Scripture: Matthew 1:18–25
Summary: Christmas is God stepping into our mess. Matthew tells it straight: Mary is found with child by the Holy Spirit, because salvation doesn’t rise from human effort, it descends from divine mercy. And Joseph, a just man, doesn’t negotiate with God; he obeys, taking Jesus as his own, because God often entrusts kingdom assignments to hearts already surrendered. This is the miracle we’re meant to behold again with fresh eyes: the King came through humility, into scandal, for one purpose—to save sinners—so the broken can become God’s own through faith in Christ.
Key Takeaways:
Jesus didn’t come to improve good people—He came to save fallen people.
The virgin birth declares: salvation is God’s work, not ours.
Joseph shows what real obedience looks like: no conditions, just surrender.
Christmas is God saying, “You matter to Me—I came for you.”
Scripture: Colossians 1:18-20
Summary: If we’re not careful, we’ll let Jesus be in our life without being over our life. But Paul won’t let us shrink Christ: Jesus is our Savior who rescued us, our Creator who holds everything together, the Head of the Church who directs and defines us, and the Beloved Son in whom the fullness of God truly dwells. Because He is fully God, His cross actually makes peace, reconciling sinners to a holy God in a way we could never achieve. So you don’t just “add Jesus” to your schedule; you give Him the throne, because when Christ is first, everything else finally falls into place.
Key Takeaways:
Jesus isn’t a helpful accessory—He is preeminent in all things.
If Christ is only present but not central, you’re drifting—bring Him back to the “home screen.”
The Church doesn’t belong to personalities or programs; Christ is the Head.
The cross isn’t self-improvement; it’s reconciliation—God making enemies into family.
Put Jesus first today (time, desires, decisions, money, relationships), and watch everything else find its proper order.
Scripture: Colossians 1:12–17
Summary:
We live in an age where everything tells us to put ourselves at the center—build your brand, chase your comfort, carry your own greatness. But God never designed us to hold the weight of our own glory; he designed us to reflect his. In Colossians 1, Paul reminds us that Jesus must not just be important in our lives but preeminent, first place above everything, because he is our Savior who rescues us from the power of darkness, brings us into his kingdom, redeems us by his blood, and completely forgives our sin. When Jesus moves from the edges of our life to the throne of our life, spiritual dryness is replaced with purpose, and our decisions begin to line up with the One we were created for.
Key Takeaways:
Scripture: Esther 9:1–32; Esther 10:1–3
Summary:
“Lest we forget” isn’t just a Remembrance Day phrase; it’s deeply Christian language. In Esther, God turns a death sentence into a day of joy, and his people respond by creating Purim—a yearly rhythm to remember that their “lot” in life isn’t random, it’s ruled by a faithful God. Just like Canada pauses to remember the costly gift of freedom, followers of Jesus are called to intentionally remember the far greater deliverance we’ve received through Christ. When we rehearse God’s goodness, our own hearts are strengthened and the watching world sees a hope they don’t have. When we remember what God has done, others discover who God is.
Key Takeaways:
God alone determines the “lot” of His people; nothing is left to chance.
Remembering past deliverance gives strength for present trials.
Rhythms of remembrance (like Purim, the Lord’s Table, baptism) are God-honoring, not optional extras.
Public joy in God’s rescue becomes a powerful witness to those far from Him.
Do something intentional to remember: mark dates, set reminders, tell the next generation, and refuse to forget the goodness of God.
Scripture: Esther 8
Summary: When Haman falls, Esther and Mordecai receive honor, but Esther isn’t satisfied with personal safety—she pleads for her people. The unchangeable decree remains, so the king authorizes a counter-decree that empowers the Jews to defend themselves, and hope floods the empire. That picture calls us to gospel urgency: rescued people intercede and act so others can find rescue in Christ. And unlike Esther’s day, our victory is already secured—Jesus has defeated sin and death—so we fight from confidence, not fear, with joy that endures.
