Produced and Delivered Web-TV Programming
LaGrave Live
LIVE Morning Worship Service 02-15-2026
The Word in the Windows: The Transfiguration
About The concert:
We conclude our sermon series on the windows. Pastor Jonker will preach on the story of the Transfiguration as found in Matthew 17:1-13. Can you find that story in the windows?
Order of Worship:
https://lagrave.org/wp-content/uploads/2026-2-15-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 February special offering is for The Bridge. The Bridge is part of Arbor Circle, which offers emergency shelter for youths, and additional counseling for youths and their families.
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 Word in the Windows: The Transfiguration
The Word in the Windows: The Transfiguration
LaGrave Live Service Summary • Feb 15, 2026 • Finding strength between the mountain and the valley.
Editorial Mode
Theological Core
The Dual Revelation of Christ
The Transfiguration provides two distinct forms of sustenance for the "exhausted disciple" facing the uncertainties of faith and life:
1. Divine Glory (The Blue Halo)Jesus as the fulfillment of Law (Moses) and Prophets (Elijah). He is the authoritative "Word made flesh" who sustains us through his absolute sovereignty.
2. The Human Touch (The Gentle Hand)The transition from blinding light to a simple touch on the shoulder. "Get up. Don't be afraid." The power of God accompanies us back into the "valley" of daily struggle.
"The church is not an escape; it is salvation. We lift our faces to the mountain to find courage for the valley full of broken glass."
Symbolism & Context
Stained Glass Analysis
Blue Halo: Represents divinity and eternal glory (vs. Red for sacrifice).
Moses' Horns: A historical art tradition (lightning bolts) signifying the radiance of God.
The Scroll & Tablets: The convergence of all scripture into the person of Jesus.
Children's Message
The boy who grew too big to fit through doors (Pride) vs. finding joy in passing the ball (Humility).
Key Keywords
#Matthew17 #Transfiguration #Epiphany #MountSinai #Humility
Reading Time: ~12 min read • Focus: Spiritual Growth & Theology
LaGrave Avenue CRC
This document summarizes the worship service held at LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church, focusing on the biblical narrative of the Transfiguration. The service explores the dual nature of Christ’s divinity and his personal care, providing spiritual sustenance for those exhausted by life's journeys.
Community Worship and Liturgical Practice
The service opened with a warm welcome to both physical and online attendees, emphasizing the inclusive nature of the congregation. The liturgy moved through a formal Call to Confession based on Matthew 7, warning against "false prophets" and emphasizing the need for "good fruit" in the life of a believer. This was followed by a communal prayer of confession and a declaration of forgiveness rooted in Hebrews 1, affirming Christ as the radiance of God's glory and the sustainer of all things.
Lessons on Humility and Pride
During the children's message, a narrative was shared regarding the dangers of vanity and the virtue of humility. Through the story of a boy who physically grew larger with every boast—eventually becoming too big to fit into his school or car—the speaker illustrated how bragging isolates individuals. The lesson concluded that by serving others, celebrating their successes, and practicing kindness, one finds true happiness and community belonging.
The Dual Revelation of the Transfiguration
Divine Glory (The Blue Halo)
Reveals Jesus as the Eternal Word and fulfillment of the Law (Moses) and Prophets (Elijah).
Human Touch (The Gentle Hand)
The personal comfort of Jesus saying "Get up, don't be afraid," accompanying believers into the valley.
Sermon: The Glory and the Touch
The sermon focused on Matthew 17:1-8 and the specific depiction of the Transfiguration in the church's stained-glass windows. The preacher noted that while most halos in the church are red (signifying servanthood and sacrifice), the Transfiguration halo is blue, symbolizing Christ's divine glory. The event is described as a "magnifying glass" where the weight of the Old Testament—represented by Moses (the Law) and Elijah (the Prophets)—is condensed into the person of Jesus.
The message highlighted two specific gifts Jesus gave his exhausted disciples on the mountain:
A Vision of Glory: A reminder of his divine authority that sustained the disciples, such as Peter and John, throughout their later ministries.
