4/5/26, Melrose Community Church, Easter Sunday Service
April 5, 2026 • Mike Fast • John 12, Luke 23—24, 1 Corinthians 15, John 19, John 20
This Easter message challenges us to move beyond simply acknowledging the resurrection to understanding what it personally means for each of us. Drawing primarily from Luke 23-24 and 1 Corinthians 15, we're confronted with a crucial question: So what? What difference does Christ's resurrection actually make in our lives? The message presents five tangible answers that transform Easter from historical event to present reality. First, the resurrection fulfills Scripture perfectly, proving God's Word is completely trustworthy. Second, it provides genuine forgiveness for our sins through Christ's sacrificial love. Third, it builds our faith and hope on certainty rather than wishful thinking. Fourth, it proves Jesus was truly God in flesh, worthy of our worship. Fifth, it guarantees a future resurrection and coming judgment for all. The sermon reminds us that we serve a living God who conquered death, not a dead religious figure. This distinction changes everything. The touching story of the woman who wanted to be buried holding a fork beautifully illustrates the Christian hope: someone always told her to keep her fork at church dinners because the best was yet to come. For believers, death is not the end but a transition to something far better. We're called to make a decision about this truth, understanding that our faith is not in vain but anchored in historical reality witnessed by hundreds.
Discussion Questions:
• Why does Easter matter? What personal significance does it have for you?
• Read 1 Corinthians 15:12-23 and from those verses answer why the resurrection makes all of the difference for followers of Christ?
• Tim Keller wrote the following (in The Reason for God): “If Jesus rose from the dead, then you have to accept all that he said; if he didn't rise from the dead, then why worry about any of what he said? The issue on which everything hangs is not whether or not you like his teaching but whether or not he rose from the dead.” Why is this true?
4/3/26, Melrose Community Church, Good Friday Service
April 3, 2026 • Mike Fast • 1 Corinthians 1, 1 Corinthians 2, 1 Corinthians 15, 2 Corinthians 4
This Good Friday reflection takes us deep into the paradox at the heart of our faith: what appears as defeat is actually God's greatest victory. Drawing primarily from 1 Corinthians, we're confronted with a challenging truth—the message of the cross seems like utter foolishness to human wisdom, yet it represents the very power and wisdom of God. We're reminded that while the world demands signs and seeks wisdom, we preach Christ crucified, which stumbles some and appears foolish to others, but to those being saved, it is nothing less than the power of God. The sermon beautifully explores how human wisdom has never solved our fundamental problem—sin. We can advance in technology, education, and psychology, yet we remain morally bankrupt without Christ. The thief on the cross illustrates this perfectly: salvation came not through ritual or good works, but through a simple, heartfelt cry to Jesus. The communion elements, especially the matzah bread with its unleavened nature, piercings, stripes, and bruised appearance, become powerful symbols pointing us to Christ's sinless life and sacrificial death. We're challenged repeatedly with one penetrating question: How do we look at the cross? Is it merely a religious symbol, or do we see it as the altar where God's Lamb was offered for our salvation?
3/29/26, Melrose Community Church, Sunday Service
March 29, 2026 • Mike Fast • John 12
Through John chapter 12 and the triumphal entry into Jerusalem, we discover three profound qualities of our King. First, His humility stands in stark contrast to earthly rulers who demand service and tribute. Jesus chose a cross over a throne, suffering over splendor, and came not to take life but to give it. Second, His worthiness to receive all worship and praise confirms His divine nature, proving that every claim He made about Himself was absolutely true. Third, His unique role as our spiritual redeemer sets Him apart from every other leader in history. While the crowds shouted Hosanna hoping for political deliverance from Rome, Jesus offered something infinitely greater: eternal salvation from sin and death itself. The tragedy of that first Palm Sunday was that people missed the true Messiah standing right before them. We face the same danger today when we try to remake Jesus into what we want rather than surrendering to who He actually is. The cross was never an accident or afterthought but God's sovereign plan from before the foundation of the world, motivated entirely by love for us. Our response should mirror Martha's service, Mary's extravagant worship, and Lazarus's powerful witness as living evidence of what Jesus can do in a transformed life.
