The Summit Church

Would you describe yourself as a generous person? If not, chances are that you may be viewing the world through the wrong lens. In this week's message from Leviticus 19, Pastor J.D. shows us how seeing the world through the correct lens can propel us toward lives characterized by gratitude and generosity. Though there may not be a prescribed amount that we are to give, it is clear that God intends for us to steward what he has entrusted to us in a way that results in considerable blessing to those who are in need.

Exploring the enemy's strategy of attacking identity, discussing the importance of understanding one's worth, trusting in God's character, avoiding the snares of circumstances and comparison, embracing God's plan, overcoming the negative effects of comparison and competition, and finding identity in God's approval.

When you think about the realm of the demonic, perhaps your thoughts tend toward Hollywood depictions of it rather than its real influence in the world around you. As we begin a short series on spiritual warfare, Pastor J.D. takes us through the realities of demonic activity in this week's message from Luke 11. Though the attacks and accusations of Satan can often lead us to despair, there is much hope to be found in fully surrendering to Jesus, the only one who has truly conquered this unseen Enemy. 

The book of Jonah ends in a curious manner, with a surprising cliffhanger of a question posed to Jonah. And while we are left wondering what Jonah will do, the real question for us becomes what we will do with God's invitation to extend mercy to our enemies. As we wrap up our series through the book of Jonah, Pastor Bryan walks us through chapter 4, detailing reasons why it is often so hard for us to show mercy, and how we can ultimately grow in mercy. The next move is ours—will it be one toward mercy or toward anger and bitterness?

When we see Jesus for who he truly is, we can't help but respond. In this week's message from Acts 2, Pastor Curtis shows us how the crowd at Pentecost had a revelation about Jesus that led them to respond in repentance and baptism. Maybe you don't feel ready to be baptized, or you aren't sure it's really necessary in order to follow Jesus. Or maybe, like those present at Pentecost, today is the day that you declare your readiness to submit to and identify with Jesus through baptism.

It can be tempting to think that we've messed things up beyond repair, that surely God must be done with us this time. In this week's message from Jonah 3, Pastor Bryan explores the beautiful truth that we serve a God who delights in giving second chances, because he is rich in mercy. And it is precisely this mercy and kindness—not guilt or condemnation—that leads us to repentance.

Chances are, you'll never be swallowed by a giant fish—but you may find yourself in a pit of despair, feeling as though there is no way out. In this week's message from Jonah 2, Pastor Bryan reveals the perhaps counterintuitive truth that there are blessings to be found in the pit. Indeed, God is able to use these experiences that are often unpleasant or even downright painful to make us still more fruitful members of his kingdom. The question, then, is how we will respond to God's steadfast love that is with us even in the deepest, darkest pit.

Why do we often struggle to show mercy to others? Perhaps, we think, the other person doesn't really deserve to be shown mercy—after all, they have offended us deeply. How could we possibly be expected to forgive them? As we begin our series through the book of Jonah, this week's message from Pastor Bryan shows us from Jonah 1 how it is impossible to become people who extend God's mercy without first comprehending the depths of our own sin. Only when we understand how much God has forgiven us can we offer that same forgiveness to others. 

Is prayer actually effective? And if it is, should we still pray even if we have a less-than-robust faith? As we wrap up our series in James this week, Pastor J.D. sheds light on a crucial—and often misunderstood—passage about prayer from James 5. In the end, we can be encouraged that God does indeed hear the prayers of his children, and it is often through them that he chooses to accomplish his work on earth. 

In a society of one-click shopping and seemingly endless streaming services, patience is one thing that is often in short supply. In this week's message from James 5, Pastor J.D. explains what patience is, why it's necessary, and how we can develop it. Even in the midst of suffering and the many challenges thrown at us by life, we can be sure that God is working all things for our good—we need only be patient and wait on him.