Redeemer Weekend Sermons

Patience is essential in having healthy and uplifting relationships with others. Jesus displayed patience and when we have patience, we are seeing the evidence of Christ in us. Adam Barnett lays out what patience means, how it’s shown, and why it’s so important! Patience Philippians 2:5 | Week 4 October 28, 2018 | Adam Barnett Philippians 2:5 NIV In your relationships with one another, have the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus. PATIENCE the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble or suffering without getting angry or upset. Ephesians 4:2b ESV …with patience, bearing with one another in love Makrothymia = longsuffering Patience is not permissive. Patience is not passive. Patience is not powerless. Patience is not aPathetic. Patience is evidence of Christ in you. Patience is a tool for evangelism. Patience is a universal necessity. Patience is closer than you think.

Bill Clark explores the fearlessness of Christ as we continue in our series studying Philippians 2:5 and Paul's admonishment to have the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus. Fearless Philippians 2:5 | Week 3 October 21, 2018 | Bill Clark Philippians 2:5 NIV Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Fearlessness To have a complete reliance on the promise of the Covenant God. Isaiah 43:1-5 NIV But now, this is what the Lord says – He who created you, O Jacob, He who formed you, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and because I love you, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life. Do not be afraid, for I am with you. Does God have the resources to meet the needs of your life? Therefore, can I take risks in my life for the sake of others? Will I love people who don’t think like I do? Will I speak kindly with a person who is afraid or perhaps different than me? Will I trust that God is a superabundant God and there is enough for everybody in God’s economy? Will I risk some of my resources for the sake of those in need?

Having the same attitude as Christ means having compassion for others. That compassion cannot be sourced from within ourselves, but we must seek to be a conduit for Jesus' compassion. Adam Barnett continues our look at Philippians 2:5 and what having the attitude of Christ truly means. Compassion Philippians 2:5 | Week 2 October 14, 2018 | Adam Barnett Jesus’ compassion for humanity is one of His most attractive and appealing attributes. Mark 1:40 NIV A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” Mark 1:41-42 NIV Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cleansed. Mark 1:41 MUV Filled with compassion, Jesus healed the man first, and then reached out, took his hand and helped him up. Mark 1:43-45 NIV Jesus sent him away at once with a strong warning: “See that you don’t tell this to anyone. But go, show yourself to the priest and offer the sacrifices that Moses commanded for your cleansing, as a testimony to them.” Instead he went out and began to talk freely, spreading the news. As a result, Jesus could no longer enter a town openly but stayed outside in lonely places. Yet the people still came to him from everywhere. Our leprosy isn’t our SKIN… it’s in our SIN.

Message Summary: Paul instructs us in Philippians to "have the same attitude as that of Christ Jesus." But what exactly does that mean? Bill Clark begins our 8 week series on Philippians 2:5 with a word on Christ’s humility. On Humility Philippians 2:5 | Week 1 October 7, 2018 | Bill Clark Philippians 2:5-11 NIV Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2:5 NIV Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Humility & Confidence

We have studied for the past 3 weeks the ways we are called to live out our redeemed life in Christ and what being a redeemed person really looks like. Pastor Adam Barnett concludes our series by reminding us of the things we share and how we are called to live those things out in love with those around us. Share Redeemer People | Week 4 September 30, 2018 | Adam Barnett Colossians 4:2-6 NIV Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. 1 | Be devoted in prayer 2 | Be watchful and thankful. 3 | Pray for opportunities to clearly share the gospel 4 | Be wise how you treat outsiders. Pluralism: a condition or system in which two or more groups, principles and sources of authority COEXIST. Eagerly cooperate with people of all faiths or religious preferences. The Christian mission must first be an affair of love, not an affair of truth. Pursue true and genuine dialogue with people of other faiths or religious affiliations. As a result of love and dialogue, be prepared to share the story of Jesus. 5 | Make the most of every opportunity. 6 | Speak graciously.

Worship is an essential part of our spiritual life and an essential part of being a redeemed person! God’s presence can change everything! Bill Clark and Denise McKinney discuss worship and how we can experience God’s presence throughout our daily lives in week 3 of our Redeemer People series. On Worship Redeemer People | Week 3 September 23, 2018 | Bill Clark & Denise McKinney Psalm 33:1-3 NIV Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Praise the Lord with the harp; make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre. Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. Worship is about experiencing the presence of God. Exodus 25:1-8 NLT The Lord said to Moses,“Tell the people of Israel to bring me their sacred offerings. Accept the contributions from all whose hearts are moved to offer them. Here is a list of sacred offerings you may accept from them: gold, silver, and bronze; blue, purple, and scarlet thread; fine linen and goat hair for cloth; tanned ram skins and fine goatskin leather; acacia wood; olive oil for the lamps; spices for the anointing oil and the fragrant incense; onyx stones, and other gemstones to be set in the ephod and the priest’s chestpiece. Have the people of Israel build me a holy sanctuary so I can live among them. Bring what you have and are willing to give - I can use it to build my tabernacle where I will live and go with you. 3D Tabernacle Video Exodus 40:34-38 NLT Then the cloud covered the Tabernacle, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. Moses could no longer enter the Tabernacle because the cloud had settled down over it, and the glory of the Lord filled the Tabernacle. Now whenever the cloud lifted from the Tabernacle, the people of Israel would set out on their journey, following it. But if the cloud did not rise, they remained where they were until it lifted. The cloud of the Lord hovered over the Tabernacle during the day, and at night fire glowed inside the cloud so the whole family of Israel could see it. This continued throughout all their journeys. God’s Presence In: Creation | The Garden | The Mountain | The Tabernacle | The Temple | Jesus | Pentecost | The Church Ephesians 3:17 NLT Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong. WE are the Tabernacle! Bring what you have and are willing to give - I can use it to build my tabernacle where I will live and go with you. Psalm 27:8 NLT My heart has heard you say, “Come and talk with me.” And my heart responds, “Lord, I am coming.”

Growth in our faith is an essential part of a vibrant relationship with Christ. And growth happens both individually and corporately. We grow together as we grow on our own. Adam Barnett and Wopsle share in our second week of the series how both types of growth happen within our church and the body of Christ. Grow Redeemer People | Week 2 September 16, 2018 | Adam Barnett & Wopsle As Redeemer People, we are deeply committed to our spiritual growth, individually and corporately. As REDEEMER PEOPLE, we are deeply committed to our spiritual growth, individually and corporately. As Redeemer People, we are DEEPLY COMMITTED to our spiritual growth, individually and corporately. As Redeemer People, we are deeply committed to our SPIRITUAL GROWTH, individually and corporately. As Redeemer People, we are deeply committed to our spiritual growth, INDIVIDUALLY and corporately. As Redeemer People, we are deeply committed to our spiritual growth, individually and CORPORATELY. Luke 2:52 NIV And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Welcoming young people isn’t just allowing them to be in our church, but inviting them to influence what we do and how we do it. Matthew 19:14 NIV Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” John 15:5 NIV I am the vine; you are the branches. If you abide in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.

