Illuminate Community Church

3/23/25 - Gospel Emotions: Feeling as Jesus Felt - Proverbs - Pastor Jason Fritz

This 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 perfect example—his emotions were always righteous, whether it was compassion for the lost, grief over sin, or righteous anger at hypocrisy. Jesus and the apostle Paul show us how to properly steward our emotions. Jesus wept over Jerusalem and the death of Lazarus, showing his deep sorrow, yet he also expressed righteous anger at the Pharisees' hardness of heart and the corruption in the temple. Paul, too, displayed intense concern for the spiritual well-being of others, as seen in 2 Corinthians 11:29. However, both did not allow their emotions to lead them into sin; instead, they were guided by truth and love. Today, we face similar challenges—our emotions can either drive us closer to God or lead us astray. For example, Proverbs warns us that anger can be destructive if unchecked, jealousy is more dangerous than wrath, and the fear of man leads to folly. Instead of following the world’s advice to "follow your heart," we are called to align our emotions with God's wisdom. So how do we cultivate Godly emotions? It begins with the fear of the Lord, which is the foundation of wisdom. When we fear God more than we fear the opinions of others, we are freed from the emotional turmoil of seeking human approval. We learn to control our anger, replacing it with patience and discernment. We overcome jealousy by finding our worth in Christ rather than comparison. We move from anxiety to peace by trusting in God's sovereignty. Above all, we look to Jesus, who endured the cross for the joy set before him (Hebrews 12:2), showing us that true joy is found in living for God’s purposes. Let us ask the Holy Spirit to search our hearts and transform our emotions so that we reflect Christ in every aspect of our lives.

3/16/25 - The Proverbs 31 Marriage - Pastor Jason Fritz

This 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 feel overwhelmed rather than encouraged. But this passage is not a checklist of impossible standards; it is a lifelong picture of Godly character, cultivated by God’s grace. True strength comes not from striving for perfection but from trusting in the Lord. Husbands, our role is to cultivate an environment where our wives can thrive, just as Christ loved the church and gave Himself for her. Wives, your strength and wisdom are a gift that builds up your family. Together, a Godly marriage is not only possible but profoundly beautiful when rooted in biblical wisdom. As we prepare to dive into this text, I challenge each of us to reflect on our roles within our families. Husbands, are you leading with integrity, love, and sacrifice? Wives, are you embracing the strength and wisdom that God has given you? And for those who are not yet married, are you preparing your heart to walk in God’s wisdom? May we all look to Christ, the perfect example of love and leadership, as we seek to build marriages and homes that honor Him.

3/9/25 - Humbled or Humiliated: The Choice We Must Make - Proverbs 22:4 - Pastor Jason Fritz

The 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 place our confidence not in ourselves but in the Lord. Pride is often deceptive, showing up in subtle ways, including the self-help movement’s emphasis on self-importance. However, studies show that those who believe themselves superior to others are often the most violent and prejudiced. In other words, we have too much self-esteem. Scripture warns us that pride leads to destruction, as seen in Satan’s fall, while humility leads to grace, wisdom, and true greatness. True humility is not self-deprecation but rather a recognition that our talents, abilities, and even our very lives are gifts from God. We don’t need more self-esteem; we need more gospel-esteem - the understanding that our worth comes from Christ’s love and sacrifice, not our own achievements. As we prepare our hearts for Sunday, let’s reflect on how God is calling us to walk in humility. Are there areas of pride we need to confess? Is there someone we need to seek forgiveness from or extend grace to? When we humble ourselves before God, we open our lives to His blessings and wisdom. Let’s embrace the posture of a disciple, coming before God with a heart that says, “Teach me. Help me adopt the humility of Jesus in what I say and do.”