Discussion Questions:
- Read Psalm 118. Why does this Psalm work well as one the crowd would cry out at the triumphal entry of the Messiah?
- Reflect on Mary’s precious gift to Jesus (John 12:3-7), and consider how it would be similar to sharing positive things about a person before they die as opposed to sharing them during their funeral.
- What can be said of Mary’s love and devotion to Jesus?
- How do you demonstrate honor and worship to Jesus on a daily basis?
- A man’s perspective of others reflects what is inside him. How is this illustrated in Judas?
3/22/26, Melrose Community Church, Sunday Service
March 22, 2026 • Mike Fast • John 11:38–57
The miracle of Lazarus being raised from the dead stands as one of the most powerful demonstrations of Christ's divine authority over death itself. This seventh and climactic sign in John's Gospel forces us to confront a fundamental question that echoes through the centuries: What will we do with Jesus? The account reveals something profound about faith—that believing is not intellectual weakness but rather the path to true sight. When Jesus tells Martha that believing leads to seeing the glory of God, he turns our worldly wisdom upside down. We often say seeing is believing, but in the Kingdom of God, believing is seeing. This miracle wasn't just about physical resurrection; it beautifully illustrates our spiritual condition. Like Lazarus bound in grave clothes and decaying in darkness, we too were spiritually dead until Christ called us forth into new life. The most striking element of this passage is how the same undeniable miracle produced completely opposite responses. Some believed and began immediately telling others about what God had done. Others witnessed the exact same event and chose to oppose Jesus more intensely. This reminds us that unbelief is not about lack of evidence—it's about the condition of the heart. The question remains deeply personal for each of us: What will we do with Jesus?
Discussion Questions:
• People saw Jesus Christ perform the same miracles, but the responses were very different. How does the phrase “Believing is seeing” explain the responses?
• How much does our selfishness influence what we choose to do or believe?
• Why is Jesus’ power to raise people to life such an important miracle?
• What would it mean if Jesus did not have the ability to raise someone from the dead?
• How does all of this tie into the significance of Easter?
3/15/26, Melrose Community Church, Sunday Service
March 15, 2026 • Mike Fast • John 11
John 11 deals with the death and anticipated resurrection of Lazarus. We encounter Jesus at a crossroads where divine purpose meets human grief, where perfect timing collides with our desperate pleas for immediate intervention. The story challenges our understanding of faith when we're reminded that Mary and Martha sent word to Jesus saying their brother was sick, yet Jesus deliberately waited two more days before traveling to Bethany. This delay wasn't indifference but intentional design for God's glory. We're confronted with uncomfortable questions about trusting God's timing when His delays feel like denials. The passage reveals three distinct responses to death and suffering: the disciples who wanted to avoid the topic altogether, the sisters who struggled between faith and blame, and Jesus who wept genuine tears of compassion. That shortest verse in Scripture, "Jesus wept," becomes a profound declaration of Christ's full humanity alongside His deity. He didn't weep because He lacked power to change the situation, but because He genuinely felt the weight of human sorrow. This reminds us that our Savior is not distant or detached from our pain; He is intimately acquainted with grief and can truly empathize with our weaknesses. The message calls us to examine our own responses to suffering and loss, asking whether we're willing to be used by God in ways we don't understand, for purposes beyond our immediate comfort.
Discussion Questions:
- How comfortable are you when talking about death with someone?
- What responses to death have you witnessed from people (or even your own reactions)?
- How would you explain to an unsaved person what Jesus meant when He claimed to be the resurrection and the life (John 11:25)?
- When did you last share the good news of salvation with someone?