Jesus responds to a particular request from a mother of two of his disciples with a surprising answer about a person’s place in the kingdom. Jesus tells her that the greatest among his followers is the one who becomes a servant, as Christ became a servant. And to do that, there will be suffering. Bill Clark opens our series on the way to lived a redeemed life by exploring how serving is essential. On Serving Redeemer People | Week 1 September 9, 2018 | Bill Clark Matthew 20:20-28 NIV Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and, kneeling down, asked a favor of him. “What is it you want?” he asked. She said, “Grant that one of these two sons of mine may sit at your right and the other at your left in your kingdom.” “You don’t know what you are asking,” Jesus said to them. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” “We can,” they answered. Jesus said to them, “You will indeed drink from my cup, but to sit at my right or left is not for me to grant. These places belong to those for whom they have been prepared by my Father.” When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:24 NIV When the ten heard about this, they were indignant with the two brothers. Matthew 20:21 NIV "What is it you want?" MOTIVATION Matthew 20:25-28 NIV Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and that their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must become your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave – just as the Son of Man did not come to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. SUFFERING with Jesus Matthew 20:23 NIV "…you will indeed drink from my cup." SELF-SACRIFICING Servant What is God calling me to do?

God does not promise that we will not face difficult and even dark seasons of life, but He does promise that He will be with us in all of it. Joe Scruggs shares with us from his own life how God is present in what seems to be the darkest of times. God Is Present God Is | Week 5 September 2, 2018 | Joe Scruggs What is GOD’S ROLE in this season? Accept the MYSTERY, especially with WHY questions. Be brutally HONEST, God can handle it. Psalm 77:1-10 NLT I cry out to God; yes, I shout. Oh, that God would listen to me! When I was in deep trouble, I searched for the Lord. All night long I prayed, with hands lifted toward heaven, but my soul was not comforted. I think of God, and I moan, overwhelmed with longing for his help. You don’t let me sleep. I am too distressed even to pray! I think of the good old days, long since ended, when my nights were filled with joyful songs. I search my soul and ponder the difference now. Has the Lord rejected me forever? Will he never again be kind to me? Is his unfailing love gone forever? Have his promises permanently failed? Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has he slammed the door on his compassion? And I said, “This is my fate; the Most High has turned his hand against me.” Psalm 42:3, 9-10 NIV My tears have been my food day and night…I say to God my Rock, “Why have you forgotten me? Why must I go about mourning, oppressed by the enemy?” My bones suffer mortal agony… Don’t put God in a BOX, He might not work in the way you think He should. God will get you THROUGH, but it’s NOT EASY. Act on the LIGHT YOU HAVE, even if it’s very DIM. Do not be deceived, Wormwood. Our cause is never more in danger than when a human, no longer desiring, but still intending, to do our enemy’s will, looks upon a universe in which every trace of Him seems to have vanished, and asks why he has been forsaken and still obeys. C.S. Lewis | The Screwtape Letters Keep PRAYING, even though it’s HARD! EFFECTIVE prayer is when we become more FOCUSED ON GOD.

The truth that God is Healer can carry with it a lot of emotion for a lot of people. Adam Barnett teaches a hard message but reminds us that God still heals, just not always in the way or timing we want. God is Healer God Is | Week 4 August 26, 2018 | Adam Barnett Luke 5:17a NIV One day Jesus was teaching, and Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there. They had come from every village of Galilee and from Judea and Jerusalem. Luke 5:17b-19 NIV And the power of the Lord was with Jesus to heal the sick. Some men came carrying a paralyzed man on a mat and tried to take him into the house to lay him before Jesus. When they could not find a way to do this because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and lowered him on his mat through the tiles into the middle of the crowd, right in front of Jesus. [ Man on Mat Photo ] Luke 5:20 NIV When Jesus saw their faith, he said, "Friend, your sins are forgiven." I was an ENEMY of God, and now I’m in GOD’S FAMILY. I was a SLAVE to sin, and now I am GOD’S CHILD! Our EARTHLY HEALING doesn’t compare to our ETERNAL HOPE! Although God CAN heal us, we must never presume that He MUST. "Get up, take your mat and go home." Duane Miller | YouTube

We were created to live in relationship, and one of the most important relationships we experience is that of friendship. Wopsle continues our God Is series by exploring how friendship impacts our lives and how God is the ultimate example of friend! God is Friend God Is | Week 3 August 19, 2018 | Wopsle Luke 19:1-4 NIV Jesus entered Jericho and was passing through. A man was there by the name of Zacchaeus; he was a chief tax collector and was wealthy. He wanted to see who Jesus was, but because he was short he could not see over the crowd. So he ran ahead and climbed a sycamore-fig tree to see him, since Jesus was coming that way. Luke 19:5 NIV When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." The very first word Jesus ever spoke to this man was his name. A friend knows YOUR NAME. John 11:43 NIV …Jesus called in a loud voice, "Lazarus, come out!" 1 Samuel 3:7-8,10 NIV Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord: The word of the Lord had not yet been revealed to him. A third time the Lord called, "Samuel!"…The Lord came and stood there, calling as at the other times, "Samuel! Samuel!" Then Samuel said, "Speak, for your servant is listening." Luke 19:5,6 NIV When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, "Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today." So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly. A friend spends QUALITY TIME with you. Revelation 3:20 NIV Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me. We try to hard to know GOD’S WILL, when we need to work on knowing GOD. Luke 19:8 NIV But Zacchaeus stood up and said to the Lord, "Look, Lord! Here and now I give half of my possessions to the poor, and if I have cheated anybody out of anything,I will pay back four times the amount." A friend CHANGES your life. Luke 19:9-10 NIV Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." He BEFRIENDS us before we BELIEVE. He allows us to BELONG before we BEHAVE.

God cares for all people and pursues and seeks out those who have gone astray, which is all of us at one time or another! Bill Clark explores the Seeking God in the second week of our God Is series looking at four attributes of God’s nature. The Seeking God God Is | Week 2 August 12, 2018 | Bill Clark Reckless Love by Cory Asbury God cares for ALL PEOPLE Jesus liked to hang out with the wrong kinds of people. Luke 15:1-7 NIV Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." Then Jesus told them this parable: "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.’ I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. We all like sheep have gone astray… God loves every person as if there was no one else to love. God is a Pursuing God People Matter to God God is a Seeking God Revelation 7:9-10 NIV After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands. And they cried out in a loud voice: "Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb." The Lost, the Last, and the Least

God is refuge. He is the definition of the word. Adam Barnett starts our series, God Is, looking at four aspects of God’s character by reminding us that God’s wings are big and powerful. Refuge God Is | Week 1 August 5, 2018 | Adam Barnett Psalm 46:1-3 NIV God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging. Psalm 46:4-5 NIV There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells. God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. The city is safe not because of walls, weapons or strategies, but because of GOD’S PRESENCE. Psalm 46:6-9 NIV Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts. The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress. Come and see what the Lord has done, the desolations he has brought on the earth. He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and shatters the spear; he burns the shields with fire. Life is FRAGILE, but in the end, God is FAITHFUL. Psalm 46:10-11 NIV He says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth." The Lord Almighty is with us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.

