For Advent 2023, Pastor Steve will be speaking on a series titled Best Gifts of 2023. The first Best Gift of 2023 is Unearned Freedom.

Why is unearned freedom a best gift? God prizes freedom. Freedom allows for heart expressions. Freedom allows us to really live.

We are free from condemnation. We are free from the law of sin and death. We are free from the Law of Moses. There is freedom in the law of the Spirit who gives life.

Don’t waste your freedom. Consider the source and cost of your freedom. Consider the purpose of your freedom.

We can all support the children in our community with the things that they need.

Listen as Pastor Steve goes through 2 Timothy 1:3-18 highlighting the things to give our sons and daughters.

We can give them consistent prayer support. We can be understanding of their problems. We can affirm their faith. We can encourage them to serve. We can show them how to have an exemplary commitment. We can challenge them to live well.

How should you prepare for the end of the age?

Some prepare for the end of the age carelessly. They never give it a moment’s thought. Some prepare for it obsessively. They are more concerned with the end time details than with their own spiritual growth. Some prepare for it foolishly by “filling up the barns”.

The better ways to prepare for the end of the age is to live industriously. Remember to serve God whether He comes back tomorrow or 2,000 years from now. Live in community. We are to spend time meeting together and encouraging one another. Live by the Spirit. Live graciously. Live thankfully and filled with joy.

The most essential element in a healthy relationship is commitment.

Commitment is more than a feeling. Commitment is a clear decision resulting in change. Commitment endures.

Commitment creates a sense of security and confidence. Commitment lays a foundation for effective living. Commitment demonstrates Christlikeness. Healthy relationships cannot exist without commitment.

When entering into a commitment, look for the calling. Ask God with whom am I called to have friendships that are marked by commitment. When entering into a commitment, consider the cost. Not so you can decide if it is worth it, but so you are prepared to live out the commitment. When entering a commitment, consider the outcome.

Why is gratitude important in relationships? Ingratitude is ugly! There is the never enough attitude, which damages relationships. The I’m entitled attitude, which damages relationships. The I’m special attitude, which damages relationships.

Gratitude is powerful! When you show gratitude, you show the love of God and help others to believe.

How is gratitude powerful? It proclaims to others their value. It says “You are making a difference.”. It helps others to believe God is at work in them. Gratitude creates emotional and spiritual connection. It helps people feel wanted.

Gratitude finds its source in grace! Gratitude toward God overflows into all of life.

You have an enemy.

The motivation of your enemy is to hate what God loves. This explains things like why humankind suffers and why the Bible warns us about the occult and spiritism.

Your enemy has tactics he likes to use. These tactics are the allure of selfishness, the temptation of arrogance and the foolishness of under estimation.

So how do you stand against the enemy of your soul? You choose humility. You seek wisdom. You trust the goodness of God.

What is the purpose of our relationships?

According to Matthew 28:18-20, it is to go and make disciples.

What do we do when we find someone who wants to be discipled? We build a relationship founded in Christ and focused on growing in Christ.

Listen as Josh Tkacik discusses how even bold disciples will encounter doubt as he looks at Luke 7. Jesus extends grace in the face of our doubt. Doubt is not at odds with faith. Unbelief is at odds with faith.

At some point in your life, you will experience a crisis, crossroad or event that will shake your spiritual foundation just as John was shaken sitting in that damp jail cell.

Jesus’ practice of offending people was to expose their hearts. The same events that produced John’s doubts, Jesus used to answer John’s questions.

Anyone can believe in fair weather. God offers us a deeper experience in our adversity. The question is will you follow a God that you do not understand.

The application to our lives is that Christ isn’t subject to our personal opinions. Jesus is kind. Jesus is not angered at John’s doubt. You will get offended in your deepest relationships. Being offended is inevitable. Living offended is a choice.

God created us for relationships. He recognized from the beginning that man needed relationships.

Relationship is part of our worship. God uses relationships to bring people to Him.

Relationships are important. God wants to live in and through us so others see Him in us.

Your relationship vertically with God will affect your ability to walk horizontally in relationship with others.

Listen as Rev. Brad Sickler speaks on The Test of Love.