Our job as a church, our job is to knock down all the barriers, all the stumbling block that get in the way, and be as relevant as we can possibly be so that when people come in here, they find hope. Life’s not hopeless, you don’t have to give up and quit. You don’t have to be a quitter. No, we’re going to be as relevant as we can possibly be, so that people can come in here and bump into Jesus, so that Jesus can do what only Jesus can do in their lives.

The next step to a New You in the New Year is decide today, that you’re going to take a step of faith and use your time, talent and treasures to make a difference in the world for the glory of God. Join us by using what God has given you to create a space where lost and broken people can meet with Jesus and work out their stuff. Take a step of faith and join us in something bigger than yourself, and if you’ll take that step, Trust me, it’ll change your life.

Grace is a different kind of church, and understand we’re not perfect, we mess up all the time, but we will continue to pursue authentic, transparent community. As a church today, what if we decided that we’re going to lay down our sin and lay down our stones and say to each other, I got your back! Because the next step to a New You in the New Year is to realize that we’re all in this together, we need each other and success happens when we’re an authentic transparent community.

The Bible actually teaches when Jesus went to the cross and paid our debt, He paid it to the full. 100%. And the most important step to a New You in the New Year is now all we have to do is accept the gift, put our faith in Jesus alone as Savior. Because, never forget, Salvation is by Grace alone, through Christ alone.

Follow Jesus + Read the Bible = A Better Life.  The Bible provides us with a place, a foundation if you will to stand.  What will you be standing on when the trials of life happen. You see the 1st step to a New You in the New Year is will you decide to live under the authority of God’s Word?  Can we resolve right now as a community of people that this is where we’re going to stand?

Here’s the Christmas Story - God created us to have a relationship with Him. And even though we screwed it up…He still pursued us. He sacrificed everything, He knew what was going to happen to Jesus, and yet He sent His son to pay the penalty for our sin. Why? Why would He do that? And the only answer I can come up with is LOVE. “God loved us so much, He gave His Son, that whoever believes in Jesus will not perish but have eternal life.”

Life is too short, don’t oppose Jesus, don’t dismiss Him, bow down and worship Him with your life. One day every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that He is Lord, He is King, but today I want to encourage you to worship the King of Kings.

Jesus took our pain and bore our suffering. He was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.  He’s the suffering servant, the Lamb of God, and He alone is worthy of all of our praise.

Jesus is our High Priest, He’s our provider, He’s our comforter, He hurts like you hurt, He understands. No matter what you’re facing, cry out to Him. We do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, no, we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are, yet he did not sin. Jesus isn’t just some baby in a manger, He’s our great High Priest and He’s worthy of all of our praise.

Fear in the right context is a good thing. Knowing that we can “Fear” God because of how awesome He is really changes how we live. Mary proves that with her interaction with one of God’s messengers. Even though she doesn’t have all of the answers, she trusts the one whom her heart loves!