God cares for both your body and your soul. He does not only desire to redeem our bodies, but he also desires to liberate us from our fears, doubts, and anxieties. But this gift of emotional freedom does not come without pain. Charles Spurgeon once said, “Every great favour of God brings a great trial with it as its shadow, and thus becomes a new test of faith.” That is to say, when God gives us a big gift, he often puts us through a big test. And this is at the heart of the gospel message today.

John ordered a flaming hot, well-done Messiah who would set the first century ablaze with God’s wrath, but instead, Jesus came as a medium-rare steak and drank God’s wrath upon himself. That is to say, the message of Jesus the Messiah was not primarily about judgement but radical mercy. We hope you enjoy this teaching by Pastor Jesse. 

The darkness does not need to be our story. The good news is that there is a precious light that promises to come to us when things are at their darkest. He has come, and he will return. He is Jesus, the “great light” of advent (Isaiah 9v2), and in Matthew 3v1-10, John urged the people of Israel to get ready for the arrival of this king who would shine his light into their darkness. 

Preacher: Pastor Jesse Baker

Beyond the tinsel and glitter, Christmas may contain a black cloud of misery. It could be a pain that never appears to go away but only grows more potent because of all the plastic, bubble-wrapped happiness surrounding you. For some, Christmas exposes the gloom of difficult situations and often brings us no comfort or joy. Thank God that advent begins with a liturgical call to confront the darkness with the light spoken of in Isaiah 9v1-7. 

In this sermon, Pastor Jesse preaches on Joshua 6:1 to 12:24 and shows that faith takes the land. This is a call to trust the battle plan of God, purge ourselves of sin, and cling to the power of God.