A Gentle Touch: After the terrifying display of power, Jesus touched his disciples and told them not to be afraid, demonstrating that his immense power is coupled with intimate care.
Congregational Intercessions
The church engaged in extensive prayer for global and local concerns. Petitions were made for peace in conflict zones including Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, Sudan, and Myanmar. Locally, the congregation remembered members facing significant health challenges, those in hospice care, and families grieving recent losses. The prayer also highlighted the church's mission work, specifically mentioning support for pastoral training in Kyrgyzstan.
Symbolism in the "Word in the Windows"
🎨 Red Halo: Represents Jesus' blood, sacrifice, and his role as a servant.
💎 Blue Halo: Represents Jesus' divinity, majesty, and heavenly glory.
📜 Moses & Elijah: Represent the Law and the Prophets meeting their fulfillment in Christ.
⚡ Horns on Moses: A traditional artistic depiction of the "rays of light" from Mount Sinai.
Key Data
Scripture Text: Matthew 17:1-8 (The Transfiguration).
Ash Wednesday Schedule: Dinner at 5:15 PM in the multipurpose room; Service at 6:15 PM in the sanctuary.
Artistic Reference: Michelangelo’s Moses (1515) mentioned regarding the tradition of depicting Moses with horns.
To-Do / Next Steps
Join the congregation for coffee and conversation in the multipurpose room immediately following the service.
Review the weekly bulletin for various "10:00 hour" educational and fellowship opportunities.
Clear schedules to attend the Ash Wednesday Koinonia meal and service this coming Wednesday.
Use the back of sermon note cards to submit confidential prayer requests to the prayer team.
Conclusion
The service concludes with the reminder that worship serves as a "mini-transfiguration," lifting believers into God's presence to find the strength necessary to return to the "valleys" of everyday life. By holding together the vision of Christ’s majesty and the reality of his comforting touch, the faithful are equipped to face suffering with renewed hope.
LIVE Morning Worship Service 02-15-2026
The Word in the Windows: The Transfiguration
About The concert:
We conclude our sermon series on the windows. Pastor Jonker will preach on the story of the Transfiguration as found in Matthew 17:1-13. Can you find that story in the windows?
Order of Worship:
https://lagrave.org/wp-content/uploads/2026-2-15-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 February special offering is for The Bridge. The Bridge is part of Arbor Circle, which offers emergency shelter for youths, and additional counseling for youths and their families.
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 Word in the Windows: The Transfiguration
The Word in the Windows: The Transfiguration
LaGrave Live Service Summary • Feb 15, 2026 • Finding strength between the mountain and the valley.
Editorial Mode
Theological Core
The Dual Revelation of Christ
The Transfiguration provides two distinct forms of sustenance for the "exhausted disciple" facing the uncertainties of faith and life:
1. Divine Glory (The Blue Halo)Jesus as the fulfillment of Law (Moses) and Prophets (Elijah). He is the authoritative "Word made flesh" who sustains us through his absolute sovereignty.
2. The Human Touch (The Gentle Hand)The transition from blinding light to a simple touch on the shoulder. "Get up. Don't be afraid." The power of God accompanies us back into the "valley" of daily struggle.
"The church is not an escape; it is salvation. We lift our faces to the mountain to find courage for the valley full of broken glass."
Symbolism & Context
Stained Glass Analysis
Blue Halo: Represents divinity and eternal glory (vs. Red for sacrifice).
Moses' Horns: A historical art tradition (lightning bolts) signifying the radiance of God.
The Scroll & Tablets: The convergence of all scripture into the person of Jesus.
Children's Message
The boy who grew too big to fit through doors (Pride) vs. finding joy in passing the ball (Humility).
Key Keywords
#Matthew17 #Transfiguration #Epiphany #MountSinai #Humility
Reading Time: ~12 min read • Focus: Spiritual Growth & Theology
LaGrave Avenue CRC
This document summarizes the worship service held at LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church, focusing on the biblical narrative of the Transfiguration. The service explores the dual nature of Christ’s divinity and his personal care, providing spiritual sustenance for those exhausted by life's journeys.
