Christ is the visible image of the invisible God, through whom everything was made. He is the head of the church, reconciling us by His blood on the cross. For believers, He is our true north, our life, our center, our peace. And He is Lord over all we do: work, family, service, and worship.

The message is clear: Do not add to Jesus or subtract from Him. He is enough. When Christ is at the center, everything else falls into place. We are invited to live daily with Him as Lord, letting His word dwell in us richly, His love bind us together, and His peace rule our hearts. Truly, Jesus is over everything.

This sermon, in It’s All Greek To Me, we’re opening the book of Ephesians, where Paul reminds us that our position in Christ is a gift, not something we earn. We were chosen before creation, redeemed by Jesus, sealed with the Holy Spirit, and made alive by grace through faith.

Because of that new identity, we’re called to live differently: to put off the old life, put on the new, let God’s love reshape every relationship, and stand strong when life’s battles come.

If you’ve felt spiritually dry, worn down, or stuck in survival mode, join us and rediscover the riches you already have in Jesus, and learn how to live them out every day.

Paul challenges the Corinthians, who were strong in faith, knowledge, and spiritual gifts, to also “excel in this grace of giving.” Generosity is a mark of spiritual maturity and an expression of the gospel. Just as Jesus gave everything for us, generosity reflects His sacrificial love. It reshapes our priorities by teaching us to trust God rather than our possessions. It redefines abundance by showing us that life does not consist in wealth, but in participating in God’s kingdom. And it renews our community, making the church magnetic to a watching world.

The heart of gospel generosity is this: when we realize God has given us everything in Christ, we hold nothing back.

We explored the picture of the two seas in Israel: the Sea of Galilee (alive, because it both receives and gives) and the Dead Sea (lifeless, because it only takes in). In the same way, when we only take from God but never give, we grow stagnant. But when we pass along what God has given us, we become life-giving to others. God never called us to be hoarders; He called us to be healers. So the question is: are you holding on, or pouring out?

But the Bible tells a different story. Temptation is never just about the moment; it’s about who you’re becoming. Every “just this once” shapes your heart, your habits, and your relationship with God. Sometimes the pull is so strong it feels impossible to resist- and sometimes we don’t even feel the need to resist.

Yet God’s Word says something radical: you are never trapped. No temptation is unique to you. No sin is unavoidable. No spiritual enemy is unbeatable.

This Sunday, we’ll study 1 Corinthians 10:13 and discover how to stand firm against the enticements of the world, the flesh, and the devil. We’ll see why following God’s way isn’t just possible, it’s the only path to a full and satisfying life. If temptation has been winning in your life, or if you’ve been tempted to think it doesn’t matter, this message is for you! And it’s for me, too.

We see how many Christians today still live as infants, fed by others, carried by emotions, and stuck in patterns that stunt their growth. But Paul doesn’t scold to shame, he pleads to awaken. Spiritual maturity isn’t about knowing more facts or doing more stuff. It’s about becoming more like Jesus by walking with the Spirit. We don’t grow by striving, but by surrendering. We don’t move forward by copying others, but by chewing on the truth for ourselves. Maybe you’ve been stuck in the milk stage, coasting, imitating, or depending on someone else’s faith to get by. But there’s more. There’s meat. There’s maturity. And it starts with choosing to be led by the Spirit rather than your flesh. So the question is: are you growing, or just getting older?

 We explored how the gospel doesn’t need dressing up or watering down, it just needs to be delivered. It’s not a task; it’s a treasure. We saw how fear often silences us, but faith reminds us that this message is for everyone: the scholar and the skeptic, the insider and the outcast. And we traced that boldness back to the very heart of the gospel itself, not that we climbed to God, but that He came down to us. Like Luther on the steps of religion, we were reminded: righteousness doesn’t come from effort, but from faith. The gospel is still the power of God for salvation, to anyone, anywhere, who believes. So the question is: are we ashamed of it, or are we ready to share it? Because someone’s waiting for the message you carry.

Join us as we explore what it means to obey God with courage and how the Holy Spirit gives us the strength to step forward, even when it’s hard.

