Rolling Hills Community Church - Nashville Campus: Recent Episodes

Rolling Hills Community Church

This podcast is dedicated to the Sunday morning teaching series happening each week at Rolling Hills Church in Nashville, TN.

Our God is able to do miracles. God works through the power of His Holy Spirit to transform lives for His glory. The Holy Spirit indwells every Christ-follower. God is constantly working in us and through us. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, we are conformed to the image of Jesus, and we are used to impact others. As Christians, we must learn to live by the Spirit. God is always speaking and working – the question is: are we listening and obeying? God is able.

Our God can do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine. Yet, so often, we settle for so little. We think only about what this world can offer, and we forget about the power, grace, and love of our great God. Jesus still does miracles today. As we stay faithful to Him, we are able to see and experience the beauty and power of God. Invite Jesus into your heart and daily life, and watch Him transform the ordinary into the extraordinary.

We all face challenges in life. Everyone is fighting a battle. When challenges come, we can choose to fight on our own, or we can pray and invite God into the battle. There is power in prayer. God answers every prayer we pray. Many times we are scared to pray because we don’t know how God will answer. But, as we grow in our relationships with God, we learn to love Him enough to trust Him with the answer. Will you put your trust in God today? Pray bold prayers and then watch God do what only He can do. Our God is able.

This morning we are beginning a brand new series, “God is Able.” Our theme verses here at Rolling Hills are Ephesians 3:20-21, “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in all generations forever and ever. Amen!” Whatever you are facing in your life today, know that your God is greater. Focus on Him today and live your life for Him. God is with you and for you. Open your eyes and your heart to Him today.

We have arrived at the conclusion of our Masterclass series on the book of Romans. What an incredible series it has been, as we have been diving deep into this powerful book of the Bible and seeing God’s righteousness and reconciliation for us today. Our God is a God of love, and His redemption extends to each of us through the gift of His Son, Jesus. Through Jesus, God draws us to Himself and reveals how we, as Christ-followers, should live. Romans establishes us in sound doctrine and in the amazing goodness of our great God. I pray Romans will bring revival in our hearts, our families, and our world today.

It can be easy for us to get things out of order, mix up our priorities, and put secondary things, like personal preferences in the primary spot where they don’t belong. It happens at home, at work, and just about anywhere you can imagine. The problem is, when our passion for our preferences becomes primary, we get distracted from what is truly important, and this is where the cracks of division begin to form. Paul’s instruction to the Roman believers is just as important for us today. Don’t dispute the dispute, let your passion be for the Gospel, and keep your eyes fixed on Jesus for that is of primary importance.

Our submission to God is evident in our capacity to love others and pursue holiness. By reflecting God's love and character, we bridge the gap between ourselves and the world, demonstrating God's true nature and revealing His love, grace, and authority to those around us.

In Romans 12, the apostle Paul, the author of Romans, turns the corner from the beautiful theology and deep doctrine of Romans 1-11. Romans 12 is the hinge of the letter. This begins the fourth section of the book of Romans, which is God’s will. God’s will is for Christ-followers to live out their faith in their everyday life. A Christian’s walk should equal their talk. We are called to put into practice the teaching God pours into us. May we live out our faith and impact the world for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

God sent His Son, Jesus, to bring salvation to the world. In the Old Testament, God called out a people for Himself through which He would reveal His character and ultimately send His Son, the Messiah. Salvation is not based on what we do or where we are born. Salvation is found in Jesus alone. Paul always had a heart to share Jesus with others – first for his own people, the Jews, and then for all others, the Gentiles. The call comes to each of us today to accept Jesus as our personal Lord and Savior and then to share Him with others. May God find us faithful in sharing His heart of salvation with others today.

Romans 8 is one of the greatest chapters in the entire Bible. The chapter begins with the freedom we have through Jesus Christ. We are no longer slaves to sin and death, but as Christ-followers, we are truly alive in Jesus. Then, we see God’s sovereignty in how He is always working in our lives. As Christians, we should be living and looking more like Jesus. This should bring boldness into our lives. We don’t have to live a defeated life, but we can live victorious through the grace and goodness of God. We are never separated from His love!

Let’s not skip over Thanksgiving on our way to Christmas. May we stop and remember all God has done for us this year. Let’s truly be thankful. First and foremost, let’s be thankful for Jesus and the grace and salvation we receive in Christ. Then, we can be thankful for so much more – family, friends, church, health, etc. What are you thankful for today? What is your story of Thanksgiving? Give the Lord the praise and thanks He deserves this Thanksgiving. Our God is so good to us. Thank You, Father!

Living an Intentional Life means joining God in His agenda. We first identify His call on our life. Then, we invest in what matters - what is eternal. After this, we begin to intercede - pray for others and ask God to do miracles in our lives as well as in the lives of others. Next, we inform those around us about God’s Good News and finally, we invite others to Jesus and to be a part of His Church. Let’s not become distracted in our noisy world today, but let’s be bold and live intentional lives for the glory of our great God!

We have this call to share our faith, but many times we simply don’t know how. We know God wants us to, but how are we supposed to present the Good News to our children, our friends, our neighbors, and others? What do we say? First, we share God’s story by using the Bible and specific verses. Next, we share our story. We tell others what God has done in our lives. Sharing our faith does not have to be intimidating, but it can be so exciting and freeing, as God allows us to step into that holy moment and inform others of His great love. Aren’t you glad someone shared Jesus with you? Now, let’s intentionally share God’s love with others.

Jesus’ call is for His people is to live intentionally. And how do we do that? We invest in what God values, and God values people. The Apostle Paul made it clear in his letter to the Thessalonians that he came not just to share the Gospel, but to share his life with them as well. As followers of Christ, we have a high calling to invest our lives in others for eternity's sake…to invest through empathy and compassion, sharing our faith, living an example of Christ, and through speaking words of encouragement. Ultimately, our investment in others should be rooted in God's call to love our neighbors.

There is a difference between the temporary and the eternal. So often we spend our time, energy and money investing in things of this world that will not last. But, God calls us to invest in things that are eternal. When we do this, we begin to live an intentional life. As Christ-followers, we have this amazing opportunity to share the Good News of Jesus with others. When we do we can make an eternal difference. This is what Jesus calls us to do, so let’s be intentional.

Gentleness is not something that many aspire to in our day and culture. Gentleness is seen as weakness and therefore marginalized in our “win at all costs” society. However, the gentleness found in Christ is strong, deep and rich. Gentleness is “strength under control.” It is learning to harness our God-given abilities under the Lordship of Christ. When we do this, lives are impacted. People are drawn to gentle people. Gentleness brings incredible power and influence. Jesus was a gentle giant, so may we all grow in gentleness.

In a constantly changing world, our God calls us to be faithful. The call is to be a people who are faithful to our God, faithful to our family, and faithful to our calling. We tend to become so easily distracted, but we must always keep “the main thing the main thing.” As we grow deeper in Christ, what emerges is a life of steadfast faithfulness. This calling to be faithful comes from a God who is faithful. God’s love for us never changes. He is faithful, and He invites us into this kind of relationship with Him. Will you be faithful?

We live in the middle of an epic battle of “Good vs. Evil.” Even secular culture acknowledges this struggle. While the world does not call us to be “evil,” the world definitely tries to sell us a cheap imitation of “goodness” and invites us to conform to a nominal Christianity that is really no Christianity at all. However, God calls us to be filled with the Spirit and to live in goodness. God calls us to be good and to do good in His Name and His Glory. This can only come when we are planted deep in Christ and growing in our relationship with Him. The great news is – good wins! In the end, God triumphs over evil, and those who are in Christ will experience His goodness forever!

The world can sometimes seem toxic, combative, and even unkind. The question as followers of Christ we have to ask is, “What is our contribution to that cultural conversation?” As apprentices of Jesus, we are called to be people marked by compassion, kindness, and forgiveness. When we are kind, we show people God’s kindness. When we are compassionate, we show people God’s compassion. When we are forgiving, we are showing people God’s forgiveness. Kindness is more than random acts; it's the way of Christ.

Patience is a challenge for us because of the world we live in today. Our society is based on speed. We want it all, and we want it now! Yet, God has a bigger plan for our lives, and His best requires patience. Patience is trusting in God’s timing and not our own. Patience is seeing the bigger picture of God’s holy work in our lives and in the world. God’s desire for us, as followers of Christ Jesus, is to be conformed to the image of His Son – and this takes time. May we demonstrate fresh fruit in our lives as we respond to those closest to us as well as to the world. May we live with our eyes fixed on Jesus and with patience in our hearts knowing that God has a good and perfect plan for us.

Peace...we all want peace. But oftentimes our definition of peace is cloudy and instead of peace, we get a temporary escape (spa, beach, Bose headphones, etc.). Temporary escapes are sometimes good if they do not replace the real need that we have for eternal peace that lasts throughout all circumstances. That everlasting peace can only come through and by a relationship with Jesus. Now, to continue to live in the peace of God we have to do things that allow the Spirit of God to flourish (Bible reading, prayer, worship, counseling, etc...) God has given us tools for us to experience peace even when living in chaos. What are steps you can take today to continue to live in the peace of God? And what are ways that you can present the peace of God to those around you?

We all want joy in our lives; however, many times we settle for what the world offers and pursue happiness. There is a big difference between joy and happiness. Happiness is based on circumstances, while joy is based on Christ. God longs for all of us to live life with joy. There is spiritual depth and maturity when our hearts are built on Christ who never changes. As you focus on Jesus, you experience this Fruit of Joy. Jesus said, I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10). Let’s choose to embrace Jesus and experience the joy of the Lord in our hearts, homes, work, church, and lives every day.

In our new series, we are diving into how to live as followers of Jesus. Through Jesus, we have the Spirit of God in us. The Fruit of the Spirit reveals our faith. The world tries to sell us a cheap imitation of the life God has for us. The world offers lust, happiness, power, and position. Yet, God calls us to love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. God wants us to have a great life, so I pray we grow deep in Christ and live out His will. This is where life makes sense and where we truly come alive! Is your fruit fresh? Are you demonstrating the Fruit of the Spirit? Let’s start with love.

