CBC the Rim

As we continue to journey through 2 Thessalonians, Paul reminds us that we are chosen by God, designed for community, and called to stand on the truth of His Word. It challenges us to dive deeper into Scripture, build healthy Christian relationships, and live with confidence in our identity in Christ.

LaShaude unpacks 2 Thessalonians 2 and Revelation 13, urging us to stay alert, faithful, and comforted in Christ's victory as we navigate the mysteries of the end times. With humility, we're challenged to let these prophetic truths reshape our priorities, boldness, and hope as we long for Jesus' return.

2 Thessalonians 1 challenges us to stay faithful to God when facing hostility for following Jesus and reminds us that some burdens must be carried until Christ returns. It encourages us to view persecution as a blessing, trust God with our hurts, and boldly share our faith, knowing full justice and relief will come with Jesus' second coming.

This Easter we're invited to see the resurrection not just as a historical event, but as a daily, transformative reality that shapes the Christian life through the pattern of death, burial, and resurrection. By looking to Christ crucified, we're called to embrace His love, let go of what must die, and live in the healing, victorious power of His resurrection.

Good Friday reminds us that following Jesus means embracing the cross—not just in theory, but in the costly, sometimes public, burdens we carry with Him. Yet in His suffering, death, and burial, we find both intimacy with Christ and true freedom, as He takes our burdens and offers us rest.

By examining the scourging of Jesus and His crown of thorns, we're invited to “not look away” from the cost of our sin, as this message draws from Isaiah 53 and Psalm 22 to vividly portray Christ's sacrifice and the deep love behind it. Through the imagery of His blood as a healing force, we're reminded of the transformative power of His wounds—cleansing us from sin and giving us hope and restoration in the midst of our struggles.

This week, we saw Jesus betrayed by those He loved and put on trial by the religious leaders. He allowed Himself to be bound so that His followers could experience true freedom. In the face of testing, He remained silent—receiving these moments as part of the Father's plan for salvation.Today, Jesus invites us to be "arrested" with Him—to silently receive both the Father's plan and His method for shaping us into the image of the Son.

In the first message of our new five-part series, Way of the Cross, we saw Jesus invite His disciples into the depths of His heart—only to be met with slumber. As they slept, they missed seeing Him pray; they missed His surrender to the Father. Today, Jesus is still looking for disciples who will stay awake, see His heart, and join Him in surrendering their own wills in humble submission to the Father.

Living with eager expectation for Christ's return, we continued to explore 1 Thessalonians 5 and what it means to honor, encourage, and build one another up in faith.

The Day of the Lord is the future great and terrifying, cataclysmic, and sudden culmination of human history. It reveals Jesus as the perfect Judge, coming to set all wrong things right. The body of Christ is not meant to be surprised or caught off guard but to be ready, awake, and alert.

We all wrestle with the reality of death, but in Jesus, we find deep hope. Because of Him, we don't grieve like the world—we grieve with hope, knowing that death is not the end but a doorway to a resurrected life with Christ.

Until you move from a set of rules to a relationship, your life will always be about a fence and you will find yourself in slavery to the law. It's not about being on this side or that side of the fence. It's not actually about a fence at all. It's about a cross. It's about loving the one who went to the cross and who is coming back again. 

We are invited to take steps of insane courage as we partner with Jesus.

What does it look like to be found ready for the return of Jesus?

Bryce and Gina Harcey from Evergreen Ministries on "Maranatha Within" at our annual Summit

Pastor Kirk Freeman at our annual Summit.

Sean Brakey from We Are Church sharing the Maranatha heart at our annual Summit.

May we become a people with eyes that look for, hearts that long for, and lives that live towards the return of Jesus.

As we think about sharing the Gospel with others, we are inviting people not to simply believe in a philosophy, but to encounter a person. It's to the degree we have encountered him personally that we can share the story of that part of his heart with others.

Jesus has given us access to the Father's provision and protection, which enables us to be radically generous

Jesus sharing a meal with others was not only essential for life (to feed the body), but it was also His primary place of discipleship.