3/8/26, Melrose Community Church, Sunday Service
March 8, 2026 • Christopher Marx • 1 Peter 2:5–12, Psalm 90, John 1:1–18, John 20:30–31, John 10:40–42
Christopher & Mariah review their journey through the Holy Land, revealing how geography and archaeology breathe life into Scripture in remarkable ways. They discover that Israel's landscape isn't just a flat map but a living terrain of mountains, valleys, and coastlines that shaped biblical events in profound ways. From Herod's coastal palace at Caesarea Maritime to the Mount of Beatitudes where Jesus preached, each location confirms the historical accuracy of God's Word. The central theme emerges from John 20:31: 'These are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.' While visiting ancient sites validates Scripture's truthfulness, we're reminded that we don't need to travel thousands of miles to encounter Jesus. The physical ruins testify to kingdoms that rose and fell, but God's eternal kingdom built through His people endures forever. The ruins of ancient civilizations remind us that people throughout history dealt with the same struggles we face today, yet Jesus came to dwell among humanity, to understand our condition, and to die and rise for us. We're called to number our days wisely and establish our work on the only foundation that lasts: Christ Himself.
03/07/26, Melrose Community Church, Men's Breakfast
March 7, 2026 • Lynn Antis • Hebrews 10:23
This session focuses on the "Living Way," illustrating the transition from the physical temple and its restrictive curtains to the open access we now have through Jesus. The speaker explains the significance of the "curtain" being Jesus’ body and how His sacrifice removed every barrier between the believer and the Father. The latter half of the video emphasizes the communal aspect of faith, specifically why "not giving up meeting together" is vital for spiritual survival. It serves as a powerful reminder that the Christian life was never meant to be lived in isolation.
3/1/26, Melrose Community Church, Sunday Service
March 1, 2026 • Mike Fast • John 10
What does it truly mean to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God? We find ourselves standing alongside those ancient Jewish leaders who repeatedly heard Jesus claim divine authority, yet struggled to accept the implications. The passage reveals an uncomfortable truth about human nature—we can hear the same message over and over, yet still fail to let it transform our lives. Jesus declares His unity with the Father, His power to grant eternal life, and His ability to keep His sheep secure in His hand. But the real challenge isn't just intellectual assent to these truths; it's the practical demonstration of belief through obedience and surrender. The sermon challenges us to examine whether Christ has genuine authority and influence in our daily decisions, our relationships, and our priorities. Are we merely acknowledging Jesus as a historical figure or symbolic representative, or are we actively following Him as the sovereign, all-powerful Lord? The repetition in Scripture isn't because God enjoys redundancy—it's because we desperately need to move from knowing about God to actually knowing God intimately. This passage invites us to stop asking for more proof and start living like we believe what we've already been told.
Discussion Questions:
• Comment on the following quote: “God’s sovereignty means that He is all-powerful, has supreme authority, and He does what He pleases according to His plan, purpose and will. The part we struggle with is when and how He exercises His will when it runs contrary to ours.”
• How does your answer influence what you believe about the “fairness” of God?
• In a practical sense, what does it mean to confess that Jesus is Lord (Rom. 10:9)?
• What does it look like to daily strive to know God more?
2/22/26, Melrose Community Church, Sunday Service
February 22, 2026 • Mike Fast • John 10:1–21
John 10 invites us into one of Scripture's most beloved images: Jesus as the Good Shepherd and we as His sheep. The message beautifully unpacks the layered meanings within this passage, reminding us that Scripture is both deep enough for profound study and simple enough to touch our hearts. We discover that Jesus isn't just any shepherd—He's the Good Shepherd who dies for us, the Great Shepherd who rises to serve us, and the Chief Shepherd who will return to reward us. The passage challenges us to recognize that we need care, protection, and guidance far more than we might want to admit. Just as sheep are defenseless creatures—unable to protect themselves from predators, prone to wandering, and lacking discernment—we too are vulnerable to spiritual threats. Yet in our weakness, we find the beauty of grace: Jesus voluntarily laid down His life for us. He didn't just die as a victim of execution; He chose the cross. He became the door through which we find safety, the shepherd who knows us by name, and the protector who stands between us and every spiritual enemy. This message reminds us that belonging to Christ's flock means we're part of something far greater than ourselves—a worldwide family that will one day be gathered together as one.
