We believe in the next generation.  Not only do we believe in seeing students becoming fully devoted followers of Christ but also that they contribute to the Kingdom of God moving forward today.  Today, we had the opportunity to hear from students and leaders about how they see this generation and the difference they can make.

Too often in life and even in our relationship with God, we want to take control and direction of our lives.  We place our faith in God then begin deciding for ourselves the best course of action.  We miss one the biggest blessings, that is the Holy Spirit's guidance of our lives.  Join us as we break down what that looks like on a practical day-to-day level.

In our relationship with God, we are either moving closer or farther away.  In times when we are moving away from Him, we no longer have a firm foundation allowing us to be more vulnerable in our lives.  However, fully devoted followers of Christ don't settle for prolonged times of distance from God but practice certain habits to stay close.

To accomplish everything God has for our church, not only do we need to be a family but also an army.  Paul tells us in Ephesians that we don't war against flesh and blood but against spiritual powers.  We do our part by being a church that faithfully makes disciples.

How is your vision? Is it blurry or do you see clearly the way of Jesus and which direction you should go? What about your vision for your family and for your church?    Pastor Brandon talked this week about us having a picture for our future and how to begin to see our life from God’sviewpoint. We were also challenged to settle what needs to be settled for personal vision, as well as for service and ministry in the church.

We know the Bible tells us clearly to work hard and live our lives in a way that glorifies God.  However, in a world where achievements and good deeds often put us in a position of fame and notoriety, our relationship with God can easily become one based on our own effort and works.  Jesus calls out this very issue with the Pharisees in Matthew 23.  In the Kingdom of God, the great are those who serve and give their lives for other people to God's glory.

The end times can have many feelings associated with it.  Some people have fear of the end.  Others may not take it seriously.  Jesus did neither.  We must see how He prepared His disciples for the end and apply those principles to our own.

In Matthew 5:43-48, we find some of the most difficult words to follow that were spoken by Jesus when He teaches to love our enemies. Going against our natural inclination, He tells us to love our enemies and not only love them, but to also pray for them! It is easy to sometimes add or take away from Scripture to suit what we want it to say, but God’s Word is clear here.

God has designed each and every person in a unique way.  All of us have certain gifts, talents, and abilities.  As we walk with God, we learn how best to use them, not for our own gain, but for the kingdom of God.  Even in seasons of waiting, we develop and utilize what God has given us as we wait for Him to lead and guide us.

Jesus had just been baptized by John the Baptist. Following His baptism, those present heard from Heaven these words “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased...” Jesus was in a good place, but immediately to follow, He was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. Just like Jesus, sometimes you will follow the Spirit into a place that doesn’t feel like the promised land. But keep trusting and following Him. He’s walked through it Himself and will lead you through it (Psalm 23:4)!  After a 40 day fast, Satan came and tempted Him. Like Jesus, we all face temptation. From this story during the life of Jesus, we learned some ways we are tempted and how to follow Jesus’ example.