Fiery trials are never pleasant - All of us go through intense seasons where our faith is tested. This weeks message will explore how God is with us in these fiery episodes and how He actually uses them for our good!

Welcome to the Advent Season! God With Us. We will make a few stops each week leading up to Christ's birth and see the places where God is with us. Today, we're in the valley -- the place of sorrow and loneliness. The place where we sometimes believe we have to possess all the answers and figure it out ourselves. We'll find out, however, that God is with us and there is power and freedom in understanding that He is in control...if we let Him be.

At this time of year are running around frantically or are you calm in the most celebrated time of the year? This week we will take a closer look at the story of Mary and Martha. Where would you think you would fit? Would you be frantically running around prepping to be with Jesus or would you just sit as his feet and be in his presence. Let's see how either of them bring glory to the Lord.

As we move along as a Church that is inspiring a life worth pursuing, we need to share our vision from time to time. This week we will share what our vision as a church is for our area and beyond. How do we as a congregation and community inspire others to follow Jesus!

After spending three years with his disciples, Jesus brings them to the final tipping point. It’s in an upper room that Jesus shows them the way of the towel. It’s here that he gives them the final instructions and reveals the ultimate plan… They are to go and do what he has done for them.

After the resurrection, Jesus has one last talk with his disciples on the cliff in Galilee. Here he gives them one final charge, and one BIG promise. The biggest tipping point of all, is “I am with you always!”

After the twelve return from ministry work, Jesus expects the disciples to take some initiative. Jesus teaches a huge crowd for the better part of a day and the disciples plead with Him to feed the crowd. Instead, Jesus tells the disciples, "you feed them!". When the crowd is hungry, he says, you feed them! There comes a time - a tipping point - in the life of a believer when God expects us to move from being fed to being equipped to serve. Come learn about this important Tipping Point.

Jesus is not content in allowing his followers to stay comfortable. He brings them to the brink of another tipping point when he calls and appoints them for the next level. He doesn't call them to just observe and watch as he does all of the work… He has a bigger picture in mind. Jesus is going to bring these men and women to a point of no return and set them up for a life changing tipping point that will change them forever. Calling and appointing the apostles and sending them out…

After 24 months of building relationships with his disciples, Jesus takes the relationship with his friends to the next level: Follow me. This call begins a journey of lifelong learning and challenge to become an apprentice of Jesus. Peter and the others went on to lay down everything to follow Christ. This next step was a tipping point of no return when Peter and the others went all in. Will we follow suit?

Small moves can make a huge difference. One decision can change your life. Jesus invites his disciples to “come and see”, and their decision to participate became a tipping point that changed their lives. The same invitation has been extended to you and me - the question is, will we RSVP to the invite of a lifetime?

"If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old life is gone, the new life has come.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 What a great verse—except if the old life’s gone, why do we constantly keep battling it? If we're living a new life with Christ, then why do we still struggle with anger, sadness, and sin? This message teaches us that although our old life of sin will never leave us, our faith in Christ prevents us from being enslaved by it.

It’s easy to let our thoughts run away with us—and when those thoughts are fearful, anxious, or discontent, it can be difficult to reign them in. But we don’t have to surrender ourselves to every negative thought we have. In this message, we will explore what it means to take our thoughts captive and make them obedient to Christ.

Whats your greatest weakness? Think about it; what's a weakness that you wish you didn't have? You're too short, dont like your hair, think you're not pretty enough, strong enough, brave enough, or smart enough? Whatever it is, God has a special purpose for it. In this message, we look at how God's power prevails in the midst of our weaknesses.

No one likes tests, do they? As much as we don't like them, we can all agree we like when other people are tested. Pilots, Doctors, Dentists , and Teachers all need to be tested before they can practice. Why? Because what's been tested can be trusted. But what about your faith - has it been tested? Can it be trusted when you need it the most? In this message we will learn what it takes to have a shatterproof faith.

Sorry! Hmmmm.... Do you like saying sorry? Do you know how it feels to give a meaningful "sorry"? What tools does the bible have for us in being able to get past pride and forgive others? This is a powerful way to wrap up the series - 5 Words to Change Your Life.

The word Yes is a powerful word, but it has a cost. It can change your life if you know when and how to use it. What does a "real" yes look like? Isn't it actually a "no" to other things?

Can gratitude change your outlook on things or even your physical well-being? Thanks is a word that is life changing. We fall prey so easily to grumbling about our current situation and longing for things, but God instructs us to take stock of today and say Thanks.

