Produced and Delivered Web-TV Programming
LaGrave Live
LIVE Morning Worship Service 03-01-2026
Cross Words: Contrition
About The concert:
March 2 is the second Sunday in the season of Lent and we will continue our Cross Words sermon series, a series which focuses on different aspects of the cross. Pastor Jonker will preach on Psalm 51
Order of Worship:
https://lagrave.org/wp-content/uploads/2026-3-1-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
The Path of Contrition: A Lenten Service of Reflection and Renewal
This document summarizes the Lenten worship service held at LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church, focusing on the spiritual discipline of contrition. The service explores the transition from the weight of human sinfulness to the transformative joy found through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
Detailed Points of Reflection
The Symbolism of the Cross in Worship
The service emphasizes the cross as the central motif of the Lenten season, both theologically and physically. During the children's message, it was noted that the sanctuary contains over 360 crosses—found in the architecture, windows, and light fixtures—serving as a daily reminder for the entire year that Jesus cares for the "hard things" in life. This visual abundance reinforces the message that the atonement is a "full and free" gift for those in affliction.
The Presence of the Cross
In the LaGrave sanctuary, the cross is integrated into the very fabric of the environment, symbolizing constant support:
Reredos & Windows: Visual depictions of the crucifixion.
Light Fixtures: 288 crosses embedded in the main lights.
Wall Sconces: Additional crosses bringing the total to over 360.
"One cross for every day of the year."
The Theology of Contrition
The sermon defines "contrition" as a "godly sorrow for sin," distinguishing it from mere guilt. Drawing from Psalm 51 and the writings of Robert Roberts, the message argues that contrition is a vital spiritual emotion—akin to joy or peace—that every Christian should cultivate. Unlike secular remedies for unworthiness, such as denial or self-harm, contrition serves as a "remedy" and a "gift" that addresses the deep moral failures of the human heart.
The Three Stages of a Contrite Heart
Using King David’s confession after his transgressions with Bathsheba as a framework, the service outlines a three-part progression of contrition. First, one must recognize the depth of sin, acknowledging that it is not a momentary lapse but a condition that goes "all the way down". Second, the individual must accept their total helplessness to change themselves, shifting the "verbs of change" entirely to God. Finally, the process culminates in turning to the Redeemer, where the realization of helplessness meets the "unfailing love" and victory of Jesus Christ.
The Three Stages of Contrition
1. Depth: Realizing sin is a deep-seated nature, not just a mistake.
2. Helplessness: Admitting that personal willpower cannot fix the heart.
3. Redemption: Hurling oneself upon the mercy and compassion of Christ.
Community Intercession and Global Concerns
The congregation engaged in extensive prayer for local and global needs. This included petitions for the healing of hospitalized members, guidance for church leaders in the nomination process, and support for city partners addressing homelessness. The prayer also extended to world leaders and the pursuit of lasting peace in the Middle East, resting in the "good news" that God remains in control.
Key Data
Sanctuary Symbolism: There are estimated to be more than 360 crosses within the church sanctuary.
Mental Health Context: Approximately 1 in 5 young people in society engage in some form of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) to cope with feelings of unworthiness.
Liturgical Calendar: The service marked the Second Sunday in Lent.
To-Do / Next Steps
Participate in the Generation Spark Survey: Attendees are asked to fill out index cards on the puzzle tables in the multipurpose room to help develop intergenerational relationships.
Attend Visitor Coffee Time: Visitors and new members (joined within the last two years) are invited to the parlor after the service for a meet-and-greet.
Review Elder and Deacon Nominations: Members nominated for leadership roles should discern their acceptance of these positions.
Practice Daily Contrition: Individuals are encouraged to bring specific "broken" areas of their lives to God in nightly prayer for cleansing.
Conclusion
The service concludes with the affirmation that contrition is not a "morbid" focus on failure, but a "joyful" gateway to a second chance. By standing before the cross and offering a "broken and contrite heart," the believer finds that Jesus descends into the deepest parts of human misery to bring them home.
LIVE Morning Worship Service 03-01-2026
Cross Words: Contrition
About The concert:
March 2 is the second Sunday in the season of Lent and we will continue our Cross Words sermon series, a series which focuses on different aspects of the cross. Pastor Jonker will preach on Psalm 51
Order of Worship:
https://lagrave.org/wp-content/uploads/2026-3-1-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
The Path of Contrition: A Lenten Service of Reflection and Renewal
This document summarizes the Lenten worship service held at LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church, focusing on the spiritual discipline of contrition. The service explores the transition from the weight of human sinfulness to the transformative joy found through Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
Detailed Points of Reflection
The Symbolism of the Cross in Worship
The service emphasizes the cross as the central motif of the Lenten season, both theologically and physically. During the children's message, it was noted that the sanctuary contains over 360 crosses—found in the architecture, windows, and light fixtures—serving as a daily reminder for the entire year that Jesus cares for the "hard things" in life. This visual abundance reinforces the message that the atonement is a "full and free" gift for those in affliction.
