What does it truly mean to be a member of the Church?

In “Member,” Part 2 of Pastor Dan Harrison’s State of the Church: Romans Series, we explore Romans 12:3–8 and discover that biblical church membership is far deeper than attending a service, carrying a membership card, or belonging to an organization.

Paul describes believers as members of one body, with Christ as the head. In this picture, the word “member” does not simply mean someone who has joined a group. It means a vital part of the body—connected to Christ and dependent upon the other members around it.

Pastor Dan challenges us to shift our understanding of church from something we attend on Sunday mornings to something we truly belong to. The Church is not a subscription we cancel when it becomes inconvenient or when another option seems more appealing. When we belong to Christ, we also belong to His body.

This message examines what it means to:

• See Christ as the head of the Church.
• Recognize that every believer has a purpose and spiritual gift.
• Rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.
• Refuse to suffer in silence or allow others to suffer alone.
• Pursue spiritual growth through Christian community.
• Become part of the solution instead of merely identifying problems.
• Build a church where people from different backgrounds are united through Jesus Christ.

The body of Christ was created for growth, healing, service, unity, and purpose. Every person has a place, and every spiritual gift matters. Some are called to teach, lead, serve, encourage, give generously, show mercy, or bring healing to those who are hurting. The Church becomes healthier when every member responds to the role God has given them.

Romans 12 also reminds us not to think of ourselves more highly than we should. Our value does not come from our job title, income, social status, or accomplishments. Our true identity and significance come from Christ and from the calling He has placed upon our lives.

As you listen, lean in to what Pastor Dan has to share. Ask God to speak directly to your heart and reveal how you have viewed the Church. Have you treated church as an activity you attend, or as a body to which you belong? Ask the Holy Spirit to show you your place, your spiritual gifts, and the people He may be calling you to encourage, serve, or help heal.

Today’s takeaway: Take one intentional step toward deeper connection within the body of Christ. Reach out to someone who may be hurting, introduce yourself to someone you do not normally speak with, join a small group, volunteer to serve, or ask God to show you how your gifts can strengthen His Church.

You are not called to simply attend the Church. You are called to be a living, active, connected member of the body of Christ.

#Member #StateOfTheChurch #Romans12 #BodyOfChrist #ChurchMembership #ChristianCommunity #SpiritualGifts #ChristianUnity #ChurchFamily #SpiritualGrowth #ChristianPodcast #PastorDanHarrison #RavennaAssemblyOfGod

What if the moment God spoke to you was never meant to remain only a memory?

In today’s powerful message, “There’s More Than a Moment—There’s a Movement in You,” guest speaker and AGWM missionary David Turner challenges us to recognize that a single encounter with God can become the beginning of a life-changing movement. God gives us defining moments, but moving forward requires obedience, faith, trust, sacrifice, perseverance, and the willingness to release the past.

Drawing from Exodus 3:1–4, David examines Moses’ encounter with God at the burning bush. God spoke only after Moses intentionally turned aside to look. In the same way, we must make room in our lives to recognize what the Holy Spirit is saying. Even after years in the wilderness, God’s calling on Moses had not expired.

Through the examples of Moses, Joshua, Hannah, Samuel, the feeding of the multitude, and powerful testimonies from Guatemala, we are reminded that God often births movements through ordinary people who surrender what they have to Him. A moment with God can restore a forgotten calling, break the power of addiction, heal emotional wounds, open previously closed communities to the gospel, and bring hope, healing, and freedom through Jesus Christ.

David and Marie Turner also share how God is working through their ministry in Guatemala, including pastoral biblical counseling, addiction recovery, Teen Challenge ministries, Living Free small groups, leadership development, and Casa Tavita—Tabitha’s House, a place of restoration for women overcoming addiction, abuse, and trauma.

Perhaps God spoke something into your heart years ago, but life happened. Pain, disappointment, church hurt, loss, fear, or delay may have pushed that calling to the background. This message reminds us that what God placed within you is not forgotten. Your wilderness season may not be the end of the story—it may be where God prepares you for what comes next.