3/2/25 - Eat Your Words: Reap Seeds of Life Not Death - Proverbs 18:21 - Pastor Jason Fritz

For 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 about money, sex, or family. Why? Because our words carry immense power - for life or death. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruits.” Proverbs 18:21 We have all felt the weight of words. A careless insult can linger in our hearts for years, while a word of encouragement can change the trajectory of a person’s life. Gossip, slander, and false accusations tear apart families, friendships, and even churches. Proverbs 6:16-19 lists seven things the Lord hates, and among them are a lying tongue and one who sows discord among brothers. Gossip isn’t just a minor offense, it is a direct attack on unity, love, and peace, which are at the core of God’s design for His people. And let’s not forget that listening to gossip makes us just as guilty as speaking it. “An evildoer listens to wicked lips, and a liar gives ear to a mischievous tongue.” Proverbs 17:4 Gossip would die if there were no eager ears to receive it. But just as words have the power to destroy, they also have the power to heal. A timely word of encouragement can lift the soul, as Proverbs 12:25 says, “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad.” Jesus Himself embodied this balance. He was full of both grace and truth. He spoke life into the broken, the weary, and the lost. And He warns us in Matthew 12:36-37 that we will give an account for every careless word we speak. Our words reflect what is in our hearts, and they will either justify us or condemn us. So, let’s consider the diet of our words: what we speak, we consume. May our words be full of grace, seasoned with salt, and reflective of Christ, bringing life and healing to those around us.

2/23/25 - Two Voices, Two Houses, One Choice - Proverbs 9 - Pastor Jason Fritz

This 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 will we accept? We will consider the nature of wisdom’s call—patient, generous, and built on a foundation of reverence for God. Wisdom doesn’t demand perfection but invites teachability. It prepares a place for those humble enough to recognize their need. On the other hand, folly’s appeal is loud, seductive, and fleeting, preying on our innate tendency to choose what is easy over what is right. Proverbs challenges us to see beyond the surface of our decisions and recognize their eternal significance. It’s not just about choosing well - it’s about living well under the guidance and grace of God. As we gather, my prayer is that this message equips you to discern the voices calling out to you. The gospel of Jesus Christ makes wisdom’s way not only possible but also joyous. He is the embodiment of God’s wisdom and the ultimate banquet of life. Let’s come ready to ask ourselves: Whose house am I dwelling in? And where is God leading me next? May His Spirit guide us as we seek to walk in the way of insight.

2/16/25 - The Call of Wisdom: Finding Joy Through God’s Design - Proverbs 8 - Pastor Jason Fritz

Proverbs 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 just practical but eternal—it existed before creation and aligns perfectly with God’s order. Living apart from God’s wisdom leads to chaos and brokenness, but embracing it brings understanding, justice, and joy. It teaches us to hate evil, shun pride, and make prudent, God-honoring decisions. At the world’s birth, wisdom shaped chaos into creation, so she also redeems our personal messes when we turn to her. Like Jesus, wisdom doesn’t deceive or mislead; it offers lasting fulfillment and directs us toward the life God designed us to live. To fully embrace wisdom, we must hear, take, and listen. Hearing wisdom calls for tuning out the noise of a culture saturated with distractions. Taking wisdom means choosing it over fleeting treasures like money or possessions, recognizing its incomparable value. Listening to wisdom involves a heart of humility and a willingness to apply God’s truth. As we diligently seek wisdom, God transforms our lives, bringing joy, purpose, and a glimpse of His eternal plan. May we respond to wisdom’s call and live lives that reflect the wisdom found in Jesus!

2/9/25 - Lessons from the Ant Hill: Wisdom for Work, Finances, and Unity - Proverbs 6 - Pastor Jason Fritz

This 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 opportunities, and reject the laziness of the sluggard, who passively reacts to life and suffers the consequences. Work is a gift from God, providing us with purpose and the ability to share with others. As a church, we are called to be like an anthill, each member fulfilling their role to build a thriving, unified community. We must reject excuses that keep us stagnant, allowing God’s transformative power to redefine our future, regardless of our past - no more excuses!

