Anger is like a warning light on your dashboard - it alerts you to injustice, but what you do next makes all the difference. God asks us a powerful question when we're angry: Is it right for you to be angry? The answer might surprise you. Are you responding with vengeance or seeking healing?

Ever feel stuck in a place you never intended to be? God has a powerful question that can change everything: What are you doing here? It's not about shame - it's about invitation to something better. Sometimes the breakthrough we need starts with facing the hard questions instead of running from them.

In this sermon, Pastor Shane discusses the final component of the church's vision called 'Forge,' which is a relaunch of their small groups ministry with an emphasis on service. He explains that these small groups will be geographically located and focused on spiritual formation through discipleship and serving the local community. The pastor emphasizes that following Jesus requires letting go of things that divide us and putting Jesus above everything else, including political affiliations and personal comfort.

The ministry of Jesus was characterized by kindness, compassion, and grace rather than judgment or condemnation. Through encounters with both Nicodemus, a religious elite, and a socially ostracized Samaritan woman, Jesus demonstrated that his grace extends to everyone regardless of their background or status. Romans 2 reminds us that it is God's kindness, not fear of punishment, that leads people to repentance. Jesus built his ministry team with individuals who had fundamental disagreements, showing that unity in mission transcends differences. Today, Christians are called to follow this example by approaching others with kindness that draws them toward God rather than pushing them away with condemnation.

Pastor Shane introduces our core values summarized as Be, Belong, Become, and Bless. 'Be' focuses on recognizing ourselves as image bearers of God (Genesis 1:27), our true identity beyond what we do or how others define us. 'Belong' emphasizes that everyone has a place in God's family regardless of background or beliefs. 'Become' is about growing into who God created us to be rather than changing into something we're not. Finally, 'Bless' calls us to extend God's grace to others just as we've received it.

Charis + Forge Intro

Power intimidates, but influence transforms. Jesus could have ruled with an iron fist, yet chose the path of a servant—and changed the world forever. Every day, we choose between the crown (power) and the cross (influence). Which path are you taking today? #InfluenceBafflesPower

What if the path to real influence isn't gaining power but giving it up? Jesus rejected worldly kingdoms for something greater. Are you pursuing power or influence in your relationships? Discover how dying to self daily leads to the contentment, peace and joy Jesus intended for us. #InfluenceOverPower #FaithJourney

At the core of every human being is the image of God, a truth often obscured by our prejudices and limited perspectives. While we all need salvation, it's not just about fixing what's broken, but uncovering the divine image that has always been there. Our greatest hindrance to loving others well is how we view them through our personal filters. Jesus calls us to move beyond surface judgments and see the God-likeness in everyone, even those who differ from us. By embracing this truth about ourselves and others, we can love more authentically and have the influence God desires for His church.