Key Takeaways:
Scripture: Esther 7
Summary:
Esther steps into the moment with wise, prayer–soaked courage and asks for her life and her people’s, exposing Haman’s wicked plot. God’s hidden hand flips the script: the gallows built for Mordecai become Haman’s end, reminding us that justice may feel delayed but is never denied. Sin kept in the dark tightens its grip, but dragged into the light it starts to die, and grace meets repentant hearts. So we confront evil with truth and trust the God who works in the shadows for His glory and our good.
Key Takeaways:
Courage is for God’s purposes, not our platform.
Hidden sin entraps; confessed sin is disarmed.
God’s justice can be slow, but it is sure.
Confront evil wisely; don’t avenge yourself.
Weakness is the doorway for Christ’s power.
Summary:
Jesus’ command to “go and make disciples of all nations” is the heartbeat of every believer. While billions still haven’t heard the name of Jesus, God is still working, still calling, and still using ordinary people who live by faith. The same Spirit who empowered the early church is ready to empower us today if we’ll pray, surrender, and give ourselves fully to God’s mission. Our task is simple: believe that God is at work, depend on His Spirit, and release what He’s entrusted to us for His glory among the nations. The gospel still works, and God still chooses to work through willing hearts.
Key Takeaways:
Missions is not a program—it’s the posture of every disciple.
Renew your faith that God is still working and able to use you.
Rely on the Spirit through consistent, surrendered prayer.
Release your time, gifts, and resources for God’s mission.
The mission isn’t finished until all have heard.
Scripture: Esther 5–6
Summary: After three days of fasting, Esther steps into risk with a quiet, prayed-up courage, and God opens the king’s heart. Instead of rushing her request, she moves with wisdom, inviting Xerxes and Haman to two banquets while God arranges the unseen details. That same night, the king “just happens” to read how Mordecai once saved his life, and Haman is forced to honor the very man he hates. Pride buckles, providence stands, and we learn that God’s timing is never late and His hand is never absent, so obey first and trust Him with the outcome.
Key Takeaways:
Pray first, then step in faith (Esth. 4:16; 5:1).
Wisdom uses timing, not panic (Esth. 5:4, 7–8).
Pride accelerates downfall (Prov. 16:18; Esth. 6:10–12).
God works while you wait (Esth. 6:1–3).
Obedience is your job; outcomes are God’s.
Scripture: Esther 4
Summary: When Mordecai mourns and Esther hesitates, we see our own fear of risk, yet God positions ordinary people for key moments. Mordecai’s charge: “for such a time as this”—pushes Esther from self-preservation to obedience, and her “If I perish, I perish” shows faith that trusts God with the results. They fast, they act, and God moves. Obedience first, understanding later.
Key Takeaways:
God is present even when unseen.
Delayed obedience is disobedience.
Your placement is providential, not accidental.
Fast and pray, then act in faith.
Aim for faithfulness, leave outcomes to God.
Mordecai’s faithfulness looked forgotten, Haman’s evil looked unstoppable, and a roll of the dice set a death date—yet “the lot is cast… but its every decision is from the Lord” (Prov. 16:33). God records what others overlook, restrains what evil intends, and turns delays into deliverance. So don’t quit doing what’s right; in Christ, “all things work together for good” (Rom. 8:28). When life feels out of control, trust the God who’s always in control.
Scripture: Esther 2:19-3:15
(00:31) Introduction
(03:27) When faithfulness feels forgotten
(15:23) When evil is in command
(36:02) When life looks left to chance
(40:36) The God of details
When God seems quiet, Esther 2 shows he’s anything but absent. In a corrupt empire and a messy story, the unseen King is turning hearts and moving pieces to place his Esther where his people need her. Esther didn’t choose her circumstances, but God used them, pointing us to Jesus who redeems our guilt and heals our shame. The same God who ruled in Esther’s day rules ours.
Scripture: Esther 2:1-18
(00:00) Introduction
(05:36) A Defeated King
(09:59) A Depraved Culture
(21:33) A Directing God
(45:21) Trusting God's Plan in Difficult Times
When things get darker, we don’t shrink back, we look up and remember God’s still writing the story. Esther’s world was messy too, yet the unseen hand of providence placed her right where grace could break in. What others mean for evil, our God can bend for good, shaping us to look more like Jesus and advancing his purposes. So we humble ourselves under his mighty hand, pray, and take the next faithful step. Trust this today—God sees, God cares, and God is at work even when you can’t see how.
