What if the freedom we've been chasing our whole lives isn't really freedom at all? Clair takes us on a journey through the entire biblical narrative and Galatians 5 to discover what true freedom actually means. We trace freedom from its origins in Eden's garden, where God's first command was 'You are free to eat from any tree,' through the Exodus, the prophets, and ultimately to Jesus Christ who fulfills the entire story. The message challenges our culture's obsession with personal autonomy and reveals that genuine freedom isn't found in the absence of boundaries, but within them. Like children who thrive under authoritative parenting with both high warmth and high boundaries, we discover that safety creates the space where freedom flourishes. Paul's passionate letter to the Galatians warns against two dangerous ditches: legalism, where we try to earn God's love through performance, and license, where we use grace as a hall pass for selfishness. Instead, we're invited into something far more beautiful: freedom from the slavery of sin and fear, freedom for loving and serving others, and freedom to be filled by the Holy Spirit Himself. This isn't about rowing harder with our own strength; it's about raising our sails and letting God's wind move us forward. When we understand that we're freed from saving ourselves, we're finally free to become who we were created to be.

Richard Taylor Jr. challenges us to dive deeper into the transformative power of grace. We explore how grace isn't just about salvation, but about ongoing transformation and growth. The key scripture, Romans 3:23-24, reminds us that we're all justified freely by God's grace. But the message doesn't stop there - it pushes us to see grace as more than a 'free pass.' Instead, we're encouraged to view it as a fresh start, a catalyst for change. The parallel between Paul's journey from religious zealot to apostle of grace serves as a poignant reminder that God's grace can radically change even the most unlikely hearts. This message is deeply relevant to our daily lives, urging us to not just receive grace, but to allow it to shape us, renew our minds, and empower us to overcome sin. It's a call to move beyond simply being 'saved by grace' to being transformed by it, growing in our faith journey, and extending that same grace to others.

As we return to the Year of Living Biblically, Pastor Tyler challenges us to examine our hearts and consider what we're truly waiting for in our faith journey. The story of Pentecost in Acts 1-2 serves as a pivotal moment, showing how the disciples transformed from fearful hiding to bold proclamation. We're reminded that closed doors often lead to closed hearts, but faithful waiting can open us to God's power. The parallel between the disciples' experience and our own lives is striking – how often do we let fear paralyze us instead of trusting in God's promises? This message encourages us to stop 'bracing for impact' from evil and instead anticipate God's transformative work in and through us. It's a call to move beyond mere belief to living out the story of God's power in our daily lives, impacting our communities and the world around us.

In the final part of the mini-series, Gifted, Pastor Tyler challenges us to reframe our understanding of strength and weakness through the lens of faith. The central scripture, 2 Corinthians 12:5-10, reveals Paul's profound insight: true strength comes from embracing our weaknesses and depending on God's grace. We're urged to resist the worldly temptations of boasting in control, condemnation, or comfort. Instead, we're called to boast in our dependence on Christ, our humility, and our surrender to God's will. This counter-cultural approach reminds us that our limitations and struggles – our 'thorns' – are actually gifts that keep us reliant on God's power. As we reflect on this, we're encouraged to consider: How might acknowledging our weaknesses open us up to experiencing God's strength in new ways? This message invites us to find freedom in vulnerability and to trust that God's grace is truly sufficient in all circumstances.

We are joined by Jethro Lehane from our ASC Courses team, who reminds us of the beautiful gift of community within the body of Christ. Drawing from 1 Corinthians 12, we explore how the church is like a body - unique, interconnected, and designed to work together. Just as our physical bodies have many parts with different functions, so too does the church body consist of diverse individuals with various spiritual gifts. This diversity isn't a weakness, but a strength that allows us to support and complement one another. We're challenged to embrace our uniqueness while recognizing our interdependence, understanding that every member is indispensable. The message encourages us to move beyond our comfort zones, to connect deeply with fellow believers, and to use our God-given gifts to build up the church. It's a call to vulnerability, to shared experiences, and to loving one another as Christ loved us. By doing so, we not only strengthen our faith community but also become a powerful witness to the world around us.

Pastor Tyler kicks off a new sermon series: GIFTED

In this first of three parts, we're challenged to rethink our understanding of God's gifts and the Holy Spirit. The central theme revolves around 1 Corinthians 12, where Paul discusses spiritual gifts. We're reminded that God is a generous giver who delights in blessing His children. The greatest gift we've received is the Holy Spirit Himself, empowering us to live out our faith in extraordinary ways. This teaching encourages us to move from ignorance to revelation, from being easily influenced to discernment, and from impotence to impact. We're called to earnestly desire spiritual gifts, not for our own benefit, but for the common good of the body of Christ. This message invites us to open our hands and hearts, asking God to fill us afresh with His Spirit and to use the gifts He's given us for His glory and the benefit of others.

Guest Pastor Meiko Seymour (Uncommon City Church) challenges us to examine our hearts and confront the 'stones' we carry - those judgments, accusations, and condemnations we're quick to throw at others. The story of Jesus and the woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-12) serves as a profound reminder of God's mercy and grace. We're invited to see ourselves in both the accusers and the accused, recognizing our own need for forgiveness. The speaker beautifully illustrates how Jesus combines justice and compassion, offering mercy first, then calling for transformation. This order - 'mercy first, then formation' - is crucial for our spiritual growth and how we interact with others. We're reminded that God's grace is not a cover-up for sin, but the power that makes us new. As we navigate our complex world, we're called to be 'people of hope,' addressing injustice while fixing our eyes on Jesus. This message encourages us to drop our rocks, stand on Christ as our firm foundation, and walk in the light of life He offers.

As we continue through the Gospels in the Year of Living Biblically, we're challenged to examine our hearts and our approach to those who don't yet know Jesus in Luke 7:33-50. The story of the sinful woman anointing Jesus' feet serves as a stark contrast between self-righteous religiosity and genuine, transformative faith. We're reminded that Jesus came not for the righteous, but for sinners - and that includes all of us. The parable of the two debtors emphasizes that those who recognize the depth of their forgiveness will love more deeply. This message urges us to see others as Jesus sees them - with compassion and love, rather than judgment. It's a call to become true 'friends of sinners,' just as Jesus was, risking our reputations to reach those who are lost. We're encouraged to pray for the lost, to truly see them with love, and to be bold in offering to pray for others. This teaching invites us to move beyond our comfort zones and self-concern, reminding us that the one who is in us is greater than the one who is in the world.

As we continue to celebrate and bring the best (Luke 15:22), take a look back as Pastor Tyler shares stories of visible transformation this year.

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In our continued exploration of the Gospels, we're challenged to confront the most crucial question of our faith: 'Who do you say Jesus is?' This isn't just about theological knowledge, but about how we live our lives in response to Christ's identity. The passage reveals the paradox at the heart of following Jesus - to save our life, we must lose it. We're called to embrace 'cruciformity,' shaping our lives according to Christ's self-emptying love. This radical call to discipleship isn't about comfort or self-improvement, but about dying to ourselves so that we might truly live. As we grapple with this teaching, we're invited to examine our own lives: Are we truly following Jesus, or merely agreeing with Him to a point? The message urges us to find our true identity, calling, and assignment in Christ, reminding us that our greatest life is found in serving others, just as Jesus came to serve.