Jesus had firm words for His Jewish listeners as he closed the Sermon on the Mount. And those words are as tough for us today. He challenges us to ensure that we are not only expressing our faith in Christ, but exhibiting it on a daily basis. Bill Clark concludes our 10-week summer study on the Sermon on the Mount. The Narrow and Wide Gates Sermon on the Mount | Week 10 July 29, 2018 | Bill Clark Matthew 7:13-23 (NIV) Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them. Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?’ Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ Matthew 7:14 (NIV) But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it. Matthew 7:21 (NIV) Not everyone who says to me ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my father who is in heaven. What kind of fruit are we growing?

Jesus does not list out a litany of requirements for the way we must approach God. He simply says we must ask, seek and knock and it will be given. Adam Barnett reminds us of this truth as we continue our summer study of the Sermon on the Mount. Ask, Seek, Knock Sermon on the Mount | Week 9 July 22, 2018 | Adam Barnett Matthew 7:7-8 (NIV) Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. NOT Matthew 7:7-8 Ask every hour, starting at 4:00am until midnight, and in at least seven different languages, and it will be given to you; seek in the dark, without a flashlight, in a pit of rattlesnakes, and you will find; knock in perfect rhythm, 24 times per minute, and with only three knuckles at a time, and the door will be opened to you. Barnett's Halloween Andre at Halloween Matthew 7:9-11 (NIV) Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! God is FAITHFUL and TRUSTWORTHY Matthew 7:12 (NIV) So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. Golden Rule of Arguments Golden Rule of Work Golden Rules of Marriage

Jesus calls upon us to curb our enthusiasm for finding fault in others. Intead we are called to look inward and repent where we fall short. Denise McKinney takes a look at Matthew 7:1-6 and reminds us of Jesus' powerful, culture shifting command. Curb Your Enthusiasm Sermon on the Mount | Week 8 July 15, 2018 | Denise McKinney Matthew 7:1-6 (NIV) Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. It’s really not our job. Matthew 7:1 (NIV) Do not judge… Judging = Judging Matthew 7:1-2 (NIV) Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. Matthew 7:1-2 (MSG) Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults— unless, of course, you want the same treatment. That critical spirit has a way of boomeranging. It gets in the way of real change. Matthew 7:3-4 (NIV) Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? Matthew 7:5 (NIV) You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye. This teaching is, rather, ethical instruction about the will of God to counter the human tendency to ignore one’s own faults while needling others about theirs. ~ Klyne Snodgrass (Jesus and the Restoration of Israel) They might not be in a place to hear you, even if you are right. Matthew 7:6 (NIV) Do not give dogs what is sacred; do not throw your pearls to pigs. If you do, they may trample them under their feet, and turn and tear you to pieces. The whole of the Sermon [Matt 5-7] is framed within Jesus’s announcement that what his fellow Jews had longed for over many generations was now at last coming to pass — but that new kingdom didn’t look like they had thought it would. Indeed, in some ways it went in exactly the other direction. No violence, no hatred of enemies, no anxious protection of land and property against the pagan hordes. In short, no frantic intensification of the ancestral codes of life.Rather, a glad and unworried trust in the creator God, whose kingdom is now at last starting to arrive, leading to a glad and generous heart toward other people, even those who are technically “enemies." Faith, hope, and love: here they are again. They are the language of life, the sign in the present of green shoots growing through the concrete of this sad old world, the indication that the creator God is on the move, and that Jesus’s hearers and followers can be part of what he’s now doing. ~ N.T. Wright (Jesus and the Victory of God)

Worry is a natural part of life, but not the full life that Christ wants us to have. Worry can enslave us and make us forget that the God of the Universe and Creator of all things is our provider and strength. Adam Barnett continues our summer study of the Sermon on the Mount by reminding us of Jesus’ admonition against the worries of this world. We Ain’t Got Time to Worry Sermon on the Mount | Week 7 July 8, 2018 | Adam Barnett Matthew 6:25 (NIV) Therefore I tell you… Matthew 6:25-26 (NIV) Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Matthew 6:27-32 (NIV) Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. I defeat enslavement to worry by preaching God’s faithfulness to myself and to others. Worry is wasting today’s time to clutter up tomorrow’s opportunities with yesterday’s troubles. Matthew 6:27 (NIV) Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? Matthew 6:33-34 (NIV) But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Worry is irreverent. Worry is irrelevant. Worry is irresponsible. Worry is ignorant. We ain’t got time to worry! We are too busy worshipping a faithful God!

Jesus commands us during the Sermon on the Mount to not put our faith and motivation in what we can acquire and retain on earth, but to instead place our hope and heart in heaven. Bill Clark challenges us to spend some time thinking through Matthew 6:19-24 and how it changes where we put our treasure. Treasures in Heaven Sermon on the Mount | Week 6 July 2, 2018 | Bill Clark Matthew 6:19-24 (NIV) Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light. But if your eyes are unhealthy, your whole body will be full of darkness. If then the light within you is darkness, how great is that darkness! No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.

Giving to the needy, praying and fasting are essential practices in the Christian faith. So much so that Jesus talked about them as a given that we would do them; saying "When" not "If" we do them. And the way we do them matters to God. Adam continues our series by going through how Christ looks at our motives for these spiritual practices. Give, Pray, Fast Sermon on the Mount | Week 5 June 24, 2018 | Adam Barnett Refugee in Egypt Burmese Refugees at Redeemer Matthew 6:1 (NIV) Be careful not to practice your righteousness in front of others to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. RIGHT THINGS can be done with WRONG MOTIVES. Righteousness that is SELF-SERVING or SELF-PROMOTING is competition with God for glory. Matthew 6:2-4 (NIV) So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Matthew 6:5-8 (NIV) And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. If you pray in PUBLIC but never in PRIVATE, you’re missing the PURPOSE of prayer. Matthew 6:9 (NIV) This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, Matthew 6:10 (NIV) your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:11 (NIV) Give us today our daily bread. Matthew 6:12 (NIV) And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. Matthew 6:13 (NIV) And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. Matthew 6:14-15 (NIV) For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. Matthew 6:16-18 (NIV) When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you fast, put oil on your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. Six Values of Fasting The sacrifice of physical to activate the spiritual. The value of self-discipline. The release from slavery to habit. The increase of the ability to do without things. The positive value for holistic health. The enhancement of our gratitude. CHECK your MOTIVES, and eagerly ANTICIPATE the reward that is to come.

