Weekend Service for November 30Scripture Readings: Luke 1:26-38All through Scripture, God keeps surprising us with who He uses and where He works. Joseph, sold into slavery, stayed true and God raised him up. David, just a shepherd boy, stepped into a giant moment with faith. Jesus gathered fishermen without status and taught them to reshape the world. That same pattern runs straight into Nazareth, a small, overlooked town where a young girl named Mary hears a word so big it could undo her life—and yet she says yes. The story of Jesus’ birth is the story of an unexpected King and the unexpected ways God moves.Luke shows us Mary’s fear and confusion and also her favor. Gabriel names a Kingdom that won’t end, and that Kingdom begins in a womb before it ever shows up on a throne. Mary asks honest questions, not to avoid God, but to understand enough to obey. The Holy Spirit overshadows, Elizabeth’s miracle confirms, and Mary’s simple reply—“I am the Lord’s servant”—opens the door to God’s plan in the world.This is our invitation too. God delights to begin great work in ordinary places and through ordinary people. It’s less about status and more about character, less about platform and more about presence. I felt that this week on Lyle Avenue, handing out meals and a pair of gloves on a cold morning. We weren’t the best chefs; we just showed up. Sometimes faith looks like opening your trunk and loving the person in front of you.Even in a backyard football game, I saw it again—a younger, smaller player who didn’t have the edge others had kept going, and at the right moment, he was ready. We don’t have to be the strongest or the most prepared; we just need to keep saying yes. Jesus didn’t arrive as a military hero removing all evil in a day. He came near, loved the overlooked, and asked ordinary people to walk with Him. As we enter this season, the question is simple: what can you say yes to today?[00:00] Welcome[00:39] The Unexpected King theme[01:28] God uses unlikely people: Joseph[02:45] David the shepherd and Goliath[04:13] Disciples: ordinary fishermen called[05:55] Reading Luke 1:26[07:40] Mary receives impossible news[08:22] Nazareth: ordinary place, extraordinary plan[12:31] Mary’s question: How can this be?[13:23] God’s plan and our obedience[16:02] Lyle Avenue outreach story[18:52] Mary’s yes and a willing heart[20:24] Turkey Bowl perseverance story[25:33] The King who came lowly[27:11] Closing prayer and Advent focus

Weekend Service for November 23Scripture Readings: Acts 4:23-31As we come to the close of our series on “What is the Real Church?”, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment—moving from a season of thanksgiving into the anticipation of Advent. Today, we look to Acts 4 and the early church’s response to persecution, drawing out what it means to be a people of prayer and power. The early believers, though lacking the resources and influence we often rely on today, turned the world upside down—not by their own strength, but by the power of Jesus and the presence of the Holy Spirit within them.When Peter and John were confronted and imprisoned for healing in Jesus’ name, their first response upon release was not to retreat or to strategize, but to gather with fellow believers and pray. Their prayer was not for safety or ease, but for boldness—to continue proclaiming Christ and to see God’s power at work through them. This is a striking contrast to the way we sometimes approach prayer, reducing it to a passive gesture or a last resort. The early church teaches us that prayer is the starting point, the wellspring of courage and action, not a substitute for it.Their prayer was not formulaic or detached; it was specific to their situation, rooted in relationship with God, and aligned with His will. They did not ask for their troubles to be removed, but for the strength to face them with faith and boldness. This is a model for us: to pray big, bold prayers that seek God’s purposes above our comfort, trusting that His Spirit empowers us to live and speak with courage.True boldness is not about being loud or brash, but about living unashamed of Jesus, even when it is costly. The real church is not a building or a program, but a people united in love, set apart by holiness, and sent into the world with the power of Christ. We are chosen—not because God needs us, but because He delights to use us, broken as we are, to accomplish more than we could ever imagine. As we enter this season, may we be people who turn first to prayer, who are filled with the Spirit, and who step out in boldness to show the world the love and power of Jesus.[00:00] Welcome[00:26] Introduction: Advent and Thanksgiving[01:11] The Early Church’s Challenge[01:36] Modern Reliance vs. Early Church Power[02:15] Acts 3 Recap: Healing the Beggar[02:44] Peter and John Arrested[03:58] Peter’s Spirit-Filled Response[05:04] The Disciples’ Response to Persecution[05:54] The Church Turns to Prayer[07:26] The Power and Limits of Prayer[09:02] Praying Beyond Formulas[10:18] Praying for Boldness, Not Comfort[12:16] Boldness Through the Holy Spirit[13:58] Boldness in Public Witness[16:12] The Real Church: United and Sent[18:10] Ephesians 3: Power from God[20:13] Living Out the Mission[21:33] Closing Prayer

