Week four of the Advent series - Ignite

This is week 3 of our advent series "Ignite"

This is week two of our Advent series called Ignite;  this week we talk about peace and igniting peace in our world.

Jesus ignited hope in a lost, desperate and broken world - He still does today.

Join us for week four, and the conclusion, of the series Lean In with a look at repentance.

With the wall rebuilt, Nehemiah turns to the rebuilding of the heart.  United they built, and united they gathered around the Word of God - seeking to understand, rejoice and obey.  As we, too, lean in to God's Word, we find in it the promise of hope and the guide for life.  

After assessing what needed to be done and strategizing for the work ahead, Nehemiah assembled the people who determined to work together to get the job done.  United, they leaned in to act - and, despite opposition, accomplished the task.

This week we begin a look at the book of Nehemiah.  In the first message of this four week series, we see how devastated Nehemiah is when he learns of the destruction of the wall surrounding his homeland, Jerusalem.  With a heart that is broken, we watch as Nehemiah leans in with a posture that goes from sitting in grief, to kneeling in prayer and finally standing in action.  Through this we ask ourselves: Is that which breaks the heart of God also breaking ours?  How can we be more intentional to lean in by praying for those in our community, in our neighborhoods and in our homes?

When we consistently carry the heavy burdens we have been carrying, it's no wonder we become exhausted - REALLY exhausted.  But Jesus issues the most attractive invitation to us who are tired - weary - carrying a heavy load - He invites to come to HIM and find real rest.  Even if you don't have a relationship with Jesus, this invitation is for you, too.  Come to Jesus - find real rest.   This message wraps up the series Behind the Mask. 

If we let fear and doubt take centre stage, it can quickly spiral into feelings of anxiety and hopelessness; Elijah knew this all too well when he threw himself under the broom tree and prayed to die.  From his story we learn that God cares about us even in those desperate moments; He sees behind the masks we wear and comes to our side offering hope and nourishment for the journey ahead.