The Gospel of Mark climaxes with Jesus conquering death. The resurrection of Jesus from the dead is the defining moment of the Gospel of Mark and of all history. Jesus being alive means through Christ each of us can have eternal life. Death is no longer the end. Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection made a way for you to be forgiven, to be redeemed, and to spend eternity with God. Praise God for our risen Savior! Will you receive God’s grace today? Then, will you boldly share His Good News with others? He has risen!

The entire book of Mark is leading up to this moment. So many people missed what Jesus was doing. Everyone thought the Messiah would come to establish an earthly kingdom, but Jesus willingly laid down His life, so that we could be a part of His eternal heavenly Kingdom. The cross is the commitment point for every person. We have all sinned, and Jesus paid the price for us. Will you accept God’s grace and His love through the cross of Jesus today? And, if you are a Christ-follower, then will you live your life every day for His Name and Glory?

We hope that each we have communicated that nothing is more needed or urgent than seeing Jesus clearly and understanding who He is. How you answer the question, “Who is Jesus?” changes everything. We find that Jesus is the most surprising and compelling person in history.

But here’s the other question Mark wants to help answer in Mark 14: How do you respond to who Jesus is? Mary understood full devotion and realized devotion to Jesus would cost her financially, socially, and some criticism. Judas directly opposed due to personal interest. And although Peter failed Jesus, he humbly received His grace.

Of course, God's desire is for His people to be fully devoted. But He also wants us to know we don't have to be stuck in our failure, we can receive His grace and move forward in gratitude.

Let's move forward in grace and step into people who fully devote their hearts and lives to the person of Jesus.

Passages that address the end times are often hard to understand and difficult to apply to our daily lives. Jesus in Mark 13 tells His disciples these tough things not so they will start trying to predict when they would come, but so they would be ready when they did. Jesus is calling them to vigilant discipleship through the hard times and to be faithful ‘til the end. He encourages them to be faithful by being watchful. Watchfulness is the spiritual discipline of guarding our hearts and minds in the word, in prayer, and in community faithfully until He returns.

Any number of things can hold us back from experiencing the life Jesus yearns for us to have. From an attitude of superiority to focusing on myself more than focusing on God and others! Not to mention how tightly I hold onto my gifts and talents as opposed to bringing them to God for His plans and purposes. Throughout the Gospel of Mark, the authority of Jesus is central to a true understanding of who He is and what He has done for us. When we understand His sacrifice, our response is to naturally and thankfully, praise, worship, serve, and give all for His name and His glory!

Many of us have become very skilled at putting on a show. We know the right things to do and say in order to convince other people we have it all together. We try really hard to follow our own agenda, to never need any help, and to call the shots for our own life. The harsh reality, however, is that God never intended it to be this way. He wants us to come to Him because we find salvation in Him alone. His Kingdom is all about trusting God and serving others, as opposed to trusting myself and making sure all of my needs are met.

Jesus teaches what it means to be His disciple. The call for us is not to live like the world – simply for wealth, power, and success. The call is to know Jesus and to serve. When we commit to follow Jesus, then our lives should change. Healing comes in Jesus. Hope comes in Jesus. Life comes in Jesus. Live in Jesus this week and bring Him into your marriage, money, and ministry. Experience the spiritual sight and follow Him, as His disciple, with your life.

So often we live for the temporary. We spend so much of our time focused on the things of this world that will not last. We become consumed with money, shopping, sports, and more. And, while these things are not bad in and of themselves, they can take our eyes off of the bigger picture. Jesus wants us to focus on Him. He gives us glimpses of the eternal that really matters. There are only three things that are eternal: God, His Word, and people. Where are you investing your life? As a disciple of Jesus, invest your life in what will last forever. Focus on Jesus.

We are continuing to learn from Jesus in Masterclass. In Mark 7, Jesus encounters religious opposition, a desperate mother, and a hearing and speech-impaired man. Through these encounters, we are encouraged to come to Jesus for healing. Jesus heals our hearts, our families, and the world, as we respond to the Good News and make Him known.

Jesus calls us to a life of faith. So often we think this life is only about what we can see, but the spiritual realm is unseen. Yet, this is where the miracles happen. When we “live by faith and not by sight,” we are able to “see” with our spiritual eyes the great things God is doing. Never lose the awe and wonder of what God is doing in your life, in His Church, and in our world. Only Jesus can change a heart, heal, redeem, and restore. Our God is at work. Place your life in His hands and trust Him to do great things through you for His glory. Live by faith.

Are you needing some area of your life that needs an overhaulin’? Do you have an area of your life that needs fixing up? Maybe in your marriage, perhaps you are in need of healing of some sort, or maybe you may need something to happen in your relationship with God. Mark Chapter 5 reminds us that Jesus is in the business of restoring hearts, souls, and minds. Ultimately, Jesus not only restores our lives, but he wants to resurrect them. He wants the dead to come to life. He wants to remove the condemnation of sin through faith in His death, burial, and resurrection. Will you allow Jesus to transform your life?

As disciples of Jesus, we are called to sow seeds. Many of us struggle to share our faith with non-believers because it can be really hard or just plain awkward. It is our duty as Christians to share God's Good News with others. Without us sharing Christ with them, they won't even have the opportunity to grow or choose to follow Jesus.

So, rather than us seeing sharing our faith as something that's simply challenging or even, at times, frustrating or disappointing, let's choose to see it as a means of bringing the Gospel to those who need to hear it. Our job is to scatter the seeds and let the Holy Spirit do the work.

Has it ever bothered you that the people who should’ve known Jesus the best seemed to know him the least? That’s definitely the case for his family in Mark chapter 3. People in Jesus‘s hometown exclaimed that he must’ve been crazy or possessed. Those who share your deep seeded beliefs in Christ are really your truest and best family. We all need that kind of family to maintain our walk with Christ. Consider the challenge, though, when those of us who are supposed to know and follow Jesus best, question him and represent him the least. Incredible takeaways this week as we seek to be a people, as part of the family of God, who trust Jesus and live lives that express our faith in him.

Your faith has such significant implications for others! The man we read about in Mark 2 who was paralyzed had brothers around him who believed Jesus would do what He said He would do. They did not allow the obstacles, the fear, the uncertainty, or the challenges to get in the way of the faith they had in Jesus. How about you? Do you have a community like this who will lift you up when you are down and who will carry you to the feet of Jesus? Do you seek to show your faith to others in this same way? May we all grow deeper in our faith, deeper in our community, and deeper in our understanding of all that Jesus yearns to do in our lives.

The Gospel of Mark gives us a window into who Jesus was, what He did, and what it means for us. As He called His first disciples, He calls us to follow Him. He wants us to follow Him not just by verbally saying He is Lord, but living as if we believe He is Lord. This means as we read Mark, we actively spend time with Jesus and in turn let the Holy Spirit transform us into His likeness. This transformation forms us into a new person who now can begin to live as Jesus lived.

God is inviting you into His Easter Story. He is drawing you to Himself and asking you to make Easter personal. God is not simply interested in religion, but He wants a personal relationship with you. Not your parents’ faith or your church’s faith, but your faith – a committed relationship with the God of all creation through His Son, Jesus. Easter is about the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead and the relationship you can now have with God for eternity as a part of His forever family. Easter allows you to come alive in Jesus’ unconditional, transformational, and eternal love. Receive God’s gift of salvation today and live in His love forever. God loves you!

Jesus’ sacrifice changes everything. Jesus willingly took our place. He laid down His life so that we could be redeemed in our relationship with God. His gift is for all people - regardless of nationality, gender, or socio-economic status - Jesus gave His life for you. Jesus’ sacrifice shows us the depth of God’s love and how we are called to live in relationship with God and with others. Let’s live our lives for the glory of our great God because His Son gave His life for us.

Jesus’ death matters. It was prophesied and purposeful. The wages of sin is death. In the Old Testament, there was the sacrificial system. In this system, there were animals that were killed for the atonement of the sins of the people. Jesus came as the perfect sacrifice. He lived 33 sinless years, then died on a cross to pay the price for our sins. It was our sin that put Jesus on that cross. But, Jesus conquered death and made a way for us to be forgiven and to have eternal life. Praise God for His grace and mercy. Jesus died for you, so now let’s live for Him!

Jesus stood trial before the Jews and the Romans for claiming to be the Messiah – the Son of God. Pilate, the Roman Governor, knew Jesus to be good, but he was scared to make this declaration. Pilate tried to remain neutral, even washing his hands of the entire situation. However, no decision is a decision. Pilate, “wanting to satisfy the crowd,” handed Jesus over to be crucified. What do you believe about Jesus? Is He truly the Messiah – the Son of God, or is Jesus a liar or lunatic? Every one of us must give an answer about Jesus. How will you respond to Jesus’ claim this Easter? Is He your Savior? If so, follow Him for all your life.

Pride is a sin that is often difficult to detect in our lives. Pride always keeps the focus on “self” and rejects our need for God. The closer we move towards intimacy with God the more we will understand what it means to “deny ourselves” and live in the fullness of the freedom we have in Christ. Through Christ, we understand what true humility is, and it is in that humility we become better leaders, family members, co-workers, and neighbors.

Envy literally robs your life of joy! Jealousy puts me in a position where I am intentionally choosing not to be grateful for what I have, or where I am, but rather it’s a yearning for what I do not have. Jealousy, like all sin, creates a false narrative that I can find contentment and joy in the things of this world. May you seek to find peace and life in the true source, the only source, Jesus Chris!

Anger is a sin we all deal with. Sometimes anger and wrath manifest in outbursts and other times they simmer below the surface. If we don’t deal with anger, then it will destroy others, and even ourselves. Anger comes when we don’t get our way; therefore, we harbor bitterness, frustration, and resentment. Yet, as Christ-followers, we are called to love – to love God and to love others. This means when the anger comes, we have a responsibility to forgive and to offer grace. Will you deal with any deep-seeded anger and give it over to God today? Don’t let Satan get a foothold in your heart with anger. Delight yourself in God’s grace and trust in Him.

