This weekend, our opening verse reminds us to not be yoked with unbelievers. We’ll find out what “unequally yoked” meant to the early church, then we’ll discuss how it happened. We’ll examine a few unholy combinations from scripture to find how Paul’s warning still applies to us today. Then, we’ll learn how to yoke ourselves tightly to God.

In the first part of chapter 3, Luke shares background information about the ministry of John. We learn that John preached a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins to fulfill his mission in preparing people for the coming of the Lord.

In 2 Corinthians 5:16 – 6:13 the Lord teaches us that when we are born again in Christ, we become new creations—leaving our old life behind and embrace a new identity as God’s ambassadors, called to share the message of reconciliation with the world. This passage also urges believers to see others through God’s eyes, and live out our faith with urgency, integrity, endurance, and open-hearted love.

Sometimes those that have been waiting for Him are first to recognize who He is, when those that know of Him miss Him completely.  If you have been missing Jesus in your everyday life, this message will encourage you and remind you that you are not alone.  Along with all that- we get to see Jesus as He shares His first recorded words.

In this message on 2 Corinthians 4:16–5:15, we learn how to live by faith by prioritizing daily spiritual growth, focusing on God’s eternal kingdom over temporary earthly struggles, and confidently trusting that our present suffering is preparing us for eternal glory. We are called to please God knowing that we will stand before Jesus someday giving an account on what was entrusted to us. We are to let Christ’s love motivate us to serve Him and others.

In Luke Chapter 2, we’ll see an OT prophecy fulfilled regarding the Messiahs’ birth. Jesus’ humble origins in a stable are a great example of how God uses the humble to confound the wise. His birthplace also foreshadows His future ministry targets; the poor and lowly.

This weekend in our passage, the Apostle Paul presents the gospel as a priceless treasure that reveals Christ’s glory while being carried by fragile messengers whose weakness highlights God’s power. Their suffering advances the mission: as they persevere in faith, grace spreads, and God is glorified through the hope of resurrection.

As we conclude Luke Chapter 1, we witness the fulfillment of the word spoken by the angel of the Lord to Zechariah. Just as promised, Elizabeth gives birth to a son, and in obedience to God’s instruction, they name him John. At that very moment, Zechariah’s tongue is set free and he began prophesying and praising God for His faithfulness.

This study of 2 Corinthians 2:12-3:18 teaches that as Christ-followers, our lives should visibly reflect Jesus—serving as a living “aroma” to the world, grounded in confidence that comes from Christ, not ourselves. Through the Spirit and not the law, we are declared righteous by faith, experience true freedom, and are continually transformed to reflect Christ’s image more and more.

In the second half of Luke 1, the Angel Gabriel appears to a teenager named Mary. He tells her she will soon carry a miracle inside her, and Her baby will be Israel’s Messiah. We’ll take a close look at Mary’s strong faith, her surrender to God’s will, and her knowledge of God’s Word.