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Illuminate Community Church7/20/25 - The Pharisee and the Tax Collector - Luke 18:9–14 - Pastor Ryan HubnerI'm going to say something that might shock you: Many of us — maybe even you — are far more prideful than we realize. You may be thinking, “Ryan, who do you think you are? You don’t know me.” But take a moment and really think about it. None of us want to admit that deep down inside of us may exist something that says, “I don’t need God” or “my way is better than His way.” Yet, that is what we are saying when we sin and decide to go against what God wants for us. When we sin, we consciously...2025-07-2035 min

Illuminate Community Church7/13/25 - A Response To Truth! - Matthew 13:1-23 - Pastor Darryl DelHousayeThere is a verse in the Bible that gives a remarkable promise—so remarkable that it can hardly be misunderstood. The promise I’m referring to is found in James 1:25: “But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this one shall be blessed in what they do.” That’s pretty straightforward, wouldn’t you say? Now, if you go back to the beginning of the context of that promise, it starts in verse 19: “…be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to ange...2025-07-1333 min

Illuminate Community Church7/6/25 - But, that’s not fair! - Matthew 20:1-16 - Pastor Rick EfirdHave you ever heard a child say, “But that’s not fair”? How did you respond? Have you ever thought that yourself? We’ve all witnessed something that doesn’t seem consistent with the “law” of fairness. Maybe something good happens to someone we don’t believe deserves it. Or perhaps something bad happens to someone who doesn’t seem to have done anything to deserve such a negative outcome. I’m looking forward to being back with you at Illuminate this Sunday as we learn from Jesus’ parable of the workers in the vineyard (Matt. 20:1–16) that God’s kingdom is built on grace—2025-07-0737 min

Illuminate Community Church6/29/25 - The Unforgiving Servant - Matthew 18:23-35 - Pastor Steve JohnsonC.S. Lewis once said, “Everyone thinks forgiveness is a lovely idea until he has something to forgive.” Isn’t it interesting that, perhaps, the two most difficult phrases to utter are: “I’m sorry” and “I forgive you.” In Matthew 18:21-35, Jesus responds to a question from Peter about the extent of forgiveness. Jesus answers with the parable of the unforgiving servant in order to illustrate the necessity of forgiveness. The parable highlights that because God has forgiven us much, we should extend forgiveness to others, even when it's difficult or seems impossible. As we...2025-06-3029 min

Illuminate Community Church6/22/25 - Priceless - Matthew 13:44-46 - Pastor Steve Johnson Picture a man walking through a field, just going about his day, when suddenly his foot catches on something. Curious, he kneels down, brushes away the dirt, and his eyes widen—he's uncovered a treasure beyond his wildest imagination. It’s not like anything he has ever seen, and he immediately recognizes just how valuable it is. You would think he would grab it and run as fast as he could. He doesn’t. Instead, he buries again and rushes home and sells everything he has—his house, his possessions, every last item he owns—they’re all gone! Im...2025-06-2433 min

Illuminate Community Church6/15/25 - Welcome Home - Luke 15:11-32 - Rick EfirdAnd he said, “There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me.’ And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living. And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of tha...2025-06-1636 min

Illuminate Community Church6/08/25 - Stewardship of a Talent - Matthew 25:14-30 - Pastor Darryl DelHousaye6/08/25 - Stewardship of a Talent - Matthew 25:14-30 - Pastor Darryl DelHousaye 2025-06-1634 min

Illuminate Community Church6/01/25 - The Dishonest Manager - Luke 16:1–13 - Pastor David HoggThe Parable of the Dishonest Manager is a perplexing one. Why is a clever defrauder commended for his shrewdness? How is this dishonest manager’s swift economic redistribution used to teach Jesus’ audience about kinship, faithfulness, and honesty? By using a real-world example, Jesus teaches his listeners about the right use of wealth and business forethought. This parable has more to do with preparing for the future than it does deception. In this passage, Jesus uses a dishonest manager who was likely a slave or freedman, desperate to keep his job, to display the commemorability of acting boldly to secu...2025-06-1638 min

Illuminate Community Church5/25/25 - The Great Banquet - Luke 14:15–24 - Pastor Scott Martin Have you ever been invited somewhere, but after weighing the options, you make an excuse for why you can't attend? If so, you have the tools to understand our parable this Sunday. Imagine a wealthy host plans a feast beyond imagination: the table is set with the finest foods, the hall glows with light and laughter, and everything is ready for a great feast. The host even sends invitations to guests ahead of time, but when the moment of the banquet arrives, all who agreed to join simply back out. One guest just bought a field, another is too busy with...2025-06-1632 min

Illuminate Community Church5/18/25 - It's Right In Front of You - Luke 16:19–31 - Pastor Bob Drew But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ Luke 16:29 ESV I don’t know if it’s a “guy thing,” but I seem to never be able to find anything in the refrigerator. I’ll stand there staring, looking for one thing, absolutely convinced it isn’t in there, then insist that what I need was never available in the first place. It isn’t until I humble myself (usually out of immature frustration) and ask my wife, “Babe, do you know where this is? I don’t see it!” that things get solved. Two seconds...2025-06-1640 min

Illuminate Community Church5/11/25 - A Reality of Finality - Luke 12:13–21 - Pastor Bob Drew "But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God." Luke 12:20—21 ESV My primary calling and love is the pastorate, but some may not know that I also serve as a professor at a local Christian university. At the end of every spring semester, I watch graduating seniors stress over what to do with their lives. While I encourage them to trust God to show them the way, th...2025-06-1635 min

Illuminate Community Church5/04/25 - Light a Candle! - Matthew 5:13-16 - Pastor Darryl DelHousaye Parables can be a real pain to the brain, but at the same time, Jesus tackles the issue quickly if you’re open to it. Solomon says in Proverbs 15: “…wisdom make knowledge acceptable,” that is, sometimes the way you say something makes all the difference. Jesus sometimes chose parables to tell us things that we need to understand. The context of the parable in Matthew 5:13-16 is the Sermon on the Mount. The Beatitudes found in the introduction of the sermon are about kingdom thinking, or the Kingdom Ethic. The Kingdom Ethic is what directs our lives as follo...2025-06-1636 min

Illuminate Community Church4/27/25 - Stories That Shape Us: Unveiling the Heart of God... Through the Parables - Matthew 4:24-27 - Pastor Jason Fritz This Sunday we’re kicking off a brand-new summer series called Stories That Shape Us: Unveiling the Heart of God Through Parables. Jesus didn’t come handing out abstract theology. He came telling stories that stuck. Stories that spoke to fishermen, farmers, tax collectors, and everyday people like you and me. And those stories still speak. They don’t just inform us; they form us. They hold a mirror to our lives and a window into the Kingdom of God. I’ll be introducing the summer series with a message that helps us understand why Jesus spoke in parables and how the...2025-06-1636 min

