Oak Pointe Church • Novi

True Life Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church John 1:1-5 Aptly abbreviated SAD, seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression noted for its recurrence each fall. At the turn of the season, millions begin to suffer chronic fatigue, feelings of hopelessness, and even thoughts of self-harm. What could cause such an epidemic? Darkness. As more and more daytime is shrouded in darkness, the brain suffers a chemical imbalance that disrupts sleep patterns and mood. For many, the antidote is shockingly simple: light. Unlike the fickle days of summer, the Gospel of John reveals a Light that never ends – one with power over the darkness in our own lives. Join us this Sunday as we begin our Advent series, The Arrival, which unveils the Light and Life that last.

The God Who Opens Doors of Faith Teacher: Blaine Dennison, Multiethnic & Congregational Care Pastor at Oak Pointe Church Acts 14:21-28 Walt Disney’s first animation company bankrupted, Steve Jobs was ousted from Apple, and J.K. Rowling’s first manuscript was rejected by 12 different publishers. But that’s not where their stories ended, is it? These wildly successful people all have one thing in common: Tenacity. Nothing – not opposition, rejection, or even utter failure – could take their eyes off the prize. The same could be said of Paul, whose Spirit-powered boldness turned the world upside down. The question is, can it also be said of you? Join us this Sunday as our newest message, “The God Who Opens Doors of Faith,” challenges us to consider, Do I have my eyes on the prize?

Unstoppable but Uncomfortable Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church Acts 14:8-20 Celebrated as one of history’s greatest motivational speakers, the inspiring words of renowned author and orator Zig Ziglar have reached millions. Among dozens of books and countless speeches, perhaps one of Ziglar’s most prominent quotes is the oft-repeated, “It’s not going to be easy. It’s going to be worth it.” Join us this Sunday as our newest message, “Unstoppable but Uncomfortable,” reveals how this familiar platitude is never truer than in the case of the Gospel. With a front-row seat to the challenges faced by the earliest evangelists, we’ll consider what it takes to follow in their footsteps.

Preaching the Gospel without Words? Teacher: Pastor Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church Acts 14:1-7 In the thick of a fallout with longtime bandmate and co-writer Mick Jagger, Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards released his first-ever solo album in 1988. The title? Talk is Cheap. The album struck a chord with listeners across the US and UK, where it topped charts and amassed gold-record sales. Millions resonated with the artist’s calloused sentiment: Actions speak louder than words. Join us this Sunday as our latest message, “Preach the Gospel without Words?”, explores how this same sentiment has shaped the way we live our faith today. Together we’ll confront the question, Is talk cheap after all?

Gospel Reactions Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church Acts 13:42-52 Black licorice, bleu cheese, Brussels sprouts – what do they all have in common? You love it or you hate it. Let’s face it – when it comes to anchovies on pizza, there’s really no middle ground. And the Gospel is no different. Join us this Sunday as our newest message, “Gospel Reactions,” gives us a taste of the biggest controversy in human history: the message of Jesus Christ. What will your reaction be?

God’s Ultimate Work Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church Acts 13:26-41 Renowned today as the Father of Invention, Thomas Edison was not always so celebrated. In fact, in 1878, Edison’s work was deemed “unworthy of the attention of practical or scientific men” by a very unimpressed British Parliament Committee. Within the year, however, Edison’s scoffers would be silenced by the release of his flagship invention: the world’s first electric light bulb. Like Edison’s nay-sayers, the religious leaders of Jesus’ day landed themselves on the wrong side of history. Something world-changing happened right under their noses, but they managed to miss it. How about you? Join us this Sunday as our newest message, “God’s Ultimate Work,” confronts us with a challenge: Which side of God’s story am I on?

The Search for Salvation Teacher - Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church Acts 13:13-25 “X” marks the spot. Throughout history, adventure-seekers have devoted their lives to the hunt for lost treasure. Even from childhood, we’re captivated by tales of their perilous journeys through jungles and across seas in search of something extraordinary. Like the great treasure-hunters of old, we all find ourselves chasing something that will satisfy our deepest desires. Yet, as one hunt leads to another, our cravings only grow. Join us this Sunday for “The Search for Salvation,” as, together, we make the discovery of a lifetime.