The Presence of the Cross
In the LaGrave sanctuary, the cross is integrated into the very fabric of the environment, symbolizing constant support:
Reredos & Windows: Visual depictions of the crucifixion.
Light Fixtures: 288 crosses embedded in the main lights.
Wall Sconces: Additional crosses bringing the total to over 360.
"One cross for every day of the year."
The Theology of Contrition
The sermon defines "contrition" as a "godly sorrow for sin," distinguishing it from mere guilt. Drawing from Psalm 51 and the writings of Robert Roberts, the message argues that contrition is a vital spiritual emotion—akin to joy or peace—that every Christian should cultivate. Unlike secular remedies for unworthiness, such as denial or self-harm, contrition serves as a "remedy" and a "gift" that addresses the deep moral failures of the human heart.
The Three Stages of a Contrite Heart
Using King David’s confession after his transgressions with Bathsheba as a framework, the service outlines a three-part progression of contrition. First, one must recognize the depth of sin, acknowledging that it is not a momentary lapse but a condition that goes "all the way down". Second, the individual must accept their total helplessness to change themselves, shifting the "verbs of change" entirely to God. Finally, the process culminates in turning to the Redeemer, where the realization of helplessness meets the "unfailing love" and victory of Jesus Christ.
The Three Stages of Contrition
1. Depth: Realizing sin is a deep-seated nature, not just a mistake.
2. Helplessness: Admitting that personal willpower cannot fix the heart.
3. Redemption: Hurling oneself upon the mercy and compassion of Christ.
Community Intercession and Global Concerns
The congregation engaged in extensive prayer for local and global needs. This included petitions for the healing of hospitalized members, guidance for church leaders in the nomination process, and support for city partners addressing homelessness. The prayer also extended to world leaders and the pursuit of lasting peace in the Middle East, resting in the "good news" that God remains in control.
Key Data
Sanctuary Symbolism: There are estimated to be more than 360 crosses within the church sanctuary.
Mental Health Context: Approximately 1 in 5 young people in society engage in some form of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) to cope with feelings of unworthiness.
Liturgical Calendar: The service marked the Second Sunday in Lent.
To-Do / Next Steps
Participate in the Generation Spark Survey: Attendees are asked to fill out index cards on the puzzle tables in the multipurpose room to help develop intergenerational relationships.
Attend Visitor Coffee Time: Visitors and new members (joined within the last two years) are invited to the parlor after the service for a meet-and-greet.
Review Elder and Deacon Nominations: Members nominated for leadership roles should discern their acceptance of these positions.
Practice Daily Contrition: Individuals are encouraged to bring specific "broken" areas of their lives to God in nightly prayer for cleansing.
Conclusion
The service concludes with the affirmation that contrition is not a "morbid" focus on failure, but a "joyful" gateway to a second chance. By standing before the cross and offering a "broken and contrite heart," the believer finds that Jesus descends into the deepest parts of human misery to bring them home.
Sons Of Liberty Radio with Bradlee Dean
Warmongers At It, Again!
The Racket of War and the Defense of Liberty: A Talk Radio Analysis
Sons of Liberty: Warmongers At It Again
A critical analysis of the military-industrial complex, constitutional erosion, and the fight for religious liberty.
RADIO TRANSCRIPT EXCERPT
"Morality cannot be maintained without religious Christian principles."
— George Washington (Inaugural Address context)
Key Perspectives
•The War Racket: Critique of the military-industrial complex and unconstitutional wars for profit.
•Zionism & Origins: Debate over the secular/atheist foundations of modern Israel vs. Biblical Israel.
•Education Crisis: Senator Holmstrom's report on explicit materials in Minnesota school libraries.
Urgent Warning
"The chief danger that confronts the coming century will be religion without the Holy Ghost... and politics without God." — William Booth
93%
Years at War (of 250)
737
Military Bases Abroad
Featured Voices
Bradley Dean (Host)
Sen. Holmstrom (Guest)
Smedley Butler (Author)
Controversial Points
• Netanyahu (Mileikowski) and Rothschild influence.
• The Scofield Bible's role in modern Zionism.
• Proposed Israeli laws criminalizing Christian proselytizing.
• Domestic "Jihadi camps" vs. foreign intervention.
