Ravenna Assembly of God

Ravenna Assembly of God
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Our mission is to develop people into winning Christians, mobilizing them for greater living and fulfilling ministry in both the church and the world.

  1. 2d ago

    Kingdom and Government | State of the Church, Part 10 — Romans Series

    Kingdom and Government State of the Church — Romans Series | Part 10Pastor Dan Harrison | Ravenna Assembly of God What happens when our faith and our politics collide? And how should Christians respond when the government doesn’t reflect their values? In today’s message, “Kingdom and Government,” Part 10 of Pastor Dan Harrison’s State of the Church — Romans Series, we explore what the Bible teaches about government authority, God’s sovereignty, and our responsibility as followers of Jesus Christ. Drawing from Romans 12:21–13:7, Pastor Dan challenges us to examine how our Christian faith should influence our attitudes toward political leaders, elections, authority, and those with whom we disagree. As our nation approaches another election, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by political division, uncertainty, and fear about the future. But Pastor Dan reminds us of a powerful biblical truth: No matter who occupies the White House, God’s Kingdom is not going anywhere. Romans 12:21 declares: “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” This verse establishes the foundation for understanding Paul’s teaching about governing authorities in Romans 13. When Paul wrote these words, Christians were living under Roman rule, where emperors claimed extraordinary authority and believers would face increasing hostility and persecution. Yet Paul instructed the church to respect governing authorities, fulfill their responsibilities, and continue demonstrating the character of Christ. How do we honor leaders whose decisions we disagree with? How do we remain faithful to God while living under imperfect governments? Through Romans 13, Daniel 2:21, Daniel 4:17, and Jesus’ teaching about paying taxes in Matthew 22, Pastor Dan explores three essential truths: 1. God’s People Are People of Honor.Christians are called to demonstrate respect, dignity, and integrity—even toward leaders who oppose their values. Honoring an office or authority does not require agreeing with every decision made by the person holding it. 2. God’s People Trust His Sovereignty.Governments change, leaders come and go, and election results may surprise us. But nothing catches God by surprise. His authority extends beyond every earthly kingdom, and His eternal purposes remain secure. 3. God’s People Overcome Evil With Good.When others respond with hostility, anger, or division, followers of Jesus are called to demonstrate grace, mercy, forgiveness, and peace. Pastor Dan also reminds us that Christians have an opportunity—and responsibility—to participate thoughtfully in the political process while remembering that our ultimate hope is not found in any political party, candidate, or government. Our hope is found in Jesus Christ and His everlasting Kingdom. As you listen to today’s message, lean in to what Pastor Dan has to share. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to your heart and help you examine how your faith influences your response to political disagreements, uncertainty, and authority. Are you allowing fear to shape your decisions? Have political disagreements damaged your relationships? Do you struggle to honor leaders whose values differ from yours? And when the world responds with hostility, are you reflecting the goodness and grace of Jesus? Today’s Takeaway Participate faithfully. Honor others. Trust God’s sovereignty. Overcome evil with good. This week, prayerfully consider how you can demonstrate Christlike character in your conversations, decisions, and relationships. Pray for those in authority, including leaders you disagree with. Remember Christians around the world who face persecution for their faith. And when you encounter anger, division, or hostility, choose to respond with grace rather than retaliation. Because governments will change, leaders will come and go, but the Kingdom of God will never be shaken. Our calling is not simply to live in an earthly nation. It’s to represent the Kingdom of Heaven wherever God has placed us. Lean In

