Taste & See | A Divine Invitation
A 7-Week Journey into Spiritual Hunger
Starting January 2026
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What if the greatest danger facing the church isn't the darkness around us, but the comfort within us?
Join us for Taste and See, a transformative series that issues a divine invitation to experience God's goodness firsthand—not through secondhand knowledge, but through personal encounter.
Drawing from Psalm 34:8, Pastor John challenges us to move beyond domesticated faith and cultivate a spiritual hunger that attracts God's presence and transforms every area of our lives.
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7-Week Series Overview:
Developing Spiritual Hunger
Discover what spiritual hunger is and why it's the foundation for everything else—a constant awareness of your need for God.
Hunger for Eternity
Shift your perspective from temporary to eternal and learn to store up treasures in heaven.
Hunger for God's Will
Move beyond your own plans and desires to seek God's perfect will for your life.
Hunger for More
Break free from spiritual complacency and pursue the fullness of what God has for you.
Hunger for Relationship
Experience the intimacy of knowing God personally, not just knowing about Him.
Hunger for the Right Things
Learn to feed on what sustains you spiritually and avoid the "junk food" that leaves you empty.
Hunger for the Word
Discover how God's living Word becomes the joy and delight of your heart.
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Special Series Features:
SEEK Season runs concurrently with this series, including:
- Church-wide fasting (Week 1)
- Nightly prayer gatherings (6:30 PM Mon-Fri, Noon Saturday)
- 6-week small groups for deeper community and discussion
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This Series Is For You If:
- You feel spiritually comfortable but not spiritually alive
- You want to know God, not just know about God
- You're ready to move from religious routine to radical encounter
- You long for God's "rightness" to manifest in every area of your life
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"Taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed is the one who takes refuge in him." – Psalm 34:8
Don't settle for secondhand faith. Accept the divine invitation.
Join us for the launch of our powerful new series, Taste and See: A Divine Invitation, as we kick off our annual SEEK season! Pastor Jon challenges us to move beyond secondhand knowledge of God and experience His goodness for ourselves. Drawing from Psalm 34 and Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, this message confronts one of the greatest dangers facing the American church: spiritual complacency and domestication.
Discover what it means to cultivate genuine spiritual hunger—a constant awareness of your need for God that transforms every area of your life. Learn five practical ways to develop and maintain this hunger, including the power of prayer and fasting, feeding on God's Word, and seeking to truly know God, not just know about Him.
This isn't about earning salvation—it's about hungering for God's righteousness to manifest in your thoughts, emotions, words, and actions. As we enter this six-week SEEK season with corporate prayer meetings, fasting, and small groups, now is the time to ask God to make you hungry again for His presence and power. Don't settle for being spiritually domesticated—rediscover your wild pursuit of God!
Join us at Radiant Church Lakeshore as we celebrate and hear inspiring updates from the missionaries and ministries we partner with both locally and globally. Our church is committed to being mission motivated, and we are excited to share the incredible work being done. From local initiatives like Love in Action and Positive Options to international missions in Zambia and Asia, you'll hear firsthand testimonies of lives being transformed by the gospel. This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with our mission partners, learn more about their impactful work, and discover how you can be involved through prayer and support. Don't miss this chance to see how God is moving through our collective efforts to spread His love and message around the world.
Join us for an inspiring sermon on the profound theme of love, as we conclude our Advent series with the lighting of the candle of love. This message delves into the true nature of God's love, as described in 1 John 4:9-10, emphasizing that God's love is unconditional, unfailing, and transformative. Discover how our hope, peace, and joy are rooted in this divine love, which is vastly different from the fleeting and conditional love often portrayed in our culture. Through the lens of Romans 8 and the teachings of Jesus, we explore how nothing can separate us from God's love and how this love empowers us to love others. As we reflect on the greatest love story ever told—God's sacrificial love through Jesus Christ—we are challenged to let this love shape our relationships and interactions with others.
Join us as we continue our Advent series, focusing on the profound theme of joy. In this week's sermon, we delve into the true essence of biblical joy, exploring how it differs from mere happiness and how it is deeply rooted in the character and promises of God. Drawing from Luke 2:10 and the inspiring narratives of Job and Paul, we will uncover how joy can be sustained even amidst trials and suffering. Discover practical ways to cultivate joy in your life by remembering God's faithfulness, maintaining a gospel perspective, and keeping your eyes fixed on Jesus. Don't miss this opportunity to reflect on the miracle of Christmas and embrace the joy that comes from knowing Christ, our Savior.
