The Power to Submit

October 25, 2026

Each week we gather around the Word of God, the message, and one another. This is where the week’s reflection begins — and you can pick up the latest sermon below.

John 5: 16 - 23

The Authority of the Son

16 So, because Jesus was doing these things on the Sabbath, the Jewish leaders began to persecute him. 17 In his defense Jesus said to them, “My Father is always at his work to this very day, and I too am working.” 18 For this reason they tried all the more to kill him; not only was he breaking the Sabbath, but he was even calling God his own Father, making himself equal with God.

19 Jesus gave them this answer: “Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows him all he does. Yes, and he will show him even greater works than these, so that you will be amazed. 21 For just as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom he is pleased to give it. 22 Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, 23 that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him.

A Thought From the Pastor

We often talk about “doing God’s will” as if it is a checklist of tasks to complete or a moral puzzle to solve in our lives. We look for the “right career” the “right decision” or the “right ministry opportunity,” viewing God’s will as an external target to hit. When we look at the life of Jesus in the Gospel of John, we see that aligning with Father was never about a sequence of actions. It was about an ultimate posture of submission.

Digest the scriptures of Jesus in the Gospel of John as he spoke of submitting to God’s will during his time on earth.

Jesus said, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to accomplish His work” John 4:34

“I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of Him who sent me” John 5: 30

“For I have come down from heaven, not to do my own will but the will of Him who sent me” John 6:38

Submission to God’s will is not a bitter, fearful resignation. It is a joyful, daily dependence on a loving Father who always knows what is best for His children. True submission requires walking step-by-step in faith, being content with the light He gives us for our next step.

Finally, when we stop focusing on “doing” things for God and start placing our entire lives under God and his will, we find an indescribable peace. A weight is lifted and we can allow him to reveal his plan and truth in our lives and the battle of “wills” ceases. Let’s choose to finally submit to God’s will and watch what he does as we place our plans, our comforts, our burdens and our timing beneath HIS and begin to daily say and pray, “Not as I will, but as You will.”

Prayerful Planning

We are so grateful to our volunteers with the food pantry. We received a grant for a large commercial refrigerator and money to purchase dairy products for the friends who utiltize the food pantry. Please check the refrigerator out today when you are at the Fall Fellowship today.
Thank you to everyone who graciously donated warm winter items for Bear River and Harbor Hall. We will be delivering the donated items to both treatment centers this week.

Plans and Events at PCOC

10/25 - Fall Fellowship Meal after church today.
10/26 - Community Kitchen @ 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
10/28- Women’s and Men’s Bible Studies @ 6:30 pm @ PCoC.
10/29 - Church Prayer Group @ 10:30 am @ PCoC.
10/30 - Bridge Street Church @ 6 pm @ 30 Bridge Street
11/01 - Food Pantry @ 12:30 - 1:30 pm @ PCoC.

What We Need

For Sunday, October 25

A favorite fall dessert
Coats
Hats
Gloves
Scarves
Winter boots

Coming Up at PCOC

Baptismal Service with The BridgeFriday, November 6 · 6:00 PM

Purpose For This Week

Pray that we would submit to God's will in our lives.
Pray that our church can be a “House of Grace and Mercy”
Pray that we would be participants in God's work in our community.

Praise Reports & Prayer Requests

Please pray for the Eby family as the are seeking God's sovereign will with the transition of care for their family. Please pray for for God to give them direction, wisdom and guidance in this process.
Please pray for Tyler and Ashleigh and Ashleigh's boys Ayden and Jax who are downstate. Pray that God would work his will to bring this family together and that He would provide patience and direction in their life during this transition.
Please continue to pray for Eric and Shana Hopkins and their family. God has blessed them with so much in regards to family, their business, but it all can be overwhelming. Please specifically pray for their family priorities to be focused on God and connection and recovery.
Please pray for Trip and Lori Jones. Please cover their family in your prayers and that God continues to walk with them and that he keeps their family unified. Pray for continued blessing in their ministry and that God would protect and encourage them in their journey

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