Oak Pointe Church Podcast

Ruth: Meditations on God's KindnessRuth 2:17-23Certain retailers have a policy for when large merchandise is purchased, and it can’t fit into a bag. For example, you want to buy a vacuum: you take it to the register in its large box and pay for it. To prevent the customers from getting harassed at the door, cashiers will place a sticker on the item purchased that says, “Paid in Full.” With that sticker in place, customers can walk out with the confidence that they own the item free and clear.God is a Redeemer by nature, and when He paid for your sins through the death of Jesus, you received a sticker that read, “Paid in Full.” Your debt has been erased, and you belong to the Father. Tomorrow in our series in Ruth, we will hear about the beautiful redemption coming to Ruth and Naomi.

Ruth: Meditations on God's Kindness (Week 2)Ruth 2:1-17Sitting on a farm in Northern California is one of the world’s largest corn mazes. Boasting 42 acres of corn, visitors flock to the farm year after year to have a go at the challenging maze. Upon entering the maze, the path feels sporadic and random at best; guests don’t have the proper perspective to see that an intricate design has been carved into the field. While some maze-goers can feel lost and unsure at times, the farmers know exactly where they are and where they need to go to work through the picture. Life can feel similar to walking through a corn maze. What we see as dead-ends and endless circles are actually purposeful steps God has ordained to lead us exactly where we need to be. Maybe we expect to go right but end up needing to go left or must double back to move forward. God has the sovereign top-down view to see it all, and our job is to trust and obey as we walk through it. Tomorrow morning come and see just how God works this out for Nao

Ruth: Meditations on God's Kindness (Part 2)Ruth 1:8-22There is a common expression that asks the question, “Is the glass half empty or half full?” Someone who says the glass is half-empty is said to have a negative outlook. They only see what’s missing or lacking, they have a generally pessimistic perspective. The other side is someone who looks at that same glass and declares that it is “half-full”. This view indicates someone who sees the potential, or what is already in possession. They are generally optimistic and hopeful, able to encourage and boost the morale of others.As believers we are equipped with God’s own Spirit that enables us to perpetually see the glass as half-full. There is always hope, always a reason for joy and peace beyond understanding. But what about when life circumstances leave us feeling empty? When it seems there isn’t any hope to be found? What do we do and where do we go? Tomorrow morning, come find out what truth God has for you and how you can find true hope when all else seem

Ruth: Meditations on the Kindness of God (Week 1)Ruth 1:1-7As one of our primary senses, hearing comes from a complex system that turns sound waves into something meaningful in our brain. Starting with the outer ear, sound waves are collected and funneled towards the eardrum in the middle ear. From there, tiny bones called ossicles transmit and amplify the vibrations into the inner ear. Inside the inner ear, the cochlea is filled with fluid and lined with special hair cells which convert the vibrations into electrical signals that the brain receives and interprets. Amazing! Hearing plays such a significant role in our body that it’s no wonder Scripture uses the word “hear” almost 800 times. When God calls us to hear, however, it is more than a command to use our ear drums; it is a call to respond to His revealed truth and kindness. We will hear tomorrow morning of a woman who did this very thing when she heard what God had done for His people as we begin our new series Ruth: Meditations on God’s Kindness.

Daniel: Patterns As We Speak to God (Week 3) Daniel 9:15-23A recent survey of 2,000 Americans sought to learn about their criteria for asking for help when starting something new. The results showed that 73% don’t ask for help until they feel it is absolutely necessary, and 13% admitted that they never ask for help. Of that same group, 53% said they feel held back from reaching certain goals in their lives because they try to go it alone. For whatever reason, it seems most Americans would rather not ask for help.It begs the question: is this how we approach asking God for help? Would we just rather not? Or do we swing the other way and come at Him with a list of demands? When it comes to praying, many are confused on what to even say. Thankfully, God Himself has given many examples for us in Scriptures. Tomorrow morning, we will conclude our series on prayer and discover what it looks like to come to God in the right way.