What does it truly mean to be a Christian?

In “What It Means to Be Christian,” Part 1 of Pastor Dan Harrison’s new sermon series, State of the Church: A Romans Series, we return to the foundation of the Christian faith and examine whether our understanding of Christianity has been shaped by God’s Word or simply by what we have always known.

Drawing from Romans 12:1–2 and Colossians 3:1–4, Pastor Dan explains that following Jesus is more than praying a prayer, attending church, or receiving a ticket to heaven. Christianity is a life fully surrendered to God—a living sacrifice placed into His hands.

Romans 12 calls believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, refuse conformity to the patterns of this world, experience transformation through the renewing of the mind, and grow in their ability to discern the will of God. Colossians 3 reminds us that our old lives have died and that our new lives are now hidden with Christ in God.

This message challenges every believer to consider:

Are you being formed by the world or shaped by the Word?

Is Jesus simply part of your life, or has He truly become your life?

Have you surrendered everything to Christ, or are you still trying to take certain areas of your life back off the altar?

The Christian life is not a one-time emotional experience. It is a daily process of looking to Jesus, renewing our minds, releasing our old identity, and becoming more like Christ. God’s conviction is not condemnation. He loves us enough to reveal the areas where He desires to bring greater freedom, maturity, and transformation.

As you listen, lean in to what Pastor Dan has to share. Ask God to speak directly to your heart through today’s message and reveal anything that may not align with His Word. Invite the Holy Spirit to renew your mind, reshape your priorities, and continue His transforming work within you.

Today’s takeaway: Identify one area of your life that you have been holding back from God. Place it before Him in prayer and sincerely say, “Jesus, this belongs to You. Shape me through Your Word and make me more like You.”

#StateOfTheChurch #WhatItMeansToBeChristian #Romans12 #LivingSacrifice #RenewYourMind #ChristianLiving #SpiritualTransformation #FollowJesus #SurrenderToGod #BibleTeaching #ChristianPodcast #RavennaAssemblyOfGod

This week at Ravenna Assembly of God, retired Assembly of God minister Bill Donovan shares a timely and encouraging message titled “Freedom in Christ.” Returning to the church where God first confirmed His call to ministry, Bill reminds us that the freedom Jesus purchased is far greater than political freedom—it is freedom from sin, guilt, condemnation, fear, legalism, and the power of our past.

Centered on Galatians 5:1, this message explores Paul’s call to “stand firm” in the liberty Christ has given us and to resist becoming entangled again in a yoke of slavery. Bill walks through Galatians and Romans, showing that salvation comes by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone, not by religious performance or human effort. As believers, we are called to walk daily in the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to transform our lives while resting in the finished work of Christ.

You’ll also hear a powerful illustration from Abraham Lincoln’s life that beautifully reflects the heart of the Gospel—Jesus has truly set us free, and our response is to willingly follow Him because of His amazing love.

Whether you’re struggling with condemnation, anxiety, temptation, or simply need to be reminded of God’s grace, this message points you back to the hope and victory found only in Jesus Christ.

Key Scriptures:
• Galatians 5:1
• Galatians 5:13–26
• Romans 6–8
• John 14:6
• Psalm 46:10

Lean In

As you listen today, don’t simply hear another sermon—invite the Holy Spirit to speak directly to your heart. Ask God to reveal any areas where you’ve allowed fear, guilt, legalism, or past failures to replace the freedom Christ has already given you.

This week’s challenge: Each morning this week, begin your day by thanking Jesus for your freedom and intentionally choose to walk in the Spirit instead of your flesh. When condemnation, worry, or temptation comes, remember God’s promise: “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” Stand firm in that freedom and let your life become a testimony of His grace.

Thank you for joining us. We pray this message encourages, strengthens, and draws you into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.

#FreedomInChrist #Galatians5 #JesusChrist #Grace #Faith #HolySpirit #ChristianLiving #WalkInTheSpirit #VictoryInChrist #BibleTeaching #AssemblyOfGod #RavennaAG #SermonPodcast #HopeInJesus #FreedomFromSin

What was the greatest accomplishment of King David?

