Surprise Reactions
In a surprising twist, the news about Jesus unmasked three responses still common today: Herod’s hostile fear, the religious leader’s complacent indifference, and the Magi’s joyful worship.
Matthew 2:1-18
Surprise Pregnancy
Jesus’ miraculous conception confronted Joseph and Mary with a scandalous, faith-testing situation that required radical obedience, revealing how God fulfills His ancient promises through the most surprising means.
Matthew 1:18-25
Surprise Family Tree
Matthew’s genealogy presents Jesus as the royal Son of David, the promised Seed of Abraham who will bless all nations, and the Savior who redeems a family tree—and a world—marred by startling sin and scandal.
Matthew 1:1-17
We Believe – In the Living Tradition
Christians are called to uphold the living apostolic tradition—not as empty ritual, but as the unchanging truth received with a faith that is alive, growing, and joyfully obedient to God’s Word.
Matthew 15:6-9; 1 Corinthians 11:2; 2 Thessalonians 2:15 (ESV)
We Believe – In the Local Church
All Christians are called to be part of local churches where they are led and cared for by elders, worship God, learn the Scripture, receive the sacraments, pray together, serve one another, and carry out the Great Commission together.
1 Corinthians 1:1-2
We Believe – In God’s Church
Christians believe in God’s one Church, which is composed of all who believe in Jesus Christ, is set upon the foundation of Jesus Christ laid by the apostles, and is built through the ages by the work of the Spirit to be the dwelling place of God in the earth.
Ephesians 2:19-22
We Believe – In the Trinity
Christians believe in the Trinity – the one true God eternally exists as one God in Three Persons – the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The Father, Son, and Spirit are distinct Persons, but are one in being, power, and glory.
Deuteronomy 6:4, 1 Corinthians 12:4-6
We Believe – In the Deity of Christ
Christians believe that Jesus is the One True God, our Creator and Redeemer, Who became human for us and for our salvation.
John 1:1-18
Scandalous Grace
The Friend of Sinners is a scandal to the self-righteous, but the only hope for those who know their shame and seek forgiveness.
Luke 7:36-50
The Glory of the New Covenant
What the Old Covenant demands, the New Covenant promises to accomplish in God’s unmerited covenant people through Christ’s sacrifice and priestly intercession for them.
Hebrews 8:8-12
A Glorious Prayer
Jesus prays that God would have glory through him, so that God’s people can have eternal life.
John 17:1-5
Christ Our Hope of Glory
Christians live with confident hope as they look forward to Christ’s return: present suffering will pass, all things will be renewed, and we will share in Christ’s glory forever.
Romans 8:18-25
Christ Our Hope in Death
Christian hope, anchored in Christ Himself, defeats death by guaranteeing believers an uninterrupted union with Jesus – from death, through resurrection, and into eternal life.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-18
Surrendered
Surrender is a voluntary act of the will to submit every part of our life to God, trusting Him as Father, Savior, Comforter, and King.
Philippians 3:3-11
Christ at the Center
All works are done through Christ who fills our thirst.
John 19:28-30
Christ Our Hope
Christian hope ultimately rests not in circumstances, human abilities or righteousness, power, technology, wealth, or leaders, but in Christ Himself.
1 Timothy 1:1; Romans 15:13
What is Freedom?
Freedom is the ability to live in accord with human nature as created by God, which was marred by sin but is restored in Christ and revealed in Scripture.
John 8:31-36
Series Outline for Rooted – A Flourishing Christian Life
Christians flourish in Christ as they are deeply rooted in the soil of God’s grace and grow by loving God, connecting in vital relationships with other believers, serving in the local church, and reaching the world with the Gospel.
Rooted – Reach the World
Christians are rooted in God’s grace and flourish as they are engaged in reaching the world, both locally and internationally, with the Gospel so that others may hear and respond to the Gospel.
Colossians 2:6-7; Matthew 28:19-20
Rooted – Improving Your Serve
We are called to the act of selfless service and contribution to our local church, family and community.
Philippians 2:3-8
Rooted – Connect with Others
Scripture reminds us that “it is not good for man to be alone.” but in a world that often celebrates independence Paul offers us a different picture—one of deep connection.. In 1 Corinthians 12, he gives us a vivid image of what life in the Body of Christ looks like when we are united by the Holy Spirit: not isolated parts doing their own thing, but a living, breathing community where every member matters.
Genesis 2:18; 1 Corinthians 12:12-31
Rooted in Love, Why We Gather
Christians love God because they are rooted in God’s grace which proceeds from God’s love. One of the highest expressions of Christian understanding is that we gather to worship the God who is Love and made us for love.
Colossians 2:6-7, Deuteronomy 6:4-5
Rooted in the Gospel of Grace
Christians are rooted in Christ through the gospel to flourish in their Christian life.
Colossians 2:6-7, 2 Timothy 2:1-2
The End of the World (As We Hope It)
The end of the story isn’t chaos, but Christ — and in Him, we have a sure and glorious hope.
Revelation 21:1-8
The Requirements for An Elder
Elders are men with godly character who put the faith into practice at home and in public, who understand the faith and are able to encourage believers in the truth and correct error.
Titus 1:5-9; 1 Timothy 3:1-7