Last week, we were introduced to John the Baptist's public ministry as the Word of God came to him in the wilderness. The way in which Luke records this event sounds like an insult to the political and religious leaders in power. The Word of God didn’t come to them, it came to the one who had humbled himself under God's mighty hand, resulting in a provocative call for repentance.I challenged you last week to imagine yourself in that crowd as John preached and baptized, and to think seriously about an area(s) where you sense the Spirit of God calling you to practice repentance and follow through in obedience. Did you take that challenge? Did God reveal anything to you? If so, how are you going to respond to what He said? If not, I strongly encourage you to ask again; we should all make this a regular part of our prayer life.Today, we return to the Jordan River, near Bethany (Jn. 1:28), where John is still baptizing. He isn't making it easy though. Just stepping into the water isn't enough; the people need "receipts." John’s demanding proof of sincerity: "If you want to be baptized, prove it! Show me something so I can know you’re sincere!" Before John would immerse them, they had to demonstrate evidence of a genuine change of heart and mind that led to a corresponding change in behavior.

So, I noticed something this past week as I was preparing to share God’s Word with you today. From the beginning of our tag team teaching, Pastor Mike has mainly spent his time introducing us to John the Baptist and I have mainly focused on Jesus. For the past couple of weeks that’s changed and today, I have the honor of shifting the focus of my Biblical character to John.

I find it rather appropriate, considering that the shift in presenters aligns with a shift in the Biblical narrative of John and Jesus. In the case of John, we are no longer dealing with a baby who is learning to walk in the ways of Lord, now we have a mature man who stands firmly committed to carrying out the mission his father sang over him by inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

I've had such a wonderful time studying these verses and learning about the very first words Jesus ever spoke, in verse 49. Those first words not only set the framework for the rest of Jesus' life, but they also set the framework for all of us who are followers of Jesus. Sermon from Pastor Mike

 There's a man in our Scripture who we will never read about again in the Bible and yet what he had to say as he took Mary's baby in his arms is absolutely revolutionary! 

Sermon from Pastor Mike

Sermon from Pastor Tre

"I want to begin by reading our scripture for today’s message.

Grab your Bibles and go with me to Luke chapter 2. 

We’ll begin with verse fifteen."

If you were with us last week, you’ll remember how the sovereign hand of God was at work bringing about the timely birth of Jesus. In conjunction with the census issued by Caesar Augustus, the prophecy of Micah 5:2 was fulfilled. Mary and Joseph ended up in Bethlehem where Christ was born. As I mentioned then, His arrival into our world challenges us to live sacrificially as we pursue Him, and it is also an affront to our comforts and indulgent lifestyles. But there is a blessing for the spiritually bankrupt! Theirs is the kingdom of God! (Matt. 5:3). But, in order to take hold of this blessing, you gotta make room for Him in your heart.

You’ve probably noticed the landscapers putting up the lights already. Retail stores are decking the halls with the latest gift ideas. Before too long, we’ll start to hear the familiar call for everyone to hang their stockings by the chimney with care. What call? Well, it’s the voice of Christmas, Mariah Carey singing “All I Want for Christmas is You” it’s the only way that we know the season has arrived, right? In just a couple of months ugly sweaters will make their seasonal debut and our sanctuary will be decorated with trees, lights, wreaths and figurines to mark the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. 

But why wait? Why not celebrate today?!

-Sermon from Pastor Tre

It had been a crazy nine months! The angel Gabriel had visited the old priest named Zechariah who was serving in the temple in Jerusalem. The angel said, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John.” (Luke 1:13 NIV) Zechariah was speechless!

Sermon from Pastor Mike

In this chapter in the story of the elderly couple, Zechariah and Elizabeth, who have just found out they are expecting a child! What a wild and glorious story!Sermon from Pastor Mike

Pastor Tre continues the sermon series on the Gospel of Luke