“Life Changing Words” Colossians 3:12-21; Proverbs 12:13-14
Message by Pastor Walt Jones
May 24, 2026
“Life Changing Words” Colossians 3:12-17; Proverbs 12:13-14
It has been said that “the pen is mightier than the sword, and our words stronger than all.” I suspect that none of us here this morning would argue that point. We know of the power of words to lift up or tear down. We know that to be true, and yet…from time to time, I suspect, we need to be reminded of that truth. In “Life Changing Words…” based in part on these verses from Colossians and Proverbs, we each and all are reminded once again of the truth that words of encouragement, understanding, and support are priceless in the work of motivating us and moving us forward in life. In that light, may the Spirit of God speak clearly and forcefully to each of our lives this morning through the power or His Word.
· T.D. Jakes once described positive words as “the kind of expression that helps someone want to be a better Christian, even when life is rough.”
· “God’s Chosen People…” [v.12] Israel has been called that for years. Now the “Christian Community” is called by that title too. These are words for us. Because we’ve been dealt with so kindly by God, we are called upon to respond in kind. “To whom much is given much is required” [Luke 12:48]
· God has “valued us,” so we’re to value others in the same way. Does that make sense to you as you look at this verse and think about it? It should…
· And over [above] all these virtues “put on [take on] love…” This verse suggests two things to me: 1] as important and necessary all of these various virtues in these verses are “genuine love” [God-like love] is more so. It’s the key. And 2] this “God-like” love is the glue that holds everything together and brings a smile to the Lords’s face as we endeavor to make love a functioning part of our lives.
· Solomon wants us to remind each one of us of the power that our words have for both good and evil… to build up or tear down. James said the same thing in his letter with reference to the “tongue.” Remember? Words, even casually spoken, innocent words are so powerful.
· Finally, Paul “direct us” in Colossians 4:6 “to season our speech with grace.” He says, “Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer [how to assist] everyone.”
“Purpose in Waiting” Acts 1:4-14; John 17:1-11
Message by Derrin Derrick
May 17, 2026
“40 Degrees, 48 Minutes South; 74 Degrees, 58 Minutes East”
Message by Walt Jones
May 10, 2026
ometimes, authors, poets and pastors use the colorful imagery of life being like a journey on the open sea. Sometimes that journey is peaceful and sometimes it’s tempestuous. Whether we’re sailors or not, we all understand the imagery. And likewise, I suspect we all hope for smooth sailing and calm seas in life. But I also suspect, if we are honest, we recognize that frequently in life, that will not be the case. In those cases, how good it is to know that we can trust what many of us have learned over and over from our moms over the years, that we can “cast all our anxiety on Him because He cares for us.” [1 Peter 5:7]
In “40 Degrees, 48 Minutes South; 74 Degrees, 58 Minutes East” we learn and are reminded again of the ever faithful, all-sustaining presence of the Lord for our lives, come what may. As we sail through this moment in our individual and corporate lives as a church, may we each come to know for ourselves the One who is the anchor of our faith and the hope for our lives…Christ Jesus.
1. Think about this: IF Jesus recognized the need to be in prayer and connected with His Father… dare we in our lives do anything less now?
2. The mental image that’s crucial for us to see and remember here is that HE went out to THEM. Don’t miss seeing the direction here!
3. IMMEDIATELY… (How precious) He said, “Take courage, [have courage] It’s Me! Don’t be afraid. I’ve got your back!”
4. Here is the point of the whole passage. It’s twofold: 1st Storms come in life to us all. And 2nd In those stormy times of life, Jesus comes to His own…out of His unfailing love.
5. No matter who or where we are… whether its 40 Degrees, 48 Minutes South; 74 Degrees, 58 Minutes East… or right here in this sanctuary, right here, right now… Jesus is here. When we’re trapped, hurt, lost, lonely or discouraged… Jesus knows… and Jesus cares!
