Tab Missionary, Pete Johnson updates us on his ministry at Rancho El Camino in Mexico and speaks on “The Big Picture of Acts.”

There’s nothing like the local church. When it is working right, church is nothing short of transformational.

Christmas, for most of us, is crazy.

The endless cycle of shopping, programs, events, parties, wrapping, and baking goodies keeps us constantly on the go as the 25th draws near. More seriously, some of us have to face crisis and hurt at a time when our friends are focused on hope, joy, love, and peace.

As Christians, we’re supposed to celebrate the reality of the incarnation each year at Christmas, that somehow God steps into our world at the birth of Jesus. The truth of Christmas speaks of the depth of God’s love for us - that God willingly leaves his home to live among us.

As refugees in this world, will we submit to the demands of the pressures and trappings of Christmas or experience joy, and know the true hope we were created for?

Last Sunday, we discussed that Jesus himself was a refugee. In this message, we’ll discover that his followers are too. Knowing that we are refugees will influence our attitude and actions.

There are plenty of refugee stories in Scripture. The first refugees mentioned are Adam and Eve as they are forced from the Garden. Then, there are the ones God sends out from the tower of Babel. And then there is the nation of Israel fleeing from Egypt. The story of Ruth is a refugee story.

Yes, there are plenty of refugee stories in Scripture. But the biggest and grandest story is that of our Lord, who not only had to flee Bethlehem, but who exchanged heaven for earth. This refugee story changed all of humanity and creation forever.

In this message we’re reminded of what Jesus the refugee suffered, endured, and accomplished as heaven’s refugee.

This Sunday, I refuse to preach.

I’ll be in the pulpit and I’ll be directing our reflection on God’s Word, but I’ll also be hosting a time of praise and thanksgiving where you will be given an opportunity to come up and thank God for his blessings.

There’s nothing like bragging on our Lord. And although there will be no pressure to share, you will be given the opportunity. So be thinking about how you can honor your God by testifying to his greatness.

Pastor Kenny

In this message Ed Haywood, pastor of the Urban Community Church of Norfolk, joins us as we finish up our current series, Mission imPOSSIBLE. This mission began with the apostles and continues as your mission… should you choose to accept it.

We’ve all seen the claims. We’ve all heard the stories. Another religious leader telling us how God used them to perform a miracle. Are these guys for real? What are we to make of them?

Since childhood we have learned about the waters that were parted, a man being swallowed by fish, dead people being raised to life, and the blind being made to see. That might make for good Bible stories but what about life today? Are miracles part of our current experience? Should they be? It seems like we all ask for them. But is it right to expect them?

In this message, we will look at Paul and Barnabas’ miracle experience at Lystra and we will use this narrative to help us understand miracles a bit better which in return, will help us know their place in our lives.

Why not read Acts 14:8-20 in preparation for listening?

There are few things that excite me more than when someone responds positively to the good news found in Jesus. I’m frustrated when this is not the case.

We tell others about the hope we have found in him and they often respond by staring back at us with blank looks, redirecting the conversation, or replying “good for you.” In other words, they aren’t interested in what you are sharing.

Over time, these kinds of responses can lessen our desire to share Jesus with others. We figure that they probably aren’t interested anyway.

In this message, I’d like to discuss a strategy with you that I believe will keep you focused on sharing the gospel and keep you from wanting to give up. Please read Acts 14:1-7 to get ready.

We are captivated by stories. The deeper the storylines and the richer the words are, the more they draw us in.

What about the story that God as Author and Creator is trying to tell us? This Sunday, we’ll examine Acts 13:13-52 as we seek to better understand that God is telling a story throughout human history. We have a part to play both individually as well as a church family in this story.

Some of us are living out story lines that are leaving us dissatisfied. What if God is revealing to us a new script, a new story line that brings us more life, purpose and meaning?

Enjoy this message as we explore this idea together!