Pastor Lonnie

What prayer have you been praying that you fear God isn’t answering? Maybe you’ve prayed for healing, a relationship, a job, guidance, or for someone you love to change. You’ve prayed faithfully, yet nothing seems to be happening. Few things challenge our faith more than the mystery of unanswered prayer.  

In this message, Pastor Lonnie explores a simple way to understand God’s answers. Ultimately, prayer is not simply about getting what we want; it is about learning to trust God for the answer. The greatest test of faith may come when we don’t get what we hoped for, yet can still say, “Thank You, Lord,” trusting that God may be protecting us from what we thought we wanted and blessing us with what we didn’t know we needed.

This sermon by Pastor Lonnie speaks to the disappointment and uncertainty we feel when life takes an unexpected turn. Jeremiah’s familiar promise, “For I know the plans I have for you,” was originally spoken to people living in exile, far from the life they expected. God did not promise them an immediate escape from their circumstances. Instead, God promised that He had not forgotten them and that their story was not over.

This sermon explores the gap between the life we imagined and the life we actually have, whether that involves career changes, relationships, family struggles, grief, aging, health concerns, retirement, or simply wondering, “Wasn’t I supposed to be somewhere else by now?” Jeremiah reminds us that a change in our plans does not mean the absence of God’s presence.

Rather than putting life on hold while waiting for circumstances to improve, we are invited to live faithfully in the present, trusting that God can work even in seasons we would never have chosen. Christian hope is not the promise that everything will turn out exactly as we want. It is the confidence that God will meet us wherever we are.

Every marriage begins with hope, joy, and dreams for the future, but every marriage also faces storms. Financial pressures, health concerns, busy schedules, raising children, caring for aging parents, disappointments, and unexpected hardships can strain even the strongest relationships. The question is not whether storms will come, but whether our marriages are built on a foundation strong enough to withstand them.

In this message from 1 Corinthians 13:4–8, 13, Pastor Lonnie explores one of the Bible’s most beloved passages, revealing that Paul’s words are about far more than weddings. They are God’s blueprint for everyday love, a love that chooses patience over frustration, kindness over criticism, forgiveness over scorekeeping, and faithfulness over giving up.

Whether you have been married for decades, are newly married, engaged, single, widowed, divorced, or simply hoping to marry someday, this message offers practical biblical wisdom for every relationship.

In this passage from Philippians 4:4–9, we learn that God’s answer to anxiety is not merely to “try harder” but to trust more deeply.

From a Roman prison, the Apostle Paul shows that joy is not determined by circumstances but by our relationship with Jesus Christ. He invites us to replace worry with prayer, cultivate gratitude even before answers arrive, and fill our minds with what is true, honorable, and worthy of praise. God’s promise is not a life without storms but His supernatural peace in the midst of them.

Pastor Lonnie's practical, hope-filled message reminds us that peace grows through daily spiritual practices of prayer, Scripture, gratitude, worship, and trusting God with what we cannot control. Whether you have walked with Christ for decades or are searching for peace in an anxious world, this sermon offers timeless encouragement: The Lord is near, and because He is near, we can face tomorrow with confidence rather than fear.

Pastor Lonnie’s message explores how unresolved hurts and minor offenses gradually erode relationships. It emphasizes that compassion asks, “What happened to this person?” rather than “What’s wrong with this person?” It also distinguishes forgiveness from reconciliation, noting that while forgiveness is a decision we can make today, rebuilding trust often takes time and requires the willing participation of both parties.  

Ultimately, the cross is the model for every restored relationship. Through Christ, God reconciled us to Himself, and those who have received His forgiveness are called to extend it. We are challenged to take the first step toward healing by refusing to let resentment shape our future and by letting the peace of Christ rule our hearts.

Drawing on Ephesians 2:8-10, this message explores how purpose is found not in achievement but in God’s grace. Paul reminds us that salvation is God’s gift, freely given through faith, not earned by good works. Because grace comes first, we are free to serve God out of gratitude rather than striving to prove our worth.  

The message highlights that every person is God’s workmanship and masterpiece, uniquely created with value and purpose, regardless of age, past mistakes, or life circumstances. God continues to shape us throughout our lives, inviting each of us to serve faithfully with our gifts.  

Rather than viewing purpose as a single dramatic calling, the message emphasizes that God’s purpose is often lived out in ordinary acts of love, kindness, service, encouragement, and faithfulness. Just as healthy trees naturally bear fruit, we naturally produce good works because we have been transformed by God’s grace.  

The message concludes by encouraging every generation to embrace their place in God’s Kingdom, reminding us that purpose begins with receiving God’s love and continues through daily acts of faithful service to others. Every act of service, no matter how small, becomes part of God’s greater story.

Life often forces us to recalibrate our plans as we face unexpected changes, losses, fears, and unanswered questions. In Romans 15:13, Paul reminds us that Christian hope does not depend on perfect circumstances or on having every answer. It is rooted in the God of hope, who fills us with joy and peace as we trust in him. This message from Pastor Lonnie explores how hope grows when we honestly name our uncertainty, remember God’s faithfulness, stay connected to the body of Christ, and take the next faithful step. We may not know what the future holds, but we are not alone in the storm. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, God can give us a hope that not only helps us endure but also overflows into our families, church, community, and world.

In this message, Micah 6:6–8 is used to explore the deeper meaning of freedom from a Christian perspective. While national freedom is a gift to be celebrated with gratitude, the sermon reminds us that true freedom is not only written into laws or national documents; it must also be written into the human heart by God.  

The prophet Micah speaks to a people who had religious rituals but lacked justice, mercy, and humility. In response, God makes clear what faithful living requires: to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God.  

The sermon points to Jesus as the perfect example of Micah 6:8. Jesus did justice, loved kindness, and walked humbly with God, ultimately giving his life so that we might experience true freedom—freedom from shame, fear, and death, and freedom to love, serve, forgive, and live as children of God.  

The message concludes by encouraging our community of Christ followers to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary with gratitude while committing to a deeper Christian freedom. A free nation begins with hearts freed by God’s grace, and the church is called to embody that freedom through justice, kindness, and humility.

This sermon asks a deeply personal question: What role does faith play when we’re sick? It begins with the promise in James 5:15, reminding us that God hears and helps when we pray. But it also acknowledges the hard reality that healing does not always come the way we ask or expect.  