The apostles and elders didn’t resolve the issue through politics or popularity. Instead, they listened carefully, reflected on Scripture, and sought the Spirit’s guidance. Peter reminded them that God had already given the Holy Spirit to the Gentiles, purifying their hearts by faith—not by law. James affirmed this by quoting Amos, showing this was always part of God’s plan.

The council’s decision was clear: salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus alone. No extra burdens. No cultural gatekeeping. When the Gentile believers in Antioch heard the news, they rejoiced, relieved, encouraged, and strengthened.

This passage reminds us: grace builds bridges, not walls. It unites believers across cultures and backgrounds, and it remains the defining mark of our faith today.

But then Abigail steps in, wise, courageous, and humble. She diffuses the crisis and reminds David of his greater calling.

This story challenges us: Will we let pride control us like Nabal? Will we react in anger like David? Or will we lead with wisdom and grace like Abigail?

Ultimately, this passage points us to Jesus, who didn’t retaliate when insulted but trusted the Father. True leadership rests in grace, not pride, and shows strength through humility.

Zacchaeus climbs a tree to see Jesus, but the miracle is that Jesus sees him first. Despite his past, Jesus calls him by name and steps into his life, not as a reward for good behavior, but as a rescue mission fueled by grace.

Like Zacchaeus, many of us carry burdens; shame, pressure, isolation; and we’re silently searching for something real. The good news? Jesus is still seeking and saving the lost.

This Easter, the question is simple:
Will you come down from your tree and let Jesus in?

Jesus shared these stories in response to criticism from religious leaders, showing that God’s love doesn’t play it safe, it seeks, sacrifices, and celebrates when the lost are found.

Pastor Chris reminded us that this is not just God’s heart, it’s our calling, too. True evangelism is often uncomfortable and costly, but it reflects the very mission of Jesus. On this Palm Sunday, we remember that the cross wasn’t a detour, it was the destination.

The question isn’t just “Who is Jesus?”
It’s “Will I join Him in the search?”

Distraction isn’t just about activity, it’s about what captures our hearts. We often get so caught up in responsibilities, even good ones, that we miss what we need most: intimacy with Jesus. True peace doesn’t come from finishing our to-do lists, it comes from resting in His presence.

Jesus reminds us that before we serve, we must sit. Before we work, we must worship. He invites us into a life where time with Him fuels everything else we do.

And yet, through these very men, the Gospel spread across the world. We’ll take a closer look at their "call", their moments of cowardice, and ultimately, their unbelievable courage—even in the face of persecution and death.

So what changed? How did these unlikely men become the foundation of the Church? And what does their story mean for us today? Join us as we discover how Jesus transforms the ordinary into the world-changing—and what it means to truly follow Him.

We’re diving into a moment when Jesus walked into His hometown synagogue and dropped a truth bomb, revealing exactly what His mission was all about. He didn’t come to start a religious club. He came to bring hope to the broken, freedom to the oppressed, and healing to the hurting. He declared that the church is meant to be a hospital for sinners, not a museum for saints. But instead of celebrating, the crowd turned on Him.

Here’s the big question: Are we living out Jesus’ mission, or have we settled for something less? This message will challenge you, encourage you, and maybe even change the way you see church forever.

The Gospel of Luke gives us a front-row seat to the lives Jesus transformed. What made His words so powerful? Why did He attract both devotion and opposition? And why, more than 2,000 years later, do people worldwide still seek Him?

Come see us at Island Christian, where we will journey through Luke's account of Jesus' life. We will examine Jesus' claims, actions, and radical love that turned the world upside down.

Whether you've followed Him for years or you're wrestling with doubts, this is your invitation to see for yourself: Who is Jesus, really? The answer might change everything.

In this sermon, we’re diving into a pivotal moment in Leviticus 11:44-47, where God declares, “Be holy, for I am holy”. At first glance, Leviticus may seem like a book of difficult laws, but when we look closer, we see something incredible—an invitation into holiness in everything. God cares about the details, not to burden us, but to set us free.

Join us as we unpack how holiness isn’t about restriction—it’s about freedom, transformation, and walking in the power of God. This truth has the power to radically change your life!