Have you ever wondered what true peace looks like in a world of chaos? In week two of our Advent series Pastor Jeff shares a powerful reminder that while the world offers fragile substitutes, lasting peace comes through surrendering to Jesus as King. Through vivid examples from his own life and Scripture, Pastor Jeff shows how peace isn't just about receiving - it's about submitting to Christ's authority and becoming carriers of His presence. Whether you're feeling anxious, overwhelmed, or simply seeking deeper spiritual rest, this message reveals how the Prince of Peace wants to transform your heart. Don't miss this timely encouragement on finding unshakeable peace in an uncertain world.
What if discovering unshakeable hope seems unattainable at this moment? In the first week of our Advent series, "Prepare The Way," Pastor Jon delves into the theme of Hope, illustrating that biblical hope transcends mere wishful thinking—it's a confident expectation anchored in God's faithfulness. Drawing from Hebrews 10, Pastor Jon shares how even when hope seems distant, it has a name: Jesus. In times of waiting and uncertainty, this hope reminds us that God is still working even when we can't see it. Don't miss this timely message about discovering renewed hope in life's challenging seasons.
Have you ever wondered what happens when the supernatural becomes wonderfully normal? In week 4 of our Supernaturally Normal series, Pastor Caleb Culver unpacks how healthy prophetic ministry strengthens and builds up the church. Drawing from Scripture and years of pastoral experience, he reveals how prophecy isn't about predicting the future, but declaring Jesus' testimony through his people. Through practical wisdom and compelling examples, Pastor Caleb shows how prophetic gifts, when grounded in Scripture and practiced with accountability, produce a spiritually vibrant community equipped for tomorrow's battles. Whether you're curious about spiritual gifts or hungry to grow deeper, this message offers fresh insights into hearing God's voice in community.
Join us for week 3 of our enlightening sermon series, "Supernaturally Normal," where we explore the extraordinary aspects of the Christian life that should be a natural part of our journey with Jesus. This week, we delve into 1 Corinthians 12, focusing on the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Discover how these gifts, often misunderstood or overlooked, are essential for building up the body of Christ and living a vibrant, faith-filled life. Learn about the power of wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning spirits, tongues, and interpretation of tongues. Pastor Jon emphasizes the importance of not just seeking these gifts, but deepening our relationship with the Holy Spirit, the giver of these gifts. Whether you're new to the faith or seeking to grow deeper, this series will inspire you to embrace the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit in your everyday life.
Join us for the latest installment of our sermon series, "Supernaturally Normal," where we delve into the often misunderstood yet vital role of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This week, we explore John 14 and the profound promise Jesus made about the Holy Spirit as our Advocate and Helper. Discover how the Holy Spirit empowers us to live overcoming Christian lives, providing strength in our weaknesses, boldness in our witness, and hope for the future. Whether you're new to the faith or seeking a deeper understanding, this sermon will illuminate the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and how embracing His presence can lead to a life filled with purpose and divine guidance.
Have you ever wondered what lies beyond what your eyes can see? In a compelling exploration of the supernatural, Pastor Jon unveils how modern skepticism has dulled our spiritual senses, particularly in Western Christianity. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 4, he challenges us to "fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen," revealing how prayer, faith, and spiritual awareness profoundly impact our daily lives. Whether you're wrestling with doubt or seeking deeper spiritual understanding, this eye-opening message will transform how you view reality. Don't miss this first installment of the "Supernaturally Normal" series as we discover how to live with eternal perspective in a temporary world.
Join us for our final message in our In This House series where we lean into what it means to truly pursue God's heart? Pastor Jon invites us on a transformative journey exploring what it means to be "people of pursuit" in today's distracted world. Through the compelling example of King David—a flawed yet faithful man after God's own heart—we discover that pursuing God isn't about perfection, but direction. Pastor Jon reveals practical ways to align our hearts with God's through transparency, absolute faith, and genuine repentance, while emphasizing God's passionate pursuit of the lost. Don't miss this powerful message that will challenge you to examine your own pursuit of God and His heart for others.