The central message is that God has more than one way to heal. Sometimes God gives the miracle of a triumphant crossing, in which one is healed through death and brought home to eternal life. Sometimes God gives the miracle of sufficient grace, granting strength to endure pain that is not immediately removed. Sometimes God leads us to a remedy through doctors, medicine, counseling, support, or other people. Sometimes healing comes through the body’s natural ability to recover. And sometimes we are given a mysterious healing, a powerful and unexplained restoration that goes beyond medical understanding.  

The sermon makes it clear that dramatic healing does not mean someone has greater faith, and the absence of such healing does not mean God has ignored us. Faith is not about having all the answers. It is about trusting God’s heart when we cannot understand God’s ways.  

The message calls us to pray boldly, ask the church for prayer, and bring sickness, fear, grief, pain, and questions to God. At the same time, it warns against measuring God’s love only by whether we receive the exact miracle we wanted.  

The sermon closes with hope: because Jesus died, rose again, and promises to wipe away every tear, sickness, and death, do not get the final word. The question is not only “Will God heal?” but also “Will we trust God with the miracle given?”

Pastor Lonnie’s message reminds us that the words we speak to our children can shape their hearts for a lifetime. Four simple phrases, when spoken sincerely and backed by action, can make a lasting difference: “I love you,” “I’m sorry,” “I believe in you,” and “I’m praying for you.”  

These phrases convey love, humility, confidence, and spiritual care. They help children know they are treasured, teach the value of forgiveness, encourage them to face life with courage, and remind them that their lives matter to their parents and to God. The message challenges parents and all people of influence to use their words and actions to reflect the love of our Heavenly Father.

Pastor Lonnie’s sermon celebrates God’s faithfulness throughout the church’s life and history. It looks back to the early days, when the church was new, had no permanent home, and was unsure whether the city would approve land for church use. The sermon connects this story to biblical examples of people who faced situations too big for them, including Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David, Mary, and the early church. In each case, God demonstrated divine power when people trusted God. The message makes clear that believing in a big God does not mean life will be easy or that every answer will come quickly. Sometimes God works slowly, and sometimes the miracle is the endurance God provides along the way. The heart of the sermon is the reminder that God is still big. The same God who provided in the past still leads the church today. An anniversary is not only a time to remember what God has done but also to ask what God wants to do next. The sermon calls the congregation to honor the faith and sacrifice of those who came before by becoming a dedicated, praying, generous, and courageous church for the future.

This message from Pastor Lonnie reflects on Matthew 25:31-40 and the call to live out our faith in love, compassion, and service. It reminds us that Congregational faith is not only something we believe but something we practice through everyday acts of mercy: feeding the hungry, welcoming the stranger, caring for the sick, visiting the lonely, and noticing Christ in those around us. The message invites us to see service not as an obligation but as a natural response to God’s grace and a visible expression of following Jesus.

In this message from Pastor Lonnie, we are reminded that a faithful community is built not on control or quick agreement, but on humble listening and shared discernment. Drawing on Acts 15 and the Jerusalem Council, the sermon explores how the early church navigated deep disagreement by gathering, listening, praying, and remaining open to the Spirit’s leading through unexpected voices. The message challenges us to resist a culture of division and instead practice patience, humility, and genuine listening. At its core, the sermon declares that every soul bears God’s image and that, because God can speak through anyone, every voice matters.

Pastor Lonnie’s message explores covenant as a lived promise rather than merely a church concept, inviting the congregation to see faith as a shared commitment to walk together in Christ. Drawing on the Mayflower Compact and the example of the early church, it highlights how communities are shaped not by hierarchy but by mutual care and responsibility. Covenant is described in practical terms: showing up for one another, praying for one another, and offering support through life’s challenges. It acknowledges that real community is imperfect but worth the effort. Ultimately, the message calls Fox River to embrace church not as a place they attend but as a promise they actively live out, one relationship at a time.

In this message, Pastor Lonnie invites us to a deeper understanding of Christian freedom, not as license to believe anything or as blind obedience to authority, but as a Spirit-led journey of discernment. Rooted in the Congregational tradition, the message affirms radical trust that God speaks through the interplay of Scripture, the Spirit, and community. Drawing on the story of Elijah and the image of God’s “still, small voice,” the message encourages us to slow down amid life’s noise to listen for divine guidance within. It challenges both rigid certainty and casual relativism, offering instead a thoughtful, humble faith that wrestles, reflects, and grows. Ultimately, the sermon calls us to embrace the responsibility of freedom, make space for God’s whisper, engage in honest community, and trust that we are participants in an ongoing conversation with God.

This message by Pastor Lonnie concludes the “Something Happened” series, focusing on the transformation of Jesus’ followers from fearful, hidden individuals into those who actively serve others. After Jesus’ death, the disciples were afraid and uncertain, but everything changed when they encountered the risen Jesus, who greeted them with peace and then sent them out. Their shift from silence to service wasn’t about becoming extraordinary but about responding to a real experience of grace and the Holy Spirit’s presence. The message emphasizes that service today isn’t about pressure or grand gestures but about simple, everyday acts of love rooted in a changed life, suggesting that when faith becomes lived rather than merely believed, something still happens.

In this passage from Luke 24:13–35, two discouraged disciples walk away from Jerusalem, carrying fear, confusion, and shattered hope, yet on that ordinary road, the risen Christ comes alongside them, though they do not recognize Him at first. As He opens the Scriptures and later breaks bread, their hearts burn, their eyes are opened, and everything changes. What begins as a retreat becomes a return of courage as they rush back to Jerusalem to proclaim the good news. This message reminds us that courage is not something we manufacture; it is born when we encounter the living Christ, who meets us in our disappointment, walks with us in our questions, and transforms our fear into fearless witness.

Doubt isn’t the end of faith but often the beginning of something deeper. After the disappointment of Jesus’ death, Thomas struggled to believe in the resurrection without seeing proof for himself. Instead of rejecting him, Jesus met Thomas in his doubt and invited him into faith, leading to a life-changing declaration: “My Lord and my God.” The message reminds us that we all face moments of uncertainty, but we don’t have to hide them. When we bring our doubts honestly to Jesus, stay connected in community, and remain open, those questions can become the very place where our faith grows stronger and more personal.