Community Worship and Liturgical Practice
The service opened with a warm welcome to both physical and online attendees, emphasizing the inclusive nature of the congregation. The liturgy moved through a formal Call to Confession based on Matthew 7, warning against "false prophets" and emphasizing the need for "good fruit" in the life of a believer. This was followed by a communal prayer of confession and a declaration of forgiveness rooted in Hebrews 1, affirming Christ as the radiance of God's glory and the sustainer of all things.
Lessons on Humility and Pride
During the children's message, a narrative was shared regarding the dangers of vanity and the virtue of humility. Through the story of a boy who physically grew larger with every boast—eventually becoming too big to fit into his school or car—the speaker illustrated how bragging isolates individuals. The lesson concluded that by serving others, celebrating their successes, and practicing kindness, one finds true happiness and community belonging.
The Dual Revelation of the Transfiguration
Divine Glory (The Blue Halo)
Reveals Jesus as the Eternal Word and fulfillment of the Law (Moses) and Prophets (Elijah).
Human Touch (The Gentle Hand)
The personal comfort of Jesus saying "Get up, don't be afraid," accompanying believers into the valley.
Sermon: The Glory and the Touch
The sermon focused on Matthew 17:1-8 and the specific depiction of the Transfiguration in the church's stained-glass windows. The preacher noted that while most halos in the church are red (signifying servanthood and sacrifice), the Transfiguration halo is blue, symbolizing Christ's divine glory. The event is described as a "magnifying glass" where the weight of the Old Testament—represented by Moses (the Law) and Elijah (the Prophets)—is condensed into the person of Jesus.
The message highlighted two specific gifts Jesus gave his exhausted disciples on the mountain:
A Vision of Glory: A reminder of his divine authority that sustained the disciples, such as Peter and John, throughout their later ministries.
A Gentle Touch: After the terrifying display of power, Jesus touched his disciples and told them not to be afraid, demonstrating that his immense power is coupled with intimate care.
Congregational Intercessions
The church engaged in extensive prayer for global and local concerns. Petitions were made for peace in conflict zones including Ukraine, Israel, Gaza, Sudan, and Myanmar. Locally, the congregation remembered members facing significant health challenges, those in hospice care, and families grieving recent losses. The prayer also highlighted the church's mission work, specifically mentioning support for pastoral training in Kyrgyzstan.
Symbolism in the "Word in the Windows"
🎨 Red Halo: Represents Jesus' blood, sacrifice, and his role as a servant.
💎 Blue Halo: Represents Jesus' divinity, majesty, and heavenly glory.
📜 Moses & Elijah: Represent the Law and the Prophets meeting their fulfillment in Christ.
⚡ Horns on Moses: A traditional artistic depiction of the "rays of light" from Mount Sinai.
Key Data
Scripture Text: Matthew 17:1-8 (The Transfiguration).
Ash Wednesday Schedule: Dinner at 5:15 PM in the multipurpose room; Service at 6:15 PM in the sanctuary.
Artistic Reference: Michelangelo’s Moses (1515) mentioned regarding the tradition of depicting Moses with horns.
To-Do / Next Steps
Join the congregation for coffee and conversation in the multipurpose room immediately following the service.
Review the weekly bulletin for various "10:00 hour" educational and fellowship opportunities.
Clear schedules to attend the Ash Wednesday Koinonia meal and service this coming Wednesday.
Use the back of sermon note cards to submit confidential prayer requests to the prayer team.
Conclusion
The service concludes with the reminder that worship serves as a "mini-transfiguration," lifting believers into God's presence to find the strength necessary to return to the "valleys" of everyday life. By holding together the vision of Christ’s majesty and the reality of his comforting touch, the faithful are equipped to face suffering with renewed hope.
LaGrave Live
LIVE Evening Worship - 2026-02-08
Ephphatha! Be Opened!