Have you ever wondered what makes a church truly come alive? Join us for week four of our series In This House as we hear a powerful message about becoming "people of presence," Pastor Jon challenges us to move beyond comfortable Christianity. Drawing from David's bold decision to bring the Ark of the Covenant into an open tent rather than a closed temple, he reveals how authentic worship and expectant faith create space for God's transformative presence. Through practical warnings about consumerism, comfort-seeking, and complacency in our faith walk, Pastor Jon invites us to pursue a deeper, more dynamic relationship with God where His presence is welcomed and anticipated.
Experience the heart of Radiant with our current sermon, "People of Prayer," week 3 of our impactful series "In This House." This message invites you to explore the transformative power of prayer as the key to intimacy with God. Discover how prayer is not just a ritual but a relational invitation to know the heart of the Father. Learn how praying Scripture can unlock God's promises and activate faith in your life. This sermon also emphasizes the role of prayer in sparking revival and maintaining a soft heart in a divided world. Join us as we delve into the profound truth that prayer is the language of heaven, offering us the power to change history, heal hearts, and draw closer to God. Whether you're seeking to deepen your prayer life or understand its significance, this message is a call to embrace prayer as a vital part of your spiritual journey.
Join us for week two in our sermon series "In This House," where we explore who God is calling us to be as a church and as individuals. In this week's message, "People of Praise," we delve into the significance of praise and worship in our lives. Drawing from 1 Timothy 3 and Psalm 150, we learn that praise is not just a component of worship but a powerful expression of our faith. Discover the biblical foundations of praise, its role in creating an atmosphere for God's presence, and how it serves as a weapon in spiritual battles. Whether you're on a mountaintop or in a valley, this sermon will encourage you to embrace praise as a vital part of your spiritual journey. Join us as we lift our voices and hearts in worship, celebrating the greatness of our God.
Join us for our new sermon series, "In This House," where we explore the foundational values and culture of Radiant Church. Over the next five weeks, we'll delve into what it means to be a people of potential, praise, prayer, presence, and pursuit. This series aims to define and revisit who God has called us to be, both as individuals and as a church community. In our first message, we focus on being a "People of Potential," understanding that each of us has inherent God-given abilities and purpose. Through faith, obedience, reliance on the Holy Spirit, and spiritual growth, we can reach the potential God has for us. Join us as we seek to steward the growth and opportunities God is providing, and learn how you can be a part of this exciting journey. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your faith and connect with our church family!
Join us for an inspiring sermon by Pastor Lee Cummings, titled "Flourishing in Your Identity," based on Ephesians Chapter 2. Discover how the church is not just a building but a spiritual ecosystem designed to help you thrive in your new identity in Christ. Pastor Lee shares his personal journey and emphasizes the importance of being rooted in the local church, where we find our true identity and grow stronger together. Learn how to embrace your new passport in Christ, leaving behind the old and stepping into the fullness of who God created you to be. This message will encourage you to invest in the church community and experience the transformative power of living out your God-given purpose. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of your identity in Christ and the vital role of the church in your spiritual growth.
Join us as we conclude our sermon series Life in Prison on the book of Philippians, where we've journeyed through Paul's heartfelt letter to the church in Philippi. This week, we delve into Philippians 4:10-19, exploring the themes of contentment, stewardship, and the spiritual significance of generosity. Discover how Paul, even in the midst of his own trials, learned the secret of being content in every situation and how this principle applies to our lives today. We'll also address common misconceptions about money and stewardship within the Christian faith, emphasizing the importance of giving as a form of worship and partnership in God's work. Whether you're seeking financial peace or spiritual growth, this sermon offers valuable insights into living a life of faith and trust in God's provision.
As we continue our Life in Prison series Join us for an enlightening message on Philippians 4, where we delve into the transformative power of aligning our minds with God's truth. In this week's message, we explore the profound impact of our thought life on our spiritual journey. Discover how to cultivate the peace of God by renewing your mind and meditating on what is true, noble, and praiseworthy. Learn practical steps to evaluate what you take in, punctuate your day with scripture and prayer, and meditate on God's Word. This sermon is a powerful reminder that our thoughts shape our actions and destiny, and by embracing God's truth, we can experience victory and intimacy with Him. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your relationship with God and transform your mind. Join us for this impactful message and be inspired to live a life aligned with God's purpose.
