Weekend Teaching

Kicking off the Fully Human series, this message explores one of the most foundational questions we can ask: where do we come from, and what does it mean to be human? In a world where identity is often self-defined and truth feels unstable, Scripture points us back to a clear and grounding reality: we are not accidents, but intentionally created by God. Our origin shapes everything about our identity, purpose, and worth.   Drawing from Psalm 8 and Genesis, the message reveals that to be fully human is not something to overcome, but something God designed as good. We are personally created, fully known and deeply loved, and crowned with glory and honor as image-bearers of God. Rather than diminishing our humanity, sin distorts it, but in Christ, we are invited to rediscover what it truly means to live as the people God created us to be.

Wednesday night community is back! Join us for My Weird Bible, 11 weeks on the passages that finally make sense. My Weird Bible will explore some of the strangest, most confusing, and often misunderstood passages in Scripture. By digging into the historical, cultural, and biblical context behind these stories, the series helps make sense of what can feel weird or unsettling—and shows how even the most unusual parts of the Bible reveal God’s character and invite us into deeper faith.

On Easter, we step into the tension of the tomb, a place that represents darkness, separation, fear, and opposition, and discover that even the most final, hopeless spaces cannot contain Jesus. Though the tomb was sealed, guarded, and secured, it became the very place where God’s power was most fully revealed. What looked like the end of the story was actually the turning point, where death itself was defeated and hope was restored.   The resurrection declares that no darkness is too deep, no barrier too strong, and no fear too great for Jesus to overcome. The same power that raised Him from the grave is able to meet us in our own places of struggle and bring new life. Easter invites us to believe that what feels buried can be made alive again, and that in Christ, our greatest trials can become the starting point of transformation.

On Good Friday, we remember the moment Jesus spoke the words, “I thirst”, a simple phrase that reveals a profound truth about the human condition and God’s response to it. From the beginning, humanity has lived with a deep spiritual thirst, searching for satisfaction in everything except the presence of God. On the cross, Jesus enters fully into that thirst, not just physically, but spiritually, taking on the emptiness, exile, and longing of the human soul.  On this Good Friday, we trace the story of Scripture as a search for living water, showing how Jesus is the true source who satisfies what nothing else can. By becoming thirsty in our place, He makes a way for us to be filled and to come home to God and experience the life we were created for. Good Friday reminds us that Jesus went dry so that we could drink deeply of His grace, both now and forever.

On Palm Sunday, Jesus enters Jerusalem not as the kind of king people expected, but as the King they truly needed—riding on a donkey, marked by humility even as He carries full authority. While most triumphal entries celebrated victory after a battle, Jesus enters before the cross, revealing His confidence in the victory He is about to accomplish. This moment shows a King whose power is expressed through gentleness, mercy, and sacrificial love. As the city is stirred, people respond to Jesus in different ways—some resist, some question, and some surrender. That same choice remains today. The invitation is not just to believe in Jesus, but to lay down our lives before Him, recognizing that true discipleship is a journey of surrender to the One who already holds all authority.

Wednesday night community is back! Join us for My Weird Bible, 11 weeks on the passages that finally make sense. My Weird Bible will explore some of the strangest, most confusing, and often misunderstood passages in Scripture. By digging into the historical, cultural, and biblical context behind these stories, the series helps make sense of what can feel weird or unsettling—and shows how even the most unusual parts of the Bible reveal God’s character and invite us into deeper faith.

Wednesday night community is back! Join us for My Weird Bible, 11 weeks on the passages that finally make sense. My Weird Bible will explore some of the strangest, most confusing, and often misunderstood passages in Scripture. By digging into the historical, cultural, and biblical context behind these stories, the series helps make sense of what can feel weird or unsettling—and shows how even the most unusual parts of the Bible reveal God’s character and invite us into deeper faith.

Join us for our annual Orphan Care Weekend. Through a personal story of foster care and adoption, Liz Brodzinski reveals how God weaves together both the ordinary and the painful parts of our lives into something redemptive. What began as a simple step of obedience grew into a journey marked by challenge, growth, and transformation, as God reshaped perspectives, built community, and revealed that the real battle is not ours to carry alone. Drawing from the story of David and Goliath, we’re reminded that God prepares us in unseen seasons and meets us in the middle of the fight. The invitation is to trust that He is already at work in your story, to take the next step of obedience, and to join in what He is doing: becoming part of a community that reflects His love to children and families in need.