Weekend Service for November 16Scripture Readings: Matthew 28:18-20 / Acts 1:8This week, the focus is on what it means to be sent as the real church. The call to “go and make disciples of all nations” is not just a command for a select few, but for every follower of Jesus. The early disciples themselves struggled to step outside their comfort zones, and we often do the same. Yet, God’s mission is not about dropping in to fix things or simply giving resources from a distance. True mission is about settling in, empowering others, and building relationships that point people to Jesus. The story of the school in Honduras, now run by Hondurans, is a testament to the power of equipping others rather than doing everything ourselves.Romans 10 reminds us that salvation is not about perfectly keeping the law, but about believing in Jesus and declaring Him as Lord. This message is for everyone—Jew and Gentile, near and far. But how can people believe if they have never heard? And how can they hear unless someone tells them? Each of us is sent to carry this message, not just through words, but through our lives and actions. Our mission field may be across the world or right in our own neighborhoods. The things we accumulate—houses, possessions, even our achievements—will not last. But the people we impact for Christ are eternal.It is easy to stay comfortable, to do what is familiar, but Jesus calls us to step out, to love those who are overlooked, and to be present where there is need. We are not called to do everything, but we are each called to do something. God sends us, empowers us by His Spirit, and gives us opportunities unique to our lives. Like Tim Tebow’s story illustrates, it is possible to run hard after personal goals and miss the greater purpose. The real race is to give everything we have to make Jesus known, trusting that even when not everyone responds, God is at work through every seed planted.Jesus was sent with compassion, sacrifice, and urgency, and He sends us in the same way. Our power does not come from ourselves, but from the Holy Spirit living within us. The real church knows the mission, carries the message, and steps out in faith, trusting God to use us wherever we are sent.[00:00] Welcome[00:29] The Great Commission: Sent to Go[01:10] Stories from Missions: Honduras and Africa[02:25] Empowering Local Leaders[03:46] Rethinking Missions: Beyond Donations[05:15] Why Does God Involve Us?[05:48] Romans 10: Salvation by Faith[08:24] The Chain of Belief: Sent, Go, Tell[10:06] The Real Church’s Message[12:00] Focusing on People Over Things[14:04] Stepping Out of Comfort Zones[15:54] Local Needs: Fatherlessness and Mentorship[17:35] Everyone Can Do Something[19:32] Tim Tebow: Platform and Purpose[22:55] Running the Race for Jesus[25:01] Not Everyone Will Respond[26:55] Jesus Sends Us as the Father Sent Him[30:14] Empowered by the Holy Spirit[32:38] The Real Church: Sent and Empowered[33:36] Closing Prayer

Weekend Service for November 9Scripture Readings: 1 Peter 2:9-12In a world that feels increasingly divided and chaotic, it’s easy to let the spirit of competition, comparison, and conflict seep into our lives—even into our churches. But God calls us to something radically different. Rather than focusing on our differences—be it denominational lines, personal struggles, or the circumstances that threaten to define us—we are invited to focus on what unites us: the mercy, grace, and calling of God. The real church is not about being better than others or having the “right” set of rules. It’s about being a people set apart, chosen by God, and reflecting His holiness in a world desperate for hope.We all have a choice in what we focus on. Life is full of disappointments, frustrations, and things beyond our control. Yet, just as we can choose to dwell on what’s broken, we can also choose to see God’s goodness, to remember His mercy, and to live out of that identity. God’s response to our failures is not condemnation, but grace. He doesn’t squash us like bugs when we fall short; instead, He invites us to live differently, to be a light in the darkness.Being set apart