Pastor Ian takes us deep into Luke 19:1-10 and the story of Zacchaeus, a man who was lost in more ways than one. He was labeled by society—short, wealthy, a traitor, a thief—and those labels became his identity. We all know what it feels like to be labeled, whether by circumstances beyond our control or by choices we've made. But here's the beautiful truth: Jesus knows exactly where we are. He doesn't wait for us to clean ourselves up or earn His love. He meets us in our mess, calls us by name, and sees past every label that's been placed on us. And that's what transforms us. Not guilt trips, but love. Not shame, but grace. Zacchaeus stopped striving, stopped proving himself, and simply responded to Jesus' love with radical generosity and life change. The same invitation stands for us today: stop carrying the labels others have given you, and embrace the identity Jesus offers—redeemed, forgiven, whole, and loved.

In this message, Pastor Mark takes us into the heart of Luke 17:11-19, where ten lepers encounter Jesus and receive healing, yet only one returns to give thanks. The central lesson challenges us to examine our own spiritual posture: are we stuck in a place of pity, or have we moved into a position of praise? We discover that our gratitude for what God has done in the past directly fuels our expectations for what He will do next. When we fail to testify about God's goodness, we rob ourselves of hope and miss the opportunity to inspire others who are walking through similar struggles. Pastor Mark urges us to stop moving from problem to problem and instead move from win to win, stacking up small testimonies that build our faith. Whether it's reading our Bible, resisting temptation, or choosing peace over anxiety, these daily victories create a momentum of expectation.

In this exploration of Romans 5:1-11, Pastor Ian invites us into a reimagining of hope—one that cannot disappoint. We've all experienced the sting of disappointment, whether from unmet expectations or destinations that didn't live up to the journey. But here we discover a different kind of hope entirely: one rooted not in our circumstances, but in God's unshakeable character. The passage reveals that we've been justified through faith, granted peace with God, and given access to a grace we could never earn. The 'already but not yet' principle reminds us that while we've been saved, we're also being saved, and we will be saved—like someone who's grabbed the life preserver and is being pulled to safety. Our part? Simply hold on. When we grasp that God demonstrated His love by dying for us while we were still sinners—powerless, ungodly, His enemies—how can we doubt He'll complete what He's started? This hope doesn't disappoint because it's anchored in the character of the One who's already done the hard part.

Pastor Mark challenges us to examine our imaginations and how they shape our faith. The story of Jesus healing a boy with an unclean spirit in Mark 9:14-29 serves as a backdrop for exploring the power of prayer and the importance of focusing on God's truth rather than our own limitations. We're reminded that our imagination can be both constructive and destructive, and that we must 'cast down imaginations' that don't align with God's word. The message emphasizes that prayer is not just about making requests, but about aligning our hearts and minds with God's will. It's a call for us to stop rehearsing negative thoughts and instead rejoice in the Lord always, even in difficult circumstances. This teaching encourages us to see challenges not as obstacles, but as opportunities for God to prepare us for the blessings and breakthroughs He has in store.

Pastor Mark and Pastor Ian take a deeper look at our Expectations series, discussing some of the following ideas: - When we feed our faith, what once seemed like insurmountable crises can transform into mere issues, then non-issues, and ultimately powerful testimonies. - We're need to speak God's promises over our lives, rather than letting our current circumstances dictate our outlook. - It is important to focus on 'who' is with us - our unchanging, eternal God - rather than getting stuck on 'how' we'll overcome. This shift in focus can lead to breakthroughs in our spiritual lives, relationships, and personal growth. - As we learn to celebrate small victories and trust in God's timing, we open ourselves to experiencing His power in profound ways.

Pastor Mark delves into the transformative story of Jacob wrestling with God, found in Genesis 32:22-30. This narrative serves as a metaphor for our own spiritual struggles and the importance of confronting our inner demons. We're challenged to examine the 'Jabboks' in our lives - those places where we must pour out our old selves to make room for God's blessings. The sermon emphasizes that true blessing isn't about material possessions, but about experiencing God's presence. We're encouraged to stop wrestling with the wrong things - our past, our failures, our fears - and instead, wrestle with God for our true identity and purpose.

Pastor Mark challenges us to confront our limiting beliefs and expectations of God. The story of Samuel anointing David as king serves as a backdrop, reminding us that God's ways often defy our human understanding. We're urged to move beyond the paralyzing question of 'how' and step into obedience and faith. The sermon emphasizes that our thoughts about where we're going should take precedence over what we're currently going through. It's a call to break free from the narratives we've built around our struggles and instead focus on God's promises and direction.

Pastor Mark reminds us that God has a resume - a track record of miracles, breakthroughs, and transformations. The story of Naaman's healing in 2 Kings 5 serves as a backdrop, but the spotlight falls on the unnamed servant girl who, despite her captivity, points to God's power. Her faith challenges us to shift our focus from our circumstances to God's capabilities. Are we allowing our current struggles to blind us to God's potential work in and through us? This servant girl's 'if only' mentality encourages us to replace our 'what if' doubts with 'if only' faith declarations. As we internalize this message, we're prompted to examine our thought patterns and realign them with God's promises, trusting in His resume rather than our own limited perspectives.