About The Service:
we welcome Rev. Peter Gordon to the pulpit.
Order of Worship:
https://lagrave.org/wp-content/uploads/2026-2-8-PM-Order-of-Worship.pdf
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)
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 February special offering is for The Bridge. The Bridge is part of Arbor Circle, which offers emergency shelter for youths, and additional counseling for youths and their families.
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
Ephphatha: Finding Wholeness in Spiritual Openness
Ephphatha: Be Opened
A Sermon on Physical Silence and Spiritual Awakening by Rev. Pete Gordon
Feb 08, 2026
The Core Message
"I am as whole as I can be, and I am as whole as God needs me to be... Spiritual deafness is a choice; physical deafness is a perspective."
1
The "Ephphatha" Experience
Beyond simple healing, it means Anoigo: opening up to a fresh experience, like clearing stale air from a room to let the glorious in.
2
Empathy vs. Sympathy
Disability is not a result of sin but a platform for God's works. The "broken" are often the ones who listen most proactively.
3
Universal Disability
Everyone is spiritually disabled post-Fall. Physical healing is the "icing," but spiritual forgiveness is the "cake."
Speaker Profile
Rev. Pete Gordon
Campus Pastor, GRCC
#JabezMinistries #DeafTheology
Scripture Focus
•Mark 7:31-37(The Deaf Mute)
•Mark 2:1-12(The Paralytic)
•Isaiah 35:5-6(Prophecy)
Key Keywords
Wholeness Empathy Authority Witness
Location: LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church
Reading Time: ~10 min | Sermon Length: 63 min
In this evening service, Reverend Pete Gordon explores the profound intersection of physical disability and spiritual condition through the biblical narrative of Jesus healing a deaf man. Drawing from his personal experience with profound hearing loss, Gordon challenges the traditional "healing" narrative, suggesting that true wholeness comes from being spiritually "opened" to the glory of God. The service integrates traditional liturgy, the Belgic Confession, and a call to support campus ministries at Grand Rapids Community College.
Detailed Point Summary
The Call to Worship and Liturgical Foundation
The service opened with a call to worship from Psalm 96, emphasizing the glory due to God's name and the call for all creation—from the heavens to the trees of the forest—to rejoice before the Lord’s righteous judgment. This was followed by congregational singing and a formal greeting, establishing a communal atmosphere of reverence. Reverend Gordon introduced himself as a campus pastor for Jabez Ministries at GRCC, a ministry focused on and led by people with disabilities. He noted the personal significance of the evening's music, particularly the oboe, as one of the few instruments he can hear clearly despite his severe hearing loss.
The Priority of Spiritual Healing
Central to the sermon were two accounts of healing from the Gospel of Mark. In the story of the paralytic (Mark 2), Gordon highlighted that Jesus prioritized the forgiveness of sins over physical restoration, calling the physical healing the "icing on the cake". This theme was reinforced by a communal reading of the Belgic Confession, a 17th-century document written by Guido de Brès. The confession describes the Church as a "holy congregation of true Christian believers" preserved by God across the world, regardless of size or perceived strength.
The Meaning of "Ephphatha"
In Mark 7:34, Jesus uses the Aramaic word Ephphatha. While often translated simply as "Be opened," the Greek equivalent Anoigo suggests a deeper transformation:
Beyond the Physical: It is more than just opening a door; it is like opening a window on a summer day to let stale air out and fresh air in.
Fresh Experience: It signifies opening oneself to a "fresh experience" of God's glory and the Word.
Empowerment: The healing was not just a "fix," but an empowerment for the man to become a witness to the Kingdom.
Redefining Disability and Empathy
Gordon provided a deep exegesis of Mark 7:31-37, where Jesus heals a deaf man in the Decapolis. He argued that Jesus’ actions—putting fingers in ears and spitting—were not merely "fixing" a broken person but making the Gospel accessible and fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 35. Gordon challenged the "hermeneutic of suspicion" that views disability as a result of sin or brokenness. Instead, he posited that physical deafness could offer a unique perspective on "spiritual deafness," noting that everyone, regardless of physical ability, suffers from selective spiritual hearing as a result of the Fall.