Join us for our annual Orphan Care Weekend. Through a personal story of foster care and adoption, Liz Brodzinski reveals how God weaves together both the ordinary and the painful parts of our lives into something redemptive. What began as a simple step of obedience grew into a journey marked by challenge, growth, and transformation, as God reshaped perspectives, built community, and revealed that the real battle is not ours to carry alone. Drawing from the story of David and Goliath, we’re reminded that God prepares us in unseen seasons and meets us in the middle of the fight. The invitation is to trust that He is already at work in your story, to take the next step of obedience, and to join in what He is doing: becoming part of a community that reflects His love to children and families in need.

The raising of Lazarus is the climactic sign in John’s Gospel, revealing Jesus’ authority not only over sickness or circumstance but over death itself. When Jesus delays after hearing Lazarus is sick, it seems confusing and even painful to those who love him, yet the moment becomes an opportunity to reveal a deeper truth. Speaking to Martha in the midst of grief, Jesus declares, “I am the resurrection and the life,” reminding us that sorrow and hope can exist together and that true life is found in Him. Standing at the tomb, Jesus weeps with those who mourn and then calls Lazarus back to life, showing His power over the very thing that terrifies humanity most. Yet this miracle also sets the stage for the cross, as raising Lazarus ultimately leads to the plot to kill Jesus. The sign points beyond itself to the greater reality that Jesus came not just to perform miracles, but to confront death itself and bring resurrection life to the world.

The raising of Lazarus is the climactic sign in John’s Gospel, revealing Jesus’ authority not only over sickness or circumstance but over death itself. When Jesus delays after hearing Lazarus is sick, it seems confusing and even painful to those who love him, yet the moment becomes an opportunity to reveal a deeper truth. Speaking to Martha in the midst of grief, Jesus declares, “I am the resurrection and the life,” reminding us that sorrow and hope can exist together and that true life is found in Him. Standing at the tomb, Jesus weeps with those who mourn and then calls Lazarus back to life, showing His power over the very thing that terrifies humanity most. Yet this miracle also sets the stage for the cross, as raising Lazarus ultimately leads to the plot to kill Jesus. The sign points beyond itself to the greater reality that Jesus came not just to perform miracles, but to confront death itself and bring resurrection life to the world.

Wednesday night community is back! Join us for My Weird Bible, 11 weeks on the passages that finally make sense. My Weird Bible will explore some of the strangest, most confusing, and often misunderstood passages in Scripture. By digging into the historical, cultural, and biblical context behind these stories, the series helps make sense of what can feel weird or unsettling—and shows how even the most unusual parts of the Bible reveal God’s character and invite us into deeper faith.

Wednesday night community is back! Join us for My Weird Bible, 11 weeks on the passages that finally make sense. My Weird Bible will explore some of the strangest, most confusing, and often misunderstood passages in Scripture. By digging into the historical, cultural, and biblical context behind these stories, the series helps make sense of what can feel weird or unsettling—and shows how even the most unusual parts of the Bible reveal God’s character and invite us into deeper faith.

In this sign from John 9, Jesus heals a man who has been blind since birth, but the story quickly becomes about far more than restored eyesight. As Jesus declares Himself the Light of the World, His healing acts like a flare in the darkness—exposing the hearts of everyone involved. The disciples search for someone to blame, the neighbors keep their distance, the parents respond with fear, and the religious leaders cling to their certainty. While the man’s physical sight is restored, the deeper revelation is that many who believe they can see clearly are actually blind to the work of God happening right in front of them. Through mud, obedience, interrogation, and ultimately a personal encounter with Jesus, the once-blind man’s understanding grows step by step—from simply knowing the name of Jesus, to recognizing Him as a prophet, and finally worshiping Him as Lord. His journey shows that faith often begins with small acts of trust before full understanding arrives. The sign ultimately confronts every reader with the same question: are we willing to admit our blindness and receive the light of Christ, or will we cling to the certainty that keeps us from seeing Him? In the end, true sight is not something we earn or figure out—it is a gift given by the One who was sent to bring light into the world.

