Oak Pointe Church • Novi

The Summons: Grappling With God’s Kingdom and KingNew Wine Into Old Wineskins Mark 3:1-6 No one likes change. Whether it’s a new manager, a new president or a new housing development moving in right across the street, we all know the complaints that come with unfamiliarity. Moving away feels uncomfortable, switching jobs feels unsteady and inviting new people in can feel nerve wracking. But why do we fear change when it’s guaranteed to happen? When Jesus brought forth the new kingdom, people were confronted with uncomfortable change. Some responded with flexibility, humility and resilience, while others reacted with resistance and hostility. Join us this Sunday as we explore how Jesus came to pour out His new wine, and what it means for us to become new wineskins, ready for his renewal.

The Summons: Grappling With God’s Kingdom and King (Part 7)The King is HereMark 2:23-28Rules can often leave a bitter taste. They can feel confining, stifling creativity and limiting freedom. Authority figures can silence people rather than guide them. Parents can fail to explain the heart behind their rules. Teachers can unintentionally shut down the inspiration of their students. For many, rules bring more frustration than order. But what if there was a perfect rule-maker? An Authority whose commands aren’t meant to restrict, but to help His people thrive. A Father whose rules protect His children. A Teacher whose instructions lead to joy and new life. Living in a world full of broken rules and leaders, causes us to seek the voice of a gentle Shepherd. Join us this Sunday to discover how the commands of the King Jesus are for the flourishing of His subjects. 

The Summons: Grappling With God’s Kingdom and King (Part 6) On That Day They Will Fast Mark 2:18-22Picture this: A sweet smell of pot roast wafts from the kitchen to your room. As you draw closer, you hear vegetables sizzling on the stove and catch a glimpse of the apple pie baking in the oven. Your mother has spent hours preparing a feast for you. But when she serves you a generous helping, you push the plate away. “Does it not look appetizing?” she asks, though you know it does. “Are you not hungry?” she wonders, as your stomach growls. Why deny a delicious and nourishing meal? Fasting has been a spiritual discipline for thousands of years, yet many of us still wrestle with questions like these. What is the point? How can going without food deepen our spiritual life? Join us this Sunday as we listen to Jesus’ words and discover how fasting can deepen our fellowship with the bridegroom.

The Summons: Grappling With God’s Kingdom and KingThe Sanitized vs the Scandalous Church Mark 2:13-17 Jon Morales Have you ever voiced an unpopular opinion? One that makes people look up from their plates at a dinner party or causes passionate debate amongst friends? These opinions can often be polarizing, occasionally causing people to choose sides, leaving little room for neutrality. Similarly, Jesus had an approach to ministry that sparked strong reactions. It was unpopular to many religious leaders of the day and didn't fit neatly into their expectations. Some called it a scandal, but Jesus called it the gospel. Join us this Sunday to discover how Jesus' relational ministry invites us into a life of radical hospitality and healing. 

The Summons: Grappling With God’s Kingdom and KingMark 2:1-12 Jon Morales Most of us spend a good portion of our lives learning how to respond to authority. We learn it early, through the parent that tells us when to cross the street, the teacher who decides when recess ends, and the boss who sets the deadlines. Some of these voices are trustworthy while others leave us questioning. But when we encounter the voice and power of Jesus, we experience a different kind of authority at work—one that didn’t make empty promises or use His position for personal gain. This kind of authority chose service over status, lifting others up rather than prioritizing Himself. Join us this Sunday in our Mark series as we discover what the authority of Jesus does for our biggest problem.  And come ready to experience anew how we should respond. 

The Summons: Grappling With God’s Kingdom and KingMark 1:35-45Nate LeeMost of us have a junk drawer where all kinds of household items get tossed: pens, chargers, receipts and keys, all piled together until it’s hard to tell what’s important. Our lives can often feel the same way. Tasks stack up, responsibilities blur, and the things that matter most get buried under everything else. Thankfully, we’re not left to sort through the mess on our own. We have a God who knows exactly what belongs where, a master organizer who can reorder our priorities the moment our hearts are open to His work.Join us this Sunday as we continue our series in the Gospel of Mark and explore what it means to let the King set our priorities.

The Summons: Grappling With God’s Kingdom and KingMark 1:21-34 Jon Morales It is a common reality in the art world to find a masterpiece hidden beneath an ordinary layer of paint. Countless stories tell of lost Picassos or Magrittes uncovered in the midst of restoration projects. An art restorer’s task is to look past the surface to reveal the masterpiece that lies below. When a famous painting is found beneath layers of plain paint, the goal is not to create something new but to uncover what was always there. Once he is finished, the restorer ultimately reclaims the artist’s original design. In much the same way, God is reclaiming His beautiful masterpiece. Join us this Sunday as we continue our series in the Gospel of Mark and discover how Jesus entered our world to take back what belongs to Him.

The Summons: Grappling With God’s Kingdom and KingMark 1:14-20 Jon Morales Picture a typical day in your life: your morning routine, your commute to work, your wind-down time at night. Over the years, these rhythms settle in and become second nature to you. You perfect your breakfast recipe, learn the quickest route across town, and end each evening preparing for the next day. Eventually, the familiar becomes most comfortable. But what if that comfort was never meant to be the end goal? What if our routines were meant to be interrupted? What if we were made for more? Join us this Sunday as we begin a new series in the Gospel of Mark and discover the kind of life the King is calling us into. 