Palm Sunday highlights the gap between what people expected and what Jesus came to do. The crowd wanted a powerful king to fix their problems, but Jesus arrived humbly on a donkey, showing his mission was to change hearts, not take control.

That same tension remains today. We often want a Jesus who aligns with our preferences and operates on our schedule. Like the crowd, we celebrate when things go right but struggle when they don’t. Their shift from “Hosanna” to rejection shows how fragile that kind of faith can be.

Jesus revealed a different kind of strength—choosing love over control, forgiveness over revenge, and sacrifice over status. His path led to the cross, addressing our deepest needs.

The question is simple: will we follow Jesus for who he is, or just for what we want from him? This message by Pastor Lonnie calls us to trust his character and believe his love brings lasting change.

The message centers on three temptations of Jesus. First, turning stones into bread represents the desire to fulfill important needs in the wrong way or on our own terms. We are tempted to address discomfort immediately rather than trust God’s timing. Second, throwing himself from the temple illustrates the temptation to prove our identity, perform, and demand visible signs. Jesus resists by resting in the Father’s declaration that he is loved. Third, the offer of all the kingdoms of the world reveals the temptation to take shortcuts, like seeking glory without obedience or compromising without cost.

In this message, Pastor Lonnie emphasizes how, in a world full of constant noise and distractions, Lent calls us to choose something different: silence. Not just the absence of sound, but a deeper stillness where we can listen to our own thoughts and hear God’s voice.    As Fox River prepares to celebrate 25 years as a congregation, this season feels especially meaningful. Lent isn’t just a time to reflect on the past; it's also a time to prepare. We remember Jesus’ forty days in the wilderness. It was not a time of defeat but of strengthening and clarity. Similarly, the wilderness seasons in our own lives, and even this milestone in our church’s journey, may be shaping us for what lies ahead.    As we look toward the next 25 years, we do so with confidence. The same faithful God who has brought us this far continues to lead us forward. The wilderness is not the end of the story. Resurrection is on the horizon.

The Light That Still Shines focuses on a simple truth: even a small light can dispel darkness. Through the familiar struggle of tangled Christmas lights, the message shows how hope doesn’t require everything to be perfect. One working bulb is enough to make a difference. The world offers many temporary lights—success, relationships, achievements—but they fade. Jesus’ light is different. It doesn’t wait for the darkness to pass; it shines right in the middle of it. God enters our mess, grief, and brokenness not to ignore them but to transform them. When Jesus enters a life, He doesn’t just bring comfort; He brings change. His light reveals truth, drives out shame, and creates something new. And that light isn’t meant to stop with us. Jesus places His light in ordinary people, calling them to reflect it through forgiveness, service, and love.

This message by Pastor Lonnie reminds us how the first Christmas was marked by stress, uncertainty, and less-than-ideal conditions. Mary is exhausted and ready to give birth, Joseph is scrambling for a place to stay, and the only space available is a barn. Yet that’s where Jesus enters the world. The point is simple: God’s peace doesn’t wait for life to settle down. It meets us in the middle of the mess. Peace is something we receive, not something we earn or manufacture. We find it when we invite Jesus into the chaos we’re living in.

This message from Pastor Lonnie emphasizes that hope speaks louder than fear. Mary had many reasons to panic, but she chose to anchor her faith: she did not know the plan, but she trusted the One behind it. Mary faced risk, judgment, and the unknown, yet she still said yes. Hope moves forward because it trusts that God is not finished. The message concludes by centering everything on Jesus. Hope is not just a feeling; hope is a person who has come close. God works through imperfect people and imperfect moments. Just as Mary’s simple yes changed the world, hope enters our lives even when it seems far away.

This message by Pastor Lonnie highlights the struggles of the Pilgrims and Abraham Lincoln's honesty to demonstrate how gratitude has always helped people endure hardship and find unity. It challenges us to shift our focus from what we lack to what we have, to recognize God’s work in our limitations and mistakes, and to give generously from the heart. The message encourages us to practice daily, rooted gratitude that strengthens our faith, blesses our community, and reshapes our perspective on life.

This message invites us to see stewardship in a different light, not just as a financial duty but as a spiritual opportunity. In Luke 12:15, we're reminded that life isn't about possessions but about purpose. The "dinosaur" symbolizes anything we cling to out of fear, pride, or the illusion of control, things we think we need to survive but that actually hold us back from living freely in God's purpose. Everything we have, our money, time, relationships, and abilities, is a gift from God, and we are called to steward it, not hoard it. This sermon challenges us to release what weighs us down and trust that God can do more with our surrender than we could ever do with our grip. It's not just about giving to a church; it's about becoming a church that reflects Jesus, boldly loving, freely giving, and fully trusting the One who gave everything for us.

Konstantin Efimov was born in 1958 in St. Petersburg, Russia, the elder (by 10 years) of two sons born to Igor Efimov, well-established movie actor, and his wife, Irina, whom he met while attending Moscow's prestigious Maly Theater School.  Irina performed on stage until a few days before Kostia's birth.  "That must be why I enjoy being on stage so much," says Kostia, who goes by his childhood nickname.  

His parents chose to live in St. Petersburg to be close to Igor's elderly mother.  In 1961, they signed a five-year contract with the Theater Group of the Soviet Army Force, performing in East Berlin.  KGB regulations, however, did not allow them to bring Kostia, then age 2-½ with them.  He stayed, as an "insurance policy," with his grandmother, Valya, living in a communal apartment that housed nine families (33 people) in 11 rooms, all sharing the same hallway, kitchen and bathroom.  "The bathtub was always filled with laundry," Kostia recalls.  "We took our baths twice a week in the community bathhouse."  

As a child, Kostia displayed a tremendous interest in music, spending much time in front of the radio in his grandmother's tiny room.  At age 4, a present was delivered to him from his parents -- a 1937 Wolkenhauer upright piano, upon which he soon learned to play hundreds of Russian folk songs.  "It became the center of life in our home," Kostia remembers.  "Even my pet rooster, Peter, used the lid as his favorite perch, and he would sit there and listen while I played."  

Kostia's parents returned from East Germany in July of 1965, when he was 7.  His grandmother died of a stroke the following month.  