Help! Who likes to ask for help? This week, join us as we talk on our next word: HELP. When you encounter situations that are tough to handle and navigate, do you know how to ask for help? What does the bible say about the people and moments in scripture where help was needed? Discover provision that the Lord has for and even how he wants to shape you in time of asking for Help.

Join us this week as we kick off our new series, 5 Words to Change Your Life. This week we will look at the word WOW. What circumstances make us use the word WOW? God loves the word WOW. Otherwise why would we need taste buds? Taste is not necessary to survive but God wanted to WOW us and gave us several thousand taste buds to enjoy what we eat. What moments in your life has God WOWed you; when you have no words to describe his greatness?

Has someone ever hurt so badly that you feel the need for revenge? Or is forgiveness something you looked for in a person? As we close the series Blockbuster Truths, we will be looking at the movie The Avengers (or as we have named it, in The Revengers) . What does it do to our soul when seeking revenge on someone who wrongs us and what does it look like to forgive them?

This week we take a look at the movie Jaws. What is lurking in the water in your life? Why is this something you will always go towards? By putting God at the forefront and as our shepherd, we can know his voice and follow the truth He has for us.

This week we take a closer look at what the movie Wonder Woman and the biblical truths it asks; how can we know our true identity and how can we be wonder women and men. How can we know our purpose and destiny and how can we walk boldly in it?

In week 3 of our series Blockbuster Truths, we talk about the problem of Idolitry. What in your life do you sometimes put first before Christ? Is it as simple as candy or is it something bigger, like a toxic relationship? Join us as we take a closer look into what it means to truly follow the Lord with everything.

In this weeks sermon we take a look at Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. the truth that presents itself in this movie is FAITH. Faith is the main theme that runs the entire way through the Bible. There is no denying that Faith is a key element in following Jesus. But how do we develop Faith and What exactly does it mean, but most importantly how much power does it hold. join us this week as we explore Faith.

As we start our new series Block Buster Truths. We are going to look at popular movies and dig deep into what kind of biblical truths can we find. This week we look at Back to the Future. When you think of the future what do you see? What does the bible say about the future? Join us this week as we take a deeper look into Back to the Garden/Future.

This week as we close out this wonderful and highly practical book of James, we will be taking a look at what controls/ rules our hearts - desires and longings. It impacts what we pursue, how we pursue it and how we relate to others and approach life day to day. Be sure to join us as we dive into what James has to say about our desires.

As we continue in our series Faith: Some assembly required we take a look at what James has to say about words! What damage or greatness can our words do? Join us this week as we dig deep into James 3 and see what James says about us using our tongues!

In this weeks sermon we dive into faith = trust. But how do we involve this idea of faith in all areas of our lives? Things like struggle, our money, raising kids, staying faithful in our marriages? what about times of struggle and pain? What is really required of us in regards to our faith? If faith is just believing something or is there some assembly required? in other words, how much is just believing and how much is actually doing?

have you ever been in a situation where you just liked someone better than another? or has favoritism hurt you directly? Join us for the 2nd installment of Faith: Some Assembly Required, where we look at James more closely. how did he write his book, when being the brother of Jesus? Did he ever experience favoritism first hand?

Have you ever ordered furniture from Ikea? When you get the furniture you have always wanted you discover there is some assembly required to put it together? Did you know our faith has the same process? There is some assembly required when building your relationship with the Lord. Join us this week as we kick off our new series and get helpful guidance in building your Faith: Some assembly required.

Have you ever had a situation where someone took something from you and you wanted them to give it back? Mostly as children we call on our father for assistance. We often let the Evil one take from us so easily. Lets delve into giving God the authority as our Father to tell the Evil one to " Give It Back"

When someone asks you "How are you doing?" Do you answer "Busy!" or "Relaxed, I have more time than I know what to do with" Im guessing option 2 is never uttered. This week we take a look at, with Gods help, how to choose correctly between what is important and what is urgent.

Do you know your purpose in life? What has God called you to pursue? In this weeks sermon we breakdown Purpose vs Popularity. What do you constantly avert to? Look at what God wants for you, will it bring you profound purpose or complacent popularity?

As we enter week 3 of I Choose, have you ever mad a choice that has bought you spiritual death? Join us this week as we discuss Life vs death and be reminded how this doesn't always mean the physical.

When making choices in life, do you do it out of surrender to God's choice for you or try to control the situation yourself? In this week's sermon, join us in learning how complete surrender to God's will alters your life in more ways than one.