We are invited to have lives that listen to the heart of Jesus and others, not just hear their noise. Genesis 12:1-3 | Matthew 13:13 | Luke 15:1-7 | Luke 18:35-43 Austin Johnson

As we partner with God in BLESSing the world around us, we begin in prayer + fasting. Prayer is the place we connect with his heart and see where he is at work. In prayer we ask God: “Where are you at work?” and “How can I join you.” In fasting we long for Jesus and his moving in the people's lives around us. Genesis 12:1-7 | Galatians 3:7-9 | John 5: 19-20 | John 15: 1-8 Austin Johnson

We are looking at the most famous verse in the Bible, John 3:16. At Christmas, through this verse, we see the greatest love, the greatest sacrifice, the greatest offer, and the greatest gift. Ephesians 1:4 | Psalm 145:9-10 | Romans 8:39 | Ephesians 3:18-19 | Colossians 1:15 | John 14:9 | Romans 5:8 | John 2:2 | 2 Corinthians 5:21 | Titus 2:11 | Acts 10:35 | Romans 10:9 | John 12:47 | 1 Peter 1:3-4 | Ephesians 1:5 | 2 Corinthians 6:2 Kelly Craighead

Jesus came as the prince of peace - not simply to stop conflict internally or externally, but to restore us back to wholeness. How he brought and bought our peace is the same way we partner with Him to bring peace to our homes, our communities, and our world. Isaiah 9:6 | Genesis 3:8 | Romans 5:1 | Matthew 1:23 | John 1:14 | Luke 1:26-35 | Luke 2:1-7 | John 5:19-20 | John 5:30 | Colossians 1:19-20 | Ephesians 2:13-18 | John 19:40-42 | John 20:19-22 | John 14:27 | Matthew 5:9 | 2 Corinthians 5:18 Austin Johnson

There are 3 major thieves of joy we experience and are found in the first Christmas: anxiety, resentment, and confusion. We are given the dignity to make choices that counter those thieves as we follow Jesus. Like Mary, we choose to trust God and his plan and purpose for our lives. Like Joseph, we offer grace, forgive, and let go of past hurts. Like the wise men, we follow the light of God one step at a time. Luke 1:26-47 | Matthew 1:18-21 | Matthew 2:1-11 | Psalms 51:12 | Nehemiah 8:10

As believers, we find ourselves constantly in a season of “advent.” Our King has come and our King is coming. We are invited to not only look back on the incarnation of Jesus, but look forward and prepare to his promised return in accordance to the scriptures.

There is profound power in the gift of storytelling. This week, we explore how stories can create meaningful spaces for people to experience and understand the love and beauty of Jesus. LaShaude James

Scripture gives us a method to entering the gates (city) of God: Thanksgiving. It's more than just being grateful, it's a costly exercise of faith. Psalm 100 Austin Johnson

God calls us to live generously—but why? What does a generous life really look like? This week, we're taking a bird's-eye view of what the Bible teaches about giving our time, money, and resources. John 3:16 | Matthew 6:21 | 1 Timothy 6:17-19 | Proverbs 11:25 | 2 Corinthians 8:12, 9:6-7 | Psalm 116:12 | Proverbs 21:5 | 1 Peter 1:18-19 Kelly Craighead

In this final message of our series on The Fear of the Lord, we explore how The Fear of the Lord frees us from the fear of man, and allows us to live authentically in His truth. Through scripture and personal reflections, we uncover the ways that a reverent awe of God reshapes our motivations, bringing clarity, freedom, and deeper intimacy with Him. Discover how the fear of the Lord can be the antidote to insecurity and the pathway to an abundant, courageous life. Proverbs 29:25 | 1 Samuel 15:24 | Galatians 2:12 | Hebrews 12:28-29 | Psalm 2:11 | Isaiah 6:1-5 | Psalm 25:14 | Proverbs 1:7 | Proverbs 9:10 | Isaiah 11:1-4a | Proverbs 15:33 | Proverbs 22:4 | 2 Corinthians 7:1 | Proverbs 16:6 | Exodus 20:20 | Hebrews 1:9 | Proverbs 8:13 | Proverbs 2:1-5 | Luke 12:4-7 Austin Johnson

