Produced and Delivered Web-TV Programming
LaGrave Live
LIVE Morning Worship Service 03-15-2026
Cross Words: Sin & Slavery
About The concert:
We continue our Cross Words series, focusing on the meaning and impact of Christ's cross. Pastor Jonker will preach on Romans 7:7-25. He will talk about how the cross is a defeat of the powers of evil.
Order of Worship:
https://lagrave.org/wp-content/uploads/2026-3-15-AM-Order-of-Worship.pdf
About the Church:
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)
We'd love to hear from you:
Connection: https://www.lagrave.org/contact
Let us pray for you:
Prayer: https://www.lagrave.org/prayerrequest/
Giving: https://www.elexiogiving.com/App/Giving/lagr107178
The March special offering is for Mel Trotter Ministries. Mel Trotter Ministries provides shelter for individuals and families with services including: meals, emergency shelter, transitional housing assistance, case management.
Listen on the go:
Amazon Music: https://bit.ly/LGPodAmazonMusic
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3tuOdwQ
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/LGPodGoogle
Soundcloud: / lagravecrc https://soundcloud.com/lagravecrc
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3yXDFaT
Follow us!
Facebook: / lagravecrc https://www.facebook.com/lagravecrc
Instagram: / lagravecrc https://www.instagram.com/lagravecrc
Website: https://www.lagrave.org
#LaGrave #LaGraveCRC
Cross Words: Sin, Slavery, and the Liberating Power of Jesus Christ
Cross Words: Sin and Slavery
A Lenten exploration of Romans 7 and the cosmic liberation of the Cross.
Lent Series 2026
The Central Thesis
"I have the desire to do good, but I cannot carry it out... Who will rescue me from this body subject to death?"
— Apostle Paul, Romans 7:24
01
Sin as Enslavement
Beyond individual choices, sin is an addictive power that fixates the soul and overrides the will.
02
The Law as Intervention
The Law doesn't cause sin; it acts as a diagnostic tool that reveals the depth of our spiritual captivity.
03
Cosmic Liberation
The Cross is the turning point of history—a decisive victory over dark powers and the liberation of all creation.
Service Highlights
✔Table Fellowship: Edward & Henry's declaration.
✔Children's Message: Habits (Good vs. Bad).
✔Global Prayer: Peace in Iran & Middle East.
The Stained Glass Symbol
The sun and moon under Jesus' arms represent the cosmic implications of the sacrifice—victory over all created things.
Keywords
#Romans7 #Addiction #Liberation #Lent#Victory
Speaker: Rev. Peter Jonker | Location: LaGrave Ave CRC
Reading Time: ~83 min audio
Introduction
This Lenten service at LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church explores the profound theological theme of "Sin and Slavery." Through the lens of Romans 7, the service moves from the confession of personal transgressions to a celebration of Christ’s cosmic victory over the dark powers that seek to enslave humanity.
Detailed Summary
1. Covenantal Milestones and Community Prayer
The service opened with a call to worship and a time of confession, emphasizing that through Christ’s wounds, believers find healing and return to the "shepherd and overseer" of their souls. A significant highlight was the declaration of "table fellowship" for Edward Havlichek and Henry Slotsema. This milestone marks their public acceptance of Jesus Christ as Savior and their transition to participating in Holy Communion, a second step in their journey that began at baptism. Following this, the congregation engaged in intercessory prayer for community members facing health crises—including cancer treatments and bone marrow transplants—and for global peace, specifically focusing on the lack of religious freedom and the ongoing conflict in Iran.
Spiritual Habits for Growth
During the children's message, the distinction between "bad habits" (like nail-biting) and "good habits" was used to illustrate the Christian life.
Weekly Worship: Consistency in gathering with the community.
Daily Prayer: Maintaining a constant connection with God.
Scripture Engagement: Learning the stories of Jesus to remind ourselves of His love.