Daniel: Patterns of Praying to God - Week 2Daniel 9:1-14Cause and effect: the principle of causation; the direct relationship between an action or event and its consequence or result (Merriam Webster).When we put water into a freezer, we are not surprised when it comes back out as a solid block of ice. When we then put the block of ice out in the summer sun, we are not surprised when it returns to its liquid state. We call these events cause and effect, and they make sense.What about when God commands His people to do something and says there will be severe consequences when they disobey? Does that throw us into an uproar of anger and confusion? Or are we able to say, “Yes Lord, you are right. You said this would happen.”? Tomorrow morning, we will look further into how we respond to God through prayer.

Daniel - Week 1Daniel 9:1-11There was a woman who needed help on her health journey. She had tried to do all the “right” things but was frustrated in her lack of progress. Seeing ads for a well-known weight loss app, she decided to give it a try. After downloading the app, she worked her way through all the questions; she finally finished and was ready to see their predicted date when she would reach her ideal weight: “You will reach your goal in two days.” Excitement was quickly replaced with confusion. How was that possible…?What she failed to realize was that she hadn’t entered her data accurately. She didn’t acknowledge the reality of her situation and thought she was better off than she was. Because of that, she couldn’t get the help she needed.When we go to God in prayer, are we coming in confident of our good efforts and ready to meet our goals? Or are we humbly admitting that we fall short every time and need the Holy Spirit to help us? We will begin a new series on prayer tomorrow morning where we’ll

The Spirit and the NationsIsaiah 42:1In the troubled, crime-ridden city of Metropolis, citizens felt defeated and had little expectation of their plight improving. Lex Luthor had his rich & powerful hand in everything, including the police. Who could ever deliver them from their peril? They knew they were a lost cause. That is, until a certain extraterrestrial, caped being flew into town. Emblazoned on his chest was a striking symbol that brought exactly what they were waiting for. “The symbol of the House of El means hope.” Superman brought hope because of his double-edged justice: he punished the wrongdoers while saving the victims.When God delivered hope to His people, it was found in His perfect justice. How does He do it? Who can receive it? Tomorrow is Pentecost Sunday. We will hear about the Hope for all nations and how He can deliver us from our peril.

Baptism, Fullness, and FaithSacraments - Week 3Colossians 2:11-15; 1 Peter 3:18-22One of the oldest, most-exclusive groups in existence are the Freemasons. Their fraternity dates back to the Middle Ages and originally included stone cutters. To become a freemason member, there are extensive requirements and rules that must be followed. One such rule is that it is not allowed for current members to discuss any lodge happenings with outsiders. The rites and rituals all take place within the confines of their local lodge, hidden from the public eye.In stark contrast, Christianity is open to all people, and the only requirement to join is a repentant heart that believes in the life-saving work of Jesus. There are two physical symbols of the Christian faith: baptism and the Lord’s supper. Neither one is the work that brings about salvation; they are not rituals that are required before being admitted into the “club.” So why do we follow the Lord in believer’s baptism? Come tomorrow morning to hear how Scripture ex

Baptism: Why Did Jesus Command It?Matthew 28:18-20Most of us really enjoy a good comeback story. Especially when it comes to sports. When your team is down all season and all hope is lost, but then suddenly they pull out a win right when it counts and take the championship title, it fills you with immense joy and excitement. You’ll walk around proudly wearing your team jersey as you identify with their victory and claim it as your own.Jesus overcame the greatest enemy in the world and procured the highest victory for anyone who believes in Him. For all who possess saving faith in Christ, His victory is now their victory, His joy is their joy. So, what is the symbol of this victory? What can we proudly display to everyone around us to say that we belong to the Champion? Come tomorrow morning to find out what this all-important divine element is all about.

Week 1: SacramentsThe Lord’s Table & Idolatry • 1 Corinthians 10:14-22Read 1 Corinthians 10:14-22 together. Focus on recurring themes, words, and phrases. As you reflect on this passage and Pastor Caleb’s message, what are your initial impressions or takeaways? What stood out to you most?