Discussion Questions:
• Do you think it is fitting that Christians are called sheep? Why or why not?
• How do verses 17-18 change the cross from a tragic accident to a voluntary sacrifice?
• How can you protect yourself from spiritual thieves and robbers?
• What does this passage say to Christian leaders and teachers?
2/15/26, Melrose Community Church, Sunday Service
February 15, 2026 • Dan Lusby • John 9
John chapter 9 reveals a profound truth about spiritual sight versus physical sight. We encounter two contrasting groups: a man born physically blind who gains both physical and spiritual vision, and the Pharisees who can see physically but remain tragically blind spiritually. The healing miracle serves a divine purpose beyond mere compassion—it displays the works of God and proves Jesus' identity as the Light of the World. What's striking is the blind man's immediate obedience when Jesus tells him to wash in the Pool of Siloam, demonstrating that faith produces action. His journey from physical darkness to worshiping Jesus as the Son of Man illustrates the transformation that happens when we truly encounter Christ. Meanwhile, the Pharisees' stubborn refusal to acknowledge the miracle right before their eyes warns us about the danger of religious pride and hardened hearts. Their concern with Sabbath rules overshadowed their ability to recognize God's power in their midst. The message challenges us to examine our own spiritual vision: Are we truly seeing Jesus for who He is, or are we blinded by our own preconceptions, traditions, or resistance? The blind man's simple testimony—'I was blind, now I see'—becomes our invitation to experience the same life-altering encounter with the One who opens eyes and transforms hearts.
2/8/26, Melrose Community Church, Sunday Service
February 8, 2026 • Mike Fast • John 8
This week we encounter one of the most confrontational exchanges in Scripture—a heated debate about identity, freedom, and spiritual parenthood. Jesus declares Himself as the light of the world and engages with religious leaders who claim Abraham as their father, yet reject the very Messiah Abraham longed to see. The conversation escalates dramatically as Jesus reveals an uncomfortable truth: we all resemble our father, whether that be God or Satan himself. The Jewish leaders insist they've never been slaves, conveniently forgetting centuries of bondage in Egypt, Babylon, and their current subjugation to Rome. But Jesus isn't talking about political freedom—He's addressing a far deeper slavery: bondage to sin. This message challenges our modern American sensibilities about freedom and independence, reminding us that true liberty isn't found in self-determination but in submission to Christ. We see six ways Jesus resembles God the Father—as light, truth, authority, savior, sinless one, and divine being—and then we're confronted with the sobering reality that until we're adopted into God's family through faith in Christ, we bear the characteristics of another father. The passage forces us to examine whether we truly hear God's words, abide in His teaching, and honor Him with our lives, or whether we're merely making false professions while living according to the desires of the enemy.
• Explain what is meant “know the truth, and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). Who or what is the truth?
• Think of the ways you are like your parents. Now consider the similarities of how you resemble your Father in Heaven.
• Read Romans six and contrast the slave of sin and the slave of righteousness.
• Why does God say there are only two options as to who we are a child of (John 8:44; 1 John 3:10)?
2/1/26, Melrose Community Church, Sunday Service
February 1, 2026 • Mike Fast • John
This powerful exploration of Jesus' 'I Am' declarations invites us into the heart of Christ's identity and mission. Throughout John's Gospel, we encounter seven profound statements where Jesus connects 'I Am' to essential aspects of our spiritual need: He is the bread of life, the light of the world, the door, the good shepherd, the resurrection and the life, the way and the truth and the life, and the true vine. Each declaration reveals not just what Jesus offers, but who He fundamentally is. What makes these statements revolutionary is their connection to God's self-revelation to Moses at the burning bush—'I AM WHO I AM.' When Jesus uses this sacred name for Himself, He's making an unmistakable claim to deity. The religious leaders understood this perfectly, which is why they picked up stones to kill Him for blasphemy. But here's the beautiful truth: Jesus wasn't blaspheming. He was revealing. Every 'I Am' statement shows us that in Christ, we find everything we need for a full spiritual life. We're like sheep who need a shepherd, travelers who need light in darkness, hungry souls who need bread, branches that need connection to the vine. As we remember His sacrifice through communion, we're reminded that Jesus went to the cross voluntarily—fully God and fully man—to offer the perfect ransom for our sins. The question remains for each of us: Do we believe Jesus?
