If you've ever wondered when you will reach "peak" faith in Jesus, the answer is—never! The faith journey of a Jesus-follower is one of consistent, focused efforts. An athlete doesn't win the gold medal without training, and you can't effectively grow your relationship with God if you're sitting on the sidelines. Get in the game!

How can we honor the history of our nation without overlooking the faults of its ancestors?

For all its greatness, America certainly has had its share of problematic policies and leaders. Sin affects everyone, even our heroes. Romans 3:23 notes, "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." But that doesn't mean we are beyond redemption! In a provocative and timely message for the July 4th holiday, Pastor Jim addresses a very modern topic through the story of a greatly admired, though all too human, historic figure — George Washington.

Mother Teresa is world-renowned for her charity work. Her intense dedication to the poor and marginalized was a result of her deep faith. From her example, we can find ways that faith and real life intersect for the benefit of others. Come and learn from this inspiring woman how you too can greatly impact the world with simple acts of love.

What does love require of me when I face injustice in the world? How did Jesus defeat evil? Through the example of Jackie Robinson, Pastor Jim will teach on how a Jesus follower will want to respond to issues of racial divides and inequity in our society.

Perhaps one of the most moving stories we'll look at in the Biography series is that of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Bonhoeffer was a real-life superhero who tried to take down Hitler and lost his life as a result. But there is inspiration to be found in his story, and Pastor Chuck will explain why Bonhoeffer is to be celebrated for his faith — not pitied for his death.

Meet Susanna Wesley, the would-be "19 Kids and Counting" star of the early 18th century (if reality t.v. was a thing back then). This mom had (you guessed it) 19 kids. As was the case back then, many of them died in infancy. Her life was not an easy one, but her faith was constant and her influence on the faith of her children was particularly profound and still reverberates today.

Have you ever stood for something you believed in and suffered ridicule as a result? Eric Liddell did. He was favored to win a gold medal in the Olympics, but his conviction not to compete on a Sunday left his country stunned and angry. He gave up earthly glory to obey God. Join us in worship to hear this compelling story of courage and confidence in the face of intense opposition.

You've likely heard of Joan of Arc, but do you know her story? It's one of faith, determination, and unwavering trust and devotion to God. The courage with which Joan acts when she receives messages from God through visions and voices has implications for our faith today. We know God's will for our lives, but do we always live up to it? How can following Joan's example better prepare us for a life more fully devoted to our Savior?

Do you ever give much thought to how God sees you? In His eyes, you're a person to be loved — it's our intrinsic value as beings made in God's image. Pastor Chuck Schlie begins our new worship series Biography with a look at the historical figure Pope John Paul II and the mark he left on our world. There was something in JPII that drew others to him—and to Jesus—that Pastor Chuck explores in this message.

In this final message from our series on prayer, we're getting more personal with Jesus and answering the question, What did Jesus Pray For? Our Savior had very specific plans for His mission, His friends, and His disciples (and that included us). On Sunday, learn what and who Jesus prayed for when He was in conversation with His Father before His crucifixion.