Illuminate Community Church4/20/25 - The Resurrection: God’s Receipt of Redemption - Pastor Jason Fritz Happy Resurrection Sunday! This week, we come together to celebrate the most pivotal event in human history—the resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is not just a day of tradition or remembrance; it is the foundation of our faith and the source of our greatest hope. Because the tomb is empty, despair no longer has the final word over our lives. The resurrection proves that sin and death have been conquered, and through Christ, we have the promise of new life. At each of our five services, we will explore how this single event transformed the world, turning a sm...2025-06-1636 min

Illuminate Community Church4/18/25 - Good Friday 2025 - Pastor Jason FritzGood Friday at Illuminate Community Church - 2025 2025-06-1628 min

Illuminate Community Church4/13/25 - Holy Week: Jesus’ Journey to the Cross - Matthew 21; Mark 11, 13 - Pastor Jason Fritz This Sunday, as we prepare our hearts for Holy Week, we’ll take a different approach to the Palm Sunday message. While we’ll reflect on Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem, we’ll also walk through the events of His final days leading up to Good Friday. The gospel writers devote an extraordinary amount of attention to this final week - nearly half of John’s Gospel focuses on it, which speaks to its significance in our faith. From the moment Jesus rode into the city on a donkey, fulfilling Zechariah’s prophecy, to His cleansing of the temple, His teaching...2025-06-1639 min

Illuminate Community Church4/06/25 - The Currency of Wisdom - Proverbs 30:7-9 - Pastor Jason FritzGod designed us for community, and the relationships we cultivate have a profound impact on our character and faith. Proverbs reminds us that true friendship is more than just companionship - it’s about sharpening one another, walking through life’s highs and lows together, and ultimately reflecting God’s love. We’ll look at what it means to be a faithful friend, how to build lasting relationships, and why friendships rooted in Christ are life-giving. The greatest example of true friendship comes from Jesus Himself. In John 15:13, He tells us, "Greater love has no one than this, that someone...2025-06-1636 min

Illuminate Community Church3/30/25 - The Power of Biblical Friendships - Proverbs 18:24 - Pastor Jason FritzGod designed us for community, and the relationships we cultivate have a profound impact on our character and faith. Proverbs reminds us that true friendship is more than just companionship - it’s about sharpening one another, walking through life’s highs and lows together, and ultimately reflecting God’s love. We’ll look at what it means to be a faithful friend, how to build lasting relationships, and why friendships rooted in Christ are life-giving. The greatest example of true friendship comes from Jesus Himself. In John 15:13, He tells us, "Greater love has no one than t...2025-06-1636 min

Illuminate Community Church3/23/25 - Gospel Emotions: Feeling as Jesus Felt - Proverbs - Pastor Jason FritzThis Sunday, we will explore what the book of Proverbs teaches us about our emotions. Emotions are a gift from God, but without wisdom, they can lead us astray. Proverbs 4:23 reminds us to guard the heart because everything we do flows from it. Throughout Scripture, we see how emotions like anger, envy, and anxiety can destroy, while self-control, patience, and joy bring life and peace. Our goal is not to suppress emotions but to guide them through the wisdom of God’s Word so that they serve His purposes rather than control us. The life of Jesus provides the pe...2025-06-1635 min

Illuminate Community Church3/16/25 - The Proverbs 31 Marriage - Pastor Jason FritzThis Sunday, we’re turning to the book of Proverbs to explore God’s design for husbands and wives. The modern family has undergone significant redefinitions, yet stability and fulfillment seem more elusive than ever. While society offers competing narratives, Scripture presents a clear and timeless vision. Proverbs 31 paints a picture of a strong, virtuous wife, while the rest of Proverbs offers wisdom for husbands - calling them to integrity, faithfulness, and sacrificial leadership. Marriage is not a competition but a covenant, and when both husband and wife embrace God’s design, the home flourishes. Some may read Proverbs 31 and fe...2025-06-1635 min

Illuminate Community Church3/9/25 - Humbled or Humiliated: The Choice We Must Make - Proverbs 22:4 - Pastor Jason FritzThe reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life. Proverbs 22:4 This Sunday, we will explore the themes of pride and humility as presented throughout the book of Proverbs. Scripture makes it clear that pride is a barrier to wisdom, while humility is the key to receiving instruction and growing in faith. Proverbs, along with passages from Matthew, James, and 1 Corinthians, reminds us that those who exalt themselves will be humbled, but those who humble themselves will be lifted up by God. The world encourages self-promotion and self-esteem, but the Bible calls us to...2025-06-1632 min

Illuminate Community Church3/2/25 - Eat Your Words: Reap Seeds of Life Not Death - Proverbs 18:21 - Pastor Jason FritzFor the past ten weeks, we have walked through Proverbs 1-9, a section of Scripture that paints a vivid picture of wisdom’s beauty and folly’s destruction. Now, as we move into Proverbs 10, we transition from poetic discourse to the practical, everyday wisdom of the Proverbs themselves. The structure may seem scattered, jumping from one topic to another, but this is intentional - it encourages reflection and discussion. As we begin this next section, we will organize proverbs thematically, starting with the most frequently mentioned topic: our words. The sage speaks more about our speech than he does abou...2025-06-1637 min

Illuminate Community Church2/23/25 - Two Voices, Two Houses, One Choice - Proverbs 9 - Pastor Jason FritzThis Sunday, we will explore Proverbs 9, a chapter that vividly portrays the crossroads of life we all face. As I studied this text, I was struck anew by the richness of its imagery. Proverbs 9 presents two contrasting invitations: one from Lady Wisdom, who offers a feast of life-giving truth, and the other from Lady Folly, who lures with empty promises that lead to destruction. Both are calling out, but their outcomes could not be more different. This passage reminds us that life is a series of decisions, each one drawing us closer to either wisdom or folly. Whose invitation...2025-06-1634 min

Illuminate Community Church2/16/25 - The Call of Wisdom: Finding Joy Through God’s Design - Proverbs 8 - Pastor Jason FritzProverbs chapters 5 and 7 explore the destructive consequences of following cultural views of sexuality that ignore God’s design. Proverbs 8 shifts our focus to a better way - God’s wisdom. Wisdom is personified as a dignified woman who calls out to all. Unlike the seductive voice of folly, wisdom offers life, joy, and clarity. She’s not hidden or exclusive; she stands at the crossroads and city gates, calling everyone to listen and follow God’s design for life. Wisdom, like Jesus, speaks truth with love, offering guidance to those who seek it diligently. Proverbs 8 reminds us that wisdom isn’t ju...2025-06-1632 min

Illuminate Community Church6/8/25 - Stewardship of a Talent - Matthew 25:14–30 - Pastor Darryl DelHousayeHere’s my question: when given a gift, is there any obligation to that gift? You say, "of course not, a gift is a gift!" But, what if it’s a gift entrusted? You may ask, "What do you mean by that?" It's a gift that has a responsibility to do something with it. This is a parable about the entrustment of talents.In Israel, a talent was not a coin, it was a weight. The value of the weight depended on whether the coinage involved was copper, silver, or gold. The value of a talent differed from...2025-06-1033 min

