This sermon explores the foundational nature of the church as revealed in Matthew 16:13-20, where Peter confesses Jesus as "the Christ, the Son of the living God." The message emphasizes that the church is built upon this confession of faith in Jesus as both fully God and fully man, the only Savior who can reconcile sinful humanity to a holy God. Pastor Joe Fant stresses that salvation comes through faith alone in Christ alone, not through human works or righteousness. The sermon challenges believers to understand their vital role in building God's church through witnessing, serving, and prayer, while maintaining confidence that no force of darkness can ultimately prevail against the gospel's advance. The message calls for practical commitment in 2026 to share the gospel, serve in the local church body, and devote oneself to prayer, recognizing that God uses Spirit-empowered human effort to accomplish His eternal purposes. Key Points: Jesus deliberately chose Caesarea Philippi, a pagan Roman city with false worship, to declare His authority and announce His church The world remains confused about Jesus' identity, but true believers confess Him as the Christ, the Son of the living God This confession is the foundation upon which Christ builds His church, and it comes only through divine revelation, not human reasoning The gospel is simple: God requires perfection, we are sinful, and only Jesus—fully God and fully man—could live perfectly, die for our sins, and offer His righteousness in exchange The gates of hell cannot prevail against the church; the gospel is an unstoppable offensive force, not merely a defensive position God builds His church through the Spirit-empowered efforts of believers who witness, serve, and pray Every church member has a responsibility to share the gospel, serve in the body, and commit to prayer The challenge for 2026: commit to sharing the gospel with two specific people in your sphere of influence Scripture Reference: Matthew 16:13-20 (primary passage) Supporting references: Genesis 3, Isaiah 53, Deuteronomy 5, Joshua 3, Daniel, John 1:1, John 3, Romans 6:23, Ephesians 2:8-9, 1 Corinthians 12-13, Matthew 5-7, Matthew 18, Acts 2, 3, and 10, Colossians 4, Matthew 9, Luke 11, James 5:13

This sermon addresses the universal human struggle with peace, demonstrating that genuine peace cannot be found in worldly circumstances, relationships, or material possessions, but only through Jesus Christ. Pastor Brent Sivnksty establishes that while the world celebrates peace during Christmas, true peace requires more than the absence of conflict—it demands a personal relationship with Christ. Through the lens of Colossians 3:15, the message emphasizes three foundational truths: peace is only found in the person and work of Jesus Christ, those who have peace with God can know peace from God, and believers must actively allow Christ's peace to rule in their hearts. The sermon challenges Christians to submit to Christ's authority, allowing His peace to act as a referee or umpire in their lives, making decisions based on God's Word rather than emotions or circumstances. Pastor Brent emphasizes that biblical thoughts must lead to biblical actions, which then produce biblical feelings—not the reverse. Key Points: True peace is only found in the person and work of Jesus Christ, who is identified as the Prince of Peace Peace with God comes through justification by faith in Christ's death and resurrection, not through works or religion Believers who have peace with God have access to peace from God through their relationship with Christ Many Christians fail to experience God's peace because they don't "let" or allow it to rule in their hearts The peace of Christ must "rule" (act as referee/umpire) in our hearts, making decisions based on God's Word Biblical peace requires submission to Christ's sovereign authority and trust in His promises Biblical thinking must precede biblical action, which then produces biblical feelings—not the other way around Common obstacles to peace include fear of the known and unknown, financial problems, health issues, fear of failure, fixation on others, loneliness, temptation, spiritual defeat, irritations of life, and resistance to change A thankful heart is necessary to maintain a peaceful heart, while ingratitude produces discontentment and strife Personal peace with God affects our relationships with others in the body of Christ Scripture References: Colossians 3:1, 15 (primary text) Isaiah 9:6 Acts 10:36 Ephesians 2:13-17 Ephesians 6:15 Colossians 1:20 Romans 5:1-5 John 16:33 John 14:27 Philippians 4:6-7 2 Peter 1:2 Isaiah 26:3 Romans 12 (end of chapter) Romans 15:33

