As we begin a new study through the Gospel of Matthew, we take a step back to see the big picture. Rather than jumping straight into individual passages, this overview will help frame Matthew's purpose, audience, and message so that we can more clearly understand who Jesus is and why He matters.

Matthew serves as a bridge between the Old and New Testaments, showing how Jesus fulfills God's promises to Israel and brings God's redemptive plan to completion. Written by Matthew—a former tax collector transformed by Jesus—the Gospel is aimed primarily at a Jewish audience, demonstrating that Jesus is not a new or foreign idea, but the long-awaited Messiah foretold in the Scriptures.

This overview reminds us that we cannot define Jesus on our own terms—we must let Scripture tell us who He is. By grounding our faith in the one true Gospel and the fulfillment found in Christ, we are invited to read Matthew with clarity, confidence, and worship - knowing that in Jesus all of God's purposes find their fulfillment.

In a world filled with confusion about identity, Jesus speaks with clarity and authority: "You are the salt of the earth… the light of the world." In this celebration, we explore Matthew 5:13–16 not as a list of goals to strive for, but as a declaration of who we, as God's people, already are in Christ. Our identity is not shaped by feelings, culture, nor is it up for debate - it is given to us by the Father.

Using the imagery of salt and light, we as believers are called to live distinct lives that, like salt, preserve what is good, resist compromise, and shine the light of Christ in this dark world. Salt loses its power when mixed with impurities, and light is useless when hidden—so followers of Jesus are challenged to remove what dulls their witness and to live faithfully in the world without becoming like it.

This is lived out through consistent obedience, holiness, love, and faithfulness in everyday life. Our good works are not meant to draw attention to ourselves, but to point others to the glory of God. As our benediction for the year ahead, Pastor Maiola invites us to embrace our God-given identity and live in such a way that the world may see, believe, and glorify the Father.

As the year comes to a close, Pastor Waxer invites us to reflect on what it means to finish well and stand firm in faith. Ephesians 6:10–18 calls us to stand firm by putting on the full armor of God. The life of the Christian is lived not in our own strength, but in the strength of the Lord. Each piece of the armor—the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, shoes of the gospel of peace, shield of faith, helmet of salvation, and sword of the Spirit—is unpacked as both protection and preparation for daily spiritual battles. Ephesians challenges us as believers to recognize the reality of spiritual warfare, to live guarded and intentional lives, and to rely on God's righteousness rather than our own. We are not only protected by God, but sent to love others, share the gospel, and live with eternity in view.

As the year ends and a new one begins, Pastor Waxer encourages us to take time for reflection, repentance, and renewal—letting God remove what no longer belongs, embracing our identity as children of God, and stepping forward equipped to live as salt and light in a dark world.

As we look ahead to the new year, Pastor Maiola looks back to remember our vision as a church. Rather than introducing a new vision, Maiola introduces The Four Pillars, basing them off of timeless Biblical principles, making them practical and portable for everyday life. Together, these four pillars unite the heart and vision here at One Love: living for God's glory, standing firm in the power of the Gospel, loving faithfully to disciple others, and being sent to make disciples in the world.

Why Christmas? Discover the answer to that question in Waxer's Christmas Eve message. Reading from Isaiah 7:14, this message explores the profound promise given to the world: Immanuel, God with us.

Spoken nearly 700 years before Jesus' birth, Isaiah's prophecy reveals that God's answer to fear was not strategy or strength, but His presence. Through the miracle of the virgin birth, God stepped directly into human history, declaring that salvation would come not by human effort, but by divine intervention.

Through Mary's faith and obedience, we are reminded that God's promises often come before understanding, and that blessing flows from belief in His promises. Before Jesus preached or performed miracles, His very presence proclaimed the gospel—God is not distant, but near, present, and faithful.

Christmas is the assurance that God keeps His promises, that He is with us in every season, and that Jesus came not merely to improve our lives, but to make it possible for us to be with Him now and forever.

In Luke 2, the birth of Jesus unfolds against the backdrop of empire, power, and divine promise. As Caesar Augustus issues a decree meant to display his authority, God sovereignly fulfills His own—bringing the true King into the world through humility, obedience, and grace.

This sermon traces the contrast between earthly power and heavenly kingship, showing how God orchestrates history to keep every promise He has made. From Joseph's righteousness and Mary's quiet faith, to a Savior laid in a manger and announced first to shepherds, we see that God's purposes are not hindered by obscurity or suffering.

Jesus is revealed as the true Son of God, the greater Savior, and the Prince of Peace—bringing peace not through dominance, but through the giving of His own life. The good news announced to the shepherds is still good news for us today: God is faithful, His promises are sure, and this Savior in the humble manger has been born for you.

As we journey through Advent, Luke 1:26–55 invites us to wait with hope for our faithful God. Through the angel's announcement to Mary and her humble response, we are reminded that God keeps His promises and enters our brokenness with both power and mercy. Mary's response and heart of worship points us to a Savior who sees the lowly, lifts the humble, and brings hope to the weary. In a season that can hold both joy and sorrow, Maiola's message calls us to trust God's character, believe His Word, and to fix our hearts on Jesus—the promised King who has come and will come for us again.

This advent series, reflect on God's deep love for you that would motivate Him to send His Son, Jesus, to die on the cross to save you from your sins. Galatians 4:4-7 reminds us that God chose us and now calls us His sons and daughters, all because of what He did for us. This Christmas season, be encouraged that God Himself came to earth on a rescue mission to save us and redeem us.

As we conclude our series on Hebrews 11, we are encouraged as believers to continue to run the race set before us. It's important to remain strong in our faith, especially during tough times. As a church, we are to encourage one another to press on, to fix our eyes on Jesus, and to run.

Hebrews 11:32-38 highlights the duality of facing troubles while expecting victory through Christ, referencing biblical figures who exemplified true faith. It calls for passionate living and addressing complacency all while encouraging believers to deepen their trust in God.