Scripture: Esther 1:1-22
Jesus is the only foundation of the church, so everything we build at City Baptist has to line up with Him. Paul says we’re all builders, and one day our work will pass through the fire—gold, silver, and precious stones endure, but wood, hay, and stubble vanish. So let's build with motives that aim at God’s glory, love people, serve by the Spirit, and choose God’s wisdom over the world’s applause. We are God’s temple; the Holy Spirit lives among us, so let’s make this a house He delights to fill. A simple obedience today can be a lasting reward with Jesus tomorrow.
Like Joshua told Israel, we don’t drift forward by accident, we choose courage, cling to the Lord, and do what His Word says because He is faithful (Josh. 23:6–8). Our city still has many people the Lord is calling to Himself, so we move together with expectancy, not fear (Acts 18:9–10). The land is ours in Christ, yet battles remain, and that’s where His promises become power for today, so let’s be a distinct people who love Jesus openly and live like the best days are ahead.
Scripture: Joshua 23
Jesus came not to be served but to serve, and His whole life showed us what real greatness looks like—humility and sacrifice. The cross wasn’t tragedy; it was triumph, and His ascension was proof that the work was finished and heaven is real. Now He rules at the right hand of the Father, giving us power through His Spirit to live out His mission. Our salvation isn’t about what we do; it’s about what He already did, and our task now is simple: obey His call, trust His power, and carry the gospel everywhere He sends us. The same Jesus who went up is coming again—so the question is, will we be found faithful?
Scripture: Mark 16:19-20
Even after all the miracles and eyewitnesses, the disciples still doubted. Isn’t that just like us? We hear the truth, but fear and unbelief hold us back. Yet Jesus doesn’t discard us. He rebukes, then commissions. He sends ordinary, hesitant people with the extraordinary message of His death and resurrection. And that means today, no matter your doubts or weaknesses, the risen Christ still calls you: “Go into all the world and preach the gospel.”
Scripture: Mark 16:13-18
You don’t reignite your passion for God by chasing a feeling, you do it by walking with Jesus in the Word. That’s what happened on the road to Emmaus: two discouraged disciples met the risen Christ, and as He opened the Scriptures, their cold hearts caught fire. It wasn’t an emotional high or a dramatic sign, it was truth, revealed by the Spirit, that changed everything. And the same Jesus who walked with them wants to walk with you, through His Word, right now. Open your Bible and your heart might just start burning again.
Scripture: Mark 16:12-13, Luke 24:13-34
The resurrection isn’t just a moment in history — it’s the miracle that changes everything. Jesus didn’t stay in the tomb, which means sin doesn’t get the final word and death doesn’t get the last laugh. The angel didn’t say, “He lives in your heart now.” He said, “He is risen. He is not here.” That empty tomb wasn’t just proof — it was power, and that power means your past can be forgiven, your future has hope, and your life has purpose right now. So let’s not just believe it — let’s go and tell it.
Scripture: Mark 16:1-8
Jesus didn’t stumble into the cross — He stepped toward it, fully knowing the pain, the humiliation, and the wrath it would bring. The hands that flung stars into space were now stretched out and nailed down, not by force, but by love. He could’ve come down — but He stayed, not because He was weak, but because His love was stronger than death. When the veil tore, heaven's message was clear: through Jesus, sinners now have access to a holy God. And that’s not just history — that’s hope for you, right now.
Scripture: Mark 15:21-47
It’s heartbreaking, really — Jesus, the only truly innocent one, stood silent as lies swirled around Him. Pilate couldn’t find a single fault, yet the crowd still shouted for Barabbas. Why? Because like us, they often chose what was loud, forceful, and familiar — not what was holy, humble, and true. But here’s the gospel: Jesus didn’t resist. He didn’t fight. He surrendered to suffering so that rebels like Barabbas — and like us — could walk free. That’s not just history. That’s mercy.
Scripture: Mark 15:1-20