In this sign from John 9, Jesus heals a man who has been blind since birth, but the story quickly becomes about far more than restored eyesight. As Jesus declares Himself the Light of the World, His healing acts like a flare in the darkness—exposing the hearts of everyone involved. The disciples search for someone to blame, the neighbors keep their distance, the parents respond with fear, and the religious leaders cling to their certainty. While the man’s physical sight is restored, the deeper revelation is that many who believe they can see clearly are actually blind to the work of God happening right in front of them. Through mud, obedience, interrogation, and ultimately a personal encounter with Jesus, the once-blind man’s understanding grows step by step—from simply knowing the name of Jesus, to recognizing Him as a prophet, and finally worshiping Him as Lord. His journey shows that faith often begins with small acts of trust before full understanding arrives. The sign ultimately confronts every reader with the same question: are we willing to admit our blindness and receive the light of Christ, or will we cling to the certainty that keeps us from seeing Him? In the end, true sight is not something we earn or figure out—it is a gift given by the One who was sent to bring light into the world.

Wednesday night community is back! Join us for My Weird Bible, 11 weeks on the passages that finally make sense. My Weird Bible will explore some of the strangest, most confusing, and often misunderstood passages in Scripture. By digging into the historical, cultural, and biblical context behind these stories, the series helps make sense of what can feel weird or unsettling—and shows how even the most unusual parts of the Bible reveal God’s character and invite us into deeper faith.

Wednesday night community is back! Join us for My Weird Bible, 11 weeks on the passages that finally make sense. My Weird Bible will explore some of the strangest, most confusing, and often misunderstood passages in Scripture. By digging into the historical, cultural, and biblical context behind these stories, the series helps make sense of what can feel weird or unsettling—and shows how even the most unusual parts of the Bible reveal God’s character and invite us into deeper faith.

In this third sign from John’s Gospel, Jesus enters a place of long-term suffering, the Pool of Bethesda, where crowds of disabled and desperate people wait for healing that may never come. Rather than going to the center of celebration during a festival, Jesus moves toward the forgotten and initiates with a man who has been suffering for thirty-eight years. With a surprising question: “Do you want to get well?” Jesus invites the man into something deeper than physical restoration. The miracle that follows reveals a Savior who extends grace freely, without prerequisite or proof of faith, and who draws near to human pain with compassion and authority. Yet the story doesn’t stop at physical healing. When controversy erupts over Sabbath rules and religious systems, we see how disruptive grace can be. Jesus later finds the man again, reminding us that true healing is more than restored mobility, it is wholeness of soul. This sign shapes our view of Jesus as one who seeks out the suffering, asks about our deepest desires, gives grace without earning, and calls us into a life that is whole, body and spirit.

In this third sign from John’s Gospel, Jesus enters a place of long-term suffering, the Pool of Bethesda, where crowds of disabled and desperate people wait for healing that may never come. Rather than going to the center of celebration during a festival, Jesus moves toward the forgotten and initiates with a man who has been suffering for thirty-eight years. With a surprising question: “Do you want to get well?” Jesus invites the man into something deeper than physical restoration. The miracle that follows reveals a Savior who extends grace freely, without prerequisite or proof of faith, and who draws near to human pain with compassion and authority. Yet the story doesn’t stop at physical healing. When controversy erupts over Sabbath rules and religious systems, we see how disruptive grace can be. Jesus later finds the man again, reminding us that true healing is more than restored mobility, it is wholeness of soul. This sign shapes our view of Jesus as one who seeks out the suffering, asks about our deepest desires, gives grace without earning, and calls us into a life that is whole, body and spirit.

Wednesday night community is back! Join us for My Weird Bible, 11 weeks on the passages that finally make sense. My Weird Bible will explore some of the strangest, most confusing, and often misunderstood passages in Scripture. By digging into the historical, cultural, and biblical context behind these stories, the series helps make sense of what can feel weird or unsettling—and shows how even the most unusual parts of the Bible reveal God’s character and invite us into deeper faith.

