In week two of our Living the Five series, Dr. Scott McKee turns to the value of Thoughtful Theology, exploring what it means to love God with all our mind. Drawing from Jesus’ words in Mark 12 and Deuteronomy’s Shema, Pastor Scott shows why Jesus’ addition of “mind” is a radical and essential call for disciples today. Through Scripture, theology, and everyday illustrations, we learn five key insights: that theology is for everyone, not just scholars; that thinking is not opposed to faith but strengthens it; that doubt is not sin but a normal pathway to deeper belief; that our minds are gifts meant to be renewed by God’s Word; and that the true goal of knowledge is love. Along the way, Pastor Scott shares stories of scholars, skeptics, and even his own family to remind us that studying God is not an exercise in pride, but an act of devotion. To love God with our minds is to see the world as He sees it, to be transformed in our thinking, and to treasure Him more fully. May we be a people who carry the torch forward with courage, humility, and generational faithfulness.

On Kickoff Sunday, Dr. Scott McKee begins our Living the Five series with a focus on Healthy Families, showing how God designed the family as His primary place for nurture and discipleship. Pastor Scott walks us through the story of Isaac and Rebekah (Genesis 24–27), revealing both the beauty of covenant love and the pain of favoritism, comparison, and dysfunction. From this story, we learn what every child—and every person—needs in order to thrive: the four essential ingredients of blessing—meaningful touch, words of high value, a vision for the future, and a commitment to see it through. You’ll discover how to speak blessing into your own children, grandchildren, or spiritual family, and why God can still use imperfect homes to accomplish His purposes. Along the way, Pastor Scott shares his joy of becoming a new grandfather and reminds us that blessings aren’t earned—they are gifts of grace. May we be a people who invest in one another, celebrate uniqueness, and carry generational faith with courage and humility.

Rev. Terence Gray concludes our Revelation series with a message of deep hope rooted in God’s promise to make all things new. Humanity is restless and homesick, longing for a world that feels whole—but Scripture reminds us that in Christ, God is restoring His place, His people, His presence, and His peace. From Revelation 21–22, Pastor Terence shows how God’s great restoration project is already underway: the broken will be healed, the throwaways redeemed, and every tear wiped away. While suffering and struggle mark our present, we hold on to the assurance that if it’s not good yet, God’s not done yet.

Mark Ordus, Director of Student Ministries at Ward Church, continues our Revelation series with a powerful look at chapters 17–20. In a world that often feels like it’s spiraling out of control, Mark reminds us that sin has always been present, from the Roman Empire to today, and the temptations we face are nothing new. Through vivid imagery of the beast and the harlot, Revelation reveals the culmination of everything opposed to God—yet it also proclaims that the Lamb will triumph because He is King of kings and Lord of lords. The hope of the believer is clear: Jesus Christ has already claimed the victory. Rather than striving to win by the world’s standards, we are invited to live as people of hope, faithfully pointing others to Christ, knowing the battle is already won.

Dr. Scott McKee continues our journey through Revelation with a look at chapters 15–16, where God’s justice and wrath are poured out through seven bowls upon those who stubbornly oppose Him. Drawing parallels to the Song of Moses in Exodus, Dr. McKee shows how God’s judgment—though often avoided in modern preaching—is celebrated in Scripture as good news for the oppressed, a setting-right of all that is wrong. From ancient Armageddon imagery to the reality of present-day persecution, we are reminded that the battle between good and evil is real, necessary, and ultimately belongs to the Lord. The call for believers is to stay awake, watchful, and faithful, trusting that in God’s perfect timing, Christ will return to set all things right.

Rev. Terence Gray unpacks Revelation 12–13, where the kingdom of God collides with a counterfeit kingdom led by the dragon—Satan—and his two beasts. Through vivid biblical imagery, we see how Satan works through political power, cultural influence, false philosophy, and idolatry to oppose Christ and lure people away from the truth. Pastor Terence challenges us to recognize the “mark of the beast” not as a technological code but as an ideological allegiance—allowing our thinking and actions to be shaped by the enemy instead of Christ. We’re warned about the enemy’s tactics: marginalization, diversions, seduction, and direct attack. Yet the hope is clear: God’s people triumph over the dragon by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their testimony. In the end, the Lamb wins—and we win with Him.

Rev. Terence Gray continues our Revelation series by walking us through the sobering imagery of the seven trumpets—warnings of judgment, glimpses of spiritual decline, and an urgent call to take refuge in Christ. From natural disasters to economic collapse, from false teaching to spiritual darkness, the trumpets paint a picture of a world unraveling. Yet even in the midst of judgment, God’s mercy is clear—restraining full wrath and extending grace. Pastor Terence invites us to confront the fear of exposure in a culture that offers no mercy and to remember that Jesus was exposed for us on the cross so that we don’t have to be. The seventh trumpet offers hope: the promise that Christ will reign forever. When we embrace God as judge, the lesser judges begin to matter less.

Rev. Nicole Unice continues our Revelation series by inviting us not into explanation, but into experience. Preaching from chapters 4–7, she walks us through John’s sweeping vision of God’s throne, the Lamb who was slain, and the unsealing of the scroll that unleashes both worship and weeping. Through dazzling imagery, thunderous praise, and the sobering realities of war, famine, and death, Pastor Nicole reminds us that this apocalyptic literature isn’t meant to be decoded like a puzzle—it’s meant to awaken our awe. In a world where hardships persist and hearts grow weary, we are encouraged to hang on to the hope that Christ has already conquered, and continues to conquer, through his people. There is another reality unfolding right now, and we are sealed for it. We don’t need to explain it to trust it—we just need to keep going, knowing that our conquering King is still on the move.

Continuing our Revelation series, Dr. Scott McKee explores the seven letters to the churches in chapters 2 and 3—a personal and prophetic message from Jesus to communities facing persecution, compromise, and complacency. Focusing on the churches of Ephesus, Pergamum, and Laodicea, Pastor Scott highlights Christ’s blend of affirmation and correction: a call to rekindle first love, resist compartmentalized faith, and reject lukewarm spirituality. These ancient letters still echo today, inviting us to examine our lives, realign our hearts, and open every door to Christ. Whether you’re drifting, blending in with the culture, or simply growing comfortable, this message is a compelling reminder that Jesus still knocks, gently and persistently, waiting to be invited into every part of our lives. Let us have ears to hear what the Spirit says to the church today.

Rev. Terence Gray kicks off our summer series on Revelation with an invitation to see this often-misunderstood book not as a confusing end-times riddle, but as a multi-dimensional message of hope. With clarity, humor, and pastoral warmth, Pastor Terence unpacks the key genres and interpretations of Revelation, reminding us that while symbolism and mystery abound, the main theme is profoundly simple: God wins. In a world that keeps shifting the definition of success, this truth anchors us. We don't need to chase the fleeting wins of this life—because through Christ, the ultimate victory is already secured. Revelation is not only about tomorrow’s glory but also today’s calling, encouraging us to live with faithfulness, justice, and purpose now. For those who feel weary or in need of a win, this message is a reminder that God has both your tomorrow—and your today.