Personal Testimony and the Theology of Wholeness
The sermon concluded with a powerful personal anecdote regarding Gordon's encounter with a "deliverance minister" who claimed his deafness was caused by unaddressed sin. Gordon rejected this view, asserting that he is "as whole as God needs [him] to be" and that his disability provides a specific lens for his ministry. He urged the congregation to move from sympathy to empathy, recognizing that the "spiritual disabilities" of the Pharisees—their pride and lack of vision—were the true targets of Jesus' corrective miracles.
Ministry Focus: Jabez Ministries (GRCC)
A campus outreach focused on students and faculty at Grand Rapids Community College.
50-100Daily Table Visitors
Gift-BasedApproach to Disability
To-Do / Next Steps
Engage with Jabez Ministries: Seek out the ministry team members present at the service to ask questions about their work with students with disabilities.
Support GRCC Outreach: Provide Bibles for the 50 to 100 students who visit the ministry table daily, many of whom are "hungry for the Word" or questioning their faith.
Practice Proactive Listening: Emulate the "proactive listening" of the hearing-impaired by focusing intently on the words of others to ensure true understanding.
Self-Reflection on Spiritual Disability: Identify personal "spiritual disabilities"—areas where one might be spiritually deaf, blind, or lame—and bring them before the Lord for healing.
Shift Perspective on Disability: Move toward a "theology of gifts" by asking others, "What are your gifts?" rather than focusing on their perceived limitations.
Conclusion
The service serves as a reminder that physical limitations do not equate to spiritual brokenness. Through the lens of "Ephphatha," Reverend Gordon invites believers to recognize that Christ’s ultimate goal is to open the human heart to a fresh experience of grace, ensuring that everyone—regardless of their physical state—is empowered to walk the "highway of holiness."
LIVE Evening Worship - 2026-02-08
Ephphatha! Be Opened!
About The Service:
we welcome Rev. Peter Gordon to the pulpit.
Order of Worship:
https://lagrave.org/wp-content/uploads/2026-2-8-PM-Order-of-Worship.pdf
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)
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 February special offering is for The Bridge. The Bridge is part of Arbor Circle, which offers emergency shelter for youths, and additional counseling for youths and their families.
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
Ephphatha: Finding Wholeness in Spiritual Openness
Ephphatha: Be Opened
A Sermon on Physical Silence and Spiritual Awakening by Rev. Pete Gordon
Feb 08, 2026
The Core Message
"I am as whole as I can be, and I am as whole as God needs me to be... Spiritual deafness is a choice; physical deafness is a perspective."
1
The "Ephphatha" Experience
Beyond simple healing, it means Anoigo: opening up to a fresh experience, like clearing stale air from a room to let the glorious in.
2
Empathy vs. Sympathy
Disability is not a result of sin but a platform for God's works. The "broken" are often the ones who listen most proactively.
3
Universal Disability
Everyone is spiritually disabled post-Fall. Physical healing is the "icing," but spiritual forgiveness is the "cake."
Speaker Profile
Rev. Pete Gordon
Campus Pastor, GRCC
#JabezMinistries #DeafTheology
Scripture Focus
•Mark 7:31-37(The Deaf Mute)
•Mark 2:1-12(The Paralytic)
•Isaiah 35:5-6(Prophecy)
Key Keywords
Wholeness Empathy Authority Witness
Location: LaGrave Avenue Christian Reformed Church
Reading Time: ~10 min | Sermon Length: 63 min
In this evening service, Reverend Pete Gordon explores the profound intersection of physical disability and spiritual condition through the biblical narrative of Jesus healing a deaf man. Drawing from his personal experience with profound hearing loss, Gordon challenges the traditional "healing" narrative, suggesting that true wholeness comes from being spiritually "opened" to the glory of God. The service integrates traditional liturgy, the Belgic Confession, and a call to support campus ministries at Grand Rapids Community College.
