In Matthew 3:1-12, we are introduced to John the Baptist. Who is he? What was his immediate message? How did he, even in his own power and influence, submit to his coming King, our Lord Jesus? How did Jesus baptize differently than John/

We discuss all this, and their ramifications in to our relationship to the Father and our Messiah.

Was all "calm, all bright" at Jesus' birth?

Pastor Ryan shows us the Biblical reality that the events surrounding Jesus' Nativity was anything but. From Mary's conception, Joseph's deep concern, Herod's treachery, the wanderings, Jesus' start of life was filled with pain and confusion - all the more showing us His love for us by being OUR salvation!

Matthew 1:18-2:23 is our text.

Pastor Ryan delivers a more family-style sermon in deference to the Holiday. Also appropriately is the focus on the Nativity with its immediate developments found in Chap. 2 of Matthew. We focus on Joseph; what did he, should he fear regarding the coming Christ Child? What should we fear? In truth, nothing! Our Jesus is Light of the World. What did joseph learn in trusting his God, and what can we learn in turn from Joseph's willing obedience to his Savior?

Pastor Ryan launches a new series for us today, a detailed study on the Gospel of Matthew, with an emphasis on what it has to teach us about discipleship. What a time of year to begin, wit easy segue into the Christmas season. We begin with a detailed look at Jesus own "Genesis" (chap. 1:1-17), His genealogy and what its history has for us to learn yet today.

Today is Youth Christmas Pageant Day, and our youth ministers to us as they deliver today's service.

Highlight of the program is the Christmas play, today focusing on the spiritual journey of the Three Wise Men.

Posted here is the audio to the play.

Go here: https://youtu.be/6H5Af_brrI8

to see a video of the service. The play begins at about 37'40" from the beginning.

Pastor Ryan puts the finishing touches on our series of study in the book of Ephesians.

The famous chapter 6 ('put on the whole armor of God") is studied at length, emphasis is on fighting the right battle (the Kingdom, spiritual battle) and fighting it the right way (with God and with each other unity).

Pastor Ryan nears the completion of our series on Ephesians. We concentrate on chap. 5; 1-21, where our instructions deal with walking in the Light that has, through Christ's unifying work for us and in us, been revealed to us, obeying the Light revealed in ourselves, the Light instructed to share with each other, and the Light we should reflect with God. The sermon is highlighted with a testimony/interview with one of our members

Pastor Ryan delves deeper into Ephesians chapter 4, focusing on vs. 1-16. We concentrate on what "together" IS for the Body of Christ, having the previous reality of fraction and separation abolished by the Great Healing of the Cross of Christ (last week's message). Paul exhorts is towards a life worthy of the Call, for Unity in the Church, and for the gifting of Christ to be used towards this wonderful unity as controlled by the Holy Spirit.

Pastor Ryan returns to us from his recent sabbatical, offering a passionate review and reflection on what we have learned from Ephesians thus far. The great spiritual fissures of our life on earth, "great ruptures", that are revealed in Paul's letter are re-presented to us: me vs. God, us vs. them, and me vs. me Each one, Pastor Ryan explains, has been resolved with a Great Healing, the great work on the cross by our Lord Jesus.

Passages from Ephesians include 1:9-10, 2:1-7, 11-22, 3:9-12 and 4:20-24

Ephesians 4:17-5:20 is preached on by Pastor Kevin, who exhorts us through God's instructions to His Church to

• live counter-culturally, no longer as

"Gentiles"

• live like Christ (now hearing His Truth)

• live pleasing to the Lord! (putting aside

what breaks His heart)

• live giving thanks for everything, to live

all in and all for the Lord