Scripture: Romans 8:29, Luke 6:39-40,Galatians 3:3, Matthew 11:28-30

Speaker: Scott Meyer

Summary: The sermon teaches that the goal of the Christian life is not merely to get to heaven, but to become more and more like Jesus each day. Everyone is always being formed by something. It may be stories, habits, relationships, experiences, and environments. Disciples of Jesus must intentionally choose what is shaping them. Becoming like Jesus is a lifelong process that requires the power of the Holy Spirit and our active participation in the practices of Jesus. Spiritual formation is not achieved by knowledge alone or passive faith, but through cooperating with God as we adopt Jesus’ way of life. Our lives are “under construction,” and by God’s Spirit, we are being transformed to reflect Christ more clearly until the end.

Scripture: Mark 8:34, Mark 1:16-20, Mark 2:13-14, Mark 10:21

Speaker: Scott Meyer

Summary: This message introduces 2026 as a year focused on rediscovering what it truly means to follow Jesus. Everyone is constantly being formed by something, and the church must move beyond attendance and information toward genuine spiritual formation. Using Jesus’ invitation to “follow me,” a call to discipleship that means becoming an apprentice of Jesus — being with Him, becoming like Him, and doing what He did. The goal of faith is not simply being right or religious, but being transformed into the character and life of Christ through an active relationship empowered by the Holy Spirit. This challenge is for each person to consider who or what they are following and to commit their lives to following Jesus as their rabbi.

Scripture: John 1:1-18

Speaker: Scott Meyer

Summary:

The apostle, John’s “Christmas card” in John 1, shows us that Christmas is the miracle of God stepping into the world through the incarnation of Jesus, the Word made flesh. It highlights three gifts Jesus brings: He is the Light that overcomes darkness and reveals truth, He gives believers a new identity as children of God, and He offers inexhaustible grace. Christ's coming is not about human effort to reach God but about God descending to reach humanity and bring humanity into relationship with God. Through Jesus, God becomes present with us and offers rescue. The invitation of Christmas is to receive the Light, accept our identity as God’s children, and live from grace instead of guilt.