The same year, Kostia was accepted into a special music preparatory school of the Rimsky-Korsakov Conservatory.  For the next 11 years, each day involved four to six hours of piano practice.  At the school he met his first great influence, teacher Tamara Karetkina.  "I was her first student," Kostia recalls.  "She was a tremendous pianist and a beautiful woman, very much resembling Jacqueline Bisset.”  

Because of his talent, Kostia and other elite prodigies were forbidden to play sports, for fear of hand injuries.  At 14, Kostia, who loved basketball, broke a finger in his right hand during a clandestine pick-up game.  "I was so frightened," Kostia says. "The thought of not being able to play again was so horrifying!  It was worse than death for me.  I didn't tell my mother that I did it playing basketball; I told her I fell down carrying my briefcase."  While his right hand healed, Kostia passed the time mastering pieces written by Ravel and Scriabin for left hand.  Ravel's piece was composed in honor of a pianist who lost his right hand during World War I.  

At 18, Kostia entered the famed St. Petersburg Conservatory.  Here he met and studied under Vladimir Nielsen, one of the last great masters of Russian Romanticism.  He completed his Conservatory studies in 1982 with advanced graduate degrees in four disciplines:  concert (solo) pianist, pianist for chamber ensemble, accompanist, and piano teacher.  

Following graduation, Kostia performed throughout Russia, Eastern Europe and Scandinavia as a soloist, with orchestras, with ethnic ensembles and his own jazz-fusion group.  Typically, Conservatory graduates move into teaching.  "I decided to go another way.  I was already involved with jazz and pop performances, and I was pretty well known as an arranger, so I wanted to explore new music.  Friends introduced me to Oscar Peterson, and modern jazz and progressive rock bands like Genesis, Yes and King Crimson.  It was very different, extremely energetic, and absolutely spontaneous, like myself.  I am definitely a free spirit, and playing this music allowed me a certain level of freedom that I wasn't able to explore in classical music."  

Kostia received a proposal from the St. Petersburg Cultural Center to start, essentially, an...

This message challenges the idea that gratitude is only for good times and instead calls us to practice thankfulness even when life gets tough. Based on 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18, it clearly distinguishes between being thankful for all circumstances and being thankful in them. The message reminds us that although we can't always control what happens, we can choose our outlook. Gratitude becomes an act of trust, not just a feeling, and a decision that opens the door to peace and reshapes our pain. Whether life is smooth or messy, the sermon encourages us to thank God not out of convenience but out of faith, because even in chaos, God remains good and active.

Life can crash unexpectedly—plans fall apart, emotions spiral, and nothing seems to go right. But faith isn’t built in comfort; it’s shaped in chaos. In this message by Pastor Lonnie, we’re reminded that God uses life’s messes to strengthen our faith. True joy isn’t pretending everything’s fine; it’s trusting that God is still at work, even in the broken pieces. With practical steps and real-life applications, this message shows how to pause instead of panic, find purpose under pressure, and see every trial as training for stronger faith.

The tragic death of Charlie Kirk has left many grieving, fearful, and overwhelmed. In his message, Pastor Lonnie urges the church to face this pain honestly while grounding our response in the gospel. In a world quick to speak and quick to divide, we are called to slow down, listen carefully, and use our words to heal rather than harm. While grief is heavy and real, hope in God is greater because one day every broken thing will be restored. Until then, we pray, allow ourselves to grieve, resist hatred and despair, and live as lights shining in the darkness because Christ is greater than the darkness.

In Built to Last: Storm-Proof Faith, Pastor Lonnie draws from Matthew 7:24-29 to show that resilience and the ability to withstand life’s storms come not from intentions or appearances, but from obedience to Jesus Christ. Like the wise and foolish builders who faced the same storm, our lives stand or fall depending on where we build: on the solid rock or shifting sand. Storms are inevitable, but they don’t have to be destructive. When our foundation is in Christ, we can endure with strength, recover with hope, and live with lasting faith that no trial can destroy.

Pastor Lonnie's message addresses the common struggle with worry through Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:19–34. The sermon explains that worry stems from uncertainty—we only stress over what we don’t know. If we knew what the future held or trusted in God’s provision and outcomes, we wouldn’t worry. Jesus offers a way to overcome this anxiety by realigning our hearts and minds with God’s promises in the Bible. The message highlights three steps to move past worry and emphasizes that worry is not just an emotional issue but a spiritual one. When we feel anxious, we should check if our priorities are right, if we trust God, and if we are living in the present. Jesus’ message is clear: seek first the Kingdom of God, and everything else will fall into place.

In this message, Pastor Lonnie emphasizes how Jesus encourages us to redefine what spiritual authenticity means. While He calls us to let our light shine publicly through acts of service (Matthew 5), He also teaches that personal spiritual practices—such as giving, praying, and fasting—are most effective when done privately, away from the spotlight (Matthew 6). The message makes it clear: public good involves reflecting God to others, but private devotion is about a genuine connection with God, not impressing people. Giving should be generous yet discreet. Prayer should be sincere, not performative. Fasting should be humble, not theatrical. Ultimately, Jesus reminds us that we don’t need an audience to be seen—God already sees, and He rewards what’s done in secret.

Pastor Lonnie's message reminds us that while it’s easy to notice flaws in others, Jesus calls us to approach people with humility and grace. His command in Matthew 7:1 isn’t about ignoring wrongdoing; it’s about avoiding judgment that isn’t ours to make. Before we try to fix someone else, we must first address our own faults, live with integrity, and lead by example. When we speak into someone’s life, it should be an act of loving intervention, not meddling interference, always leaving the final judgment to God.

This message by Pastor Lonnie challenges the idea that spiritual life is about simply following rules or performing religious duties. Jesus calls us to a righteousness that goes beyond outward appearances by not just doing more, but by transforming from within. He shifts the focus from external actions to internal attitudes, showing that contempt, anger, and arrogance are just as serious as murder in God’s eyes. A healthy spirituality isn’t about keeping score; it’s about nurturing a heart that reflects God’s love. Jesus doesn’t just want better behavior; He wants hearts that have truly changed. Reconciliation is more important than religious rituals, and being at peace with others proves that our relationship with God is genuine.

