Advertise on podcast: The Local Church

What does it look like to leave a lasting legacy? In John 15, Jesus reminds us that the key to a fruitful life isn’t found in striving harder, but in staying connected to Him. Just as branches can’t bear fruit on their own, we can’t live the life God has called us to apart from Jesus. When we remain in Him, His life shapes us, produces fruit in us, and impacts the people around us. A lasting legacy starts with a life rooted in Jesus. ----------- Join us for service online or in-person in Grand Rapids every Sunday at 9AM & 10:45AM.  Decided to follow Jesus?  We would love to help you figure out what's next! Let us know at https://bit.ly/TLC-i-decided Stay Connected! Website: http://localchurchgr.org Facebook: http://facebook.com/localchurchgr  Instagram: http://instagram.com/localchurchgr Weekly Email Newsletter: https://bit.ly/trendingatTLC  Visit & What to Expect: http://localchurchgr.org/expect  Events: http://my.localchurchgr.org/events  If you would like to support The Local Church GR's ministry and help us continue reaching people in the Grand Rapids area, click here: https://localchurchgr.org/give  Need prayer? Please let us know! https://localchurchgr.org/care

What does it look like to truly depend on Jesus? Looking at the story of God providing manna in the wilderness and Jesus declaring Himself the Bread of Life, we’re reminded that our lives don’t ultimately come from what we can provide for ourselves, but from Him. God often uses our daily needs to teach us to trust Him one day at a time. Jesus is the only one who can truly satisfy our deepest hunger and give us life. ----------- Join us for service online or in person in Grand Rapids every Sunday at 9AM & 10:45AM.Decided to follow Jesus? We would love to help you figure out what's next! Let us know at https://bit.ly/TLC-i-decidedStay Connected!Website: http://localchurchgr.orgFacebook: http://facebook.com/localchurchgrInstagram: http://instagram.com/localchurchgrWeekly Email Newsletter: https://bit.ly/trendingatTLCVisit & What to Expect: http://localchurchgr.org/expectEvents: http://my.localchurchgr.org/eventsIf you would like to support The Local Church GR's ministry and help us continue reaching people in the Grand Rapids area, click here: https://localchurchgr.org/giveNeed prayer? Please let us know! https://localchurchgr.org/care

It’s easy for our relationship with Jesus to slowly become passive, where we stop intentionally connecting with Him and settle into apathy. But apathy isn’t just caring less, it can reveal that we’ve allowed other things to take God’s place in our hearts. Jesus calls us to something different: to remain, abide, dwell, and stay connected to Him like branches connected to the vine. The more we know and love Jesus, the more we move from simply believing in Him to actually living a life that stays connected to Him. ----------- Join us for service online or in-person in Grand Rapids every Sunday at 9AM & 10:45AM. Decided to follow Jesus? We would love to help you figure out what's next! Let us know at https://bit.ly/TLC-i-decided Stay Connected! Website: http://localchurchgr.org Facebook: http://facebook.com/localchurchgr Instagram: http://instagram.com/localchurchgr Weekly Email Newsletter: https://bit.ly/trendingatTLC Visit & What to Expect: http://localchurchgr.org/expect Events: http://my.localchurchgr.org/events If you would like to support The Local Church GR's ministry and help us continue reaching people in the Grand Rapids area, click here: https://localchurchgr.org/give Need prayer? Please let us know! https://localchurchgr.org/care

What if we’ve settled for a counterfeit version of what it means to follow Jesus? In John 15, Jesus invites us to abide in Him, to make our home in Him through dependence and obedience, rather than trying to earn His favor through activity and performance. When we remain connected to Jesus, the fruit of His Spirit naturally begins to grow in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The invitation is simple: stop striving to transform yourself and learn to depend on Jesus, obey Him, and let Him transform you. ----------- Join us for service online or in-person in Grand Rapids every Sunday at 9AM & 10:45AM. Decided to follow Jesus? We would love to help you figure out what's next! Let us know at https://bit.ly/TLC-i-decided Stay Connected! Website: http://localchurchgr.org Facebook: http://facebook.com/localchurchgr Instagram: http://instagram.com/localchurchgr Weekly Email Newsletter: https://bit.ly/trendingatTLC Visit & What to Expect: http://localchurchgr.org/expect Events: http://my.localchurchgr.org/events If you would like to support The Local Church GR's ministry and help us continue reaching people in the Grand Rapids area, click here: https://localchurchgr.org/give Need prayer? Please let us know! https://localchurchgr.org/care

