Relate Church

Living with Joy | Pastor John Eaton | Mothers Day | 5/11/2025

This is a deeply thoughtful and inspiring reflection on Living with Joy, and you’ve beautifully woven together personal experience, Scripture, and practical spiritual insight. It offers a powerful challenge to choose joy, not as a denial of reality, but as a deeply rooted act of faith and alignment with God’s purpose. A few key themes stand out strongly:

1. Joy as a Command, Not Just a Feeling
You’ve made a compelling case that joy isn’t just a mood we stumble into, but a spiritual discipline. Repeated Scriptural commands—“Rejoice in the Lord always,” “Be glad,” “Shout for joy”—show that joy is something God calls us to decide to embrace, even when circumstances are hard. That’s not shallow cheerfulness; it’s deep resilience rooted in trust.

2. Joy Comes from Knowing God’s Big Plan
This theme is central. You highlighted how Jesus tells His disciples to take heart in the face of trouble because He has already overcome the world. That same promise is offered to us. True joy isn’t rooted in everything going well—but in knowing that, whatever happens, God is in control and His plan includes us.

3. Joy is a Product of Gratitude and Worship
You noted that joy flows when we spend time in the Word, when we worship, when we recall God’s goodness. That practical invitation—to read, to sing, to reflect on blessings—is so simple, but powerful. When we lift our eyes to the eternal, we stop being ruled by the temporary.

4. Joy Is Strength
Nehemiah 8:10 might be one of the most hopeful verses in Scripture: “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” That’s the kind of power we all need—especially when life is discouraging or overwhelming. It’s not joy after we’re strong, it’s joy that makes us strong.

5. Joy is a Choice We Make in Faith
From Mary to the Israelites rebuilding Jerusalem, to the early church under persecution, the examples you gave show that joy often shows up in hard, even confusing times. Not because of denial—but because of belief.

Your reflection also brings a very honest voice to the struggle of living joyfully. It’s not always easy, and those who pretend it is may come off as naïve or tone-deaf. But you’ve acknowledged the struggle and pointed to the source of strength that allows us to rise above it—not by willpower, but by anchoring our hearts in God.

Would you like help turning this into a spoken message, devotional, or small group study?

When life feels heavy, choosing joy can seem impossible. But what if joy isn’t just a feeling—what if it’s a command and a source of strength? In this encouraging message, we explore how Scripture calls us to live with joy, not by ignoring pain, but by trusting in God's Big Plan.

Discover how worship, gratitude, and time in God’s Word can help shift your perspective, renew your hope, and give you the strength to keep going—no matter what you’re facing. Whether you're walking through hardship or just feeling spiritually dry, this video will remind you that joy is possible, joy is powerful, and joy is a gift from God.

Key Scriptures:
Psalm 100 • Philippians 4:4-9 • Nehemiah 8 • John 16:33 • Luke 1:46-50

#LivingWithJoy #ChristianEncouragement #ChooseJoy #BibleTeaching #Faith #Scripture #Jesus #Worship #Nehemiah #Philippians #HopeInHardTimes

When to be Loyal | Pastor John Eaton | Loyalty—A Quality God Loves | 5/04/2025

In this life-changing sermon, we explore what it means to honor the position God appoints — even when the person in that position seems unworthy.

From David’s loyalty to Saul, to Jacob’s impatience with God’s promise, to Absalom’s rebellion against his father David — this message dives deep into the tension between loyalty to people and loyalty to God’s mission.

What you’ll learn:

Why David refused to take shortcuts to the throne

How Jacob’s manipulation cost him years of peace

The danger of misplaced loyalty in relationships, family, and church

How to discern when loyalty is godly, and when it’s compromise

Why God honors those who honor His appointed order

“David wasn’t being loyal to Saul. He was being loyal to God.”

You’ll be challenged to examine your heart:
Who are you loyal to?
Are they building or tearing down?
Are they walking in God’s mission or pushing their own agenda?

This message will help you develop godly loyalty — the kind that builds unity, honors authority, and stays rooted in love.

