Church Story

What do you do when life doesn’t turn out the way you hoped—especially during the Christmas season? 
 
In this Advent message, we’ll look at the arrival of Jesus and the good news of great joy announced to ordinary shepherds in the middle of unmet expectations, uncertainty, and hardship. Christmas reminds us that joy isn’t found in perfect circumstances—it’s found in the presence of a Savior who chose to step into our mess.
Whether you’re carrying disappointment, grief, anxiety, or exhaustion, this message explores how joy is more than an emotion—it’s a choice, rooted in the good news of what God has done for us in Christ.
If life feels like it’s falling apart, this message is for you.
VERSES // Luke 2v8-20, Acts 2v2, Acts 9v3, 2 Corinthians 7v4, Colossians 1v24, James 1v2, Philippians 3v8, Hebrews 12v2

In a season covered in the word peace, many of us feel anything but peaceful. Anxiety, pressure, fear, and the weight of the world can overwhelm the soul. But Jesus, the Prince of Peace, promises a peace the world can’t give and the world can’t take away. In week two of Advent, Wes Jackson unpacks why peace feels so elusive, and how surrender—not control—is the surprising pathway to a restful soul.
If you’re anxious, overwhelmed, or longing for peace, this message is for you.
VERSES // John 14v27; Luke 2v14; Isaiah 9v6; 2 Corinthians 5v21; Isaiah 26v3; Proverbs 3v5-6; Philippians 4v6-9

In this Advent message, we explore how hope isn’t something we wait to feel; it is Someone who has already come near. When life feels delayed, heavy, or uncertain, Advent reminds us that Jesus steps directly into the places that seem hopeless. We look at how His arrival in a broken world reveals God’s timing, presence, and promise. And we discover that because Jesus came once, hope is already breaking in right now, and one day, Jesus will return to make all things new.

What if the frustration you’re feeling is the very thing God is using to form something valuable in you? In part nine of Grit & Grace, you will discover why patience isn’t passive—it’s endurance. It’s the middle space between desire and fulfillment where God does His deepest work.
VERSES // James 5v7-20

Are you a planner? How do you respond when your plans change unexpectedly? In part eight of Grit & Grace, a study through the book of James, you find out how to live with a healthy perspective toward plans for your future, with emphasis on your wealth.
VERSES // James 4v13-5v6

A practical message from James 4 on overcoming conflict, pride, and division by choosing humility and God’s way of peace.
VERSES // James 4:1-12

Words have power—to build or to destroy. James 3 warns that the tongue, though small, can set the direction for your whole life. Discover how to take control of your words before they take control of you.
SCRIPTURE // James 3v1-18, Matthew 12v34, Matthew 15v19
 
YOUR WORDS ARE POWERFUL.
With great power comes great responsibility
YOUR WORDS ARE PROBLEMATIC.
One small word at the wrong time can be incredibly dangerous
Words bring wounds
Though small, your words hold the power of life and death.
Wild animals can be tamed by humans, yet your tongue cannot.
Try this test for the next seven days:
Do not complain.
Do not boast.
Do not gossip.
Do not criticize.
Do not defend or excuse yourself.
Always affirm.
YOUR WORDS ARE PRODUCED BY YOUR HEART.
Our tongue problem is a heart problem.
If you want to change your words, change your heart.
Practical Next Steps:
BE SLOW TO SPEAK
Before speaking, ask yourself:
Is it true?
Is it helpful?
Is it inspiring?
Is it necessary?
Is it kind?
BE QUICK TO SAY, “I’M SORRY”
SHARE LIFE-GIVING WORDS
Challenge: Choose one person in your life and speak encouragement every day for the next seven days. Use a text message, a phone call, email, or hand-written note.
RECEIVE PEACE

*DUE TO COPYRIGHT, THE SONG PLAYED AT THE BEGINNING OF THE MESSAGE IS NOT INCLUDED. FOR REFERENCE, LISTEN TO THE FIRST 30 SECONDS OF "Love And Marriage" by Frank Sinatra.
Many people wonder if they’re “good enough” to get into heaven. Have you ever wondered deep down, “Am I really right with God? How can I know for sure?” In part five of Grit & Grace, Wes Jackson shares clear and hopeful answers from the Book of James.
VERSES // James 2v14-26; 1 John 3v17-18; Romans 3v28

Why do we honor those with power, status, and wealth while simultaneously overlooking those God Himself calls valuable? In part four of Grit & Grace, we’re reminded that favoritism has no place in the family of God because our worth isn’t determined by appearance or status, but by the Creator. We are challenged to see people the way God sees them and to live out a faith marked by mercy over judgment.
VERSES // James 2v1-13
Teaching Notes:
Faith without favoritism is faith that loves like Jesus.
When we’re not taking our identity from God, we create arbitrary identities.
Whose approval matters?
Our value comes from God, who made us in His image.
Do we see people the way Jesus does?
Response:  
Consider these questions:
Who are you tempted to overlook?
Where might you be showing favoritism without realizing it?
How can you intentionally show mercy this week to someone with nothing to offer you?

Faith isn’t proven by what you hear—it’s shown by what you do. In part three of Grit & Grace, you’ll discover what it looks like to move from only listening to experiencing a transformation from the inside out as you allow God’s Word to influence your actions.
VERSES // James 1v18-27; Jeremiah 31v31-33; Ezekiel 36v24-27; Matthew 7v21; 1 John 2v4
NOTES:
Three Christian responses to God’s Word:
LISTEN HUMBLY
Hurry up and listen → Keep listening → Let your defenses down
The goal is not to get around God’s Word; the goal is to receive it.
LOOK CONTINUALLY
What value do I place on God’s Word?
Allow God’s Word to saturate your life.
Listening to God’s Word - Applying God’s Word = Worthless Religion
Hearing followed by not doing leads to a deceived heart and a worthless faith.
LIVE WHOLEHEARTEDLY
I don’t obey to earn my way to heaven; I obey because Heaven is in my heart.
Read your Bible, do what it says.
Prayer: God what area of my life have you been telling me to obey, to do this and I’ve not done it?
Application Step: Write out specific action steps for how you’re going to obey starting today.