    Kingdom and Government | State of the Church, Part 10 — Romans Series

  2. Oct 25

    The Inside | State of the Church — Romans Series, Part 9

    What if the person everyone sees on the outside doesn’t reflect what’s happening on the inside? In today’s message, “The Inside,” Part 9 of Pastor Dan Harrison’s State of the Church — Romans Series, we explore what genuine spiritual transformation looks like and why becoming more like Jesus must begin within our hearts. Drawing from Romans 12:1–3 and Romans 12:14–21, Pastor Dan challenges us to examine our identity in Christ, our relationships with others, and our willingness to surrender bitterness, jealousy, resentment, and the desire for revenge. We live in a world where appearances matter. Social media allows us to present carefully selected moments of our lives, often hiding the struggles, insecurities, and brokenness beneath the surface. But what happens when our spiritual lives begin to look the same way? Are we more concerned about appearing transformed than actually allowing God to transform us? Romans 12:2 reminds us: “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind.” Pastor Dan explains that authentic Christian transformation begins when we surrender ourselves completely to God and learn to see ourselves the way He sees us—not too highly and not too lowly. When we understand our identity as sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father, it changes how we respond to others. Instead of jealousy, we learn to celebrate others. Instead of being consumed by offense, we learn to bless those who hurt us. Instead of seeking revenge, we learn to trust God with justice. And instead of allowing bitterness to control our hearts, we discover the freedom that comes through forgiveness. Because genuine transformation isn’t simply about changing our behavior. It’s about allowing God to change our hearts. Throughout this message, Pastor Dan addresses the emotional and spiritual struggles that can keep us trapped in resentment, comparison, insecurity, and unforgiveness. He also reminds us that pursuing peace doesn’t mean remaining in abusive or harmful situations. Romans 12:18 calls us to live peaceably with others “if possible, so far as it depends on you.” One of the most powerful moments comes through the biblical account of Stephen’s death in Acts 7. As Stephen was being stoned, he prayed: “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” Among those present was Saul, who would later encounter Jesus and become the Apostle Paul. Pastor Dan challenges us to consider what God can do when we release our desire for vengeance and entrust even those who have hurt us to His hands. What if the person you’ve struggled to forgive is someone God still wants to reach? Lean In As you listen to today’s message, lean in to what Pastor Dan has to share. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak directly to your heart and reveal anything you’ve been holding on to that may be preventing genuine spiritual growth. Is there someone you’ve struggled to forgive? Has comparison or insecurity affected your ability to celebrate others? Are you carrying bitterness from something that happened years ago? And does the life you’re presenting on the outside reflect the work God is doing on the inside? Today’s Takeaway Real transformation begins on the inside. This week, ask God to reveal one area of your heart that needs His healing and renewal. Maybe it’s an old wound, an unresolved conflict, a jealous attitude, or a desire to get even. Whatever it is, bring it before your Heavenly Father. Release what you’ve been holding on to. Trust God with what you cannot control. Allow His love to transform your heart. Because following Jesus isn’t just about believing in Him. It’s about belonging to Him—and reflecting His character in the way we live, love, and forgive.

    The Inside | State of the Church — Romans Series, Part 9

  3. Oct 18

    True Generosity | State of the Church — Romans Series, Part 8

    True Generosity State of the Church — Romans Series | Part 7Pastor Dan Harrison | Ravenna Assembly of God What if true generosity isn’t measured by how much we give, but by how much of ourselves we’re willing to share? In today’s message, “True Generosity,” Part 7 of Pastor Dan Harrison’s State of the Church — Romans Series, we explore what it really means to live generously, love our neighbors, and demonstrate the transforming power of Jesus Christ through authentic Christian relationships. Drawing from Romans 12:13, Pastor Dan challenges us to look beyond financial giving and discover the deeper meaning of biblical generosity. “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” — Romans 12:13 (ESV) At first glance, this verse may seem like a simple instruction to give to those in need. But when we examine the original Greek language, we discover something much more meaningful. The word translated contribute is connected to koinonia, a word describing fellowship, participation, and genuine connection with others. True generosity isn’t simply handing someone a gift, writing a check, or offering assistance when it’s convenient. It’s becoming involved in people’s lives, understanding their struggles, and being willing to walk alongside them. Because genuine Christian love isn’t transactional. It’s relational. Pastor Dan shares a deeply personal challenge about the familiar phrase, “If you need anything, let me know.” While those words may sound compassionate, biblical generosity calls us to move beyond good intentions and actively demonstrate love through meaningful relationships. He also reminds us that generosity isn’t only about helping others carry their burdens. Sometimes it means being willing to let others help carry ours. You weren’t created to carry every burden alone. As we continue through Romans 12, we also discover the biblical meaning of hospitality: demonstrating love toward strangers and making room in our hearts for people who may be different from us. Through the example of the Good Samaritan, the fellowship of the early church, and Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 25:35, Pastor Dan challenges us to examine the boundaries we’ve placed around our relationships. Are we willing to love someone outside our normal circle? Are we willing to welcome people who look different, think differently, or come from unfamiliar backgrounds? And are we willing to move beyond simply inviting people to church and begin inviting them into our lives? From supporting foster children and missionaries to encouraging coworkers, neighbors, and those who feel forgotten, true generosity reflects the heart of Jesus Christ. Lean In As you listen to today’s message, lean in to what Pastor Dan has to share. Invite the Holy Spirit to speak directly to your heart. Ask God to reveal where your generosity may have become more about what you give than how you love. Is there someone whose burdens you could help carry? Is there someone you’ve kept outside your circle because loving them might require stepping beyond your comfort zone? And is there an area of your life where God is asking you to do something new? Today’s Takeaway True generosity is more than giving something. It’s giving yourself. This week, ask God to place one person on your heart who needs genuine connection, encouragement, or compassion. Don’t simply offer to help. Look for an opportunity to show up, listen, and demonstrate the love of Christ. Because the love of Jesus was never meant to remain inside the walls of the church. It was meant to transform our relationships, our communities, and the lives of those around us. True generosity begins when we make room in our hearts for someone else.