This message by Pastor Lonnie explains Jesus’ call for his followers to be the salt of the earth and light of the world. It encourages us to live out our faith beyond the church walls—intentionally, relationally, and authentically. Salt represents our influence, adding value and preserving goodness in the world, but only when it leaves the shaker. Light symbolizes hope and truth, breaking through darkness to guide us on our path. Using humor, real-life stories, and examples like those in Grace on Wings, the message inspires us to utilize our gifts, love across differences, and reflect Jesus in everyday life—not with loud religion, but with a quiet, powerful presence.

Pastor Lonnie's message introduces a series on the Sermon on the Mount, emphasizing that Jesus’ main message is about spiritual transformation rather than just religious deeds. It urges us to move beyond feelings of defeat and despair into a life filled with spiritual abundance, joy, and purpose. Focusing on Matthew 5:1-12, it explains the Beatitudes and illustrates how happiness often arises from unexpected qualities: humility, mourning, meekness, a hunger for righteousness, mercy, purity, peacemaking, and enduring persecution. These traits, although often conflicting with cultural norms, reveal a deeper joy and meaning.

This message by Pastor Lonnie unpacks the often-overlooked “other prayer” of Jesus—the one He prayed the night before His crucifixion, found in John 17. Unlike the familiar Lord’s Prayer, this one is deeply personal and revealing. Jesus isn’t asking for safety or success for His followers—He’s asking for unity. Real, sacrificial, love-driven unity. The message challenges us to see that unity isn’t about agreeing on everything, but about being united in Christ. It’s not something we build, but something we protect. And when we live that out, the world sees who Jesus really is. Through humor, relatable stories, and honest reflection, this message invites us to live out the kind of love that makes the gospel believable.

This message reflects on America’s journey as a free nation, emphasizing how young the country still is in the scope of world history. The message illustrates how freedom is a fragile, hard-earned gift that is passed down through just a few lifetimes. Drawing from the words of John Adams and the sacrifices of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, the message underscores that political freedom has always come at a steep price—suffering, loss, and unwavering resolve. It then shifts to a deeper, spiritual freedom—offered not through war, but through Jesus. Citing John 8:31-32, it reframes freedom not as personal license but as the result of discipline, truth, and obedience to God’s Word. Real freedom is found not in doing whatever we want, but in becoming who we were meant to be, grounded in truth and love. True freedom—national or spiritual—is never free. It demands sacrifice, discipline, truth, and above all, love.

This Father’s Day message speaks to all parents, grandparents, and influencers of the next generation—not just fathers, but anyone shaping young lives. The core idea is that simple, heartfelt words, accompanied by action, hold the power to form a child’s identity and shape their soul for life. The message centers around four life-giving phrases that every child or person needs to hear consistently. These words are not merely one-time statements but ongoing seeds that develop into a person’s inner voice. The message challenges us to reflect on how we use our words and encourages us to communicate with intention, grace, and faith, regardless of age.

This message from Pastor Lonnie challenges us to trade safety for faith. Using vivid personal stories and Matthew 14:22-33, it illustrates that transformative faith requires risk, just like Peter stepping out of the boat into a raging storm to walk toward Jesus. While Peter sank, he at least tried—unlike the others who stayed safe but missed the miracle. The core message is that comfort zones may feel secure, but they stunt spiritual growth. Jesus is still calling us to “Come,” to step out even if we might fall—because He’ll always catch us. Faith doesn’t grow in the boat; it grows on the water, and if you want to walk on water, you have to get out of the boat.

In this personal reflection, Pastor Lonnie sets aside a preplanned sermon to share a pivotal turning point in his spiritual journey—the moment he chose to leave behind comfort and control to follow a risky but divine calling. Sparked by an unexpected invitation to plant a church and solidified during a powerful sermon in San Diego about the story of Peter walking on water, he felt a deep, inner shift. The message—“If you want to walk on water, you have to get out of the boat”—became a defining call to faith and action.

The story explores his fear, uncertainty, and vulnerability, while also highlighting his determination to step out in faith with his wife, Mercedes. It’s more than just a personal testimony; it’s a challenge for others to confront their comfort zones and have enough trust in God to take genuine risks. Through raw honesty, the author urges readers to stop spectating and start walking—because true faith begins when you leave the safety of the boat.

This message by Pastor Lonnie invites us to see our lives as more than a series of tasks or routines—we are chosen, sent, and deeply loved by God for a greater purpose. We are called to live with intention, courage, and compassion through everyday moments and ordinary places. Drawing inspiration from saints past and present, we’re challenged to live our lives with meaning and mission. It’s a call to reflect, respond, and remember that where we are is where God can work through us. In a world that often forgets what matters, we are reminded your life is not random—it’s on purpose.

This message by Pastor Lonnie challenges us to embody the life and love of Jesus in practical, tangible ways. Using the imagery of Jesus’ feet, hands, mouth, and spine, it highlights how He walked toward the outcast, touched the untouchable, spoke words of peace, and stood with unwavering persistence. The message calls modern-day Christ-followers to live out their faith by going where grace is needed most, serving others with compassion, speaking life, and remaining steadfast in a world that often resists true love. It’s an invitation to not just believe in Jesus, but to move like Him.

In this message, Pastor Lonnie celebrates the sacred calling of motherhood by blending heartfelt truths with relatable stories. It reminds us that mothers—biological, spiritual, and even the Church—are God’s instruments of love, nurture, and grace. From changing diapers to shaping souls, moms reflect God’s heart in everyday ways. Though imperfect, they deserve honor for the life, faith, and care they’ve given. Drawing on biblical examples like Mary and spiritual mentors like Lois and Eunice, the message encourages gratitude, grace, and reverence for the women who helped shape our lives.

This sermon challenges the myth that ministry is only for pastors or spiritual “pros” and reminds every follower of Jesus they are called to serve. Drawing from Matthew 20 and Matthew 25 shows how Jesus’ most powerful moments often came from interruptions. It encourages us to trade perfectionism for availability, reminding us that God uses flawed people to do faithful things. With humor, biblical examples, and real-life application, the message invites believers to stop, be present, and step into a life of serving others—not someday, but now. Ministry isn’t about having the right resume, but showing up.

