Do You See What I See
Hope. Peace. Joy. Love.
Discovering True Joy
December 17, 2023 • Brannen Padgett • Luke 2:8–14
Dive into the heart of Christmas with our latest message focusing on "Joy" from Luke 2:8-14. In this season of celebration, we explore the profound joy that the birth of Jesus brings into our lives. As humans, the concept of joy captivates us, reaching beyond our mental health struggles. It is an inner delight that transcends circumstances, a sustaining state of the soul. Even in the face of difficulties, biblical figures like Paul in prison and Jesus on the cross exemplify the presence of joy. Why Don’t We Experience Joy? Issue: Understanding the difference between happiness and joy. While happiness is circumstantial, joy is a sustaining state tied to our relationship with God. How to Experience the Joy of Jesus: Starve the Substitutes: Take a break from fleeting happiness shots that leave us disappointed. Joy runs deeper and is found in God. Seek Jesus: Rediscover the true source of joy. Engage in activities that stir your affections for Christ this season. Join us in unwrapping the true essence of Christmas—joy that goes beyond circumstances and finds its roots in the transformative love of Jesus.
Love Unwrapped
December 24, 2023 • Brannen Padgett • John 3:16
Join us this Christmas Eve for a special message on the heart of the season, based on John 3:16. As we gather in the glow of the holiday, we reflect on how Jesus, in stepping down from heaven, brought us the greatest gift of all: love. The Greatest Gift: Love When Jesus entered the world in a humble manger, He didn't just bring hope, peace, and joy; He ushered in an unparalleled love. Explore the profound simplicity of John 3:16, a verse that encapsulates the entire Gospel—a message of love, redemption, and salvation. Exploring God's Love: Depth of the Father’s Love: Experience the inexpressible depth of God’s love. In the vastness of His love, we find rest and assurance. God's love for you is beyond words—indescribable, encompassing, and eternal. Direction of the Father’s Love: God's love isn't selective; it embraces all. Despite our flaws and rebellion, God's love reaches out to every person, breaking through the barriers of sin and inviting us into His redemptive story. Invitation of the Father’s Love: The manger signifies a pivotal moment. Recognize the brokenness in our lives and accept the invitation to a rescue mission. Jesus, sent by the Father, offers forgiveness, restoration, and eternal hope. Believe and trust in Him. Accept the Offer: This Christmas, let the love unveiled in the manger transform your life. Trust Jesus, embrace His forgiveness, and become a cherished son or daughter in the family of God. The greatest gift awaits—Love Incarnate.
Finding Peace in Chaos
December 10, 2023 • Matt Burks • Hebrews 2:14–18
Welcome to the second installment of our Advent series! Today, we delve into Hebrews 2:14-18 to discover the profound peace that Jesus brings into our lives. In a world filled with chaos, His birth, life, and sacrifice serve as a beacon of hope and tranquility. Jesus mediated peace between mankind and God, showcasing a model of peace through His earthly life. Join us as we explore the four incredible ways He achieved this: Representative Obedience: Jesus, fully human, overcame temptations, providing a path to righteousness for us. Substitute Sacrifice: Understanding that Jesus came for mankind, becoming the perfect substitute sacrifice, taking on our form. Sympathy as High Priest: Jesus, having faced trials and struggles, sympathizes with our challenges, making Him the ultimate High Priest. Example in Life: Even in the midst of chaos, Jesus's life serves as a model. His death brings hope, promising a future resurrection for believers. Amidst the challenges of life, Jesus understands, sympathizes, and provides a pathway to peace. Join us in embracing His example and allowing God to reign in our lives, bringing forth lasting peace.
Hope Dawns in Darkness
December 3, 2023 • Brannen Padgett • Isaiah 9:2–7
Welcome to the beginning of our Advent sermon series, where we embark on a journey to understand the profound significance of Jesus' incarnation and eagerly anticipate His glorious return. In this week's message, grounded in Isaiah 9:2-7, we focus on the theme of HOPE. Isaiah paints a vivid picture of the world "walking in darkness" and "dwelling in a land of deep darkness." This darkness symbolizes the pervasive presence of evil, sin, and ignorance, leading to suffering, pain, and hopelessness. Yet, in the midst of this darkness, Isaiah proclaims a powerful message: "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light." Join us as we explore the profound symbolism of light in the context of Advent. Discover how the birth of Jesus, foretold in Isaiah's prophecy, represents the entrance of a great light into the darkness of our broken world. This light brings life, beauty, and truth, offering a solution to the deep-seated problems of humanity. Uncover the significance of the names and titles attributed to the promised child—Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Wonderful Counselor, Prince of Peace. Recognize that our hope is not found in human efforts but in the intervention of God Himself. As we journey through this Advent season, may this message ignite a renewed sense of hope in your heart. Experience the joy of anticipating the arrival of the Savior, the great light that dispels the darkness. Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the timeless truths of Isaiah's prophecy and the hope we have in Christ.