Greed is to money as slothfulness is to time. We all have a certain amount of time, so the question becomes: are we investing our time in things that matter? There is a temptation in our culture to desire only things that make us comfortable, but if we are to grow spiritually then we must get out of our comfort zone. We must push past laziness to grow deeper and stronger in our spiritual journey. Spending time in prayer and reading God’s Word takes effort as does sharing our faith and serving others. God calls us to “work out” our salvation - not to “work for” our salvation (because it is by grace we are saved), but to “work out.” Let’s give our best to God!

Greed is a struggle for all of us. We live in a materialistic and capitalistic society. Everything around us is about money and more – more money, more stuff, more things. Greed is when we desire money or power more than God. Greed is a sin. The antidote to greed is generosity. God longs for us to know Him and to trust Him as our Provider. God took care of our salvation by giving His Son, so there is nothing God will withhold from us. Let God be enough for you. Find your contentment, joy, and peace in God through His Son, Jesus. God will provide for you.

When it’s all said and done, lust seeks to satisfy self without covenant commitment. That’s why love is the remedy. Lust is common to all but possibly overcome by few. The enemy is content to rip a person apart as he or she seeks to satisfy their desire and also to bury someone alive under the weight of guilt. Only in Christ can we overcome temptation and move beyond the shame of past sin. A daily commitment to Christ and sacrificial love for others is the covenant tools we need to avoid the trap and win the war.

Mental health is at an all-time low in our nation today. So many people suffer from hopelessness, fear, worry, uncertainty, and more. Yet, in the middle of all of this, there is a God who longs for us to be healthy mentally. This comes when we place our full faith in Jesus Christ, and He renews our minds for His glory. We move away from allowing the thoughts of this world to have dominion over our minds, and we take captive every thought. Even in this world, through Christ Jesus, we can truly experience His peace and share this with others. Let’s advance mentally today.

Money is a big part of our life. Money can bring joy, but it can also cause worry and stress. How we manage the money we have been given is important to God. Everything we have comes from Him, and He longs for us to be good stewards of what He has entrusted to us. We all can succeed in this area! You can win at money if you do it God’s way. How do you plan to advance financially in 2022? Do a budget? Get a will? Sign-up for Financial Peace University? Live by Biblical principles? Above all, trust God with your finances! Let’s learn to be rich.

You were created for relationships. First, your relationship with God impacts everything else in your life. A relationship with God only comes through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, His own Son, on the cross. Committing your life to Jesus then calls you to live differently in your relationship with others. As Christ-followers, we are called to a life of love, grace, and forgiveness. Will you advance in your relationship with God and with others in 2022? Make a commitment today to grow in your relationship with God and with those around you.

We are beginning a new year and a new opportunity for spiritual health and discipleship. Many make New Year's Resolutions but few keep them which leads to disappointment and frustration. With the help of God and each other, there are resolutions we can accomplish. Day by day we can be resolved to grow into the likeness of Jesus. Today we look at the word of God concerning our physical health. We will see that salvation involves not just the souls but our bodies as well. With the help of God, we can use our bodies (which God lives in and owns) to display His glory.

Together, let's live as Christmas people, not just during the holidays. Let's live like Christ when we walk into our workplaces, when we interact with our families, when we enter our kids' schools and are a part of their activities, and when we get to know our neighbors. Everywhere we go, let's make a difference and live with an eternal perspective, knowing and trusting that we're in Christ – and He's made us new.

"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!" - 2 Corinthians 5:17

This Christmas Eve we will light candles to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus. Jesus is the Light of the World. The Light has come into the world, and the darkness could not overcome it. May the Light of Jesus fill your heart and home this Christmas. May Jesus’ love and joy shine bright in you. “Emmanuel” means God with us. Jesus is here for you!

Merry CHRISTmas!

The Magi traveled over 1,600 miles to be with Jesus. Their joy, generosity, and sacrifice still inspire us today. The Magi realized that even though they were wealthy in a worldly sense, they knew there was still more to life. They longed to experience what God was doing in the world. In the process of meeting Jesus, they worshiped Him. We are the supporting cast today. Will we meet and worship Jesus this Christmas? Will we bring Him our best? O, come, let us adore Him, Christ, the Lord.

Faithfulness is so incredibly important, and valuable when it comes to our relationship with Christ. Yet, faithfulness is often not looked upon so highly by our culture at large. From a societal perspective, we are always looking for the next thing. We always want the plans for tomorrow to be available yesterday. If something is not going the way we think it should go, it is easy to just quit and move on. However, something happens when we remain faithful! We begin to realize life is really not about us and that our job is to stay the course and allow God to work. We realize that no matter what happens, God can be trusted and that through our faithfulness He grows us in ways we could never have imagined!

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas - the decorations, presents, carols and more. Sometimes the trappings of Christmas can become the focus for us. This year, let’s prioritize the CHRIST of CHRISTmas. When Jesus first came into the world, there was a man named Simeon who saw Him. Even though there were thousands of people at the Temple that day, Simeon saw Jesus, the Savior of the world, and worshipped Him. May this Christmas we behold the One who gave His life for us and may we worship Him. May this Christmas be about Jesus.

We all have a family tree. We all have people who have gone before us who have impacted our lives - some good and others not so much. We can’t control what has been passed down to us, but we can control what we pass on to others. God uses imperfect people to accomplish His perfect plan. If you are in Jesus, then you are a new creation. You are not defined by your past, but by the One who loves you. Focus on Jesus this CHRISTmas season. Find your worth and value in Him, and then pass Him down to the next generation. It’s all about Jesus!

Over the past several weeks, we have learned so much from the Apostle Paul’s letter to the church in Thessalonica. This church was a joyful, prayerful, and thankful church. And, this is God’s desire for each of us. God wants us to enjoy life always, to grow in our prayer life, and to develop an attitude of gratitude. This Thanksgiving we all have so much for which to be thankful. Take time this week to truly express your gratitude to God as well as to the family, friends, and church family God has put around you. Let’s be joyful, prayerful, and thankful every day.

The apostle Paul encourages the church in Thessalonica to do three things: to be sanctified (holy), to grow in their love, and to live in light of eternity to come. As Christ-followers, our goal is to be conformed to the image of Jesus. This means saying “No” to the ungodliness of this world and saying “Yes” to living for Christ. We do this by loving God and others more, and the things of this world less. We must remember, through Jesus, we have eternal life in heaven. The best of our life is still to come. Always live with the hope of Jesus. Even in the tough times remember Jesus loves you, and He has an eternal home for you. Celebrate His goodness every day!

We all need encouragement in our lives. Many times we can feel down or discouraged. But, God comes to stand with us and by us in the challenges of life. God sent His Son, Jesus, to die for our sins and then to conquer death in order to make a way for us to have eternal life. God is with us and He is for us. Whatever you are facing today, keep going forward in Christ. God has a great plan for you and for His Church. We are a part of something very special. Live each day in the encouragement and grace of your great God.

Cultivating a life of gratitude in a world that is fast-paced, filled with instant gratification, more division than ever before, and uncertainty can be difficult – especially when there is suffering. The Apostle Paul reminds us that even in the midst of suffering we can celebrate the goodness of God. When we know Jesus personally, experience His radical grace, and view life through the lens of eternity, it changes our perspective and allows us to see purpose, even in the pain.

As we look back over our lives, we can see how God has been there every step of the way. As a Christ-follower, we are called to stay in the center of His will and to be a part of His Church. We live our lives for His agenda and not our own. When we follow Jesus, then we see God do miracles. In the journey of life, it is important to follow, to trust, and to celebrate. How often do we stop and give God the glory for the great things He has done in our life? God’s goodness is so evident to all of us. When we actually give Him the praise He deserves, it changes our attitude and draws us close to His heart. Our God is so good. Let’s celebrate and live in His goodness!

In our life, there are times we struggle with fear. The worries and stress of this life can overwhelm us at different times and in various seasons. Yet, as we fix our Eyes on Jesus, what results is peace. God longs for us to experience His peace which surpasses all human understanding. Even in the storms of life, we can know for certain that God is our Rock and our Anchor. Where are you trying to find peace in your life today? Don’t just medicate yourself with temporary solutions. The only true peace comes from Jesus. He alone can bring us peace with God, peace with others, and peace with ourselves. Will you focus your Eyes on Jesus today?

We live in a culture increasingly defined by stress, anxiety, and chaos. How can we flourish as followers of Christ in such a world? Scripture gives us clear ways on how to manage stress and not be managed by it. Jesus gave a perfect example of how to handle stress and live in such a way that is not defined by chaos, but by peace, courage, and confidence.

We all deal with worry. It is a part of our everyday life. Yet, at some point, worry can start to consume us. Worry and fear can begin to control our lives. Ultimately at the heart of all worry is a desire for us to be in control. We think we know what is best for us as well as for others. It is important for us to plan and prepare, but we must always focus our Eyes on Jesus. He is sovereign, and ultimately in all control. As we trust in our Heavenly Father, we grow in our faith. If we focus on our problems, then they get bigger. When we focus on Jesus, our faith grows stronger. Where are your eyes today? What are you focusing on? Put your Eyes on Jesus.

In a world riddled with fear and anxiety everywhere we look, now more than ever it's essential for us to keep our focus on things other than what this world has to offer. It's essential for us to keep our eyes on Jesus. In this video, you’ll hear from our campus pastors and family pastor to kickoff our new series, “Eyes on Jesus.”

Our very own Lead Pastor, Jeff Simmons, has written a book on this topic of fear and anxiety, addressing it from a biblical perspective. In it are challenging questions and topics for us as Christ-followers to dive into as we look to Jesus for peace and healing in today's world. “Eyes on Jesus, Psalm 23 - A Guide to Overcoming the Worry and Stress in Our Lives and Culture.”

Oswald Chambers notably says, “Prayer does not fit us for the greater work; prayer is the greater work.” We often hear the word prayer and think this is something that prepares us for the next step, or prayer is merely an opportunity to come before God and ask Him for things. In reality, prayer is so much more! Prayer is direct communion with God. The same God who holds the stars in place and who knew me before I was born, yearns to hear from me and wants to be known. Through prayer, I see my own neediness and how God is always at work. Seek to grow in your commitment to prayer today! Incredible things happen in our lives when we commit to being men and women of prayer.