As we continue our Life in Prison series this week Pastor Zach Dillon from Radiant Kalamazoo joins us to deliver a powerful message titled "Peace That Surpasses Understanding," which delves into Philippians 4:6-7, exploring the profound peace that the Apostle Paul describes—a peace that transcends circumstances and understanding. Drawing from personal experiences and biblical insights, Pastor Zach addresses the pervasive anxiety of our times, particularly among younger generations, and contrasts it with the enduring peace offered through a relationship with Jesus Christ. He emphasizes that true peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of wholeness and restoration found in Christ. Through heartfelt storytelling and theological depth, this sermon invites listeners to build a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit and set their hope firmly on Jesus, encouraging them to become peacemakers in a world desperate for hope and stability. Join us as we explore how to live out the promise of God's peace in our daily lives.
Have you ever paused to consider what truly defines your life—your achievements or your relationship with God? In today’s sermon, Pastor Jon dives deep into Philippians 3, where Paul eschews his impressive spiritual résumé, filled with accomplishments and accolades, declaring them as mere 'rubbish' compared to the profound worth of knowing Christ. While imprisoned, Paul penned this letter, reminding the Philippians that genuine joy and fulfillment come not from external accomplishments or adherence to the law, but from a vibrant, Spirit-led relationship with Jesus. He warns against those who would seek to undermine this truth with their insistence on ritual and tradition, encouraging the congregation to place their confidence solely in Christ. Pastor Jon connects this message powerfully to our modern lives, emphasizing that our pursuit should not be hollow achievements but rather a deepening relationship with God that transforms and defines us.
Join us for an insightful journey through the Book of Philippians as we delve into the heart of Paul's letter to the church in Philippi. In this sermon, we explore the themes of unity, obedience, and humility, drawing from Philippians Chapter 2. Discover how Paul, writing from house arrest in Rome, encourages the Philippians to work out their salvation with fear and trembling, emphasizing the importance of living out their faith through actions and attitudes. Learn how the example of Christ's humility and obedience serves as a model for us today, and how we can shine as lights in a world that often feels crooked and perverse. This message challenges us to hold fast to the Word of Life, fostering unity and growth in our spiritual journey. Whether you're new to faith or seeking to deepen your understanding, this sermon offers practical insights for living a life that reflects the love and grace of Jesus Christ. Join us as we seek to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord, united in purpose and passion for His kingdom.
Join us as we continue our series "Letters from Prison," as we delve into Philippians Chapter 2. This week, we explore the profound teachings of the Apostle Paul, who, while under house arrest, penned a letter to the church in Philippi emphasizing the importance of unity and humility. Discover how Paul's message, centered on the ultimate example of humility—Jesus Christ—challenges us to live selflessly and in harmony with one another. Through this sermon, we are reminded of the power and lordship of Jesus, who, being in very nature God, humbled Himself to become a servant for our salvation. As we reflect on the significance of Jesus' sacrifice and His exaltation, we are called to embrace humility, unity, and the transformative power of His name in our lives. Join us as we seek to deepen our understanding of who Jesus is and how we can live out His teachings in our daily lives.
What if your greatest trials could actually be the key to your triumphs? In Pastor Jon's latest message, he dives into Paul's letter to the Philippians, revealing the profound joy that can arise even amid adversity. Through an expository lens, Pastor Jon recounts Paul’s journey— from receiving a vision in Troas to facing imprisonment in Rome—using every challenge as a stepping stone to advance the Gospel. He reminds us that true joy is not derived from our circumstances but from the unwavering promise that God is always working on our behalf. The Philippians are encouraged to adopt a similar perspective, finding confidence in their faith and actively striving for unity in the face of opposition. Through storytelling and relatable insights, Pastor Jon connects Paul's message to our everyday struggles, urging us to live with an eternal perspective. This message invites you to reconsider how you view life's difficulties, transforming them into opportunities for growth and joy.
Join us for our new sermon series, "Letters from Prison," as we delve into the book of Philippians, one of the Apostle Paul's most heartfelt letters written during his imprisonment in Rome. This expository series will guide us through the rich context and profound messages of joy, gratitude, and perseverance found in Philippians. Despite his challenging circumstances, Paul expresses deep affection for the Philippian church and emphasizes the advancement of the Gospel. Through this series, we will explore how to view our lives through the lens of God's goodness and the Gospel's impact, just as Paul did. Discover the transformative power of being "in Christ" and how it shapes our identity and purpose. Join us as we unpack these timeless truths and learn to see our circumstances through the perspective of God's eternal plan.