Through the Fear of the Lord, we are invited into the Meal of Communion. We are invited to look back at the suffering + death of Jesus, presently see and encounter Jesus in new ways, and look forward to his coming again with anticipation and preparation. Matthew 26:19, 26-29 | Exodus 12:1-14 | 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 | Genesis 14:17-20 | Luke 24:13-35 | John 6:32-40, 47-59 | Luke 22:14-16 | Revelation 19:7 | 1 Corinthians 11:27-34 | John 13:21-30 Austin Johnson

This week we begin our 3-week series studying proper fear of the Lord. This part of our faith is so important to God because through this he invites us close, keeps us from straying, and separates us from other loves and hopes. Genesis 22 | James 2:23 | Psalm 25:14 | Jeremiah 32:38-40 | Pro 14:27 | Malachi 3:16-17 | 2 Corinthians 7:1 | Revelation 14:6-7 Marty Esparza

Have you ever wondered what it means to live a full life in God? This week, we explore examples and stories from the Bible that reveal what a fulfilled, God-centered life looks like. Kelly Craighead

We are invited to not simply be around the Gospel or the things of God, but to move into them. To embody, take on, and be in the Lord in every area of life.  Philippians 4 Austin Johnson

What we remember will become our reality - this is why we set aside time and space to remember and honor our history, God's faithfulness, and his movement in our lives, and church. It is on this revelation and remembrance of who Jesus is that He promises to build his church on. Austin Johnson Matthew 16:13-20

The importance of becoming empty so that we might take hold of Jesus as our great reward. Austin Johnson Philippians 3

This week, we take a closer look at how Paul emphasizes humility, holiness, and honor in Philippians 2. Philippians 2 LaShaude James

We are invited into joyful partnership in the Gospel through suffering, inspired by a vision of Jesus. Philippians 1 Austin Johnson

We were created by God to be in community, and the ingredients that make up a gospel-centered community ultimately point us towards Jesus. Acts 2:42-47 Malachi Hey

Individually and collectively, we as the human race have chosen to rebel and commit treason against God. All of our suffering, all of our sorrow, and all of our pain is a result of this fact. But God intervened and sent his Son to redeem and restore us as whole and holy persons. Now we find ourselves in an epic battle for the human race. Your prayers matter. 1 John 2:12-14 | Matthew 2:13-16 | James 5:16-18 | 1 Kings 18:42-45 | John 17:20-23 Kelly Craighead

We are invited to go deeper into the heart of God through prayer. Via his Spirit, Jesus has made his home in us and we are invited to come into increasing union with him with all of our being. The pathway to this lifestyle of union with God is a crucified one. It is receiving Jesus's invitation to pick up our cross, and have our bodies broken to this world that our Spirit might pour out in greater communion with him.  John 17:3 | John 3:1-8 | 1 Corinthians 6:17 | John 14:23 | Luke 17:21 | John 14:26 15:26, 16:12-15 | John 15:1-8 | Romans 7:22-25 | 2 Corinthians 4:16 | Hebrews 4:12 | Luke 9:23-25 | Galatians 2:20 | Heb. 5:7-10 | John 4:23 | Romans 8:26-27 | 1 Thessalonians 5:17 | Luke 11:2, 9-13 | Psalm 63:1-8 | Psalm 46:1-3 | Psalm 37:7 | Ephesians 3:16-19 | Eph. 6:18 | John 17:26 Austin Johnson

Jesus would teach us that the end goal of prayer is not an answer, it is a person. Success is not defined by how many prayers get answered, but by our communing with Him. Out of that communion, The Holy Spirit teaches us how to pray in alignment with the agenda of Heaven. 1 Peter 4:7 | Colossians 4:2-3 | Matthew 6:1-15 | Luke 11:5-13 | James 4:8 | Psalm 12:6 | Psalm 25:12-15 | Psalm 27:8 | Exodus 33:7-11, 34:34-35 | Zechariah 12:10 | Romans 8:26-27 | John 15:26-16:15 | Ephesians 1:15-19 | 1 John 5:14-15 | Hebrews 7:17-25 | 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 | Revelation 22:17 | Proverbs 8:17-19 | Acts 10:3-16 | 1 Peter 3:7 | Isaiah 56:7 | 1 Peter 2:5-10 | Revelation 5:8, 8:3-4 | 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 Austin Johnson