Jesus shared a great deal during the Sermon on the Mount and much of what he shared was incredibly counter-cultural and even radical. High on that list is his command to love our enemies. Bill Clark shares the ramifications of this command to love and pray for those who would do us harm. Loving Your Enemies Sermon on the Mount | Week 4 June 17, 2018 | Bill Clark Matthew 5:38-42 (NIV) You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. Law of LOVE Matthew 5:39 (NIV) If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also Matthew 5:43-48 (NIV) You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Frenemies a person with whom one is friendly despite a fundamental dislike or rivalry 2 Timothy 4:14 (NIV) Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. Matthew 5:48 (NIV) Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect

Doing well on a test has a little to do with knowing the information, but a lot do to with knowing the test; knowing what the teacher expects of you. When Jesus came, many thought the old laws would no longer apply, but Jesus says not only to follow the law…but take it a step further. He was letting the people know what was expected of them. Wopsle shares with us How the Teacher Grades in week 3 of our summer series exploring the Sermon on the Mount. How the Teacher Grades Sermon on the Mount | Week 3 June 10, 2018 | Wopsle Matthew 5:17-20 (NIV) Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven. BAD NEWS any news that drastically and negatively alters the patient's view of his or her future. Matthew 5:21-22 (NIV) You have heard that it was said to the people long ago, ‘You shall not murder, and anyone who murders will be subject to judgment.’ But I tell you that anyone who is angry with a brother or sister will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to a brother or sister, ‘Raca,’ is answerable to the court. And anyone who says, ‘You fool!’ will be in danger of the fire of hell. Matthew 5:48 (NIV) Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Perfect τέλειος (Teleios) adj. Having reached its end; complete Philippians 3:12 (NLT) I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me.

During the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus commands us to be the salt and light in the world! We are his representatives to a bland and dark world and are commanded to live in a way that glorifies God and points to Him. Denise McKinney continues our summer series by exploring these two elements. Salt & Light Sermon on the Mount | Week 2 June 3, 2018 | Denise McKinney Matthew 5:1-12 | What Jesus gives us Matthew 5:13-16 | What Jesus asks of us Matthew 5:17-20 | What Jesus does for us Covenant: I will bless you and you will bless others. I will make you a great nation Matthew 5:13-16 (NIV) You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:13 (MSG) Let me tell you why you are here… Be SALT Be LIGHT Matthew 5:15 (MSG) God is not a secret to be kept. Be a CITY Matthew 5:16 (MSG) By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God… Missio Dei God is a missionary and to follow Christ is to be called into His mission. Jesus seems recklessly confident of our potentialities: he calls us the salt of the earth, the light of the world, [and a city on a hill] without whose witness the world will be a different place. sacredspace.ie

In its 5th chapter, the Gospel of Matthew records a lengthy, vital and applicable sermon that Jesus delivered on the Mount of Olives. The Sermon on the Mount contains so great a wealth of instruction that we are dedicating the next 10 weeks to explore this together. Pastor Adam Barnett kicked off our summer series by discussing the sermon as a whole and walking through the opening verses which comprise The Beatitudes. The Beatitudes Sermon on the Mount | Week 1 May 27, 2018 | Adam Barnett Matthew 5:1-2 (NIV) Now when Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a mountainside and sat down. His disciples came to him, and he began to teach them. Matthew 5:3 (NIV) Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:4 (NIV) Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:5 (NIV) Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Matthew 5:6 (NIV) Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:7 (NIV) Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Matthew 5:8 (NIV) Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Matthew 5:9 (NIV) Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. Matthew 5:10-12 (NIV) Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. Themes in the Sermon on the Mount Righteousness Hypocrisy The Human Heart The Father in Heaven The Kingdom of God Our Reward and Treasure

Paul begins the second chapter of his letter to the church at Ephesus by painting a picture of our absolute brokenness, but then reminds us that God loved us first. Special Guest Daniel Roach joins us to wrap up our series on the presence of God with the powerful truth at the heart of the Gospel! But God Loves First But God | Week 4 May 20, 2018 | Daniel Roach Ephesians 2:3-5 (NLT) All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) We are BROKEN Ephesians 2:1-3 (NLT) Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. Luke 16:15 (ESV) “And He said to them, “You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.” We are broken but God loves first. Ephesians 2:4 (NLT) But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life Romans 5:8 (NLT) But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Revelation 2:1-7 (NLT) Write this letter to the angel of the church in Ephesus. This is the message from the one who holds the seven stars in his right hand, the one who walks among the seven gold lampstands: "I know all the things you do. I have seen your hard work and your patient endurance. I know you don’t tolerate evil people. You have examined the claims of those who say they are apostles but are not. You have discovered they are liars. You have patiently suffered for me without quitting. But I have this complaint against you. You don’t love me or each other as you did at first! Look how far you have fallen! Turn back to me and do the works you did at first. If you don’t repent, I will come and remove your lampstand from its place among the churches. But this is in your favor: You hate the evil deeds of the Nicolaitans, just as I do. Anyone with ears to hear must listen to the Spirit and understand what he is saying to the churches. To everyone who is victorious I will give fruit from the tree of life in the paradise of God." Consequences of Grace Ephesians 2:8-10 (NLT) God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Identity: With Christ/In Christ Identity: Who you are Participation: What you do On Cheap Grace: “It is baptism without the discipline of the community; it is the Lord’s Supper without the confession of sin; it is absolution without personal confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without the living incarnate Jesus Christ.” ~ Dietrich Bonhoeffer Ephesians 2:8-10 (NLT) God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Identity: Who you are Participation: What you do Consequences of Grace is Works What will you change? Ephesians 4:1 (NLT) Therefore I, a prisoner for serving the Lord, beg you to lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Ephesians 5:1 (NLT) Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are his dear children. Ephesians 5:8 (NLT) For once you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So live as people of light! Ephesians 5:15 (NLT) So be careful how you live. Don’t live like fools, but like those who are wise. What will you change? What will you risk? “I have mostly white students at the seminary, and it is very easy for them to fantasize that they would be standing with King if given the opportunity. They idolize Dr. King without realizing the risk and suffering that was involved for the whites back then who dared cross the color line. People have fooled themselves into believing they can follow Christ and risk nothing. Have we fooled ourselves into thinking that true Christian spirituality can be developed

Whenever we are walking through situations that are difficult or we can’t see a way out, it’s often easy to forget that God is Powerful! Bill Clark continues our series on the presence of God by exploring the idea that we are weak, but God is powerful! God is Powerful But God | Week 3 May 13, 2018 | Bill Clark Acts 10:34-40 [NIV] Then Peter began to speak: "I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts men from every nation who fear him and do what is right. You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, telling the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. You know what has happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached — how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him. We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. Acts 10:39,40 [NIV] They killed him by hanging him on a tree, but God raised him from the dead on the third day… On a day that’s going well, we don’t think about God’s power because we don’t feel we need it. We sometimes think that kind of thinking is for another kind of Christian. We’re not looking for it.

