Have you ever been in a situation where you managed information or your actions in order to get people to perceive you a certain way? Are there people in your life who’s opinions matter more to you than others? As we continue our series, Stories from Acts, JP teaches through Acts 5 the story of Ananias and Sapphira, and what we can learn from their sudden and seemingly extreme death.

1) Surrender marks a true believer
2) Imposters scheme in selfishness
3) Perception management is a serious sin

John unpacks Luke 2:10-11 in our series, “Wrapped”, emphasizing the angel’s proclamation that Jesus is the ultimate good news, bringing salvation and hope to the world. This good news produces great joy, an enduring and internal blessing rooted in Christ rather than circumstances. Finally, John highlights the inclusivity of the gospel, reminding believers that Jesus came for all people, offering eternal life and joy to anyone who receives Him.

Jesus Is The Good News

Jesus Brings Great Joy

Jesus Is For All People

Life Group Discussion:

What other sources of "good news" compete for your attention, and how can you keep Christ central in your life?

Share a time when you experienced joy despite difficult circumstances. What role did your faith play?

Who in your life might feel excluded from the good news of Jesus, and how can you intentionally share His love with them?

This week in our series, Wrapped, JP unpacks the message of Luke 1, reminding us where true peace is found. Peace comes when we trust in God’s promises, rely on His unlimited power, and align our lives with His purpose. As we embrace these truths, we can navigate life’s uncertainties with confidence and discover the lasting peace that only He can provide.

Our peace is wrapped in God’s promises

Our peace is wrapped in God’s power

Our peace is wrapped in God’s purpose

Life Group Discussion:

Have you ever struggled to believe in God’s promises? How did you overcome that doubt, or how are you working through it now?

Can you share a time when you saw God’s power at work in your life or someone else’s? How did that experience influence your faith?

How does knowing that God has a purpose for your life bring you peace during times of confusion or doubt?

In this message from Romans 15:8-13, Nate reminds us that God is both a promise-making and promise-keeping God. Through Jesus’ birth, we see how God fulfilled His promises, not just to the Jewish people but to everyone. As we live our lives, we’re called to hold onto hope in what God has promised, because His faithfulness gives us reason to trust and live with joy and peace.

Scripture shows we have a promise making God 

Christmas shows we have a promise keeping God 

Our life should show hope in what God has promised 

Life Group Discussion:

How do Old Testament promises, such as those to the Patriarchs, enhance our understanding of God's faithfulness? Does your life show hope to others?

How can the Christmas story inspire hope in seasons of waiting or uncertainty? What are things you are hoping for in this season of your life?

How does placing hope in God's promises affect your response to disappointments?

As we wrap up our series, “Peace Talks,” JP challenges us to adopt a perspective focused on humility and wisdom from God, which sets the stage for real peace in our lives. JP looks to James 3:14-18 to encourage us to follow a pattern of peace by being kind, pure, and open to others, creating stronger and healthier relationships. Finally, we are reminded that peace is a team effort—when we work with God and each other, we can build a life filled with love and purpose.

The perspective that leads to peace

The pattern that leads to peace

The partnership that leads to peace

Life Group Discussion:

Why do you think peace starts with a change in perspective rather than just actions?

Which of the traits listed in James 3:17 (pure, peace-loving, gentle, willing to yield, etc.) do you find the hardest to practice, and why?

Why is it important to partner with God in pursuing peace rather than trying to do it alone?

In this powerful sermon by John based on 1 Peter 5:6-14, discover the transformative strength found in humility, as we are called to humble ourselves before God’s mighty hand. Learn to release the weight of life’s anxieties by casting them upon the One who deeply cares for you and stand firm in faith to resist the adversary’s schemes. Be inspired to depend wholly on God, trusting in His promise to restore, strengthen, and establish you for His eternal glory.

Humble yourself

Anxieties are cast

Resistance in faith

Depend on God

Life Group Discussion:

Can you think of a time when humility brought about unexpected blessings or growth?

How can sharing your struggles with a faith community help in casting your burdens to God?

In what ways does standing firm in faith encourage others in their spiritual journey?

Why is it important to remember God’s promise to restore and strengthen you when facing trials?

This powerful sermon on Romans 12:14-21 offers a fresh perspective on handling life’s challenges with humility, empathy, and unwavering faith. It’s a heartfelt reminder to counter negativity with kindness, seek peace in our relationships, and entrust justice to God. If you’re looking to deepen your faith and discover practical ways to live out love even in difficult situations, JP’s message will uplift and inspire you.

Proceed Humbly

Engage with empathy

Amend all you can

Counter evil with good

Entrust justice to God 

Life Group Discussion:

What does humility look like in our daily interactions, especially when dealing with those who may oppose us?

How can we better understand the struggles or perspectives of those we disagree with?

How can we overcome fears or hesitations that might hold us back from seeking to make amends?

How does choosing goodness in the face of wrongdoing reflect God’s love to others?

How can we find peace in situations where we feel wronged but have chosen not to seek personal revenge?

Discover the teachings of Romans 13:1-7 in this impactful sermon, where Nate points us to God’s divine role in establishing authority. Gain insight into how we're called to respectfully submit to those in positions of power as an act of faith and obedience. Finally, understand the importance of honoring and giving what we owe to authorities, embracing these principles as part of living a godly life.

God establishes those in authority

God calls us to submit to those in authority

God call us to give what we owe to those in authority 

Life Group Discussion:

How does understanding that God establishes authority influence your view of government and leadership? In what ways can this belief strengthen our faith during times of political or social tension?

In what ways might our submission to authority reflect our trust in God’s overall plan? How can a willingness to submit impact our relationships with others and our witness to those around us?

In our daily lives, what are some practical ways we can "give what we owe" to those in authority, like teachers, employers, or government officials? How might showing respect and honoring these responsibilities reflect our values and faith, even if we don’t always agree with them?

Discover the power of purposeful prayer and learn how it can transform both personal lives and society in this inspiring sermon on 1 Timothy 2:1-2. Through insights on praying for others, practicing godly principles, and pastoring through tough times, JP provides a roadmap to bring hope and peace to our communities. As much as it depends on you, live out your faith with impact and compassion!

We are to pray for the people

We are to practice the policies

We are to pastor the predicament 

Life Group Discussion:

How can praying for others, especially leaders, impact our perspective on current events and challenges?

How can our actions reflect God’s love in situations where we may disagree with societal policies or norms?

How can we effectively provide spiritual guidance to those struggling without overstepping or coming across as judgmental?

In this uplifting sermon on Romans 5:1-2, JP points us to discover how peace with God offers forgiveness for the past and freedom from guilt. You'll also learn how it provides access to God's grace in the present, empowering daily life with purpose. Finally, gain hope for the future, knowing God's love ensures a secure and eternal destiny.

Peace with God offers forgiveness from our past 

Peace with God gives us present access to grace

Peace with God gives us hope for the future 

Life Group Discussion:

How does understanding God’s forgiveness change the way we view our past mistakes and regrets?

How does having access to God's grace influence the way we handle challenges and struggles in our daily lives?

How can we encourage others to find hope in God, especially during times of hardship or doubt about the future?

In this powerful sermon, you'll discover the transformative role of prayer in your daily life. Jon highlights the importance of being thankful in prayer, reminding us to express gratitude in every circumstance. You'll also learn how to be watchful in prayer, staying spiritually alert to God’s guidance and the world around you. With real-life applications and scriptural wisdom, this message will deepen your faith and strengthen your connection with God.