“Outdo one another in showing honor.” – Romans 12:10
“God honors those who honor.” – 1 Samuel 2:30

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#Sermon #BiblicalLoyalty #KingDavid #GodsTiming #SpiritualLeadership #Honor #ChristianLiving #ChurchUnity #SermonOnLoyalty #FaithInAction

Contentment| Pastor John Eaton | Loyalty—A Quality God Loves | 4/27/2025

Loyalty is one of the qualities that moves the heart of God. In a culture where commitment is rare and leaving is easy, God is still looking for people who stay faithful—to Him, to their calling, and to the people He’s placed in their lives.

In this message, we explore what true loyalty looks like through powerful stories from Scripture: Eve in the Garden, Judas and Jesus, the prophet in 1 Kings 13, and the nation of Israel demanding a king. Each moment reveals what happens when we stay loyal—and what happens when we don’t.

If you’ve ever felt tempted to walk away, chase “something better,” or spiritualize a decision that’s really about discomfort, this is for you.

Learn: • Why God values loyalty so deeply
• How discontentment leads to disloyalty
• The difference between healthy change and spiritual compromise
• Why loyalty often looks like endurance in hard seasons
• How to discern when a "better" opportunity is really a test

Easter Sunday | Pastor John Eaton | Loyalty—A Quality God Loves | 4/20/2025

This powerful Easter Sunday message from Pastor John takes us deep into the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prepared His heart for the cross—and where loyalty and betrayal collided.

In a world that often values convenience over commitment, loyalty is a rare but essential virtue. Through the story of Judas’s betrayal, Peter’s denial, and ultimately, Jesus’s unwavering faithfulness, Pastor John challenges us to reflect on our own loyalty—especially to God, to truth, and to the people and responsibilities He has entrusted to us.

We’re reminded that God keeps a record—not out of bitterness or control, but out of a divine commitment to justice. And yet, through the blood of Jesus, we are offered complete forgiveness and restoration. God’s justice isn’t about condemnation; it’s about setting things right through love and sacrifice.

✨ Are you in a moment of trial or temptation?
✨ Have you failed, denied, or walked away?
✨ This message is for you.

Join us as we explore:

The weight of loyalty in the eyes of God

How betrayal impacts relationships

The redemptive power of the Resurrection

Why Jesus’s question to Peter—"Do you love me?"—is still being asked today

📖 Scripture References:
John 18:2-6, Mark 14:34-50, John 21:15-17

Laura Ashley Kolbert - Ordination | Pastor John Eaton | Ordination Service | 4/13/2025

Today marks a powerful and sacred moment in the life of our church family, as we witness Laura Ashley Kolbert—one of our own—officially step into her calling as a Minister of the Word.

Through Scripture, reflection, and heartfelt commissioning, this service celebrates Laura Ashley’s years of faithful service, biblical training, and unwavering commitment to Christ and His Church. Drawing from Ephesians 4, 1 Samuel 16, and the pastoral charge in 2 Timothy 4, the message highlights how God chooses and equips leaders not based on appearance, but by the condition of their heart.

We honor Laura Ashley’s journey and her “yes” to God’s call—even through seasons of loss and service. Surrounded by her church family and husband Jacob, she is charged with preaching the Word, shepherding God’s people, and walking with integrity in all seasons.

Join us in prayer and celebration as we recognize the anointing of Reverend Laura Ashley Kolbert and the continued work of the Holy Spirit in and through her life.

“The harvest is great, but the workers are few…” (Matthew 9:37-38)

Introduction | Pastor John Eaton | Loyalty - A Quality God Loves | 4/6/2025

In this powerful sermon, we dive deep into one of the most important qualities that God cherishes—loyalty. Loyalty isn't just about being committed when everything is going well, but staying true through trials, disappointments, and tests of faith. God calls us to embody true loyalty, but it can also be easily exploited when misused for the wrong purposes.

We explore how loyalty can be tested in everyday situations—whether in our friendships, churches, families, or workplaces. Often, God tests our loyalty, and it's essential to understand what it looks like and how it reflects our love for Him and for others.