This Christmas sermon challenges the romanticized view of Christ's birth by examining the real hardships, inconveniences, and suffering that Mary and Joseph endured. Pastor Joe Fant emphasizes that God orchestrated every difficult detail of the nativity—from the forced 70-80 mile journey to Bethlehem while Mary was nine months pregnant, to the rejection at the guest house, to giving birth among animals—to accomplish His divine purpose. The message reveals that God works through our suffering and inconveniences for our ultimate good and His glory, just as He used 60 million people's inconvenience during Caesar Augustus's census to position Christ exactly where He needed to be born. The sermon calls believers to view their own hardships through eyes of faith, trusting that God is working a bigger picture than we can see, developing steadfastness and endurance in our lives while accomplishing His redemptive purposes. Key Points: God works through hardship and inconvenience to accomplish His divine purpose for our good and His glory The Christmas story was anchored in real history with real suffering, not a romanticized fairy tale Mary and Joseph endured a forced journey of 70-80 miles while Mary was nine months pregnant God orchestrated 60 million people to travel during the census so Christ could be born in Bethlehem Mary gave birth in a stable, rejected from the guest house, experiencing isolation from family and friends The humble circumstances of Christ's birth demonstrated He came as a servant-king who understands the outcast The shepherds—society's outcasts—were the first to worship, emphasizing Christ came for the lowly All suffering in our lives is for a reason: to test our faith and produce steadfastness God permits what He hates to accomplish what He loves If God can redeem the murder of His own Son, He can redeem any hardship we face We must look at our circumstances with eyes of faith, trusting God's bigger picture Scripture Reference: Luke 2:1-21 (primary passage) 1 Chronicles 24 (referenced regarding Zachariah's temple service) James 1 (referenced regarding trials testing faith and producing steadfastness)

This sermon explores the profound theological truths embedded in Galatians 4:4-5, examining why God sent His Son into the world. The message centers on the core statement that "God sent His Son to redeem those who were under the law," unpacking four essential reminders about Christ's coming. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus' birth was not accidental but perfectly timed in God's sovereign plan, that He came as truly human while remaining truly God, that He fulfilled the law through righteous obedience, and that through Him believers receive adoption as sons and daughters of God. Pastor Joe Fant challenges the congregation to understand that salvation is not merely about being declared righteous (justification) but also about being brought into God's family (adoption), giving believers a personal relationship with God as "Abba, Father." The message concludes by affirming that Christians possess an "alien righteousness"—the righteousness of Christ Himself—rather than any self-generated goodness. Key Points: Jesus came at the right moment—when the fullness of time had come, perfectly orchestrated politically (Roman peace and roads), theologically (all Old Testament prophecies and types complete), and historically (unified language and transportation systems) Jesus came in real humanity—truly born of a woman, experiencing complete human suffering, rejection, pain, and loss, yet without sin through the power of the Holy Spirit Jesus came in righteous obedience—born under the law to fulfill it perfectly, doing what no human could do, keeping every requirement of God's law Jesus offers received adoption—believers are adopted as sons (both men and women receive full inheritance), brought from the courtroom of justification to the living room of God's family The law was given to show humanity's inability to save themselves, pointing them to their need for Christ God's timing is always perfect—He is never early and never late in His providential plan Christians have a real man in heaven (Jesus) interceding for them who understands their human experience Believers possess the righteousness of Christ, not their own self-righteousness Scripture Reference: Galatians 3:23—4:7 (primary focus on Galatians 4:4-5) 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Psalm 51:5 Romans 3:10-12 Ecclesiastes 7:20 Luke 1:34-35 Galatians 3:21-22 Hebrews 2:11 Hebrews 4:15-16 Deuteronomy 21:23

This sermon explores Isaiah 9:6's prophecy of the Messiah by examining the historical context of 8th century BC Israel, when both northern and southern kingdoms had fallen into political corruption, moral debauchery, and spiritual darkness. Pastor Joe Fant demonstrates how God, through the prophet Isaiah, promised a coming child who would be the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. This prophecy was fulfilled 700 years later when Jesus began His ministry in Galilee—the very region Isaiah identified. The sermon emphasizes that while human governments and political alliances fail, Jesus established an eternal kingdom of justice and righteousness. God pursues His people even in their darkest moments, and the baby in the manger represents God's zealous love for His people, offering hope, victory over sin and death, and eternal joy to those who turn to Him in faith. Key Points: The historical context reveals three types of darkness in Isaiah's time: political (corrupt kings seeking pagan alliances), moral (idol worship and child sacrifice), and spiritual (turning to demons and necromancers instead of God) King Ahaz in the south and King Pekah in the north both rejected God and led the people into wickedness, seeking protection from Assyria through political alliances rather than trusting God Isaiah prophesied that the regions first devastated by darkness (Zebulun and Naphtali in Galilee) would be the first to see the great light Jesus fulfilled this prophecy by beginning His ministry in Galilee, bringing the light of the gospel to the darkest places first The victory Jesus won through His death and resurrection surpasses even Gideon's miraculous victory over 135,000 Midianites with only 300 men Jesus is the child born and son given who possesses perfect government, eternal wisdom, divine power, and brings true peace The solution to darkness is unwavering loyalty to Scripture and proper fear of the Lord, not looking to worldly solutions God pursues His people even when they are far from Him, demonstrating His zeal and love through sending prophets, His Word, and ultimately His Son Scripture Reference: Isaiah 9:1-7 (primary focus on verse 6) Isaiah 8:12-22 (context of darkness and calling to Scripture) Isaiah 1:2-4, 21-23 (description of Israel's moral corruption) 2 Kings 16 (King Ahaz's wickedness) 2 Kings 15:27-28 (King Pekah's evil reign) Matthew 4:12-17 (Jesus beginning ministry in Galilee, fulfilling Isaiah's prophecy) John 1:1-14 (Jesus as the Light of the world) 1 Corinthians 15:54-57 (victory over death through Christ)

