From what we read and watch, where we go and what we do, our culture is constantly shaping us whether we see it or not. And the demands of work, family, school, and life already makes us busy, tired and to be truthful - unfulfilled. Yet for followers of Jesus, God has given us rhythms and spiritual habits to help us keep our hearts focused on Him. As we start the new year, we will see how we find God’s grace and meaningful purpose in these rhythms. From prayer to serving to living in community, we will look at how we can engage these spiritual habits with our whole hearts. Through God's instructions as we follow His best practices for us, we will discover that we are indeed Made for This.
Pastor Jim teaches that true generosity is not about how much we have but about our relationship with God, as shown by the impoverished Macedonian church in 2 Corinthians 8:1-15. He challenges the notion of waiting to give until we have more, urging the congregation to embrace giving now as a practice that reflects our faith and brings joy.
The sermon emphasizes the importance of gathering as a church community to worship, draw near to God, hold fast to the hope in Christ, and encourage one another in love and good deeds, as outlined in Hebrews 10:19-25. It warns against spiritual passivity and consumeristic Christianity, urging believers to live in light of the coming day of the Lord, fostering a community that reflects the transformative power of the gospel.
The sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer as an ancient spiritual discipline, encouraging believers to engage deeply with God by following the pattern of the Lord's Prayer. It highlights the need for a relational approach to God as Father, worship through prayer, surrender to God's will, persistent requests, and readiness for spiritual warfare, all while recognizing the privilege of prayer made possible through Jesus Christ.
Pastor Jason argues that true greatness isn't found in worldly recognition but in humble service to others. He uses Mark 10:35-45 to show how Jesus redefined greatness, teaching that we were made to serve, not to be served, and that this is a call to love and serve our communities.
Pastor Jim uses Jeremiah 6:16 and 1 Corinthians 12:12-27 to stress that true Christian living involves more than just belief—it requires active participation as a member of the church. He argues that membership is a call to unity, diversity, and mutual responsibility, where each person's unique gifts are vital for the health and mission of the entire body of Christ.
Building on a previous sermon, Pastor Scott's sermon emphasizes the importance of genuine Gospel Community as the antidote to modern loneliness and spiritual emptiness. He explains that through reconciliation with Jesus, we become citizens of His kingdom and are able to confess our sins and embrace the vulnerability needed to find true belonging and grace with one another.
Pastor Ryan encourages the congregation to move beyond fleeting New Year's resolutions and seek fulfillment on the ancient paths found in Scripture. He argues that our desire for something more in life reflects a divine purpose, urging listeners to find rest and a deeper relationship with God by following these uncomfortable yet transformative paths.