“Deep Water” Psalm 69:1-3, 13-17
Message by Walt Jones
May 3, 2026
Moments of frustration and aggravation come into all of our lives from time to time… times of deep water as well. It is in those times that it is so helpful and reassuring to know that God stands with us no matter what the situation before us. In “Deep Water” based on parts of Psalm 69, we have the opportunity this morning to carefully consider again just how much He cares and just what He’s willing to do for us. The message of God’s Word for us here in these verses is simple, but oh… so important: when we’re passing through the waters of deep sorrow, or adversity, or despair and there appears to be nowhere to turn or go… remember that Jesus loves you and will always be there. How great is His faithfulness to us as His children.
It doesn’t matter what the difficulty might be God is Sufficient! Accident, illness, job, relationship… whatever threatens to “overwhelm you,” God is sufficient. Do you hear that?
I’m His child. You’re His child. He cares for me. He cares for you. I’m secure in His sure salvation. We’re secure in HIs sure salvation.
Whatever the issues, the situations of life... the fact of the matter remains: OUR LOVING GOD COMES TO MEET US AT THE POINT OF, AT THE PLACE OF OUR NEED. ALWAYS!
God’s love for His children, knows no end, no boundary, no limitation. His mercy knows no equal. David is confident of that… and we can be so we well.
Here’s the message of God’s Word to us in a nutshell: When you’re passing through the waters of deep sorrow or frustration or despair… and you get no help from others, remember Jesus is always there.
“Through the Night’s Darkness” 1 Peter 5:6-10; Psalm 23:1-6
Message by Walt Jones
April 26, 2026
Sometimes the darkness of life suddenly closes in all around us in the church in a heartbeat, and we don’t know what to think, or where to turn, or what to do. In those trying times, when they come, and they will come, God has a word of hope, and peace and promise for us all. In our message for this morning, “Through the Night’s Darkness” we are reminded again in this very familiar, yet critically important passage, that come what may in life, “we are loved,” “God is enough,” and “we can trust Him to do what’s best.”
As we consider these promises from His Word this morning together, oh, that we might each be “encouraged and strengthened” as we listen for the voice of the Spirit speak assuredly to our hearts and lives.
· David says confidently because of his faith, “In every situation of life, ‘I shall not be in want.’” All that the Good Shepherd knows that I really need, He sees to it I have.” It’s a case of “need vs. want.” Does that make sense?
· Even though we may not totally understand just what’s going on at the moment, He still moves us to where He wants us to be.
· Peter reminds us. “Cast all your cares on Him, for He cares for you.” [1 Peter 5:7] In your darkest nights of life… your darkest moments, there is no greater promise from God than that! Count on that!
· The truth is… “God will be and go with you,” in whatever situation of life that comes your way… through the darkness and into the light of His presence. You can believe that… because God said it is so! AND because He who promised…is faithful!
“Resurrection Faith” John 20:19-31
Message by Tony Westrate
April 19, 2026
“The Trashman” John 1:29; 2 Corinthians 5:17-21
Message by Pastor Walt Jones
April 12, 2026
This morning, we once again experience both the opportunity and the privilege that is ours as believers in Christ to share in a time of communion as we come to the Table of the Lord. In our meditation this morning entitled, “The Trashman” we come to see and understand the magnitude of the action of Christ on our behalf from a slightly different perspective. There are so many different things that seek to weigh us down in life and keep us from experiencing the joy of the Lord that He intends for us. The Apostle Paul was absolutely right when he reminded us that “If anyone is in Christ, he or she is a new creation… [2 Cor. 5:17] The old ways, the old lifestyle has been removed… and a new life has come. As we each come to the Table this morning, may we come secure in the knowledge that Christ has taken away our sin and forever bridged the gap between us and the Father.
“Empty” Matthew 28:1-15
Message by Walt Jones
April 5, 2026
We gather this morning to remember and celebrate the “watershed mark of all history.” Resurrection Sunday marks the end of death’s grip and the beginning of hope for every man, woman and child who believes.
In “Empty…” based on the words of Matthew 28, we pause and celebrate the life and hope that is ours as Christian Believers. Easter gives us hope. Easter gives us something to look forward to in each of our lives.
For the truth of God’s Word this Easter morning is that “Resurrection transforms crucifixion. Resurrection transforms life.”
As we gather this morning, we gladly shout with believers through the ages: “Christ is Risen! He is risen, indeed!”
Celebration Community Church 