Illuminate Community Church

6/9/24 - Faith Under Fire - Daniel 3 - Pastor Jason Fritz

If 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.

Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego's response to King Nebuchadnezzar is a testament to their unwavering faith: "Our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” Daniel 3:16-18

Their response exemplifies a rare blend of respect and noncompliance. While acknowledging the king's authority, they place their trust firmly in God. Crucially, they refrain from presuming how God will act. Their stance is clear: "God can save us, but even if He chooses not to, our allegiance to Him remains unwavering."

This encapsulates the essence of biblical faith: the confidence to proclaim, "I know my God is able to deliver me," coupled with the submission and humility to declare, "Yet even if He does not, I will still trust in Him." It echoes the resolve of Job, who said, "Though he slay me, I will hope in him," and reflects the attitude of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane. “Not my will, but yours."

As Max Lucado poignantly puts it, "Sometimes God chooses to calm the storm, but if he doesn’t, he is always there to calm his children in the midst of the storm."

 

While most Christians affirm God's omnipotence, fewer embody a willingness to align their will with His. God isn't a celestial wish-granter or a lucky charm. He is the sovereign Creator, Sustainer, and Orchestrator of all existence. If Genesis 1:1 is true, then everything rests in His hands. And if the resurrection of Jesus is a reality, then we can rest assured—whether in life or in death—God has us covered.

6/2/24 - The Everlasting Kingdom - Daniel 2:25-49 - Pastor Hudson Garcia

This 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 chest and arms of silver, the middle and thighs of bronze, the legs of iron and feet partly iron and partly clay. Despite its large and powerful frame, in the king's dream, a small stone would strike the feet, causing the entire statue to crumble. This collapse is indeed the cause of the King’s anxieties surrounding the dream. Daniel tells Nebuchadnezzar that each section of this statue represents a succession of kingdoms, starting with his own. This dream reveals the truth that no king and no kingdom will last forever – except one. “And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever, just as you saw that a stone was cut from a mountain by no human hand, and that it broke in pieces the iron, the bronze, the clay, the silver, and the gold.” Daniel 2:44-45 Every kingdom of this world will come and go, but the Kingdom of God will last forever. This has serious implications for how we live today and for our hope in eternity.

5/26/24 - 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 except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.” Daniel 2:11

 

This response caused the king to burn with fury and to set a decree to execute all the wise men in the land. When the news reached Daniel, he responded with prudence and discretion. He believed that what seems impossible for man is possible for God. Gathering his friends, they prayed for God's mercy and revelation. That night, God revealed the mystery of the dream and its interpretation to Daniel. Instead of rushing to the king, Daniel took a moment to acknowledge and praise God for His revelation. Daniel proclaims:

 

“Blessed be the name of God forever and ever,

to whom belong wisdom and might.

He changes times and seasons;

he removes kings and sets up kings;

he gives wisdom to the wise

and knowledge to those who have understanding;

he reveals deep and hidden things;

he knows what is in the darkness,

and the light dwells with him.”

Daniel 2:20-22

 

This poem reveals an important attribute of God’s character: He is omniscient (all-knowing). This reality of God sets wisdom that comes from Him apart from anything this world has to offer. It was this wisdom that continually set Daniel apart from all the other wise men in Babylonian empire. When you are met with challenges, difficult situations, and decisions, do you rely on the wisdom of this world or wisdom that comes from God?

5/19/24 - Inward Conviction > Outward Pressure - Daniel 1:8-21 - Pastor Jason Fritz

Last 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 faced, they were prepared, having resolved in advance not to compromise their values.

"But Daniel resolved that he would not defile himself with the king's food, or with the wine that he drank." Daniel 1:8

These young men were offered the same exquisite food the king ate, prepared by the finest chefs with ingredients sourced from far and wide. It was akin to dining at a Michelin-star restaurant - every day. Yet, they chose not to partake because they believed it would corrupt them according to God’s law. Note what the verse above emphasizes - Daniel decided beforehand he would not defile himself with the king’s food. He considered the real possibility that he would be asked to eat what isn’t kosher. When that moment arrived, he would say, "no.” This teaches us a valuable lesson about the importance of our convictions. It begins with a decision firmly rooted in the heart before any action is taken. What about you? Do you have a plan for the daily temptations you face? If there’s one crucial lesson we can learn from the life of Daniel, it is this: Inner conviction will overcome any outward pressure.

5/12/24 - The Secret to Motherhood - Mother's Day - Pastor Jason Fritz

It 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 Shaquille O'Neal returned to complete his college education. On his graduation day, amidst a throng of news reporters, there stood Shaq—imposing in stature, swimming in wealth and fame. Yet, as he donned his cap and gown, with a simple gesture his mother straightened his tie on national television. It was a heartwarming reminder that mothers are perpetually watching over us, and somehow, we never wish for that to change. Indeed, there's an undeniable significance to the role they play in our lives.

Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that Mother's Day may not evoke joy for every woman. For some, it stirs up painful emotions—perhaps due to infertility, estrangement from a child, or the loss of a son or daughter. However, even amidst such sorrow, many would agree that it is fitting to honor the mothers among us for their unwavering sacrifice and boundless love.

This Sunday, we extend our deepest gratitude to mothers and pay homage to the divine order set forth by God. According to the Bible, mothers occupy a sacred and invaluable role. Moms, we honor you and express our heartfelt appreciation for all that you do!

5/5/24 - No Compromise - Daniel 1:1-8 - Pastor Jason Fritz

Daniel, 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 familiar?

 

Daniel’s life serves as a clarion call for God’s people to exhibit boldness. As a church, we aspire to emulate this courage as we navigate what we can’t always clearly see in the future. The parallels between Daniel’s time and ours are striking. Just as he influenced pagan culture with his unwavering commitment, we are likewise called to exert a Godly influence in our modern world.