In this message by Pastor Lonnie, we celebrate the core truth of our faith: Christ is risen! We explore how the resurrection isn’t just a historical event but a life-changing reality for our modern, often skeptical lives. Through the story of Thomas — famously known as “Doubting Thomas” — we see that doubt isn’t the enemy of faith but can be a doorway to more profound belief. Jesus doesn’t shame our questions; instead, He meets us gracefully, just as He met Thomas with precisely what he needed to believe. Doubt, when brought honestly to Jesus, can lead to powerful transformation, bold faith, and unstoppable witness. We are reminded today that our doubts don’t disqualify us — they can draw us closer to knowing the truth that truly sets us free.

This Easter message centers on the foundational truth of the Christian faith: the resurrection of Jesus Christ. It opens with the global celebration of Easter, highlighting that the church’s power and reach aren’t rooted in tradition, behavior, or even Scripture—but in the empty tomb. The message by Pastor Lonnie dismantles common assumptions by emphasizing that Christianity didn’t start with a book or a movement—it started with a person. Jesus didn’t just teach a message—He was the message. His followers didn’t continue on after His death because of His ideas but because they saw Him alive after the crucifixion. Easter isn’t merely a holiday or a tradition—it’s a personal call to know Jesus, to believe in Him, and to let His resurrection become your own turning point. He is risen. He is the message.

This Good Friday message invites us to stand in awe at the foot of the cross, where God turned the world’s understanding of power and wisdom upside down. Drawing from Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians, Pastor Lonnie reveals the paradox of the cross: what appeared to the world to be weakness and foolishness was, in truth, the very power and wisdom of God.

Once a symbol of fear and shame, the cross became the doorway to salvation, love, and hope. The message emphasizes what God did through the cross, He longs to do within us. Our brokenness, weakness, and shame are not obstacles to God’s work but the canvas upon which He paints His redemptive power.

This is not a call to admire a decorative symbol of faith but to embrace the transforming reality of the rugged cross—a cross that confronts our pride, shatters our self-sufficiency, and calls us to surrender. When we do, God brings beauty from our brokenness and strength from our surrender. In this holy paradox, we find the path to true life. The cross still works, the cross still saves, and the cross still redeems.

This Holy Thursday message centers on the powerful and intimate moment when Jesus, knowing His death was near, chose not to grasp for power but to kneel in service. Instead of issuing a final command or performing a grand miracle, Jesus picked up a towel and washed His disciples’ feet—an act reserved for the lowest servant.  

The sermon by Pastor Lonnie unpacks this stunning reversal of expectations: the Teacher becomes the servant, the Master takes the lowest place, and love is expressed through humble action. It calls us not just to admire this moment but to live it out—serving others without thought of reward and embracing the towel as a symbol of Christlike love.

Through acts of kindness, compassion, and humility, we reveal Jesus to a watching world. The towel is more than a prop—it is an invitation. As Jesus washed feet, so we are called to embody His love, laying down control and stepping into the posture of a servant. The basin is still full. The towel is still waiting. Will you pick it up?

This Palm Sunday message by Pastor Lonnie invites us to reflect on Jesus’ final, symbolic entrance into Jerusalem. As the crowd shouted “Hosanna!” and laid palm branches before Him, Jesus deliberately chose to ride a colt—fulfilling Zechariah’s prophecy and declaring Himself a King who comes in peace. Yet beneath the celebration, Jesus saw the misunderstanding in their hearts. They expected a political liberator, not a suffering servant.

Jesus wept, not for Himself, but for a people who could not see beyond their hopes for revolution to embrace the transforming power of love. The message challenges us to recognize Jesus in our midst today—not merely as a Savior we worship in joy, but as a humble King who calls us to peace, compassion, and sacrificial love. As we begin Holy Week, we are invited to follow Jesus—not just through the crowd, but to the cross and onward to resurrection life.

Persistence is one of the most powerful expressions of faith. Life often challenges our resilience, tests our patience, and pushes us to the brink of despair. In this message by Pastor Lonnie, you will discover what it means to persist in faith, especially during the most difficult times. No matter how challenging the road ahead may appear, God's grace grants us the strength to keep moving forward.

Waiting is one of life’s toughest challenges, especially when it extends beyond minor frustrations like traffic or long lines into deep, painful seasons of uncertainty—waiting for healing, purpose, restoration, or long-overdue answers. In this message from Pastor Lonnie, we are reminded that throughout Scripture, God often calls His people to wait—Abraham, Israel, Moses, the disciples, and all of creation groans and hopes as they wait. However, biblical waiting is not passive or resigned; it is an active, disciplined, expectant trust in God’s character and timing. Waiting on the Lord is the hardest work of hope because it demands that we cling to God when life doesn’t go our way and may never resemble what we envisioned. God often uses waiting not just to provide what we long for but to shape us into who He wants us to be. Through waiting, we learn perseverance, character, and a deeper, more courageous hope. Ultimately, we are encouraged to trust that what we are waiting for is worthwhile because the One we wait for is faithful.

This message from Pastor Lonnie will examine the idea that problems and trials are unavoidable and often crucial for spiritual growth. Pastor Lonnie will highlight Bible passages that illustrate how circumstances, including suffering, can serve a greater purpose. The Christian journey acknowledges the refining effect of challenges. With God's presence, even pain can become significant, and every hardship can act as a catalyst for transformation.

Jesus begins the Beatitudes with a profound truth: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 5:3). To be poor in spirit means recognizing our deep need for God, acknowledging our spiritual poverty, and fully depending on Him instead of ourselves. This attitude of humility and desperation for God leads to true happiness—not the fleeting kind based on circumstances, but the deep joy that comes from knowing and trusting in God. In a world that values self-sufficiency, Jesus invites us to surrender, embrace our neediness, and find our greatest fulfillment in God’s presence.

Embracing the Christmas spirit is about more than celebrating a season; it’s about living out the principles of hope, peace, joy, love, and faith every day. Reflecting on these messages will draw you closer to God and inspire others to experience the Christ of Christmas. Let the Christmas spirit transform your heart and actions, making a lasting impact on those around you and making the world we live in a better place.

