Repentance and belief are not heavy burdens; they’re invitations into a life freed from guilt and empowered by God’s Spirit. The more we practice this turning and trusting, the more we reflect the Kingdom we’ve been talking about. "The Kingdom of God is at hand! Repent and believe the gospel!" This good news is as relevant today as it was 2,000 years ago. Will you let God reshape your mind and heart? Will you place your trust in Jesus? This is the entry way into true Kingdom Life!

Message from Missionary Terrance

Jesus doesn't simply say "don't worry, be happy…" Jesus redefines our priorities. Quit being torn in two, quite literally. Don't stress about lesser things, which pull your attention away from God's Kingdom. Trust your heavenly Father and He will care for your needs. What we learn on Sunday should be more than hypothetical, it should become our lived reality. Oh Holy Spirit, will you help us to truly seek first God's kingdom as we move through our everyday life.

Today I want to invite you to participate in the freedom, healing, and favor that Jesus proclaimed were available in His Kingdom. Will you co-labor with Him? Throughout this series we're going to look at the Kingdom themes of Justice, mercy, repentance, etc. and how to practically invite others to church. My challenge to you is will you pray about at least one friend, neighbor, etc. who you can invite to church? Begin to pray for that person that God will open their hearts and you will be ready when the right moment comes.

Message from Pastor Mark Ramsey

Every year, I like to take a look back at what we have gone through as a church and then turn our sights towards the future. I think it’s necessary to do that because as we go through something, we aren’t as aware of any changes that might be going on. Today, I want to take a look back over the last year and remember where we have been and how much God has moved us in 2024. I also want to take a peek at what I think God wants to do in 2025. As I look through all that God has done in 2024, I am blessed…and impressed…with all we have accomplished by His help. I am even more excited about our future.

The greatest "new thing" God ever did was wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger. Think about it - when God chose to enter our world in an unprecedented way, He didn't repeat the dramatic signs of Exodus. He didn't part waters or send plagues. Instead, He worked quietly, through an unwed mother, in an unremarkable town, during an inconvenient census. And most people missed it.

Today we're standing between Christmas and the new year and here's the beautiful truth: The God of Christmas is still the God of new things. The same God who brought life through a virgin's womb still brings life to dead situations. God's new things often start small — a stream in the desert, a baby in a manger. But they grow to change everything.

Are we willing, as was Mary, to forsake ourselves and join with God in realizing his Kingdom on this earth? She answered God with this song in spite of the hardship she would surely endure. She joined forces with God to bring redemption and salvation to this world. Will we answer that call? Can God count on us? Will we respond so willingly and graciously as did Mary? Let us be reminded of those things this Christmas season and each one that follows as we remember Mary’s Magnificat.

The scandal of Christian joy is that it often looks like foolishness to the world. John the Baptist found it in the wilderness. Jesus found it on the cross. The early church found it in persecution. And we find it not through getting, but through giving ourselves away.

When we’ve repented and been baptized, we will be ready for God’s salvation. “A voice of one calling in the desert, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all mankind will see God’s salvation.’” Salvation is what the Christmas story is all about. God enters the manger of Bethlehem in order to save God’s people from their sins. When we receive that grace, that peace, that love then we are empowered to live new lives. This Advent season we need to reflect on the entire Christ event. Christ came into the world to save us from the power of sin. The Messiah is coming. Repent and be baptized. Then you will surely see God’s salvation.