— Based on Segment [24-64]
2. The Anatomy of Sin: Choice vs. Enslavement
The sermon, titled "Sin and Slavery," utilized the modern analogies of hoarding and addiction to explain the "deep dynamics of sin" described by the Apostle Paul in Romans 7. It was argued that while sin begins with individual choices, it often evolves into an external, oppressive power that bypasses the human will. Paul’s struggle—doing what he hates and failing to do the good he desires—illustrates that sin is more than a list of broken rules; it is a "dark power" that takes hold of the soul. In this context, the Law of God acts as an "intervention," showing the believer the depth of their problem and their inability to self-liberate, thereby pointing toward the necessity of a Savior.
3. Christus Victor: The Cross as Cosmic Victory
The theological climax of the service centered on the cross as a site of liberation rather than just a transaction for debt. Referencing the stained-glass "cross window" at LaGrave—which depicts the sun, moon, and red lightning—the sermon explained that Christ’s death has cosmic implications. While the "evil one" viewed the crucifixion as a victory, it was actually the moment God defeated the powers of darkness through "suffering love." This victory ensures that believers are no longer "prisoners of the law of sin" but are brought into the "glory and freedom of the children of God". The service concluded with a call to "light candles of hope" in a world often characterized by fear and noise.
The "Cross Words" Framework
The Law
An "Intervention" that exposes the depth of sin.
➔
The Cross
A "Liberation" that breaks the power of evil.
"For through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit... has set us free."
Key Data
Scripture Reference: Romans 7:7-25 (The struggle with the law and sin).
Community Health Updates: Millie Vriend and Jean DeKryger have returned home; Steve Palazzolo completed a bone marrow transplant.
Global Focus: Prayer for the Padilla DeBorst family’s ministry at Casa Esperanza in Costa Rica.
To-Do / Next Steps
Community Engagement: Attend the 10:00 AM events listed in the church bulletin.
Prayer Requests: Use the new prayer cards located in the pew racks to submit requests to the prayer team.
Service Opportunity: Participate in or pray for the "Spa Day" event occurring this Tuesday in the multipurpose room.
Spiritual Reflection: Meditate on the "Cross Window" symbolism (sun, moon, and lightning) as a reminder of Christ's cosmic victory.
Conclusion
The service serves as a powerful reminder that while sin may "crouch at the door," it cannot claim those who belong to Christ. By shifting the focus from sin as a mere moral failure to sin as an overcome power, the congregation is encouraged to walk into the world with "joyful hope," confident that the "sacrificed lamb" is indeed the "Lion of Judah" who has set them free.
LIVE Morning Worship Service 03-15-2026
Cross Words: Sin & Slavery
About The concert:
We continue our Cross Words series, focusing on the meaning and impact of Christ's cross. Pastor Jonker will preach on Romans 7:7-25. He will talk about how the cross is a defeat of the powers of evil.
Order of Worship:
https://lagrave.org/wp-content/uploads/2026-3-15-AM-Order-of-Worship.pdf
About the Church:
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)
We'd love to hear from you:
Connection: https://www.lagrave.org/contact
Let us pray for you:
Prayer: https://www.lagrave.org/prayerrequest/
Giving: https://www.elexiogiving.com/App/Giving/lagr107178
The March special offering is for Mel Trotter Ministries. Mel Trotter Ministries provides shelter for individuals and families with services including: meals, emergency shelter, transitional housing assistance, case management.
Listen on the go:
Amazon Music: https://bit.ly/LGPodAmazonMusic
Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/3tuOdwQ
Google Podcast: https://bit.ly/LGPodGoogle
Soundcloud: / lagravecrc https://soundcloud.com/lagravecrc
Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3yXDFaT
Follow us!
Facebook: / lagravecrc https://www.facebook.com/lagravecrc
Instagram: / lagravecrc https://www.instagram.com/lagravecrc
Website: https://www.lagrave.org
#LaGrave #LaGraveCRC
Cross Words: Sin, Slavery, and the Liberating Power of Jesus Christ
Cross Words: Sin and Slavery
A Lenten exploration of Romans 7 and the cosmic liberation of the Cross.