Wednesday night community is back! Join us for My Weird Bible, 11 weeks on the passages that finally make sense. My Weird Bible will explore some of the strangest, most confusing, and often misunderstood passages in Scripture. By digging into the historical, cultural, and biblical context behind these stories, the series helps make sense of what can feel weird or unsettling—and shows how even the most unusual parts of the Bible reveal God’s character and invite us into deeper faith.

In this powerful account from John 6, shared in a conversational, team-taught weekend by pastors Dick Foth and Aaron Hanson, the feeding of the 5,000 reveals not just what Jesus does, but who He is. Through thoughtful dialogue and storytelling, they unpack how Jesus tests His disciples—not to shame them, but to prepare them and shape their faith. While Philip sees impossibility and Andrew voices doubt, a young boy quietly offers what little he has, and in Jesus’ hands, scarcity becomes abundance. This sign reminds us that faith isn’t about having something impressive to offer—it’s about bringing what we have, however small, and placing it in Jesus’ hands. Obedience precedes multiplication, and blessing flows from trust. As the crowd tries to define Jesus as merely a prophet or political king, we’re reminded that He already is King—Creator, Provider, Teacher, and Multiplier—and that He still invites us to trust Him with whatever we’re carrying, knowing He already has something in mind that He wants to do.

In this powerful account from John 6, shared in a conversational, team-taught weekend by pastors Dick Foth and Aaron Hanson, the feeding of the 5,000 reveals not just what Jesus does, but who He is. Through thoughtful dialogue and storytelling, they unpack how Jesus tests His disciples—not to shame them, but to prepare them and shape their faith. While Philip sees impossibility and Andrew voices doubt, a young boy quietly offers what little he has, and in Jesus’ hands, scarcity becomes abundance. This sign reminds us that faith isn’t about having something impressive to offer—it’s about bringing what we have, however small, and placing it in Jesus’ hands. Obedience precedes multiplication, and blessing flows from trust. As the crowd tries to define Jesus as merely a prophet or political king, we’re reminded that He already is King—Creator, Provider, Teacher, and Multiplier—and that He still invites us to trust Him with whatever we’re carrying, knowing He already has something in mind that He wants to do.

Wednesday night community is back! Join us for My Weird Bible, 11 weeks on the passages that finally make sense. My Weird Bible will explore some of the strangest, most confusing, and often misunderstood passages in Scripture. By digging into the historical, cultural, and biblical context behind these stories, the series helps make sense of what can feel weird or unsettling—and shows how even the most unusual parts of the Bible reveal God’s character and invite us into deeper faith.

Wednesday night community is back! Join us for My Weird Bible, 11 weeks on the passages that finally make sense. My Weird Bible will explore some of the strangest, most confusing, and often misunderstood passages in Scripture. By digging into the historical, cultural, and biblical context behind these stories, the series helps make sense of what can feel weird or unsettling—and shows how even the most unusual parts of the Bible reveal God’s character and invite us into deeper faith.

In this sign from John 6, Jesus walks on water to reveal not just His power, but His identity. As the disciples struggle against wind and waves, fear rises-but the greater revelation is that Jesus comes to them in the middle of the storm. His delay is not absence, and the chaos does not have authority over Him. Rather than simply calming the storm, Jesus enters it and waits for an invitation into the boat. The message reminds us that storms, whether caused by us, by others, or by life itself, are opportunities to encounter Christ more deeply. He doesn’t avoid chaos; He has authority over it, and when we invite Him in, He leads us exactly where we’re meant to go.

In this sign from John 6, Jesus walks on water to reveal not just His power, but His identity. As the disciples struggle against wind and waves, fear rises-but the greater revelation is that Jesus comes to them in the middle of the storm. His delay is not absence, and the chaos does not have authority over Him. Rather than simply calming the storm, Jesus enters it and waits for an invitation into the boat. The message reminds us that storms, whether caused by us, by others, or by life itself, are opportunities to encounter Christ more deeply. He doesn’t avoid chaos; He has authority over it, and when we invite Him in, He leads us exactly where we’re meant to go.

Wednesday night community is back! Join us for My Weird Bible, 11 weeks on the passages that finally make sense. My Weird Bible will explore some of the strangest, most confusing, and often misunderstood passages in Scripture. By digging into the historical, cultural, and biblical context behind these stories, the series helps make sense of what can feel weird or unsettling—and shows how even the most unusual parts of the Bible reveal God’s character and invite us into deeper faith.

