The invisible battle around us is real. It feels like we are fighting ourselves, each other, or the world around. But really, there is an unseen enemy who opposes us. On our own, we're sure to struggle and eventually lose. This introductory message will equip us with the power of God and the armor we can put on for protection.

God has established us as His spiritual family--children who have received the unconditional and undeserved love of the Father. We live up to our place in God's family by honoring His commands and His children. Sin causes us to refuse love to others in God's family.

The world offers a way to think, hope, and interact. But this way leads to division in all directions. If we are to have a unity that stands up and stands out, we must not love the ways of the world or put our hopes in it. Instead, we should believe that Jesus' way is better and choose to walk in it.

Jesus is the reason for unity among Christians. Everything that may divide us is dwarfed by the single thing that we share--Jesus. When we have the same belief (1:1-4) in Jesus and the same recognition of our need for Him (1:5-2:2), we have an immense reason for unity with others who may be very different from us.

Annual rhythms of celebration and commitment have characterized the people of God for a very long time. This service, uniquely constructed, celebrates what God did in 2019, anticipates what God will do in 2020, and calls us to Gospel Partnership this year.

Our faith cannot thrive when it's all about us. We need regular rhythms that shift our focus toward others. These practices should be a part of every month, with varying frequency. They each uniquely move us and others closer to Jesus. Gospel economics say that the more we give to others the more we grow ourselves.

God created us and knows what's best for us. From the beginning, he has said that we need a weekly rhythm of rest in order to fully appreciate life. This rest is for the purpose of worship, giving us space to acknowledge how great God is. Regularly sharing this worship and love of God with others is part of being strengthened by it.

Our days are the most elemental part of our lives. So, the things that we do every day have a profound impact on our lives. If we want to grow closer to God and experience more of Him throughout our lives, we should do something each day to spend time with Him. Prayer and Scripture reading are a 2-way conversation with God every day.

The end of Revelation describes our role in eternity… we will work with God, we will live with God, and we will reign with God. Our hope is you have a more wholistic understanding of eternity, are excited for what's coming and live differently today because of it.

Everything has been building toward the moment when God would be reunited with His people. The curse of sin has been reversed. The enemy has been defeated. The faithful have been brought home by their bridegroom. And theirs is eternity at home with their God. For Christmas this year, we will look at Jesus' first coming as the introduction to life with Him and His final coming as the completion of life with Him for all who believe in Him!