This weekend we celebrated new life with baptisms and a quick look at our Life-Works program. We also began a journey learning about the course of the end of history. Eschatology the part of theology concerned with death, judgment, and the final destiny of the soul and of humankind. We get the word from the Greek “eskhatos” meaning last. Eschatology is the study of what comes last in history, and we start a series on what the Bible tells about the last things. God is the God of history and he’s written you into the script.

At times the journey of motherhood (and life, in general) will take us to unexpected places with unexpected pain. We traveled back to Genesis to highlight the story of Hagar, a foreigner, slave, and a soon-to-be mother, running from a messy situation and alone in the desert until God showed up in the middle of her mess. The heart of Hagar’s encounter with God left her refreshed and convinced that there is truly a 'God Who Sees Me' in every place she would journey. He is a God of mercy and kindness who hears and sees us and understands our pain. When we allow Him to refresh us, we can find the strength and peace through those unexpected places.

Good Morning Living Hope Heroes! This weekend we looked to grow into his likeness more and more. We finished our series looking at what it takes to be a person of peace. Jesus gives us great instruction from John 15 regarding multiplication with our lives. God calls us to himself, then he plants the seed into our hearts, and good soil multiplies if we stay connected to the vine.

This weekend, we celebrated the life that God has given to us through the resurrection of his Son Jesus Christ. Through our dramatic presentation called, “The Death of God.” We looked at what happens when a culture abandons God and tries to eliminate him from society. When we kill God, we kill life. We kill ultimate meaning, love, and goodness. God has loved us and has freed us from our sins through his sacrifice and made it possible for us to be adopted into his family. God did die, but he’s not dead. He was raised to life again, for his glory and our hope.

This week we continued our journey through Nehemiah learning from his life and leadership. We have gleaned the power of passion worked out in prayer, fasting, and service. We explored the power of transcendence - the power to reach beyond ourselves even in the mundane things of life. God is able to take the bricks and mortar of life and make them eternally significant. Not every day is glamorous. But God can bring majesty to the mundane through the power of worship.

Yesterday we continued our journey through Nehemiah. Nehemiah was a man God tapped to be a hero for his generation. What did God see in him? What made Nehemiah a success? How did Nehemiah yield his life to God’s dreams? These are questions we all need to ask. We are on the planet because God wants us here. If we are here because God wants us here, we should ask ourselves why? Where do we fit into God’s story? We explored these themes and more.

Yesterday we launched into our journey through the life and leadership of Nehemiah. Nehemiah's heart was burdened for the plight of his people. The wall of Jerusalem was broken and the people of the city were vulnerable. When he had first heard the news, his heart turned toward prayer and fasting. As he prayed, he revealed how important a consecrated, holy life is to God. God exiled the people because they had not lived up to God's standards. Today, the adopted family of God is called to live free and according to God's family values. We explored these themes.

Yesterday, we launched our 40 day fast by welcoming Josh Wellborn as our guest speaker. Josh has recently been hired to lead the National Youth Department for the Assemblies of God. He will be with us at tonight's special service to emphasize the empowerment of the Holy Spirit for every believer. Please come out at 6 pm to seek God for our world.

Good morning Living Hope Heroes! This weekend, we looked at our lives and our role in our generation to be light and hope to the world. We are preparing our hearts for the forty day fast beginning next week. God has called us to take our place fighting for hope and truth in our generation. In this changing world, it becomes important that our lives are anchored in the unchanging truth and character of God.

This weekend we celebrated the new year by participating in two of the church's sacraments: baptism and communion, as we looked at the first communion and at what many call the last supper. This ceremony connects us to the transcendent Creator and his plan for us. In this account, we find a betrayal, a blessing, a bond, and a banquet. Let us lift our hearts and lives to our Lord today.