Was it defeating Goliath? Becoming Israel’s greatest king? Writing the Psalms? Leading mighty men into battle?

In the final message of the Shepherd King series, Pastor Dan Harrison reveals that David’s greatest legacy wasn’t what he accomplished—it was who he pointed to.

Walking through 1 Chronicles 17, Luke 10:19-20, and Luke 1:32-33, we discover God’s incredible covenant with David: a promise that one of his descendants would reign forever. That promise wasn’t ultimately fulfilled in Solomon—it was fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Son of David, whose Kingdom has no end.

This powerful message challenges us to rethink our own identity. We often define ourselves by our careers, titles, accomplishments, successes, failures, or even ministry roles. Yet Scripture reminds us that our greatest identity isn’t found in what we do—it’s found in who we belong to.

You’ll discover:

• Why David’s greatest title was “ancestor of the Messiah”
• How Jesus fulfills every promise found throughout Scripture
• Why your relationship with Christ matters more than your achievements
• What it truly means to “put on Christ”
• How believers are the living stones that make up God’s spiritual house
• Why belonging to Jesus is the greatest legacy anyone can leave

Whether you’re searching for purpose, wrestling with identity, or simply wanting to grow deeper in God’s Word, this message will help you see the entire Bible through the lens of Jesus Christ—the Son of David and the fulfillment of God’s eternal promises.

Lean In…

As you listen today, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal where you’ve allowed your identity to become wrapped up in titles, accomplishments, failures, or the opinions of others. Invite Him to remind you that your greatest identity is found in Christ alone.

Today’s Challenge:
This week, intentionally ask yourself, “Am I finding my identity in what I do—or in whose I am?” Let every role, responsibility, and accomplishment become secondary to your relationship with Jesus. May your greatest legacy always be that you belong to Him.

#ShepherdKing #SonOfDavid #JesusChrist #KingDavid #IdentityInChrist #BibleTeaching #ChristianPodcast #PastorDanHarrison #RavennaAG #Faith #Discipleship #BiblicalTeaching #OldTestament #NewTestament #Messiah #ChristianLiving

What makes an ordinary person become a mighty man or woman of God?

In Part 7 of the Shepherd King series, Pastor Dan Harrison explores the incredible stories found in 2 Samuel 23:8-39, where David’s Mighty Men performed extraordinary feats through the power of God. From warriors who stood their ground against overwhelming odds to men who risked everything out of loyalty and faith, these stories reveal a powerful truth: God sees greatness in people long before they see it in themselves.

Drawing from Judges 6:12-16, we see how God called Gideon a “mighty man of valor” before Gideon believed it. Through 1 Samuel 22:2, we discover that many of David’s Mighty Men started as distressed, discouraged, indebted, and broken individuals. Yet through God’s transforming power, they became warriors who changed history.

This message reminds us that God specializes in calling ordinary people, drawing out hidden potential, and using those who feel unqualified. Your past does not disqualify you. Your struggles do not define you. Your circumstances do not limit what God can do through your life.

Pastor Dan challenges us to stop defining ourselves by our failures, fears, weaknesses, or what others say about us, and instead begin seeing ourselves through the eyes of our Heavenly Father. The same God who called Gideon, strengthened David, and empowered the Mighty Men is still calling people today.

Through Psalm 18:1-2, we are reminded that victory does not come from human strength, but from the Lord who is our Rock, Fortress, Deliverer, and Salvation. The Mighty Men were not mighty because of their own abilities—they were mighty because God worked through them.

Lean In: As you listen, ask God to reveal what He sees in you that you may not yet see in yourself. What strength, calling, purpose, or potential has He placed within you that is waiting to be awakened?

Takeaway Challenge: The next time you face a difficult situation, resist asking, “Why is this happening to me?” Instead ask, “God, what are You trying to draw out of me through this?” Allow Him to develop the mighty man or mighty woman He already sees inside of you.