Lent Series 2026
The Central Thesis
"I have the desire to do good, but I cannot carry it out... Who will rescue me from this body subject to death?"
— Apostle Paul, Romans 7:24
01
Sin as Enslavement
Beyond individual choices, sin is an addictive power that fixates the soul and overrides the will.
02
The Law as Intervention
The Law doesn't cause sin; it acts as a diagnostic tool that reveals the depth of our spiritual captivity.
03
Cosmic Liberation
The Cross is the turning point of history—a decisive victory over dark powers and the liberation of all creation.
Service Highlights
✔Table Fellowship: Edward & Henry's declaration.
✔Children's Message: Habits (Good vs. Bad).
✔Global Prayer: Peace in Iran & Middle East.
The Stained Glass Symbol
The sun and moon under Jesus' arms represent the cosmic implications of the sacrifice—victory over all created things.
Keywords
#Romans7 #Addiction #Liberation #Lent#Victory
Speaker: Rev. Peter Jonker | Location: LaGrave Ave CRC
Reading Time: ~83 min audio
Introduction
This Lenten service at LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church explores the profound theological theme of "Sin and Slavery." Through the lens of Romans 7, the service moves from the confession of personal transgressions to a celebration of Christ’s cosmic victory over the dark powers that seek to enslave humanity.
Detailed Summary
1. Covenantal Milestones and Community Prayer
The service opened with a call to worship and a time of confession, emphasizing that through Christ’s wounds, believers find healing and return to the "shepherd and overseer" of their souls. A significant highlight was the declaration of "table fellowship" for Edward Havlichek and Henry Slotsema. This milestone marks their public acceptance of Jesus Christ as Savior and their transition to participating in Holy Communion, a second step in their journey that began at baptism. Following this, the congregation engaged in intercessory prayer for community members facing health crises—including cancer treatments and bone marrow transplants—and for global peace, specifically focusing on the lack of religious freedom and the ongoing conflict in Iran.
Spiritual Habits for Growth
During the children's message, the distinction between "bad habits" (like nail-biting) and "good habits" was used to illustrate the Christian life.
Weekly Worship: Consistency in gathering with the community.
Daily Prayer: Maintaining a constant connection with God.
Scripture Engagement: Learning the stories of Jesus to remind ourselves of His love.
— Based on Segment [24-64]
2. The Anatomy of Sin: Choice vs. Enslavement
The sermon, titled "Sin and Slavery," utilized the modern analogies of hoarding and addiction to explain the "deep dynamics of sin" described by the Apostle Paul in Romans 7. It was argued that while sin begins with individual choices, it often evolves into an external, oppressive power that bypasses the human will. Paul’s struggle—doing what he hates and failing to do the good he desires—illustrates that sin is more than a list of broken rules; it is a "dark power" that takes hold of the soul. In this context, the Law of God acts as an "intervention," showing the believer the depth of their problem and their inability to self-liberate, thereby pointing toward the necessity of a Savior.
3. Christus Victor: The Cross as Cosmic Victory
The theological climax of the service centered on the cross as a site of liberation rather than just a transaction for debt. Referencing the stained-glass "cross window" at LaGrave—which depicts the sun, moon, and red lightning—the sermon explained that Christ’s death has cosmic implications. While the "evil one" viewed the crucifixion as a victory, it was actually the moment God defeated the powers of darkness through "suffering love." This victory ensures that believers are no longer "prisoners of the law of sin" but are brought into the "glory and freedom of the children of God". The service concluded with a call to "light candles of hope" in a world often characterized by fear and noise.
The "Cross Words" Framework
The Law
An "Intervention" that exposes the depth of sin.
➔
The Cross
A "Liberation" that breaks the power of evil.
"For through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit... has set us free."
Key Data
Scripture Reference: Romans 7:7-25 (The struggle with the law and sin).