Vision SundaysPsalm 67 Jon MoralesWhen you think of missions, what comes to mind? Traveling overseas to serve the poor? Building homes and raising support? Bold evangelism in the streets? For many, the idea of reaching the nations feels overwhelming, whether it’s too costly, too time-consuming, or beyond our comfort zones. It’s easy to assume that “this calling must be for someone else.” However, God reminds us that His plan for the nations involves something simple yet powerful: our generosity. Join us as we read Psalm 67 and discover how our surrender can bring blessing, joy and salvation to the nations. 

Vision SundaysRevelation 5:9Jon MoralesIn Japan, a sign of respect is to finish all the food on your plate, avoiding “mottainai”, or wastefulness. In China, leaving a small amount of food on your plate is polite, communicating that the host has provided more than enough.In Germany, punctuality is highly valued and arriving exactly on time can even be seen as late. In Spain however, arriving late is often the norm, as it shows that the guest is relaxed and not rushing the host.These are only a few of the numerous examples of diverse ways of life we see exemplified across our world. What can unite nations that are so different from one another? Could it be that we all have a need for food? That we all crave sleep? Perhaps that we all have the desire to be loved?The answers to these may all be yes, but none of them are fully complete. Join us this Sunday as we discover what truly unites the nations together. 

AI, Identity, and What it Means to be HumanAbdu MurrayA woman sits with a knitting pattern, carefully planning each stitch of her creation. She chooses the yarn, the needles and the design, already envisioning the finished work before the first knot is even made.Similarly, God knew you before you even knew yourself. Though many spend their lives searching for their identity, Scripture reminds us that God has already carefully knitted us together (Psalm 139:13).Join us this Sunday as we explore the nature of what God has intricately woven into our true identity.

Advent: The Beginning of the Good NewsMark 1:9-13Jon Morales

Advent: The Beginning of the Good NewsMark 1:1-8 Jon Morales Imagine a candle burning in a dark room, providing both warmth and light. Picture a lantern being held by a traveler who is seeking to find their way amidst the night. Consider the sun, the brightest light we daily behold, replacing the night entirely with its massive rays.But even the sun pales in comparison to the Great Light that has come to overcome the darkness. The fulfilled prophecy in Matthew 4:16a says, "The people who live in darkness have seen a great light." This light is the Messiah, bringing the good news to his beloved people.Join us this Sunday as we continue our Advent series, discovering more about our Great Light.

Advent: The Beginning of the Good NewsMark 1:1-6Jon MoralesGifts arrive in many shapes and sizes. They are often wrapped in paper and ribbons as signs of preparation for the grand reveal. And just as wrapping paper implies readiness for the gift inside, so our hearts must bear the mark of readiness for our Savior. During Advent, we prepare our hearts for the greatest gift of all, the coming Messiah. Join us this week in our Advent series as we explore how repentance prepares us to meet the Messiah. 

Advent: The Beginning of the Good NewsMark 1:1-3Jon Morales For many of us, Christmas preparation involves decorating the tree, hanging up the stockings, and stringing the lights. Meals with family are enjoyed while carols play, and excitement builds for this long-awaited day. While these traditions are joyful and festive, true Christmas preparation started long before us, carrying eternal significance. It began with God’s great plan for the salvation of the world through the Messiah. And just like scripture resounds with songs of anticipation for the coming King, our preparations ought to echo this reverent tune. Join us this week in our Advent series as we learn how to prepare our hearts for the coming of our Lord, Jesus Christ.

Can We Know God?1 John 5:13-21Jon Morales There are so many things we long to be certain about: Will we retire securely? Will we pass the next exam? Will our parenting be fruitful? To bridge the gap between uncertainty and assurance, we gather data, do our research and make educated guesses - attempting to avoid error. However, life is not about collecting the right information and controlling every aspect of our story. It is about forming a relationship with the One who already knows every detail, down to the number of hairs on our heads. Join us this Sunday as we conclude our 1 John series and answer the question, “Can we know God?”

Can We Know God?1 John 5:4b-12Jon MoralesLife offers a myriad of doors to choose from. Some promise success, comfort, or approval, but they all lead to dead ends. There is one door that leads to eternal life, truth, and communion with God. But the question remains: do you have the key?Join us this week as we continue our 1 John series and uncover the key that unlocks lasting assurance, unshakable truth, and a relationship with the God who never changes. 

Can We Know God?1 John 4:16b-21Caleb Middleton Throughout Scripture, the imagery of being rooted, planted, and grown paints a beautiful picture of spiritual formation. Like a tiny seed placed into soil, believers are planted by God and watered by His word. Over time, roots stretch deep into the ground, securing us in the love of the Father and forming a strong foundation beneath what was once so small. From this tender care and steady growth, something beautiful begins to bloom: the fruit of love. Join us this week in our 1 John series as we seek to be rooted in God’s truth, growing toward the goal of Christ-like love.

Can We Know God?1 John 4:7-16aImagine opening your mailbox and finding a letter addressed to you. The pages are filled with truth, affection, and invitation. It speaks not only of who you are, but of a deep desire to draw near to you.God has written you a love letter - one inked in grace and sealed with blood. Scripture reveals a love that never fades and a God who calls us to dwell with Him, a message spanning generations and enduring forever.Join us this week in our 1 John series as we read God’s love letter and discover how to respond with receptive hearts.

Can We Know God?1 John 4:1-6Brent ButtermoreIn 1 Kings 19, God’s voice doesn’t rush through the wind, quake through the earth, or blaze like a fire. Rather it comes as a gentle whisper, a quiet invitation to draw near to Him. Believers today are surrounded by the loud voices of politicians, influencers, and media — all seeking our attention. But God speaks differently. In a world that shouts, the disciple must learn to listen, pause, and discern for God’s voice. Join us this week in our 1 John series as we learn how to recognize the voice of our Father amid the noise of the world, and how to respond in courage and faith.