cut off from essential supplies, while their attacker counts down the days to their eventual surrender. The effectiveness of a siege lies in its exploitation of basic human needs: a war-torn people can’t survive without food, without water, without medical supplies. Cut off at the...

What the World Does Not Have Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 14:22-31 Since its Broadway premiere in 1977, Annie has charmed and delighted audiences worldwide. From the stage to the silver screen, the heartwarming story of Annie’s transformation from a penniless orphan to a beloved, billionaire daughter has been told time-and-again. Annie’s rise from “the hard knock life” to “happily ever after” resonates with each of us. Why? We may not be Depression-era...

Divine Life, Divine LoveJohn 14:12-21 Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church The goal of every great leader is for those who follow to one day surpass them. It’s this principle that motivates coaches to raise up star athletes, the C-Suite to invest in up-and-coming talent, and parents to give their kids every chance at a better life. From families to Fortune 500 companies, we strive to see the next generation go farther and reach higher than ever before. Even Jesus claimed...

Overcoming a Troubled Heart Teacher: Caleb Middleton, Middle School Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 14:1-11 Whether the terror of 9/11, the desperation of the Great Recession, or the hysteria of the COVID-19 pandemic, the generations that make up our church today have known hardship. We’ve known grief. We’ve known fear. And that’s not to mention the storms raging in our personal lives—from broken marriages and lost jobs to addiction and abuse. Not one of us is immune. And we all seem to...

Urgent Hour, New Love Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 13:31–38 Few things get fans riled up like a debate over the GOAT. Recognition as the Greatest Of All Time has become one of the most sought-after titles in professional sports, where athletes dedicate their lives to reaching new heights. 2023 marked a historic year as LeBron James shattered Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s 38-year tenure as the leading scorer in NBA history and Tom Brady retired from the NFL with...

Love Betrayed Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 13:18-30 Immortalized by Shakespeare’s, “Et tu, Brute?” the assassination of Julius Caesar by his own nephew, Marcus Junius Brutus, is perhaps one of the most infamous betrayals in human history. Brutus is joined in the annals of history by such villains as Revolutionary War traitor Benedict Arnold and US Navyman-turned-USSR informant John A. Walker. Their double-crossing, back-stabbing actions, even unto taking...

Love Demonstrated Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 13:1-17 Jennifer Garner made headlines this fall when a paparazzo captured a touching moment between the millionaire actress and a man experiencing homelessness. While passing out bags of basic necessities, Garner noticed a man without any socks or shoes. Moved, she leaned down, took off her own socks and shoes, and handed them to him. The millions who applauded Garner’s actions reveal a truth about all of...

The God of the Year Teacher: Brent Buttermore, Missions / Outreach Pastor at Oak Pointe Church Zechariah 3:1-5; Job; Luke 23:32-43. With 2024 peeking its head around the corner, it’s the time of year when millions of Americans form their New Year’s resolutions. Research shows that saving more money is a top priority for many in the year ahead, along with reducing work stress and spending less time on social media. While many of us turn our attention to our plans, hopes, and dreams for the...

Veiled in Flesh Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 1:14 Each Christmas seems to be even bigger and brighter than the one before. Advertisers vie for our attention through eye-catching displays, larger-than-life decorations, and – most of all – same-day shipping. And the $960 billion projected in holiday spending says they’ve got our attention. The question is, in the haze of twinkly lights and Black Friday sales, have we lost sight of Christmas? We hope you’ll...

Fullness of Grace Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 1:15-18 For many, the Christmas season wouldn’t be complete without re-runs of timeless holiday films. Beyond the well-loved scenes of wintry weather and family festivities, you might be surprised at what many of these classics have in common: a second chance. From “It’s a Wonderful Life” to “A Christmas Carol,” there’s something about a new beginning – a fresh start – that draws us time and again. This Sunday,...

True Light Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 1:6-13 “A person, device, or event which resembles what an individual or a group might be looking for, but it is only meant to lure them.” Historians estimate that decoys were invented as early as 2500 BC, when Egyptians placed clay ducks in the Nile River to bait and capture birds. Since that time, decoys have become a trusted strategy of hunters, soldiers, and even criminals seeking to attract their prey. What makes...

True Life Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 1:1-5 Aptly abbreviated SAD, seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression noted for its recurrence each fall. At the turn of the season, millions begin to suffer chronic fatigue, feelings of hopelessness, and even thoughts of self-harm. What could cause such an epidemic? Darkness. As more and more daytime is shrouded in darkness, the brain suffers a chemical imbalance that disrupts sleep patterns and mood. For...

The God Who Opens Doors of Faith Teacher: Blaine Dennison, Multiethnic & Congregational Care Pastor at Oak Pointe Church Acts 14:21-28 Walt Disney’s first animation company bankrupted, Steve Jobs was ousted from Apple, and J.K. Rowling’s first manuscript was rejected by 12 different publishers. But that’s not where their stories ended, is it? These wildly successful people all have one thing in common: Tenacity. Nothing – not opposition, rejection, or even utter failure – could take...