It’s possible to be around Jesus without actually making Jesus home. In John 15, Jesus calls Himself the true vine and reminds us that our identity, life, joy, and peace are found in Him. Not in our jobs, relationships, accomplishments, possessions, or anything else we might attach ourselves to. To abide in Jesus means to make our home in Him, allowing every area of our lives to feel the pull toward Him through dependence and obedience. As we begin Home, the invitation is simple: wherever you find yourself, take a step toward Jesus and let Him meet you there. ----------- Join us for service online or in-person in Grand Rapids every Sunday at 9AM & 10:45AM. Decided to follow Jesus? We would love to help you figure out what's next! Let us know at https://bit.ly/TLC-i-decided Stay Connected! Website: http://localchurchgr.org Facebook: http://facebook.com/localchurchgr Instagram: http://instagram.com/localchurchgr Weekly Email Newsletter: https://bit.ly/trendingatTLC Visit & What to Expect: http://localchurchgr.org/expect Events: http://my.localchurchgr.org/events If you would like to support The Local Church GR's ministry and help us continue reaching people in the Grand Rapids area, click here: https://localchurchgr.org/give Need prayer? Please let us know! https://localchurchgr.org/care

This Sunday, we had the opportunity to reflect on all the Lord has done through TLC over these past few months and look ahead to where God is leading our church! We’re so grateful for what He’s doing and excited for all that’s still to come. ----------- Join us for service online or in-person in Grand Rapids every Sunday at 9AM & 10:45AM. Decided to follow Jesus? We would love to help you figure out what's next! Let us know at https://bit.ly/TLC-i-decided Stay Connected! Website: http://localchurchgr.org Facebook: http://facebook.com/localchurchgr Instagram: http://instagram.com/localchurchgr Weekly Email Newsletter: https://bit.ly/trendingatTLC Visit & What to Expect: http://localchurchgr.org/expect Events: http://my.localchurchgr.org/events If you would like to support The Local Church GR's ministry and help us continue reaching people in the Grand Rapids area, click here: https://localchurchgr.org/give Need prayer? Please let us know! https://localchurchgr.org/care

What does it look like to shape our families around Jesus in the middle of everyday life? In this message, we look at the Shema and Moses’ call to love God with our whole hearts and let that love shape the way we live and lead. For parents, that means recognizing the power we have to point our kids toward Jesus through simple, everyday “micro moments” like prayers, conversations, Scripture, and reminders of who they are in Christ. It doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming; small, intentional moments repeated over time can leave a lasting impression on the next generation. ----------- Join us for service online or in-person in Grand Rapids every Sunday at 9AM & 10:45AM. Decided to follow Jesus? We would love to help you figure out what's next! Let us know at https://bit.ly/TLC-i-decided Stay Connected! Website: http://localchurchgr.org Facebook: http://facebook.com/localchurchgr Instagram: http://instagram.com/localchurchgr Weekly Email Newsletter: https://bit.ly/trendingatTLC Visit & What to Expect: http://localchurchgr.org/expect Events: http://my.localchurchgr.org/events If you would like to support The Local Church GR's ministry and help us continue reaching people in the Grand Rapids area, click here: https://localchurchgr.org/give Need prayer? Please let us know! https://localchurchgr.org/care

What does it look like to build your life and your family on something that won’t be shaken? In this message, we’re reminded that Jesus is our firm foundation, faithful yesterday, today, and tomorrow, even when life doesn’t go the way we expect. We also look at what it means to live out our faith beyond ourselves, sharing the gospel and helping make disciples both in our own city and around the world. When Jesus is at the center, our faith becomes something that shapes our families, our church, and the generations that come after us. ----------- Join us for service online or in-person in Grand Rapids every Sunday at 9AM & 10:45AM. Decided to follow Jesus? We would love to help you figure out what's next! Let us know at https://bit.ly/TLC-i-decided Stay Connected! Website: http://localchurchgr.org Facebook: http://facebook.com/localchurchgr Instagram: http://instagram.com/localchurchgr Weekly Email Newsletter: https://bit.ly/trendingatTLC Visit & What to Expect: http://localchurchgr.org/expect Events: http://my.localchurchgr.org/events If you would like to support The Local Church GR's ministry and help us continue reaching people in the Grand Rapids area, click here: https://localchurchgr.org/give Need prayer? Please let us know! https://localchurchgr.org/care