Wednesday night community is back! Join us for My Weird Bible, 11 weeks on the passages that finally make sense. My Weird Bible will explore some of the strangest, most confusing, and often misunderstood passages in Scripture. By digging into the historical, cultural, and biblical context behind these stories, the series helps make sense of what can feel weird or unsettling—and shows how even the most unusual parts of the Bible reveal God’s character and invite us into deeper faith.

In John’s Gospel, Jesus’ signs are meant to reveal who He is and invite people into deeper trust, and the healing of the royal official’s son shows how faith grows over time. This story challenges the idea that faith is irrational or instant, presenting it instead as trust—slowly and deliberately placed in Jesus. The royal official’s journey moves from hearing about Jesus, to seeking Him out, to asking in desperation, and finally to trusting Jesus at His word, even without visible proof. Jesus tests the man’s faith, not to push him away, but to draw him deeper, revealing that real belief isn’t about seeing miracles first but about trusting who Jesus is. As the official obeys and walks home before knowing the outcome, his faith matures—and when healing is confirmed, belief spreads to his entire household. The story reminds us that faith is not a formula but a process, built through small steps of trust, where Jesus Himself—not the strength of our faith—is the true source of life, healing, and salvation.

In John’s Gospel, Jesus’ signs are meant to reveal who He is and invite people into deeper trust, and the healing of the royal official’s son shows how faith grows over time. This story challenges the idea that faith is irrational or instant, presenting it instead as trust—slowly and deliberately placed in Jesus. The royal official’s journey moves from hearing about Jesus, to seeking Him out, to asking in desperation, and finally to trusting Jesus at His word, even without visible proof. Jesus tests the man’s faith, not to push him away, but to draw him deeper, revealing that real belief isn’t about seeing miracles first but about trusting who Jesus is. As the official obeys and walks home before knowing the outcome, his faith matures—and when healing is confirmed, belief spreads to his entire household. The story reminds us that faith is not a formula but a process, built through small steps of trust, where Jesus Himself—not the strength of our faith—is the true source of life, healing, and salvation.

Wednesday night community is back! Join us for My Weird Bible, 11 weeks on the passages that finally make sense. My Weird Bible will explore some of the strangest, most confusing, and often misunderstood passages in Scripture. By digging into the historical, cultural, and biblical context behind these stories, the series helps make sense of what can feel weird or unsettling—and shows how even the most unusual parts of the Bible reveal God’s character and invite us into deeper faith.

Wednesday night community is back! Join us for My Weird Bible, 11 weeks on the passages that finally make sense. My Weird Bible will explore some of the strangest, most confusing, and often misunderstood passages in Scripture. By digging into the historical, cultural, and biblical context behind these stories, the series helps make sense of what can feel weird or unsettling—and shows how even the most unusual parts of the Bible reveal God’s character and invite us into deeper faith.

As the opening message in the Kaleidoscope series, this sermon begins at the wedding in Cana, where Jesus performs His first public sign by turning water into wine, revealing not just His power but His purpose. By using ceremonial jars meant for religious purification, Jesus signals a new reality—one where relationship replaces ritual, and joy replaces obligation. This sign points beyond the miracle itself, showing that Jesus didn’t come to patch up religion, but to usher in something entirely new. The story invites us to trust Jesus enough to “do whatever He tells you,” even when it feels uncomfortable or costly, and to bring Him the places marked by shame, lack, or disappointment. In exchange, Jesus offers joy, abundance, and transformation—reminding us that life with Him is not about religious performance, but about receiving the new life He freely gives.

As the opening message in the Kaleidoscope series, this sermon begins at the wedding in Cana, where Jesus performs His first public sign by turning water into wine, revealing not just His power but His purpose. By using ceremonial jars meant for religious purification, Jesus signals a new reality—one where relationship replaces ritual, and joy replaces obligation. This sign points beyond the miracle itself, showing that Jesus didn’t come to patch up religion, but to usher in something entirely new. The story invites us to trust Jesus enough to “do whatever He tells you,” even when it feels uncomfortable or costly, and to bring Him the places marked by shame, lack, or disappointment. In exchange, Jesus offers joy, abundance, and transformation—reminding us that life with Him is not about religious performance, but about receiving the new life He freely gives.

