It seems like life is full of lines. There are fine lines, clear lines, blurry lines and straight lines. Long lines, dotted lines, coastlines, hair lines and border lines; just to name a few. You don’t have to listen very long or hard to hear the phrase “walk the line.” It is a regular refrain in popular culture, made famous by an old country music song from the 1950’s.
But what does it even mean to walk the line? And, more importantly, how do we do it? What do we need to do to make sure we can successfully walk the line when our time comes?
In Amos 7, God reveals a sobering truth—there comes a time when He draws a line. Through visions and warnings, we see the cost of sin and the cry of a faithful servant. God establishes a standard and sets clear expectations rooted in His righteousness. But how we respond matters. While a compromising priest ignored the line, Amos stood with courage, speaking truth despite opposition. God still calls His people to draw the line—between truth and compromise, between holiness and apathy. The question is: will we stand where God stands?
God’s ways are higher than ours—His methods often unexpected, yet always perfect. In John 1, we see the miracle unfold: the eternal Word became flesh, entering our world not with fanfare, but with purpose. His sovereign plan brought light into darkness, adoption to the broken, and grace to the guilty. Jesus didn’t just arrive—He assimilated into humanity to redeem it. Through Him, we’re not only absolved of sin but given full access to the Father. This Christmas, we celebrate the wonder that God’s method was a manger—and His mission was our salvation.
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, God sent a message to all humanity. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us. The Savior is born. Immanuel. God with us. The facts and circumstances surrounding Jesus’s birth reveal a message from God to all humankind. Join us this week at CCW as we explore the Miraculous Message of Christmas.
Christmas is the season that celebrates the miraculous incarnation of God coming to us in the flesh of Jesus Christ! Please join us at church on Sunday to hear about how Jesus was born under the law to redeem us from the law, a baby that came to save the world!
Thankfulness is more than a feeling—it’s a mindset shaped by praise, prayer, and peace. In Philippians 4, Paul shows us that praise begins in the mind, where choosing joy and meditating on what is good reshapes our perspective. Through prayer, we guard our minds from stress and our hearts from sorrow. And as we stay consistent in our walk, we experience God’s peace and power. Gratitude isn’t based on what we have, but on who we trust. A thankful heart leads to a content life—full of God’s presence, strength, and joy.
Ruth 4 shows us that redemption doesn’t stop with one life—it creates a ripple that touches generations. Boaz boldly declares his intent to redeem, and though another refuses, he steps in with honor. What begins with a sandal exchange turns into a sacred union, as Boaz and Ruth are joined in covenant. From their love comes Obed—evidence of God’s favor and a link in the line of King David and, ultimately, Jesus. Redemption isn’t just rescue—it’s restoration with purpose. When God redeems a story, He writes a legacy.
Ruth 3 is a quiet chapter filled with bold faith. In the stillness of night, Ruth makes a courageous move—guided by wisdom, humility, and deep respect. She approaches Boaz not with demand, but with dignity, risking rejection to follow God’s greater plan. Her actions were strategic and Spirit-led, a reminder that God works through both quiet moments and bold steps. Boaz sees her worth, honors her faith, and responds with grace. Sometimes, life’s turning points come in the stillness—when we listen, obey, and trust God with the outcome.
Ruth 2 reminds us that nothing in God's plan is accidental. God was at work behind the scenes—through people, through details, and even through Ruth’s humble steps into a stranger’s field. Boaz wasn’t just kind; he was used by God to extend care and compassion. Ruth’s posture of humility and hard work opened the door for provision, protection, and purpose. God's grace is often found in the small things—in timely meetings, gentle personalities, and generous praise. When we trust Him, we too can glean from His goodness and find comfort in His careful work.
Ruth’s story opens in desperate times—chaos ruled, famine struck, and loss followed. Naomi’s family faced funerals, fear, and an uncertain future. But amid the heartbreak came a turning point. Naomi chose to reevaluate and return to where God could restore her. Ruth released her grief, held fast in commitment, and stepped into something new. Sometimes, God allows us to lose what’s familiar so we can discover what’s eternal. New chapters often begin in brokenness—but with deep resolve and faith, they can lead to redemption. What starts in sorrow can become a story of grace.
