Above The Waves : Messages of Hope and Encouragement

COVID-19 is still with us, and with this virus many within the Christian church are still wondering what to do, how to respond to the needs of lives in their communities, how to walk through the sea of masks and still communicate the Gospel of the Kingdom, how to be a witness and proclaim the Good News of Jesus, who brings Hope, Grace and Love? Join us a we talk about how we can serve in this new year of 2021. #Matthew #2021

We are only 5 days away from what is easily the most wonderful day of the entire calendar: the day we celebrate the coming of the Christ child. The ultimate gift to humanity. The gift that endures, the gift that is unending. Throughout this advent season we have looked at how the gift of the Christ Child brings unending Hope, Faith, Love, and Peace. I pray you have experienced each of those gifts of the Christ child this Advent season.

This morning we are looking at one more gift that the Christ child has for us. A gift that an angel announced to the shepherds in Luke 2:10 saying, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.’ The gift of unending Joy.

I think there is something significant about the fact that we reach this specific gift at a time in our Christmas season when we are nearing the end, with the demands and needs of the season weighing heavily upon us. If we are honest with ourselves, we might even admit that we are depleted of this gift of joy completely at this point in the season. But that is what is so incredible about our Savior: He was born into this weary world at the God ordained time to be our joy incarnate! Today the invitation for us is to rise above our circumstances and burdens, and to see with fresh eyes the unending joy that is experienced when we encounter the Christ child. #TheGiftoftheChristChild #Advent2020

This year marks the 55th year since the release of “A Charlie Brown Christmas.” For many, it’s become tradition to view the classic cartoon-movie, year after year. Some people are so endeared to the idea of a “Charlie Brown tree,” they put up their own little droopy tree (with one ornament and a blue, fleece, tree-skirt) at Christmas. It’s interesting that the cartoon’s inclusion of a direct quote from Luke’s gospel has sparked virtually no controversy, throughout its years of being shown on mainstream TV channels. Whether a person claims a faith in Christ or not, there seems to be a sense that the overall message portrayed by Charlie Brown and his friends holds applicational value for most anyone. It’s true every year, that if we lose sight of what really matters at Christmas, the season will inevitably be characterized by chaos, disappointment, exhaustion, joylessness, greed, divisiveness – and certainly, the absence of peace. Join us for part three as we dig into Psalm 91 and Luke 2 in a study to find true peace during this Advent Season. #TheGiftoftheChristChild #Peace

Christmas is the celebration of God’s love as the arrival of Jesus is the manifestation of God’s love. God's love is powerful and the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Join us as we dig into John 1:1-14. In these Scriptures, we uncover such much about the character of God, the Triune community, and God's plan for humanity. #TheGiftoftheChristChild #Advent2020

There is something magical about the childlike sense of expectation as gifts appear under the family Christmas tree. Curiosity ignites mischief as children spend hours shaking boxes, trying to decipher what’s inside each package. Expectancy keeps them awake on Christmas Eve waiting for sunrise to announce it’s finally Christmas! The color-coordinated wrapping paper is all that stands between them and their long-awaited Christmas wishes.

Today the expectancy of Christmas begins on the First Sunday of Advent as we unwrap gifts given to three individuals in the Bible.

#TheGiftoftheChristChild

This three-week series is designed to highlight the relevant and important topics of happiness and contentment. Happiness means something different to different people. Many, in our modern society, attempt to “find” happiness through material possessions, a new job, or even a significant other. In the end, though, these things often leave us just as empty as we were before. ‘The Search for Happiness’ flips this approach on its head, detailing the importance of putting our focus on the person of Jesus, as well as our walk with Him. This alone will bring us lasting joy and contentment. #TheSearchforHappiness #TheSalvationArmy #HotSprings

This three-week series is designed to highlight the relevant and important topics of happiness and contentment. Happiness means something different to different people. Many, in our modern society, attempt to “find” happiness through material possessions, a new job, or even a significant other. In the end, though, these things often leave us just as empty as we were before. ‘The Search for Happiness’ flips this approach on its head, detailing the importance of putting our focus on the person of Jesus, as well as our walk with Him. This alone will bring us lasting joy and contentment. #TheSearchforHappiness #TheSalvationArmy #HotSprings

Join us for our last and final week of "Pieces." This six-week series serves as a snapshot of the book of Job, providing comfort and encouragement to anyone experiencing a difficult circumstance. Have you ever felt broken? Have you ever wondered why? Many of us have thoughts such as these? Job’s story is often our story. Yet, even in the midst of pain and suffering, we can trust in the power of our creator. #Pieces #TheSalvationArmy #HotSprings