Wednesday night community is back! Join us for My Weird Bible, 11 weeks on the passages that finally make sense. My Weird Bible will explore some of the strangest, most confusing, and often misunderstood passages in Scripture. By digging into the historical, cultural, and biblical context behind these stories, the series helps make sense of what can feel weird or unsettling—and shows how even the most unusual parts of the Bible reveal God’s character and invite us into deeper faith.

Wednesday night community is back! Join us for My Weird Bible, 11 weeks on the passages that finally make sense. My Weird Bible will explore some of the strangest, most confusing, and often misunderstood passages in Scripture. By digging into the historical, cultural, and biblical context behind these stories, the series helps make sense of what can feel weird or unsettling—and shows how even the most unusual parts of the Bible reveal God’s character and invite us into deeper faith.

Let. Love. Live

Let. Love. Live

Wednesday night community is back! Join us for My Weird Bible, 11 weeks on the passages that finally make sense. My Weird Bible will explore some of the strangest, most confusing, and often misunderstood passages in Scripture. By digging into the historical, cultural, and biblical context behind these stories, the series helps make sense of what can feel weird or unsettling—and shows how even the most unusual parts of the Bible reveal God’s character and invite us into deeper faith.

Wednesday night community is back! Join us for My Weird Bible, 11 weeks on the passages that finally make sense. My Weird Bible will explore some of the strangest, most confusing, and often misunderstood passages in Scripture. By digging into the historical, cultural, and biblical context behind these stories, the series helps make sense of what can feel weird or unsettling—and shows how even the most unusual parts of the Bible reveal God’s character and invite us into deeper faith.

Grounded in Paul’s bold prayer in Ephesians 3, this message paints a compelling vision of the life God desires for His people. It begins with posture—Paul kneeling before the Father—and reminds us that what we bow to shapes what has power over us. In a culture filled with competing allegiances, the call is to humble ourselves before God as the starting point for spiritual transformation. The prayer unfolds in four movements—strength, love, knowledge, and fullness—each revealing both God’s invitation and the shadows that often hold us back. God offers strength in our weakness, love that overcomes fear, knowledge that moves beyond information into lived experience, and fullness that replaces spiritual emptiness with His presence. The message invites us to unearth buried dreams, surrender self-reliance, and trust God to do what is impossible on our own, believing that when we come before Him with humility and faith, He fills us with everything we need to live out His calling.

Grounded in Paul’s bold prayer in Ephesians 3, this message paints a compelling vision of the life God desires for His people. It begins with posture—Paul kneeling before the Father—and reminds us that what we bow to shapes what has power over us. In a culture filled with competing allegiances, the call is to humble ourselves before God as the starting point for spiritual transformation. The prayer unfolds in four movements—strength, love, knowledge, and fullness—each revealing both God’s invitation and the shadows that often hold us back. God offers strength in our weakness, love that overcomes fear, knowledge that moves beyond information into lived experience, and fullness that replaces spiritual emptiness with His presence. The message invites us to unearth buried dreams, surrender self-reliance, and trust God to do what is impossible on our own, believing that when we come before Him with humility and faith, He fills us with everything we need to live out His calling.

Wednesday night community is back! Join us for My Weird Bible, 11 weeks on the passages that finally make sense. My Weird Bible will explore some of the strangest, most confusing, and often misunderstood passages in Scripture. By digging into the historical, cultural, and biblical context behind these stories, the series helps make sense of what can feel weird or unsettling—and shows how even the most unusual parts of the Bible reveal God’s character and invite us into deeper faith.

Wednesday night community is back! Join us for My Weird Bible, 11 weeks on the passages that finally make sense. My Weird Bible will explore some of the strangest, most confusing, and often misunderstood passages in Scripture. By digging into the historical, cultural, and biblical context behind these stories, the series helps make sense of what can feel weird or unsettling—and shows how even the most unusual parts of the Bible reveal God’s character and invite us into deeper faith.

