If Jesus was sinless...why was He baptized? What does that mean for me and my life? And why do Christ followers get baptized anyway?

John the Baptist had a unique life, and a special calling. He was called and equipped, by God, to Love Jesus, Serve People and Build Community. We too, are called to that same high calling.

How do we apply the book of Jonah to our lives? What does the 4th chapter teach us about Jonah, Jesus and ourselves?

Jonah finally makes it to Nineveh...though he is now hairless, and albino due to his time in the whale. He preaches and the people repent. A faithful testimony can help lead people to Christ. How will you be faithful with your testimony?

Does God hear you when you are running away from Him? Does He love you when you are sinning? Is there anything that is too great for God to overcome in your life? Jonah teaches us some valuable lessons on just how much God loves you...

Who in the boat had a greater faith - Jonah, the prophet of God, or the sailors, who had never heard of God? God can work at any time, through anyone, and soften hearts of stone!

What happens when following God's will makes you uncomfortable? Will you flee (like Jonah) or obey (like Jesus)? Like Jonah and Jesus - you are sent to the people you are with! Every person has 8-15 people they interact with regularly...your community. Pray for them. Engage them. Serve them.

Jesus lived a life that was "All In." He was all in the world, it's sin and mess, all in our lives, all in God's will, and all in the flesh. Christ followers are called to take up thier cross and live "all in' as well. Paul calls this Straining for the Goal....how will you strain to be ALL IN this new year?

We often think of the manger as the only gift from God at Christmas...but the reality is that God is a generous father who loves us (His children) and lavishes us with good gifts.

We live in a world that teaches us to covet what we don't have. What we don't need is more stuff....what we do need is Contentment that comes from Christ.