Every one of us has been tempted into sin in our lives. We face it every single day. But God can deliver us from that temptation, we only have to surrender to His work. Adam Barnett continues our look at how the presence of God changes everything by looking at how God delivers us from temptation. I Am Tempted…But God Delivers Me But God... | Week 2 May 6, 2018 | Adam Barnett Transformation happens when we stop saying, “But I…” and we start saying, “But God.” 1 Corinthians 10:6 [NIV] Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. “The only thing we learn from history is that we don’t learn from history.” — Fredrick Hegel 1 Corinthians 10:12 [NIV] So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall! 1 Corinthians 10:13 [NIV] No temptation has overtaken you that is unusual for human beings. But God is faithful, and he will not allow you to be tempted beyond your strength. Instead, along with the temptation he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to endure it. I am tempted, but God delivers me. 1 | God is not surprised by temptation. 2 | God allows us to be tempted. James 1:13-15 [NIV] When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Evil Desire → Temptation → Sin→ Habitual Sin → Death 3 | God helps us overcome temptation. Romans 7:18-24 [NIV] For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature. For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For I do not do the good I want to do, but the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it. So I find this law at work: Although I want to do good, evil is right there with me. For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death? Romans 7:25 [NIV] Thanks be to God, who delivers me through Jesus Christ our Lord!

God listens when we call, when we are in distress and when we struggle. We just need to be patient and ready to hear back! Denise McKinney kicks off our series, But God, on how the presence of God can change everything! Listens But God... | Week 1 April 29, 2018 | Denise McKinney Genesis 19:27-29 [NLT] Abraham got up early that morning and hurried out to the place where he had stood in the Lord’s presence. He looked out across the plain toward Sodom and Gomorrah and watched as columns of smoke rose from the cities like smoke from a furnace. But God had listened to Abraham’s request and kept Lot safe, removing him from the disaster that engulfed the cities on the plain. God listens to our prayers and petitions for others… ... and can intervene at a crucial moment. Psalm 66:13-20 [NLT] Now I come to your Temple with burnt offerings to fulfill the vows I made to you— yes, the sacred vows that I made when I was in deep trouble. That is why I am sacrificing burnt offerings to you—the best of my rams as a pleasing aroma, and a sacrifice of bulls and male goats. Come and listen, all you who fear God, and I will tell you what he did for me. For I cried out to him for help, praising him as I spoke. If I had not confessed the sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened. But God did listen! He paid attention to my prayer. Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer or withdraw his unfailing love from me. God listens when we confess our mess… …and is ready and willing to restore us. SpaceX: How NOT to Land an Orbital Rocket Booster God listens to our grumbling and whining… …and can make it a teachable moment. Numbers 12:1-4 [NLT] While they were at Hazeroth, Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses because he had married a Cushite woman. They said, “Has the Lord spoken only through Moses? Hasn’t he spoken through us, too?” But the Lord heard them. (Now Moses was very humble—more humble than any other person on earth.) So immediately the Lord called to Moses, Aaron, and Miriam and said, “Go out to the Tabernacle,[a] all three of you!” So the three of them went to the Tabernacle. God listens to our worship… …it matters to him and for us. Genesis 21:15-21 [NLT] When the water was gone, she put the boy in the shade of a bush. Then she went and sat down by herself about a hundred yards away. “I don’t want to watch the boy die,” she said, as she burst into tears. But God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, “Hagar, what’s wrong? Do not be afraid! God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Go to him and comfort him, for I will make a great nation from his descendants.” Then God opened Hagar’s eyes, and she saw a well full of water. She quickly filled her water container and gave the boy a drink. And God was with the boy as he grew up in the wilderness. He became a skillful archer, and he settled in the wilderness of Paran. His mother arranged for him to marry a woman from the land of Egypt. God hears us in our deepest despair… …and guides us through the wilderness.

Special Guest Cecilia Williams joins us for a powerful message about finding your mission field right where you are! Cecilia is the Executive Minister of Love Mercy Do Justice, the mission priority of the Evangelical Covenant Church. The Mission Where You Are April 22, 2018 | Cecilia Williams Luke 10:1-2 (NIV) After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them two by two ahead of him to every town and place where he was about to go. He told them, “The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field. GO! (literal meaning – “as you are going…”) The way in which you go matters... A Chinese Proverb: Go to the people Live among them Learn from them Love them Start with what they know Build on what they have But of the best leaders When the task is done The people will remark ‘We have done it ourselves’ Rejoice in the right stuff!! Make the circle bigger!

The arrival of the Holy Spirit on the day of Pentecost brought with it the launching of the Jesus movement and the creation of the Church! Adam Barnett concludes our 50 Days series by exploring the implications of Pentecost. Pentecost 50 Days | Week 2 April 15, 2018 | Adam Barnett Rejoice in the Resurrection Remember our Baptism Return to Habits of Spiritual Formation Reflect on the Birth of the Church Receive Gifts of the Spirit Maundy Thursday Last Supper with Jesus and the Apostles [Mark 14:1] Good Friday Passover and Jesus’ Crucifixion [John 28:28] Easter Sunday Resurrection! [Luke 24:7] 40-Day Period Multiple appearances and preaching [Acts 1:3] Ascension Mount of Olives, Jesus carried up into heaven. [Luke 24:51] Pentecost Descent of the Holy Spirit [Acts 2:1-4] Acts 1:3-5 (NIV) After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." Acts 1:9 (NIV) After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. Acts 2:1-4 (NIV) When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them. PRAISE John 4:24 (NIV) God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in the Spirit and in truth. POWER Romans 8:2 (NIV) And because you belong to him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of the sin that leads to death PROCLAMATION Acts 2:12-18 (NIV) Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?” Some, however, made fun of them and said, “They have had too much wine.” Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice & addressed the crowd: “Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning! No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: ‘In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. Acts 1:8 (NIV) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. PENTECOST When the story of Jesus became the story of the Jesus movement! PURPOSE 1 Corinthians 12:7-11 (NIV) Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines.

