Mercy Hill

This Sunday, we step into one of the most personal moments in Acts.In Acts 20:17–38, Paul gives a final, heartfelt charge to the Ephesian leaders—calling them to live faithfully, speak boldly, and guard what matters most. It's a reminder that following Jesus shapes not just what we believe, but how we lead, live, and love.It's also a passage that asks something of us:Are we building something that will actually last?

There's something about this time of year that just feels like a fresh start. The weather's warming up, the trees are filling back in, and flowers are starting to bloom everywhere you look. It's like the world is waking up again. And if we're honest, I think a lot of us are looking for that same kind of renewal in our own lives too.That's part of why Easter matters so much. It's not just a date on the calendar—it's the reminder that real renewal is possible. In Acts 13, Paul tells the story of God's faithfulness through generations, and it all leads to this simple, powerful truth: God raised Jesus from the dead. That changes everything. It means hope is real, forgiveness is available, and new life isn't just an idea—it's something we can actually experience.

One of the most compelling storylines of this year's Winter Olympics was U.S. hockey, with both the men's and women's teams bringing home gold. It reminded many of us of the iconic 1980 men's team that unexpectedly won gold. That team was the youngest and most inexperienced the U.S. had ever sent to the Olympics.In the semifinal game, they faced the mighty Soviet team, who were not only heavily favored but had previously defeated the U.S. national team 10–3. No one expected the young U.S. team to even keep up. Yet in the third period, the U.S. scored two goals to take the lead, and goalie Jim Craig blocked shot after shot to hold it. Against all odds, the U.S. team prevailed, leading to Al Michaels' famous call: “Do you believe in miracles? Yes!”In Acts 19, Paul and his team are in Ephesus, a major city deeply committed to the worship of the Greek goddess Artemis. It's not the kind of place you'd expect people to be ready and willing to embrace the message of Jesus. But again, against all odds, the good news of Jesus prevails.

Have you ever been in a situation where knowing a bit of background or context would have changed how you handled it? I know I have. From making the wrong joke in front of the wrong person to mishaps on international trips, I've definitely put my foot in my mouth and wished I had known one key piece of information.In Acts 17, we see Paul sharing the good news of Jesus in Thessalonica and later in Athens. Interestingly, he approaches each place differently. Why? Because the context of each city, each culture, and each audience is different. This Sunday, we'll take a closer look at this chapter and discover what we can learn from Paul about engaging different cultures and people with the good news of Jesus.

There is an intense debate that rages in the Southeast U.S.: Should you put salt on watermelon? At first, it's hard to imagine that salt would be good on watermelon. But some people swear by this unexpected combination. They say the salt intensifies the sweetness of the watermelon in a unique way.In Acts 16, Paul sets off on his second missionary journey, expecting to end up in Asia Minor. But God has other plans. God redirects Paul and his team about 400 miles away from their original destination. Yet this unexpected redirection produces some amazing results.

This Sunday we're in Acts 15:1–35, a pivotal moment in the early church where a major conflict threatens to distort the gospel itself. As more Gentiles come to faith, a question rises to the surface: Is faith in Jesus enough, or is something more required?What follows is honest debate, tension, and a gathering of leaders to discern what's true. It's not a small disagreement—it's about the very foundation of salvation.In the middle of it all, we see something powerful: God brings clarity through community, Scripture, and His Spirit.Peter stands and reminds everyone that salvation comes through grace alone. Paul and Barnabas share how God is moving among the Gentiles. James points back to Scripture to confirm what God has been doing all along. And together, they refuse to add burdens where God has not.This passage shows us that:The gospel must be protected. Even well-meaning additions can quietly distort what Jesus has already accomplished.Conflict isn't always bad. When handled with humility and truth, it can actually lead to greater clarity and unity.Clarity leads to encouragement. When the church sends its decision, it doesn't weigh people down—it lifts them up.It leaves us with a question worth considering: Are we holding tightly to the true gospel—or subtly adding to it?Because even today, it's easy to drift toward performance, pressure, or preference. But the good news is still the same: we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus—nothing more, nothing less.