Detailed Point Summary
The Call to Worship and Liturgical Foundation
The service opened with a call to worship from Psalm 96, emphasizing the glory due to God's name and the call for all creation—from the heavens to the trees of the forest—to rejoice before the Lord’s righteous judgment. This was followed by congregational singing and a formal greeting, establishing a communal atmosphere of reverence. Reverend Gordon introduced himself as a campus pastor for Jabez Ministries at GRCC, a ministry focused on and led by people with disabilities. He noted the personal significance of the evening's music, particularly the oboe, as one of the few instruments he can hear clearly despite his severe hearing loss.
The Priority of Spiritual Healing
Central to the sermon were two accounts of healing from the Gospel of Mark. In the story of the paralytic (Mark 2), Gordon highlighted that Jesus prioritized the forgiveness of sins over physical restoration, calling the physical healing the "icing on the cake". This theme was reinforced by a communal reading of the Belgic Confession, a 17th-century document written by Guido de Brès. The confession describes the Church as a "holy congregation of true Christian believers" preserved by God across the world, regardless of size or perceived strength.
The Meaning of "Ephphatha"
In Mark 7:34, Jesus uses the Aramaic word Ephphatha. While often translated simply as "Be opened," the Greek equivalent Anoigo suggests a deeper transformation:
Beyond the Physical: It is more than just opening a door; it is like opening a window on a summer day to let stale air out and fresh air in.
Fresh Experience: It signifies opening oneself to a "fresh experience" of God's glory and the Word.
Empowerment: The healing was not just a "fix," but an empowerment for the man to become a witness to the Kingdom.
Redefining Disability and Empathy
Gordon provided a deep exegesis of Mark 7:31-37, where Jesus heals a deaf man in the Decapolis. He argued that Jesus’ actions—putting fingers in ears and spitting—were not merely "fixing" a broken person but making the Gospel accessible and fulfilling the prophecy of Isaiah 35. Gordon challenged the "hermeneutic of suspicion" that views disability as a result of sin or brokenness. Instead, he posited that physical deafness could offer a unique perspective on "spiritual deafness," noting that everyone, regardless of physical ability, suffers from selective spiritual hearing as a result of the Fall.
Personal Testimony and the Theology of Wholeness
The sermon concluded with a powerful personal anecdote regarding Gordon's encounter with a "deliverance minister" who claimed his deafness was caused by unaddressed sin. Gordon rejected this view, asserting that he is "as whole as God needs [him] to be" and that his disability provides a specific lens for his ministry. He urged the congregation to move from sympathy to empathy, recognizing that the "spiritual disabilities" of the Pharisees—their pride and lack of vision—were the true targets of Jesus' corrective miracles.
Ministry Focus: Jabez Ministries (GRCC)
A campus outreach focused on students and faculty at Grand Rapids Community College.
50-100Daily Table Visitors
Gift-BasedApproach to Disability
To-Do / Next Steps
Engage with Jabez Ministries: Seek out the ministry team members present at the service to ask questions about their work with students with disabilities.
Support GRCC Outreach: Provide Bibles for the 50 to 100 students who visit the ministry table daily, many of whom are "hungry for the Word" or questioning their faith.
Practice Proactive Listening: Emulate the "proactive listening" of the hearing-impaired by focusing intently on the words of others to ensure true understanding.
Self-Reflection on Spiritual Disability: Identify personal "spiritual disabilities"—areas where one might be spiritually deaf, blind, or lame—and bring them before the Lord for healing.
Shift Perspective on Disability: Move toward a "theology of gifts" by asking others, "What are your gifts?" rather than focusing on their perceived limitations.
Conclusion
The service serves as a reminder that physical limitations do not equate to spiritual brokenness. Through the lens of "Ephphatha," Reverend Gordon invites believers to recognize that Christ’s ultimate goal is to open the human heart to a fresh experience of grace, ensuring that everyone—regardless of their physical state—is empowered to walk the "highway of holiness."
