Jesus is Savior, Immanuel, Christ Messiah, and He is Lord. A Lord who was born in a stable, walked a perfect life, died a sacrificial death to cover our sins, rose again in order to defeat death, and now is seated at the right hand of God awaiting that future day when all of creation will be made new. That kind of Lordship should move us toward humility and worship, because if Christ is Lord, it means that we are not the main character in the story.

Scripture: Luke 2:10-11; Philippians 2:5-11

In ancient Israel, a messiah, a Christ, meant you were anointed, or appointed by God. It was a title given to earthly prophets, priests and kings. But only in God’s chosen Son, in Jesus, can we finally proclaim that the true and better Christ has finally come. He is chosen and he chooses us, which means when we are in Christ, we are also chosen.

Scripture: Luke 2:8-11

The incarnation is a central theme of the Christian faith. Remembering the story of the first Advent reminds us of the salvation Jesus Christ has provided, as well remind us of the call of participation in his Kingdom that God’s given us, as we wait in expectant hope for the second coming when all things are made new.

Scripture: Matthew 1:18–25

The story of scripture is a story of redemption and a return from the darkness of sin to the light of perfect peace. In God’s story, we don’t have to create our own meaning. We are born with dignity and value simply because of the inherited meaning of being made in God’s image. And in this perfect story, we have a Savior who came and will come again, to bring perfect peace.

Scripture: Luke 2:10–11

Our prayer life is both a litmus test of our walk with God, and a way to deepen our affections and align our hearts with Jesus. If we long to become more like Jesus, then we should pray like Jesus. Meaning, it shouldn’t be done to gain more acclaim, but rather to grow us more into Christlikeness. And as we pray, it shapes our desires to look more like God’s desires.

Scripture: Matthew 6:5–13

The world would say that you need approval of others more than you need God, but Jesus paints a better way. God desires to have relationship with all of you, the seen and unseen parts. When we take off our masks, and the fear of man is replaced with a holy fear of God, the voice of God becomes the voice that matters most, and we become more like Jesus

Scripture: Matthew 6:1–6; 16–18

The Preacher of Hebrews wants to assure this suffering church does not abandon the great salvation and hope they have in Jesus, because no one else brings us closer to God than Him.

Scripture: Hebrews 3:1–6

Guest Preacher: Tymarcus Ragland

When we think about becoming more like Jesus, it’s easy to feel inadequate and lost in our shame, but our confidence lies in the hope we have in Jesus Christ. John 17 reminds us in a prayer that Jesus says about us, his followers. When we listen to the very voice of Jesus Christ, he reminds us of your identity, purpose and destiny.

Scripture: John 17