Discussion Questions:
- What makes the “I am” statements that Jesus made fit so well with the theme and focus of John’s gospel?
- Why does (and should) an “I am” statement catch our attention?
- Is it significant that most of these statements were also accompanied by a miracle?
- What is your opinion of Martin Lloyd Jones’ observation of how it’s possible to believe in Jesus, but somehow not believe Jesus?
1/25/26, Melrose Community Church, Sunday Service
January 25, 2026 • Mike Fast • John 7:53—8:11
At the heart of this exploration lies one of Scripture's most compelling stories: a woman caught in adultery, dragged before Jesus by religious leaders intent on trapping Him. But before we dive into this narrative, we're invited to understand something profound about the Bible itself—its remarkable reliability despite thousands of handwritten manuscripts over centuries. The discovery that this passage appears in brackets, noted as absent from early manuscripts, becomes not a reason for doubt but a gateway to understanding how textual criticism actually strengthens our confidence in Scripture. We learn that variations between ancient copies don't undermine truth; they reveal the painstaking care scholars take to preserve authenticity. And within this story, whether originally part of John's Gospel or a treasured traditional account, we encounter timeless truths about Jesus' character: His mercy toward sinners, His rebuke of religious hypocrisy, and His profound wisdom. When Jesus writes in the dirt and declares, 'Let him who is without sin cast the first stone,' He doesn't dismiss the law—He upholds it while exposing the universal reality that we all stand guilty before God. The ground truly is level at the foot of the cross. This woman's humiliation becomes our mirror, and Jesus' refusal to condemn her becomes our hope. We're reminded that the law serves three beautiful purposes: revealing God's holiness, exposing our sin, and ultimately leading us to Christ, our only Savior.
Discussion Questions:
- Why does Textual Criticism strengthen Bible reliability?
- So how do we balance justice for the offended and compassion for the offender?
- In regard to your personal sin, how do you balance grace and taking seriously the Word of God?
- Is hypocrisy a problem in the church? If so, what do you think Christians are the most hypocritical about (on the surface and in the heart)?
- What do you make of the fact that the Bible and Jesus are harder on the self-righteous and those who commit sins of the heart than on those who commit sins of the flesh?
1/18/26, Melrose Community Church, Sunday Service
January 18, 2026 • Mike Fast • John 7
This sermon examines John chapter 7 as a critical turning point in Jesus' ministry, where opposition intensifies dramatically. The passage reveals Jesus attending the Feast of Tabernacles in Jerusalem despite growing threats to His life. Through this narrative, we see Jesus consistently choosing God's timing, teaching, and plan over human wisdom and worldly strategies. The sermon emphasizes four key contrasts between Jesus' divine approach and humanity's natural tendencies, culminating in Jesus' powerful invitation for the spiritually thirsty to come to Him for living water. The message challenges believers to boldly confess Christ despite fear of opposition, recognizing that Jesus willingly followed God's plan to the cross for our salvation, demonstrating both victory and voluntary sacrifice rather than mere victimhood.
Discussion Questions:
• From John seven, how is it that the choices of the world were so different from the choices of Christ?
• What does it mean to know and choose the will of God?
• After reading Romans 10:9-10 and Matthew 10:32-33, how would you describe the significance of verbally confessing Jesus Christ?
• In John 7:39 Jesus said the Spirit would come after His death and resurrection. List some of the work the Holy Spirit does (cf. John 14:26; 16:8; Ephesians 1:13; 5:18; 1 Corinthians 12:4; Titus 3:5).