doesn’t mean being perfect or holier-than-thou. It means letting God’s Spirit shape us so that our lives look different from the world around us. Whether it’s in the way we treat others at work, the way we handle conflict, or the small acts of kindness we offer, we have daily opportunities to reflect Christ. Sometimes, it’s the simplest gestures—a held door, a kind word—that shine the brightest.Our identity is not in our achievements, possessions, or even our ability to keep every rule. It’s in being chosen by God, loved unconditionally, and called to be His royal priests. This world is not our permanent home; we are temporary residents, called to live honorably among our neighbors so that even those who don’t believe might see something different in us and give glory to God.Ultimately, the real church stands out not because it’s louder or flashier, but because it radiates peace, hope, humility, and holiness. We are called to let our good deeds shine—not for our own praise, but so that others might see God’s love through us. Every day is a new opportunity to choose to be set apart, to be a reflection of God’s heart, and to show the world a glimpse of His majesty.[00:00] Welcome[00:16] The World’s Division and the Church’s Purpose[00:42] Denominations and Focusing on Unity[01:20] Choosing What We Focus On[03:07] God’s Response to Human Failure[04:39] Living Differently: Set Apart for God[05:27] Reflecting God in Everyday Moments[06:10] Standing Out in the World[07:44] Practical Ways to Be Different[09:18] Reading 1 Peter 2: Our Identity[10:33] Chosen by God: What It Means[12:25] The Danger of Blending In[13:29] Being Light, Hope, and Peace[15:03] Holiness Is Not Self-Made[16:47] Why We’re Different: God’s Spirit[18:53] Temporary Residents: Living for Eternity[21:09] Living Honorably Among Neighbors[23:50] Consistency in Faith and Life[24:37] The Real Church Stands Out[25:44] Letting Good Deeds Shine[26:38] Prayer for a Set Apart Life

Weekend Service for November 2Scripture Readings: John 13/ 1 Corinthians 13 / 1 Thessalonians 4 / 1 John 3 / 2 John 1Who are you? This is the question that sits at the heart of following Jesus. It’s not just about what you believe, what you do, or the experiences you’ve had—though all of these have their place. The true mark of a Christian is found in character, in who you are when everyone is watching and when no one is. Jesus, at the Last Supper, didn’t give his disciples a list of doctrines or rituals to perform. Instead, he gave them a single, profound command: “Love one another.” This love is not sentimental or romantic, but a deep, sacrificial, and practical love that reflects the very heart of God.Throughout history, Christians have often been tempted to reduce faith to right beliefs or impressive experiences. We can become experts in doctrine, able to argue every point and recite every verse, but that alone does not reveal Christ to the world. Even Paul, with all his knowledge and debating skills, saw that most people were not changed by arguments alone. The world is not looking for people who can win debates or display religious credentials. The world is looking for people whose lives have been transformed—people who love in a way that is unmistakable and undeniable.Jesus’ command to love one another is the evidence that demands a verdict. It is the one thing that cannot be faked or manufactured. It is the one thing that reveals the reality of God to a watching world. The New Testament is filled with “one another” commands: honor one another, serve one another, forgive one another, bear with one another. These are not just suggestions, but the very fabric of Christian community. When we love in this way, we show who we truly are, and more importantly, we show who God truly is.In the end, it is not our doctrine, our actions, or our experiences that will matter most. It is our character—shaped by the love of Christ and expressed in love for others. This is how the world will know we are his disciples. This is the challenge and the invitation: to love one another, not because of who others are, but because of who we are in Christ.[00:00] Welcome[00:59] Four Aspects of Christian Identity[03:13] The Reality of the Last Supper[06:03] Judas, Betrayal, and the Human Heart[07:40] Glorifying God: What It Really Means[09:04] Jesus’ New Command: Love One Another[11:35] A Personal Journey of Faith[13:43] The Era of Right Belief and Apologetics[16:38] Paul in Athens: Arguments and Their Limits[22:36] What Really Proves You’re a Christian?[24:27] Experiences and Credentials: Not Enough[27:35] The Final Judgment: Character Revealed[30:15] The “One Another” Commands[34:53] The Evidence of Love[35:47] Living Among the World: The True Test[37:38] Prayer and Challenge to Love

