There are times in our lives when we feel all hope is gone and that all has been lost. In times like these we can easily become discouraged. But Jesus reminds us that for those who believe in Him, there is a very real and great hope that not only carries us through this life, but also into our eternal home where there is no more crying, or pain, or mourning of any kind. For the heart that holds on, we truly can rejoice in whatever circumstances we face. It is indeed very possible to shake off hopelessness.

When Robert Fulghum wrote “Everything I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten” he took the world by storm with his brevity and simplicity! This message imagines the disciples of Jesus writing a little book called “Everything I Really Need to Know I Learned from Jesus and a Boat”! It examines a few of the simple yet profound truths that form the essence of what it means to follow Christ.

Through chapter 23 of The Story we read about the beginning of Jesus' ministry, and more specifically we journey through the remarkable account of a sick friend who is lowered through a roof to Jesus' feet. What can we apply in our lives from how Jesus responds? What can we learn from this bravery and faith from the four friends?

While chapter 22 starts a new story in the grand narrative of God and his people, it is a continuation from the story (stories) we have read thus far. Yes, the context has changed and we have jumped forward 400 years from the end of Malachi, but it is still the same story. It has the same old characters: God, the Jews, and the land of Judah. But now a new character arrives on the scene: the Messiah, Jesus. And Jesus has come to bring light and life to everything: this is the heart of the good news. And our response? Stand in the light, reflect the light, carry the light.

55 Days into the new-year, and research tells us that 80% of North Americans have already given up on their New Years Resolution. In this day and age more than any other time in history it is a challenge to stay focused on #theonething. Especially with so many distractions; social media, technology and so many things competing for our attention, resources, time, and finances. From the pages of the book of Nehemiah we learn great lessons of how to tackle #theonething in our lives. Our Heavenly Father truly wants you and me not to overlook some of these fundamental things. Can you imagine if we would buckle down, focus on them and allow #theonething to become the focus of the next season of our lives? So that we could deal with it, move beyond it and become what God wants you to become!

Is the Books of Esther really about a Disney-like princess who starts as an orphan and then rises out of obscurity to become a national hero, or the honest tale of a broken and compromising woman just struggling to figure out life? And more importantly, what is God saying to us in the Book of Esther? This message explores these challenging questions and many more fascinating ways the Book of Esther continues to impact our world today!

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In Chapter 19 of the story, Pastor Jon walks us through the struggel of priorities in our walk with Jesus. What are the priorities, how do we often misorder these priorities, and how does that affect our walk with Christ?

The Books of Daniel, Ezekiel and Jeremiah form a powerful “Instruction Manual for Exiles!” Everyone eventually finds themselves shackled and dragged through the desert to a place of exile. But how are we supposed to live through that season of pain, disappointment, confusion and loss? Daniel and Jeremiah team up to provide some pretty inspirational advice on living in exile!