This Sunday we'll be in Acts 14:8–23, a passage that moves fast and hits hard. In one moment, Paul is being worshiped like a god after a miraculous healing. In the next, the crowd turns—and he's stoned and left for dead outside the city.It's a jarring picture of how quickly people can shift—how easily we can elevate something one minute and reject it the next. But right in the middle of that instability, we see something steady: the unshakable mission of the gospel.As Paul and Barnabas respond, we watch the gospel do three important things:It confronts false worship. When the crowd tries to offer sacrifices to them, Paul refuses the spotlight and redirects their attention to the one true God.It endures real opposition. Following Jesus doesn't shield them from suffering—it leads them straight into it.It keeps moving forward. Even after being nearly killed, Paul gets back up, returns to strengthen believers, and continues the work God called him to.What stands out most isn't hype or momentum—it's resilient, steady faithfulness.Paul doesn't measure success by comfort or applause. He measures it by obedience. And as he revisits the churches, he reminds them of a truth we don't always like but desperately need: “It is through many tribulations that we must enter the kingdom of God.”This passage invites us to wrestle with some honest questions:What happens to our faith when the response shifts from encouragement to resistance?Are we anchored in approval—or in calling?Will we stay faithful when obedience becomes uncomfortable… or even costly?Because the reality is, God often does His deepest work not on the mountaintop moments, but in the quiet, costly, in-between places where faith is tested and formed.And the good news? He's building something that lasts. Something not dependent on public opinion, but grounded in His power and purpose.

This Sunday is our fourth and final week of Neighbors and Nations. We'll be highlighting our partnership with the International Mission Board and how we work together to take the good news of Jesus to more people in more places.We'll also continue our series through the book of Acts. In Acts 13, Paul and Barnabas proclaim the good news of Jesus in Antioch of Pisidia. While some of the Jewish religious leaders reject their message, many Gentiles receive it with joy and put their faith in Jesus. Together, we'll see how God's mission continues to move forward to new people in new places.

This Sunday is week three of our Neighbors and Nations campaign. You have already been incredibly generous. Thank you for considering how you can sacrificially give to the mission!We're turning our attention to an often-overlooked story in Acts 13. The church in Antioch is flourishing. There's momentum. Ministry is thriving.And then, the Spirit of God leads them to take the surprising step of sending out two of their very best leaders on mission. What would cause a church to willingly send away two key leaders at the height of its growth? Why are they willing to sacrifice so that the good news of Jesus can get to new people and new places?

The Antonine Plague of the second century was devastating. Historians estimate that nearly 10% of the population of the Roman Empire lost their lives. While most people fled affected areas, Christians stayed behind to serve the sick and dying. Their sacrificial care, offered to both believers and nonbelievers alike, made a deep impression on the surrounding communities.We find a similar story in Acts 11, when the young church in Antioch hears of a severe famine in Judea and responds by sending help.

Our 2026 Neighbors & Nations Campaign is starting this week! Every year, we set aside several weeks to focus on God's mission in our world and how each of us can engage in that mission. During this campaign, we'll see how the church in Acts continued to participate with God in His work. We'll also hear from our local, national, and international partners about how God is at work, from our community, to our nation, and around the world.Each week, we'll ask you to do three things: Pray, Give, and Go.Pray. Every Sunday, we'll share specific ways you can pray for our missions partners. We've also created a daily prayer guide that you can access by clicking the link below.Give. This year, we've set a goal of raising $32,000 to support our partners in Cobb County, across the country, and around the world. We're asking you to sacrificially give over the next four weeks to help meet real needs on the ground through our local partners, as well as NAMB and IMB.Go. We'll also provide opportunities for you to go. That includes training to help you engage in God's mission in your everyday life, as well as hands-on opportunities to serve.