Pastor Mark challenges us to examine our expectations of God and how they shape our faith journey. The story of Naaman's healing from leprosy in 2 Kings 5 serves as a backdrop for exploring how our thoughts can limit our experiences of God's power. We're reminded that sometimes, God's methods don't align with our expectations, but His word remains true regardless. Pastor Mark emphasizes the importance of persistence in prayer, likening it to knocking on a door until we receive an answer. This message encourages us to push through our initial reactions of anger or disappointment when God's ways don't match our thoughts, and instead, to trust in His process. We're called to recognize that our knowledge of God should lead to experiences with Him, and these experiences, in turn, deepen our knowledge.

Pastor Mark challenges us to embrace the strength found in community and recognize the weapons God has placed in our hands. The story of Moses, Aaron, and Hur from Exodus 17 serves as a profound illustration of how we're called to support one another in our spiritual battles. Just as Moses' staff became the 'staff of God,' we're reminded that what we perceive as ordinary or broken in our lives can become extraordinary tools in God's hands. This message encourages us to see beyond our limitations and recognize that God can use our past experiences, even our failures, as powerful weapons for His glory. As we connect with other believers, we create a spiritual atmosphere where faith can flourish and lives can be transformed.

Pastor Mark challenges us to examine our faith through the lens of generosity. The story of Peter and John healing the lame man at the temple gate in Acts 3 serves as a profound illustration of living out our faith with intentional generosity. We're reminded that it's not just about monetary giving, but about being generous with our forgiveness, grace, and willingness to serve. If we've been impacted by Jesus, our faith should naturally exude generosity in all aspects of life. This message encourages us to have higher expectations of God's work in our lives and to be the vessels through which His miracles flow to others. It's a call to step out in faith, to offer what we have in Jesus' name, and to watch as God transforms lives through our obedience.

Pastor Ian dives into the story of Thomas from John 20:19-29. We're reminded that Jesus meets us exactly where we are, not where others think we should be. The central message revolves around the idea that conditional faith is still faith, and that honesty in our spiritual journey is crucial. We see how Thomas's blunt honesty about his doubts led to a profound encounter with the risen Christ. This story challenges us to examine our own faith, encouraging us to be real with God about our struggles and uncertainties. It's a reminder that Jesus doesn't shy away from our doubts but uses them as an opportunity to reveal Himself more fully. The message invites us to trust that God can handle our questions and will meet us in our moments of deepest need, offering peace and strength.

Pastor Johny reminds us that God will finish what He started in our lives. The key scripture, Philippians 1:3-8, emphasizes the importance of fellowship in the gospel and unity among believers. We're encouraged to find confidence not in external circumstances, but in God's faithfulness and sovereignty. This message is deeply relevant to our daily lives, calling us to live boldly and trust that God is working in us, which can give us strength and assurance in God's ongoing work in our lives.

Pastor Jim Kelly takes us on a deep dive into the fruit of faithfulness from Galatians 5. He challenges us to examine our lives and ask: Are we truly reliable, trustworthy, and steadfast in our relationships with God and others? Remember, God sees our faithfulness even in the small, unseen moments and promises to reward those who remain steadfast. This message encourages us to persevere, like Moses, Esther, and Caleb, trusting in God's promises even when circumstances seem difficult. Let's challenge ourselves to seek God's kingdom first, believing that as we prioritize our relationship with Him, all other blessings will follow.

In this message, Pastor Joseph challenges us to examine our words and their impact on our lives and relationships. The key takeaway is the importance of being 'quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry' (James 1:19). This wisdom isn't just about verbal communication, but extends to our digital interactions too - our texts, posts, and online behavior. By slowing down and considering our words carefully, we can avoid unnecessary conflicts and build stronger relationships. This message encourages us to 'check ourselves before we wreck ourselves', prompting us to examine our hearts and motivations before we speak or act.

Pastor Ian, Pastor Chris, and Brianna sat down to discuss the spiritual richness of Psalm 23 and John 10, including the nature of God as our good shepherd. Reflecting on Psalm 23, we find comfort in knowing that God is not just a distant authority but a personal guide who leads us through life's valleys and green pastures alike. It's a reminder that no matter the chaos we face, we can trust in God's intimate involvement and provision. John 10 builds on this by emphasizing Jesus as the gatekeeper, affirming His role in guarding us from destruction and guiding us to abundant life. These scriptures inspire us to explore the depths of our faith, depend on God's guidance, and recognize His goodness and mercy following us throughout our lives.

Pastor Mark calls us to "lift up our heads" and shift our focus from earthly troubles to the majesty of God. The central story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4) beautifully illustrates how God seeks us out in our brokenness, offering living water that truly satisfies. The parallel drawn with David's confidence in Psalm 24 emphasizes that true strength comes not from our circumstances, but from knowing who God is. This message invites us to examine our worship - are we seeking God's face or just His hand? It's a call to deepen our faith, moving beyond personal preferences to truly worshiping in spirit and truth.

Pastor Mark challenges us to examine our priorities and how we engage with God's presence in our daily lives. The story of Mary and Martha from Luke 10:38-42 serves as an illustration of the tension between busyness and true worship. This narrative invites us to consider: Are we too caught up in the distractions of life to truly experience God's presence? The message emphasizes the importance of staying in rhythm with God rather than trying to balance everything perfectly. It encourages us to shift our focus from seeking likes and approval to pursuing genuine transformation and holiness.