So, if you've ever wondered why Leviticus is in the Bible—or if you just love a good mystery about goats, fire, and holiness—come join us. It’ll be deep, it’ll be practical, and I promise: no one will make you sacrifice a pigeon.

With this sermon, we are going to talk about one of the most quoted passages in the whole Bible: Exodus 34:6-7. It may not roll off the tongue like Psalm 23 (“the Lord is my Shepherd”) or Jeremiah 29:11 (“For I know the plans I have for you…”), but the authors of the Bible quote it over and over because it is God’s own description of who He is. He is merciful, gracious, slow to anger, and overflowing with steadfast love and faithfulness.

Come hear how this truth shapes our lives today and how we can build a legacy of faith for generations to come! We’ll also tackle a big question—does God punish future generations for their parents' sins? The answer reveals both His justice and His overwhelming mercy.

This familiar story reveals four poignant truths that still hold deep meaning for us today. What does it mean for us to be “passed over” by God’s mercy? How does this truth shape our faith and our future?

In our new series, Into the Wilderness, we will journey through the books of Exodus and Leviticus, following Israel’s path from bondage in Egypt to the threshold of the Promised Land. This is more than ancient history; it’s our story too. Like Israel, we have been delivered from slavery, not to Pharaoh, but to sin. And yet, the wilderness still calls, testing our faith, refining our hearts, and teaching us what it truly means to belong to God.

Through this journey, we will see how God reveals Himself, not as a distant ruler, but as a present, personal, and powerful Redeemer. We will wrestle with what it means to be His people, shaped by His presence and called to trust Him completely. And we will confront the temptations that lurk in the wilderness: idols of our past, the pull of self-reliance, and the fear that makes us long for the very chains we were freed from.

If you’ve ever felt lost, weary, or unsure of where God is leading, this series is for you. The wilderness may be difficult, but it is not without purpose. It’s where God speaks, transforms, and prepares us for the life He has called us to. Join us as we step Into the Wilderness—and discover the God who leads us through.

Yet, the story of Job reveals that encountering God is actually more powerful than getting answers. When Job finally sees God, everything changes. The same is true for us! How can we move from just hearing about God to truly experiencing Him?
Join us as we explore how Job’s experience speaks to our struggles today

Joseph’s life is more than a great story; it’s a powerful reminder of how God’s redemptive power works through the toughest circumstances. Come and discover how Joseph’s experiences point us to Jesus, the ultimate Redeemer. It’s a great message, so don’t miss it!

Join us for this week’s message, "Pioneers of Peace". We’ll explore the remarkable reconciliation between Esau and Jacob, uncovering the power of humility, forgiveness, and God’s hand in restoring fractured relationships. If you’ve ever wrestled with family conflict or struggled to mend what once seemed shattered, their story offers hope—and a blueprint for finding peace in our own lives.

Join us as we journey up the mountain with Abraham and Isaac in Genesis 18 and 22, discovering how worship begins with God's revelation, deepens through trust, and culminates in total surrender. This isn't just their story - it's ours. Worship isn't about rituals or checking off a spiritual box. It's about encountering the God who provides what we cannot. It's about trusting Him in life's most challenging moments and surrendering our lives to the One who gave everything for us.

Through this powerful narrative, we'll see how Isaac's story whispers the name of Jesus, the ultimate Lamb of God, and calls us into deeper faith. Don't miss this message, "Surrender at the Summit", where we will see the heart of true worship and transform how we see God's love and provision.

The adventure begins as we look at Genesis 1-6. The Bible says the earth was formless and void, and then God spoke and changed everything. Out of chaos and emptiness, God brought beauty and purpose.

I don’t know about you, but I’m looking for the same thing in 2025. This life can be turbulent, confusing, and even chaotic. God’s Word and His way bring clarity to all of that commotion and guide us into fulfillment in Him. So, join us for the first series of 2025, Clarity in the Chaos, to start our year off in the perfect way: rooted in God’s word.