Weekend Service for October 26Scripture Readings: 1 Corinthians 12:12-27The real church is not a building, but the people who gather together, each bringing their unique gifts, personalities, and experiences. Just as the human body is made up of many different parts, each with its own function, so too is the body of Christ. No part is insignificant, and every member is vital to the health and growth of the whole. Diversity is not a weakness but a strength, allowing us to accomplish far more together than we ever could alone. When we recognize and embrace our differences, we create a beautiful harmony, much like a symphony where every instrument plays its part.Unity in the body of Christ does not mean uniformity. We are not called to be identical, but to work together, supporting and uplifting one another. Some are gifted in teaching, others in serving, some in prayer, and others in acts of kindness or leadership. Each role is necessary, and when one part suffers or is missing, the whole body feels the impact. Just as a small bolt can hold up an entire structure, the seemingly smallest acts or gifts can be crucial to the life of the church.It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that only a few people are responsible for the work of the church, but this is not God’s design. The so-called “80-20 rule”—where 20% of the people do 80% of the work—should not define us. Instead, everyone is called to discover and use their gifts for the benefit of the whole. The church flourishes when each person invests themselves, not just in tasks, but in relationships and care for one another.Above all, Christ is the head of the body. He directs, empowers, and unites us. Our ideas and efforts must be submitted to Him, for it is only under His leadership that we find true unity and purpose. The challenge is to move beyond being passive participants and to actively engage, finding our place and contributing to the health and growth of the church. When each part does its work, the body becomes healthy, growing, and full of love.[00:00] Welcome[00:37] The Body and the Thyroid: Every Part Matters[02:15] The Human Body: Diversity and Function[03:41] Unity Is Not Sameness[05:03] Spiritual Gifts and Volunteering[05:50] Diversity in the Body of Christ[07:10] The Limits of One Person’s Efforts[08:34] Unique Gifts in the Church[10:03] The Symphony of Working Together[12:32] No Part Is Insignificant[13:52] The Hidden Strength of Small Parts[16:14] Harmony and Mutual Care[17:46] Different Gifts, One Body[19:49] When One Part Suffers[21:23] Christ as the Head of the Church[23:05] Unity in Essential Beliefs[24:02] The Call to Active Participation[25:05] Investing Your Gifts[25:46] Building the Church Together[26:34] Prayer for Unity and Purpose

Weekend Service for October 19Scripture Readings: Acts 2:42-47The early church, as described in Acts 2:42-47, was not about buildings, business models, or perfecting a formula for faith. Instead, it was a living, breathing community of people devoted to Jesus, to Scripture, to prayer, and to one another. The first followers of Christ didn’t have grand sanctuaries or elaborate programs; they gathered in homes, shared meals, prayed together, and supported each other through both joys and hardships. Their unity and devotion were not rooted in tradition or ritual, but in a shared hunger to know God and to live out the teachings of Jesus in real, tangible ways.Today, it’s easy to get distracted by the trappings of church life—worship styles, buildings, budgets, and programs. But the heart of the church is not found in these things. The real church is a community that is grounded in God’s Word, committed to prayer, and marked by generosity, hospitality, and authentic relationships. It’s not about cloning perfect Christians or building impressive institutions; it’s about being a people who get some things right and some things wrong, but who are united in their pursuit of Christ and their love for one another.True community happens when we move beyond Sunday mornings and into each other’s lives—sharing meals, praying for one another, and bearing each other’s burdens. Small groups and shared experiences deepen our sense of belonging and help us see that church is not a siloed business, but a family. When churches come together across denominational lines, as seen in the joint youth ministry, we catch a glimpse of the unity Jesus prayed for—a unity that transcends differences and focuses on building up Christ’s body.Our foundation must always be Jesus Christ, the cornerstone, and the truth of Scripture. The building, the programs, even the style of worship—these are secondary. What matters is that we are a living community, pushing each other to be more like Christ, and responding to God’s love with lives of worship, service, and generosity. The real church is not a place; it’s a people. It’s us, joined together by the Spirit, living out the mission of Jesus in our world.