In Acts 9, Saul sets out for Damascus fully intent on threatening, bullying, and even arresting Jews who have become followers of Jesus. He carries letters from the high priest confirming that he has the authority to do so. More importantly, he believes this mission is his responsibility before God. That's the part we often forget. Saul doesn't just think he's doing the right thing, he believes he's doing the godly thing.After all, this new movement of Jesus' followers is disrupting the well-established religious order. In Saul's mind, it is his duty to stop it and restore things to the way they are supposed to be. And it is in the midst of his rage, indignation, and self-righteous fervor that Jesus meets him in a dramatic and life-altering way.

In Acts 8, God calls Philip to leave what appears to be a booming ministry among the Samaritans and head toward a remote desert road. We aren't told what Philip initially thought, but I know what my reaction would have been: “What? Why?” Yet despite the strangeness of the request, Philip obeys.Now imagine the scene. Philip is standing alone beside this empty desert road when, in the distance, he sees a chariot approaching. He draws near and discovers that the man inside, a high-ranking official from Ethiopia, is reading from the prophet Isaiah. What are the chances? God is orchestrating every detail in a remarkable way.

This Sunday we're in Acts 8:4–25, where the gospel begins to move in a surprising direction—to the Samaritans. What starts as persecution and scattering turns into something God uses for good. As believers are pushed out, they carry the message of Jesus with them, and suddenly, people who were once seen as outsiders are experiencing the joy and power of the gospel.Through Philip's ministry, we see lives changed, barriers broken, and a reminder that the good news of Jesus isn't limited to a certain kind of person—it's for everyone.But this passage also challenges us. As the gospel spreads, it confronts pride, exposes false belief, and calls for genuine faith—not just fascination with what God can do.It leaves us with a question worth wrestling with: Are we open to God working beyond our expectations—and even through us—to reach people we might overlook?

As Christmas gets closer, the anticipation starts to build—lights go up, plans come together, and there's a quiet excitement about the gifts we'll soon unwrap. Advent invites us to pause in the middle of all that and remember something deeper: God's greatest gifts don't always arrive the way we expect.This Sunday, we're looking at Luke 1:57–80 and the birth of John the Baptist. It's a story that feels both joyful and surprising. After years of waiting, Elizabeth and Zechariah finally hold their promised child—but this son isn't just a long-awaited answer to prayer. He's a messenger, sent ahead to prepare the way for something—and Someone—even greater.John's life reminds us that sometimes the gift isn't the destination—it's the direction. He was born with a purpose: to point people to Jesus.What's just as powerful is how God chooses to work through this story. Zechariah and Elizabeth weren't famous or influential by the world's standards. They were ordinary, faithful, and patient in the waiting. And yet, God used their lives in a pivotal moment of His redemptive story. When Zechariah finally speaks again, his words overflow with praise and prophecy—declaring that God is visiting His people and bringing salvation.It's a moment that invites us to ask:Are we open to the ways God might be working differently than we expected?Are we willing to be used—even in ordinary ways—to point others to Jesus?Because the truth is, God is still writing stories like this. He's still using everyday people to prepare the way—through conversations, invitations, acts of kindness, and faithful presence.As we continue through Advent, this passage reminds us that the greatest gift is already on the way—and we get to be part of helping others see it.

This week in our Advent series, we step into a quiet but powerful moment in Luke 1:39–56—when Mary visits Elizabeth. It's a simple scene on the surface: two women, a shared embrace, and a conversation. But underneath it is something much bigger—the joy of God's promises coming to life.Mary has just received unbelievable news—that she will carry the Son of God. Before anything is visible, before the world sees the miracle, she goes to visit Elizabeth. And the moment she arrives, everything shifts. Elizabeth's baby leaps, she's filled with the Holy Spirit, and she declares what Mary may still be trying to fully grasp: God is doing exactly what He said He would do.What follows is Mary's response—often called the Magnificat. It's not polished or performative—it's a heart overflowing. She praises God not just for what He's doing in her life, but for what He has always been like: faithful, powerful, and mindful of the humble. Mary sees her story as part of a much bigger one—God's long track record of keeping His promises.This passage invites us to wrestle with a simple but deep question: Can we trust God's promises before we see the outcome?Mary and Elizabeth remind us that joy doesn't have to wait for the finished miracle. It can begin right in the middle of uncertainty—rooted in who God is and what He has already said.As we continue through Advent, this moment calls us to slow down, to notice God's faithfulness, and to respond with trust and worship—even when we're still waiting.