Finally, we will be reminded of the grave danger of those who sow discord within the body of Christ. Unity is central to the church's witness to the world, showing that Jesus alone unites us above all else. God detests division among His people, and we are called to guard against arrogance, deceit, and conflict. Instead, we must strive for harmony, living in alignment with God's will and purpose. As believers, our prayer should not be for comfort but to become a blessing, reflecting the love and sacrifice of Christ in all we do.

2/2/25 - Sweet and Bitter Sexuality - Proverbs 5 - Pastor Jason Fritz

Sex 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 consequences of promiscuity, including emotional, physical, and spiritual harm. Wisdom calls believers to treasure intimacy within marriage and resist temptations that appear sweet but lead to ruin.

 

The wise father uses the imagery of springs and streams being "scattered abroad" representing the wastefulness of indulging in relationships outside ofGod’s design. The text also highlights the deceitfulness of sin, urging us to stay far from temptation, whether in the form of adultery, pornography, or emotional infidelity. The consequences of ignoring these warnings are severe—lost honor, wasted years, broken relationships, and spiritual emptiness. However, the passage also points to the beauty of a healthy, God-honoring marriage, where love, passion, and delight are celebrated as blessings from God. 

 

Sin’s consequences are real, but God’s grace is greater. Jesus is a friend to the sexually broken. He offers forgiveness and restoration to those who turn to Him, no matter how far they have strayed. Like the prodigal son who returns to his father, those who repent will find a God who runs to meet them with mercy and compassion. We are being called to something higher - to reject the deceit of sexual sin, embrace God’s design for sexuality, and experience the fullness of His blessing in a life aligned with His wisdom.

1/26/25 - Flourish by Guarding Your Heart - Proverbs 4 - Pastor Jason Fritz

In 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 even the most enticing sins.

 

We will delve into the four stages of life: identity, growth, impact, and legacy, each posing unique challenges and opportunities to root oneself in Christ. Identity requires overcoming insecurities by embracing who God created us to be. Growth involves defining success through sanctification rather than worldly measures, while impact focuses on servant leadership amidst growing responsibilities. Legacy calls for finishing well, leaving a lasting testimony ofGod's faithfulness. Above all, our text urges the pursuit of wisdom, which requires humility and the abandonment of preconceived notions shaped by cultural pressures. A life guided by wisdom is likened to a bright, growing light, while rejecting wisdom leads to blindness and destruction.

 

To remain on the path of wisdom, we must protect the heart, the source of life. Practical steps include meditating on God's Word, being mindful of influences, speaking truth, fostering Godly relationships, controlling thoughts, praying for protection, and pursuing purity. The passage concludes with vivid metaphors contrasting the righteous path of light with the wicked path of darkness, underscoring the importance of vigilance in navigating life's journey.

 

We must never forget that life does not flow from the outside in, it flows from the inside out. Guard your heart!

1/19/25 - The Weight of Wealth: Trusting God and Living Generously - Proverbs 3:9–10 - Pastor Jason Fritz

Our 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 the needs of others.

 

Generosity is at the heart of this passage. It’s not about the size of our bank accounts or gifts, but the posture of our hearts. Jesus praised the widow who gave two small coins because her offering came from a place of deep sacrifice and trust. The same is true for us today. God doesn’t need our money—He desires our hearts. And when we choose generosity over greed, we reflect His selfless love to the world. By giving our first and best to Him, we declare that He holds the highest place in our lives and that we trust Him to meet all our needs.

 

As we honor God with our wealth, He promises to bless us—not for our own indulgence, but so we can bless others. God entrusts us with resources to invest in His kingdom, sowing seeds that will bear eternal fruit. This isn’t about hoarding for ourselves here and now; it’s about partnering with Him to make an impact that outlasts us. When we align our finances with His purposes, we bring glory to His name, inspire others to give thanks, and experience the joy of being part of His eternal work. May we live as stewards who honor God with all that He’s given us, trusting Him to provide as we generously give for His glory.