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