 

These teenagers refused to compromise their convictions and as a result, they enjoyed the favor of God upon their lives. May we too, stand firm in our faith knowing that God’s favor accompanies those who boldly follow Him.

4/28/24 - Theology Leads To Doxology - Romans 16 - Pastor Jason Fritz

I 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, that you may welcome her in the Lord in a way worthy of the saints, and help her in whatever she may need from you, for she has been a patron of many and of myself as well. Greet Prisca and Aquila, my fellow workers in Christ Jesus, who risked their necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks but all the churches of the Gentiles give thanks as well. Greet also the church in their house." Romans 16:1-5

 

The word greet appears 19 times alongside 33 names in this final chapter. Paul’s heart for others is an example for us all.

 

"But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us." 1 Thessalonians 2:7-8

 

America is a lonely place for many, many people. Research reveals the number one reason why people attend their church regularly - “I was invited by someone who cared.” The church should be the ultimate place to build meaningful and lasting friendships. Can we take Paul’s encouragment and do this? It begins with a smile and kind greeting toward those you don’t know. The world can be cold but the church should be warm.

4/21/24 - Paul's Passion and Vision - Romans 15:14–33 - Pastor Jason Fritz

We 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 was to take the Gospel of Jesus where it had never gone before.

 

God used Paul to spread the message of hope and directed his steps along the way. This happened through much trial and tribulation but with God it is not about the destination, it is about the journey. In the journey we learn, grow and mature. The hardships along the way should cause us to lean on God. In the end, God’s will is accomplished and He is glorified. We focus on the prize; God focuses on the process.

 

What do you want to accomplish for God in this life? What God-sized dreams do you have? You might not have any, but it is never too late to begin. Without a vision of what you want to achieve, you will never start the journey. God won’t condemn you for not accomplishing what you want to do for Him. Rather he might say, “You didn’t have any desires, so you never even started.” The fulfillment is in His hands, but the initiative is in yours.

4/14/24 - Jesus The Uniter - Romans 15:1–13 - Pastor Jason Fritz

In 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 due to doctrinal perversion.

 

Some scholars believe that the church in Rome was the most fragmented of all. Primarily, because it existed in the heart of the Roman Empire at a time when Christianity was out of favor. Nero was torturing Christians and some researchers say that early Christian martyrs were turned over to Nero by other Christians. The motivation behind this was envy, jealousy and rivalry.

 

Churches have been known to divide over the smallest and most insignificant matters. So it’s little wonder that three times Jesus prayed for our unity. The request came at a remarkable time in his life. We don’t wake up knowing when we are going to die. Jesus did. He knew exactly how much time he had. What does he do with his last 24 hours? He spends time instructing his disciples and he prays. More than once, he prays for our oneness.

 

Paul urges the strong not to become a stumbling block to the weak by exercising liberties that might cause the weak to stumble. If they are walking in love, the strong will gladly surrender the exercise of their liberties for the good of the weak. The benefits our liberties offer are so small, and the blessings for limiting our liberties are so great that this should not be an agonizing decision.

 

There’s an aphorism you might be familiar with: “Might makes right.” What this refers to is society’s view of what is right is determined by those in power. The Christian ethic upends this. Those who are strong have an obligation to the weak. They are not to victimize the weak but to come to their aid. All for the sake of unity.

4/7/24 - Eternal Not External - Romans 14:13–23 - Pastor Jason Fritz

This 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 the same table. Many come from pagan backgrounds and yet all are gathered together because of their newly formed faith in Jesus. This environment gave many opportunities for discord. One example Paul uses is that of eating meat. He introduces this at the beginning of chapter two. 

 

One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Romans 14:2

 

Jewish Christians did not eat meat sold by the local butcher because it had been offered to pagan gods. For this reason the food was tainted so they kept it vegetarian. Gentile believers had no problem eating because they believed all meat was created by the one true God and idols are nothing. So what happens when the Gentile invites the Jew over for dinner? It could get awkward. There is opportunity for disunity.

 

Once again Paul helps us understand what it means to live in unity with one another in matters of conscience that are not sinful. I need to emphasize this - we are not talking about the clear violations of Scripture. Rather, this is between those whose faith is “weak” and those whose faith is "strong.”

Paul agrees with Jesus…

 

And he called the people to him again and said to them, “Hear me, all of you, and understand: There is nothing outside a person that by going into him can defile him, but the things that come out of a person are what defile him.” And when he had entered the house and left the people, his disciples asked him about the parable. And he said to them, “Then are you also without understanding? Do you not see that whatever goes into a person from outside cannot defile him, since it enters not his heart but his stomach, and is expelled?” Mark 7:14-19

 

Inanimate things such as food are morally neutral. However, if someone thinks such things are unclean, then for that person it is so. If a Jewish believer says, “I can’t eat what has been sacrificed to idols and if I do, I will be morally wrecked!” and you’re the host of this dinner party, then Paul has a warning for you.

 

For if your brother is grieved by what you eat, you are no longer walking in love. By what you eat, do not destroy the one for whom Christ died. Romans 14:15

 

Back in chapter twelve Paul gave us an incredible description of Christian love. It seeks to bless and honor others. One way the strong can bless the weak is by putting limitations on his or her Christian freedoms. R. Kent Hughes says that exercising Christian liberty is like walking a tightrope. As you walk the rope with a balancing pole in your hands, one end of the pole is "love for others" and the other end is "Christian liberty." When these are in balance, you walk as you should. The stronger Christian voluntarily gives up his freedoms out of love for his weaker brothers and sisters. This is the way we maintain unity within the body and show the world we are disciples of Jesus.