We are the result of our decisions. We agonize over every choice we make in life. Whether it be what clothes to wear, what song to listen to or what meal to eat. What about the big choices? Do I trust the Lord? Do I believe in the purpose he has given me? Am I really doing right by the Lords word? Over the next 5 weeks we will take a closer look at those defining choices. We will cover topics like surrender, priority and urgency. We will learn to be more intentional when saying “I Choose”.

Easter Unveiled In the beginning, God made the garden with freedom and no shame. Sin entered in and created a veil between God and his people. The sacrifice of his Son, Jesus Christ, would tear the veil to reveal hope, freedom and truth for humankind and, most of all, restored the fellowship between us and God, the Father.

Many of us in the world today could use a victory, a win or a breakthrough! Let’s take a closer look at what has been called Jesus’ Triumphal entry. While there were plenty of people around waving their Palms at him to welcome him in, Jesus’ entry was nothing like the victorious kings or generals of antiquity. Jesus knows he is about to change the course of human history as He confronts and Defeats the forces of evil and death in an unrepeatable way. So why not make a grand entrance? Maybe there is a deeper message in His method…

How will you be remembered? How do you want to be remembered? Will your children be proud of the legacy you leave (to them and to the world), and not just excited about the inheritance you give them? Are you working harder on your legacy or your estate? These are questions that can, and do, and should keep us up at night. A life worth pursuing is about multiplying your impact and leaving a legacy, not just building the net worth of your estate.

Life worth pursuing is about living your life the way Jesus lived his. One of the things that characterized Jesus’s life was his ability to make moments significant. It must have been exciting to be in the close circle of his followers because there were no ordinary days or ordinary encounters with Jesus. His life was significant, and he made moments significant wherever he went. This week, we’ll talk about what true significance is, what’s required to live a significant life, how to see every moment as significant, and perhaps how to make some significant moments of your own.

Our culture teaches us to look out for ourselves … to hold on tightly to our wealth … to build our status … to climb the ladder of success, and measure success by how much we accumulate … to do what feels good. But a life worth pursuing often goes against what our society encourages and what our neighbors are doing: it goes against the grain.

Do you ever hear yourself saying things like: “Where did the time go?” “I can’t believe it’s almost March already!” “That’s due already? thought I had more time to work on it.” “How old is our grandson? No way! He can’t be that old!” These kinds of statements make it seem like we have no control at all over our time, and maybe it does feel like that to you. And while it’s true that we cannot control time in the macro sense – the steady progression of days, months, years – it’s also true that we can and should be more aware of and in control of how we spend our time, where our time goes.

Welcome to our 5-week exploration of “Life Worth Pursuing”. Over the course of our time together, we’ll look at our own life, asking questions like: “Am I pursuing things that matter?” “Are the things I’m pursuing really worth attaining?” “Is my life the kind of life I really want?” We’ll also look at the life of Jesus as the example and model of the life worth pursuing. We’ll look at His priorities, His choices, His values. We’ll notice how He spent His time and invested His energy. And as we discover what mattered to Jesus, we’ll be inspired to begin to make any changes necessary for our life to more closely model His life -- the life worth pursuing.

In our eyes, setbacks are unexpected delays, frustrating obstacles and crushed expectations. But for God, seasons of setback become a launch point for a new vision. We overcome our setbacks when we proclaim God's goodness in the face of our challenges.

Bitterness is anger that has been frozen. When we lock the moment away or imprison the person involved, we imprison ourselves.

Most of us battle fear from time to time. But God did not give us a spirit of fear. Find out how to turn our "what ifs" into "even if" in this powerful message about overcoming fear.

Like it or not, we are described by labels; a classifying phrase or name applied to a person or thing, especially one that is inaccurate or restrictive. Some are positive, some are not.

Does anyone care these days? Apathy is not caring when maybe you should. The story of the Good Samaritan illustrates this well.

Comparisons are a trap that keep you from the purpose that God has planned for your life and blessing others. We're given one person that we're allowed to compare ourselves to; Jesus.

Is it possible to hear God's voice? What role does the Holy Spirit play. Learn about the power available to every believer to hear from God.

For the entire Advent season we have been on a Journey to reach this point. As we gather this Christmas season, we do so with grateful hearts around the manger. What a beautiful night this was, in the small town of Bethlehem. Angels were singing and shepherds were rejoicing. Let us join in the chorus of worship as we gather around the manger to worship the child born unto us.