Join us as we unpack the carol that declares the joy of Christ's coming—not just in the past through His birth, but also in the future through His glorious return. As we study Psalm 98 and Romans 8:18-25, we will explore why Isaac Watts’ timeless hymn is about more than Christmas, how the joy of Jesus transforms creation, our lives, and the future, and why our lives today are like an orchestra tuning up for a masterpiece. Let’s dive into the Scriptures, celebrate the meaning behind Joy to the World, and rediscover why this hymn resonates so deeply during the season of Advent.

This moment is central to the Christmas story. The announcement of the birth of Jesus happened in a spectacular, supernatural way. We become too familiar with it and overlook the stunning miracle that it was. We examine a chapter in the Bible, Luke 2, and how it inspired one of the greatest Christmas carols of all time, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing". The song from these angels was perhaps the greatest moment of spontaneous praise in the history of the world.

That means this week is a no-skip Sunday, so be here! You will want to listen in when you hear the new Mission Statement. We talk about where God is leading us and how we can all find our place in the unfolding story of what God is doing at Island Christian.

Join us as we dive into Revelation 2:18-29 for a message called "Selective Hearing". We will explore how we sometimes sacrifice what we need to hear for what we want to hear. It’s a message about resisting spiritual compromise and staying true to the uncomfortable—but necessary—truths that help us grow in our faith. So bring your ears (both of them!) and your sense of humor. We will see how this ancient lesson is still incredibly relevant today!

Most of us don't like to stick out. But what happens when blending in is spiritually harmful? What do we do when mainstream culture pulls us away from Jesus?

As we study this letter, we'll confront one of the biggest threats to the church today: compromise. We'll learn how to remain true to our convictions while living in a world that often opposes God's values.

Join us as we unpack this powerful message and discover how to stand firm in our faith, even when it means standing out from the crowd.

Parenting can feel like shepherding sometimes. We limit where our kids can go, what they can eat, and who they can hang out with—and we may even give them haircuts they don't want! This isn't taking freedom away from them; it is setting them up for success and fulfillment in this place. Our kids think they want true and full freedom, but with appropriate limits and discipline, we can help them achieve the potential that God has for them. 

Join us for the last message in our current parenting series, Wooden Spoon Survivors. We will discuss what it means for parents to bring godly discipline into the home. Together, we will find biblical insights and practical advice to transform our parenting journeys.

On week 2 of our Wooden Spoon Survivors parenting series, we will be investing in parents and families and see the way Jesus valued children and the call we have, to do the same.

Many of us are now on the other side of it, realizing that parenting is no joke! Kids face new challenges every day that seem to get harder and harder. On top of it all, parents are working longer hours and have even less in the tank when they get home to deal with it all. How are we going to make it?
God brings hope and joy to parenting! In this series, we will take a fun, fresh look at parenting in the 21st century and how to be more than just a survivor.

Join us for the first of three weeks of laughter, reflection, and healing as we explore how the discipline we received (or narrowly escaped) shapes who we are today. Don't worry, no actual wooden spoons will be harmed in the making of this series!

Of course, being healthy is actually very important. In this message, we will see how in Ephesians 4, Paul teaches us what it looks like when a church is healthy. No church wants to be unhealthy, but there are some very real issues that, if left unaddressed, can take a once-healthy culture and cause it to take a turn for the worse.

This Sunday we will look at the four main stages of development that describe the spiritual journey that all believers of Jesus Christ take through this life on our way to heaven. If you are a believer, all four of these things should happen. Unfortunately, too many stop with the first two and never successfully engage the last two. Join us as we continue our series, “From Death To Life” through the book of Ephesians, where we will investigate each stage and evaluate how to live our lives to the fullest potential in Christ.

In this message we're going to dive into an unforgettable Passover in Jerusalem, where Jesus encountered four different groups coming to the temple, each with their own reasons for being there. He responded to each according to God's heart on the matter. Join us as we continue our series “Like No Other” in the Gospel of Mark. We’re going to explore these encounters, reflect on our own motivations, and respond to the life-altering invitation put before us.

As we continue our sermon series, "Like No Other," in the Gospel of Mark, we will see how this revelation is key to understanding all of Jesus' teachings. It reveals the human heart and its response to God's powerful truth.