Illuminate Community Church2/9/25 - Lessons from the Ant Hill: Wisdom for Work, Finances, and Unity - Proverbs 6 - Pastor Jason FritzThis week will we explore Proverbs 6, where the wise father addresses three key areas of life: financial wisdom, diligence versus laziness, and the importance of unity. First on his mind is the danger of co-signing unwise financial agreements, likened to a snare that entraps us. The Bible does not condemn debt outright but warns against decisions that jeopardize our financial stability or enable poor stewardship in others. Next, we turn to the metaphor of the ant, that little creature modeling diligence and intrinsic motivation. The ant’s unwavering effort in preparation and perseverance teaches us to work hard, seize opportunitie...2025-02-1034 min

Illuminate Community Church2/2/25 - Sweet and Bitter Sexuality - Proverbs 5 - Pastor Jason FritzSex is like fire; in the fireplace it keeps us warm. Outside the fireplace it burns the house down. The Bible is not silent or shy about sex, portraying it as a sacred gift meant to be enjoyed exclusively within the covenant of marriage. Using vivid imagery, the chapter warns against the dangers of sexual immorality, comparing it to honey that turns bitter and ultimately leads to destruction. The passage emphasizes that God's design—one man and one woman in a lifelong, faithful union—not only fosters personal and spiritual well-being but also protects against the destructive consequen...2025-02-0336 min

Illuminate Community Church1/26/25 - Flourish by Guarding Your Heart - Proverbs 4 - Pastor Jason FritzIn Proverbs 4, the focus shifts from warnings to encouragement, emphasizing actions that lead to flourishing in life. This chapter reflects the wisdom of a father passing down vital lessons to his sons, which he learned from his father. The passage highlights the importance of pursuing wisdom as the key to living a meaningful and abundant life, aligning with Jesus' promise in John 10:10. True abundance comes not from worldly pursuits but from a life lived in and for Christ. Scottish minister Thomas Chalmers insightfully noted that real change happens when we see Christ as the source of true life, outshining...2025-01-2736 min

Illuminate Community Church1/19/25 - The Weight of Wealth: Trusting God and Living Generously - Proverbs 3:9–10 - Pastor Jason FritzOur text in Proverbs 3 invites us to consider the role of God’s wisdom in navigating the highs and lows of life. Whether in times of plenty or seasons of scarcity, we are called to trust God wholeheartedly, acknowledging Him as our ultimate provider. Solomon’s counsel to honor the Lord with our wealth and the firstfruits of our produce reminds us that money carries a significant weight in revealing our values and affections. The challenge lies in shifting the focus from glorifying ourselves to glorifying God with what we have, using our resources to highlight His greatness and meet...2025-01-2034 min

Illuminate Community Church1/12/25 - The Path to Shalom: Trusting God's Wisdom - Proverbs 3:1–8 - Pastor Jason FritzIn this week’s sermon, we draw a contrast between Proverbs chapters 2 and 3. While chapter 2 issues a warning to avoid the path of the wicked, chapter 3 takes a positive approach, teaching how to live a life of shalom—marked by peace, success, and refreshment. Solomon's fatherly counsel begins with the words "my son" and links wisdom with tangible blessings, urging us to guard our hearts against cultural ideologies, such as the popular mantra "live your truth," which opposes the biblical foundation of truth found in Jesus Christ. Solomon emphasizes the need to reject worldly loves and instead pursue the steadfast love and fa...2025-01-1333 min

Illuminate Community Church1/5/25 - Wisdom’s Warning - Proverbs 1:22-33 - Pastor Jason FritzWisdom’s Warning Proverbs 1:22-33 Last Sunday’s message from Proverbs reminded us of a fundamental truth: wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord. This fear isn’t about dread but reverence, a profound awe for God’s greatness, power, and grace. Proverbs 1:7 underscores this: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” To be wise is to recognize God’s design for the world and to live in harmony with it. Like a toddler ignoring a warning about playing with an electrical outlet, those who disregard God’...2025-01-0632 min

Illuminate Community Church12/29/24 - Wisdom or Folly? - Proverbs 1 - Pastor Jason FritzWhy study Proverbs? Because life is hard! As we begin to open the book, we are reminded of the complexities of life—relationships, conflict, and unexpected difficulties. Proverbs offers us a timeless guide for navigating these challenges with wisdom. The book, written by Solomon, contrasts two paths: the way of the wise and the way of the fool. Its purpose is clear from the outset: to impart skills for living a meaningful and purposeful life by aligning with God’s design. Wisdom is not strictly intellectual; it is a response to how God has ordered the w...2025-01-0233 min

Illuminate Community Church12/22/24 - Advent Love - John 3:16 - Pastor Jason FritzThis week’s Advent theme is love, beautifully captured in John 3:16. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.” The depth of God’s love is seen in His plan of redemption, which began in theGarden of Eden after the fall of humanity. When Adam and Eve sinned, their relationship with God was broken, and sin and death entered the world. But even then, God promised a Savior in Genesis 3:15, foretelling that the offspring of the woman would crush the serpent’...2024-12-2331 min

Illuminate Community Church12/15/24 - Advent Joy - Luke 2:8–15 - Pastor Jason FritzThis Sunday’s Advent theme explores the concept of joy as presented in the great birth announcement given by angels. Joy, unlike happiness, is not based on favorable life events but rooted in a relationship with Jesus. Biblical joy persists through all circumstances, anchored in the character and promises ofGod. This is why the angels’ announcement of Jesus’ birth in Luke 2 was such a momentous declaration of "great joy" for all people—introducing a joy that comes through Christ’s presence and God’s redemptive plan rather than worldly pleasures or success. The announcement reveals God’s profound presence throug...2024-12-1635 min

Illuminate Community Church12/8/24 - Advent Peace - Luke 2:14 - Pastor Jason FritzWe may recognize peace symbols and awards like the Nobel Peace Prize, yet the world remains full of conflict, with major wars raging. The Bible's concept of peace, shalom, is deeper than just the absence of conflict; it’s the restoration of our relationship with God. C.S. Lewis argued that the true meaning of Christmas is often buried under sentimentality, but at its heart, Christmas is about reconciliation between humanity and God. As the angels proclaimed at Jesus’ birth, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom He is pleased.” This peace is availa...2024-12-1133 min

Illuminate Community Church12/1/24 - Advent Hope - Isaiah 9:1–7 - Pastor Jason Fritz“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shone.” Isaiah 9:2 As Christmas nears, the Advent season begins, focusing on Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love to prepare us for Jesus' birth. We start with the message of hope, a gift from God that comes alive in the prophetic words of Isaiah, written centuries before Jesus' arrival. Isaiah foretells a light emerging from the overlooked region of Galilee, home to Nazareth, where Jesus was raised. This surprising choice illustrates God's way of working through the unexpected to brin...2024-12-0235 min

