Jesus' complete submission to the Father's will leads him to the cross. He had the power to refused the cross. He had the power to overcome his betrayer and those who arrested him. But he chooses the cross for our salvation and redemption. Hear this good news.

Israel's story finds its climax in Jesus of Nazareth. Although we have so often understood the story of Jesus as separate from the story of Israel, the bringing of them together gives us a more complete picture of what to make of his death and resurrection. This week we explore how the kingdom of Israel and the cross of Jesus are necessary for God's redemptive purposes in the world.

Following Jesus has been a challenge since he first called Peter. The gospels reveal to us that the first twelve discipoles were often confused and mistaken. His teachings were often as difficult to understand as they were to live. Following Jesus is not impossible but it is no less demanding and costly today as it was to the original twelve. This week we explore the demands of following Jesus.

Who is Jesus? How does Jesus fit into the saving history of God in scripture? These are but two questions historians and theologians have discussed for thousands of years. The Jesus we discover in scripture came on purpose and for a purpose. Exploring a few snapshots of his life in the New Testament we discover a little bit more about who Jesus was and why he came to earth.

The Israelites (known as Jews in the NT) had long waited for a king to come and break the bondage from Roman emperialism. This figure was known to them as the coming messiah. While they waited for a great conqueror God sent them a humble teacher. The messiah, Jesus, comes in an unexpected way, teaching unexpected things.

We leave the Israelites in the Old Testament in the Promise Land, returned from exile. We discover them in the New Testament conquered by Rome. God had not spoken to his people for 400 years. Where had he gone? Why was he silent? Why was their land conquered? God will soon speak louder than ever before in his son Jesus.

How are people to reclaim their identity after years of brokenness, hardship, and instability? Upon their return from exile Israel struggles to reclaim their identity as God's people. In his graciousness God provides his people with the means to reclaim their heritage.

Who can God use to accomplish his will? Does our participation with God lead us into places of safety or risk? Exploring the story of Esther we discover that God, once again, is using the ordinary to do the extraordinary. Although his name is never mentioned in the book of Esther his role as the main character is undeniable.

The Ignite Conference is a Los Angeles District missions conference. It is organized to promote how ordinary people can do extraordinary things when they partner with God in his mission for the world, specifically in our local context. Pastor Marcos Canales from Pasadena First Church of the Nazarene kicks off our conference with a powerful message from 1 Kings.

Israel finds itself in a foreign land, with a foreign people. Their customs are rapidly changing, their culture quickly evaporating. How are God's people to respond when surrounded by a culture distinct from their own? How are they to be God's people in a culture that tries to suffocate their identity? The issue is as relevant today as it was then. Daniel gives us a few foundational principles to help guide us in living as God's people in a foreign culture.