How will you show up for Christmas? In this holiday season, it can be easy to get caught up in the tree, the lights, the shopping, and the busyness that Christmas can bring. This past Sunday, Pastor Jeff encouraged us to show up for Christmas with the love of Jesus in our hearts. The gift we have been given in Christ Jesus is a gift of love that lives, that lights, and that lasts. He led us through 1 John 4:7-14 as we looked at what it means that God is love. Pastor Jeff used the acronym L-O-V-E to challenge us to love like Jesus by… being the LIGHT of the world, responding with OBEDIENCE to His Word, walking in VICTORY, and living in ETERNAL LIFE! We hope you find encouragement through this message as you prepare to show up for Christmas.

This past Sunday, we began our celebration of the Advent season by exploring a powerful section of the nativity story, focusing on Matthew 1:18-24. Pastor Jeff’s sermon centered on the example of Joseph, the adopted father of Jesus, and what it means to be a “just man” in the midst of unexpected and difficult circumstances—specifically, how Joseph responded to the news of Mary’s pregnancy with a child he did not conceive. The message was unpacked in three key areas: first, we reflected on how Joseph faced his inner turmoil. Rather than allowing his circumstances to define him, he chose to focus on God's will and trust in His plan. Second, we explored how Joseph demonstrated patience and discernment in decision-making, pausing to listen to God’s voice and guidance. Finally, we considered the moment when an angel appeared to Joseph in a dream. Despite the potential humiliation and frustration, Joseph obeyed immediately, choosing not to resist but to follow God's direction without delay. Through Joseph's example, we are reminded of the importance of faith, obedience, and trust in God's timing, even when life doesn’t unfold as we expect.

This past Sunday, we embarked on a journey through the book of 2 Peter, beginning with an insightful message from Pastor Jeff. He introduced us to the central theme of the book: "Add to your faith." This powerful concept became the lens through which we explored 2 Peter 1. Pastor Jeff reminded us that the knowledge we are encouraged to seek isn't the fleeting wisdom of this world, but a deeper, more transformative understanding—that Christ is the source of our salvation. Everything we receive, from grace to strength, flows not from our own efforts, but through the boundless power of God.With this truth in mind, Pastor Jeff urged us to live intentionally, striving to cultivate virtues like self-control, perseverance, and a deep, abiding love for one another. These qualities are not only vital for our personal growth, but they also serve to strengthen and enrich our faith, setting us ever more firmly on the path of righteousness.

This past Sunday, Rev. Dr. Buddy delivered a heartfelt message rooted in Isaiah 6, sharing his journey of healing from profound suffering. He spoke about how this transformative experience has compelled him to spread the Word of God. In the end, he challenged us to reflect on our own purpose as a community of the Spirit—not only to love God and follow His commandments but also to bear witness to His glory. His words served as a powerful reminder of our calling to engage deeply with our faith and share the light of His love with the world.

This past Sunday, Pastor Jeff delivered a compelling message from 1 Peter 3:17-18 about the significance of suffering, both right and wrong. He explained that wrongful suffering holds no eternal value, ultimately leading to death and disqualifying us from the blessings of suffering for doing good. He urged us to remain steadfast in our commitment to good deeds, even in the face of undeserved suffering, as this can bring glory to God. Additionally, he reminded us not to become so consumed by our current circumstances that we lose sight of our ultimate destination. By doing so, we have the opportunity to emulate Moses, choosing the eternal over the earthly.

This past Sunday, Pastor Jeff delivered a powerful message from 1 Peter 1:1-9, encouraging us to pursue Genuine Faith through Christ. He emphasized the importance of praising Him for what He has done, is doing, and will do in our lives each day. By glorifying Him through our daily actions and striving to live holy lives, we can reflect our commitment to Him. Finally, Pastor Jeff challenged us to honor Christ by placing Him at the center of our lives, elevating Him to the highest position in all that we do.

This past Sunday, Pastor Jeff delivered a powerful message from Numbers 23:13-20, focusing on how faith in God brings blessings into our lives and continues the work He has begun within us. He highlighted three key promises: First, faith in God offers salvation, rescuing us from Satan, sin, and self through Christ. Second, it guarantees fruitfulness, as our connection to God, like branches to a vine, ensures we produce good things in our lives. Third, it assures us that God will complete the work He has started in us, guiding us toward spiritual maturity through His sacrifice and grace. Pastor Jeff encouraged us to trust in God's faithfulness and remember that He is worthy of our praise and proclamation, celebrating His goodness and steadfast love.

This past Sunday, Pastor Jeff's sermon illuminated the profound message found in Isaiah 48:16-19. This passage reveals God's promise to teach us what is best, guiding us along the path of peace and prosperity if we follow His commands. Pastor Jeff explored how we can prepare ourselves to receive and act on God’s wisdom. He emphasized the importance of cultivating a teachable spirit that delights in His Word, actively listening to obey the Holy Spirit’s guidance as outlined by Jesus in John 14:6-7 and 16:13-15, and maintaining an attentive heart to find rest and renewal through the Lord, as encouraged in Matthew 11:28-30. The message called us to reflect on how we can better align ourselves with God’s teachings to fully experience His peace and blessings in our lives.

This week, Pastor Jeff delivered a powerful message from Deuteronomy 6:4-5, known as “The Shema”: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one. Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.” Pastor Jeff highlighted how we can draw strength from God in our daily lives. He encouraged us to deepen our connection with God through prayer and studying His Word, which helps us align with His will and gain spiritual resilience. He also reminded us that life’s tests are opportunities to lean on Christ’s strength rather than relying on our own. Finally, Pastor Jeff spoke about living as stewards rather than owners of our resources, emphasizing that true strength comes from surrendering our treasures to God and living with humility and purpose. Through these practices, we can find profound strength and grace in our walk with God.

This past week Pastor Jeff’s sermon was focused on Philemon 1:6 which reads, “that the sharing of your faith may become effective by the acknowledgement of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus.” (Phil 1:6 NKJV) He encouraged us to have confidence in who we are in Christ Jesus. To not look down on ourselves, to not let others look down on us and to ultimately let God determine our worth. Pastor Jeff’s message was a refreshing reminder that though culture, society and the thoughts of others try to shape how we view ourselves it is ultimately Jesus’ verdict that we are forgiven and live a new life in and through Him that really matters.