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Submitted by Douglas Newsom on 19 April 2021

Produced and Delivered Web-TV Programming

LaGrave Live

LIVE Evening Worship Service - Outward Bound

About The Service:
Pastor Jonker will preach on Luke 4: 42-44

Order of Worship:
https://lagrave.org/wp-content/upload...

About Us:
We are a traditional CRC church in the middle of Downtown Grand Rapids, MI, worshipping at 8:40am, 11:00am, and 6:00pm. (10:00am and 6:00pm during the summer months)

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This worship service at La Grave Avenue Christian Reformed Church explores the dual nature of the Christian life through the example of Jesus. It emphasizes the necessity of both inward spiritual replenishment and the outward mission to engage with a distracted world.

Community Worship and Mission Focus
The service opened with a call to worship from Psalm 108, celebrating God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. A significant portion of the gathering was dedicated to the mission of the church, specifically highlighting the work at Zuni Christian Mission School (ZCMS) in New Mexico. Tim Beckford shared that the school is currently experiencing a "season of harvest," evidenced by recent baptisms of students and their family members. He emphasized that this work is sustained not by human strength, but through the Holy Spirit and the collective prayers of the global church.

Intercessory Prayer and Social Reflection
During the pastoral prayer, the congregation reflected on the beauty of creation while acknowledging the "dark valleys" of modern life. Specific concerns were raised regarding the rise of hatred, violence, and tension within the nation. The prayer sought peace, patience, and the frustration of those who promote fear. Additionally, the community interceded for those facing acute medical needs, specifically mentioning individuals battling cancer, chronic pain, and addiction, asking for both physical and soulful restoration.

The Sermon: The Two Moves of Jesus
The core message, based on Luke 4:42-44, examined Jesus’ devotional rhythm, which consists of two essential "moves":

1. The Inward Move (Replenishment)
Jesus frequently sought "deserted places" to pray and commune with the Father, especially after exhausting periods of ministry. This inward discipline is framed as vital for restoration. In a modern context, this is challenged by the "Attention Economy," where smartphones and digital distractions are designed to prevent quiet contemplation. The sermon noted a resurgence of interest in ancient spiritual disciplines (Sabbath, silence, fasting) among younger generations, such as Millennials and Gen Z, who are seeking "food and water" for their distracted souls.

2. The Outward Move (Mission)
The second move is the "must" of the Gospel—the necessity to move toward others. Jesus resisted the temptation to stay in a comfortable, successful ministry in Capernaum to reach other towns. His outward move was characterized by radical inclusion, reaching out to tax collectors, Samaritans, lepers, and the poor. The sermon argued that outward disciplines, such as hospitality, do not just bless others but also form and change the believer. By engaging with people from different backgrounds, Christians gain a fresh perspective on their own lives and ministries.

The Christian life is compared to the act of breathing: the inward move of spiritual replenishment is the "breath in," and the outward move of mission and hospitality is the "breath out." True human life, fully lived in the Holy Spirit, requires both moves to remain healthy and faithful to the example of Christ.
Bible News Prophecy with Dr Bob Thiel

Armenia: Eurasian Economic Union or EU

In April of 2026, Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan went to Moscow and met with Russia's President Vladimir Putin. President Putin brought up Armenia's discussions with the European Union (EU). He informed him that being in "both the EU and the Eurasian Economic Union is impossible" because of different standards, etc., even though Russia wants better trade relations with the EU. Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan said that deciding which was up to the citizens of Armenia. President Putin also pointed out that not only is Russia selling Armenia gas at highly discounted prices, that Armenia's exports to the EAEU have gone up tenfold. The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) consists of Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Could Armenia become part of the EU, consistent with prophecies in Daniel 8? Who or what is the 'little horn' of Daniel 8:9? What about Moldova and parts of Ukraine? If so, do biblical prophecies point to Armenia (and at least parts of Moldova and Ukraine) ultimately supporting Russia? Dr. Thiel and Steve Dupuie address these matters in light of biblical prophecies.

A written article of related interest is available titled 'Vladimir Putin says Armenia must decide between the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) and the EU' URL:
https://www.cogwriter.com/news/prophecy/vladimir-putin-says-armenia-must-decide-between-the-eurasian-economic-union-eaeu-and-the-eu/