Life with Jesus is life with His family, and biblical community is something we’re called to intentionally pursue. In Acts 2, we see the early church gathering in both the temple and homes, building community through five simple patterns: eat, pray, play, share resources, and share a mission. Community doesn’t just happen, it takes persevering commitment, but it’s also one of the ways Jesus forms us to become more like Him. Whether you’re new to the area, hesitant about community, or have been hurt by it before, Jesus invites you into His family and promises to meet you there. ----------- Join us for service online or in-person in Grand Rapids every Sunday at 9AM & 10:45AM. Decided to follow Jesus? We would love to help you figure out what's next! Let us know at https://bit.ly/TLC-i-decided Stay Connected! Website: http://localchurchgr.org Facebook: http://facebook.com/localchurchgr Instagram: http://instagram.com/localchurchgr Weekly Email Newsletter: https://bit.ly/trendingatTLC Visit & What to Expect: http://localchurchgr.org/expect Events: http://my.localchurchgr.org/events If you would like to support The Local Church GR's ministry and help us continue reaching people in the Grand Rapids area, click here: https://localchurchgr.org/give Need prayer? Please let us know! https://localchurchgr.org/care

Work can often feel like something we just have to get through, but what if God designed work to be so much more? In this message, we’ll explore how our identity, calling, and vocation come together, and how every kind of work can be an opportunity to serve others and worship God. From parenting to teaching, creating, building, caring, and leading, God invites us to work alongside Him for the good of the world. So how do we discover where our gifts, God’s priorities, and the world’s needs intersect? ----------- Join us for service online or in-person in Grand Rapids every Sunday at 9AM & 10:45AM. Decided to follow Jesus? We would love to help you figure out what's next! Let us know at https://bit.ly/TLC-i-decided Stay Connected! Website: http://localchurchgr.org Facebook: http://facebook.com/localchurchgr Instagram: http://instagram.com/localchurchgr Weekly Email Newsletter: https://bit.ly/trendingatTLC Visit & What to Expect: http://localchurchgr.org/expect Events: http://my.localchurchgr.org/events If you would like to support The Local Church GR's ministry and help us continue reaching people in the Grand Rapids area, click here: https://localchurchgr.org/give Need prayer? Please let us know! https://localchurchgr.org/care

We had the privilege of learning from Pastor Austin from Beloved Church this Sunday! He led us through the book of Malachi, reminding us of God’s faithful love and His invitation to return to Him with our whole hearts. We were challenged to consider what we’re giving to God and whether we’re offering Him our best or simply what’s left over. Ultimately, Malachi points us to Jesus, who meets us in our unfaithfulness and brings restoration through His grace. ----------- Join us for service online or in-person in Grand Rapids every Sunday at 9AM & 10:45AM. Decided to follow Jesus? We would love to help you figure out what's next! Let us know at https://bit.ly/TLC-i-decided Stay Connected! Website: http://localchurchgr.org Facebook: http://facebook.com/localchurchgr Instagram: http://instagram.com/localchurchgr Weekly Email Newsletter: https://bit.ly/trendingatTLC Visit & What to Expect: http://localchurchgr.org/expect Events: http://my.localchurchgr.org/events If you would like to support The Local Church GR's ministry and help us continue reaching people in the Grand Rapids area, click here: https://localchurchgr.org/give Need prayer? Please let us know! https://localchurchgr.org/care

