We will be taking a look at Paul’s teaching in Ephesians 5 where we see that Christ’s sacrificial love forms the foundation of Christian marriage – a radical concept in the first century – and in the 21st century.

In his letter to the Ephesians, Paul pauses twice to pray—not for changed circumstances, but for deeper understanding and inner strength. These prayers reveal what Paul longs for believers to know, experience, and become. This message explores how prayer shapes the church from the inside out, anchoring us in God’s power, love, and purpose.

The Apostle Paul reminds us that prayer is not something we generate on our own—it begins with the Holy Spirit living within us. The Spirit draws us toward God, crying out, “Abba, Father,” and even prays on our behalf when words fail us. In this message, we’ll discover how the Spirit shapes, strengthens, and sustains our prayers, inviting us into a deeper, more confident life of prayer.

Scripture: Ephesians 6:18, Romans 8:26-27

Jesus tells a story about a persistent widow and an unjust judge to teach his followers not to lose heart when answers seem delayed. This message explores the space between our cries to God and the answers we long for—the waiting, the wondering, and the faith required to keep praying. What does trust look like when the response feels slow in coming and heaven seems silent?

Scripture: Luke 18:1–8

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus reshapes how his followers think about prayer—not as performance, but as relationship. He invites us to pray to our Father, who sees, knows, and listens. This message explores the posture of the heart Jesus calls for in prayer: sincerity over show, trust over many words, forgiveness over resentment, and quiet attentiveness in God’s presence. Prayer, Jesus teaches, is learned by drawing near to the Father.

Jesus disciples asked him to teach them how to pray and he gave them the beautiful words of the “Lord’s prayer” —the most famous and frequently used prayer in all of history. It provides the core understanding of how to pray. Join us in the practise of prayer as we begin 2026; praying for God’s mission to advance in our individual lives, our families, schools, workplace, our church and the world.

Jesus describes a Kingdom worth everything. We’re surrounded by opportunities promising success, fulfillment, and “the life you’ve always wanted.” But Jesus teaches that the opportunity of a lifetime isn’t about money, status, or achievement—it’s about investing in what lasts beyond this life. His Kingdom is the treasure in the field, the pearl of great value, the seed that multiplies endlessly. The real question is: whose counsel are you following? This message calls us to stop chasing short-lived gains and respond to the invitation of Jesus—the only investment that brings eternal return. God is calling your name. Don’t settle for anything less.

This is the last message with Pastor Ken Davis as our Lead Pastor at The Olive Branch. We will miss him!

In a world full of noise, God still speaks—clearly and personally. In a noisy world filled with competing voices—algorithms, opinions, and endless online noise—hearing clearly can feel impossible. But Christmas reminds us that God has spoken, and continues to speak, through the Word made flesh: Jesus. While every other voice is trying to get your attention, shape your thinking, or sell you something, God is calling you by name out of love, not manipulation. In a season where it’s easy to get lost in the noise, this message points us back to the one Voice that brings clarity, truth, and life.

On the Sunday before Christmas, anticipation fills the air as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Scripture tells us that Christ came “in the fullness of time”—after centuries of waiting, prophetic promises, and longing hearts. The birth of Jesus was not only the most significant moment in history, but a turning point that infused the world with hope and a new way of living. And it didn’t stop there. That first Advent also points us toward Christ’s return, when He will make all things new. As we wait, God has already given us incredible gifts through His Son. Galatians 4:1–7 helps us understand what those gifts are—so this week, let’s open them together.

We may feel swallowed up in the chaos of crowds—especially at Christmas—but God never sees a mass of faces. He sees you. Scripture shows a God who knows every person individually, right down to the details of their story, their DNA, and their purpose. The same God who orchestrated the intricate lines leading to Jesus is still personally involved in every part of your life today. In a world of eight billion, you are not anonymous. God knows your name, your circumstances, your strengths, and your struggles—and He is closer than you think.