Every religion answers the same question differently: How do we get right with God? Abraham’s story reveals a shocking truth—righteousness doesn’t come from effort, obedience, or law, but from faith. So why does Christianity stand alone in how we approach God?

Judaism, Christianity, and Islam all trace their roots back to Abraham—but they don’t follow the same road forward. God made a promise to Abraham that shaped the world, yet how that promise is understood determines everything that comes next. If we share the same beginning, how did we get to three different endings?

Nothing feels worse than losing something valuable—and realizing no one’s helping you look. We don’t want to be that church. Nine years is worth celebrating—but protecting our posture and approach to Jesus’ mission makes the next nine matter.

We analyze, engineer, plan, schedule, manage, and predict—because control feels safe. But life has a way of reminding us we’re not running the universe. What if real peace isn’t found in gripping harder…but in trusting deeper?

This message was from our Volunteer Summit, which is our one time each year when our volunteers come together for a morning of fellowship, worship, and encouragement.

We live in a region overflowing with opportunity—promotions, pay raises, benefits, bonuses—and yet the more we get, the less satisfied we feel. The pull toward “just a little more” never stops. What if the problem isn’t what we don’t have…but what we’ve been looking to for enough?

What if the story of Christmas isn’t God pulling us out of darkness…but Him stepping into it? That’s Christmas. It’s us celebrating: God didn’t wait for the world to get it right. He stepped into the darkness and turned on the light.

From King David’s scandals to Lot’s daughters’ awkward moments, Jesus’ family tree is full of stories that would make anyone blush. God’s purposes aren’t stopped by human mess-ups— they’re propelled forward. What if God’s power is strongest in your weaknesses?

Rahab wasn’t Jewish. She was a Canaanite prostitute. And yet, she becomes one of the names in Jesus’ genealogy. God’s purposes don’t fail just because your story isn’t “acceptable.” What if your past is exactly what God wants to use for His glory?

Isaac may have been the son of promise, but he wasn’t immune to family dysfunction. Just like his dad, he fibbed his way through a tough spot. God still used him to move His story forward. What if God can use you even when you don’t get it right?