On of the most beautiful parts of the gospel is its depth. Over the last three weeks we have plumbed some deep truths of this message and a lot of us have been challenged. This we week we will take a bit of a breath and discuss not only what the gospel call us to, but what it offers us. Jesus message changed everything and we will continue to discuss how it changes our outlook and priorities but today we discuss how it affects the fundamental reality of who we are.

No one wants to lead a life of futility. Whether you are a Christian or not, there is something intrinsic to humanity that makes us repel futility. So how do we know that the Gospel is making a difference in our lives? How do we really know that following Jesus is better than following something else. In the Parable of the Mustard Seed/Yeast Jesus shows us what success looks like in his Kingdom. He reorients and redefines what it means to find significance and success in

our lives and he ultimately shows us what qualifies someone for love.

Jesus doesn’t bring us a message that is just ok or a good idea. He steps into our world and brings us a message that is more valuable than anything this world has ever seen. Last week we laid the foundation for the Gospel and this week we begin to add bricks to that foundation. Through the Parable of the Field Jesus shows us that his Kingdom is worth anything and everything that we would sacrifice to get it. He shows us that his message is not meant to turn us into consumers or kings rather its meant to invite us in as participants and subjects of the Eternal King Jesus.

The Gospel is not meant to be an accessory to our daily living. The old way of life cannot accommodate the influx of the Gospel, a brand new way to live that not only affects our past and future, but life today.

What does it mean when we call Jesus "King?" If He is King, where or what is His Kingdom? And, what does it all mean for us? To kick the new year off, Pastor Heather walks us through Matthew 4 and explores the kingship and kingdom of Jesus.

Heather leads us through John 1, looking at the impact that the incarnation of Christ has on both the church and world-at-large.

Where does reconciliation and the restoration of power lead? In simple to justice. This is what the Biblical narrative is all about, wrong things being made right and then good. And this story climaxing in the advent of Jesus.

At the heart of the advent story is a story about power. A story specefically about Jesus redeeming and restoring power and inviting us into a new way that brings redemption and restoration.

Advent is a time of year when we retell the story of the incarnation. But, what makes this story significant for us now? What makes it more than fun songs and family time? In simple, reconciliation.

This week we take an unplanned break from our series to discuss the election and its implications for our church. On the heels of the election emotions, tensions, and opinions are everywhere we look. So what does the response of a Christian look like? Are we allowed to mourn? Is it ok if we feel relief? How do we even begin to love and serve the person who thinks and votes differently than we do?