Embracing the Christmas spirit is about more than celebrating a season; it’s about living out the principles of hope, peace, joy, love, and faith every day. Reflecting on these messages will draw you closer to God and inspire others to experience the Christ of Christmas. Let the Christmas spirit transform your heart and actions, making a lasting impact on those around you and making the world we live in a better place.

Embracing the Christmas spirit is about more than celebrating a season; it’s about living out the principles of hope, peace, joy, love, and faith every day. Reflecting on these messages will draw you closer to God and inspire others to experience the Christ of Christmas. Let the Christmas spirit transform your heart and actions, making a lasting impact on those around you and making the world we live in a better place.

Embracing the Christmas spirit is about more than celebrating a season; it’s about living out the principles of hope, peace, joy, love, and faith every day. Reflecting on these messages will draw you closer to God and inspire others to experience the Christ of Christmas. Let the Christmas spirit transform your heart and actions, making a lasting impact on those around you and making the world we live in a better place.

Generosity is about far more than money. Generosity is about taking your entire life - everything you are and everything you own - and using it to bless the people around you. Generosity is for everyone. You don’t have to be rich to be a giver. You don’t have to be a multi-millionaire to be generous—the requirements for generosity center on Identifying an opportunity, taking action, and trusting God to bless the act of generosity.

What prayer have you been praying that you fear God is not answering? Why are some prayers answered and others not? Is it just a roll of dice, luck, or coincidence? In this message, Pastor Lonnie will take us to a deeper understanding of the mystery of unanswered prayer and the silver lining there when we pray.

A profound challenge confronts us daily—how to live as Christians in a world that often feels anything but Christian. We live in times when society’s values frequently contradict biblical truths. So, how do we remain faithful to Jesus Christ when the world around us may seem indifferent, hostile, or simply uninterested? In this message, Pastor Lonnie details how living as a Christian in a non-Christian world is not easy, but it is our calling. We are to be salt and light, reflecting the love, truth, and grace of Jesus in all we do.

Disagreements are a normal part of life, whether in relationships, workplaces, or even within the church. How we handle disagreements says a lot about our Christian faith and character. In this message, Pastor Lonnie shows how the Bible gives us clear guidance on navigating conflict in a way that honors God and promotes unity.

In a world filled with diverse religious beliefs, Christianity stands out through its distinctive message of grace, forgiveness, and relationship with God. This message by Pastor Lonnie will explore five key aspects that make Christianity unique, focusing on the person of Jesus Christ as central to the faith.

There are thousands of ways in which we are disappointed and discouraged in life. An expectation didn't happen, or something we hoped would happen didn't quite make it, and we get frustrated with others and ourselves and even discouraged with God. But discouragement can become an opportunity to make life better. In this message, we will learn what the Bible says about maintaining a grip on hope and the four action items that can bring hope in times of discouragement.

In the Christian faith, human weakness reflects our vulnerability, limitations, and need for God’s grace. The Bible acknowledges that all humans have weaknesses, but it also offers guidance on how to respond to them in a way that glorifies God and strengthens our faith. In this message by Pastor Lonnie, you will learn about four action items that will help you gain strength when you are weak and vulnerable.

Each of us has a unique role, and every role is important for the church to reach its full potential. When we support one another and work together for the common good, we reflect the unity and diversity of the body of Christ, which brings glory to God and draws others to the faith. Consider how you can use your gifts to serve the body of Christ. Reach out to someone who may be struggling and offer them your support. As we commit to building a community that values and honors each person, a reimagined church that honors Jesus evolves before us.

Lonnie's talk at the new Center for Christian Learning, Leadership, and Fellowship dedication on September 8, 2024.

Life can be full of challenges, distractions, and competing priorities, leading us far from God. However, the key to navigating these challenges with peace, purpose, and direction is to keep our Christian faith at the core of everything we do. This message by Pastor Lonnie emphasizes that Jesus is not just a part of our lives; he is the foundation upon which our lives can be built. We align ourselves with his will, purpose, and strength by making him our foundation. The message will challenge us to examine our hearts, to remove anything that competes for first place, and to live each day with the assurance that with Jesus at the center, our lives are anchored, purposeful, and filled with his peace.

If God is all-powerful and all-loving, why does God allow pain, suffering, and human hurt in our world and lives? A perspective on this question can be found in three parables of Jesus that give us a glimpse of the value system that God is carrying on in our lives. It is found in a value system that can only reciprocate gracious love voluntarily. Without it, we are lost.

What will heaven be like? At his crucifixion, Jesus promised the criminal who was sentenced to death next to him that he would be with him in paradise. Picture this word. It is how we may imagine heaven and eternal life. We are not destined for some misty, disembodied experience in some faraway galaxy. Instead, we will live and find community with our creator and fellow creatures in a place of great beauty filled with color, sound, life, and meaningful activity. It will be like the dawning of the Garden of Eden.

Pastor Lonnie speaks on the power of prayer and how it establishes a deepening relationship with God. Ongoing prayer defines and refines significant issues we are praying for.

In this message by Pastor Lonnie, you will learn how Jesus' parable of the Good Samaritan is an example of how love is giving and caring.

When you read the stories of Jesus, are you reading fairy tales or facts? Can the Bible be trusted? In this message, Pastor Lonnie gives three reasons why you can trust the Bible and offers seven action items you can do to integrate the inspiring message of the Bible into your life.

Romantic love is a gift from God to be cherished, pursued, and enjoyed in God-honoring ways. When we do that, it becomes a sacred means by which God meets us, blesses us into the couple God created us to be, and leads us into the relationship God has designed for us. In this message, Pastor Lonnie will explore a collection of love songs, celebrating the mystery and delights of romantic love found in the Old Testament book of Song of Songs.

We often talk about our feelings. Have you ever said, "There's something about this that just doesn't feel right?" or "I have a good feeling about this?" Our feelings bring our intuitions to light. Have you ever stopped to think that God has feelings, too?    

The Bible clearly states that God is emotionally involved in our lives, just as loving parents are emotionally involved in their children's lives. This third message in the series aims to piece together the tapestry of what the Bible says about God by exploring God's feelings of grief and delight, and a compelling command of Jesus.

Deep within, we long for a certain kind of God of love, mercy, compassion, and tenderness. Those longings find fulfillment in the God who created us and much more. These messages by Pastor Lonnie are about the God who cares and offer insight into the nature of God, showing from a scriptural viewpoint, a God who is at once all-powerful, all-loving, and all-knowing and teach us how we can know God in a personal way. Message two.