Worship is more than singing some songs on a Sunday morning. Worship is our life. Worship is our response to God for who He is and for what He has done in our life. We were created to worship; therefore, we will all worship something. We will worship money, success, and even our kids, but God wants us to worship Him. God longs for us to worship Him in the good times and in the struggles. When we truly live a life of worshiping God, this changes everything. Worshiping God brings peace, love, joy, and purpose into our hearts and allows us to bring glory to His Name with our life. Let’s engage in worship this week.

As Christ-followers we are all called to engage in evangelism - sharing our faith. Most of the time, we don’t really know what to say. We hear the problems of people around, and we know Jesus is the answer, but we are hesitant to talk about our faith. This is natural, and especially in the world we live in today. But, people need the Lord! Jesus is the One who has changed our life, and He is the Hope of the world. The Bible calls us to “always be prepared... to give the reason for the hope you have.” Let’s prepare and pray for God to open doors for us to have spiritual conversations with our family, friends, co-workers, and more. Someone engaged with us spiritually, so let’s be people who are willing to share the Good News of Jesus with others.

As Christ-followers, we are all called to engage in missions. Sometimes we think that mission work is reserved for others, but actually it is the responsibility of every person who is a Christian. We can engage locally, nationally, and internationally through our prayers, giving, going, and even sponsoring those in need. Jesus said, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these… you did for Me,” in Matthew 25:40. Let’s follow Jesus and share His incredible love with others. Together we can make a difference in our world for the glory of our great God.

Every person, through Christ, is called to minister. So often we think that the only “ministers” are those who are on staff at a church. But, actually, if you are a Christ-follower, then you are called to minister and serve the Body of Christ. God has equipped you with spiritual gifts – not simply to grow your own kingdom, but to grow His Kingdom. You grow spiritually when you learn to serve and invest in others. God will use you to impact so many lives for His glory. There have been many people in your life who invested in you, and now this is our time to invest in others.

To follow, you have to move forward. It doesn’t matter if you have been following Christ for 40 minutes or 40 years, we all have a next step to take in our journey. He is ready to use this journey to change us. He wants to make us whole. He wants to make us holy. He wants to make us look like Jesus. He most often uses His Word and the His people to do this change in us. Are you ready to take your next step forward?

Starting today, let’s make a 40-Day Commitment to Grow Spiritually. This means we must engage. God created us to grow spiritually and this happens through community. We need others to help us in the hard times and to celebrate with us in the good times. We all want deep relationships, but this only comes when we are willing to invest the time and energy. Church is a gift from God to accomplish His Will and to grow us as His disciples. Engage in community by joining the church (Partnership Class), joining a Community Group, Men’s or Women’s Study and getting your kids involved. We all need Jesus and His Church. Let’s engage for 40-Days and watch God do great things in our hearts, minds, marriages, friendships, children, jobs, and more. Engage!

This summer we have been on an amazing journey with the children of Israel as God brought them out of slavery and led them to the Promised Land. In our own lives, we are on an amazing journey with the Lord as well. God has freed us from being slaves to sin, and He is leading us to our forever home in heaven. What are we doing with this life we have been given? Are we following Jesus and blessing others or simply living for ourselves? We are all leaving a legacy; the question is this: what kind of legacy will you leave? Will you live your life for the glory of God and help those who come behind you to know Him better? Let’s leave a legacy for Jesus!

God is intricately involved in every detail of your life. Because He is Sovereign, holy, and good, you can trust Him in everything. Whether you are going through a valley or on the tops of mountains, God is working all things out according to His will for your life. For the Israelites, God was showing them how He was going to meet with Him. He desires to do the same thing for you today! Will you trust His plan? Will you grow in Him? He holds every detail together for the great adventures He has in store.

You might be in a people group where God's law was talked about more than God's love. In fact, you may have been burned by the church because you couldn't seem to get it right. The truth is, the law ultimately points to God's love. We are all law breakers, but we have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus. And when we see what great links God went for us to be called children of God through Jesus Christ, that compels us to be obedient to his commands. So we obey not because of duty, but out of LOVE. We love others, not just because that is what I am supposed to do, but because it is a reflection of the love God has given us.

God provides for His people. So often we worry. We wonder if God sees the circumstances we are facing. We all have needs. Yet, God not only sees, but He cares. God provides for all our needs. God takes care of His people every day. He invites us to trust Him and to follow Him. God provides for both our physical needs and our spiritual needs. God gave His only Son, so that we can have eternal life with Him through salvation. There is no need that God cannot, and will not, meet in your life. Are you worried today? Trust God, and know - The Lord will provide.

Freedom is a fine line. Enjoying it can quickly translate into abusing it. Celebrating it can easily fast forward into idolizing it. The key to keeping freedom in its proper place and living out one’s freedoms with well-stewarded grace is knowing where it came from and why we have it. In Israel’s case and in our spiritual state, freedom was God’s gift. It wasn’t awarded to Israel then and it isn’t afforded to us now because we inherently deserve it or because we worked hard to earn it. Only God’s grace. When you know that He alone gave it and that nothing about you deserves it, freedom like salvation remains the thing you want to live out and never lord over. How do you honor God and point people to Jesus best? It’s in cherishing freedom and also leveraging freedom for the ultimate good of others.

Jesus Christ is our Passover Lamb. When God delivered His people out of being slaves in Egypt, He sent the last plague - the death angel. Yet, God told the Israelites to cover the doorposts of their home with the blood of a lamb. Every home covered in the blood of the lamb, the death angel “passed over” and the lives inside were saved. The blood of Jesus covers our hearts if you are in Christ Jesus. You are saved for all eternity. Trust and follow Jesus, “the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world,” today!

Our God is a God of miracles. There are times when God breaks into our natural world with the supernatural. God is Sovereign over all creation and over your life. Even when a situation seems hopeless, don’t forget about God! Our God is able. God always fights for His people. What prayers are you praying that only God can do? Pray bold prayers. God longs to do miracles in your life. Trust Him and watch Him do great things in your life and in those around you for His glory. You need only to ask, be bold and be still. God loves you.

The God of the Universe is calling out to you. He is inviting you into a relationship with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ. This is where The Greatest Adventure begins. Throughout the journey, God has a specific call to each one of His followers. You are uniquely gifted to accomplish His will. Whether it is being a parent, a grandparent, serving in a ministry at church, being baptized, or reaching out to your co-workers in the name of Jesus, there is no one else who can do exactly what God has called you to do. Will you make excuses or will you be obedient? Trust God and watch Him do miracles in your life as well in those around you.

God had a great plan for Moses, just like God has a great plan for each of us. God saved Moses in a basket in the Nile, and then gave Moses the best education in the world at that time. As Moses grew up, he didn’t fall in love with the comforts of this world, but kept a heart for the One True God. Moses ended up in the wilderness where God grew his faith and prepared him to lead His people. God is working in your life. God is preparing you for great things. Always draw close to God and know that He is working in you for a greater purpose.

They had "no phones, no lights, no motorcars,” and everyday life for the 1st century believer could not have been more different than what we experience today. And, yet, the challenges to their faith are strikingly similar. Who is Jesus? Why did He come? What does it mean to know God and follow Christ? How do we know what’s true and balance that with the call to love? Scripture has our answers and according to God’s own words, we will find Him when we seek Him with all our hearts. His Spirit is present to guide us in all truth. If it matches with His word and His spirit and affirms the supremacy of Jesus, we can trust it and we’re called to live it.

John Stott famously explained that love without truth is too soft and truth without love is too hard. We need truth contextualized in love. That’s how the Gospel is best represented and communicated. It’s one thing to tell a person that God loves them. It’s another to plainly explain how they might love Him too. Loving others with the sacrificial love of Jesus is the only way to love at all and our greatest barometer of God’s love in us. And according to Jesus, we have to remain connected in Him in order to do any of it. Apart from Jesus (John 15:5), we can do nothing. So, are you connected to Jesus? Have you received His good gift of salvation? You’ll know it and we’ll know it by your love.

It is beyond our imagination and ability to comprehend the love of God who called, rescued, and made us His children. As God’s children we have a new identity, a hope, and a mission to invest in others. We also have a battle. The battle is against our old self and it’s desire to sin. The Apostle John encourages us that although Christians may fall into sin we will not live in it.

Lisa Bevere writes, “Our culture has wrongly equated loving everyone with approving everything.” And in that effort to love, an enemy appears in various forms to lead God’s people astray (1 John 2:26). Right from the beginning, the deceiver didn’t prompt Eve to question who God was, but to doubt and mistrust what God said. Remaining in the truth starts with knowing the truth, but it’s sustained by trusting deeply and walking closely with the One who is Truth. Being caught off guard is as good as being swept away. Remaining close to Christ and a Christ-like community keeps us from sinning and shows us how to live truth in a truly loving way.

God created you to grow spiritually. When we commit our lives to follow Jesus, this is just the beginning. We are then called to mature in our faith journey. This involves taking “next steps” spiritually - being baptized, reading God’s Word, praying, serving, and more. As we grow, we become more like Jesus. There are definite challenges that keep us from growing. Pushing past the challenges and growing in Christ is what creates in us a beautiful life.

Maybe life for you has happened exactly as you planned. If so, you’re definitely a unicorn. For most, life is what happens when we’re busy making other plans. A pursuit of what is good and beautiful according to the world’s standards will be a disappointing journey that ultimately leads one into sin at worst and only fleeting glimpses of satisfaction at best. When we adjust our understanding of what’s beautiful and good and adopt God’s definition, we grow closer to Him and can experience the life He sets for us. The picture of the beautiful life John paints only comes through Jesus. It’s the only life worth having and celebrating.

We can’t understand why Jesus came and what His death meant without understanding, first, our own need. Sin is a spiritual deficit. The price for a restored relationship with God wasn’t free. It was the ultimate price. God’s grace is that you and I didn’t have to pay it. We couldn’t afford it anyway. Instead, out of love, God paid the way Himself with His own Son. That’s the essence of faith and the summary of the Bible. If Jesus isn’t the one true Savior, it doesn’t matter that He was a great moral teacher, remarkable miracle worker, or even revolutionary hero. Without saving knowledge of His death & resurrection applied to our lives, we’ll remain in debt. Because of God’s love, we can be saved and we can be free.