A Better Motive and IdentityActs 16:13-15Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe ChurchStudies all throughout history have unanimously reportedthat every human has a mother. In fact, those same studies all say that if you do not have a mother, you are in fact, not here. Due to this overwhelming evidence, it is a safe conclusion to say that everyone is impacted by mothers. All joking aside, celebrating Mother’s Day is a joy and blessing not to be taken lightly. Our sweet Lord was born of a woman, and He honored her up until the moment of His death. Tomorrow is not only for moms, however, as the Word of the Lord is able to teach and admonish us all. Make sure you join us tomorrow in honor of the moms in your life, but to also worship the living God and hear His truth for you.

One of our favorite student events of the year is almost here—Student Takeover! Join us tomorrow as our students lead everything at church—and we mean everything. From greeting and handing out donuts to leading worship, sharing testimonies, and more, it’s a day where students step up, serve, and lead.It’s an amazing opportunity for our church family to witness and participate in our students’ passion and hearts for Jesus. You won’t want to miss it!

A Piece of Fish and Death UndoneLuke 24:36-43Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe ChurchHistory is comprised of moments that have altered the course of humanity – singular yet pivotal events that have redefined our reality.Even in our lifetimes, we’ve experienced the horror of 9/11, the shockwave of a global pandemic, and the victory of technological breakthrough, each of which has forced us to cope with an ever-changing world. And yet, no single moment throughout all of human history compares to the one when death itself was undone. Join us this Sunday as our upcoming message, “A Piece of Fish and Death Undone,” brings us face-to-face with the realities of life after death. Surely, as the old adage goes, life will never be the same.

The First Meal of the New WorldLuke 24:28-35Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe ChurchWhat do Easter, a disastrous first date, and strangers sharing a meal together have in common? One key ingredient. Tomorrow morning is the most important day in the history of all creation. Bring your neighbors, family, coworkers, friends, enemies, strangers, and your postman because they need to hear the most important truth, the only truth, that can save their souls. Hear about the risen Lord, two disciples receiving eyes to see the truth, and the missing piece that could have saved a bad date. New mercies will rise with the sun tomorrow, come and see what the Lord has done!

They Stood at a DistanceLuke 23:49Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe ChurchJoin us on Good Friday as we come together in reflection and reverence to remember the sacrifice our Savior made for us on the cross. It will be a time of worship, gratitude, and remembrance of the hope we have because of His death.

The Table of RiskLuke 22:14-30Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe ChurchMeals can be some of the most memorable events in our lives, especially when they are centered around important events. For God’s people of Israel, there was one meal in particular that was celebrated every year with the purpose of looking back and remembering. The Passover was the greatest act of deliverance in the Old Testament, and the annual feast of remembrance afterward was a monumental celebration where the whole country packed into Jerusalem to partake in it together.Jesus participated in this meal with His disciples just before He was arrested, and what took place during that feast forever changed God’s people.

Little Man, Big ChangeLuke 19:1-10Teacher: Blaine Dennison, Congregational Care Pastor at Oak Pointe ChurchA study performed in 2021 by the Pew Research Center revealed that 41% of Americans have experienced some form of harassment online, with 75% of those saying the abuse took place on social media. It’s clear that communication between humans has been impacted significantly by the internet, and not always in the best way. Online interactions don’t allow human connection because the person at the other end of the sentence is just a screen. When humanity is reduced to an object, then anything goes.During His earthly ministry, Jesus looked into eyes, touched with His hand, held with His arms, and spoke with His voice. Today He speaks into our hearts through His word, and now we are His hands and feet that deliver His message to others. The Word of Life breaks barriers and defenses and invites outsiders to come in and sit at His table.

Joy at the Father's TableLuke 15:11-32Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe ChurchIt can be a very intimidating experience walking into a new place for the first time, whether it’s a church, classroom, work, gym, party, etc. The anticipation creates a highly anxious state of mind because one of the top questions on our mind is, “What will they think of me?” We feel like the outsider, as though everyone else is in on some secret that we don’t know. But suddenly someone offers a big smile and waves you over to sit next to them, and your whole mood changes. Suddenly you feel a sense of belonging.Jesus knows that all of us are outsiders; we all have a deep longing to feel welcomed and loved, to be brought in and feel secure in our place. But – the danger of belonging is that we can stop remembering when we were outsiders.

The Man Who Eats with SinnersLuke 15:1-10Teacher: Brent Buttermore, Kids Pastor at Oak Pointe Church