Illuminate Community Church11/24/24 - Dress for Spiritual Success - Ephesians 6:10–24 - Pastor Jason FritzPaul closes his letter to the Ephesians by emphasizing the practical application of our faith in a discussion about the "Armor of God." In chapter 4, Paul urges believers to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling" they have received. In chapter 6 he reminds us that there is an enemy who wants to push us off the path. Paul’s message reminds believers that they are in a spiritual battle. In fact, the world’s turmoil is a direct result of being under Satan’s influence. Paul addresses several key points about Satan: he is a real...2024-11-2536 min

Illuminate Community Church11/17/24 - Godly Households - Ephesians 6:1–9 - Pastor Jason FritzIn our passage this Sunday, Paul emphasizes how the gospel transforms relationships in the home and workplace. Paul instructs children to obey their parents, noting that this is the natural order of things. He highlights that honoring parents is the first commandment with a promise, (“that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land”) indicating that proper family dynamics have long-term benefits for children. Paul also stresses the importance of parents—especially fathers—providing Godly instruction and discipline. They are encouraged to raise their children in a way that prepares them for a well-or...2024-11-1810 min

Illuminate Community Church11/10/24 - The Mystery of Marriage - Ephesians 5:21–33 - Pastor Jason FritzIn our passage this Sunday, the Apostle Paul explores the theme of submission within the family. The fact is, we are all called to place ourselves under authority. "Submit one to another,” says Paul. As one of your Pastors, I am under the authority of the Elders - this is a great thing. It brings accountability and protection. And yet, is there a more incendiary word than submission in our culture today? A common misconception is that submission means inferiority or “less than.” Nothing could be farther from the truth. Jesus spent his entire life submitting to the will of the Fa...2024-11-1133 min

Illuminate Community Church11/03/24 - Imitators of God - Ephesians 5:1–22 - Pastor Jason FritzIn Ephesians 5, the Apostle Paul challenges Christians to live in a manner worthy of their calling. He emphasizes that knowing who God is and what He has done should lead us to obedience. This includes sexual purity and greed. Despite cultural resistance, Paul warns that sexual immorality, impurity, and coveting should not be present in the lives of Christians as these behaviors distort God's design for relationships and sexuality. Are we not seeing the damaging consequences of the sexual revolution that began 60 years ago? Now more than ever we encounter broken families, loneliness, objectification, and general dissatisfaction in relationships.2024-11-0434 min

Illuminate Community Church10/27/24 - The Wardrobe of a Transformed Life - Ephesians 4:17–32 - Pastor Jason FritzOur text this Sunday focuses on the decisive action needed to overcome sin. I am reminded of the metaphor from C.S. Lewis' The Great Divorce. The main character has a lizard on his shoulder which represents sin and temptation, constantly leading the man astray. One day an angel appears and says, “I can remove that lizard by killing it.” The lizard senses his approaching doom and begins to whisper excuses to delay the action. “I will be good from now on. I won’t go too far. You and I have been together for so long now.” The angel gives his response to the ...2024-10-2836 min

Illuminate Community Church10/20/24 - Unity and Diversity in the Church - Ephesians 4:1–16 - Pastor Jason FritzIn a world marked by division, God's people should stand out as the most unified force on the planet. In Ephesians chapter 4, Paul transitions from theology to practical application, urging believers to "walk in a manner worthy of the calling" they have received. Paul is thinking of the theological realities described in the earlier chapters; and they are amazing… - we are chosen - we are redeemed - we are sealed by the Holy Spirit Therefore, we are called to live lives that reflect these profound...2024-10-2137 min

Illuminate Community Church10/13/24 - A Prayer For The Church - Ephesians 3:14–21 - Pastor Jason FritzHave you ever started praying for something specific, only to find your mind wandering? Perhaps someone asked you to pray for their job interview, but as you begin your thoughts shift to your own work responsibilities. Suddenly, you’re not praying anymore—you’re mentally compiling a to-do list! Our passage this Sunday begins by drawing a parallel between our own distracted prayers and Paul's writing in Ephesians 3, where he starts with a prayer but then digresses into a theological reflection on the mystery of God’s plan to unite Jews and Gentiles into one family. After th...2024-10-1435 min

Illuminate Community Church10/6/24 - Through the Church - Ephesians 3:1-13 - Pastor Bob Drew"This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him" - Ephesians 3:11-12 The moment we became Christians, our lives were beautifully transformed. First and foremost, we became Christ’s, new creations in Him, and are continually being shaped into His likeness every day! Even more exciting, we became part of a new humanity—a Body of believers, chosen to follow and boldly proclaim the love and hope of Christ. Yet, the Bible reminds us that m...2024-10-0733 min

Illuminate Community Church9/29/24 - The End of Prejudice - Ephesians 2:11-22 - Pastor Jason Fritz"But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility…" Ephesians 2:13-14 Have you ever asked, “Where does all of the world’s separation come from?" The answer is not social or cultural, it is spiritual. In Ephesians 2, the apostle Paul addresses the deep divisions that existed in the world of his time, much like those we see toda...2024-09-3035 min

Illuminate Community Church9/22/24 - Living Out God’s Masterpiece - Ephesians 2:1-10 - Pastor Jason FritzIn this Sunday’s message from Ephesians 2:1-10, I am reminded of the struggles that so many in the world face today—work anxiety, family stress, political division, social media pressure, and the overwhelming pace of life. These challenges can often make people feel like something is fundamentally wrong as if we are all searching for peace but can never quite find it. The Apostle Paul speaks directly to this condition, showing us that the world’s unrest is not just a result of external pressures, but a reflection of a deeper spiritual reality. Mankind is with...2024-09-2337 min

Illuminate Community Church9/15/24 - Open The Eyes of Our Hearts! - Ephesians 1:15–23 - Pastor Jason FritzThis Sunday's message dives into the Apostle Paul’s powerful prayer in Ephesians 1:15-23, where he expresses his gratitude for the faith and love this church has for all believers. Notice the word “all.” If you’re not irritated by someone at Illuminate, you’re not attending Illuminate. The fact is, some are harder to love than others and yet, this is our charge - to love everyone. After giving praise to them, he prays for them. Paul prays that they would understand the incredible blessings they possess in Christ. He emphasizes three key gifts: the hope of their calling, t...2024-09-1732 min

Illuminate Community Church9/8/24 - Count Your Blessings - Ephesians 1:1-14 - Pastor Jason FritzThis Sunday, I’m very excited to begin a new study in the book of Ephesians! There is one overarching theme: sound docrtine is important and should lead us to a life of holiness. The letter emphasizes the goal of living in harmony as one body with Christ as the head and provides guidance on how to navigate spiritual warfare. It is amazing! Ephesians was written by the apostle Paul during his house arrest in Rome, around the early 60s AD, to the church in Ephesus. Despite his imprisonment, Paul remained active in wri...2024-09-1636 min