True friendship reflects the heart of God—it strengthens us, builds our faith, and bears eternal fruit. In John 11–12, we see how Jesus’ friendship brought comfort in crisis, deepened belief, and led to powerful moments of worship. Friends don’t just share laughter—they walk with us through sorrow and conviction. They pull up a seat at the table, speak truth in love, and draw us closer to Jesus. As Mary poured out her worship, it wasn’t just an act of love—it was the fruit of friendship with the Savior. Thank God for friends who point us to Him.
Our identity isn't defined by where we've been or what we've done—it’s shaped by the grace of Christ. In Luke 7, a woman with a shattered reputation pours out worship at Jesus’ feet. Her past was public, but her faith was personal. Others saw her sin; Jesus saw her soul. While some scoffed, He forgave. Redemption sees no status—only surrender. And in that surrender, we find refuge. Romans 8 declares that nothing can separate us from God’s love. In Christ, we’re not just survivors of our circumstances—we're more than conquerors, positioned in grace and purposed for glory.
The early church grew because ordinary people embraced an extraordinary calling—to serve. In Acts 6, we see that true servants prioritize both physical needs and spiritual mission. They step in where others step back, not to gain recognition, but to reflect their Master. Like Jesus, they reject worldly ambition and embrace humble, hands-on ministry. Servants don't just fill roles—they fuel revival. By equipping others and expanding the Kingdom, they show that the heart of leadership is servanthood. When we find our identity in serving, we step into the very heartbeat of Christ’s mission.
King Uzziah’s story is both inspiring and sobering. He began with faith, depending on God, and saw fruit in his building and leadership. His strength and fame grew, setting him apart as God blessed his efforts. But success soon turned dangerous. Pride replaced dependence, and what once was his strength became his downfall. He overstepped God’s boundaries, and shame followed his achievements. The lesson is clear: success without humility leads to ruin. True identity and security come not from what we build or gain, but from staying surrendered to the One who gives it all.
Our culture often celebrates image over integrity, but God sees deeper. Jesus warned of focusing on the outside while neglecting the heart—looking clean on the surface, yet empty within (Matt. 23). Saul looked the part of a king, but lacked the heart. David, overlooked and underestimated, was chosen because of what God saw inside. True identity isn’t about appearance, status, or polish—it’s about authenticity, humility, and a heart after God. The world may see the shell, but God treasures the soul. Don’t chase the image—let God shape the heart.
This Sunday will be a very special day in the life of our church. We will be celebrating the ordination of Barry Key, who has been called by God to the gospel ministry.
We invite you to come and hear Barry share his personal testimony and join together as we affirm and celebrate God’s work in his life. What a joy it is to witness God raising up one of our very own to serve Him in this way!
Labels are found all throughout culture today. In John 8, a woman caught in sin is dragged before Jesus—not to be healed, but humiliated and labeled. Her name was lost in shame, and she was labeled by her failure. But Jesus met her pain in His grace. In Jesus You are not your past, you are not your sin, and you are not social labels. In Jesus, your identity is rewritten.
Psalm 84 paints a beautiful picture of the church—not as a building of brick and stone, but as a place where souls find rest, strength, and joy. We long for the church because it's the Body of Christ and a space for deep communion with God. In the church, we stand strong together, rooted in faith and durable in trials. And in seasons of struggle, it becomes our refuge—a place where valleys shape us, and God's presence shields us. Being the church means surrendering to serve, standing in unity, and seeking God with all our heart.
In a world full of labels, God’s Word gives us the clearest answer to the question, Who am I? Genesis reminds us: we are God-created—not random, but intentionally made and lovingly crafted. We are God-like, created in His image to reflect His character and live in relationship with Him and others. And we are God-known—not just part of a plan, but central to His purpose. You are seen, valued, and made for something more. Your identity isn’t found in what you do—it’s found in who made you.
Self-control is the gatekeeper of a Spirit-filled life. Proverbs warns that a person without it is like a city without walls—vulnerable and exposed. But God doesn’t leave us defenseless. Titus reminds us that grace not only pardons our past, it empowers our present. Through grace, we learn to say no to destructive desires and yes to a life that reflects Christ. Self-control isn’t about willpower alone—it’s about Spirit-led living that guards the heart and guides the path. And in the end, it leads us to the ultimate prize: life with Him.