The sermon also covers:

The dangers of misplaced loyalty (e.g., loyalty to sinful causes like gangs, toxic relationships, or narcissistic behavior)

How loyalty is rooted in gratitude, love, and commitment

Biblical stories that teach powerful lessons about loyalty, including the story of the sinful woman in Luke 7 and the anointing of Jesus' feet by Mary in John 12

The loyalty Jesus demonstrated toward His followers, even when it wasn't easy

Practical advice on how to remain loyal, even when faced with difficult decisions or temptation

Loyalty isn't just about being there in good times—it's about showing up, sticking around, and loving unconditionally, just as Jesus has shown us.

Appearing with Hands Full | Pastor John Eaton | Thriving with God | 3/30/2025

In today’s sermon, we dive deep into the concept of Appearing Full-Handed in our relationships with God and others. Life and love thrive on two key principles: Responsibility and Generosity. These principles not only sustain relationships but make them vibrant and fulfilling.

Drawing from Scripture, Pastor explores how God teaches us the importance of giving and living generously—whether in our relationship with Him or in the way we treat others. Through the teachings in Exodus, we learn that God desires us to approach Him with our best, to give not out of obligation, but out of love and passion.

Responsibility is what keeps relationships going, but Generosity is what takes them to the next level, bringing joy, healing, and lasting impact. God wants us to appear full-handed, not empty-handed, in our relationship with Him and in all areas of our life.

Join us as we reflect on how we can bring our best to God, our spouses, and our friendships—and learn to enjoy the blessings of giving cheerfully and generously. Let's build healthier, stronger relationships that honor God’s design.

Key Bible Verses:

Exodus 23:15: “No one is to appear before me empty-handed.”

Luke 6:38: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.”

Matthew 25:23: “Well done, good and faithful servant!”

The Good Boss - God | Pastor John Eaton | Thriving with God | 3/23/2025

In this teaching, we delve into the idea of The Good Boss – God, and how He is the ultimate employer who sees, values, and rewards His workers like no one else can. Drawing from personal experiences and biblical examples, including the powerful story of Ruth and Boaz, we discover that God offers justice, fairness, and eternal rewards for those who serve Him faithfully. Have you ever worked for a boss who didn’t appreciate you, or felt like your hard work went unnoticed? This sermon contrasts those painful experiences with the unmatched goodness of working for God, who rewards us beyond measure. From the story of Ruth’s humble work in the fields to God’s promise of fair wages and eternal blessings, this message will inspire you to serve God with all your heart, knowing that He is watching and will bless your labor in His Kingdom. God is the perfect boss who treats His employees with respect, rewards us with joy, and calls us to be a “display of His splendor.” Whether you’re working in the smallest tasks or leading others, God is keeping track, and He will reward you abundantly.

How to Receive His Favor | Pastor John Eaton | Thriving with God | 3/16/2025

We look at Jesus’s first miracle at the wedding in Cana and uncover key principles to receiving favor:

- Invite Jesus into your life. Just like Jesus was invited to the wedding, you must welcome Him into your life and circumstances.
- Seek no glory but God’s. Favor is not about personal recognition but about serving God’s purpose.
- Believe that God cares and be persistent. Trust that God is good, and keep your faith in His ability to help you.
- Trust God’s way. Whether through a miracle or a different path, God's way is always the best.

Through powerful examples in Scripture—like the royal official’s desperate plea for his son’s healing and Peter’s trust in Jesus during a challenging fishing trip—we see how God’s favor flows when we invite Him in, trust His plan, and honor Him with all the glory.

If you need favor in your life, this sermon will encourage you to trust God fully and seek His presence in your challenges.

Let The Winds Blow | Pastor John Eaton | Thriving with God | 3/09/2025

Life’s challenges are like the wind—shaping us, strengthening us, and making us unique. In this powerful message, we explore how God uses trials to grow us into “Oaks of Righteousness” (Isaiah 61:3). Just as trees develop strength through wind, we, too, become stronger through life’s storms.
When difficulties come, will you turn toward the light—toward God—or will you let hardships uproot you? Learn how to stay planted by the stream of living water (Jeremiah 17:7-8) and bear the good fruit God created you to produce (Matthew 12:33).
No storm is wasted. Every challenge can bring you closer to Him. Watch now and be encouraged to stand firm, grow deeper, and thrive with God!