Going ALL IN for Christ begins with going ALL IN for the life-changing power of the gospel. Today we will take a closer look into what exactly the good news is and what makes it so powerful.

We kick off the ALL IN series with an overview of the book of 2 Timothy and the key commitments to focus on as individuals and a church in 2016.

After Jesus was born, there were still people journeying to find him. Wise men followed a star and came from the east to meet the new King. Their journey ended with a response of extravagant worship and tremendous joy!

While the town of Bethlehem was buzzing with busyness, the Shepherds in the nearby fields went about their normal business taking care of sheep under the quiet, dark night sky. When the glory of the Lord broke through darkness that first Christmas night, the shepherds could not contain their curiosity and were compelled to share with others what they had seen and heard!

Overcrowded and chaotic, the Town of Bethlehem was filled with the hustle and bustle of the census. In middle of that chaos, the Savior of the world was born. With all the busyness of activity, the town was silent in one way- it missed the opportunity to welcome the new born King.

When Joseph first heard Mary was pregnant, everything began to change. The noise of broken trust with Mary and shattered dreams of their life together, made him afraid of getting married. However, when God broke through one silent night, Joseph gained the courage he needed to submit to God’s plan and move forward.

Mary would receive an unbelievable message, face unbearable scrutiny, and carry the unimaginable weight of being the mother of the Messiah. Yet in the midst of this pressure and uncertainty Mary has a settled peace in her heart and sings a song a praise.

Matthew chapter 1 is the record of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah. This seemingly insignificant chapter of background information provides a historical record of God’s sovereignty and faithfulness to His people. As we begin this season of Advent, preparing for the coming King, we will see that God always keeps His promises and He is able to break through the silence of abandonment and loneliness with the peace of His presence.

Cancer, affairs, divorce, betrayal, persecution, loneliness, terrorism, financial ruin, tension in families, loss, death…dens of destruction are around us all the time. Sometimes others cast us into these dens and at other moments we find ourselves in them by our own decisions. It is in these dens that our spirit is revealed. Maybe you came to this message with your heart heavy and weary. You find yourself in a den, yearning for rescue…for a Deliverer who is able to shut the mouths of lions. Come as you are and be rescued today.

After 20 years “on the bench” Daniel gets the call once again. It’s a new king with a new vision, but Daniel is ready! Once again he rises to the challenge. This passage reminds us that it is never too late for God to use us, and God’s hand is at work in the details of our lives.