Illuminate Community Church9/1/24 - Faithful to the End: Finding Hope in God's Sovereignty - Daniel 12 - Pastor Jason FritzThis Sunday, we conclude our study of the Book of Daniel, having explored it verse by verse to grasp the author's original intent under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit. This method helps us understand the overarching narrative and the homiletical plot of the story, aligning with Paul's reminder in Romans 15:4 that the Scriptures provide instruction, endurance, and hope. We have taken a deep dive into historical and prophetic texts that resonate with our faith journey, giving us a deeper understanding of God's work throughout history and His promises for the future. Thanks for hanging in there!2024-09-0929 min

Illuminate Community Church8/25/24 - Faith and Sovereignty: Trusting God's Plan in Turbulent Times - Daniel 11 - Pastor Jason FritzThere is nothing like the Bible. In this Sunday's sermon, we explore the prophetic insights of Daniel chapter 11, a text written around 530 B.C. This chapter is renowned for its intricate predictions of future events, many of which have already transpired with remarkable accuracy, showcasing Daniel's divine revelation. The chapter narrates the rise and fall of various kings and kingdoms, affirming that God orchestrates the course of history. Daniel's prophecies cover a span of 350 years, highlighting key historical transitions, such as the reigns of Persian kings and the subsequent dominance of Alexander the Great, whose e...2024-08-2638 min

Illuminate Community Church8/18/24 - Seeing the Unseen War - Daniel 10 - Pastor Jason FritzThe calculation of the 476 years from the 483 (69 x 7) years in Daniel 9:24-26 arises due to the difference between the Jewish lunar calendar and the Gregorian solar calendar. Jewish (lunar) vs. Gregorian (solar) Calendars The Jewish calendar is based on a lunar year, which has 360 days per year. (12 months each having 30 days.) The Gregorian calendar (which we use today) is based on a solar year, with 365.25 days per year (including the leap year adjustment). The difference in years come from the conversion of the lunar calendar to the so...2024-08-2629 min

Illuminate Community Church8/11/24 - 70 Weeks Foretold - Daniel 9:19-27 - Pastor Jason FritzIn the first half of Daniel chapter 9, we witness the prophet Daniel praying with a tear-stained face and a heart weighed down by sorrow. His prayer is a heartfelt plea, one that ends abruptly as he calls out to God: "O Lord, hear; O Lord, forgive. O Lord, pay attention and act. Delay not, for your own sake, O my God, because your city and your people are called by your name." (Daniel 9:19) But before Daniel can even finish, God answers swiftly and unmistakably: "While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin...2024-08-1432 min

Illuminate Community Church8/4/24 - Serve One Another - 1 Peter 4:10-11 - Pastor Jason FritzThis Sunday, I will be stepping out of Daniel and giving an update on our expansion plans. We are nearing the start of construction, and I want us to envision what will be included in the new Worship Center and the upstairs space. This time each year, by God’s grace, we experience growth, and for this reason, it's vital for more people to engage in the life of the church through service. As 1 Peter 4:10-11 reminds us, each of us has received gifts to serve one another, being good stewards of God's varied grace. Serving within th...2024-08-0640 min

Illuminate Community Church7/28/24 - Confess, Ask, Expect - Daniel 9:1-21 - Pastor Jason FritzThis Sunday, we will delve into Daniel 9, splitting this chapter into two parts. In two weeks, we will cover the second part, which contains one of the most significant prophecies in the entire Bible. This week, we will focus on the first half, where we find Daniel’s remarkable prayer. By this time, Daniel was over 80 years old and had endured many trials in Babylonian captivity. Throughout all these challenges, he has consistently placed his trust in God and remained faithful. Daniel’s heart and mind have always been set on his homeland despite being taken...2024-07-3033 min

Illuminate Community Church7/21/24 - The Bold Faced Man - Daniel 8 - Pastor Jason FritzIn Daniel chapter 8, the prophet recounts a vision he had in the third year of King Belshazzar's reign, finding himself beside the Ulai Canal in Susa. Brace yourself. In the vision, Daniel witnesses a powerful ram with two horns, symbolizing the Medo-Persian Empire, which is eventually overcome by a swift goat with a notable horn, representing the Greek Empire under Alexander the Great. (Horns signify strength, if you remember from last Sunday.) The goat's horn is removed at its zenith, replaced by four horns signifying the division of Alexander's empire among his generals. From one of these...2024-07-2233 min

Illuminate Community Church7/14/24 - The Four Beasts - Daniel 7 - Pastor Jason FritzPrepare yourself for some intense imagery from the book of Daniel! Starting in chapter 7, the nature of this profound work shifts dramatically. The text transitions from Aramaic to Hebrew, marking the onset of several visions granted to Daniel. These visions unveil God’s cataclysmic plans for the nations. Yet, the most harrowing times are still ahead for the faithful. Daniel contemplates these revelations and reacts: “As for me, Daniel, my spirit within me was anxious, and the visions of my head alarmed me.” Daniel 7:15 Daniel's alarm stems from a vision of an apoca...2024-07-1833 min

Illuminate Community Church7/7/24 - In the Lion's Den - Daniel 6 - Pastor Jason FritzWhen my kids were little they loved visiting the zoo and especially the lions. Most of the time they were laying around with no worries knowing they were apex predators. From a distance they seemed harmless. However, when the male wanted to make himself known, you could hear him roar from anywhere in the park. Imagine Daniel, an octogenarian, thrust into the midst of these powerful animals, with nowhere to conceal himself. I’ve had some pretty bad days at work but nothing like this! However, Daniel knew no crisis because he believed in the sovereignty of God. 2024-07-0933 min

Illuminate Community Church6/30/24 - The Handwriting On The Wall - Daniel 5 - Pastor Jason FritzMany are acquainted with the phrase "He couldn’t see the handwriting on the wall," often unaware of its origins in Daniel chapter 5. Here, during King Belshazzar’s extravagant feast, his arrogance invites God's judgment, marked by a mysterious inscription on the palace wall. As the soiree persists, the Persians encircle Babylon. Did Belshazzar grasp the imminent danger? It seems likely, given the formidable size of the amassed army. So why indulge in revelry while the enemy lurks at the gates? Perhaps he deemed Babylon impregnable—a notion well reasoned considering its colossal walls. The remnant...2024-07-0133 min

Illuminate Community Church6/23/24 - Nebuchadnezzar’s Testimony - Daniel 4 - Pastor Jason FritzImagine this: In the midst of darkness filled with late-night indulgences, Nebuchadnezzar finds himself in a dream unlike any other. Instead of the typical fast food inspired visions before bedtime, he encounters a divine revelation. Within his slumber, he sees a magnificent tree, towering and strong, providing food, shelter, and shade to all. As he marvels at this natural wonder, a heavenly voice is heard, commanding it to be chopped down, leaving only a stump. Additionally, he learns that for seven years, a ruler shall dwell as a beast of the wild. Perplexed by the v...2024-06-2737 min