[00:00] Welcome[00:37] Reflecting on the Early Church[02:09] The Mission of Our Church[04:14] The Evolution of Our Community[05:34] Beyond Buildings: What Matters Most[07:05] Devotion to Teaching and Fellowship[09:06] Distractions and Spiritual Focus[11:21] The Power of Small Groups[12:44] Wrestling with Faith and Evidence[14:35] The Enduring Power of Christ[16:47] Foundations: Word, Prayer, and Worship[19:12] The Dangers of Siloed Church Life[20:54] Business Models vs. Mission[23:54] Unity Across Churches[27:19] Our True Foundation in Christ[28:50] Living as the Real Church[29:37] Prayer for a Living Community

Weekend Service for October 5Scripture Readings: Deuteronomy 6:6-9 / Psalm 19:14Every day, the words we choose shape the atmosphere of our homes and the hearts of those around us. God calls us to be true and pure, using words that empower and uplift, whether we are at home, at work, or alone with Him. Just as the soundtrack in a house sets the mood, the language we use creates the culture in which our families grow. The words we speak are a reflection of our hearts, and ultimately, of Christ at work within us. Psalm 19 reminds us that creation itself proclaims God’s glory without a sound, and that the instructions of the Lord revive the soul and bring joy to the heart. Our words, like God’s, should be life-giving, affirming, and rooted in truth.We have the privilege and responsibility to set the “soundtrack” of our homes. Our children mirror what they hear and see in us, and the legacy we leave is built day by day through the habits we form. Life-giving words are not just positive phrases, but affirmations of identity, reminders of God’s promises, and declarations of love and value. These words point our families toward Christ and help them understand that they are deeply loved and never alone. It takes intentionality and daily effort to build a culture of blessing and encouragement, but the impact is profound and lasting.Scripture calls us to pass on the truths of God to the next generation, not hiding His deeds but telling of His power and wonders. The legacy we build is not just for our children, but for generations yet unborn. In a world where many struggle with belonging and self-worth, we have the opportunity to be thermostats—those who set the spiritual climate—rather than mere thermometers who only reflect it. By choosing to speak life, we create an environment where Christ is at the center, and where our families can flourish in His love. The choice is ours: to focus on the negative, or to intentionally set our homes toward Christ, using words that give life and hope.[00:00] Welcome[00:23] The Power of Everyday Words[01:11] The Soundtrack of Your Home[02:21] Psalm 19: Words that Reflect God[03:29] God’s Instructions Revive the Soul[05:13] Seeing God’s Beauty in Creation[06:01] Our Children as Mirrors[07:11] Jesus at the Center of Our Words[08:01] Life-Giving Phrases for the Home[09:26] Blessings, Forgiveness, and Gratitude[10:21] Making Blessing a Habit[11:46] Choosing to Speak Life[12:16] The Legacy of Our Words[14:10] Passing Faith to the Next Generation[15:57] The Crisis of Belonging[17:00] Thermostat vs. Thermometer[18:36] Setting the Spiritual Climate[19:39] - Prayer and Commitment

Weekend Service for September 28Scripture Readings: Numbers 6:24-26 / Proverbs 16:24Words have the power to shape our lives, bringing either life or death, and the way we use them reflects the state of our hearts. As we consider the impact of our words, it’s important to move beyond simply choosing positive or negative language and instead intentionally speak blessing—over ourselves, our families, and our communities. This is not just a matter of wishing someone well or sending “good vibes,” but of invoking the promises of God, who alone is the true source of blessing. From the very beginning, God’s pattern has been to bless His people, even when they were undeserving, because we are made in His image and He delights in showing us favor.The ancient blessing from Numbers 6:24-26—“May the Lord bless you and protect you…”—reminds us that blessing is both a prayer and a declaration of God’s goodness, protection, and peace. It’s not a ritual reserved for special occasions, but something to be woven into the fabric of our daily lives. Whether it’s praying over our children, our spouses, our meals, or even the places