The story in Luke 1:26–38 is a familiar one. God sends the angel Gabriel to Mary, a young virgin betrothed to be married, to deliver astonishing news: she will conceive and bear a child unlike any other who has ever been born. Seeing an angel would be overwhelming enough, but hearing that she would become pregnant without intercourse—and before marriage—must have been even more unsettling. I can only imagine how Mary's head must have been spinning.Yet the most remarkable part is that Gabriel's mysterious message to Mary is actually good news for us. It's the “good news of great joy” that we celebrate during the Christmas season. I'd love for you to join us this Sunday as we unpack the hope and wonder in Gabriel's announcement.

Have you ever found yourself caught in the grind of religion or the ruts of life? Have you somehow lost that sense of wonder and awe that we serve a God who is able? Well, you may discover you share quite a bit in common with the people in this story from scripture.

Have you ever been in a high-pressure situation—maybe facing a tight deadline at work or having to make an unexpected, high-stakes decision? It's often in those moments that we discover who we truly are.Last week, we met Stephen, a leader in the Jerusalem church. He was chosen to help care for widows and preserve unity within the church. In Acts 6:8–7:60, Luke tells us more of Stephen's story. Like other church leaders of his day, he is falsely accused, arrested, and put on trial. When questioned, he courageously stands firm in his convictions, even though doing so only intensifies the danger around him.The situation escalates quickly, and a furious mob stones Stephen. Talk about a high-pressure moment.

Conflict happens. It is a part of all human relationships. Thriving marriages, booming businesses, and close friendships all experience conflict. Churches aren't any different.In Acts 6:1–7, we see the first recorded church conflict. And no—it wasn't about the color of the carpet or whether deviled eggs are appropriate for a church fellowship meal.So what happened?The church had been generously giving to meet needs, including providing food for widows. But a problem arose: the Greek-speaking widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food, while the Aramaic-speaking widows were receiving their food. What seems like a simple oversight that could easily be remedied began to grow into a much larger issue.How did the early church respond? And what can we learn from their example about handling conflict within the body of Christ?

Over the past few weeks in our study of the book of Acts, we've seen how the early church practiced radical generosity. This week brought two pressing areas of need to the forefront—one global and one local. This is a great opportunity for our church to follow the example set in Acts and respond with generosity.Global Need:Hurricane Melissa has caused devastating damage across the Caribbean, particularly in Jamaica, Cuba, and Haiti. Our partners at Send Relief are responding by providing power generators, meals, clothing, and temporary shelter. There is an urgent need for 1,000 water filters, and we can help meet that goal.A gift of $25 to Send Relief supplies one water filter. Would you consider serving our global neighbors by helping provide clean water?You can give here, just be sure Send Relief is selected in the dropdown.Local Need:Many of our neighbors will soon be impacted by the suspension of SNAP benefits. We've reached out to our partners at Storehouse Ministries, Dowell Elementary, and Cheatham Hill Elementary to identify how we can best serve. We'll keep you updated as specific needs arise, but for now, Storehouse has a critical need for peanut butter.We're asking every family, college student, young adult, and senior adult to bring at least one jar of peanut butter this week to help meet that need.

In the book of Acts we see the early church explode onto the scene. There were powerful sermons, miracles, and life transformations taking place daily. But what marked the early church wasn't just their preaching or miracles — it was their radical generosity.As we continue through Acts, we'll look at how the gospel didn't just change what believers gave, but who they were. Join us as Pastor Mike teaches from Acts 4:32–36 on how Gospel Generosity transforms hearts, builds unity, and points the world to Jesus.