Join us as we dive into this profound moment, reflect on our own understanding, and respond to the life-altering invitation Jesus puts before us.

We’re going to dive into one of the timeless stories told by the greatest Storyteller of all time—Jesus Himself. With one-third of His teachings delivered through parables, Jesus masterfully wove practical stories with heavenly truths. As we continue our sermon series “Like No Other” in the Gospel of Mark, we will see how this particular parable is the key to understanding all the others as it reveals the human heart and its response to God’s powerful truth.

We're diving into Mark 3 and exploring why so many people struggled to understand Jesus, from Pharisees to His own family. Despite their differing perspectives, one truth remains: Jesus transcends human expectations and ideologies. Discover why "Jesus + nothing = everything" and unlock new perspectives on faith and hope.

Today, we are going to study Mark 2:13 to 3:6. We will see four unusual moments in which people had questions. When we see how Jesus answers these questions, we will understand the power of following Jesus' ways with authenticity and sincerity, discovering how to find joy and fulfillment in the complexities of daily life.

This Sunday we will closely examine the opening words of Mark’s Gospel in our series, “Like No Other.” Mark wastes no time in headlining how the person and purpose of Jesus Christ is the greatest news this world has ever seen. Through an uncommon messenger and an unforgettable interaction, we’re introduced to this hope at an event we’re all familiar with but may not fully understand. The inauguration of Jesus’ ministry invites us to shift our focus from the bombardment of bad news and embrace the greatest news of all time. You won’t want to miss it!

This Easter, we are diving into the Gospel of Mark, where we will discover together how Jesus is LIKE NO OTHER. Though Mark may be the shortest gospel, it is here that we join the fast-paced, action-packed narrative of Jesus’ life as He reveals who He is, what He is about, and how He is LIKE NO OTHER. The prophets promised Jesus would come, and when He did, it truly changed the world.

During our Palm Sunday message, we'll explore John's portrayal of Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, focusing on the significant differences between mere religious practice and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Join us as we uncover the timeless essence of Palm Sunday and its relevance to our lives today. You won’t want to miss it!

You won’t want to miss our time together, as we delve into a change of setting that I’m praying will leave a lasting impact on a life that faithfully follows Jesus Christ. The hospitality depicted in this verse not only influences our personal walk with Christ, but overflows into our relationships with others.

Join us as we unravel the subtle hints David left for us, guiding us towards the profound discoveries he made in following the Lord as his Shepherd. I’m praying that these insights will both transform our understanding and enrich our journey through life's diverse landscapes. You won't want to miss it!

Join us at Island Christian for week 3 of our winter series, True to Your Word. During this series, we are studying one verse each week from Psalm 23 and finding the fulfillment of that verse in the life and teaching of Jesus. This week marks the halfway point already!

In tomorrow’s service, we will study the story of an amazing woman named Rahab. She was a Canaanite woman who lived in the Promised Land. She knew God’s people were going to take her land, but she didn’t give up! She aligned herself with God’s purposes and as a result, played an incredible role in the history of God’s people! Join us this Sunday for the second week of our Christmas Series, The Mothers of Jesus.

Sunday, we are going to talk about how God used the prophet Jonah to change the city of Nineveh. It took Jonah a while, but God told Jonah to “turn around, bright eyes,” and he did it! When Jonah got to Nineveh, God did something incredible. The people of Nineveh confessed to God that every now and then, they fall apart. God forgave their city, and the people told God we need you more than ever! Join us on Sunday as we unpack the whole story from Jonah 3 in a message called “Total Eclipse of the Heart.”

Oftentimes, when someone speaks impulsively, we say that it was a "gut reaction". The prayer that we’ll uncover in chapter 2 was also a "gut reaction," although in this case Jonah was reacting to the whale's gut rather than his own. But thankfully, this guy is finally talking to God! Not only that, but he's learned a few lessons along the way, lessons that you and I won’t want to miss either.

We will discover how a crew of sailors respond to a tempestuous sea and a God they've never known. Their journey towards repentance is a fascinating twist in this ancient tale, making us question who the real hero is. We'll dissect the sailors' reactions, their prayers to multiple gods, and the ultimate decision that brought calm to the chaos. This story holds valuable lessons about faith, fear, and the pursuit of God's purpose.

