We all long for a reliable and loving father. Through Jesus, we gain access to an intimate relationship with God, where we can approach Him boldly as "Abba, Father," with trust, dependence, and confidence. The message challenges us to live as though our Everlasting Father has "got us."

In week two of this advent series of sermons, we dive into the meaning of Christmas through the lens of Isaiah 9 and the promise of Jesus as our Mighty God. At a time when we can feel ourselves buckling under the weight of the world, we remember that God sent a little baby who is also our Mighty God.

In week one of this advent series of sermons, we dive into the meaning of Christmas through the lens of Isaiah 9 and the promise of Jesus as our Wonderful Counselor. We'll learn how Christ’s wisdom and power bring rest to our weary souls, even amidst the chaos of the holiday season. Join us as we unpack the hope, joy, and light that God has already secured for us and learn how to take the next right step in following Him.

We are fiercely independent, but is that the best way to be? When God created the church, how was it meant to function? In Nehemiah 3, God shows us how his big plans are only possible when we step up, work side by side, and move forward as God’s people.

We all have standards set for our lives, but are we living up to the standards that God has set for us? Are we compromising, or are we forging ahead to do the tough thing but the right thing?

When life is crumbling around us, what do we do? Just as metal is forged by fire and the strikes of a hammer, our faith is made stronger in times of trial. But how? This sermon takes a look at the story of Nehemiah and the steps he takes to forge ahead, rise up, and build.

Have you ever had someone be an advocate for you? To have someone in your corner no matter what and to know that you’re not alone in whatever you’re going through is amazing! It helps you go from feeling unsure, frightened, or confused to having someone to lean on, confide in, and trust to see you through. What all of us would give for someone like that in our lives!

If there’s one thing that we all know for certain, it’s nothing lasts forever. That’s why, if we put all our time, effort, and love into things that fade away, we’re only going to be disappointed in the end. We’ll be left with nothing. The good news is that, as believers, we know that there is one thing that does not fade away. One thing that is real and true. One thing that will really last forever. That’s our relationship with God! As Christians, we’re called to live real lives based on the stuff that really lasts. Rather than put our energy into the temporary, God calls us to put our eyes on the eternal. (1 John 2:15-17)

So often our fears and worries are rooted in the what-ifs: What if I lose my job? What if no one likes me? What if I’m a bad parent and I’ve ruined my kids? And as we get overwhelmed by these what-ifs, the Shepherd sets a table for us amid the chaos. Why? What should we do about it?

You’ve probably heard the old saying, “You want to put your best foot forward.” In today’s world, this often looks like a perfect picture on Instagram, an effortless climb up a corporate ladder, or a well-mannered family. Of course, while none of these things are terrible, they’re not really the whole story. But there is one place we can go to find the one who wants to see it all— the good, the bad, and everything in between? God! God doesn’t just want to see the highlights of who we are; God doesn’t want our best foot forward. Instead, God wants to meet our authentic selves. His light in our lives can illuminate who we really are in Him. It can lead us to real lives lived as our real selves!