#ShepherdKing #MightyMen #DavidsMightyMen #PastorDanHarrison #ChristianPodcast #BibleTeaching #Faith #SpiritualGrowth #Discipleship #MensMinistry #ChristianLiving #DavidSeries #Psalm18 #Gideon #JesusSaves

In Part 6 of Pastor Dan Harrison’s Shepherd King David Series, “Repentance,” we look at one of the most sobering moments in David’s life through 2 Samuel 11, 2 Samuel 12:1-15, and Psalm 51.

David was known as a man after God’s own heart, yet he still fell into devastating sin. His failure with Bathsheba, the cover-up, the death of Uriah, and the consequences that followed remind us that sin is never harmless. It begins in the hidden places of the heart, grows through justification and secrecy, and often leaves casualties behind.

Pastor Dan walks through the difference between conviction and condemnation, calling the church to honest confession, humility, and true repentance before God. This message reminds us that repentance is not just for those far from God — it is for every believer, every leader, every church member, and every heart that needs to be made clean before the Lord.

Through Psalm 51, we hear David’s cry: “Create in me a clean heart, O God.” This message invites us to stop covering up what God wants to heal, step off the couch and back onto the battlefield, and receive the mercy made available through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

Lean in to today’s message and ask God to speak to your heart. Allow the Holy Spirit to search you, convict you, and lead you into freedom. Today’s takeaway: stop hiding what God wants to heal. Bring it into the light, confess it before the Lord, and trust that His mercy is greater than your failure.

#Repentance #ShepherdKing #DavidSeries #Psalm51 #PastorDanHarrison #RavennaAG #2Samuel11 #DavidAndBathsheba #CreateInMeACleanHeart #ChristianPodcast

What makes a truly good king? Is it power, influence, military success, or the ability to defeat enemies?

In Part 5 of the Shepherd King series, Pastor Dan explores David’s rise to the throne in 2 Samuel 5 and reveals a surprising truth: David became the king of a united Israel not because he fought for power, but because he trusted God to establish him. While others sought control through force, David chose honor, patience, forgiveness, and integrity.

This message examines the years between David’s anointing and his coronation, highlighting how he responded to betrayal, jealousy, division, and personal enemies. Rather than taking revenge against Saul or those who opposed him, David allowed God to vindicate him. Through his example, we discover what it means to belong to God’s family, recognize the real enemy, and trust the Lord to fight battles that are not ours to fight.

Whether you’re struggling with conflict in your family, tension at work, church hurt, damaged relationships, or the burden of defending your reputation, this message offers biblical wisdom and practical encouragement for living as God’s people in a divided world.

Key Scriptures

• 2 Samuel 5:1-5
• 2 Samuel 3:1
• Psalm 26:1
• Psalm 43:1
• John 17
• Romans 5:8
• Galatians 3:28
• 1 Corinthians 12

Main Themes

• David becomes king over all Israel
• Unity among God’s people
• Finding identity in Christ
• Loving and honoring difficult people
• Recognizing the true enemy
• Overcoming offense and bitterness
• God’s vindication versus self-defense
• Integrity and spiritual leadership
• The Kingdom of God and belonging
• Trusting God with your reputation

Lean In

As you listen today, ask God to reveal any areas where offense, bitterness, or division may have taken root in your heart. Invite Him to show you where you’ve been fighting battles He never asked you to fight.

David teaches us that a good king trusts God to establish what God has promised. The challenge this week is simple: identify one relationship, conflict, or burden you’ve been carrying and surrender it to the Lord. Instead of seeking revenge, validation, or control, pray David’s prayer: “Vindicate me, O Lord.”

Lean in and allow the Holy Spirit to remind you who you belong to, who your true enemy is, and how God can bring unity, healing, and restoration where division once existed.

#GoodKing #ShepherdKing #DavidSeries #PastorDanHarrison #BibleTeaching #ChristianPodcast #FaithInGod #TrustGod #Forgiveness #UnityInChrist #ChurchFamily #SpiritualGrowth #KingDavid #BibleStudy #ChristianLiving