The wise men saw the star and traveled many miles to see this one who was born as the “King of the Jews”. They brought to him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. These were very precious gifts that they gave in an act of worship. These indeed were “wise men”. In our day, what does it look like for us to imitate this group of worshipers by offering our “gifts” in worship to the lord? What does worship look like in this season of Advent? May we continue to worship him with all of our lives as we continue the journey to the Manger.

The announcement to Mary by the Angel was that she was highly favored among all. What does this favor look like? It plays out very differently than we might imagine. She becomes pregnant outside of marriage at the risk of being misunderstood and judged. Even Joseph, her soon to be husband has to be talked down from being understood. Is this “Favor”? Apparently so. Sometimes favor doesn’t look so favorable in the moment, but God has a way of setting us up for something far beyond what we could ever imagine as good.

The Jewish people had great expectations for a messiah who was promised to come and save his people. Isaiah 9 sees the day when this baby would be born who would eventually rule the world. What if this is exactly what happened in the strange events that surround Christmas? This child is said to rule the nations - If this is true what does this mean for us today? What does it look like for us to live as though this is true? When we live already submitted underneath his leadership strange and marvelous things happen. The kingdom of this child begins to grow like mustard seed and spread throughout our lives and throughout the world!

Is there a formula for gratitude in the Bible? The world tells us that if good things happen to us it produces happiness, which in turn produces gratitude in us. But what if the Bible can show us a better way? A way where gratitude first produces joy in us?

We live in a culture of greediness and consumption. The kingdom of Jesus is one of open hearted and open handed generosity. His kingdom is one of giving and not one of taking. How do we become people of generosity at Grace. How do we position ourselves to be a pass through of God’s blessings to touch the nations?

When kingdoms collide with division versus unity, whose side will you be on? So much division today, but much opportunity to be the bridge to unite people.

The Kingdom that Jesus brings is one of connection and community. In His kingdom relationships are central to growth. In His kingdom iron sharpens iron. This stands in stark contrast to the culture of individualism and isolation that we find ourselves in. Together we are being built into the house of God!

Jesus Kingdom is marked first and foremost by love. Love believes, gives and sacrifices itself. This is very different then the concept of Lust that is perpetuated continually in our culture. How do we become people who embody the powerful truth of love?

When worldly success comes into your life, can you see the line between success and significance? What lasts? What's important? When kingdoms collide, which side will you be on?

Pride eventually kills everything it touches. Humility enhances the ordinary and makes the great even greater. Jesus introduced the idea of humility during his time on earth. Clash continues with this contrast: Humility vs. Pride.

What happens when kingdoms collide? God's kingdom is counter to our culture. He calls us to a new way of life and peace. Which kingdom will you choose?

A pattern is revealed in the Bible for God's intentionality with our purpose. When we find our "to" and "so that", we'll find we're effective in how we function in our sweet spot.

How do we find the way to fulling and lasting relationships in our lives? At the core of all relationships that last is the idea that it is more blessed to give than it is to receive. Implementing Jesus teaching of treating others the way that we want to be treated with revolutionize our relationships, in every area of our lives.

All of us are wired a certain way. We have God given talents and abilities that are unique to us. Finding a sweet spot where we can use these God given gifts is the key to experiencing fulfillment and being the very best you, you can be!

God has a purpose for your life and wants to use you to make a difference. How do we find the SWEET SPOT of God’s will and our desires coming together to create catalyst for change? This series explores how we can find our SWEET SPOT and live the life of our dreams.

God gave us the 4th commandment as a rhythm of six days of work, one day of rest. Learn more about the Sabbath in this important message reminding us that rest was created by God.

A man who had been paralyzed for 38 years has lost hope of being healed meets Jesus. He tells Jesus that nobody is there to help him into the healing waters, but Jesus asks, "do you want to get well?". Have we fallen victim to complacency? Do we give excuses why we don't want to change? Do you want to get well? God has mercy for you!

Before Jesus began his mission, the bible provides an often overlooked statement about how His father felt about him; "I am pleased". Jesus had done very little, visibly, up until this point. What was the Father pleased with? What did He accomplish during His time of obscurity?

Jonah had a calling on his life - to reach the people of Nineveh, but he resisted because he felt they were unworthy of God's mercy. The further he ran from this calling, the more he encountered God. Where is God calling you to go? What looks like Nineveh to you?