Prayer isn’t meant to be passive or theoretical—it’s meant to work. Rooted in James 5, the focus is on how authentic faith produces action, and authentic prayer produces real impact in our lives and in the world around us. Scripture presents prayer as powerful and effective, not because of who we are, but because of who God is and how He invites us to participate in His work. The passage highlights the everyday moments when prayer matters most—when we’re suffering, when life is good, when we’re sick, and when we’ve sinned—revealing prayer and praise as the natural rhythms of a life anchored in God. By pointing to Elijah as an example, James makes it clear that the power of prayer isn’t reserved for spiritual elites, but for ordinary people who trust an extraordinary God. The invitation is simple but bold: believe that prayer truly works, and step into it with honesty, faith, and expectation.

Prayer isn’t meant to be passive or theoretical—it’s meant to work. Rooted in James 5, the focus is on how authentic faith produces action, and authentic prayer produces real impact in our lives and in the world around us. Scripture presents prayer as powerful and effective, not because of who we are, but because of who God is and how He invites us to participate in His work. The passage highlights the everyday moments when prayer matters most—when we’re suffering, when life is good, when we’re sick, and when we’ve sinned—revealing prayer and praise as the natural rhythms of a life anchored in God. By pointing to Elijah as an example, James makes it clear that the power of prayer isn’t reserved for spiritual elites, but for ordinary people who trust an extraordinary God. The invitation is simple but bold: believe that prayer truly works, and step into it with honesty, faith, and expectation.

As we step into a new year, the invitation is to begin not with resolutions, but with bold, faith-filled prayer that reflects how big we believe God is. Rooted in Ezra 8, the teaching highlights a moment when God’s people faced overwhelming odds and chose humility, prayer, and fasting as their first response, trusting God to lead and protect them on a risky journey. Bold prayers aren’t about volume or performance—they’re about dependence, calling on God when the situation is beyond our control. The practice of prayer and fasting is framed as spiritual training rather than religious transaction—relational disciplines that shape our hearts, reorder our desires, and create space for God to move. Like training for a marathon, these practices prepare us to walk faithfully with God over time. As a church, we are invited into a season of intentional prayer—seeking God’s movement in our world, our community, and our own lives—believing that when we pray first, trust God along the way, and give Him the glory, He will faithfully lead us forward.

As we step into a new year, the invitation is to begin not with resolutions, but with bold, faith-filled prayer that reflects how big we believe God is. Rooted in Ezra 8, the teaching highlights a moment when God’s people faced overwhelming odds and chose humility, prayer, and fasting as their first response, trusting God to lead and protect them on a risky journey. Bold prayers aren’t about volume or performance—they’re about dependence, calling on God when the situation is beyond our control. The practice of prayer and fasting is framed as spiritual training rather than religious transaction—relational disciplines that shape our hearts, reorder our desires, and create space for God to move. Like training for a marathon, these practices prepare us to walk faithfully with God over time. As a church, we are invited into a season of intentional prayer—seeking God’s movement in our world, our community, and our own lives—believing that when we pray first, trust God along the way, and give Him the glory, He will faithfully lead us forward.

Standing in the in-between space after Christmas and on the edge of a new year, this message invites the church to reflect on the past while courageously stepping into what God is doing next. Drawing from Isaiah’s promise that God is always doing a new thing and Paul’s resolve to press forward despite hardship, we’re reminded that clinging too tightly to yesterday, whether past failures or past successes, can keep us from recognizing God’s work in the present. Through Paul’s story of transformation and perseverance, we see that spiritual growth requires intentional effort, focused pursuit, and a willingness to let go of what once defined us. As individuals and as a church, we are called to pursue Christ above comfort, trust God with the unknown, and take the next faithful step forward, confident that the God who has been faithful before is still leading us into the future.

Standing in the in-between space after Christmas and on the edge of a new year, this message invites the church to reflect on the past while courageously stepping into what God is doing next. Drawing from Isaiah’s promise that God is always doing a new thing and Paul’s resolve to press forward despite hardship, we’re reminded that clinging too tightly to yesterday, whether past failures or past successes, can keep us from recognizing God’s work in the present. Through Paul’s story of transformation and perseverance, we see that spiritual growth requires intentional effort, focused pursuit, and a willingness to let go of what once defined us. As individuals and as a church, we are called to pursue Christ above comfort, trust God with the unknown, and take the next faithful step forward, confident that the God who has been faithful before is still leading us into the future.