This Sunday we kick off a 3-week series,

"The State of our Union with Christ"

What is our union with Christ?

And why are so many Christians unfamiliar with this revelation?

For the believer Union with Christ:

Is the source of every spiritual blessing;

Is the source of freedom from fear;

Is the foundation of our gratitude.

Today we kick off our 30 Days of Gratitude. We'll look into the story of the 10 lepers in Luke 17:11-19. Here we find the connection between gratitude and our salvation in Jesus.

We'll also celebrate Communion,

otherwise known as "Thanksgiving."

Jesus had a prayer request for his church - that we would be one. And he didn't want us to be one just for the sake of unity. This prayer had an even more practical purpose - the world will know that you sent me and have loved them even as you have loved me.

John 17:23 Our unity as the church is our witness to the world.

When faced with complex issues-

like worldwide pandemics,

national elections,

and personal choices-

what are Christians to do?

Of course some issue are decided for us by the bible-

Love God (Matthew 22:37)

Love your neighbor (Matthew 22:38)

Care for the poor (Matthew 19:21)

But HOW do we live out these

(and so many other)

commands?

One word is used to describe God nearly

250 times in the First Testament.

It gets translated into words such as

"Steadfast Love."

"Mercy"

"Devotion"

and of course,

"Kindness."

The word in Hebrew is

"Hesed."

We'll do a "deep dive" into the "hesed" of our God.

And a story about a man named Mephibosheth

and how kindness saved his life.

Mr. Rogers figured it out.

Success can not be measured in

money, fame, power or anything else in this world.

Success in the eyes of God is measured in kindness.

The thing is,

modern science is learning that success really is measured in kindness-

Longer, happier, more energetic life.

Less stress, depression and anxiety.

Maybe kindness really is king?

Are you feeling the pressure of 2020?

You're not alone.

Anxious.

Stressed.

Confused.

Overwhelmed by pressure.

This Sunday we go with Jesus as he goes through Samaria.

I LOVE this story.

It tells us so much about Jesus,

his mission,

his love for all people,

and how we can share the good news of salvation.

Perhaps no spiritual discipline is as misunderstood as fasting.

Why to fast?

How to fast?

When to fast?

How long to fast?

What type of fast?

SHOULD I fast?

The simple fact is that Jesus commends fasting to his followers.

It is one of the few spiritual "hacks" that Jesus teaches

and promises a reward. (Matthew 6:16-18)

This Sunday we'll teach you everything you need to know to get started in fasting.

How do you pray-

Do you guard your words?

Do you make small requests?

Do ever get around to actually asking for anything specific?

You may be surprised (offended? confused?)

to learn that Jesus actually taught his disciples to pray with

"shameless audacity."

(Luke 11:8)