The Resurrection was a huge event…but it was not the end of the story of Easter! Pastor Adam Barnett kicks off our 2-week study on the 50 Days following Easter with a great word about the continual presence and work of Jesus. Ascension 50 Days | Week 1 April 8, 2018 | Adam Barnett Rejoice in the Resurrection Remember our Baptism Return to Habits of Spiritual Formation Reflect on the Birth of the Church Receive Gifts of the Spirit Maundy Thursday Last Supper with Jesus and the Apostles [Mark 14:1] Good Friday Passover and Jesus’ Crucifixion [John 28:28] Easter Sunday Resurrection! [Luke 24:7] 40-Day Period Multiple appearances and preaching [Acts 1:3] Ascension Mount of Olives, Jesus carried up into heaven. [Luke 24:51] Pentecost Descent of the Holy Spirit [Acts 2:1-4] Luke 24:36-43 (NIV) While they were still talking about this, Jesus himself stood among them and said to them, “Peace be with you.” They were startled and frightened, thinking they saw a ghost. He said to them, “Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds? Look at my hands and my feet. It is I myself! Touch me and see; a ghost does not have flesh and bones, as you see I have.” When he had said this, he showed them his hands and feet. And while they still did not believe it because of joy and amazement, he asked them, “Do you have anything here to eat?” They gave him a piece of broiled fish, and he took it and ate it in their presence. John 21:25 (NIV) Jesus did many other things as well. If every one of them were written down, I suppose that even the whole world would not have room for the books that would be written. Luke 24:50-53 (NIV) When he had led them out to the vicinity of Bethany, he lifted up his hands and blessed them. While he was blessing them, he left them and was taken up into heaven. Then they worshiped him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. And they stayed continually at the temple, praising God. Jesus continues to minister! Acts 1:1-2 (NIV) In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven…” Jesus’ ascension is His return to His Father! John 14:2-4 (NIV) My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am. You know the way to the place where I am going. Jesus is our Mediator and High Priest! 1 Timothy 2:5 (NIV) For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus. Jesus sends the Holy Spirit to His people! Jesus invites us to remember!

In Luke 24, we see two disciples walking from Jerusalem to the town of Emmaus and this is the scene for one of the first appearances of the resurrected Christ! Bill Clark takes a look through the eyes of Cleopas and his experiences with Christ to tell the simple truth of the gospel. The Road to Emmaus RISEN | Easter 2018 April 1, 2018 | Bill Clark Luke 24:13-35 (NLT) That same day two of Jesus’ followers were walking to the village of Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem. As they walked along they were talking about everything that had happened. As they talked and discussed these things, Jesus himself suddenly came and began walking with them. But God kept them from recognizing him. He asked them, “What are you discussing so intently as you walk along?” They stopped short, sadness written across their faces. Then one of them, Cleopas, replied, “You must be the only person in Jerusalem who hasn’t heard about all the things that have happened there the last few days.” “What things?” Jesus asked. “The things that happened to Jesus, the man from Nazareth,” they said. “He was a prophet who did powerful miracles, and he was a mighty teacher in the eyes of God and all the people. But our leading priests and other religious leaders handed him over to be condemned to death, and they crucified him. We had hoped he was the Messiah who had come to rescue Israel. This all happened three days ago. “Then some women from our group of his followers were at his tomb early this morning, and they came back with an amazing report. They said his body was missing, and they had seen angels who told them Jesus is alive! Some of our men ran out to see, and sure enough, his body was gone, just as the women had said.” Then Jesus said to them, “You foolish people! You find it so hard to believe all that the prophets wrote in the Scriptures. Wasn’t it clearly predicted that the Messiah would have to suffer all these things before entering his glory?” Then Jesus took them through the writings of Moses and all the prophets, explaining from all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. By this time they were nearing Emmaus and the end of their journey. Jesus acted as if he were going on, but they begged him, “Stay the night with us, since it is getting late.” So he went home with them. As they sat down to eat, he took the bread and blessed it. Then he broke it and gave it to them. Suddenly, their eyes were opened, and they recognized him. And at that moment he disappeared! They said to each other, “Didn’t our hearts burn within us as he talked with us on the road and explained the Scriptures to us?” And within the hour they were on their way back to Jerusalem. There they found the eleven disciples and the others who had gathered with them, who said, “The Lord has really risen! He appeared to Peter.” Then the two from Emmaus told their story of how Jesus had appeared to them as they were walking along the road, and how they had recognized him as he was breaking the bread.

Bill Clark concludes our Resolve series by examining the deep meaning behind Christ’s journey to the cross and the love and resolve with which He approached that journey’s conclusion. Palm Sunday Resolve | Week 3 March 25, 2018 | Bill Clark Luke 9:51 (NIV) As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. Mark 11:1 (NIV) As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage and Bethany at the Mount of Olives… Ezekiel 10:18 (NIV) Then the glory of the Lord departed from over the threshold of the Temple. Ezekiel 43:1-2 (NIV) Then the man brought me to the gate facing east, and I saw the glory of the God of Israel coming from the East. His voice was like the roar of rushing waters, and the land was radiant with his glory. Zechariah 9:9 (NIV) Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Luke 22:64 (NIV) Prophesy! Who hit you!

On the eve of facing the cross, Jesus took special time to kneel and wash the feet of his disciples. He did this to set a powerful example for how we are to seek to serve those around us, all those around us. Joe Scruggs continues our Resolve series by encouraging us to follow this example. An Example to Follow Resolve | Week 2 March 18, 2018 | Joe Scruggs Luke 9:22 (NIV) The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life. Luke 9:51 (NIV) Jesus set out resolutely toward Jerusalem. John 13:1-3 (NLT) Before the Passover celebration, Jesus knew that his hour had come to leave this world and return to his Father. He had loved his disciples during his ministry on earth, and now he loved them to the very end. It was time for supper, and the devil had already prompted Judas, son of Simon Iscariot, to betray Jesus. Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. John 13:4-5 (NLT) So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him. John 13:6-11 (NLT) When Jesus came to Simon Peter, Peter said to him, “Lord, are you going to wash my feet?” Jesus replied, “You don’t understand now what I am doing, but someday you will.” “No,” Peter protested, “you will never ever wash my feet!” Jesus replied, “Unless I wash you, you won’t belong to me.” Simon Peter exclaimed, “Then wash my hands and head as well, Lord, not just my feet!” Jesus replied, “A person who has bathed all over does not need to wash, except for the feet, to be entirely clean. And you disciples are clean, but not all of you.” For Jesus knew who would betray him. That is what he meant when he said, “Not all of you are clean.” Show the Nature of God. John 13:12-15 (NLT) After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. I have given you an example to follow. Types of Jobs We Might Face Might Involve True Humility Might Involve Obscurity We don’t get to choose the people that need to be served. It might simply be a hassle, an interruption. Where do we start? Acts 1:8 (NLT) But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all of Judea, and Samaria and to the ends of the earth. Serving often calls for much Wisdom and Discernment Philippians 1:9-11 (PHILLIPS) My prayer for you is that you may have still more love—a love that is full of knowledge and wise insight. I want you to be able always to recognize the highest and the best, and to live sincere and blameless lives until the day of Jesus Christ. I want to see your lives full of true goodness, produced by the power that Jesus Christ gives you to the praise and glory of God. John 13:17 (NLT) Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them

Jesus set his face with resolve to the path before Him, a path that led to the cross. Wopsle begins our Resolve series by reminding us that we must follow Jesus' example and set our face to the path God has called us to walk. Set Your Face Resolve | Week 1 March 11, 2018 | Michael Wopsle Resolve v. settle or find a solution to. n. firm determination to do something. Luke 9:51 (NIV) As the time approached for him to be taken up to heaven, Jesus resolutely set out for Jerusalem. Luke 9:52-56 (NIV) And he sent messengers on ahead, who went into a Samaritan village to get things ready for him; but the people there did not welcome him, because he was heading for Jerusalem. When the disciples James and John saw this, they asked, “Lord, do you want us to call fire down from heaven to destroy them?” But Jesus turned and rebuked them. Then he and his disciples went to another village. Luke 9:57-61 (NIV) As they were walking along the road, a man said to him, “I will follow you wherever you go.” Jesus replied, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.” He said to another man, “Follow me.” But he replied, “Lord, first let me go and bury my father.” Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their own dead, but you go and proclaim the kingdom of God.” Still another said, “I will follow you, Lord; but first let me go back and say goodbye to my family.” Luke 9:62 (NIV) Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.” Whenever you identify your goals: “Set your face” to it with resolve. Identify any obstacles and take steps to avoid them. Don’t look back.

