Sermons | Local Church in Wabash, Indiana | Bachelor Creek

Our society increasingly longs for more control: We want more control of our work, schedule, diet, relationships, you name it. In the Christmas story, Herod exhibits a desire to control the events surrounding Jesus’ birth. He serves as a cautionary tale reminding us that the pursuit of control leads to emptiness and despair. Mary, though, shows us the fulfillment found in surrendering to God’s plan, the One who is in total control. Ultimately, Christmas is about giving up control, not gaining control.

If there’s one thing we almost all struggle with, it’s waiting. We don’t like waiting for food, waiting in traffic, waiting on people getting ready, or waiting for answers. We don’t wait well, but the Christmas story highlights several people in seasons of waiting. In this message, we will explore Zechariah, Elizabeth, and Mary to see how they waited and how we can capture that same spirit. To start we must answer two questions: "What are we waiting for?" and “How are we waiting?” Our response to these questions reveals where our priorities lie.

At Bachelor Creek, we are FOR Wabash and Beyond. The story of Jesus’ encounter with Zacchaeus teaches us to “See the Tree,” to see the unseen and pursue the outcast so that they can experience the transformative power of Jesus. Our call to make and grow disciples of Jesus compels us to engage and love our community, both locally and globally. Why? Because we are FOR what God is FOR, and God is FOR people, especially to unseen and overlooked!

At Bachelor Creek, we pursue excellence for God’s glory. Excellence isn't about extravagance or perfectionism but a mindset rooted in faithfulness, stewardship, and a heart devoted to God. Through biblical examples like Solomon in the Old Testament and Paul’s writings in the New Testament, the Bible encourages us to "Grip the Plow," diligently working, stewarding gifts, and maintaining consistency in character. Why? Because excellence honors God and inspires people in both the church and personal lives.

The church has a responsibility to pass the torch of faith and leadership to the next generation. Of all the activities a church engages in, perhaps nothing is more important than raising up the next generation, because we’re always one generation away from extinction. If we don’t pass on the stories of God’s love and faithfulness, who will? Psalm 78:4 instructs to “tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the Lord.” At Bachelor Creek, we are committed to following the biblical command to invest in the next generation for the glory of God!

Sacrificial giving lies at the center of God’s story. John 3:16 says that “God so loved the world that he GAVE.” At Bachelor Creek, our third core value is “We Give Sacrificially.” We give because He first gave all. Matthew 26:6-13 highlights the story of an extraordinary woman who poured out her most precious possession in an act of unwavering devotion. She “emptied the jar,” giving us a powerful image of what it looks like to give our time, talents, treasure—our very lives—for the glory of God.

The Bible warns us of the dangers of isolation. Contrary to the popular pursuit of independence, God has designed us to be interdependent. We are better together. At Bachelor Creek, our #2 core value is “We Connect Relationally.” When we connect with others in small groups and over meals, we find that our walk with Jesus grows. It’s smarter, safer, and more supportive than going at it alone.

In this brand new series “This is Us, we dive into our church’s core values, beginning with value #1: “We Stand on Biblical Truth.” In a world of constant change, we need an unchanging foundation. The Bible serves as the solid anchor for our lives. Join us as we unpack the significance of carrying the sword of the Spirit, exploring the power, guidance, and transformative potential of God's Word. Discover how Bachelor Creek is committed to upholding this foundational value by teaching, prioritizing, and living out the truth of the Bible.

The Gospel is not something to be kept to ourselves; it’s to be shared freely with others. For many Christians, sharing the Gospel is intimidating and overwhelming, but it shouldn’t be. We’ve made it more complicated than God ever intended. Sharing your faith is simply one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread. When you’re able to identify what made the Gospel good news to you then you can’t help but share that with others. As Paul instructs in Colossians 4:2–6, sharing the Gospel effectively means praying for open doors, making the most of your opportunities, and speaking clearly and graciously!

1 Peter 2:9–12 highlights the profound connection between our identity in Christ and our actions. Our new identity in Christ shapes our behavior, emphasizing that we don’t earn our identity; it is given to us. Because we’ve been made different, we’re called to live differently among unbelievers so that they can see the beauty of the Gospel and be transformed by its power. Are your actions pointing people to Jesus or away from Him?