When it comes to football, there is one key factor that distinguishes every player from a fan. While both might wear jerseys, know plays, love the team, watch films, recite stats, and more, only one of them steps onto the field and plays the game. It is a distinguishing quality. For a genuine Christian, there is also a distinguishing quality, and should be a major theme in the character of our church. Join us for the final message of the Major Themes series as we take a look at this key factor.

1) The law of love.
2) The ability to love.
3) The need for love.

Text: John 13:31-35

Who is Parson Brown? What is figgy pudding? Why are we telling scary ghost stories? Some of our favorite Christmas tunes have strange language in them. When we sing a song like "O Holy Night", there shouldn't be any mystery as to what we are declaring. It contains the best news you'll ever hear.

1) Feel the worth of the Savior
2) Exhibit a unique community

Text: Luke 2:1-20

"Peace on earth" shows up on Christmas cards and wrapping paper, but if that's what Jesus was supposed to bring, how do we explain the bloodshed of the 20th century? And what does "veiled in flesh the godhead see" mean? Or what's up with this reference to "sun of righteousness?" "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing" is a favorite of many, but its treasures are often hidden underneath unfamiliar lyrics. Join us as we learn from this beloved Christmas carol.

1) Peace on earth and mercy mild/God and sinners reconciled
2) Veiled in flesh the Godhead see/Hail the incarnate deity
3) Son of righteousness/ris'n with healing in his wings

Text: Luke 2:14; John 1:1,14; Malachi 4:1-2

"O Come, O Come Emmanuel" is one of the oldest Christmas carols we sing, but have we ever understood what "ransom captive Israel" or "Dayspring" or "rod of Jesse" means? Join us as we familiarize ourselves with this hymn filled with hope for a bright future!

1) Ransom captive Israel
2) Dayspring
3) Rod of Jesse

Text: Isaiah 35; Luke 1:76-79; Isaiah 11:1-3

Welcome to the ace of spades, diplomatic immunity, "it's none of your business what I do behind closed doors." The "do not judge, lest ye be judged" card gets played a lot. Who can argue the point? It's Scripture! But have we understood that biblical text correctly? Join us as we delve into this hot topic!

1) The call to judge
2) How to judge

Text: Matthew 7:1-6

When we consider the gospel, our minds don't tend to go to the Old Testament (and especially not to Abraham). However, we find that there is a relationship with Abraham and the gospel. In fact, it was preached to him! What is the connection between the blessing of Abraham and the person and work of Christ? Join us as we take a look at another angle of the gospel!

3 Implications:
1) The gospel is for all people
2) The church is God's nation
3) You will never be cut off

Text: Genesis 12:1-3

When you were born again, you were made part of the family of God; an adopted son or daughter. You now have the great privilege and calling to bear the family resemblance; to be like your heavenly Father. So how do we help each other with this? Join us as we think about three ways to maintain the holiness of the church.

1) Communally
2) Expulsively
3) Repentantly

Text: 1 Corinthians 5

“I am not afraid of an army of lions led by a sheep; I am afraid of an army of sheep led by a lion.” —Alexander the Great

“No man will make a great leader who wants to do it all himself, or to get all the credit for doing it.” —Andrew Carnegie

“Leadership is the capacity to translate vision into reality.” —Warren Bennis

There's no shortage of perspectives on leadership. While we may be quick to quote the ear-candy of others on the topic, how many have really dug into what Scripture has to say about leadership? We'll explore four qualities of leaders who unify.

Church leaders who unify are...
1) Jesus-pleasers
2) Biblically faithful
3) Self-sacrificing
4) Imitable

Text: 1 Corinthians 4

From childhood to adulthood, we're meant to grow out of some things and grow into other things. The same is true of the Christian life. We'll consider marks of "spiritual adulthood." Do you have them?

1) Selfless contentment
2) Modest view of church leaders
3) Insistence on sound doctrine
4) Reverence for the church

Text: 1 Corinthians 3

In the life of a local church, central themes begin to emerge and take shape over time. Whether it’s through theology, polity, or major events, these themes slowly rise to the surface and form the broad brush strokes of a church's identity. We’ll examine another major theme that the Scriptures prescribe for the church and how this good, yet challenging, theme drives us again to the true and final head of the church, Jesus Christ.

1) Our Leaders
2) Our Congregation

Text: Hebrews 13:7-13