Palm Sunday is a traditional part of what we call Holy Week. It commemorates Jesus’s triumphant entry into Jerusalem where the welcome He received would quickly be turned to torment. It is ultimately Christ’s death that gives us a triumphant entry into Heaven as God’s sons and daughters, forgives our debts, and invites us into God’s family. When we are hurt, we can be healed. When we are lost, we can be found. When we are broken, we can be redeemed. When we are grieving, we can have joy. When we are alone, we can have hope. All because of Jesus.

The truth about God’s instruction in Deuteronomy 6 was that it was to the entire faith community. God didn’t hit pause in His most profound commands to the general population and create a side conversation with parents and grandparents. His admonition to pass faith on to the next generation belonged to all of Israel then and lands on all our shoulders now. Not taking part IS being a block. What can you do? No…what will you do to ensure that the “next” generation has every possible opportunity to place faith in Jesus and live out that faith every day?

The sent life isn’t reserved for what some might consider being next-level Christianity. It’s the root call for every Christian. Going and telling isn’t supposed to be the mark of those called to be pastors or exclusively for those who received the Holy Spirit’s gift of evangelism. It’s the role of every believer in Jesus. We are all “sent” by God to go to the places He is moving. Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:20, "We are therefore Christ's ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us.” You have a message of peace and hope to take the world, on behalf of Almighty God. If you have come to Christ, it means you are sent by Him to bear that message.

There is a God-shaped hole in every one of us. We try to fill this hole in our lives with money, success, power, or possessions. The world tells us that these things will satisfy, but they never do. As soon as we buy something or reach a new position in a job, we are already looking for what’s next. True fulfillment comes only in Jesus. He is everything we need and desire. Is there anything in your life that is more important to you than Jesus? If so, confess it today, and put Jesus first. When He is truly first in your life, then you experience the deep joy of knowing Him!

The disciples once asked Jesus to teach them how to pray. He began with instructions of how NOT to pray…as the hypocrites do it to gain attention. This image, in and of itself, spoke a lot. After that, Jesus gave them the recipe. When you consider what we call the Lord’s Prayer from Matthew 6, Jesus gave the description of what it looks like to get alone with God and submit yourself fully to God. Nothing connects us to Him like prayer and if we are to go to battle wearing His armor, standing strong in His might, we need that connection more than ever. How’s your prayer life? Where do you pray? For what and whom do you pray? How do you feel God’s power and presence there?

During this cold season, layers are everything, right? When it comes to the following Jesus, what you take off is as important as what you put on. The scriptures say to “rid yourself” of malice and deceit. We are to turn away from envy and lust. And put on the characteristics of Jesus. The armor of God helps us do that. The shield of faith doesn’t just protect us from the enemy’s attacks, they help us avoid the enemies’ distractions so we can stay focused on the call. Everything about each piece is designed to help us stand firm and also advance so that God’s Kingdom can expand. Like everything else in life, we do that better together. It’s not about the individual soldier. It’s about the entire army of God.

Uneasiness and discomfort spread. When you are attacked in one area of your life, it often and always ultimately creates chaos in every area of life. You can only be hitting homers at home for so long when work is falling apart. Vice versa. Only one other thing spreads like that. The Peace of Christ. It’s HIS peace that gives us wholeness and balance. His peace cannot only spread to but overcome the lack of peace we feel everywhere else. Once that peace is spread in us…it can spread from us to others who need Jesus too. The armor of God isn’t just about protecting you from bad. It prepares you for good.

We are in a spiritual battle. Most of the time we only focus on what we can see, but there is a battle that rages between Good vs. Evil, that we cannot see, and impacts all of us. We have an enemy who does not want us to succeed in life. The devil endeavors to keep people from God and schemes against those who seek to follow Jesus. Yet, God is more powerful than our enemy and gives us the armor to succeed in the battle. Put on the full armor of God and live for the glory of God. The devil will be defeated, so let’s not let him get a foothold in our minds, homes, and lives. Let’s stand for Jesus and know that the battle belongs to the Lord!

There is no way to half follow someone. There is no way to have love for someone. There is no way to give your life to Christ without GIVING ALL of it. Paul gave all of himself for the sake of others so that Christ would be glorified and that He might save some. What are we giving our lives to? Where are we investing the resources God has gifted us? May we be like Paul, and give all of ourselves to the Gospel.

God is love. The defining characteristic of a Christian is love. We are called to love God and to love others. As we grow spiritually, we should be growing deeper in love. Jesus came to teach and show us how to live. Jesus loved everyone always, and this is our call as His disciples. As we grow in our love for God, we will grow in our love for others. Are you growing in your love for God and your love for others? Let’s commit to growing deeper in our love in 2021 and beyond.

Faith in Jesus is extremely personal. But, it’s never meant to be private. In fact, the essence of having faith in Jesus is understanding God’s grand solution to the evil in this world and in your own heart. That means you naturally want more than anything to share that remedy with others. The call to reach out is really a command to submit to Christ’s authority in life and an opportunity to be part of His great Good News in the life of someone else.

We are God’s people. We have entered into a relationship with God through the price Jesus paid for our sins on the cross. We are redeemed and restored by His goodness and grace. Jesus invites us to follow Him. To learn to hear His voice, trust, and obey. Jesus longs to lead us into a great life - life ”to the full.” Who are you listening to? Are you listening to what your enemy says about you or what God says about you? Listen to One Voice, and then together, as God’s people, let’s proclaim with one voice His goodness and grace in 2021 and for all eternity!

What’s your “but” when it comes to church attendance? How about when it comes to church service? We all have them–those exceptions to what matters. Participating in the ministry of a local church comes with a long list of ifs, whens, and maybes for most people. However, the Church is Christ’s body and it will be built with you or in spite of you. Truth is, nothing in your life and your pending year (2021) matters as much as who you say Jesus is and what part you play in the building of His Church. It’s how we grow to maturity, avoid the calamity of wandering, and help others in love to do the same. What part will church play in your coming year and more importantly, what part will you play in the Church?

You’ve heard the expression, “steal my joy.” If anything 2020 has taught us, it’s that nothing can steal a person’s joy. If it’s really joy, that is. True joy can’t be taken, but perspective can be really damaged especially as circumstances change. When difficulty or worse, trauma, come, people need the source of true joy more than ever. Joy doesn’t mean we’re naively happy or ignore problems in our lives and in the world. It means we know the source of light and life and we stand ready, in community, in spite of hardship, to celebrate Jesus and apply Jesus to any and everything.

This year, in response to “safer at home” quarantining requirements, we saw birthday parades erupt. Seems like everyone who’s had a birthday since March has had or at least been invited to or involved in some sort of birthday parade. I’m always worried that Christmas will be a drop-in party. People stop by (or drive through), leave a gift, offer some cheer, and then leave only to return next year. Easter can be a bit like that, too. Truth is, God’s great love for you doesn’t come with an invite to His party but adoption as His child. That means you don’t come visit. It means you move in. God’s love advent doesn’t just give you a seat at the table, but the keys to the front door and a room upstairs. Is your response to God’s mercy a permanent residence or an annual affair in your life?

Your celebration of Christmas better be more than a nativity. The advent of Jesus was only the beginning. As you look toward Christmas, do you recognize God’s power at work in the world and in your life? Do you recognize the way that (amidst Israel’s turmoil in the 1st century) that God offered peace? Do you recognize the way that (amidst your own personal and our collective turmoil) that God offers peace through His Son Jesus? For the peace of God to be present and truly help you in everyday life, your whole heart must be seized by and submitted to God. Conceiving Christ means being committed to Christ. “May it be done to us according to His Word.”

Hope is powerful. Where there is hope, there is life. Think about all the places where you place your hope? “I hope to see my family. I hope I get this job. I hope this deal comes through. I hope there is a vaccine.” Yet, God wants us to place our ultimate hope and trust in Him. God always comes through. Everything in this world will fade away, but God lasts forever. Let’s place our hope firmly in Him. God is with us and He is for us. May we always be people of Hope and may we share Hope with others today as we live in a world desperate for Hope. Jesus is our Hope!

Joshua’s final words to Israel continue to speak to the church today. He urgently calls us to be thankful for the past, current, and future mighty works of God. God’s gracious dealing with His people should lead us to a place of gratitude, proper worship, and service to God and others. Joshua finished his life strongly and if we live according to God’s word we, and generations to come, will finish strong as well.

Everybody has an idea of what the expression, “I’ve arrived,” looks like. Maybe it’s graduation. Maybe the coveted job or promotion. Maybe the desired neighborhood. Maybe it’s paid off debt or retirement status. The truth is, we’ve never arrived at the good-life until we’ve arrived at God’s purpose for our lives. And when we get there, we know that it’s never over. Are you looking forward to the final landing or are you committed to never stopping for God’s glory. We’ve “arrived” to our permanent location but the work is not done. In faith, we’ll finish this phase strong and then be just as “vigorously” committed to whatever battle line the Lord draws next. Like Caleb, may we follow the Lord “wholeheartedly” today and tomorrow for all the days we have and for the generation that comes after.

Our God is a God of miracles. When the odds seem overwhelming, this is when God does His best work. Whatever challenge you are facing today, always remember God is greater. So, what bold prayer are you praying in your life? Pray, asking God, to do what only He can do. As a church, we are joining together in praying “For the Kingdom.” We are praying and committing to see God accomplish His Will through us over these next 12 months. Our God is faithful and does not delay. Let’s be people who boldly trust, wildly ask, and who completely commit ourselves to His will and work in our lives. Let’s pray and commit to the work God has for each of us. Our best days individually and as a church are still to come! Let’s watch the “Sun Stand Still” and let’s Finish Strong!

History records for us Thomas Jefferson using a razor blade to cut and paste certain sections of scripture into a formation widely referred to now as the Jefferson Bible. We’re shocked by this but how often do we pick and choose the parts that feel good and easy to us, too? Heather Zempel says we often read scripture like a yearbook, only going to the sections where we see ourselves. We can’t pick and choose the parts we listen to or are inspired by or that we believe and trust. We need the whole counsel of God’s Word in order to know and follow God’s Will. If you’re not fully devoted, maybe it’s because you’re not fully immersed.