Deep within, we long for a certain kind of God of love, mercy, compassion, and tenderness. Those longings find fulfillment in the God who created us and much more. These messages by Pastor Lonnie are about the God who cares and offer insight into the nature of God, showing from a scriptural viewpoint, a God who is at once all-powerful, all-loving, and all-knowing and teach us how we can know God in a personal way. Message one.

Mother's Day message from Pastor Lonnie

A message for Confirmation Sunday to encourage young Christ-followers in their journey in the Christian faith.

In this series of five talks, Pastor Lonnie will embark on a journey of discovery, inspiration, and transformation. Being a Light in a Dark World will delve into the timeless truths of Scripture to uncover practical wisdom and guidance for navigating the complexities of our modern world. Through this series, we will explore the profound meaning of living with purpose and intentionality, even in the face of adversity. Despite our challenges, we can create a tangible impact in our communities, workplaces, and families. We will be reminded of the transformative power of love, kindness, and compassion, which can overcome even the greatest obstacles, making us instruments of God's peace and vessels of sacred love in a world that desperately needs it.

This is the second message by Pastor Lonnie in his series on Being a Light in a Dark World

In this series of five talks, Pastor Lonnie will embark on a journey of discovery, inspiration, and transformation. Being a Light in a Dark World will delve into the timeless truths of Scripture to uncover practical wisdom and guidance for navigating the complexities of our modern world. Through this series, we will explore the profound meaning of living with purpose and intentionality, even in the face of adversity. Despite our challenges, we can create a tangible impact in our communities, workplaces, and families. We will be reminded of the transformative power of love, kindness, and compassion, which can overcome even the greatest obstacles, making us instruments of God's peace and vessels of sacred love in a world that desperately needs it.

This is a Holy Thursday communion message by Pastor Lonnie

There is a city we tend to think of as within us. It is the city of our inherited patterns and ways of doing things. It is the dead weight of our habits, our unreflective living, and our assumption that life is the way we see it and nothing else. Here is a city within that cries for deliverance. Do we dare to enter this city as Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem on Palm Sunday? Will we enter our inner city triumphally?

We often associate the gospel with Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. But there's another gospel being written every day—one that doesn't come from parchment or ink but in our daily choices, the relationships we nurture, and how we navigate the world around us by our actions and words. There is a fifth gospel, and that is the gospel according to you. In this message, Pastor Lonnie will show how the gospel, according to you, is still being written and the significance of the gospel-inspired life we live can significantly influence others.

If there ever was a need to rediscover the wonder of Christmas, it is now. Many of the alarming situations of today’s culture were present in first-century Palestine. There was a hunger for hope then as there is today. To rediscover Christmas, we need to listen again to the principal players in the first Christmas drama. John the Baptist wants to prepare us for something better that is coming; Mary has a vision for her son, and Joseph must pay attention to a dream. The world changed because they were willing participants in God’s plan. Do we need that today? Can the power of Christmas do it again in our time? In these messages, Pastor Lonnie guides us to a fresh visit and understanding of the key events that take us to the Christmas manger and the Christ.

If there ever was a need to rediscover the wonder of Christmas, it is now. Many of the alarming situations of today’s culture were present in first-century Palestine. There was a hunger for hope then as there is today. To rediscover Christmas, we need to listen again to the principal players in the first Christmas drama. John the Baptist wants to prepare us for something better that is coming; Mary has a vision for her son, and Joseph must pay attention to a dream. The world changed because they were willing participants in God’s plan. Do we need that today? Can the power of Christmas do it again in our time? In these messages, Pastor Lonnie guides us to a fresh visit and understanding of the key events that take us to the Christmas manger and the Christ.

If there ever was a need to rediscover the wonder of Christmas, it is now. Many of the alarming situations of today’s culture were present in first-century Palestine. There was a hunger for hope then as there is today. To rediscover Christmas, we need to listen again to the principal players in the first Christmas drama. John the Baptist wants to prepare us for something better that is coming; Mary has a vision for her son, and Joseph must pay attention to a dream. The world changed because they were willing participants in God’s plan. Do we need that today? Can the power of Christmas do it again in our time? In these messages, Pastor Lonnie guides us to a fresh visit and understanding of the key events that take us to the Christmas manger and the Christ.

If there ever was a need to rediscover the wonder of Christmas, it is now. Many of the alarming situations of today’s culture were present in first-century Palestine. There was a hunger for hope then as there is today. To rediscover Christmas, we need to listen again to the principal players in the first Christmas drama. John the Baptist wants to prepare us for something better that is coming; Mary has a vision for her son, and Joseph must pay attention to a dream. The world changed because they were willing participants in God’s plan. Do we need that today? Can the power of Christmas do it again in our time? In these messages, Pastor Lonnie guides us to a fresh visit and understanding of the key events that take us to the Christmas manger and the Christ.

If there ever was a need to rediscover the wonder of Christmas, it is now. Many of the alarming situations of today’s culture were present in first-century Palestine. There was a hunger for hope then as there is today. To rediscover Christmas, we need to listen again to the principal players in the first Christmas drama. John the Baptist wants to prepare us for something better that is coming; Mary has a vision for her son, and Joseph must pay attention to a dream. The world changed because they were willing participants in God’s plan. Do we need that today? Can the power of Christmas do it again in our time? In these messages, Pastor Lonnie guides us to a fresh visit and understanding of the key events that take us to the Christmas manger and the Christ.

A Thanksgiving Message by Pastor Lonnie

In this message, Pastor Lonnie provides helpful insights on how we can discern the will of God for our lives.

Stewardship message by Pastor Lonnie based on Mark 12:41-44

Things are broken, but there is a way to peace. Jesus led the way by modeling peacemaking. Peacemaking is not a passive characteristic. The language Jesus uses is active. In this message from Pastor Lonnie, you will explore Jesus' method of making peace and four insights into getting along in a broken world that longs for lasting peace.

Disciple-making is the mission of Jesus for the church. It involves establishing and equipping persons to enter into relationships to help people trust and follow Jesus. Disciple-making doesn’t just happen because a church exists and people show up. It is a deliberate process.