This Christmas sermon traces the theme of redemption from its first promise in Genesis 3, demonstrating that Christ's coming was purposeful and prophesied from humanity's fall. Pastor Joe Fant establishes that before we can accept a rescuer, we must recognize our need to be rescued. Through the account of the fall, four critical needs for a redeemer are revealed: the need for accurate revelation of God's word in a world that twists truth, the reminder to walk by faith rather than sight, the necessity of God seeking us out when we hide in sin, and the reversal of the curse that affects all creation. The sermon culminates in the promise that the Redeemer will conquer Satan, provide protection through covering (symbolized by God clothing Adam and Eve with animal skins), and give eternal life through death. Multiple shadows of grace appear throughout Genesis 3, including God cursing the ground rather than humanity directly, God seeking out Adam and Eve rather than abandoning them, and God preventing eternal life in a sinful state by removing access to the tree of life. The message connects the manger to the cross, showing that the Christ child came with the specific purpose to seek and save the lost. Key Points: We need a redeemer to accurately reveal the word of God, as both Satan and humans twist Scripture to their own ends We need a redeemer to remind us to walk by faith and not by sight, as sin promises satisfaction through what we see but delivers only consequences We need a redeemer to seek us out, because left to ourselves we will continue running from God and trying to cover our own sin We need a redeemer to reverse the curse that affects all creation, bringing pain in childbearing, toil in work, and ultimately death The promised redeemer will conquer Satan (crushing the serpent's head while having his heel bruised) The promised redeemer will provide protection through covering (pictured in God clothing Adam and Eve with animal skins requiring sacrifice) The promised redeemer will give life through death (God's mercy in preventing eternal life in a sinful state) Sin produces hiding, fear, and shame—emotions leveraged by Satan but never used by God for good Grace appears throughout the fall narrative: God curses the serpent and ground but not humanity directly, dialogues with his children, and protects them from eternal sinfulness Scripture Reference: Genesis 3 (primary focus—the entire chapter) Genesis 1:26-27, 31 (creation of humanity in God's image) Genesis 2:15-17 (the command regarding the tree of knowledge of good and evil) Luke 19:10 (the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost) John 1 (Jesus as the Word) Hebrews 1 (Jesus as the exact imprint of God's nature) John 3 (Nicodemus and the need for new birth) James 1 (each person's own designer lust) Isaiah 61 (being clothed in righteousness) 1 Timothy (creation order and gender roles)

This sermon calls believers to celebrate a distinctly Christian Thanksgiving by anchoring their hearts in the truths of Psalm 100. The message emphasizes that Christian thanksgiving should be marked by supernatural joy, conscious awareness of God's presence (Coram Deo - before the face of God), and grounded in two foundational truths: that the Lord is God (our Creator, King, and Shepherd) and that the Lord is good (His steadfast love endures forever and His faithfulness extends to all generations). Pastor Joe Fant challenges the congregation to make this Thanksgiving different from secular celebrations by focusing on worship, service with gladness, and anchoring their hearts in biblical truth, especially during difficult seasons when joy may be hard to find. Key Points: A Christian Thanksgiving must be distinctly different from secular celebrations, focused on giving thanks to God specifically Psalm 100 provides a formula for Christian thanksgiving centered on joy, God's presence, and truth Joy should characterize our thanksgiving through singing (making a joyful noise) and serving with gladness We are called to live "Coram Deo" - consciously before the face of God in every moment and action True joy and peace come through believing truth, which then affects our affections and actions The Lord is God means He is our Creator, King, and Shepherd who has authority over our lives Jesus is identified as both the Creator (John 1) and the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for the sheep The Lord is good, demonstrated through His steadfast love that endures forever and His faithfulness to all generations God's faithfulness is passed down from generation to generation, making multi-generational worship significant Even in difficult times - loss, estrangement, family tensions - we can find joy by anchoring in these truths Scripture Reference: Psalm 100 (primary text) John 15:11 Philippians 4:4 Colossians 3:23-24 Romans 15:13 John 1:1-3 John 10:11 Ezekiel 34 John 6 (feeding of the 5,000) John 13 (new covenant) Psalm 139 Genesis 1:1 Psalm 16:8 Genesis 17