Community Health Updates: Millie Vriend and Jean DeKryger have returned home; Steve Palazzolo completed a bone marrow transplant.
Global Focus: Prayer for the Padilla DeBorst family’s ministry at Casa Esperanza in Costa Rica.
To-Do / Next Steps
Community Engagement: Attend the 10:00 AM events listed in the church bulletin.
Prayer Requests: Use the new prayer cards located in the pew racks to submit requests to the prayer team.
Service Opportunity: Participate in or pray for the "Spa Day" event occurring this Tuesday in the multipurpose room.
Spiritual Reflection: Meditate on the "Cross Window" symbolism (sun, moon, and lightning) as a reminder of Christ's cosmic victory.
Conclusion
The service serves as a powerful reminder that while sin may "crouch at the door," it cannot claim those who belong to Christ. By shifting the focus from sin as a mere moral failure to sin as an overcome power, the congregation is encouraged to walk into the world with "joyful hope," confident that the "sacrificed lamb" is indeed the "Lion of Judah" who has set them free.
As You Wish Talk Radio with James Gilliland
Blood Moon Censors Revealed, Israel Iran Kirk, Connecting the Dots
This broadcast by James Gilliland of ECETI, explores the intersections of current geopolitical upheavals, the hidden reality of extraterrestrial contact, and the underlying spiritual conflict shaping the human experience. The show outlines a narrative of transition from "Deep State" control toward a future aligned with universal law and multidimensional awareness.
Geopolitical Shifts and the "Shadow Government"
The discussion opens with an analysis of a global "reset" triggered by celestial alignments, coinciding with significant political turnover. There is a focus on the decline of the "unelected global elite" in the EU, specifically citing tensions between Italy's leadership and the European Commission. Domestically, the narrative highlights recent criminal referrals from the Director of National Intelligence involving high-ranking former officials for the alleged politicization of intelligence during the 2016 election. Furthermore, the speaker alleges the existence of a "shadow government" operating through back channels, suggesting that current administrative decisions are influenced by previous leadership structures rather than the sitting president.
The Middle East Conflict and the "Greater Israel" Agenda
The ongoing conflict involving Iran is framed as a maneuver by the "Deep State" to mire the U.S. in endless warfare. The speaker claims that false flag operations, allegedly conducted by intelligence agencies like Mossad, are being used to manipulate regional dynamics and draw the U.S. into defending specific agendas. There is a call to move past "tyranny meeting tyranny" and instead envision a Middle East where oil revenues are returned to the people and war-torn regions like Palestine and Iran are rebuilt through cooperation rather than expansionism.
Suppressed ET Disclosure and the ECETI Experience
A central portion of the document details the history of UFO/UAP sightings at the ECETI ranch, which have reportedly been witnessed by NASA officials, pilots, and thousands of visitors. The speaker criticizes the mainstream UFO community and "planned opposition" for censoring evidence of benevolent extraterrestrials—spiritually and technologically advanced beings—in favor of "fear-based" narratives or fuzzy, uncorroborated footage. Allegations are made regarding a long-term campaign of character assassination, physical threats, and financial sabotage intended to prevent the public from accessing undeniable evidence of contact.
Spiritual Warfare and the Depopulation Agenda
The narrative posits that humanity is in the midst of a multidimensional war involving "Archons" (unseen negative entities) and their physical hosts. These forces are linked to a "depopulation agenda" involving bioweapons (mislabelled as vaccines), chemtrails, and the poisoning of the food and water supply. Additionally, the speaker discusses the "demoralization of the masculine" and social engineering as tools used to weaken the family unit and individual resistance. The solution offered is an internal connection to the "Unified Field" or "Great Spirit," moving beyond religious "isms" and "schisms".