Illuminate Community Church6/16/24 - Spiritual Fathers - 1 Corinthians 4:15-16 - Pastor Jason FritzHappy Father's Day Dads! This Sunday, we celebrate the profound privilege and responsibility of being a father. For many, their fathers served as admirable examples, while others may have had different experiences. In today's world, there's often confusion about what it truly means to be a good dad. However, God’s wisdom awaits us in the Bible. This Sunday, we will explore how the apostle Paul considered himself a spiritual father to the believers in the Corinthian church. Paul played a crucial role in their journey to Christ, as he was the one who brought the gospel to...2024-06-1637 min

Illuminate Community Church6/9/24 - Faith Under Fire - Daniel 3 - Pastor Jason FritzIf you've been immersed in church culture, the narrative from Daniel chapter three is likely etched in your memory. It recounts the unwavering faith of three young men in the face of adversity. It's a story that challenges us to reflect on our own daily choices. What—or whom—are we truly worshiping? This question holds profound significance because what we worship shapes our lives. Worship, at its core, is about assigning ultimate worth to someone or something. In essence, we are all worshipers, directing our deepest devotion towards various objects or ideals. Shad...2024-06-1034 min

Illuminate Community Church6/2/24 - The Everlasting Kingdom - Daniel 2:25-49 - Pastor Hudson GarciaThis week, we will receive the long-anticipated revelation and interpretation of King Nebuchadnezzar’s dream. As Daniel began to reveal this dream to the King, it was important to Daniel that the king knew and understood who had revealed this mystery. “but there is a God in heaven who reveals mysteries, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days.” Daniel 2:28 In this dream, a great and mighty statue resembling a man or god stood before the king. Each section of this statue was crafted from a different metal: the head was gold, the ch...2024-06-0332 min

Illuminate Community Church5/26/24 - Wisdom in Crisis - Daniel 2:1-24 - Pastor Hudson Garcia This week, Daniel, and his three friends are once again faced with a difficult situation. King Nebuchadnezzar is troubled in his spirit because of a recurring nightmare and threatens to kill all the wise men of Babylon if they cannot help him. However, King Nebuchadnezzar asked them not only to interpret the dream but also to reveal the content of the dream to him first. No king had ever asked them to do this, as it was seemingly impossible. “The thing that the king asks is difficult, and no one can show it to the king...2024-05-2834 min

Illuminate Community Church5/19/24 - Inward Conviction > Outward Pressure - Daniel 1:8-21 - Pastor Jason FritzLast week, we witnessed Daniel and his three friends being uprooted from everything they knew. Their world was turned upside down as they were taken into the custody of the mighty Babylonian empire. It was common for the Babylonians to educate the best and brightest in their ways. Almost overnight, these teenagers were on the path to immense influence. Upon arriving in Babylon, they encountered the pinnacle of worldly luxury. The city was magnificent and opulent, filled with pagan temples. The king’s palace, which was beyond their wildest imaginations would be their home. Despite the unique temptations they fa...2024-05-2035 min

Illuminate Community Church5/12/24 - The Secret to Motherhood - Mother's Day - Pastor Jason FritzIt is widely acknowledged that mothers hold a uniquely cherished place in our lives. Do you realize that Mother's Day ranks as the third most celebrated holiday in America, following closely behind Christmas and Easter? Additionally, it is the third most attended Sunday in churches nationwide. Mother’s Day sees more phone calls exchanged than any other day of the year. Every child knows that no mother is flawless, yet there exists within each of us a sacred space that only a mother can occupy. This bond transcends age and time. I recall the memorable moment when Sh...2024-05-1334 min

Illuminate Community Church5/5/24 - No Compromise - Daniel 1:1-8 - Pastor Jason FritzDaniel, along with his three companions, exemplified unwavering faith amidst the complexities of public life. Captured by the Babylonians as mere teenagers in the sixth century BC, they found themselves thrust into positions of influence within a pluralistic, secular society that often clashed with their deeply held beliefs in the one true God. Much like our own time, where faith can feel marginalized and confined, the Babylonian empire presented Daniel and his friends with significant challenges. Their devotion to God was viewed as disruptive in a culture that favored pluralism. Sound fami...2024-05-0636 min

Illuminate Community Church4/28/24 - Theology Leads To Doxology - Romans 16 - Pastor Jason FritzI often picture Paul as a seasoned soldier who is all blood and guts. He was constantly fighting the good fight, waging spiritual battles and slaying demons. However, in the final chapter of Romans you see the tender heart within him. This man accomplished great things for God but he did so through strong affectionate relationships with his brothers and sisters in Christ. With his concluding words he turns his attention to them. You can feel the overflowing emotions of love. "I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a servant of the church at Cenchreae, t...2024-04-2939 min

Illuminate Community Church4/21/24 - Paul's Passion and Vision - Romans 15:14–33 - Pastor Jason FritzWe are nearing the end of the book of Romans and in chapter 15 Paul begins his closing remarks. If you reflect on the life of this man, you really have to be amazed. Paul is nothing out of the ordinary in stature and presence, over time his body would become disfigured because of the violence brought against him. Yet, he would be one of the most significant individuals in the history of the world. Paul changed the course of Rome and Western civilization, not through the power of an army, but through the power of a message. His calling...2024-04-2232 min

Illuminate Community Church4/14/24 - Jesus The Uniter - Romans 15:1–13 - Pastor Jason FritzIn Romans chapter 15, Paul encourages the church to maintain her unity once again. It turns out, this was quite a challenge for early Christians. I’ll give you some examples of what was happening in the local congregations… The church in Galatia was known for its legalism. The church in Corinth was divided because some were tolerating the kind of sins that many unbelievers didn’t tolerate. The church in Pergamum was splitting because Christians were marrying pagans and it appears their pagan gods were being introduced. Many of Paul’s letters aim at preventing division d...2024-04-1534 min

Illuminate Community Church4/7/24 - Eternal Not External - Romans 14:13–23 - Pastor Jason FritzThis Sunday we're back in our study of Romans chapter fourteen. Paul isn’t finished talking about the importance of Christian unity. This can be challenging because we don’t all come from the same backgrounds, experiences and cultures. In Paul’s day, Rome was a cosmopolitan city with diverse people now joined together under the banner of Christianity. Many of these folks had very little in common. Picture this incredible scene… Jews and Gentiles, Greeks and Barbarians, servants of the house and owners of the same house sharing the same meal around...2024-04-0833 min

Illuminate Community Church3/31/24 - Easter at Illuminate - Pastor Jason Fritz"Then the disciples went back to their homes. But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb, and as she wept she stooped to look into the tomb. And she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had lain, one at the head and one at the feet. They said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “They have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.” Having said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, “Woman, wh...2024-04-0232 min

Illuminate Community Church3/24/24 - Uncommon King - John 12:12-19 - Pastor Jason FritzThis weekend we celebrate Palm Sunday which marks the time when Jesus arrived in Jerusalem riding on a donkey. The crowds waved palm branches as a sign of respect as he passed by. They shouted, “Hosanna!” which means, save us! This is the action displayed by those who are receiving their king. However, by the end of the week, some of these same people will be shouting, “Crucify him!” What happened? Well, Jesus was not the king they wanted him to be, but rather he was the king they needed him to be. You see, they did not understand the ulti...2024-03-2529 min

