This week we'll discover what could be considered a key verse in Galatians as Paul explains, "I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me" (2:20). What does it mean to be crucified with Christ? How are we no longer living, but Christ is living in us? What does it look like to live by faith? We'll tackle this and other truths as we continue our journey through Galatians!

As we launch into chapter 2, Paul continues to vehemently contend for the gospel of grace alone through faith alone, in Christ alone. We'll see how he highlights the beauty of the gospel and then explore the incredible implications for the times when we have absolutely blown it through our sin and disobedience. For those times of sorrow and regret, the gospel of grace gives us the right to pass out of darkness and live in the light!

To begin this letter, Paul has been addressing the distortion of the gospel. As he continues, he'll be highlighting the true gospel's divine origin and power to change a life (his own, for instance). We'll have the opportunity to hear Paul's own story about how the gospel radically transformed his life and how that transformation brought God much glory!

In the early years after Jesus' earthly ministry, his followers faced huge challenges to their faith. Rampant persecution. Widespread confusion and even conflict about how this diverse family of believers (Jew/Gentile, slave/free, male/female) should relate to the Jewish roots of their faith. Paul wrote to the churches of Galatia to remind them of the one true gospel: being right with God is through faith alone in Christ alone. He celebrated the beauty of this good news and the freedom it brings – freedom with a purpose! Today we, too, need to remind ourselves that Jesus + anything = a false gospel. Join in as we delight in the beauty of the True Gospel and experience the freedom and transformation it brings.

In John 17 we get a glimpse into the heart of Jesus as he prays to the Father for us. What does he pray? What does it tell us about God? How can it change us?

As we continue our brief year-opening series called "Back to Basics," we'll seek to open our eyes to an insidious threat to every person and group of people. It's the original threat to humanity and it plays itself out practically in a myriad of ways each and every day. Join us as we identify it and seek to bring it under the rule of Jesus Christ!

It's a wise practice in the shifting of time to reflect on where we've been (as we did last week with God Stories at the end of 2025) and set our minds and hearts on how we'd like to grow. At the beginning of this new year, we're taking three weeks to remind ourselves of truths that can help us seek and set our minds on things above - not on earthly things. These are three messages that seem significant for us at NP Berean as we seek to faithfully follow Jesus in 2026.

As we conclude 2025 with our final Sunday Gathering, we'll be first looking at Psalm 96 which calls us to Declare/Ascribe/Tell of God's greatness. After being reminded of that truth, we'll open the microphone for the body to testify to God's greatness through "God Stories."

For most of us, the Christmas story isn't new. In fact, we've likely heard it so many times that it’s easy to forget how good this news truly is. Luke 2 isn’t just a historical account, it’s life-changing news for anyone, anywhere! As we revisit this passage, in preparation for Christmas, may God give us fresh eyes to see how truly great this news really is, and what that means for our lives today.