This Sunday, we're thrilled to welcome our friend Abner Ruiz from Comunidad de Fe, who will be preaching from Acts 4:23–31. After facing opposition, the disciples didn't retreat—they prayed. What happened next changed everything. Together, we'll discover how prayer ignites boldness in the Church today.We're especially excited to worship alongside our friends from Comunidad de Fe and experience a glimpse of the scene described in Revelation 7—“from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb… crying out with a loud voice,‘Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!'”If you've never joined us for a joint service with Comunidad de Fe, you're in for a treat. You'll experience worship in both English and Spanish, Abner preaching in Spanish with his wife, Jessica, translating into English, and a joyful picture of the global Church—a diverse family of believers lifting high the name of Jesus together.

We're continuing our study in Acts 4:1–22, exploring how the early disciples responded to opposition.

Join us as we continue to walk through Acts

Have you ever been part of something so amazing that it instantly connected you with the people around you? That's what we see in Acts 2:42–47 when the very first church was coming together. After the incredible experience of Pentecost, these new believers didn't just go back to life as usual. Instead, they stuck together. They gathered regularly, shared meals, cared for one another, and opened their homes with generosity.It's pretty amazing to think about. Something so powerful had happened that it completely reshaped the way they lived.

Last Sunday, we began exploring the origin story of the church. The Holy Spirit descended on the disciples of Jesus in a miraculous way, which drew a huge crowd.In the midst of all the excitement and confusion, Peter stood up and explained to the crowd what they were witnessing. This week, as we continue in Acts 2, we'll see Peter quickly shift gears. After clarifying what was happening, he tells them why it was happening and how they need to respond.

I've always been captivated by origin stories. I don't just want to know that Peter Parker is Spider-Man, I want to know how he became Spider-Man. It's not only the Marvel Cinematic Universe that grabs my attention; I love real-life origin stories too. It's fascinating to learn that Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak launched Apple in Jobs' garage, or that Phil Knight started Nike by selling shoes out of the trunk of his car.In Acts 2, we find the origin story of God's new people—the church. If you want to know how a skinny, nerdy Peter Parker became a web-slinging, wall-climbing, friendly neighborhood hero, you go back to Marvel Comic's Amazing Fantasy #15, published in 1962. But if you want to know how a small group of uneducated, ordinary men and women ignited a worldwide movement that continues to this day, Acts 2 is the place to start.

We're kicking off a new teaching series this Sunday through the book of Acts, called Acts: The Story Continues. Written by Luke, the same author of the Gospel of Luke, Acts picks up right where his first book left off. While the Gospel tells the story of Jesus's life, death, and resurrection, Acts shows how the good news of Jesus spreads from person to person and place to place.Have you ever been given a task that felt far too big for you? In Acts 1, Jesus leaves his small band of disciples with an overwhelming mission: spread the word about me to the entire world. No doubt they felt unprepared and outmatched. But Jesus also gave them a promise—they would not be alone. He would send the Holy Spirit to empower them every step of the way.

This Sunday, we are continuing our mini-series on family discipleship. As school starts and the schedules of going from one thing to the next increase their rapid pace, how are we using the time that we are given to intentionally invest in our kids? This Sunday, we will look at Deuteronomy 6, talk about how we can use four main rhythms to disciple our kids well, and re-visit why this is so important! No matter what stage of life you are in, there are valuable truths for all of us in the Word!

Over the next two Sundays, we'll be diving into Deuteronomy 6 together. Deuteronomy is a book about new hope for the next generation. The failures of the previous generation of Israel were behind them, and Moses exhorted this new generation of God's people to faithfully follow the Lord.

This Sunday, we looked at The Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15:11–25. Jesus tells the story of two sons who both struggle in their relationship with their father in very different ways. In the end, the story reveals the incredible power of God's grace.