In this impactful sermon delivered by Pastor Jerry Theis, we explore the profound concept of the "Fear of the Lord" as the key to unlocking the treasures of God's wisdom, knowledge, and salvation. Drawing from Isaiah 33:5-6 and Exodus 20:18-20, Pastor Jerry emphasizes the importance of having a deep reverence and awe for God, distinguishing it from being fearful of Him. Through engaging anecdotes and biblical insights, he challenges us to cultivate a heart posture that honors God above all else, leading to a life free from worldly fears and rich in spiritual blessings. This message encourages us as believers to examine our relationship with God, ensuring that the fear of the Lord is foundational in our walk of faith.
Join us for the final installment of our "Fruit of the Spirit" series, as we delve into Galatians 5 and explore the vital characteristic of self-control. In this sermon, we unpack how the Fruit of the Spirit serves as a dashboard for our Christian lives, reflecting the life and character of Jesus. Discover the battle between the flesh and the Spirit, and learn practical steps to cultivate self-control through repentance, love for Jesus, and daily walking in the Spirit. Be encouraged by the Apostle Paul's struggle and find hope in the truth that the answer is in Jesus Christ. This message will equip you to bear fruit that makes the gospel attractive to others, as you grow in godliness and grace. Don't miss this transformative teaching that will inspire you to fix your eyes on Jesus and live a life that glorifies Him.
This week in our fruit of the spirit series, we focus on the often misunderstood fruit of gentleness. Discover how gentleness, or "prautes" in Greek, is not a sign of weakness but rather strength under control, exemplified perfectly by Jesus Christ. Through biblical examples like Moses and the Apostle Paul, we learn how the Holy Spirit cultivates this fruit in us, enabling us to approach God's Word with humility and interact with others with love and respect. Whether you're new to faith or seeking to deepen your relationship with Christ, this sermon will challenge and inspire you to embody the gentleness that our world desperately needs. Join us as we seek to align our lives with the character of Jesus and grow in the fruit of the Spirit.
This week in our sermon series on the Fruit of the Spirit, we focus on "Faithfulness," understanding it as a reflection of God's unwavering reliability and trustworthiness. Discover how faithfulness is not just about showing up, but about stewardship—being trustworthy and dependable with what God has entrusted to us. Through biblical examples and practical insights, learn how to cultivate faithfulness in your own life by abiding in Christ, understanding God's immense love, and living out His commandments. Whether you're waiting on a promise from God or seeking to grow in your spiritual journey, this message will encourage you to trust in God's faithfulness and inspire you to reflect His steadfast love in your daily walk. Join us as we explore how to live differently from the world, bearing the fruit of the Spirit in every aspect of our lives.
In our ongoing "Fruit of the Spirit" series, this week's focus is on goodness. Pastor Jon explores the true essence of the Gospel, addressing the widespread misconception that good deeds alone can secure a place in heaven. Drawing inspiration from the book of Exodus, where God reveals Himself to Moses by declaring His name and allowing His goodness to pass before him, we gain profound insight into the depth and richness of divine goodness. This passage powerfully reminds us of God's unwavering faithfulness and mercy. We as believers are called to live lives that glorify Jesus, reflecting His goodness to the world around us, and this message emphasizes the transformative power of accepting Jesus Christ as Savior, highlighting that salvation is a gift received through faith, not by works. Join us as we embrace this truth, grow in godliness, and remain connected to Christ, the true vine, to bear lasting fruit.
Join us for week two of our Taste and See series as we focus on developing spiritual hunger and perseverance. Through the compelling stories of blind Bartimaeus and the Canaanite woman, we learn what it means to refuse to be silenced or denied when seeking God. Discover how spiritual hunger attracts God's attention and why endurance matters more than instant results in our microwave culture. Pastor John offers practical insights on building lasting spiritual hunger through prayer, fasting, and community while addressing the tension between God's sovereignty and our personal responsibility. He challenges us to push past comfortable, status quo Christianity with a sobering reminder: "Popular Christianity is not biblical, and Biblical Christianity is not popular." If you've ever felt spiritually complacent or wondered why breakthrough seems delayed, this message will reignite your passion to seek God with everything you have—not as domesticated believers content with comfort, but as the wild, hungry followers we're called to be.