An amazing story of a man demon-possessed who is freed by Jesus. What controls you? Is anything causing you to lose a grip on reality? There is power in what He can and wants to do for you.

The Jewish people were slaves in Egypt for 400 years and they were treated horribly. They were beat, whipped and forced to work. Despite their situation, God had a destiny bigger than what they could see. Just when it looked like it was over, God used Moses to part the sea. God will part your Red Sea toward destiny, toward freedom.

Overwhelmed in your present circumstances? God is not so far from you that he cannot hear or reach you. He is the I Am!

Ever find yourself falling in the same place over and over and over again? Peter did. Find out about his moment of transformation down by the shore.

Reflection on the past year as we took up batons to run the race; how have we done? What has God done in our midst? We re-commit to go All In!

God speaks to the youth. It is chronicled in biblical times as well as evidenced today. As adults, we honor God by pouring into our youth.

"Behold, I stand at the door and knock". Jesus is ready to come in and dine with us, but are we too busy with other things to even hear the knock?

God has a new address. He used to live in the Jewish tabernacle and temple. Now He lives within us, the precious crown of His creation. When we live and breathe, we carry His divine presence within us.

The Church at Ephesus began as a thriving healthy church seated in the heart of the Roman Empire. Thousands of people were coming to faith in that region, their love and devotion to Jesus was spilling out into the streets. However over time something changed and Jesus proclaims that in the midst of all their good deeds they had lost sight of their first love; Him. Do we lose sight? Does our love ever run stale?

Jesus is coming soon! This has been the hope that church has held ever since the beginning. We believe that Jesus will come again to judge the living and the dead and he will bring his reward to those who have remained faithful. His return gives us hope that he will have the last word. His arrival will finally restore all things and death will be no more. This is why Revelation ends with the cry of Maranatha! - come Lord Jesus! How does it look to remain faithful to the Lord for a lifetime, waiting for his arrival? How should we live in light of his coming?

The biblical meaning of the word "restoration" is to receive back more than has been lost to the point where the final state is greater than the original condition. The main point is that someone or something is improved beyond measure.” Restoration is such an exciting idea contained in the new testament. From the resurrection, onward, God has been in the business of restoring all things, i.e. making all things new. He has the last word in our lives and is actively putting the pieces back together. When we submit to the power of the Holy spirit and follow His lead, the old stingers of sin, dysfunction, and failure are turned into avenues that display God’s faithfulness and love.

God created us, lost us to sin and then bought us back? How in the world does this work? Find out as we continue Stuff Christians Say with Redemption

In our work and our relationships, we frequently are motivated by acceptance, favor and approval of others. In a world of performance-based worth, grace can be a foreign concept. Yet, God's grace cannot be earned and therefore cannot be lost.

Sanctification - a big word, but an important one. Learn about the critical role sanctification plays in God's plan for our lives.

Ever hear a Christian say, "you need to be saved"? What does that mean? What is Salvation? It is the solution that the world is looking for.

Behold, I make all things new.

What does love look like? The Father showed us by choosing sending Jesus to save us. Jesus showed us by enduring the suffering and shame of the cross in His choice for us. What love? What love!

When Paul exhorted us to pray without ceasing, what did God mean? How is it possible to pray non-stop? Ready to learn this mystery?

Have you ever prayed a prayer that didn't get answered? The bible shows us a few ways in which God answers prayer, not all of which are yes.

Being intentional with prayer is the key to growing your prayer life. Learn what it means to be intentional and see examples from Jesus' intentionality.

We make prayer something complicated and ornate. Jesus modeled a conversation with his Father as the way to pray; intimate, honest and from the heart.

Words matter - and how we use our words matter. The tongue is a small member of the body, but can steer our entire destiny.

Temptation. What is it? How do you spot it? How do you deal with it? The good news is that God has equipped us to overcome.

When it comes to our time, where does God want us to be? Both working too much and laziness are the extremes. See what Proverbs has to say about the "sweet spot" in the middle.

Sometimes we need help in knowing how to navigate life. The book of Proverbs has the wisdom and guidance we need to navigate well.

How are you supposed to react to someone caught in midst of sin? Modern examples are superimposed over Jesus model of how to react to others in light of how God reacted to us.

Do you ever feel alone? Are you ever in a lonely place? Could it be that God has you right where he wants you to be? Maybe this time in your life is to isolate you so that the Father can get his hands on you.

Are you dealing with issues you don't want anyone to know about. See the example given in the bible of Naaman; a well-known, well-liked man who was hiding a secret.