Illuminate Community Church3/17/24 - Let God Be Judge - Romans 14:1-12 - Pastor Jason FritzNormally, diversity does not easily breed unity. The human tendency is to judge and look down upon those who are different than we are. This was certainly true in Paul’s day. The Jews living in Jerusalem viewed the Jews living in Rome as sellouts because they had adopted Roman customs. The Jerusalem Jews shunned Roman culture and therefore they were holier…or so they thought. Both groups looked down on the Gentiles who practiced paganism and had very little spiritual life. When people from these divergent groups met Jesus they soon met together. Their backgrounds had very little in c...2024-03-1732 min

Illuminate Community Church3/10/24 - Love Without End - Romans 13:8-14 - Pastor Jason FritzThis Sunday we read from the last half of Romans chapter 13. It is beautiful. It contains the distinctively Christian virtue of love. I say, "distinctively Christian" because of the specific Greek word used by Paul - agape. This word is rarely used outside of the Bible. Yet it is the primary way in which Christians are commanded to love each other - without condition and without end. It is this unending love in action that gave rise to the spread of Christianity around the Mediterranean. The world had never seen anything like it. First century A...2024-03-1133 min

Illuminate Community Church3/3/24 - Heavenly Citizens of Earth - Romans 13:1-7 - Pastor Jason FritzRomans chapter thirteen is famous for its words relating Christian conduct and human governments. This is not the first place in Scripture we read these things. In Matthew chapter twenty-two we find an interaction between Jesus and a group of men who were trying to trap him. This group was an unusual alliance between two types of Jews. The Pharisees, who represented religious life in the Jewish community, did not like Roman rule. The second group was the Herodians. These Jews didn’t mind the Roman way of life. In fact, they supported the Roman government and paid their tax...2024-03-0339 min

Illuminate Community Church2/25/24 - Love Inside and Out - Romans 12:9-21 - Pastor Jason FritzLast Sunday we looked at Romans 12:3-8. We read about having our minds renewed in Christ. This has a profound effect on who we are and what we do. A renewed mind manifests itself in loving those inside and outside the church. How exactly is this done? Paul tells us what Christian love is, and is not. This is necessary because in our day we use the word love to describe affections that are not all the same. For example, you might hear someone say they love ice cream and then a minute later they tell you they love th...2024-02-2733 min

Illuminate Community Church2/18/24 - How To Think About Yourself - Romans 12:3-8 - Pastor Jason FritzLast Sunday we covered the first two verses in Romans chapter twelve. Paul exhorted us in this way… "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Romans 12:1-2 In the verses that follow, he explains how to...2024-02-1934 min

Illuminate Community Church2/11/24 - The Call To Commitment - Romans 12:1-2 - Pastor Jason FritzIn Romans chapter 12 there is a noticeable shift in the letter from Paul. He moves from doctrine to application. This is the part where you ask yourself, "What difference does knowing God make in my life?" Paul helps… I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Romans 12:1-2 Paul is making an urgent request and at the same, he forms the basis for it: God’s mercies. God’s mercy is both simple and complex. A short definition is to say...2024-02-1235 min

Illuminate Community Church2/4/24 - Israel Then, Now, and Future - Romans 11 - Pastor Jason FritzOur text this week is about the nation of Israel. There is no doubt they are a unique group of people. They have been around a long time despite many efforts aimed at their destruction. Many ancient nations have come and gone yet Israel has stood the test of time. They are second to none in the history of battle. Think about this - they can trace their lineage back thousands of years to one man, Abraham. Worldwide those who identify as Jew first total about 15 million. Approximately half live in Israel and a little less than half l...2024-02-0535 min

Illuminate Community Church1/28/24 - Human Responsibility - Romans 10 - Pastor Jason FritzRomans 10 There is a recurring argument that Paul confronts in the book of Romans and it goes like this…If the nation of Israel, with all of its tremendous spiritual privileges has not followed God’s plan of redemption through Jesus but still clings to a works oriented view of salvation - does that mean God has failed? Afterall, God chose Israel to be his people and yet they have turned their backs on his offer of salvation through Christ. This might lead some to think God did not accomplish what he set out to do and therefore God has f...2024-01-2940 min

Illuminate Community Church1/21/24 - Q+A with Peter Williams - Pastor Jason FritzIn this very special service, Dr. Peter Williams from The University of Cambridge joins us to speak about the trustworthiness of the Gospels. Dr. Williams is an Affiliated Lecturer in the Faculty of Divinity in the University of Cambridge, Chair of the International Greek New Testament Project and a member of the Translation Oversight Committee of the English Standard Version of the Bible. He assisted Dr. Dirk Jongkind in Tyndale House’s production of a major edition of the Greek New Testament and his book "Can We Trust the Gospels?" has been translated into 13 languages. His latest book, "The Su...2024-01-2234 min

Illuminate Community Church1/14/24 - Happy Birthday Illuminate! - Pastor Jason FritzHappy 8th Birthday Illuminate! Wow, how time goes by! What began as a dream eight years ago has become a movement of God’s people who call Illuminate their home. We couldn’t have imagined all that God would do, but we are not surprised because we believe God is big and he wants to do much more than we could ask or think... Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the chur...2024-01-1534 min

Illuminate Community Church1/7/24 - God Is Working His Plan - Romans 9 - Pastor Jason FritzIn this message, we will be reading from Romans chapter nine. It’s a stark contrast to the end of chapter eight where Paul ends on a high note. He gives a mountain top experience but when you arrive at the summit and look ahead you see storm clouds approaching. After turning the page, you find distress in what Paul writes next. Consider the change in tone... For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, wi...2024-01-0833 min

Illuminate Community Church12/31/23 - God Is For Us - Romans 8:28-39 - Pastor Jason FritzIn 1660 John Bunyon, the Puritan preacher and author was in deep depression until he began meditating on the words of our text this Sunday. He read this from Romans chapter 8, “If God is for us, who is against us?” The more he reflected on these words the more the clouds departed. All we have to do is look around us and see what’s happening in the world and it’s easy to become downhearted. Or we can look within and recognize life’s unwanted circumstances and this too can cause a downward spiral. It’s time to look up. Romans chapter 8...2023-12-3133 min

Illuminate Community Church12/24/23 - Christmas Eve at Illuminate - Luke 1-2 - Pastor Jason FritzHave you noticed that Christmas has become the world’s largest secular holiday? Sadly, the story of Jesus’ birth goes unnoticed and yet the story itself is remarkable. It’s like someone who lives in Arizona and yet never visits the Grand Canyon thinking, “It will always be just a few hours away and when I get time, I’ll make it there.” There’s this incredible place of natural beauty and yet never experienced even though it’s in our own backyard! That’s the way many people treat the birth of Jesus. “Someday, I’ll think more critically about the most talked...2023-12-3128 min