Paul's words in 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 are the summary to his theology of giving. In his mind, giving is simply another aspect of grace. God provides for the needs of His people and blesses those who bless others. Biblical giving is grace-based in that it is to be done with a cheerful spirit. How much should we give? Bill Clark concludes our Unfinished series by reminding us that perhaps the answer is really another question - "How happy do we want to be? Cheerful Giving Unfinished | Week 5 March 4, 2018 | Bill Clark 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 (NIV) Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: “They have freely scattered their gifts to the poor; their righteousness endures forever.” Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift! Sow Sparingly → Reap Sparingly Sow Generously → Reap Generously God loves a CHEERFUL GIVER Giving creates THANKSGIVING

How people view money is an effective barometer of their spirituality. Money is neither good nor bad in itself; corrupt people can put it to evil uses, while good people can put it to righteous uses. Though it is morally neutral, what people do with their money reflects their internal morality. Adam Barnett continues our series by reminding us that one of the greatest reflections of our trust in God is seen in our generosity to others. Giving Your All to Others in Need Unfinished | Week 4 February 25, 2018 | Adam Barnett Luke 12:22-24 (NIV) And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! Luke 12:25-30 (NIV) And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. My worry about my resources is offensive to Jesus. Luke 12:31-32 (NIV) Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Luke 12:33 (NIV) Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. When we are distracted by anxiety over our own needs, we certainly won’t be aware of the needs of others! 1 Timothy 6:18-19 (NIV) Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life. Luke 12:34 (NIV) For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Am I focused on what I have or what I don’t have? Am I focused on this life or the next? Am I focused on my wants or other’s needs? You are a generous person. We GET to give!

In matters of generosity, most of us have seldom, if ever, given out of poverty. In other words, we have seldom known what it means to give away all we have, trusting that God will supply our future needs. Bill Clark explores the story in Mark 12:41-44 where Christ points out a model of a generous heart. A Model of a Generous Heart Unfinished | Week 3 February 18, 2018 | Bill Clark Mark 12:41-44 (NIV) Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a fraction of a penny. Calling his disciples to him Jesus said, "I tell you the truth, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything - all she had to live on." Mark 12:44 (MSG) All the others gave what they'll never miss; she gave extravagantly what she couldn't afford - she gave her all.

Obedience! This is the ultimate picture that is painted in Luke 9:23-25. If this passage makes you uncomfortable, here is something to keep in mind: God is good. His ways are good. Following Him is good. It is always in our best interest to live the Christian life and follow God. Generosity is one of the truest ways we deny ourselves in the adventure of following Jesus. Adam Barnett continues our look at our Unfinished selves by reminding us of the source of our generosity. The Source of Generosity Unfinished | Week 2 February 11, 2018 | Adam Barnett DON’T IGNORE LIFE-SAVING INSTRUCTIONS! Luke 9:18-20 (NIV) Once when Jesus was praying in private and his disciples were with him, he asked them, “Who do the crowds say I am?” They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, that one of the prophets of long ago has come back to life.” “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” Peter answered, “God’s Messiah.” Who do YOU say that Jesus is? Luke 9:21-22 (NIV) Jesus strictly warned them not to tell this to anyone. And he said, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, the chief priests and the teachers of the law, and he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.” Once we understand who Jesus is, we are confronted by the outcomes of a life of discipleship. Luke 9:23-25 (NIV) Then he said to them all: "Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me. For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very soul? As a disciple of Jesus, we deliberately choose what could be avoided. We look to sacrifice. Luke 9:24-25 (NIV) For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me will save it. What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very soul? Our GENEROSITY is one of the truest ways we can deny ourselves in the adventure of following Jesus.

God’s perfect plans are carried out by imperfect people. We are never "complete" in this life as God continually works in us to refine and sanctify us. This also means that God is always present with us and has promised to finish what He has started. Bill Clark opens up our discussion of what it means to be Unfinished. The Unfinished Work of God Unfinished | Week 1 February 4, 2018 | Bill Clark Philippians 1:3-8 (NIV) I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart and, whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God’s grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. Philippians 1:6 (NIV) …being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. INAUGURATE God has promised to bring to completion His work in your life. God never gives up on us.

Bill Clark shares the vision for what God is going to do in the next chapter in the life of Redeemer! To follow up and for more information, visit the Unfinished initiative website

We’ve spent the last few weeks discussing how God seeks to renovate our lives and what that process entails. Denise McKinney wraps up our series by reminding us that in order for that process to continue and be successful, we must go with God on our way. God Goes With Us Renovate | Week 5 January 28, 2018 | Denise McKinney Exodus 19:17-19 (NRSV) Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God. They took their stand at the foot of the mountain. Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke, because the Lord had descended upon it in fire; the smoke went up like the smoke of a kiln, while the whole mountain shook violently. As the blast of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses would speak and God would answer him in thunder. Exodus 33:1-3 (NIV) …Leave this place, you and the people you brought up out of Egypt, and go up to the land I promised on oath to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I will send an angel before you and drive out the Canaanites, Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites and Jebusites. Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way. Exodus 33:11 (NIV) The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend. God responds by saying: "My Presence will go with you, and I will give you rest." Exodus 33:15-16 (NIV) If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth? If you don’t go with us, if you don’t lead the way, there is no reason to go. If you don't go with us, if you don't lead the way, we won't look any different than anyone else. TECHNOLOGY Be intentional with technology, and intentionally without it. COMMUNITY Schools of Love Hospitality IMMEASURABLY MORE "…show me your glory." (v.18) Ephesians 3:20 Where is God's immeasurably more for you leading?

The Thought Just Occurred to Me Renovate | Week 4 January 21, 2018 | Adam Barnett Thoughts When you clean out a vacuum cleaner, you become a vacuum cleaner. What if rocks are actually soft and squishy, but when you go to touch them they get scared and tense up? Are oranges named oranges because oranges are orange, or is orange called orange because oranges are orange The face of a child can say it all. Especially the mouth part of the face. Boxing is a lot like a ballet, except there’s no music, no choreography, and the dancers hit each other. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your thoughts. Philippians 4:6-8 (NIV) Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Philippians 4:6 (NIV) Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. The way to be anxious about nothing is to be prayerful about everything. Philippians 4:7 (NIV) And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:8 (NIV) Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.