God does miracles in the lives of His people. God brought His people in the Bible out of slavery in Egypt, yet God was not finished with them. God had a beautiful land and life for them. And, God is not finished with us, as His people today. God brought us out of slavery to sin by His grace through Jesus Christ His Son. And, God is still at work in us. As long as there is breath in our lungs, God wants to use us for His glory. Two years ago, as a church, we embarked on a Campaign called, “For the Kingdom.” We have one year left, so let’s “Finish Strong.” Today, we start 21-Days of Prayer and Fasting until our Commitment, or Re-Commitment, Sunday on November 15. Our best days as a church are still ahead. Your best days, I believe, are still ahead. Let’s give our best for the glory of our great God! Let’s Finish Strong!

There is something really special about the transfer of leadership from Moses to Joshua. As God called the two leaders to present themselves, God revealed Himself to them. Under Joshua’s leadership, God continued in more of the same, fulfilling His promises to be with them. The wonderful things He did among them gave evidence and opportunity for others to see and for God’s people to trust. Dedication is both a precursor to and an outcome of seeing God. Sometimes people can’t see where God is moving and what it is He might be calling them to be, know, or do. In those moments when it’s harder to see God, our first examination should be of our own hearts of dedication to God.

Strength and courage are two things that are difficult to have on our own. However, when we have the God of creation on our side – with us wherever we go – we can have strength. We can have courage. We don't have to fear or be discouraged. We can go out in faith and trust that He will be with us, no matter where He may lead or call us.

For many people, love is an exchange. The idea of a love bank is not a bad understanding of healthy relationships. For the marriage or the friendship or the neighborly relationship to thrive and be healthy, both persons have to give. Although it will never likely be fully equitable, there is give and take. It’s the essence of compromise when two sinful people care for and serve one another, but also receive blessings from each other. As it’s practiced, these debits and deposits are not a bad understanding of love. But, they are an incomplete one. The love we’re called to in Christ goes beyond that. Unconditional and sacrificial moves us past the idea of merely transactional. The question of happily ever after may not be finding someone who will love us, but in knowing we have already found the ONE who loves us and invites us to love all others (sometimes including a special someone) with HIS kind of love.

What if we viewed every moment, every circumstance, and even every relationship as an opportunity to be brought nearer to God? What if we viewed ourselves as followers of Jesus as signposts in every one of those moments, circumstances, and relationships pointing others in the direction of Christ? Marriage, lived within God’s plan, can be a powerful illustration of the Gospel and give people who are far away from Jesus a closeup view of His love for them. Our hope is in Jesus and in our individuality and connectedness, we bear His image and display His hope to the world. A healthy Christ-centered marriage and holistic view of singleness keeps that goal in mind.

Just under 50% of all US marriages end in separation and divorce. That stat only grows in subsequent marriages ensuring the US a top ten spot in the worldwide divorce rate. Needless to say, a sermon series on marriage is necessary and ultimately affects everyone regardless of current marital status. Falling in love is a dangerous concept because, as portrayed by the world, falling out of it is even easier than falling into it. A marriage loosely based on the concept of feeling rather than the fervor of commitment will certainly fail even if it lasts. What if singleness isn’t simply God’s “call” the way it’s often explained or that marriage isn’t just God’s “gift” the way it’s often viewed? What if both are more aptly viewed as varied chances to seek and honor Him and serve others in the world?

Most people spend their life looking for “the one.” Dating and marriage is a big deal to all of us. It causes a lot of joy and stress. Yet, marriage is a gift from God. It is the way God created relationships to work. A key to a great marriage is marrying the right person. Therefore, be godly in the way you date and pursue your future spouse. Then when you are married, keep your priorities right. “The One” should always be God. When you keep God first in your life and you pursue Him, then your marriage and dating relationships work. When you put someone else over God as “the one,” then you have trouble and challenges. Prioritize God as “the One” in your life today. God wants you to succeed. Trust Him today!

We all want peace and contentment. The problem is, we don’t know how to get it. We go to spas, take vacations, workout and try other ways to relieve “stress,” but we never truly experience the peace or contentment we so desperately desire. As we mature in Christ, what we discover is the result of living our life in Him and for Him is peace. This is the incredible secret of the committed Christian life – peace comes from the inside out not the outside in. When we truly yield our lives to Christ, He gives us the “peace that passes understanding.” Move forward in your relationship with Jesus and experience the peace of Christ in your life.

The Church is always in danger of adding to the Gospel, trusting in self, resting on past performance, or living no different than the world. Paul reminds us that anything added to the Gospel is no gospel, self righteousness is garbage compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus, and God’s people are always moving forward in faith while living as representatives of Heaven on Earth. We need this timely message of warning and encouragement to continuously move forward in faith.

We can’t control circumstances but we have choices when it comes to how we respond to them. Philippians 2 paints a picture of Christlike living that can and should characterize the believer regardless of the circumstance. Humility sets the stage for the right attitude and provides the foundation for sacrificial effort. We don’t respond this way in order to earn our salvation but in a worship-filled response to the grace we have received. When, individually and collectively, this kind of Christlike attitude permeates our lives, it helps others see and experience the real Jesus.

We don’t follow the life and teachings of a great moral teacher. We don’t ascribe supreme value to a first century Rabbi who merely offered insight into righteous living. We serve a sacrificial Savior. He is God’s Son, our Messiah. He is Jesus–the Christ. Denying Him in this life means being denied Heaven in the next. One day, E.V.E.R.Y.O.N.E. will account for their life and acknowledge that Jesus Christ alone is it. The question is whether or not we will willingly acknowledge it now in order to spend eternity with Him then. When you do, your only goal is to be like Christ, not so you can earn God’s affection, but so you can rightly respond to His love. The key to that is humility. Willingly admitting you are human and fallible and sinful and in need of God’s forgiveness. It’s only available through Christ and the result of receiving Him is pointing others to Him and becoming more like Him.

Sometimes life doesn’t go as we planned. 2020 is like that for all of us. Yet, when the apostle Paul found himself in prison in Rome, he didn’t sit and feel sorry for himself. He moved forward in his faith and in advancing the Good News of Jesus. Because of Paul’s commitment, we have this incredible letter he wrote, Philippians, and Paul had some serious joy in his life. Where’s your focus today? If you focus on your problems, you get stuck in life. When you focus on Jesus, you are filled with joy and you move forward. Choose to move forward in Christ today.

It’s easy to say, see, and accept the fact that people will gather what we believe based on the economy of our calendaring and spending. We definitely communicate what’s most important to us based on how we spend our time and money. More than that, we also communicate what matters most to us by what we would be willing to die to see outlive us. What idea? What concept? What view? What value? What purpose? What legacy is worth you dying for to ensure that it goes on living past your life? If it doesn’t begin and end with God’s word and a God-sized world view that He alone is God, it’s not a legacy worth leaving.

What if you took time to look at the narrative of what God has done in your life over just the past six months? Who are the people you met during this season that you didn’t know pre-2020? What has occurred in your workplace? What circumstances have come into your life or the purview of your family? What books have you read? What voices have you encountered and heard? What elements continue to surface? How has God used this season to accomplish His purpose in your life? Have you been resistant to His work or a willing participant? Every part of your story is poised to accomplish God’s purpose in your life. Every episode is building on that foundation. How is He moving, working, blessing and what are you doing to further that work?

Here’s one to commit to memory. Colossians 1:6 - In the same way, the Gospel is bearing fruit and growing throughout the whole world—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. We don’t get the Gospel without understanding grace…the forgiveness of God applied to our lives of sin because of the sacrifice of Jesus. When we truly get it, we’ll live freely in it, knowing that it needs nothing else. When we truly get it, we’ll spend our life being dispensers of it. This means pursuing what is right more than being branded who is right and always erring on grace-filled gospel-centered relationships.

Not all difficulty is persecution. Jesus said that in this world, we are guaranteed trouble. He also said that we should take heart and have peace because He overcame this world. The way that Christ described “suffering for His namesake” may haunt you, but know that it’s one of the indicators that you are where you need to be doing what you need to be doing. If you aren’t facing some sort of opposition, you may not be heading in the right direction. If you are enduring hostility because of your faith in Jesus, that’s persecution. Don’t let it make you afraid and retreat. Don’t let it make you hostile yourself and risk doing more damage. Let it lead you, like Paul, to keep speaking boldly about Jesus and demonstrating what it’s like to live a life trusting completely in Him.

The Church’s Mission, evidenced in Acts 13, continues today to bring glory to God by sharing the Gospel throughout the world which results in a diverse body of believers. Sharing the Gospel has results. We are not responsible for the results of the Gospel, but we are to be faithful in sharing and faithful to one another in the Church by loving everyone always.

How are you growing as a disciple? Is it through daily practices and spiritual disciplines? Careful study and biblical application? A disciple is an always-growing follower of Jesus Christ. Who are you growing with as a disciple? Who is mentoring you? Who are you growing alongside? Into whose life are you investing yours? Discipleship is always a “we” and never just a “me” endeavor. That’s why the brotherhood in Acts was so vital. Finally, what difference does your growth make? Growing in Jesus will always lead to serving others for Jesus. If your spiritual growth isn’t leading to personal sacrifice for the sake of others, it’s safe to say that the growth isn’t spiritual.

The process of sanctification [being made like Christ] is a life-long process of the Holy Spirit planting good fruit in your life and pruning the things in you that are not of God. It is equal parts painful as we let go of our human desire and joy-filled as we experience God’s purpose for our lives. Life-change is in you and enacted by God but verified and enjoyed by the body. That’s why Barnabas is so important in this story. Who is supporting and encouraging the work God is doing in your life? Who are you standing up for and standing beside as God works on them? We need each other. We’re better together.

Jesus will meet every person. Maybe it is in a worship service, with a friend or on a walk. God longs to have a relationship with people so He sent His own Son to die for us. There comes a point for every person where we have to make a decision about Jesus - will I accept Him as my personal Lord and Savior, or will I reject Him and continue to live life for myself? Jesus met Saul on the Road to Damascus, and Saul’s life was forever changed. Have you responded to Jesus? If so, how is your life different? Living a life on purpose starts with Jesus.

