December 18, 2022 • Dr. Carlo Serrano • Matthew 22:15–21
God’s answer for the world’s problems has never been material things. God did not give us more stuff – such as work, food, or health. He gave us himself—the most priceless and personal gift of all. When we give relationally during the Advent season, this is what we remember: it’s an opportunity to worship as we remind each other of the gift given for our sake.
THE BIG IDEA: We give our lives to Jesus because He gave His life for us.
Follow the Light
December 11, 2022 • Dr. Carlo Serrano • John 10:30, Isaiah 8:6–22, Isaiah 9:1–6, Matthew 1:21–23
According to modest estimates, there are about 100 billion observable stars. Each of them is powerful and potentially life-giving in its own right. And yet, for all of their power, might, heat, and light, the only thing comparable to a star's power is its converse...darkness. Darkness is cold and uninviting. Darkness can be dangerous. It is the absence of light. Can you imagine a powerful darkness that sucks out even the possibility of light? Can you imagine a powerful darkness that leaves people feeling hopeless and helpless? What if there was a way toward the light?
THE BIG IDEA: Following King Jesus Leads to the Light
Tale of Two Kings
December 4, 2022 • Chris Edmondson • Matthew 2, Matthew 28:17–20, Acts 11:26
Jesus Christ. Most people today think that Christ is his last name, but it wasn’t. Christ was His title, His rank—He is King. And because He is King, He has authority over our lives, so He calls the shots. Following Jesus means we should be like Jesus. We sound like Him, react like Him, and love like He did. The church does not need any more Jesus admirers. The church needs followers of Jesus.
BIG IDEA: The church does not need any more Jesus admirers. We need people to follow King Jesus.
