Each of the Sundays leading up to Christmas day holds special significance in the Christian faith and this second Sunday brings our attention to the theme of preparation. Preparation is an idea we’re all too familiar with this time of year. It can seem like the days between Thanksgiving and Christmas are constantly accelerating as time runs out for all the parties, gift shopping, grocery lists, cooking, and baking that we think is so critical to a great Christmas season. “The deals are only here a limited time”, “there’s only a few more shopping days until Christmas”, “we’ve got to get everything on the calendar” become all too familiar this time of year. Add to that dynamic the stress of trying to navigate a pandemic and suddenly preparation can feel overwhelming. The preparation I want to talk to you about is not referencing this frantic sense of “prepping” that we’ve been taught to accept as “part of the holidays.” Instead, I want to show you a preparation that touches at the depths of our faith and inspires us to focus on Jesus and the miracle of His life!
Advent 1: Preparing for Jesus
Advent 1
November 28, 2021 • Pastor Adam Welty
The Unity of the Church
April 21, 2024 • Pastor Mike Stubbs, Lindsay Smith, Sydney Farney • Ecclesiastes 4:9–12
As soon as a body of believers starts making a profound influence in a community, the enemy will come and sow seeds of discord. He knows that he cannot defeat God’s people unless they are unblessed and unempowered by Jesus Christ. This can only happen when they willfully reject wisdom from above and embrace worldly rhetoric and its devises. As the body of Christ, we are always in a winning position of power and influence when we operate in the unity of the Spirit compelled by the love of the Father. This message begins with Lindsay Smith and Sydney Farney giving a report and sharing testimonies about the local Radical Life ministry that strives to build healthy families in the community.
Understanding Christian Character
April 14, 2024 • Pastor Mike Stubbs • 2 Peter 1:3–11
The most important quality of a disciple of Jesus Christ is godly character. That is how real believers are identified and how fake or immature believers are exposed. We are identified by our “fruit” which is the fruit of the Holy Spirit. Even if a person is gifted, the real test is a person’s character, habits, and lifestyle. Godly believers leave a trail of wholeness in the church not collateral damage.
The Power of the Resurrection
March 31, 2024 • Pastor Mike Stubbs
We were not created to experience corruption, sorrow, and death. We were created for everlasting peace, joy, and life. But mankind sold out to darkness and had to be purchased back by the replacement death of Jesus Christ – Him instead of us. Jesus died for us, defeated death, rose from the grave and offers new life to everyone who chooses to believe.