Jesus prayed for His disciples to be one. United in the cause of Christ as His church. There are so many things that divide our world today - race, gender, socio-economic status, but in God’s Church, we are called to be one. We are imperfect people. As we focus on Christ and love one another, then God is glorified and His Church grows. As we see needs and meet them, then lives are changed. Let’s work together to make a lasting impact for Jesus Christ in our families, church, and community. May we be one in His Church.

Times of unrest and hardship can cause us fear, but what we do with that fear makes all the difference. When we “fear” the Lord by revering His sovereignty, power, and holiness, our anxious fear of the unknown shrinks into its proper place. When our fear leads us to being a follower of Christ we enter the community of the church and find ourselves part of an eternal family that is dear to the heart of God. Today I thank God that we have a Savior, Jesus; We have a home, His Church.

In this time of uncertainty, we need God and the church more than ever. This is our time to be God’s Church and to be the “hands and feet of Jesus.” We join our hearts and lives together to lead others to the hope of Christ. As God’s church, we have the responsibility to put Him first and to speak boldly about our faith. People are looking for help and hope today. Our God is at work, and He is inviting us to be His Church in our world. Let’s live boldly in Him.

Not only at the end of the day, but at the end of all time, the very best thing we can give someone is Jesus. Regardless of our material wealth, or lack thereof, we have something far better to contribute to society. At any time, particularly this strange time, people are looking for hope, and faith in Jesus Christ is the best and only guarantor of that hope. Take an inventory this week of all you have “in Christ” and examine the ways you can give Jesus to those around you.

God invites you to be a part of something so much bigger than yourself! God set the Church in motion and sent the Holy Spirit to comfort, guide, and lead you to point other people to Him. The Church is God’s plan A for the world and you have the unique responsibility and privilege to be on the front lines of ministry. Which means being involved with the lives of other people. Who is God calling you to love today? Who is He bringing to your mind to reach out and connect with? God is the one equipping you–seek to draw your strength from Him today.

After Jesus conquered death on Easter, He stayed on the earth 40 days until He ascended into heaven. During this time, Jesus prepared His disciples to be the Early Church. The book of Acts is the story of the Church. The Church is how God accomplishes His work in the world. The Church is made up of ordinary Christ-followers united in the confession of faith, “Jesus is Lord” and is fueled by the Holy Spirit. The Church is alive today. And, we are the Church.

If God can raise a dead Jesus, then He can raise a dead you. God can raise a dead heart, a dead marriage, a dead dream. Jesus is alive! This changes everything. Jesus being alive means God loves you more than you can even imagine. You are worth God’s Son to Him. Jesus being alive means God does not want to spend eternity apart from you. You are loved and redeemed. Will you commit your life to Jesus today? Will you come alive in Jesus this Easter? Let’s make this the best Easter ever as we come alive through Jesus today!

John was faithful. John was with Jesus in the good times, like Palm Sunday, and in the tough times, like the cross. While the other disciples scattered, John stayed. When the Resurrection came, John “saw and believed.” Jesus changed John from fear and anger to confidence and love. May we be people who are faithful. Faithful to Jesus all of our life. Through the good times and the struggles, may we be faithful to God, to our family and to His Church. Are you faithful? Are you growing in your confidence and love because of Jesus? May we be faithful.

Peter was an ordinary man that God used in an extraordinary way. God sees the potential in each of us. God created us for a reason and He has a plan and purpose for our life. Peter followed Jesus, but then denied Him three times. Yet, after Jesus’ Resurrection, Peter found grace in the heart of Jesus. God used Peter in a powerful way to impact many for Christ, and God wants to use each of us for His glory. Are you willing to be used by God? Let’s commit to follow Him this week and for the rest of our lives. Through Jesus, our best days are still ahead!

Jesus is drawing us to Himself. In the midst of the challenges, God is at work. We all have doubts and questions. God can handle these. Doubt is not sin, but God allows doubt in order to lead us to truth. Thomas, one Jesus’ first disciples, had doubts. But, when Thomas met Jesus after His Resurrection, everything changed. Thomas no longer lived with fear but lived with faith in the God who raised Jesus from the dead. What do you believe about Jesus? If you truly believe Jesus is your Lord and Savior, then your confession of faith will change how you live. Let’s live with faith and boldness in the One who still changes lives today.

Judas is the most disappointing person in all of history. Judas was so close to Jesus, and yet he was so far. Given every opportunity to follow and believe, Judas chose to live in his own sin and selfish ambition. His life was a miserable failure. We have all sinned, yet God’s grace is greater. Easter shows us that our failures are not final. Will you receive God’s grace and live in His love today? Judas set his eyes on money and power, and he lost it all. But, God invites us to set our eyes on Jesus, and in the process, we grow in His love, joy, peace and inherit eternal life. This Easter Season, let’s focus on Jesus.

Mary’s story can’t be our story. But, her perspective can be our perspective. Are you someone who has already said “yes” to God and His plan for your life in spite of your doubt and fear and confusion about just where that might lead? Are you someone who is still curiously exploring faith wondering just who Jesus is? Mary said yes to God and, despite the difficulty, remained faithfully focused on Jesus, connected to other disciples, and obedient to God’s plan. That’s a life well-lived. Ours can be too.

Jesus grew “in favor with man.” As we grow closer to God, we will naturally grow in our love for others. The key to spiritual growth is love. Jesus said the most important commandment is to love God and to love others. As we live like Jesus, people are changed and so are we. We cannot simply talk about being a Christian, we must live it out in our everyday lives. How do you plan to grow in “favor with man” in 2020? Be proactive. Don’t sit back, but truly engage in your family, church, neighborhood and workplace for the glory of God. Let’s focus on Jesus this year.

This year could be filled with DISTRACTIONS, but what would it take to FIND focus by finding time WITH the Father. When we are reminded of why God chose to save his creation it makes us want to be WITH him. And get this...When we are WITH Him, we want to be LIKE Him.

From the time Jesus was 12 and his parents found him teaching in the temple, until he was grown and ready to begin His earthly ministry, we have one verse that gives us a glimpse of how He prepared to change the world. Luke 2:52 says "Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." As we kick off 2020, we explore how we too can learn from Jesus as we look to grow in stature and make godly choices this year!

From the time Jesus was 12 and his parents found him teaching in the temple, until he was grown and ready to begin His earthly ministry, we have one verse that gives us a glimpse of how He prepared to change the world. Luke 2:52 says "Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man." As we kick off 2020, we explore how we too can learn from Jesus as we look to grow in wisdom and make godly choices this year!

Before Jesus was born, God was telling the world what kind of Messiah He would be. When Jesus lived on this earth, He showed us what God is like. Jesus personified God as our Everlasting Father. We all know the impact of a father. For some, the word “father” brings great thoughts, but for others, there are difficult memories. However, despite the shortcomings of our earthly fathers, God is the perfect Heavenly Father. God loves you with an everlasting love. Christmas is all about the love of our Heavenly Father: sending His Son so that we could become His children. The greatest Gift of all has been given to us. And, His Name is Jesus. Merry Christmas!

Jesus is Mighty God. Sometimes it is easy, at this time of the year, to simply think about baby Jesus in the manger. Sweet little baby Jesus. While we do thank God for the humanity of Jesus and by that He can identify with all we go through, yet make no mistake - Jesus is fully God. Jesus’ birth, life, and death was anything but ordinary. Jesus, as Mighty God, came into this world to conquer death and to make a way for us to have eternal life. As Mighty God, there is nothing that Jesus cannot handle in the world or in our life. This Christmas, see Jesus as the God who loves and saves. “Immanuel” - God with us. God has come for you!

What counsel do you need from God?

IT’S CHRISTMAS TIME!! Time to put up the tree, string up the lights, and turn on the holiday classics! But the best part of the whole season is the chance to celebrate the birth of Jesus.

In the Old Testament, the prophet Isaiah predicted His birth, calling Jesus a “Wonderful Counselor.” Which is such a relief, because a lot of us could use a reliable shoulder to lean on this year.

Join us this week at Rolling Hills as we begin our Christmas series. Discover how Jesus is the ultimate counselor and learn how you can reach out to Him for your every need -- the big ones, the small ones, and everything in-between.

We are all leaving a legacy--the question is what legacy are we leaving? What will people remember about us? David is known as “a man after God’s heart.” Even though he made some huge mistakes, he did not let that define him. There were consequences for his sin, but David lived forgiven and redeemed by the grace of God. Throughout the joy and the struggles of his life, David remained committed to God. He left a legacy that pointed people to the Messiah, Jesus. Jesus is even known as “The Son of David.” How are you pointing others to Jesus? Commit today to leave a godly legacy.

We all sin. We all make mistakes. The question is not, “If we sin...”, but “How do we respond when we sin?” By God’s grace, there is forgiveness. Yet, we must confess our sins and turn from them. Sometimes we are just sorry we got caught as opposed to deeply desiring to restore our relationship with God. God hates sin because He knows the damage it causes to the people He loves. Therefore, let’s come clean before Jesus today. Confess your sins, and find the forgiveness and grace that only God can give. Allow God to forgive you, and then live in His love and grace each and every day.

In our lives, we will be tempted. We have an enemy who wants to destroy us, and therefore he brings temptations into our lives so that we will rebel against the God who loves us. Yet, temptation is not a sin. Tempv cxctation is an opportunity to choose what is right. Sin has enormous consequences in our relationship with God and with others. We must learn to guard our hearts and minds against sin. Jesus wants the best for us. Learn to fall in love with Jesus and learn to say no to the temptations that come our way. Stop sin now, come clean and hold tight to Jesus.

What kind of leader does God want you to be?

They’re everywhere. They’re at our jobs and at our schools. They’re politicians and personal trainers and chefs and accountants. They’re leaders. And, like it or not, you’re one too.

God has called you to be a leader for the people you interact with on a daily basis. But what does that look like?

Join us to learn how to be a godly leader.

