One of the most intriguing elements of the Christmas story is that of the wise men, who see a mysterious star and set out on a journey that ultimately leads them to worship Jesus. In this week’s message from Matthew 2, Pastor J.D. gives us a snapshot of various responses to the birth of Jesus, all of which are still seen in different degrees today. Just as God used a sign to lead the wise men to the Savior, he continues to meet us where we are and draw us to himself. The only question is if we will respond to Jesus’ birth as the wise men did, with joy upon joy upon joy.

What drives your life? Whether money, or our children, or the approval of others, we all have something that drives us, even controls us. In this week's message from 2 Corinthians 5, Pastor Bryan helps us see how allowing the love of Christ to control us changes everything. Living out the identity that Jesus gives us as believers means a new outlook on everything—ourselves, others, and even life and death itself. 

The gospel is so beautiful and valuable, yet God chooses to place this great treasure in “jars of clay.” It's almost incomprehensible, really, but it's how God works. All throughout the Bible, we see examples of how he uses weak, broken vessels for his glory. In this week's message from 2 Corinthians 4, Pastor J.D. shows us how even when we experience suffering, God often uses it for his good purposes, working in us and through us in powerful ways.

When we think about reading Luke 2, our thoughts naturally turn to the story of Jesus’ birth. But what follows is the account of a man named Simeon, a man who marveled at the sight of Jesus because he knew that at last, salvation had come. In this week’s message, Pastor John takes us through Simeon’s story, showing us what we all should marvel at: the wonder of Jesus.

We've all heard the voice of that inner critic, telling us that we're not enough, that we need to constantly prove ourselves. It's exhausting to try to live up to the pressure we place on ourselves, to try to carry a weight that the gospel has already lifted. In this week's message from 2 Corinthians 2 and 3, Pastor Curtis explains how to let go of these weights and submit to the transformation that only the Holy Spirit can bring. Ultimately, transformation doesn't come from trying harder, but from spending time beholding the glory of the Lord.

When we evaluate why many people aren't generous, it's probably not because they're selfish. More likely, they're battling either fear or pride (or maybe both). In this week's message from 2 Corinthians 9, Pastor J.D. shows us how these things can prevent us from being generous, as well as the remedy. By trusting and obeying God as it relates to our finances, we will experience the joy that results from seeing him use these resources to build his kingdom. And we will proclaim, as Paul did, “Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!”

Let’s face it: It’s hard to talk about money. But what if we reoriented our perspective on it? In fact, what if we reoriented our entire lives in response to the grace that God has shown us? In this week’s message from 2 Corinthians 8, Pastor J.D. explains the Apostle Paul’s reasons for wanting the Corinthian church to be generous, as well as some obstacles that often sabotage good intentions. We have such a kind, generous God, and in the end, the only right response is for our own generosity to overflow to those around us.

What comes to mind when you think of caring for people? Maybe it’s bringing a meal, writing a note of encouragement, or providing a place to stay for someone in need. But in this week’s message from 2 Corinthians 1 and 2, Pastor Bryan explains how for the Christian, true care doesn’t stop with these things. Rather, it looks like recognizing the greatest need that people have and pointing them to Jesus. This, of course, takes work. It’s often inconvenient. But it’s always worth it.

It’s a universal experience: going through suffering but struggling to understand the “why” behind it. In the Apostle Paul’s case, much of the reason behind his suffering was found in his subsequent ability to comfort others in similar situations. In this week’s message from 2 Corinthians 1, Pastor J.D. helps us see what Paul learned about God’s faithfulness through his pain. As we learn more about the character of God through our own suffering, we too will gain a testimony that speaks volumes to the unbelieving world.

A popular criticism often leveled against Christians is that they are hypocrites, meaning that they say one thing but do another. But Jesus addresses a different kind of hypocrisy in the Sermon on the Mount, that of doing spiritual things to be seen as more godly than you actually are. In this week’s message from Matthew 6, Pastor Curtis shows us not only the cost of hypocrisy but the cure for it. The key isn’t found in doing more and more religious things, but in having a genuine relationship with the Father who sees and loves us.