Pastor Justin McKennon- Life is full of questions—about relationships, decisions, identity, and direction. But Isaiah reminds us that Jesus is the Wonderful Counselor—our guide who not only understands our struggles but walks with us through them. His counsel is personal truth rooted in grace. As we begin our walk through the Advent season, we’re invited to bring our confusion, pain, and uncertainty to the One who listens, understands, and gently leads us home.

Paul pivots from politics to personal responsibility, reminding us that the Christian life is summed up in one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” It’s the only debt worth having. It’s a love that isn’t passive—it wakes us up, sobers us, and motivates us to live as marked by it’s purposes. This week’s message calls us to shed apathy, live with urgency, and let love be our defining trait in a watching world.

Pastor DJ Uithoven

Paul closes this section like a machine gun of holiness—rapid-fire instructions for radical love. Hate what is evil, cling to what is good, bless those who persecute you, live at peace, conquer evil with good. This isn’t a checklist—it’s the character of Christ. This message challenges us to let mercy move from theology to lifestyle, from belief to behavior.

In light of God’s mercy and grace, how should we live? Paul says: offer yourselves. Worship becomes a daily choice to lay our lives down and use our gifts for others. This message explores what it means to be transformed—not just informed. You were made to serve, shaped for purpose, and gifted to build up the Body.

God’s plan isn’t just bigger than we think—it’s better. Paul reveals a mystery: even in Israel’s stumbling, God is working a redemptive plot twist that ends in mercy. He weaves together disobedience and grace, rebellion and rescue, into a story that’s more beautiful than fair—it’s merciful. And instead of tying it up with a tidy explanation, Paul bursts into worship. This week’s message reminds us that we don’t have to solve the mystery to trust the One behind it. Even when we don’t understand the twists in the story, we can be confident that grace will have the final word.

God’s mercy doesn’t just restore—it expands. Paul uses the image of an olive tree to describe how Gentile believers are grafted into God’s story by grace. But there’s a warning too: don’t get cocky. Pride forgets the root. This week explores both the humility and the honor of being included in God’s family. We didn’t earn our place—but we do have a part to play.

Paul starts with a bold declaration: God has not rejected His people. Even when it looks like hope is gone, God always preserves a faithful remnant. Paul points to Elijah’s despair to show that even prophets get discouraged—but God’s promises stand. This message speaks to anyone who has ever felt forgotten or wondered if their story is over. God is still writing, still calling, still faithful.

Kristen Lunceford- Fear is loud. Doubt is ever-present. And negativity spreads fast. But God gives us tools to protect our minds and anchor our thoughts in truth. This week, we’ll look at how to build a peace-filled mindset, using scripture as a filter instead of fear as a forecast. You can’t always control what you hear—but you can choose what you hold on to.

Most of our stress comes from trying to control things we were never meant to. We worry, manipulate, and strive—hoping to guarantee an outcome. But control is an illusion, and peace is found in surrender. This week, we’ll talk about how letting go—of expectations, timelines, and outcomes—isn’t giving up, it’s trusting God more.

We’re tired—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually. And our exhausted state is causing our minds to run wild. This week, Jesus invites us to step out of the exhausting hustle and into His rhythm of grace. We’ll explore how choosing rest is actually an act of faith that leads to peace.