When carpooling somewhere with a group of friends, this question is bound to arise—and it is a big decision! One person may get you to your destination more quickly, but consequently, you may also have a heart attack on the way due to their reckless driving. Or another might make you late, but you know you will get there safely.

What if we applied this question to our everyday life? Who’s driving our life decisions? Is it us? Our friends? Or is it God?

We’re good at asking God to drive our big life decisions, but when it comes to the day-to-day, we often take control and drive wherever we want.

Join us and learn how we can surrender the driver seat to the One who made the roads.

We all need good friends. Friends are a gift from God and invaluable in our lives. Now, there are good friends and there are not-so-good friends. Therefore, we must surround ourselves with friends who lead us closer to God. That deep spiritual connection is the bond of a healthy God-honoring friendship. By God’s grace, we all have a friend in Jesus. Jesus laid down His life for His friends. May we find our worth and value in our relationship with our friend, Jesus.

As Christ-followers, we are called to honor those over us. Sometimes this is easy, and sometimes it is not. David gives honor to Saul as the King even when Saul doesn’t deserve it. We can’t control how other people act, but we can control how we respond. There are people in our lives we are called to honor — whether it’s a boss, parents, government officials. Find your identity in the Lord, and then honor those people out of your love for God. Set healthy boundaries when needed. Then, become a person of honor. Become a person your children, employees and those you teach or coach want to honor because you are living your life for God’s glory.

When we hear the story of David vs. Goliath, we immediately think about facing overwhelming odds. Yet, as we examine the story more closely, it really was David who had the advantage. When God is with you, there is nothing too great for Him to conquer. So often we live defeated lives, but we must realize that the Spirit of the Living God is in us and for us. Let’s live bold lives. Let’s be men and women who face the giants of our lives with the power of God. Our God is with us and for us! What step of faith is God calling you to take? Live victorious in Christ.

We spend so much of our life concerned with how we look on the outside. Think about how much time we spend getting ready in the morning or how concerned we are with what we look like and wear. Yet, God cares more about the inside than He does about the outside. God wants us to have a godly heart because He knows that who we are on the inside is way more important than the outside. Therefore, this week, will you search your heart? Will you commit your heart to the Lord? Learn to trust Him and to hear His voice in prayer. Will you spend time growing your character, so that you can become all God desires? God chose David, and He chose you! Now, let’s bring Him glory through how we mature on the inside.

How can you leverage your platform?

Did you know that you have a platform? It’s true! All of us do. You may not be a movie star or a world-class athlete but God has still given you a platform right where you are.

The influence you have in your family, in your neighborhood, and with your co-workers is just as significant as if you were on a stage in front of tens of thousands of people.

Join us to discover what your platform is and learn how you can leverage it for the Kingdom of God.

We will all face difficulties in this life. It is not a matter of if we will go through trials and struggles, but when. Even Jesus went through difficulties, so we should not think we will be immune. However, when seasons of struggles come, there are ways that we can leverage our difficulties for the glory of our God. These are times for us to rely on God, grow stronger in our faith, and minister to others. There are no perfect people, so when we share with someone out of a difficulty we have experienced, they can relate more to us. Our misery can become our ministry. Don’t waste your difficulties. Allow God to redeem and restore them as well as you.

Leverage is to use (something) to its maximum advantage. What about your resources? Think about everything God has entrusted to you - money, abilities, opportunities, His Spirit, and so much more. Are you leveraging what God has given you to build your own kingdom or to build His Kingdom? Sometimes we are afraid - afraid to give, afraid to serve, or afraid to get serious about investing in the things of God. Don’t live by fear, but by faith. Make it the aim of your life to hear God say one day, “Well done, good and faithful servant!” Let’s leverage our resources for the glory of our great God!

Does your education matter?

Chances are you’ve gone to school at some point. Some of us eeked through high school on a wing and a prayer. And some of us have multiple doctorates and are considering a third.

While we might come from different educational backgrounds, one thing is true for everyone: no matter what you learned or where you learned it, God can use it.

Join us this week at Rolling Hills as we continue our series, LEVERAGE, and learn how you can use your education for God’s glory.

Leverage means to use something to its maximum advantage. What about your time? Time is the most precious gift we all have. We all have the same amount of time in a day and where we invest our time shows what we value. We often talk about how busy we are and how much we need more time, but it is really not about having more time as it is prioritizing our time to invest in the things that matter. As you grow in the Lord, you realize there are things that will last for eternity. Let’s resolve to invest the time God has given us for His glory. Let’s leverage our time.

Is your Jesus dead or alive? If He is dead, then Jesus doesn’t impact how you live. You live for yourself and this life is all that there is for you. However, if your Jesus is alive, then He brings you alive as well. You have abundant life now and for eternity. Have you accepted God’s grace and committed your life to follow Jesus? This Easter, come alive in Christ. If you are a follower of Jesus, then have you fully dedicated your life to Him? He is calling you to be baptized, join the church, and to fully engage in what He is doing today. Experience life, as Jesus says, “to the full” both now and forever more. Come alive in Jesus this Easter!

Jesus being the Life is such good news for us! When we were dead in our sins, Jesus comes to pay the price for us. He has to grace and the power to raise us from the dead and to give us eternal life with HIm. This Palm Sunday may we worship our Savior. May we be thankful for all we have in Christ and prepare our hearts for this Holy Week. Jesus comes into Jerusalem to conquer death and to give us eternal life. All glory be to our Christ Jesus, our Savior and Lord!

Easter in our culture has become about a lot of things - like bunnies, eggs, chocolate, or gathering with friends and family - and while all of these things are not bad, Easter is really all about Jesus! The Resurrection of Jesus, that we celebrate at Easter, changed the world and changed our lives forever. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” John 14:6. So, what do you believe about Jesus? Is He “a” way to God or is He “‘the” way to God? Easter is where Jesus conquered death to bring life! Will you trust “the Way” today and invest your life in the One who gave His for you? Join us as we begin our new series “Jesus: The Way. The Truth. The Life.”

Christianity is not a spectator sport.

Christianity is about doing. It’s about going. We have too much Good News to just sit around and wait for something to happen.

God wants us to share His story, not just with those in our community, but with everyone. As in, to the ends of the earth everyone.

Join us as we wrap up our series, Love.Everyone.Always. Learn what it means to live out a missionary faith and discover how you can take Good News of Jesus throughout the world.

Ever wonder what it’d be like to be an ambassador to another country?

You’d live somewhere cool like Spain or Japan and immerse yourself in that culture, all while representing the United States in everything you do.

Believe it or not, we have that same calling right where we live. We are called to be ambassadors for Jesus in our community, which means we represent Him in all we say and do to the people we interact with on a daily basis.

Join us and learn how you can represent Jesus in your community.

Jesus loves all people. As followers of Jesus today, we must learn to love like Jesus. It is easy to love people who are just like us and who love us back, but real love is meeting people where they are and inviting them to Jesus. When we are passionate about something, we will tell others - whether it is a sports team, a movie, or something on social media, we want others to know. When we love Jesus, we can’t help but talk about Him. And, His call to us, as His disciples, is for us to fall more in love with Him each day and then to Love. Everyone. Always.

Do you consider yourself a loving person?

Sure, most of us would. Right? We love our families. And our friends. Well, most of them, anyway.

But what about that awkward neighbor down the street who’s kind of hard to talk to? What about that co-worker, the one you heard was going through a tough time?

Jesus calls us to a life of love. But for many of us, it’s hard to look past our own needs to see the needs of those around us.

Join us as we begin a new series, Love. Everyone. Always. and discover how you can live a life of love.

The incredible story of Ruth shows us that God is always with us. God is writing a greater story than we can see or even imagine. Our call is to be faithful to Him regardless of our circumstances. Not to wander from our faith, but to be steadfast in our commitment. God is faithful to us and sent HIs own Son, Jesus, as our “kinsman-redeemer.” Therefore, let us be faithful to Him and to those He places in our lives both today and every day - “come what may.”

Who are you surrounding yourself with?

Proverbs 13:20 says, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm.”

It’s probably no surprise that your friends can have a major influence on the way you live your life. The Bible tells us again and again that we should choose to spend our time with godly influences. As you’ve probably heard before, you’re known by the company you keep.

Join us as we hear how Ruth surrounded herself with the right people and discover the difference it made in her life.

Are you good at following through?

How many times have you thought, “I’m going to start exercising” or “I’m going to read my Bible more regularly?” Most of us are pretty good at setting goals. But how many of us actually follow through with those goals?

It’s one thing to make a declaration (“I’m going to have a quiet time every day!”), but it’s a whole other thing to meet that declaration with action.

Join us as we continue our series on the book of Ruth, and discover how God rewarded Ruth once she took action.

What do you do when things go wrong?

Everyone feels some type of loss. Maybe for you, it was a short season and you quickly sailed through, unscathed. Or maybe your season of loss has lasted years.

The losses of life are unavoidable and beyond our control. But the one thing we can control is what we do after things go wrong.

Join us as we start a new series about the story of Ruth, and discover what the Bible teaches about how we can handle the losses in our lives.

How are those New Year’s Resolutions coming along? If you’re like 1/3 of America, you may have already given them up!

When you look ahead to the rest of 2019, what realistic goals have you set for yourself? What about the goals for your family? Do you have any career or financial goals? Do you want to serve more? Learn to play the banjo?

Having a vision for your future is one of the best ways to get things accomplished.

Join us as we lay out the vision for our church over the next year and hear about ways you can get involved in 2019.

God left us the Bible as a gift, it is God’s love letter to us.

The Bible points us to Jesus and helps us mature in our faith. It is so beneficial to our spiritual growth and health. However, when it comes to studying the Bible, many people are intimidated and therefore, do nothing. How do we overcome fear and take our first step (or 100th step) in studying the Bible consistently?

Join us and find out some practical ways you can study and grow in God’s Word each day.

Have you ever doubted the Bible?

Have you ever read something in church and wondered to yourself, “Did this really come from God? Or did somebody just make it up?”

Because, on the surface, it’s a little crazy — so many pages of words, written by so many authors, over so many years…

How do we know that it’s all true?

Join us as we begin a new series all about the Bible, and learn how you can know that the Bible is indeed the true Word of God.