The goal of Jesus’ ministry wasn’t to “convert” people to a new religious system. His goal was to raise up disciples — people who would look just like Him. In our church family when we talk about discipleship, we use three words that describe three phases in this process of becoming like Jesus: Discover, Develop, and Deploy.

Today, we’re looking at the importance of discovery — being Kingdom Adventurers who are consistently making new insights into who God is, what He’s said and done, and (very importantly!) who we are in His story.

We began 2019 by looking at what Jesus said was the greatest commandment. It was an opportunity to:

• REDEEM any area of life that had been broken

At the end of the year we're revisiting this conversation, and looking ahead to 2020 with a renewed passion to love God with all that we are. 

Most people don’t like change. But the reality of that first Christmas is that it was incredibly disruptive. In fact, Christmas changed everything — the God who created the universe showed up and intersected human history. And the announcement of this miracle was made by an angel to some shepherds, and at first, it freaked them out! But what the angel said moved them from fear to becoming joy-filled, seekers of Jesus — and it will do the same for us.

What is sin? Many would say sin is doing "bad things" that trample over the boundaries God has established. But what if it's more sinister than that? What if sin opens a door for hell to upload "malware" into our soul — malicious code designed to destroy our perception of life? And if that's the case, what can we do to experience freedom and the restoration of our vision?

In the final message of this series, we roll up our sleeves and get practical about how to be generous. Can we just give however and wherever we want, or is there wisdom we can add to our giving?

CLICK HERE to download the handout that goes along with this message. 

There are things that have to die so generosity can thrive — and obligation is something that must go. How does obligation show up? Most often through the belief that God's people "have to" tithe. But as long as our giving is viewed as a requirement, it will never lead to a spirit of passionate generosity. 

CLICK HERE for a handout that goes along with this message. And...

CLICK HERE for an article written by Pastor Tim Mosshoder that's a deeper dive into the topics explored in this message. 

SPECIAL NOTE FROM PASTOR TIM: This message may be challenging for some whose faith experience is so deeply attached to tithing that it makes all other ideas seem like they could be a betrayal of God and His Word. I get it, because that was my story. My goal is not to convince anyone they should stop giving (no matter the percentage), but to see even greater generosity released as we come to understand the Apostle Paul who said, "Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly" (2 Corinthians 8:12). Thanks for walking in grace with me as we explore this important topic together!

From the very beginning of time, God has given humanity the authority to manage the resource He's provided. Simply put, we're called to be good stewards of all He's given. But mismanagement of resource robs our fruitfulness and destroys all hope we have of generosity — so it has to go! 

CLICK HERE to download a handout that goes along with this message. 

If generosity is going to live, other things have to die — including greed. Greed twists together the ungodly traits of selfishness and a continual lust for more. It's a malignant form of desire that will kill off generosity if we don't push it from our lives. 

CLICK HERE to download a handout that goes along with this message. 

If generosity is going to live, other things have to die. Fear is the first that has to go. As long as fear is driving our decisions, we’ll never become generous people with our time, talent or treasure. But, as we trust in God and walk in His ways, we can overcome any fear that holds us back from a generous life.

CLICK HERE to download a handout that goes along with this message. 

The more we know who God truly is, the more generous we become. This intimate knowledge of God is what propels us to cross the line, from just being fruitful to becoming generous multipliers as well. Today we're looking at three truths about God that unlock a spirit of fearless generosity.

CLICK HERE for a copy of the handout that goes along with this message.