Today the “New Norm” is talked about often. It describes the current “state of being” after some dramatic change or shift has taken place. The “New Norm” replaces the expected, usual, and typical state after the event or shift occurs. According to this ideology, the “New Norm” encourages one to deal with the current situation rather than wasting time lamenting over what was or could have been. Jesus established a “New Norm” in His sermon on the mount. He teaches His disciples how to live the Kingdom Life in the everyday world. The Beatitudes are brief descriptions of the nature of the life in the Kingdom of God. Jesus teaches that “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus is describing a “New Norm” through the Kingdom Life. It is better to be “poor in spirit” than “rich in pride”. Join us this morning as we learn why we are blessed when we have poverty of spirit and why the kingdom belongs to such as these.

The Sermon on the Mount is the most practical, realistic way to live the Christian life. It is a Christian's guide to experiencing Kingdom-living now. But, sometimes, it can feel as though the words of Jesus are difficult, even unattainable. Today, we jump into our study of the sermon at the end. Why? Because the ending provides the foundation and impacts how we read the rest of the sermon. Not only does Jesus call us to live this way, but he also empowers us to do so.  So, today, we begin with the end in mind.

As we commit to ADVANCE THE KINGDOM, we have learned that we want to have DEEP FAITH over SHALLOW BELIEFS and that we want to have DEEP LOVE over SHALLOW BEHAVIORS. The last few weeks have taught us that our BELIEFS foundationally influence who we are and the BEHAVIORS we live out reveal our deepest motivations (love or obligation/reward). Today, we dig into our BECOMINGS. Who are we BECOMING based on our BELIEFS and BEHAVIORS? Who we are becoming is directly influenced by those we allow into our lives to reinforce our beliefs and behaviors. Most of us believe we are simply a result of our personality and decide there is little we can change. But it is much deeper than that. Who we are is a reflection of our character. So, are we satisfied with a SHALLOW PERSONALITY, or do we want to build DEEP CHARACTER? Our character is deeply shaped by those we allow to influence us. Who are we allowing in our lives to influence and shape our character? Who are you BECOMING?

Last week, we began our journey to ADVANCE THE KINGDOM in 2020. We looked at how our beliefs foundationally influence the life we live. This week, we turn to examine how our beliefs should inform our behaviors toward Kingdom Living. We must be doers of the Word, not simply hearers of it. Yet, our behaviors should not be done under obligation, but by our deep love for the one whom we believe in. So, we focus not on Shallow Behaviors, but Deep Love. We can act out of obligation to get our reward. Or, we can act out of love for the one whom we have devoted ourselves to. What is the motivation for living out our beliefs as we ADVANCE THE KINGDOM?

This year we will focus our attention on advancing the kingdom of God/Heaven. This was Jesus’ focus during His earthly ministry, and it should be ours today. But what is the “Kingdom of God/Heaven” and what does it mean to advance it? More importantly, what does it mean to live a “Kingdom Life”? Today, we focus our thoughts on how our beliefs affect our Kingdom living. Our beliefs inform our behaviors and ultimately who we are becoming. Jesus came so that we might believe in Him and live with Him forever in His Kingdom. However, He didn’t come to simply confirm long-standing beliefs, but to challenge and deepen them. Jesus doesn’t want us to simply live by the letter of the law, but to live by the intent of it. Are we willing to allow Jesus to challenge our beliefs in order to get at the foundation of Kingdom Living? Join us this morning as we explore the difference between shallow beliefs and a deep faith. Join us as we commit to ADVANCE THE KINGDOM in 2020

“Each man's life touches so many other lives. When he isn't around he leaves an awful hole, doesn't he?” George Bailey is overwhelmed with the pressures of life. He begins to wish he had never been born. Then, Clarence, his guardian angel, gives him a gift - a glimpse into life where he hadn't existed. What if Jesus had never been born? What if the shepherds didn’t have their sleep interrupted by angels that night? And what if there was no star for the wise men to follow? What if 2,000 years ago that stable hadn’t served as a delivery room? Would the world be different? 

“The best way to spread Christmas cheer is by singing loudly for all to hear.” Buddy is an orphaned human who was raised at the North Pole by elves. When he travels to New York to find his real dad, Buddy finds a place where consumerism and anger have removed the joy of Christmas. Buddy faces many challenges in his quest to find his father, yet he continues to be joyful. When Santa can’t get his sleigh to power up, the effects of Buddy’s joy helps people begin to sing and soon, powers the sleigh. Jesus’ birth brought “joy that would be to all people.” We live with this joy, knowing that the darkness cannot overcome God’s light.

"In putting on the suit and entering the sleigh, the wearer waives any and all right to any previous identity, real or implied, and fully accepts the duties and responsibilities of Santa Claus..." Scott Calvin’s world is full of chaos and dysfunction. He is cosumed with success in every aspect of his life except in his role as a father where he struggles to connect with his son. That all begins to change one Christmas Eve night when Santa Claus falls off of the roof and Scott puts on the suit. Soon, he has assumed the role and responsibilities of Santa -as well as Santa's attitude! When we put on Christ, who we are begins to change. We reflect Jesus to a world in chaos. And rather than run from it, we bring the gospel of peace. 

“I’m dreaming of a White Christmas...” The famous performing duo, Wallace and Davis, are on their way to Vermont to perform. They can’t wait to get there to the snow that they’ve heard so much about. But when they arrive, there is no snow. They’ve heard of it, wait for it, anticipate it, but its not there. But, snow is coming. This is very similar to the people living between Malachi and Matthew. They had heard of God’s working in the world but he had been silent for 400 years. They didn’t know that He was preparing the world for the arrival of hope.

Today, we celebrate! We celebrate what God has done for us, is doing for us, and will do for us! We began this “Hearing from God” series challenging all of us to step out in faith with our Vision Forward. Today, we rejoice and celebrate because God is indeed moving us forward in His vision to seek and save the lost. We do this not through brick and mortar, but by becoming the living stones that build us up into the temple of the living God. We celebrate because Christ is our cornerstone and we set all our lives upon Him. Now that the cornerstone has been laid it is our responsibility to continue to build upon it. Today, we celebrate because God is on the move through His people in this place!