Illuminate Community Church12/17/23 - Advent: Peace - Luke 2:14 - Pastor Jason FritzAdvent - Peace Luke 2:14 You may not speak Hebrew but you know the word shalom. The peace symbol is one of the most recognized in the world. Worldwide recognition is given every year to those who are considered great peacemakers. Meanwhile the 20th century has seen more bloodshed in war than all previous centuries combined. Currently there are two major ongoing conflicts. In reality; peace on earth is elusive. Last Sunday we looked at the first part of the angel’s glorious birth announcement. Shepherds were the first to hear about the true source of joy arriving in the...2023-12-1837 min

Illuminate Community Church12/10/23 - Advent: Joy - Luke 2:1-14 - Pastor Jason Fritz Christian joy is not dependent upon circumstances, it is dependent upon a person. And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ...2023-12-1136 min

Illuminate Community Church12/3/23 - Advent: Love - John 3:16 - Pastor Jason Fritz “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 The Danish philosopher and theologian Soren Kierkegaard reflected on the reason for the incarnation and said this… Imagine a prince desiring to get married. Each day his gold carriage traveled through the marketplace on its way to the castle. One day his eye caught the beauty of a peasant maiden. He fell in love with her. But how could he get her to marry him? As prince he could force the girl. Or he could have p...2023-12-0434 min

Illuminate Community Church11/26/23 - Advent: Hope - Romans 5:13 - Pastor Jason Fritz This Sunday we start our Advent series in preparation for the most significant event in human history - the birth of Jesus. The word advent means “arrival” and beginning in the fourth century AD Christians have been preparing their hearts, minds and homes with the hope of Christmas. We use the word hope several different ways. We might say, “I hope next summer won’t be as hot as the last one!” There is an element of pessimism in this. That’s not the kind of hope we are talking about. Instead, Biblical hope is a confident assurance that what God promised...2023-11-2737 min

Illuminate Community Church11/19/23 - Grief and Hope - Romans 8:18-27 - Pastor Jason FritzRomans 8:18-27 Friends, the Scritpures are honest in describing an inescapable reality: there is pain in human existence. For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18 Paul is honest in describing a life modeled after Jesus and guided by the Spirit includes suffering. He would know. This is his testimony… Five times I received at the hands of the Jews the forty lashes less one. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked; a nigh...2023-11-2034 min

Illuminate Community Church11/12/23 - Live and Let Die - Romans 8:1-17 - Pastor Jason FritzRomans 8:1-17 Last week we heard some brutally honest words from the apostle Paul. He reveals his own personal struggles in Romans chapter 7… For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am of the flesh, sold under sin. For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate. vs.24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Romans 7:14-15; 24. I can relate to this and so can you. We want to do good b...2023-11-1437 min

Illuminate Community Church11/5/23 - The Struggle is Real! - Romans 7 - Pastor Jason FritzThis is a very poignant description of somebody who cares deeply about people, the Word of God, and what God wants for him. This is the person who desires to obey God’s laws, but is disappointed with himself, because in spite of what he desires he is pulled and pushed away from what he wants to do into the very thing he hates. It is the personal conflict of a soul in turmoil. The struggle is real. It is so intense and so strong that it dominates the life of Paul, and it dominates our lives also. You...2023-11-0631 min

Illuminate Community Church10/29/23 - Choose The One You Serve - Romans 6:15-23 - Pastor Jason FritzLast week we heard from the apostle Paul as he explained the effects of God’s grace in our lives. Some erroneously believed that because God forgives, they can just go on wilfully sinning. In fact, some made the argument that if we sin more, then God has to give us more grace and when God gives grace that just makes him look better. So we should sin more, therefore revealing God to be good. Paul answers with a resounding, “No!" You don’t understand grace. A proper understanding of grace should lead you away from sin, not tow...2023-10-3031 min

Illuminate Community Church10/22/23 - Prevention Theology - Romans 6:1-14 - Pastor Jason FritzThe message this Sunday is for all those who feel trapped in destructive habits. It is for those who have been living in a cycle of sin, confess, sin, confess, over and over again. It is for those who feel stuck and wonder if thier Christian life will ever move forward. It is also for those who ask, "What did Jesus ever do for me?" The apostle Paul has been writing about the grace of God in Romans chapter 5. He’s been telling us that God’s grace covers every one of our sins. As often as we sin...2023-10-2334 min

Illuminate Community Church10/15/23 - The Two Most Influential Men - Romans 5:12-21 - Pastor Jason FritzSunday’s passage in Romans is widely accepted as one of great significance and also one of the most challenging. Our task is to make it simple but not to simplify it. Sin came into the world through one man, says Paul. That man is Adam. Paul believed Adam was a real human (and so did Jesus.) Paul reaches back to the Garden of Eden when God said to the man, “Just one restriction, don’t eat the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil.” And what happened? Adam ate. Then came the result: death was spread through si...2023-10-2335 min

Illuminate Community Church10/8/23 - Salvation Leads To Exaltation - Romans 5:1-11 - Pastor Jason FritzRomans chapter five contains the famous passage commonly referred to as “the chain of salvation.” Imagine Paul linking together five amazing blessings that come into your life as a result of trusting in Jesus. Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Romans 5:1-2 First, we have peace with God. What does it mean to have peace with God? What...2023-10-2334 min

Illuminate Community Church10/1/23 - The Object of Our Faith - Romans 4:13-25 - Pastor Jason Fritz"That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,” Romans 4:16 What exactly is the faith of Abraham? Paul explains… In hope he believed against hope, (that’s another way of describing a seemingly impossible situation) that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” He did not weaken i...2023-10-2335 min

Illuminate Community Church9/24/23 - Sola Fide - Faith Alone! - Romans 4:1-15 - Pastor Jason Fritz There is one central theme to Romans chapter 4 and it is this: Salvation comes by faith and not works. This is a timely message for today because there are millions of people practicing some form of religion or self actualization that teaches one must earn his or her way to enlightenment or heaven. Most believe if your good outweighs your bad then God smiles on you and the gates of heaven will be thrown open. Paul shatters this idea by using just two examples from the Old Testament. He eagerly probes at the roots of this issue by asking the q...2023-10-2335 min

Illuminate Community Church9/17/23 - Discipleshift - Matthew 28:19-20 - Pastor Jason FritzWe’ve got something special for you church family! This Sunday we will be stepping out of our study in Romans and bringing you something very important. For the last several months we have been planning a refocus of our priorities and purpose as a church. Our mission was made clear by Jesus when he said this in Matthew 28:19-20… "Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behol...2023-09-1934 min

Illuminate Community Church9/10/23 - Validated By God - Romans 3:21-31 - Pastor Jason FritzThis is a rich sentence my friends... For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. Romans 3:22-24 All are sinners. You might be familiar with the scene of ancient archers drawing back their bows and letting the arrows fly toward the target. If they missed the bullseye the crowd yelled, “Sinner!” To sin is to m...2023-09-1233 min