    True Generosity | State of the Church — Romans Series, Part 8

  4. Oct 11

    Steadfast in Prayer | State of the Church — Romans Series, Part 7

    What if the problem isn’t that we’re not praying enough, but that we’re praying in the wrong order? In today’s message, “Steadfast in Prayer,” Part 7 of Pastor Dan Harrison’s State of the Church — Romans Series, we’re challenged to examine the role prayer plays in our daily lives, our decisions, and the mission of the church. Drawing from Romans 12:12, Pastor Dan reminds us of the Apostle Paul’s instruction: “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” But what does it really mean to be constant, faithful, persistent, and steadfast in prayer? Too often, our natural response to life’s challenges is to act first and pray afterward. We react, make decisions, develop plans, and sometimes even panic before bringing our circumstances before God. Pastor Dan challenges us to reverse that order. Pray, then act. Pray, then respond. Pray, then plan. Throughout the Book of Acts, we discover that the early church didn’t simply include prayer in its activities. Prayer was the foundation of everything it did. From the disciples waiting for the Holy Spirit to the appointment of church leaders and the spreading of the Gospel, believers remained devoted, steadfast, faithful, and persistent in prayer. Prayer wasn’t their last resort. It was their starting point. But this message goes beyond the importance of prayer in church leadership and ministry. Pastor Dan also addresses the personal struggles that can interfere with our relationship with God. What happens when serving becomes more important than spending time with the Father? What happens when we begin finding our identity in what we do rather than in who God says we are? And perhaps most importantly, what happens when we’ve prayed for something for years, but the answer still hasn’t come? Pastor Dan reminds us that prayer isn’t simply about getting what we want from God. It’s about developing a relationship with Him, learning to trust His heart, and remaining faithful even when circumstances don’t change. Through Romans 12:12, Acts 1:14, Acts 2:42, Acts 6:4, and Colossians 4:2, we discover how persistent prayer transforms our priorities, strengthens our faith, and prepares the church to accomplish God’s purposes. Lean In As you listen to today’s message, lean in to what Pastor Dan has to share. Ask the Holy Spirit to speak directly to your heart. Is prayer the driving force of your life, or has it become your last resort? Are you allowing God to direct your decisions, or are you asking Him to bless plans you’ve already made? And is there someone or something you’ve stopped praying for because the answer hasn’t come? Today’s Takeaway Put prayer first. Before you react, pray.Before you make your plans, pray.Before you give up, pray again. And when the answer doesn’t come immediately, remember that God may be doing something in your heart while you’re waiting for Him to work in your circumstances. Don’t stop praying. Don’t stop trusting. Don’t stop believing in the faithfulness of God. Because a transformed church begins with believers who are devoted to prayer.