we find ourselves, speaking blessing is a way of aligning our hearts with God’s heart and inviting His presence into every aspect of our lives.Changing our routines to make space for blessing can feel uncomfortable, but it’s in these intentional moments that our identity is shaped. Blessing is not a one-time event, but a habit that forms the core of who we are. When we consistently speak blessing, we not only remind ourselves of God’s faithfulness, but we also become conduits of His grace to those around us. Even in strained relationships or difficult circumstances, choosing to bless rather than curse transforms our perspective and opens the door for God’s peace and favor to flow.Ultimately, blessing is an act of surrender—acknowledging that every good thing comes from God and that we depend on Him for protection, provision, and peace. As we make blessing a daily practice, we participate in God’s ongoing work of renewal in our lives and in the world.[00:00] Welcome[01:00] Forgiveness and Facing the Past[01:54] Choosing Forgiveness and Freedom[03:47] The Blessing of Numbers 6:24[04:22] Blessing in Creation[05:28] The True Nature of Blessing[06:51] Ritual Blessings and Their Purpose[07:26] Seeking God’s Blessing[08:47] Blessing Our Communities[09:58] Choosing Blessing Over Positivity[10:54] Making Blessing a Daily Habit[13:25] Blessing as Identity[14:22] Blessing in Everyday Life[16:16] Blessing Our Children and Spouses[17:50] The Power of Written Blessings[18:55] Blessing as Strength and Provision[19:29] Serving the Lord Through Blessing[20:27] Embracing Discomfort for Blessing[21:09] Closing Prayer

Weekend Service for September 21Scripture Readings: Matthew 18:21-22 / Colossians 3:12-14Forgiveness is one of the most challenging commands Jesus gives us, yet it is central to the Christian life. Growing up in a Sicilian family, I saw firsthand how grudges can last for generations, often outliving the original offense. These grudges, rooted in pride and a sense of being wronged, end up hurting everyone involved. My own family experienced years of estrangement over a business dispute, only to realize—when faced with mortality—how empty and wasted those years of bitterness were. The reconciliation between my father and uncle, though late, was a powerful reminder that forgiveness is always possible, and that holding onto anger only robs us of precious time and peace.Jesus’ words in Luke 6 challenge us to love our enemies, to do good to those who hurt us, and to pray for those who mistreat us. This is not just a lofty ideal; it’s a command that cuts to the heart of our faith. It’s easy to love those who love us, but the real test is how we respond to those who have wronged us deeply. In my own life, especially through the journey of adoption, I have wrestled with anger and hatred toward those who have harmed my children. The pain and injustice are real, and forgiveness does not mean ignoring or excusing evil. But I have learned that holding onto unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die—it only destroys us from the inside.Scripture calls us to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving as the Lord forgave us. This is not a call to minimize our pain, but to bring it honestly before God, trusting that only He can bear the weight of our wounds. We are not better than those who have sinned against us; all of us are in need of grace. Jesus, even as He was being crucified, prayed for His enemies: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” If we call ourselves followers of Christ, we must look to Him as our example and source of strength.Forgiveness is not a one-time act, but a daily decision to lay down our right to judge and to trust God with justice and healing. It is a process that requires humility, prayer, and a constant focus on Jesus. When we forgive, we unlock the prison we have built for ourselves and step into the freedom and peace that Christ offers. The cross is the answer, and Jesus is waiting for us to lay our burdens down and experience the unity and love He desires for His people.[00:00] Welcome[00:18] Introduction and Family Background[01:26] The Weight of Grudges in Family[03:56] The Challenge of Forgiveness[05:38] C.S. Lewis on Forgiving Enemies[07:31] A Story of Reconciliation[08:39] Jesus’ Command to Love and Forgive[10:17] Wrestling with Anger in Adoption[12:55] The Struggle to Be “Good Christians”[13:38] The Pain of Injustice[15:06] The Cost of Unforgiveness[16:26] Unforgiveness as a Prison[18:35] Clothed in Compassion and Forgiveness[19:52] We Are All Barabbas[21:29] How Do We Forgive?[23:55] Looking to Jesus as Our Example[25:42] The Freedom of Forgiveness[27:07] Closing Prayer