#CONSTITUTION #LIBERTY #ANTIWAR
Reading Time: ~15 mins | Audience: Patriots, Constitutionalists
This broadcast of Sons of Liberty Radio features host Bradley Dean and guest Senator Michael Holmstrom discussing the perceived manipulation of American foreign policy by "warmongers" and the erosion of domestic values. The program synthesizes historical religious perspectives with a critique of the military-industrial complex and current controversies in the American education system.
Detailed Summary
Religious Foundations and the Rejection of Secularism
The program opens by challenging the historical narrative that the American Founders were "deists," a term the host equates with agnosticism or atheism. Citing that nearly half of the signers of the Declaration of Independence held seminary degrees, the broadcast highlights George Washington’s insistence that morality cannot be maintained without Christian principles. Specific historical accounts are shared regarding Washington’s "providential" protection during the French and Indian War, where he survived an ambush despite having four bullet holes in his jacket and multiple horses shot from under him. The host also defends Martin Luther King Jr. against claims of communism, emphasizing his identity as a Baptist preacher committed to the Gospel.
The "Providential" Founder
Historical highlights cited to argue against the "Deist" label for George Washington.
24 / 56
Signers with Bible degrees
4
Bullet holes in his jacket
17
Times shot at by a Chief
The "Racket of War" and Foreign Influence
A significant portion of the broadcast is dedicated to critiquing modern warfare as a "racket" designed for profit. Bradley Dean references Smedley Butler and Dwight Eisenhower to warn against the military-industrial complex, arguing that wars are often pre-planned and based on manufactured lies, such as the lack of WMDs in Iraq. The host expresses particular concern over the influence of Zionism and the Rothschild family on U.S. foreign policy, claiming that American representatives often hold dual citizenships that compromise their loyalty. Furthermore, the show highlights a proposed bill in Israel that would criminalize the sharing of the Gospel, questioning why American Christians blindly support a regime that seeks to "muzzle" their faith.
Domestic Crisis: Education and Government Fraud
The second hour introduces Minnesota State Senator Michael Holmstrom to discuss the presence of explicit "pornographic" materials in public school libraries, specifically the book This Book is Gay. Holmstrom recounts a hearing where he read explicit passages to a committee to demonstrate what he calls "grooming" of children as young as 12. The discussion shifts to broader government accountability, mentioning the Minnesota Freedom Caucus's efforts to file articles of impeachment against Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison over allegations of massive fraud and malfeasance. The segment concludes with a plea for parents to withdraw their children from public schools to protect them from "indoctrination".
The "War is a Racket" Framework
Profit Motive: Wall Street and bankers fund both sides to ensure high war profits.
Unconstitutional Action: Military interventions often lack required Congressional approval.
The "Seven Countries" Plan: A 9/11-era memo to destabilize Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Iran.
Domestic Impact: Resources are spent abroad while "homeland" borders remain unsecure.
Key Data
Signers' Credentials: 24 out of 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence held seminary or Bible school degrees.
Military Presence: The U.S. maintains 737 military bases in 142 countries.
War Profits: Halliburton/Dick Cheney reportedly made $34.5 billion from the Iraq War.
Casualties: 4,431 American personnel died in the Iraq War, an intervention based on non-existent WMDs.
Historical Conflict: The U.S. has been at war for 93% of its 250-year history.
To-Do / Next Steps
Withdraw children from public schools to avoid exposure to explicit materials and indoctrination.
Call representatives to demand articles of impeachment against those perceived as tyrants or involved in fraud.
Support the Minnesota Freedom Caucus to increase accountability for state-level malfeasance.
Schedule community events with Bradley Dean to spread the "Sons of Liberty" message.
Read "War is a Racket" by Smedley Butler to understand the financial motivations behind military conflicts.
Partner financially with the Sons of Liberty ministry to sustain their independent broadcasting.
Conclusion
The broadcast serves as a call to action for "moral and religious people" to reclaim the American government from what the host describes as a corrupt, lawless elite. By linking historical providentialism with modern geopolitical skepticism, Dean urges his audience to prioritize biblical law and constitutional integrity over the interests of the "military-industrial complex" and foreign powers.
Warmongers At It, Again!
The Racket of War and the Defense of Liberty: A Talk Radio Analysis
Sons of Liberty: Warmongers At It Again
A critical analysis of the military-industrial complex, constitutional erosion, and the fight for religious liberty.
RADIO TRANSCRIPT EXCERPT
"Morality cannot be maintained without religious Christian principles."
— George Washington (Inaugural Address context)
Key Perspectives
•The War Racket: Critique of the military-industrial complex and unconstitutional wars for profit.
•Zionism & Origins: Debate over the secular/atheist foundations of modern Israel vs. Biblical Israel.
•Education Crisis: Senator Holmstrom's report on explicit materials in Minnesota school libraries.
