Dr. Jack Peebles | The story of Mary is one that is both inspiring and instructive. Mary, knowing that she faced potential ridicule in the short-term, chose simple obedience and participation in God's four-chapter Gospel of CREATION-FALL-REDEMPTION-RESTORATION. Although we don't quite have the responsibility of Mary as the mother of the Savior, God still invites us into this narrative, and each of us has a part  to play. As we prepare for Christmas, how might we better live into the narrative through simple obedience as God sends us into our community and the world? Luke 1:26-55

Dr. David Swanson | Matthew is the only gospel writer who includes this violent, harrowing account of Jesus flight from Herod. He was in a position of weakness, not power, and that continues to be the nature of how he comes in the world.  He comes to the broken.  But the broken are the very ones He uses to change the world. Matthew 2:1-8

Dr. David Swanson | We often skip over the genealogy in Matthew, but it is full of hidden treasure:  Christmas is not a fairy tale, but human history, that informs how we see God, how we see ourselves and how we learn to rest in the Savior King. Matthew 1:1, 3, 5, 6, 16, 17

Dr. David Swanson | We come to the season of Thanksgiving, and our response to our abundance should always be our generosity.  Proverbs tell us how.  We give "freely" which means "to scatter."  When we give, we throw it out in abundance and without measurement, and we don't hold on to it.  We let it go.  when we do, we get a return, but it is different that what we sowed.  This was the manner of Jesus' generous love. Proverbs 11:24

Dr. David Swanson | The missional church is one that is a true reflection of the nature and character of God, therefore, the last quality must be one of diversity.  As we move into the world to form relationships, we do that with a grasp of the nature of God's Kingdom from every tongue, tribe, people and nation. Rev 7:9-10

Dr. Jack Peebles | The missional church centers its life on worship. We often think of “worship” as something done for an hour (or a few minutes more!) on Sunday mornings. While corporate worship is foundational to our lives as Christians, the worship of God is carried forth into our rhythms of life. Worship on Sunday mornings entails a twofold experience with God: It affords us the opportunity to give ourselves to God, offering our thanks, praise, and gifts. It is also distinctly formational as God assures us of His forgiveness, equips and edifies us, and prepares us to be SENT out into the community and world. Colossians 3:12-17

Dr. David Swanson | Missional churches have ministries that are grounded in the laity.  The ministers and paid leaders equip the laity to go out and do the ministry.  Ephesians 4:11-13

Dr. David Swanson | Jesus reminded us often that His Kingdom was not the same as the earth's Kingdom.  We function differently, and that is on full display when we seek to serve others rather than to be served.  It is the history of the Christian Church. Philippians 2:1-4

Dr. David Swanson | Jesus attracted people.  They flocked to him because they felt embraced and loved and welcomed.  The Church should be the same.  When the sinners arrive, are we ready to embrace them? 1 Peter 4:8-9

Dr. David Swanson | Life in the church is certainly about learning and growing our minds in regard to God and the faith, but if that's where it stops, we have missed it.  We should have an expectation that we are constantly being encountered by God and changed for His glory. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18