Have you ever walked through a season that felt dry, hopeless, or beyond repair? This week's message reminds us that even in the middle of devastation, God is calling His people back to Himself. Through the book of Joel, we're reminded that God doesn't simply restore what was lost—He restores hearts that turn to Him. No matter where you've been or what you're carrying, His invitation remains the same: return to Me, for I am gracious, compassionate, and faithful to restore. ----------- Join us for service online or in-person in Grand Rapids every Sunday at 9AM & 10:45AM. Decided to follow Jesus? We would love to help you figure out what's next! Let us know at https://bit.ly/TLC-i-decided Stay Connected! Website: http://localchurchgr.org Facebook: http://facebook.com/localchurchgr Instagram: http://instagram.com/localchurchgr Weekly Email Newsletter: https://bit.ly/trendingatTLC Visit & What to Expect: http://localchurchgr.org/expect Events: http://my.localchurchgr.org/events If you would like to support The Local Church GR's ministry and help us continue reaching people in the Grand Rapids area, click here: https://localchurchgr.org/give Need prayer? Please let us know! https://localchurchgr.org/care

When life doesn't make sense, it's okay to bring your honest questions and frustrations to God. Looking at the book of Habakkuk, we see that while God welcomes our complaints, He also invites us to trust His heart even when we can't understand His plans. Our circumstances may not change immediately, but worship shifts our perspective, reminding us that God is faithful, sovereign, and worthy of our trust. No matter what we face, our response can always be worship. ----------- Join us for service online or in-person in Grand Rapids every Sunday at 9AM & 10:45AM. Decided to follow Jesus? We would love to help you figure out what's next! Let us know at https://bit.ly/TLC-i-decided Stay Connected! Website: http://localchurchgr.org Facebook: http://facebook.com/localchurchgr Instagram: http://instagram.com/localchurchgr Weekly Email Newsletter: https://bit.ly/trendingatTLC Visit & What to Expect: http://localchurchgr.org/expect Events: http://my.localchurchgr.org/events If you would like to support The Local Church GR's ministry and help us continue reaching people in the Grand Rapids area, click here: https://localchurchgr.org/give Need prayer? Please let us know! https://localchurchgr.org/care

What does God really desire from His people? The book of Amos reminds us that worship isn't just about the songs we sing on Sunday—it's about how we love, serve, and seek justice throughout the week. God calls His people to hate evil, love good, and care for those who are overlooked. As followers of Jesus, our faith should move beyond words into action, reflecting God's heart for righteousness and compassion wherever He's placed us. ----------- Join us for service online or in-person in Grand Rapids every Sunday at 9AM & 10:45AM. Decided to follow Jesus? We would love to help you figure out what's next! Let us know at https://bit.ly/TLC-i-decided Stay Connected! Website: http://localchurchgr.org Facebook: http://facebook.com/localchurchgr Instagram: http://instagram.com/localchurchgr Weekly Email Newsletter: https://bit.ly/trendingatTLC Visit & What to Expect: http://localchurchgr.org/expect Events: http://my.localchurchgr.org/events If you would like to support The Local Church GR's ministry and help us continue reaching people in the Grand Rapids area, click here: https://localchurchgr.org/give Need prayer? Please let us know! https://localchurchgr.org/care

God doesn't just hate sin, He loves you. This Sunday, Brian kicked off our new series, Love in the Minor Keys, by looking at the book of Hosea. Through Hosea's story, we're reminded that our sin isn't just about breaking rules, it breaks the heart of a God who deeply desires a relationship with us. Yet even when we choose other things over Him, God never stops pursuing us. Just as Hosea bought Gomer back, Jesus has already paid the price to bring us home. No matter where you've been or what you've chosen, God's relentless love is still reaching for you. ----------- Join us for service online or in-person in Grand Rapids every Sunday at 9AM & 10:45AM. Decided to follow Jesus? We would love to help you figure out what's next! Let us know at https://bit.ly/TLC-i-decided Stay Connected! Website: http://localchurchgr.org Facebook: http://facebook.com/localchurchgr Instagram: http://instagram.com/localchurchgr Weekly Email Newsletter: https://bit.ly/trendingatTLC Visit & What to Expect: http://localchurchgr.org/expect Events: http://my.localchurchgr.org/events If you would like to support The Local Church GR's ministry and help us continue reaching people in the Grand Rapids area, click here: https://localchurchgr.org/give Need prayer? Please let us know! https://localchurchgr.org/care