LaGrave Live LIVE Morning Worship Service 02-01-2026 The Word in the Windows: Paying Taxes to Caesar About The concert: We continue our sermon series “The Word in the Windows.” Pastor Jonker will preach on Matthew 22: 15-22. 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 LaGrave Service Summary: The Word in the Windows – Paying Taxes to Caesar Sermon AbstractLaGrave Live • Epiphany Series The Word in the Windows: Paying Taxes to Caesar Navigating the tension between civil authority and divine allegiance through Matthew 22. " "Give back to Caesar what is Caesar's, and to God what is God's." — Jesus' Verdict The Political Trap The Pharisees (Anti-Rome) and Herodians (Pro-Rome) formed an unlikely alliance. They tried to force Jesus into a binary choice: treason against Rome or betrayal of the Jewish people. Key Theological Arguments 1 Dual CitizenshipCivil government is a valid "second thing," but God's Kingdom is the absolute "first thing." 2 Total OwnershipCaesar's image is on the coin, but God's image is on humanity. Therefore, God owns everything. 3 Modern IdolatryWarning against letting political party platforms dictate Christian values entirely. Window Symbol 1 The Fasces Rome's power to punish Window Symbol 2 The Cross God's power to redeem Source: Audio Transcript (1h 22m)#ChristianEthics #Politics #Matthew22 Introduction This service features a sermon based on Matthew 22:15-22, correcting a misconception about the church's stained-glass windows and exploring the tension between earthly government and divine authority. The message emphasizes that while Christians respect civil authority, their ultimate allegiance belongs to God, challenging believers to prioritize the Kingdom of Heaven over political partisanship. Detailed Summary Community Announcements & Prayer Needs The service began with updates on community life, including the arrival of Lenten devotional booklets and a reminder for the Wednesday prayer gathering. Significant milestones were celebrated, such as the birth of William Robert to Sarah and Tyler Medema, and the 93rd birthdays of Cal Verdyne and Laura Verbridge. The congregation also lifted up numerous members facing health challenges, surgeries, and hospice care, alongside prayers for the Versluis and Faber families regarding recent bereavements. Specific prayers were offered for the "Missionary of the Week," asking for the finalization of his citizenship process to return to South Korea and for the safe delivery of his child. Additionally, the upcoming Mexico mission team orientation and the church's internal election of elders and deacons were highlighted as key areas for prayer. Children's Message: The Glove vs. The Mitten The children's message used winter clothing as an analogy for the church. While gloves allow fingers to act independently but leave them isolated and cold, mittens keep fingers together, sharing warmth. The church is described as being "more like a mitten," where members are gathered by God to live as a family, supporting one another rather than existing in isolation. Sermon Context: The Window and the Fasces The sermon focused on a specific stained-glass window in the church that depicts Jesus holding a coin. The pastor noted a correction to the church’s guidebook, which misidentifies the scene as "foreboding events"; the presence of the coin and Caesar's profile confirms it depicts the story of paying taxes. A crucial detail in the window is the inclusion of the fasces—an axe bundled with sticks. This Roman symbol represented imperial authority, justice, and the power to punish, setting the stage for a conflict between the power of Rome and the Kingdom of God. The Political Trap: Matthew 22 The Herodians Pro-Rome & Pro-Tax. They valued the stability the empire provided. The Pharisees Anti-Rome & Anti-Tax. They viewed paying Caesar as bordering on idolatry. The Trap: "Is it right to pay taxes to Caesar?" If Jesus says Yes: He is a traitor to the Jews. If Jesus says No: He is a rebel against Rome. The Divine Answer: ...
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Feb 2 202658 mins