The Path Forward: Awakening and Universal Law
The document concludes with a call for a "full reset" of the human collective. This involves aligning with universal laws of peace and individual freedom, supporting evidence-based truth media, and recognizing the "monad" or unified field that connects all life. The speaker encourages individuals to trust their inner sensitivity, heal from negative influences, and prepare for a "quantum leap in evolution" as the "controlled narrative" inevitably collapses under the weight of the truth.
The narrative presented is one of a world at a crossroads between systemic tyranny and spiritual liberation. By exposing the mechanisms of the "Deep State" and the reality of our multidimensional heritage, the speaker argues that humanity can transcend its current conflicts and join a broader, peaceful galactic community. The ultimate message is one of individual empowerment: "One on the side of God is the majority."
Blood Moon Censors Revealed, Israel Iran Kirk, Connecting the Dots
This broadcast by James Gilliland of ECETI, explores the intersections of current geopolitical upheavals, the hidden reality of extraterrestrial contact, and the underlying spiritual conflict shaping the human experience. The show outlines a narrative of transition from "Deep State" control toward a future aligned with universal law and multidimensional awareness.
Geopolitical Shifts and the "Shadow Government"
The discussion opens with an analysis of a global "reset" triggered by celestial alignments, coinciding with significant political turnover. There is a focus on the decline of the "unelected global elite" in the EU, specifically citing tensions between Italy's leadership and the European Commission. Domestically, the narrative highlights recent criminal referrals from the Director of National Intelligence involving high-ranking former officials for the alleged politicization of intelligence during the 2016 election. Furthermore, the speaker alleges the existence of a "shadow government" operating through back channels, suggesting that current administrative decisions are influenced by previous leadership structures rather than the sitting president.
The Middle East Conflict and the "Greater Israel" Agenda
The ongoing conflict involving Iran is framed as a maneuver by the "Deep State" to mire the U.S. in endless warfare. The speaker claims that false flag operations, allegedly conducted by intelligence agencies like Mossad, are being used to manipulate regional dynamics and draw the U.S. into defending specific agendas. There is a call to move past "tyranny meeting tyranny" and instead envision a Middle East where oil revenues are returned to the people and war-torn regions like Palestine and Iran are rebuilt through cooperation rather than expansionism.
Suppressed ET Disclosure and the ECETI Experience
A central portion of the document details the history of UFO/UAP sightings at the ECETI ranch, which have reportedly been witnessed by NASA officials, pilots, and thousands of visitors. The speaker criticizes the mainstream UFO community and "planned opposition" for censoring evidence of benevolent extraterrestrials—spiritually and technologically advanced beings—in favor of "fear-based" narratives or fuzzy, uncorroborated footage. Allegations are made regarding a long-term campaign of character assassination, physical threats, and financial sabotage intended to prevent the public from accessing undeniable evidence of contact.
Spiritual Warfare and the Depopulation Agenda
The narrative posits that humanity is in the midst of a multidimensional war involving "Archons" (unseen negative entities) and their physical hosts. These forces are linked to a "depopulation agenda" involving bioweapons (mislabelled as vaccines), chemtrails, and the poisoning of the food and water supply. Additionally, the speaker discusses the "demoralization of the masculine" and social engineering as tools used to weaken the family unit and individual resistance. The solution offered is an internal connection to the "Unified Field" or "Great Spirit," moving beyond religious "isms" and "schisms".
The Path Forward: Awakening and Universal Law
The document concludes with a call for a "full reset" of the human collective. This involves aligning with universal laws of peace and individual freedom, supporting evidence-based truth media, and recognizing the "monad" or unified field that connects all life. The speaker encourages individuals to trust their inner sensitivity, heal from negative influences, and prepare for a "quantum leap in evolution" as the "controlled narrative" inevitably collapses under the weight of the truth.
The narrative presented is one of a world at a crossroads between systemic tyranny and spiritual liberation. By exposing the mechanisms of the "Deep State" and the reality of our multidimensional heritage, the speaker argues that humanity can transcend its current conflicts and join a broader, peaceful galactic community. The ultimate message is one of individual empowerment: "One on the side of God is the majority."