The week school starts back often marks a return to the familiar pace of “normal life,” even for those without school-aged kids. Vacations wind down, morning traffic picks up, and we all begin settling back into our routines. For some, that shift feels like a bit of a letdown; for others, it can be a relief.Wherever you find yourself, relieved or reluctant, I can't wait to see you this Sunday as we gather as a church family to worship, pray, and hear from God's Word. It's one of my favorite weekly rhythms.This Sunday, we continued our series, Stories and the Storyteller, with the Parable of the Good Samaritan. This well-known story of a Samaritan who generously helps a stranger in need is so familiar that the word “Samaritan” has become shorthand for someone who shows compassion. We often hear it as a gentle nudge toward kindness to others.But for Jesus's original audience, the story was anything but gentle. It was radical, culturally provocative and deeply challenging. The hero of the story was someone they would have instinctively viewed with contempt, not admiration.

We're starting a new series called Stories and The Storyteller. This Sunday we dove into two short but powerful parables from Jesus—the treasure hidden in a field and the pearl of great price. In these verses, Jesus shows us how people encounter the kingdom of God in very different ways.Some of us are stumblers—we weren't really looking for God, but grace surprised us. Others are seekers—our hearts have longed for truth, and we've searched until we found it. And behind it all is the God who sells it all—the One who gave up everything in Christ so that we might belong to Him.Whether you stumbled into faith or have been seeking for years, this passage reminds us that God treasures you more than you can imagine.

Ever feel like you've taken on more than you can handle? I get it—so have I. Sometimes, following Jesus can feel overwhelming, like you're trying to juggle more than you were ever meant to carry. The good news? God never intended for you to do it all on your own. In fact, He's given us exactly what we need to stay strong and stay faithful.

Ever feel like you've taken on more than you can handle? I get it—so have I. Sometimes, following Jesus can feel overwhelming, like you're trying to juggle more than you were ever meant to carry. The good news? God never intended for you to do it all on your own. In fact, He's given us exactly what we need to stay strong and stay faithful.This Sunday, we looked Colossians 4 to discover the people, practices, and power God provides to help us live out our faith.

Do you love what you do, or are you simply clocking in for a paycheck? In many ways, Americans have a complicated relationship with work—one that becomes even more evident when comparing different generations. For many, work is just a means to an end.But Scripture offers a different perspective.From the very beginning—back in the Garden—human beings were created to work. It was part of God's good design. Yet somewhere along the way, that purpose got distorted.This week, as we continue through Colossians chapter 3, we'll hear the apostle Paul remind us of a powerful truth: work, when done for the Lord, is actually a form of worship.

Join us as we learn how to lead gospel-centered homes, and what our roles as husbands and wives are.

This Sunday was incredible—our friends from Comunidad de Fe are joined for a joint worship at both services!I love when our churches come together to make much of Jesus in both English and Spanish. It's a beautiful picture of how He unites people from all walks of life into one multiethnic family of faith. We'll be looking at Colossians 3:17 and asking the question: What does it mean to do whatever in the name of Jesus?

Two weeks ago we learned from Paul in Colossians 3:1–4 this truth: Christian, you have a new identity in Christ, so act like you are dead to your old way of life. Then last week, in Colossians 3:5–11, we were exhorted to put to death your old identity, because it will kill you. Put on your new identity in Christ and act like who you are—a renewed creature made in the image of God.But what does putting on your new identity actually look like?This week, Jason Keel will walk us through Colossians 3:12–17, where Paul paints a clear picture of what resurrection life wears. It's a life clothed in compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience, and, above all, love. It's a life marked by peace, gratitude, and the Word of Christ dwelling richly in us. Come ready to be challenged and encouraged as we explore what it means to truly put on Christ.

Join us as Pastor Brandon preaches through the next set of verses in Colossians 3.

What do you find yourself constantly thinking about? What has your heart? What is always on your mind? Our culture is filled with things grasping for our attention. However, this week as we look at Colossians 3 let's take time to reset our focus on the things above, where Christ is. We'd love for you to listen to this week's sermon as we were reminded of our true identity in Christ and how that shapes every facet of our lives.

Join us for a special Hype Sunday edition of our Sunday service as we prepare to host Connect Camp this summer! Want to sign your child up for the most remarkable week of the summer? Visit www.connectcamps.com/marietta to see all the details and sign up!