This Sunday, we will talk about what it means as a church to be all in - to put everything at Jesus’ feet, to engage in genuine community, and to serve the world locally and globally. Join us for the kick-off of our fall series about the vision of Island Christian Church in a series called “Dear Church - This Might Not Be What You’re Looking For.”

Are you ready to suit up for fall? Join us this Sunday as we explore a well-known section of the Bible from Ephesians. The Apostle Paul compares the Christian life to a suit of armor, where each part of the armor plays a crucial role in protecting and equipping Christians to follow Jesus into the life of purpose He has created for us.

This Sunday, instead of looking at how to be individually impacted for God’s Kingdom, we’re going to look at being corporately impacted. We’re going to explore a critical chapter in Scripture that showcases how the church as a whole can be guided and directed into a deeper level of God’s presence and plan. Oh, did I mention it happens in the context of the very first “church fight” in the Bible? You won’t want to miss it!

For the second half of the series, we will learn how outward & action-oriented Spiritual Disciplines pay considerable dividends in our spiritual growth! As we follow God’s ways, our obedience becomes maturity & God can empower us to do incredible things! During our service, the sweetness of obedience to God's way will be tangible & beautiful with a message called Magnificient & Munificent. We are so excited about this message that we can taste it!

During our service, we celebrate all of the Fathers in attendance and pray over them.

In our message, we study the scriptures for God’s truth about race, ethnicity, and reconciliation. Is this a topic that Christians should emphasize, or is it one we should avoid? Let’s dig deep and find out!

It really comes at the crescendo of the story, as Joseph shares his revolutionary perspective with his brothers. This is an epic moment in the Old Testament, as we see how forgiveness eclipses failure. Let’s consider Joseph’s brothers as they approach him one last time.

You may be struggling with something in your past holding you back from embracing everything life offers. Join us as we talk about the freedom that comes with forgiveness with a message entitled Bury the Handle.

Those familiar with the story may recall one big temptation he faces early on. But did you know that’s not the only temptation Joseph battles in this chapter? In fact, his most challenging temptation may be one you are experiencing right now in your own life.

You don’t want to miss Joseph’s “secret to success” that is still available for us today!

On Easter Sunday we are kicking off a series called  Plot Twist studying the life of a man named Joseph in the Bible. He faced more unexpected challenges and turns of events than almost anyone else in history. By the end of his life, he was able to see that God was with him through every plot twist and actually used it all to accomplish incredible things. What plot twists are you experiencing right now? What part of your life does not seem to quite be on track?

Not so fast… there’s a clue in the text that reveals something ordinarily extraordinary about what’s actually taking place.

Come on Sunday as we dive into what’s being revealed and why it still matters to us today!

We will be talking about SEX in our services.

Yes, it is the day the Staff has affectionately started calling Sex Sunday. Accordingly, you could consider the sermon to be rated PG-13.

Parents, you should make the best decision for your family, but I do think it is an excellent week for your middle school and high school students to be in the room. Our culture bombards all of us with sexual messaging every day, and that includes your teens! We all need to be reminded of God’s standards for sex and how that plays out in the lives of both marriage and single people.

Join us as we uncover this invitation from the Psalms and learn exactly what God has in mind.

Join us live, in-person or online at 9 AM + 11 AM

Pastor Lee will be bringing a message from Psalm 99 about God and how He is Holy. As part of his message we’ve prepared an awesome video from The Bible Project, so, don’t miss that.

Be sure to join us live, in person or online, 9AM + 11AM!

This week we are studying Psalm 95. This scripture is a great outpouring of worship combined with a moment of reflection on the mistakes of the past. What does it look like to make a joyful noise?

This week we examine the birth of Jesus as recorded in Matthew 1.

The text in Matthew 1 talks about how the birth of Jesus fulfilled a prophecy from 7 centuries before Jesus was born. The original prophecy in Isaiah 7 was thought to be about protection from war and invasion during that time, but we would later come to see the prophecy more fully realized in Christ!