Advent is a season of hope, where we look forward to the coming of the messiah.  During the season of waiting, we remember that as Jesus came into the world, he brought the light that radiates and changes the lives of all who encounter him.  In this second wee Pastor Fikre Prince talks about the Light of Joy that comes with the promised messiah, and how we can have that joy no matter the circumstances we find ourselves in.

Text: Isaiah 9:3

Sermon Summary:

Big Idea: The coming of Christ is the light of joy.

Key Question: How does Jesus fill our lives with joy?  

1.       Jesus grows his family. 

2.       Jesus brings us to a table of celebration.

3.       Jesus gives us forever joy.

When life seems to be overwhelming, and crashing in on all sides, does God leave us alone to fend for ourselves? In this message Pastor Fikre Prince shares that God not only sees that we are struggling, but He sends a remedy to provide light and freedom in every situation.  He sends Hope through Christ.

Text: Isaiah 9:1-2

Big Idea: The coming of Christ is the light of hope.

Key Question: How is Jesus the hope we need?

1. With Jesus, our gloom is overcome with glory. (v. 1)

2. With Jesus, our darkness is overcome with light. (v. 2

What is the greatest command of God? Jesus is asked this important question and his response life altering.  In this message Pastor Fikre Prince looks to Matthew 22:34-40 to help us to understand 2 keys to understanding the scriptures.

Text: Matthew 22:24-40
BI: We will understand the scriptures better through the lenses of Loving God, and Loving our Neighbor.
PT1: Learn to Love the Lord with every part of your being
PT2: Learn to Love your neighbor in the same ways you love yourself

When Paul says to walk in the spirit, what does he mean? And how do we do it?  This is a great question to have an answer to and in this message Pastor Fikre Prince shares how we are to grow in our faith by walking in the spirit.

Text: Galatians 5:25 – 6:18

Sermon Summary:

Big Idea: Keep in step with God’s Spirit.

Key Question: How do we stay in step with the Spirit?

1.   Walk in Christ-centered community. (vv. 5:26-6:10)

2.   Walk in Christ-centered freedom. (vv. 6:11-18)

Does it feel like there is a war or struggle going on inside of you to live like Christ?  If you feel this tension, it's because there is a real battle going on each day between your flesh and your spirit.  In this message Pastor Fikre Prince shares the litmus test to determine if you are living according to the flesh or according to the spirit.

Text: Galatians 5:16-26
Big Idea: Walk with the Spirit and win against the flesh.

Key Question: How do we walk with the Spirit? 

1.   By recognizing our inner struggle. (vv. 16-18)

2.   By honestly acknowledging the fruit of our life. (vv. 19-23)

3.   By putting the flesh to death in Christ. (vv. 24-26)

Does the Christian life feel overwhelming with rules and unfruitful religion? That's not the way it is supposed to be.  In this sermon, Pastor Fikre shares that Christ came to deliver us from the weight of rituals and bring us into the freedom of relationship with the father.

BI: Experience the Freedom that Christ has come to Give.

How do I experience this freedom?

Pt.1- Value the freedom that comes in Christ

Pt.2- Stay away from old influences that cannot bring salvation

Pt.3- Love one another

What does the story of our past say about the calling of God on our lives?  Our origin stories have an effect of how we view and interpret our lives and God's influence on it.  In this message Pastor Nick Bogardus, shares that you don't have to work your story to make something of yourself, but that God has already done the work through your life and made you something valuable.

Text: Galatians 4:21-31

Big Idea: We are children of the promise and free in Christ.

Key Question: Where can I find true freedom?

1.     The law brings slavery. (vv. 21-25)

2.     The gospel brings freedom. (vv. 26-28)

3.     Stand firm in your freedom. (vv. 29-31)

Have you ever felt like there were competing thoughts on your spiritual growth and knowing God?  You're not alone.  The Apostle Paul warns the church at Galatia that there are people who are trying to convince them to turn away from the truth of Jesus Christ, and submit themselves to empty religion.  In this message Pastor Fikre Prince looks at this passage of scripture to urge believers not to be swayed by vein ideas from new teachers and forsake the foundation of Christ's good news.

Text: Galatians 4:8-20

Big Idea: Gospel formation brings freedom.

Key Question: How are we formed by the gospel?

1.     Remember our former bondage. (vv. 8-11)

2.     Return to our former zeal. (vv. 12-16)

3.     Receive Christ’s formative work. (vv. 17-20)

What comes to mind when you are asked about your identity?  Is it your occupation? Ethnicity? In this message Pastor Fikre Prince shares that the Gospel has far reaching effects to change our Identity and it should revolutionize how you see yourself.  The effect of gospel on who we are supersedes ethnicity, and occupation and provides change at the heart.

Text: Galatians 3:15-4:7

Big Idea: We are no longer slaves but sons and heirs of God. 

Key Question: How should we live in light of these gospel truths? 

1.     The powerlessness of the law. (vv. 15-18)

2.     The purpose of the law. (vv. 19-24)

3.     The promise of adoption. (vv. 3:25-4:7)

There is a blessing that is in the Good News of Jesus Christ. It is not restrictive, but freeing.  In this message from the series Good News, Pastor Ryan Russell shares the blessing that comes with believing and following Jesus.

Text: Galatians 3:1-14

Sermon Summary:

Big Idea: God’s blessing comes by faith alone in Christ alone.

Key Question: How do we experience the blessings of God?

1.     Do the Spirit’s blessings come by works? (vv. 1-5)

2.     Does the blessing of justification come by ethnic pedigree? (vv. 6-9)

3.     Does the blessing of redemption come by obeying the law? (vv. 10-14)