1/11/26, Melrose Community Church, Sunday Service
January 11, 2026 • Mike Fast • John 6:35–71
Apologies, the audio cut out for a bit in the middle.
This message exposes six distinct attitudes people have toward the Savior. Some want Jesus only as a provider of physical needs—a miracle worker who fills their stomachs but not their souls. Others prefer a comfortable Savior who fits neatly into their predetermined boxes, one they can control and manage. The religious leaders wanted to be their own saviors, rejecting Christ's divinity in arrogant self-righteousness. Many desired only a popular, non-challenging Jesus, abandoning Him the moment His teachings became difficult to tolerate. Some, like Judas, were masterful pretenders, fooling everyone except Christ Himself. But Peter's response cuts through all the noise: 'Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life.' This is the heart of authentic faith—wanting Jesus for exactly who He is, not who we wish He would be. The question echoes across the centuries to us today: when following Christ becomes costly, uncomfortable, or challenging, will we stay or will we walk away? Where else could we possibly go? Salvation isn't about our works or commitments to future behavior; it's about embracing what Christ has already accomplished. In His eyes, we look really good—not because of anything we've done, but because of everything He has done.
01/10/26, Melrose Community Church, Men's Breakfast
January 10, 2026 • Matt McColllin • Hebrews 10:19–25
This session provides a deep dive into the three central "Let Us" exhortations found in the book of Hebrews. The teaching centers on how the blood of Jesus provides a permanent solution for the guilt that often keeps people from God. Viewers will learn about the role of Jesus as our "Great High Priest" and how that reality should change the way we interact with our church community. The message highlights the necessity of "holding unswervingly to the hope we profess" and offers practical ways to spur one another on toward love and good deeds in a world that often discourages faith.
1/4/26, Melrose Community Church, Sunday Service
January 4, 2026 • Mike Fast • John 6:29
This message takes us deep into John chapter 6, where we encounter one of the most liberating truths of Christianity: salvation isn't something we earn, it's something we receive. In a world where every religion seems to demand a checklist of accomplishments, Christianity stands radically different. We're reminded that when people asked Jesus what works God requires, they were operating from a legalistic mindset that still traps many today. The beautiful paradox is that salvation is both completely free and impossibly expensive—free for us because God already paid the price we could never afford. Through powerful illustrations like jumping across the Grand Canyon or a single drop of poison contaminating pure water, we see why our good works could never bridge the gap to a perfect God. The Greek word for belief, used nearly 90 times in John's Gospel, reveals that faith isn't a one-time transaction but an active, continuous trust in what Christ has accomplished. This doesn't make us passive Christians; rather, it transforms our motivation entirely. We don't obey to earn salvation—we obey because we've been saved. The communion elements beautifully illustrate this truth: God looks at us through the lens of Christ's completed work, seeing us differently not because of what we do, but because of what He's done.
12/28/25, Melrose Community Church, Sunday Service
December 28, 2025 • Mike Fast • Matthew 1:18–25
This sermon concludes a three-part Christmas series by examining Jesus Christ's ministry after His incarnation. Drawing from Matthew 1 and weaving through Scripture, Pastor Mike explores three significant stages of Christ's post-Christmas ministry: His earthly life from birth to death & resurrection 33 years later, His present ministry in heaven, and His promised future return. He visualized the mathematical probability of Jesus fulfilling just eight prophecies as covering all of Texas two feet deep in silver dollars and finding one marked coin while blindfolded. But Jesus fulfilled hundreds. This isn't coincidence; it's divine orchestration we cannot ignore. But it gets personal: What difference does Jesus make in your life today? Not culturally, not theoretically, but actually? We're reminded that Christ is our sustainer, our advocate, our sympathizer who understands our weaknesses, and our coming King. He's not just a historical figure we celebrate once a year—He's actively preparing a place for us, interceding for us, and offering salvation to a world He loves too much to abandon. The question lingers: If someone asked you today what difference Christ makes in your daily life, what would you say? This message doesn't let us file away Christmas and move on; it demands we wrestle with the living, active reality of our risen Savior.
