This is part one of a sixteen week study through the book of James. Pastor Jeffrey begins this verse by verse study with James 1:1-12. "James is not writing as an outsider. He is not writing as an academic. He is not writing as a detached observer. He is writing as a brother who once doubted, a disciple who encountered the risen Christ, a pastor who shepherded suffering believers, and a servant who belonged wholly to Jesus! And now, believing, he speaks to us!"

"It is about discovering that before you ever do anything for God, you already belong to Him. And from this belonging flows a life of transformation."

In this the final part of Pastor Jeffrey's Advent series he teaches on the final components of God's provision and plan for Christ's birth: the magi. They recognized the star because God had been preparing them for years, through Daniel's teachings in Babylon. Every step of the advent story was a part of God's pre orchestrated plan.

"The same God who guided the Magi… The same God who warned Joseph… The same God who protected the Christ-child… …is the God who sees your tomorrow before you ever get there."

In Part 4 of our Advent series Pastor Jeffrey begins by a look into the person Luke. The one who wrote the story of Jesus's birth, without having met Jesus during His earthly ministry. The story of Jesus was related in order that all of us could hear of it and be blessed by it. It is the very promise of God fulfilled.

"The Christian faith is not built on legend nor myth. It is grounded and authenticated through carefully examined truth."

In Part 3 of our Advent series Pastor Jeffrey explores the cultural context and significance of the details surrounding our saviors birth. From the task of these particular shepherds to the language utilized throughout Luke God was writing a story that was understood to the Hebrews even as it was being written.

"Is this not just like the Lord? He takes the vocabulary of the culture - the words normally used to exalt earthly power - and He turns them toward a far greater truth."

Part 2 of our Advent series looks closer at the prophetic details perfectly fulfilled by the birth of Christ. Pastor Jeffrey details the historic context of Jesus's birth place, and the beautiful prophetic fulfillment found in it. " Every detail was divine. Every detail was anointed. Every detail precisely as God wanted it to be."

Pastor Jeffrey opened the Advent season with part 1 of Christ is Here: Christ Foretold. This message centers around the character of God that is revealed through His promise fulfilled. The beauty of God's plan is revealed through prophecy made and fulfilled.

Pastor Jeffrey concludes our series on Gratitude with part 4: Rejoice. This week focuses on the beauty and necessity of gratefulness in the life of believers. We are called in every circumstance and season to give thanks to God. Gratitude in the easy moments is appreciation. Gratitude in the hard moments is adoration.

Pastor Jeffrey continues our series on Gratitude this week with part 3: Return. This week focuses on the call of God to return to Himself. Gratitude calls us to return to the Father who all our blessings come from. This does not only apply to those who have run away in rebellion, but those who wish to walk more closely with God.