    Steadfast in Prayer | State of the Church — Romans Series, Part 7

  5. Oct 4

    Rejoice in Hope | State of the Church — Romans Series, Part 6

    There is always hope. In Part 4 of Pastor Dan Harrison’s “State of the Church” Romans Series, Pastor Dan continues exploring what happens when the Gospel doesn’t simply inform what we believe but actually transforms the way we live. In today’s message, “Results of Transformation,” Pastor Dan draws from Romans 12, where Paul describes a transformed community of believers living differently because of what Jesus has done. The message centers on the powerful command of Romans 12:12: “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.” But what does biblical hope actually mean? For Paul, hope isn’t wishful thinking. It isn’t crossing our fingers and hoping circumstances eventually work out. Christian hope is rooted in what Jesus Christ has already accomplished through His death and resurrection and in the promise that He is coming again. That means our circumstances don’t get the final word. Pastor Dan reminds us from Romans 8:36–39 that believers are “more than conquerors through Him who loved us” and that nothing—death, life, the present, the future, or anything else in creation—can separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus. That is why we can rejoice in hope, even while walking through uncertainty and tribulation. The church doesn’t need gimmicks to manufacture hope. People facing pain, loneliness, fear, hopelessness, and questions about their purpose need something far greater: the transforming reality of the resurrected Jesus. When the Gospel has genuinely transformed our hearts, that transformation should become visible in the way we love, serve, endure hardship, pray, use the gifts God has given us, and live together as the Body of Christ. As you listen today, lean in to what Pastor Dan has to share. Ask God to quiet the voices telling you that your circumstances are hopeless and allow Him to speak His truth into your heart. Today’s Takeaway: What voice are you allowing to define your future—your circumstances, the people around you, or the promises of God? Whatever you’re facing today, remember: Rejoice in hope.
Be patient in tribulation.
Be constant in prayer. Because in Jesus Christ, there is always hope.

    Rejoice in Hope | State of the Church — Romans Series, Part 6

  6. Sep 27

    Faith, Little or Great, Does It Matter? | Pastor Bill Donovan

    What happens when you’ve prayed, cried out to God, and the answer still hasn’t come? What do you do when your faith feels small and the situation in front of you seems impossible? Today we’re grateful to welcome Pastor Bill Donovan back to share God’s Word with us. Pastor Bill served in ministry for more than 40 years, including many years as a lead pastor. He and his wife have now returned to their home church here at Ravenna Assembly of God. In today’s message, “Faith, Little or Great, Does It Matter?”, Pastor Bill takes us into two powerful encounters found in Matthew 15:21–28 and Matthew 14:22–33. In Matthew 15, a desperate Canaanite woman comes to Jesus pleading for her daughter. She refuses to walk away. Her desperate faith becomes persistent faith, and her persistent faith becomes unwavering faith. Jesus ultimately responds, “O woman, great is your faith,” and her daughter is healed. Then, in Matthew 14, we see Peter step out of the boat and walk toward Jesus on the water. When Peter takes his eyes off Jesus and begins to sink, he cries out, “Lord, save me!” Jesus immediately reaches out His hand and catches him. Peter may have had “little faith,” but even that little faith was enough to step out of the boat and walk toward Jesus. Through these two stories, Pastor Bill reminds us that faith is ultimately about trust—who we place our trust in. Whether your faith feels desperate, persistent, unwavering, or even very small, the answer remains the same: keep your eyes on Jesus. Keep asking. Keep seeking. Keep knocking. Keep trusting. Don’t give up. Maybe you’re praying for a prodigal child, struggling in your marriage, battling an addiction, facing difficulties at work, needing provision, or carrying a situation that seems impossible. Jesus knows where you are, understands what you are facing, and invites you to keep walking with Him through it. As you listen today, lean in to what Pastor Bill has to share. Ask God to quiet the distractions around you and speak directly to your heart through His Word. Today’s Takeaway: Identify the situation where you are most tempted to give up. Instead of walking away discouraged, bring it to Jesus again. Keep asking. Keep seeking. Keep knocking. Hold on to Jesus and choose to trust Him—even when you cannot yet see the answer. Your faith may feel small today, but keep walking toward Jesus.