Christmas Eve 2025 "Wisemen Still Seek Him" Matt. 2:1-12
December 24, 2025 • Mike Fast • Matthew 2:1–12, Matthew 2:18–23
Wonderful time of music and refocusing on the what our minds should be on this season if we want to be among the ranks of "Wise Men".
12/21/25, Melrose Community Church, Sunday Service
December 21, 2025 • Mike Fast • Philippians 2:1–11, Matthew 1:18–25
This message challenges us to examine what Christmas truly means in our lives by contrasting two celebrations: 'X-mas' and Christmas. Without Christ, we're left with a potentially hollow holiday focused on presents, parties, and commercial excess—a celebration that circumstances can easily steal from us. But with Christ at the center, Christmas becomes an unshakeable celebration of God's greatest gift: His Son born in human flesh. The sermon draws us into Philippians 2, where Paul describes Jesus's incredible humility—how He emptied Himself, took on human form, and became obedient to death on a cross. This passage reminds us that Christmas isn't just about a baby in a manger; it's about the eternal God stepping into our darkness to become our light. We're invited to reflect on four critical areas: the holiday itself, the virgin conception, Christ's death, and His resurrection. In each area, we see the stark difference between a Christless celebration and one anchored in the reality of Immanuel—God with us. The challenge is personal and penetrating: Are we celebrating Christ-mas or just X-mas? Are we looking for opportunities to share the hope that makes all the difference? Like Bob Evans experiencing sight for the first time after 51 years of blindness, we're called to remove our spiritual blinders and truly see the beauty and wonder of what Christ has done for us.
Discussion Questions:
• What did you think of Christmas before you were saved?
• What do you think about it now?
• What happens when you take Christ out of a holiday meant to celebrate Him?
• What do you have if you take Christ out of Christianity?
• Consider other areas of everyday life and how they look without Christ as opposed to how they look with Christ.
• Can you become so familiar with or accustomed to something that you overlook its beauty or significance?
• Homework: Find an opportunity to share the real meaning of Christmas with someone this week?
12/14/25, Melrose Community Church, Sunday Service
December 14, 2025 • Mike Fast • John 1:1–8
This powerful message invites us to see beyond the manger scene and grasp the eternal nature of Jesus Christ. Drawing from John 1, Philippians 2, and Hebrews 1, we're reminded that Christmas morning wasn't the beginning of Jesus—He existed from all eternity as the Word, the Creator, and God Himself. The sermon walks us through eight profound descriptions of Christ: Word, Life, Light, Flesh, One and Only, Jesus, Christ, and God. Each title reveals a facet of His divine nature and mission. The imagery of moving baby Jesus closer to the nativity scene each day before Christmas serves as a beautiful metaphor for keeping Christ at the center of our celebrations. But the deeper truth challenges us: when we look at that baby in the manger, do we see just a helpless infant, or do we recognize God incarnate—the mighty Creator who humbled Himself to dwell among us? This perspective transforms everything. Understanding that Jesus is the eternal God who holds all things together, who spoke creation into existence, who is the very radiance of God's glory, makes His birth not just a sweet story but an earth-shattering event. For those of us who believe, this truth deepens our worship. For those still searching, it presents the unavoidable question: is Jesus a liar, a lunatic, or truly Lord? There's no middle ground for a 'good moral teacher' who claimed equality with God.
Discussion Questions (can be used with small groups or personal devotions):
• His birth and the cross seem to be the two most predominant times we consider Jesus. What prevents us from thinking more of Christ prior to the incarnation?
• Why is it important to believe in the preincarnate existence of Christ?
• What is the significance of John 17:5 and Philippians 2:6?
• More plainly, why is it vital that we believe in the deity (being God) of Jesus Christ?
• How would you reply to someone who believes Jesus became a God? How would you reply to someone who believes Jesus was created (had a beginning)?
• Why could Jesus not be “just” a good moral teacher but nothing else He claimed?