In order for God to fully renovate our hearts, we must surrender to how He wants us to view all those around us. The way we handle relationships with spouses, children, family, friends and even complete strangers is evidence of where our hearts are in that renovation process. Adam Barnett continues our Renovate series by challenging us to take a look at our relationships. 542,000 Relationships Renovate | Week 3 January 14, 2018 | Adam Barnett Top 5 New Year’s Resolutions Do nothing out of selfish ambition. Value others above myself. Put others first. Have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. Be a servant. Top 5 New Year’s Resolutions Lose weight. Exercise. Eat healthier. Stop smoking. Floss regularly. Relationship: The way in which two or more concepts, objects or people are connected; the state of being connected. Philippians 2:3 (NIV) Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, “Without exception, I found that every person who was sincerely happy — radiantly alive — was living for the purpose and cause of others.” — Abraham Maslow Philippians 2:4 (NIV) not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. The sacrificial lifestyle we are called to live is not reactive — it is proactive. We look to sacrifice. Philippians 2:5-8 (NIV) In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! “Be kind, because everyone you meet is fighting a great battle.” — Philo Alexander DE-SELF-IFY (This is not a word)

God seeks to renovate our hearts and He chose to do this in a very unique way. He came to Earth to set up camp among us and resides within our very hearts when we open the door to let Him in. Bill Clark continues our series, Renovate, by describing the work of the Great Renovator. The Great Renovator Renovate | Week 2 January 7, 2018 | Bill Clark John 1:1-5, 10-14 (NIV) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it….He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:1 (NIV) In the beginning was the Word… John 1:3 (NIV) Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. John 1:14 (NIV) The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. The Word pitched his tent among us. You are my beloved child. Your sins are forgiven. I have camped out among you, I am still here by my Spirit, I’m ready to take residence in your life.

God's work in us is a daily operation. And it causes us to constantly look all around and within us to answer the question, What matters most? Denise McKinney shares with us as we begin our new series, Renovate. What Matters Most Renovate | Week 1 December 31, 2017 | Denise McKinney Philippians 1:3-8 (NRSV) I thank my God every time I remember you, constantly praying with joy in every one of my prayers for all of you, because of your sharing in the gospel from the first day until now. I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ. It is right for me to think this way about all of you, because you hold me in your heart, for all of you share in God’s grace with me, both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel. For God is my witness, how I long for all of you with the compassion of Christ Jesus. The beauty of God renovating our lives is that it’s not a ONE AND DONE event. What matters most. What matters most? Look Up Look Inside Look Around Philippians 1:9-11 (ICB) This is my prayer for you: that your love will grow more and more; that you will have knowledge and understanding with your love; that you will see the difference between good and bad and choose the good; that you will be pure and without wrong for the coming of Christ; that you will be filled with the good things produced in your life by Christ to bring glory and praise to God. Remember, God is the one who BEGINS & BRINGS.

Happiness and joy are two very different things. During our Sunday evening service on Christmas Eve, Bill Clark encourages us to seek Joy rather than simply happiness. True Joy Advent | Week 4 Christmas Eve | Bill Clark Philippians 2:5-11 (NIV) In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

The joy of the birth of Christ is easy to lose amidst the crazy and emotional times that can accompany the holiday season. During our Saturday Night Christmas Eve service, Adam Barnett reminds us that that good news is the Christ brings JOY! Unending Celebration Advent | Week 4 Christmas Eve | Adam Barnett Luke 2:8-12 (NIV) And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” “Great joy.” The good news is that there is Good News… allowing us to live a life occupied with joy, under any circumstance. WHERE CHRIST IS PRESENT, JOY IS PRESENT. Luke 1:46-47 (NIV) “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.”

Disruption changes things. It makes it impossible to continue in the normal way. During our Sunday morning service on Christmas Eve, Joe Scruggs shared a message about the disruptive event of Christ’s birth. Disruptive Event Advent | Week 4 Christmas Eve | Joe Scruggs DISRUPTIVE: To cause (something) to be unable to continue in the normal way Luke 2:26-38 (NIV) God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David. The virgin’s name was Mary. The angel went to her and said, “Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.” Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be. But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” “How will this be,” Mary asked the angel, “since I am a virgin?” The angel answered, “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God. Even Elizabeth your relative is going to have a child in her old age, and she who was said to be unable to conceive is in her sixth month. For no word from God will ever fail.” “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” Then the angel left her. Matthew 1:20-21 (NIV) But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 2:13-14 (NIV) When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, Luke 2:34-35 (NIV) Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.” Luke 12:51-53 (NIV) Do you think I came to bring peace on earth? No, I tell you, but division. From now on there will be five in one family divided against each other, three against two and two against three. They will be divided, father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.” Has He DISRUPTED our lives? 1 Corinthians 15:21-22 (NIV) As death entered the world through a man, so has rising from the dead come to us through a man! As members of a sinful race all men die; as members of Christ all men shall be raised to life. 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 (NIV) Death is swallowed up in victory. Where now, O death is your victory: where is your stinging power? It is sin which gives death its sting, and it is the law which gives sin its power. All thanks to God, then, who gives us the victory over these things through our Lord Jesus Christ. Christmas is a big deal…it changes EVERYTHING!

There is a distinct difference between optimism and hope. Bill Clark continues our Advent series by sharing a brief message about the true source of Hope at Christmas! Christmas Hope Advent | Week 3 December 17, 2017 | Bill Clark The glory of God is a human being fully alive. Revelation 21:3-4.,6-7 (MSG) I heard a voice thunder from the Throne. Look! Look! God has moved into the neighborhood, making his home with men and women! They’re his people, he’s their God. He’ll wipe every tear from their eyes. Death is gone for good – tears gone, crying gone, pain gone – all the first order of things – gone…From Water-of-Life Well I give freely to the thirsty. I’ll be God to them, they’ll be sons and daughters to me.

Christ's birth is significant because death and resurrection were assured by the gift and grace of God. This example of Love that reverberates across the globe is vital to remember through this season. Adam Barnett continues our Advent series with the powerful idea that Jesus was born to die. Born to Die Advent | Week 2 December 10, 2017 | Adam Barnett Jesus Came to Earth Matthew 1:18-23 (NIV) This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). “The Son of God became a man so that men might become sons of God.” — C.S. Lewis Ezekiel 36:25-28 (NIV) I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws. Then you will live in the land I gave your ancestors; you will be my people, and I will be your God. John 3:16 (NIV) For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God so loved the ENTIRE WORLD! John 10:17-18 (NIV) The reason my Father loves me is that I lay down my life—only to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This command I received from my Father. John 3:16 (NIV) For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. MacGyver Photo 1 MacGyver Photo 2 John 3:16 (NIV) For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.