    Faith, Little or Great, Does It Matter? | Pastor Bill Donovan

  7. Sep 20

    Internal Fire, External Focus | Chuck & Wilma Lormis

    What happens when the fire of the Holy Spirit burning within us begins to change the way we live outside the walls of the church? In today’s message, “Internal Fire, External Focus,” guest speakers Chuck and Wilma Lormis challenge us to tend the fire God has placed within our hearts—and allow that fire to impact the world around us. Chuck and Wilma serve as Missions Cultivators, helping local churches grow a heart for missions and encouraging believers to take part in reaching people with the Gospel both near and far. After decades of pastoral and missionary ministry, they now work to strengthen the missions foundation of the local church and help believers embrace their role in the Great Commission. Beginning in Leviticus 6:12–13, Chuck points to God’s command that the fire on the altar was to be kept burning continually: “It shall not go out.” God started the fire, but the priests were responsible for tending it. That same picture challenges us today. God ignites the fire, but we must continually tend our relationship with Him through prayer, His Word, worship, repentance, and time in His presence. Wilma takes that picture further through Acts 1:8 and Acts 2:1–4, reminding us that the fire of the Holy Spirit was never intended to remain contained within us. The Holy Spirit gives believers power to become witnesses for Jesus. Using the three elements necessary for a physical fire—oxygen, heat, and fuel—Wilma gives us a powerful picture of maintaining our spiritual fire. We need time waiting in God’s presence, the power and leading of the Holy Spirit, and a willingness to place ourselves on the altar and surrender our desires to Him. But an internal fire must produce an external focus. If the Holy Spirit is truly transforming our hearts, it should affect our families, workplaces, schools, neighborhoods, communities, and ultimately the world. As Chuck reminds us from Jeremiah 20:9, when God’s Word becomes like a fire within us, eventually we reach the place where we simply cannot hold it in. What could happen if every believer began tending their own spiritual altar? What could God do through a church filled with people who arrive already hungry for His presence and ready to carry the Gospel beyond its walls? As you listen today, lean in to what Chuck and Wilma have to share. Ask God to speak directly to your heart through this message. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal anything that may be weakening the fire within you—and give Him permission to rekindle it. Today’s Takeaway: Don’t depend on someone else to keep your spiritual fire burning. Tend your altar. Seek His presence. Surrender what needs to be surrendered. Then take that fire beyond the walls of the church. 🔥 Keep the internal fire burning—and let it create an external difference.

    Internal Fire, External Focus | Chuck & Wilma Lormis

  8. Sep 13

    Even Though, Go | Guest Speaker Rusty Nottingham

    What do you do when God tells you to go—but doesn’t give you all the details? In today’s message, “Even Though, Go,” guest speaker Rusty Nottingham takes us into Acts 8:26–39, where Philip receives a simple instruction from God: go down the desert road. Philip isn’t given a complete plan, a timeline, or an explanation. He simply obeys—and his obedience places him directly in the path of an Ethiopian official who is searching for answers. That divine appointment becomes an incredible reminder that sometimes God gives us clarity after we take the first step, not before. Rusty challenges us to consider how often we may miss what God is doing because we are waiting for every detail to fall into place. We want the complete plan. We want certainty. We want to know where the road leads before we start walking. But faith often requires us to move while we are still unsure of what comes next. As Rusty puts it, our responsibility is obedience; the outcome belongs to God. Rusty Nottingham serves as the President of CitiReach, a ministry based in Akron, Ohio, that exists to reach people far from God with the hope of Jesus. CitiReach serves overlooked and underserved communities through outreach events, food initiatives, mentoring programs, youth programs, dinner church, creative arts, and relational ministry—walking alongside people and sharing the love of Jesus in tangible ways. During this message, Rusty also shares how CitiReach has been living out this very principle. After sensing God calling the ministry to expand without knowing exactly where that would lead, they began preparing and saying yes. Through a remarkable series of confirmations and relationships, God opened the door for CitiReach to begin expanding its ministry into Kenya, partnering with local believers to reach children, youth, and families with the Gospel. Maybe God has already been nudging you toward something. Maybe there is a conversation you need to have. A person you need to reach out to. A ministry you need to serve in. A step of faith you need to take. Maybe your struggle isn’t that God hasn’t spoken—it’s that you’re still waiting for all the details. As you listen today, lean in to what Rusty has to share. Ask God to quiet the distractions around you and speak clearly to your heart through this message. And here is today’s challenge: What is the “go” God has placed in front of you—and what would happen if you simply said yes? Even though you may not understand everything.Even though you may feel unqualified.Even though the timing may not seem perfect.Even though you cannot see the entire road ahead. Go. Take the first step, trust God with the outcome, and see what He can do with your yes.

    Even Though, Go | Guest Speaker Rusty Nottingham
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About

Our mission is to develop people into winning Christians, mobilizing them for greater living and fulfilling ministry in both the church and the world.

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  • Creator
    Ravenna Assembly of God
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    266
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ravenna Assembly of God
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    Ravenna Assembly of God