Elijah had just seen Gods fire fall on Mount Carmel yet one threat from Jezebel sent him running, ready to quit and even die. Matthew Planck shows from 1 Kings 19 how even great men of God hit lows where they want to give up. But God met Elijah in his exhaustion, fed him, spoke gently, reminded him he wasnt alone (7,000 faithful remained), and gave him new assignments. If youre weary, discouraged, or ready to quit tonight, hear this: God sees you, strengthens you, and has more for you to do. Dont quitGod says continue.

From 1 Corinthians 9:16, TJ Mullins challenges every believer: sharing the gospel isnt optional. Its a necessity laid upon us. Paul had nothing to boast in despite planting churches and turning the world upside down; all glory belongs to God. Our motive must be pure (not pride or fear), driven by urgent need for lost souls, and fearless of failure because woe is unto me if I preach not. Whether door-knocking, at the gas station, or online, ask God for opportunities and boldly share Christ. The gospel isnt a suggestion; its the power of God unto salvation.

As 2025 draws to a close, Andrew Stensaas closes 2 Corinthians with Pauls heartfelt prayer for the church: integrity, edification, unity, and peace. Spiritual maturity isnt about looking impressive. Its obeying truth, restoring others in love, and living for Gods glory no matter the cost. In a world that measures success by appearance, Paul reminds us to finish well by focusing on what matters: a life of honesty before God, building others up, and walking in the grace, love, and power of the Holy Spirit. Dont just start strong. Finish well for Jesus.

Dr. Bryan Stensaas dives into Genesis 2, showing how God placed Adam (alone at first) in Eden with two special trees: the Tree of Life as a reminder of total dependence on God, and the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil as the test of obedience. Disobedience didn't make the fruit evil; it severed man from his Source of Life, bringing spiritual death (separation from God) and eventual physical death. Like a branch cut from a tree that looks alive but slowly withers, every person born after Adam is separated from God (being dead in sin) until reconnected through faith in Christ. Stay dependent on Him; only He is the true Source of Life.

The very first Christmas message wasnt preached by a pastor or prophet. It was sung by a multitude of angels: Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Pastor Andrew unpacks Luke 2:14 to reveal the true heart of Christmas: it begins with Gods glory, offers real peace through reconciliation with Him, and flows from Gods good will toward every sinner. In a season full of lights and gifts, dont miss the point! Christmas is heavens announcement that Jesus came to bring peace with God to anyone who will receive Him by faith. Glorify God this Christmas by sharing the only gift that brings lasting peace: Jesus Christ.

Christmas isnt about lights, gifts, or fleeting nostalgia. Its about the eternal plan of God to rescue sinners through Jesus Christ. Jay Nickels reminds us that before creation, God knew wed fall yet chose to send His Son anyway. The manger points to the Cross: Jesus left Heavens glory, was born in humility, and died willingly because of love no nail could force. Temporary happiness fades, but the true joy of Christmas is the unchanging peace and eternal life found only in the Savior. Dont let another season pass without pondering the heart of Christmas and sharing it with someone who needs real joy.

In the seventh beatitude, Jesus declares, Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. Pastor Andrew explains that true peacemakers are selfless, pursuing reconciliation even when it costs them. Peacemaking isnt avoiding conflict or compromising truth; its actively working for righteousness and peace together, even if it means being defrauded for the sake of unity. In a world full of strife, Christians should stand out by promoting the only lasting peace: the peace found in Christ alone.

The most important question youll ever ask isnt Do I go to church? or Was I baptized?. Its Is Christ in me? In 2 Corinthians 13:5, Paul urges the Corinthian church (and us) to examine ourselves: Prove your own selves. Know ye nothow that Jesus Christ is in you? Pastor Andrew explains that true faith isnt just learned religion or outward rituals. Its a living union with Christ that produces real fruit and transformation.

If youve grown up in church but cant point to a moment when Jesus became your personal Savior, dont wait! Settle it today. And if He is in you, let Him shape every part of your life.

In the sixth beatitude, Jesus flips religion upside-down: Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Pastor Andrew shows how the Pharisees obsessed over outward conduct while their hearts were full of hypocrisy and dead mens bones, which is exactly what God condemned in Isaiah 29:13 and Matthew 23. Purity of heart isnt perfection; its single-minded devotion to God instead of self. When the inside is clean, the outside follows. Stop performing for people and start guarding your heart because thats what God is looking at, and only the pure in heart truly see Him, enjoy His presence now, and will stand in His presence forever.

Christmas isnt just a holiday. Its the day God kept a 700-year-old promise and sent His Son at the perfect, acceptable time. Dr. Bryan Stensaas shows from Isaiah 49 and 2 Corinthians 6 how the Father heard Jesus plea to come and redeem lost mankind, then sent Him exactly when the world needed saving most. The Redeemer became flesh, despised by men yet honored by history itself. This Christmas is special because the same Jesus who came the first time is coming again. Dont let the season pass with only cookies and lights. Give the only gift that matters: the gospel of the One who was born to die and rise so we could live forever.