Lots and lots of mysteries in our history books, and none more mysterious than the Resurrection of Christ. We deal with that issue in today's message, and show how the effect of the risen Jesus was more impactful on his followers than his simple message over the previous 3 years.

Country Club membership vs. Biblical Church membership — We pay for the benefits in a country club. The Church is a precious gift from God! Where else could a vagabond of complete strangers come together, from all walks of life, from various cultures to serve one another and work together for a common mission.

Church and Family — The family has a central role in the Bible. It is one of God’s methods for passing on knowledge of Him to future generations. It is a picture of His relationship with His Church. Satan hates the family. The one place Satan continually attacks is in the family — both biological or spiritual!

Scripture teaches that the church membership is like a family. In a healthy church/family, we are to love and sacrifice unconditionally.

Based on the book, "I am a Church Member" by Thom Rainer, this is the first in a series of sermons from that study. Learn how to not just be a weekly attender/sitter but an active participant in what God is doing through your local church.

God never intended for us to walk alone. Authentic community in which we deeply know others and are known by others is necessary for a victorious faith life. (Scriptures used: Hebrews 10:24-25)

God is a generous and gracious God. We are called to be generous and gracious people.

Jesus not only showed us how to fast but promised that his followers would fast as well. Fasting draws us closer to God by starving our flesh and feeding our spirit. We fast to help us focus on God and the things of his kingdom.

The Bible is God’s authoritative Word, showing us clearly who God has been in the history of humanity and what he desires for us individually. We must read the Bible regularly in order to know what it says.

Run the race set before. Avoid sin and the weights of this world. Pursue a life of faith above all else.