The Tacoma Narrows Bridge in Tacoma, Washington.
“But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with He loved us, even when we were dead in our wrongdoings, made us alive together with Christ…”
– Ephesians 2:4-5, ESV
In 2018, the Gonzales family joined a Bible study held in the home of Caleb Hegg and his wife, Lacacia Cardoza. After several months of attending, Michael felt the need to offer his assistance in leading and organizing the study sessions. After several months, the group decided to become a congregation and, after reading through Ephesians 2, they adopted the name “Alive in Messiah” (AIM).
Once the church was launched, Michael stepped up to serve as an elder with Caleb, sharing the responsibility for teaching on Shabbat and Festival Days. Michael also helped in structuring and organizing the service segments, scheduling the various readings, the hymn list, the website, and other items necessary in running the congregation.
In 2022 Michael stepped down from his role as an elder and moved to Fort Worth, Texas to be close to family.
Podcast: Download (Duration: 26:41 — 24.6MB)
A Sabbath Sermon by Michael David Gonzales on Shabbat Sukkot, the Sabbath that falls within the week of the Feast of Booths. In this teaching, Michael looks at a theme of the Feast—the temporal aspects of our lives. He uses this theme to exhort us in prioritizing our lives for God.
Podcast: Download (Duration: 26:27 — 24.3MB)
In this sermon, given on the evening of Yom Kippur, Michael David Gonzales looks at the life of King Manasseh as detailed in 2 Chronicles 33. If there was salvation for someone who lived a heinous life as he did, then there is hope for others.
Podcast: Download (Duration: 27:41 — 25.5MB)
A discussion on Yom Teruah, the Feast of Trumpets, led by Michael David Gonzales. In this teaching, Michael reviews a variety of Scripture passages that help us understand this curious Biblical Festival and its meaning. (Poor Quality Recording)
Podcast: Download (Duration: 33:03 — 30.4MB)
A Sabbath Sermon on Torah Portion Ki Tavo (when you enter in) found in the traditional one year Torah Reading Schedule. In this message, Michael David Gonzales discusses Israel’s responsibility of obeying the Law of God as His covenant people. They are to serve Him with joy and a glad heart. This sermon sparked some good discussion.
Podcast: Download (Duration: 34:19 — 31.5MB)
A Sabbath Sermon on Torah Portion Shof’tim (judges) found in the traditional one year Torah Reading Schedule. In this message, Michael looks at Deuteronomy 17.14-20 and the laws about setting a king over the people of Israel. He takes a quick survey of Israel’s past kings, and finally he looks at the true, perfect King of Israel, Yeshua the Messiah.
Podcast: Download (Duration: 32:14 — 29.6MB)
A Sabbath Sermon on Torah Portion Ekev (because) found in the traditional one year Torah Reading Schedule. In this message, Michael looks at Deuteronomy 6.1-11.32 which, he argues, is a detailed view of the first commandment—You shall love The LORD your God.
Podcast: Download (Duration: 35:37 — 32.7MB)
A Sabbath Sermon on Torah Portion Devarim (Words) found in the traditional one year Torah Reading Schedule. In this message, Michael David Gonzales explain why this week’s Sabbath is called The Sabbath of Vision. He makes a connection with the Torah and Prophets readings, found in Deuteronomy 1-3.22 and Isaiah 1.1-27, and then he makes application for Christians today.
Podcast: Download (Duration: 29:48 — 27.4MB)
A Sabbath Sermon on Numbers 31 by Michael David Gonzales taken from Torah Portion Matot (tribes) found in the traditional one year Torah Reading Schedule. In this sermon, Michael gives an overview of the highlights of the battle Israel had with Midian and the outcome. What can we, as believers, learn about this passage and how can we understand the killing of women and children which was commanded by God?
Podcast: Download (Duration: 30:50 — 28.3MB)
A Sabbath Sermon on Numbers 20.1-13 by Michael David Gonzales taken from Torah Portion Chukat (ordinance of) found in the traditional one year Torah Reading Schedule. In this sermon, Michael looks at another instance where there is no water and the people quarrel against God. How can we avoid being negative in the face of adversity? Michael looks to other Biblical passages for the answer.
Podcast: Download (Duration: 28:14 — 26.0MB)
A Sabbath Sermon on Numbers 13.1-14.10 by Michael David Gonzales taken from Torah Portion Sh’lach l’cha (send for yourself) found in the traditional one year Torah Reading Schedule. In this sermon, Michael looks at the report given by the 12 spies and the response of the people. Trusting that God is with us, we can accomplish tasks that seem impossible to us.