Have you ever marveled at the fact that a Holy God would save sinners such as you and I? It is incredible to think that a Holy God would see us, who are prone to wander and so easily distracted, and have mercy on us and save us from our sin.In Colossians 2, Paul shares the great lengths that our savior went to so that we might be saved. This week, we will look at what Jesus has done on our behalf in Colossians 2:11-15.I'd love for you to join us this week!

How many spam calls have you received this week? Is your email inbox full of junk trying to take advantage of you? It seems we live in a world that is constantly trying to deceive and take us captive. There is no shortage of "the next best thing" advertising that makes promises that it can't deliver.In Colossians 2, Paul gave a warning to the Colossian Church. He urged them to not be deceived by the world around them; instead imploring them to walk in Christ. The fullness of God and truth.

How do we keep the word in our hearts? Join us as Pastor Brandon goes through Colossians 1:28-2:5.

Metro Atlanta is famous for our terrible traffic. Most of us have probably had the frustrating experience of being late for a meeting because we're stuck in standstill traffic. We can become increasingly irritated as we boil over in exasperation and anger. Now imagine you looked over next to you to see someone blasting music, singing their guts, and experiencing what looks like real joy… in a traffic jam! We'd probably all draw the same conclusion, this is a strange time to be joyful. In Colossians 1:24-27, Paul makes a very strange statement, “I rejoice in my sufferings…” What?!?! Suffering is a strange thing to take joy in, even more strange than being joyful in a traffic jam.

In 1985, everyone who knew Joe Simpson believed he was dead. At just 25 years old, Joe and his climbing partner, Simon Yates, became the first people to scale the west face of Siula Grande in the Peruvian Andes. Tragically, on the way down, Joe fell and broke his leg. As Simon tried to help him descend, Joe fell again—this time into a massive crevasse. It seemed certain he was lost forever and Simon returned to base camp, grieving the loss of his friend.But then, three days later, Joe crawled back into camp. He had survived. Despite frostbite, exhaustion, infection, and permanent damage to his leg, Joe was alive. His story is almost too incredible to believe.We've all heard stories like this—accounts of survival or hope that seem impossible. But perhaps the most unbelievable story of all is the resurrection of Jesus.Jesus was crucified by professional Roman executioners, buried in a tomb, and three days later he rose from the dead. As unbelievable as that may sound, even more astonishing is the claim that his resurrection has the power to transform lives—even today, 2,000 years later.

As we enter the final week of our Neighbors and Nations campaign, we're turning our eyes to the nations. This Sunday, we'll focus on God's heart for the world—His deep desire to see every tribe, tongue, and people come to know the hope and love of Jesus. While we've spent time talking about our call to reach our neighbors—those God has placed in our homes, schools, workplaces, and communities—we also recognize the vast number of people across the globe who have never heard the name of Jesus. The mission doesn't stop at our borders. From the Great Commission to the vision of the Great Multitude in Revelation, God is calling each of us to play a role in His global mission.Whether you give, go, or pray, you're a vital part of the Great Pursuit—a shared commitment to take the gospel to the ends of the earth. Let's finish this final week of Neighbors and Nations with diligence and zeal, trusting that God will use our obedience to make an eternal impact. Invite someone to join you this Sunday, ask God how He wants you to respond, and let's be a people who live on mission—right where we are, and to the very ends of the earth.

Get ready for an incredible Sunday as we continue our Neighbors and Nations series! This week, Kevin Pounds will be preaching from Luke 10:25–37, bringing a powerful word about what it really means to love our neighbors—right here in Atlanta and across the country. Through the lens of the Good Samaritan, we'll be challenged to see how God sends us to live on mission in our everyday lives.

We had a great start to our Neighbors and Nations Campaign this past Sunday!We are engaged in this campaign because we believe that God is on a mission to rescue people from sin so that they can know Him. Amazingly, God invites His people to join Him in His mission. This means you have a place in God's mission in the world.Last Sunday, we heard about the incredible ways God is at work around the globe through the International Mission Board. This Sunday, we'll explore how we can join God on His mission in our everyday lives. God has a plan for all of His people, and that includes you!