This sermon explores Jesus' High Priestly Prayer in John 17, focusing on verses 20-21 and the theme of Christian unity. Pastor Joe Fant emphasizes that true Christian unity is not uniformity but rather diverse people becoming one as they pursue a shared purpose through the gospel. Unity flows from our union with Christ and is forged through shared spiritual experiences, particularly conversion. The sermon distinguishes between theological unity (our union with God through Christ) and visible unity (how that union is displayed to the world). Pastor Fant applies these truths practically to the local church context, explaining that unity gives the church strength, must be grounded in the gospel rather than preferences or secondary issues, and serves as a testimony to the world. Using the concept of "theological triage," the sermon concludes by explaining how to distinguish between first-tier gospel issues worth dying for, second-tier issues that define church membership, and third-tier issues where Christians can differ without division. Key Points: Unity is diverse people becoming one as they pursue a shared purpose, not uniformity or everyone being the same Unity is forged through shared experiences, especially the shared experience of conversion through the gospel Christian unity flows from the transforming work of the gospel and our union with Christ God is eternally loving because He is Trinity—the Father has loved the Son for all eternity When unified with Christ, believers receive the Father's everlasting eternal love Unity in the church gives strength—like redwood trees with interconnected roots Our unity must be grounded in the gospel, not preferences, traditions, worship styles, or secondary theological issues Threats to our unity are threats to our gospel testimony to the world Unity with other local churches is based on gospel clarity, not denominational affiliation Theological triage: First-tier issues (worth dying for—Trinity, deity of Christ, substitutionary atonement), second-tier issues (church membership matters—baptism, church governance), and third-tier issues (personal convictions—end times details, entertainment choices) The early church was known by the testimony: "Behold, how these Christians love one another" Scripture Reference: John 17 (entire chapter, with emphasis on verses 20-21) John 13:34-35 (new commandment to love one another) Hebrews 7:23-26 (Christ as high priest making intercession) 1 Corinthians 15:3 (matters of first importance) Jude 1:3 (the faith once for all delivered to the saints) Ephesians 4:5 (one faith) Romans 14 (not arguing over opinions) Mark 7 (Jesus warning about elevating tradition to doctrine) Isaiah 7:14 (virgin birth prophecy)

This sermon explores the conclusion of Jesus' high priestly prayer in John 17:20-26, revealing how Christ prayed specifically for all future believers just before His crucifixion. The message emphasizes that genuine Christianity is defined by faith in Christ through the Word of God, and that Jesus' prayer for His people centers on four main themes: unity among believers, sharing in Christ's glory through suffering, our eternal destination with Him, and ongoing transformation into His likeness. The sermon stresses that Christian unity is not based on denominational affiliation, worship style, or cultural preferences, but on the gospel alone. It also highlights that Jesus anchors our salvation not in our ability to hold onto God, but in God's eternal love and unchanging power that existed before the foundation of the world. Key Points: Jesus prayed specifically for all future believers who would come to faith through the apostles' word, meaning He was thinking of us as He went to the cross Genuine Christians are defined by belief in Christ that comes through the Word of God, not through works, denomination, church membership, or baptism Christian unity is theological, centered on the triune God and the true gospel, not on secondary doctrinal issues or preferences Unity among believers serves an evangelical function, showing the world something supernatural that points to Christ Believers share in the glory of Christ, particularly as they endure suffering with perseverance and faith There is a beauty and radiance that comes upon Christians who navigate suffering while keeping their eyes fixed on heaven Jesus desires that all His people be with Him in eternity, and our salvation rests on God's eternal power and purpose, not our own ability Spiritual maturity is evidenced by becoming a more loving person, reflecting the love of Christ The Christian life should be characterized by both unity with other believers and outward evangelism Scripture Reference: John 17:20-26 (primary focus) Supporting passages: Acts 2:42, Philippians 1:15-18, 2 Corinthians 4:16-18, 1 Peter 4:12-13, John 14:1-3, John 14:16-17, Hebrews 1:1-3

Pastor Joe Fant preaches the Sunday evening service with his sermon titled "The Process of Biblical Change."