Into Enemy Territory Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor at Oak Pointe Church Acts 13:4-12 The first American soldiers to traverse the jungles of Vietnam had no idea what awaited them. Sent deep into remote areas of the country, these men were blind to the now-infamous “booby traps” that would injure and kill countless of them. As followers of Christ in a world that’s rejected Him, we ourselves have been given marching orders—but we don’t have to guess what awaits us. Join us this Sunday for our newest message, “Into Enemy Territory,” as we discover who our real enemy is, and what to expect when we step into battle.

A Sending Church Teacher: Adam Mashni, High School Pastor at Oak Pointe Church Acts 12:25-13:3 What do a professional racecar driver, NBA point guard, and NFL quarterback all have in common? Sponsors. From Nike’s swoosh to Red Bull’s wings, the biggest stars rep the biggest brands. Stadiums are filled with the supersized logos and famous one-liners of the corporations that make these big-name athletes their millions. But what does all this have to do with Acts? Join us tomorrow as we turn our attention from the star players of the early church to the One behind it all. Don’t forget your foam finger!

Pride Falls Teacher: Caleb Middleton - Middle School Pastor at Oak Pointe Church Acts 12:20-24 “Pride is like bad breath – everyone else around you knows when you have it.” As we read these famed words by C.S. Lewis, we can all think of someone who gives off the “stench” of pride – maybe a coworker, relative, or the chair of your HOA – but did you ever stop to ask what others smell on you? Join us for our upcoming message, “Pride Falls,” as we discover what happens when human pride collides with the Word of God.

Happy Interruptions Acts 12:6-19 Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor of Oak Pointe Church “An unsuspected turn of events that completely changes the outcome from the direction it was likely to go” Few things captivate an audience like a plot twist. Who doesn’t love that mind-blowing, never-saw-it-coming feeling they get when the same-old story takes a staggering turn? As we continue our series “Against All Odds: How the Name of Jesus Spreads,” we’re taking a front-row seat to one of the book of Acts’ most dramatic plot twists. Join us for our newest message, “Happy Interruptions,” to see God’s hand at work in the most unexpected ways.

Whose Kingdom Come? Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor of Oak Pointe Church Main Scripture: Acts 12:1-5 From generations past, humans have crafted stories of good vs. evil. Whether Red Riding Hood encountering the Big Bad Wolf or Batman bringing The Joker to justice, our bookshelves and TVs tell the same age-old tale. This Sunday, we’re continuing our study in the book of Acts by uncovering the source of humanity’s preoccupation with good and evil. Join us for our newest message, “Whose Kingdom Come?” as we take a close look at the true battle raging between darkness and light.

One Small Step for Man Scripture: Acts 11:19-30 Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor of Oak Pointe Church A true superfan will do anything to prove their devotion. From a sports fan tattooing the team jersey over their entire torso to a boyband groupie eating a lock of their celebrity crush’s hair, the bumper stickers and t-shirts just don’t cut it for these hardcore fans. This Sunday, we’ll begin a study in the book of Acts by examining the lives of some of Jesus’ most devoted followers in our new series, Against All Odds: How the Name of Jesus Spreads.

A Deeper Storm Still Scripture: Jonah 3:10–4:11 Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor of Oak Pointe Church Throughout human history, millions have taken comfort in the notion of karma. At its simplest, karma says, “Do good, get good. Do bad, get bad.” But how do we make sense of it when an embezzler buys a Ferrari with your hard-earned pension – or a human trafficker lives in the lap of luxury? When good things come to bad people, doesn’t it tie your stomach in knots? Over the last three weeks, we’ve watched a biblical episode of “karma gone wrong” through the eyes of God’s prophet, Jonah. Join us tomorrow as we conclude our series with “A Deeper Storm Still,” by taking a hard look at our own opinion of who deserves what.

Turning to God Scripture: Jonah 3:1-10 Teacher: Jon Morales, Lead Pastor of Oak Pointe Church The nerds. The jocks. The cheerleaders. Perhaps nowhere is the human tendency toward “us vs. them” more obvious than a high school cafeteria. Whether teenagers finding their clique or adults drawing battle lines over political views, theological stances, or football teams, we’ve all found a reason to think, “They’re not one of us.” This Sunday, we’ll see how even a prophet of God thought he’d decide who was in and who was out. Join us for our newest message, “Turning to God,” as we test whether there isn’t a bit of Jonah in us today.