This week we explore what biblical authority looks like in spaces like parenting, work, and the church. Our first Elder Board was commissioned by our body at The Rim on August 4, 2024! LaShaude James

Jesus calls us on a Great Adventure to join Him in serving others to build His kingdom. Will you abide in Him and answer His call to serve? Ephesians 2:8-10 | John 15:5-8 | 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 | Luke 22:7-13 | 1 Timothy 6:17-19 | James 4:13-17 | 1 Timothy 4:7-8 | Luke 10:38-42 | Psalm 51:16-17 Kristin Soileau

It's in the heart of the Father that the Son would be honored. In honoring the Son, we are able to honor one another and see tangible elements of the Kingdom come. Ephesians 6:1-4 | Romans 12:10 | John 5:17-23 | 2 Peter 1:17 | Phil 2:5-11 | Heb 2:9 | John 12:20-28 | 1 Cor. 6:19-20 | Rev. 4:9-11 | Rev. 5:12 | Rev. 7:12  | Mt. 6:9-13 | Matthew 15:8 | Isaiah 29:13 | 1 Thess. 4:1-8 | 1 Tim. 5:17 | 1 Cor. 12:20-26 | Eph. 4:29 | Jude 1:14-19 | James 4:11-12 | Malachi 2:1-9 | Num. 16:1-3 | 1 Samuel 24:5-1, 16-20, 26:9 | Matthew 25:37-40 | Matthew 13:53-58 | Prov. 18:21 | Prov 3:9 | 2 Cor. 8:1-6; 9:6 | 1 Cor. 11:23-32 Austin Johnson

The ministry of God, how God chooses to minister to people, is presence. God is uniting heaven and earth by His presence, and His ministry of presence first begins in us and then is extended through us. Ephesians 1:8-10 | James 3:14-17 | Galatians 5:19-23 | 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 | Romans 8:6 Carmel Gabriel

This week we study the emphasis on unity in the context of the church body. We are all called to operate together in unity, not elevating or idolizing one part of the body over the other. All parts of the body work together for God's glory! John 17:20-23 | Ephesians 1:9-10 | 1 Corinthians 12:12-26 Steve Fletcher

When we see Jesus as our bridegroom King, it beckons us to see ourselves as his bride. Are we a bride that mourns for him? A bride that stores up oil for him? A bride that is pure and set apart for him? Mark 2:18-22 | Matthew 25:1-13 | 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1 | Ephesians 5:25-27 | Jeremiah 3:1-5 | Ezekiel 16:8-14 | 1 Corinthians 6:12-20 | 1 Peter 1:13-25 | 2 Corinthians 11:2-4 | Song of Songs 4:1-16 | Revelation 19:9-10 Austin Johnson

Jesus is looking and longing for a bride that will love him and comfort him with a bridal love, first love. Obedience is not enough, belief alone is not enough. He did not die for a loveless marriage. He stands at the door and knocks…will you let him in to sit with you? Rev. 2:1-7 | Ephesians 5:25-32 | John 3:27-30 | Isaiah 62:5 | Isa. 54:5-6 | Ezek 16:8-14 | Luke 10:38-42 | John 12:1-8 | Matthew 19:16-22 | Songs of Songs 1:2-4, 12-13 | John 2:23-25 | Psalm 69:19-21 | Matthew 10:38-39 | Mark 10:29-31 | Rev. 3:20 | Song of Songs 4:12-16 Austin Johnson

Jesus is Lord! We explore the Lordship of Jesus and how His Headship impacts us as the Body of Christ. Romans 10:9-13, Luke 6:46-49, Matthew 7:21-23, 1 John 3:4-10, Romans 14:7-12, Philippians 2:9-13, Revelation 19:11-16, Ephesians 1:15 - 2:10 LaShaude James