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Pastor DJ Uithoven- Mark 1:14-15 As Jesus begins His ministry, He announces that the time has come and the Kingdom of God is near. It’s not a distant hope but a present reality breaking into the world through Him. His call to repent and believe the Good News is an invitation to step out of lesser allegiances and into His rightful rule. Because in Jesus, the true King has come and His reign is here.

Immediately after His baptism, Jesus is driven into the wilderness where He faces temptation, isolation, and real human struggle. This moment reminds us that He didn’t stand at a distance from our weakness but fully stepped into it. We see that Jesus identifies with us in every way, enduring what we endure yet never sinning. The reason was not just to relate to us but to redeem us. He became what we are that He might make us what He is.

As Jesus steps into the waters of baptism, an unexpected moment unfolds, revealing that this is no ordinary man but God Himself stepping into our world. In this powerful scene, we see that Jesus didn’t come merely to teach or inspire, but to fully enter our brokenness and restore what was lost thereby initiating a new kind of relationship between God and humanity. Not one that is distant or strained, but one that is personal and secure.

Mark opens with a bold declaration: this is the Good News about Jesus the Messiah. For Mark, it’s not advice to follow but a reality to receive. As John the Baptist calls people to repentance and readiness for Jesus’ arrival, we’re reminded that even if this message has become familiar, it has not lost its power. Because no matter where we are or how long we’ve heard it, the Good News is still Good News.

Pastor DJ Uithoven- This week, we will discover how "new wine" symbolizes the abundance of God's blessings, beautifully illustrated by Jesus turning water into wine at a wedding in Cana. We explore the invitation to trust in God's ways and recognize the everyday blessings that foster joy and connection, even in challenging times.

DJ uses the powerful story of hockey player Craig Cunningham’s miraculous survival and subsequent life-saving leg amputation to illustrate how a resurrected life demands a response of active gratitude. Connecting Craig's partnership with his savior-doctor to our spiritual lives, Pastor DJ challenges believers to evaluate whether their hectic schedules are focused on building their own temporary kingdoms or God's eternal one. Drawing from Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:13-16) and Titus 2, the message urges Christians to stop treating life as a busy battleground and instead "practice resurrection" by actively being "salt and light." Ultimately, it calls for repentance from self-reliant busyness and invites believers to slow down, cultivate joy, and bring substance and weight to their everyday relationships.

Pastor Justin Hege- What you do matters, but possibly not for the reason you would expect. Work is a vast part of our life together and the relationships we build there can be influential. Does your work lead others towards lives of greater peace, confidence in the future and joy? No matter your profession, our call in work is to be the hands, feet and joy of the Lord for others to witness day in and day out.

Pastor Pat Stark- Today we explore how Jesus' life-changing encounter with Zacchaeus provides a powerful blueprint for living on mission: Praying for "eyes to see" people as individuals, opening spiritual doors for others, and intentionally investing in relationships.

It’s funny when God’s definitions of life are different from ours. As we consider how to get comfortable in our lives here in North Phoenix, we will hear from God what it actually means to be comfy. And we will also see how bold we can be in the ways that we interact with the world around us and speak out about how the Kingdom impacts us. Get comfortable bringing light to your neighbors this week!

Before we can truly begin to live a welcoming life in work and beyond, we need to understand our role and God’s heart for His Kingdom. Instead of working our way up the ladder and becoming the all-knowing, amazing human-being we so often strive towards, we need to intentionally spend time in a place of true humanity and common living. Only when we are willing to hang out and speak life on the patio, truly with others, will we find joy and purpose in our relationships.

Kristen Lunceford- When our lives are over, what will really remain? Through Psalm 78 and personal stories of faithful influence, we're reminded that legacy isn't about the possessions we leave behind but the faith, encouragement, and hope we intentionally pass on to others while we're still living. Every one of us has been given opportunities to invest in people today in ways that can impact generations to come.

Pastor Justin McKennon- Church isn't meant to be watched, it's meant to be lived. Join us this Sunday as pastor Justin explores God's call for every believer to move from being a spectator to an active participant in His Kingdom by serving others, using their gifts, and following the example of Jesus.

The power of influential relationships in our lives cannot be overstated. Figures like Deborah, Barak, Jael, Barnabas, Paul, Aquila, and Priscilla exemplify collaboration, courage, and mentorship. This week, Pastor DJ encourages us to build deeper connections by engaging in meaningful conversations, serving together, and supporting one another through challenges. Building genuine relationships fosters spiritual growth and community while helping individuals to prioritize personal connections over digital interactions.

Heather Gano- What does Jesus' love for children teach us about the Church today? In this message, Heather explores Mark 10:13–16, sharing her personal testimony of leaving the faith, experiencing God's grace, and finding her way back home. Discover why investing in children and teenagers is every disciple's responsibility—and how our stories can help lead the next generation to Christ.

DJ Uithoven- Love is a very familiar refrain in songs and music, even in our cynical modern era. That wasn’t any different back in 1985 when the song and movie debuted as enormous hits. Propelling each other to box office success has forever intertwined Power and BTTF in history. We see love on display in each, but maybe even more critically, we see the need for love to be tough and durable. We will see the themes of commitment and perseverance play out as God intervenes in our world through His intense, unfailing love (hesed).