Jesus launches into his ministry by offending his hometown crowd in Nazareth. How? By calling out their prejudices against outsiders. If we are to have the heart of God it must be shown in concern for all people, not just those like us.

Defining moments happen occasionally throughout our lifetime. These are the moments that force us to make a decision that will play a significant role in our future. Join us as we unpack one of Jesus' defining moments as he his tempted and tried in the wilderness.

We all struggle with who we are at our core—our Identity. Jesus figured this out at his baptism, when he received God’s take on who he is—specifically, “My son whom I love.” What would it mean if we put away the world’s narrative and rooted our identity in who God says we are? No more sizing ourselves up according to our position, our possessions and our pedigree. Not even our race, gender or sexual orientation. But God’s Word alone. That identity comes in our baptism and will stand up against the challenges we all face with who we are supposed to be.

Many of us have heard the story of John The Baptist, Jesus’ cousin. He was out in the wilderness on the banks of the Jordan River preaching a baptism of Repentance for the forgiveness of sins. What was going on then and what does it mean for us today? Join us as we take a look at the crazy cousin of Jesus.

Jesus once told a distracted Martha there is only One Thing Necessary, and her sister Mary had found it—listening to the words of Christ himself. In 2018 we are embarking on a year-long journey of getting to know Jesus, our One-Thing Focus, as we look at his example, his courage, his leadership, his compassion and all the things that made him the greatest man who ever lived. January finds us exploring his formative years: In the temple at 12, John’s ministry, Jesus’ baptism and temptation in the wilderness. This message explores Jesus questioning the rabbis in the temple when only 12, something which astonished everyone who heard him.

As we come to the end of the year we look back on all that has happened in 2017. There have been shocking tragedies and amazing accomplishments. Yet the birth of a baby is both an ending and a beginning. As the prophets Simeon and Anna have been waiting for this moment at the end of their lives, their words of blessing, hope and promise launch the world into a new order as Jesus takes center stage. Yet this birth will be the "fall and rise" of many. As we close out 2017 by remembering and by praising God, we look forward to a 2018 filled with God's faithfulness even if suffering, opposition and healing are a part of it.

Ever had news of something coming you were so excited about you couldn’t keep it to yourself even before it was a reality? Mary and Elizabeth, both expecting their firstborn sons, were filled with a JOY that characterizes God’s people, for we too await a Savior to be born. But we cannot contain our JOY! Despite our worries, grief or loneliness, God restores JOY when we turn our eyes to worship the King.

God isn’t hindered by our impossibilities. Today in part two of Worship The King, Mary is going to show us that if it is absolutely impossible for you, it’s just right for God.

When it came time to introduce Jesus Christ to the world, there was much preparation going on. God had been setting the stage for centuries, Zechariah and Elizabeth were ready in their lives, and John the Baptizer was going to be groomed to make the ultimate introduction. How are we making preparations to meet the King who is coming to change everything?