Urgent Warning
"The chief danger that confronts the coming century will be religion without the Holy Ghost... and politics without God." — William Booth
93%
Years at War (of 250)
737
Military Bases Abroad
Featured Voices
Bradley Dean (Host)
Sen. Holmstrom (Guest)
Smedley Butler (Author)
Controversial Points
• Netanyahu (Mileikowski) and Rothschild influence.
• The Scofield Bible's role in modern Zionism.
• Proposed Israeli laws criminalizing Christian proselytizing.
• Domestic "Jihadi camps" vs. foreign intervention.
#CONSTITUTION #LIBERTY #ANTIWAR
Reading Time: ~15 mins | Audience: Patriots, Constitutionalists
This broadcast of Sons of Liberty Radio features host Bradley Dean and guest Senator Michael Holmstrom discussing the perceived manipulation of American foreign policy by "warmongers" and the erosion of domestic values. The program synthesizes historical religious perspectives with a critique of the military-industrial complex and current controversies in the American education system.
Detailed Summary
Religious Foundations and the Rejection of Secularism
The program opens by challenging the historical narrative that the American Founders were "deists," a term the host equates with agnosticism or atheism. Citing that nearly half of the signers of the Declaration of Independence held seminary degrees, the broadcast highlights George Washington’s insistence that morality cannot be maintained without Christian principles. Specific historical accounts are shared regarding Washington’s "providential" protection during the French and Indian War, where he survived an ambush despite having four bullet holes in his jacket and multiple horses shot from under him. The host also defends Martin Luther King Jr. against claims of communism, emphasizing his identity as a Baptist preacher committed to the Gospel.
The "Providential" Founder
Historical highlights cited to argue against the "Deist" label for George Washington.
24 / 56
Signers with Bible degrees
4
Bullet holes in his jacket
17
Times shot at by a Chief
The "Racket of War" and Foreign Influence
A significant portion of the broadcast is dedicated to critiquing modern warfare as a "racket" designed for profit. Bradley Dean references Smedley Butler and Dwight Eisenhower to warn against the military-industrial complex, arguing that wars are often pre-planned and based on manufactured lies, such as the lack of WMDs in Iraq. The host expresses particular concern over the influence of Zionism and the Rothschild family on U.S. foreign policy, claiming that American representatives often hold dual citizenships that compromise their loyalty. Furthermore, the show highlights a proposed bill in Israel that would criminalize the sharing of the Gospel, questioning why American Christians blindly support a regime that seeks to "muzzle" their faith.
Domestic Crisis: Education and Government Fraud
The second hour introduces Minnesota State Senator Michael Holmstrom to discuss the presence of explicit "pornographic" materials in public school libraries, specifically the book This Book is Gay. Holmstrom recounts a hearing where he read explicit passages to a committee to demonstrate what he calls "grooming" of children as young as 12. The discussion shifts to broader government accountability, mentioning the Minnesota Freedom Caucus's efforts to file articles of impeachment against Governor Tim Walz and Attorney General Keith Ellison over allegations of massive fraud and malfeasance. The segment concludes with a plea for parents to withdraw their children from public schools to protect them from "indoctrination".
The "War is a Racket" Framework
Profit Motive: Wall Street and bankers fund both sides to ensure high war profits.
Unconstitutional Action: Military interventions often lack required Congressional approval.
The "Seven Countries" Plan: A 9/11-era memo to destabilize Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Libya, Somalia, Sudan, and Iran.
Domestic Impact: Resources are spent abroad while "homeland" borders remain unsecure.
Key Data
Signers' Credentials: 24 out of 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence held seminary or Bible school degrees.
Military Presence: The U.S. maintains 737 military bases in 142 countries.
War Profits: Halliburton/Dick Cheney reportedly made $34.5 billion from the Iraq War.
Casualties: 4,431 American personnel died in the Iraq War, an intervention based on non-existent WMDs.
Historical Conflict: The U.S. has been at war for 93% of its 250-year history.
To-Do / Next Steps
Withdraw children from public schools to avoid exposure to explicit materials and indoctrination.
Call representatives to demand articles of impeachment against those perceived as tyrants or involved in fraud.
Support the Minnesota Freedom Caucus to increase accountability for state-level malfeasance.
Schedule community events with Bradley Dean to spread the "Sons of Liberty" message.
Read "War is a Racket" by Smedley Butler to understand the financial motivations behind military conflicts.
Partner financially with the Sons of Liberty ministry to sustain their independent broadcasting.
Conclusion
The broadcast serves as a call to action for "moral and religious people" to reclaim the American government from what the host describes as a corrupt, lawless elite. By linking historical providentialism with modern geopolitical skepticism, Dean urges his audience to prioritize biblical law and constitutional integrity over the interests of the "military-industrial complex" and foreign powers.