This sermon explores Jesus' high priestly prayer in John 17, focusing specifically on His petition for the sanctification of His disciples. The message emphasizes that sanctification—being set apart for God's purposes—is not optional for believers but is the primary work God accomplishes in the Christian life. True transformation occurs when believers expose themselves consistently to God's Word through the power of the Holy Spirit, not through mere behavioral modification or self-effort. The sermon clarifies that sanctification is progressive, happening gradually over a lifetime as believers submit to Scripture's authority. Christians are called to be in the world but not of the world, remaining on mission to reflect Christ and proclaim the gospel while pursuing holiness. The ultimate goal is to resemble Jesus and fulfill God's purpose by living obediently according to His Word. Key Points: Sanctification means to be set apart for God's use, carrying ideas of both cleansing from sin and transformation toward righteousness Christians, not unbelievers, are the ones who need sanctification—it's a process that begins after salvation and continues throughout life God, through the Holy Spirit, is the one who sanctifies believers; we cannot change ourselves through willpower alone Genuine transformation happens when believers give themselves to believe and obey the Word of God, not just memorize or know it intellectually Sanctification is progressive, happening from "one degree of glory to another" throughout a believer's lifetime The goal of sanctification is twofold: to resemble Jesus and to remain on mission in the world Believers are called to be in the world but not of the world—avoiding both isolation from unbelievers and assimilation to worldly patterns Justification is the one-time event of being declared righteous; sanctification is the gradual growing in righteousness Exposure to Scripture is like exposure to the sun—consistent, repeated contact produces gradual but real change Scripture Reference: John 17:14-19 (primary focus on verse 17: "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth") Romans 8:29-30, 34 1 Thessalonians 4:3; 5:23 Ephesians 1:4 1 Peter 1:15-16 Philippians 2:13 2 Corinthians 3:18 Jeremiah 1:5

This sermon explores Jesus's high priestly prayer in John 17:11-16, focusing on Christ's intercession for His disciples and all future believers. The central theological truth presented is that genuine Christians are eternally kept, protected, and preserved by God's power rather than their own strength. Pastor Joe Fant addresses the common Christian struggle of wondering whether one has enough strength to finish the race of faith, providing assurance that perseverance is guaranteed through divine protection rather than human effort. The sermon emphasizes three areas of protection: from destruction (eternal judgment), from purposelessness (living with Christ's joy), and from the judgment that comes from being in a hostile world. Using the imagery of God holding believers rather than believers holding onto God, the message brings comfort to those experiencing doubt, suffering, or spiritual weariness by anchoring their security in God's sovereign keeping power. Key Points: Believers are kept and preserved by God's power, not by their own strength or ability to hold on to faith Jesus prayed specifically that His disciples would be kept in the Father's name, establishing a relationship of divine protection Christians are protected from three primary threats: destruction, purposelessness, and divine judgment The case of Judas demonstrates that true apostasy occurs only because someone was never genuinely saved, not because God's power was insufficient God's sovereignty means that all evil is "on God's leash" and can only extend as far as He permits Believers possess Christ's own joy, which comes from relationship with the Father rather than circumstances Christians remain "in the world" but are "not of the world," protected while living among spiritual darkness The forces of darkness must go through Christ before reaching believers, as they are hidden in God's hand Perseverance in faith is guaranteed for the genuinely saved because of divine protection, not human effort Scripture Reference: John 17:11-16 (primary passage) 1 John 3:19-20 (reassurance when hearts condemn) Philippians 1:6 (God completing His work) Luke 22:31-32 (Jesus praying for Peter) John 6:64-65 (Jesus knowing who would betray Him) Psalm 41:9 and Psalm 109 (prophecies fulfilled in Judas) Romans 14:17 (kingdom characterized by joy) Nehemiah 8:10 (joy of the Lord as strength) Psalm 16:11 (fullness of joy in God's presence) Romans 8:1 (no condemnation in Christ) 2 Kings 6 (Elisha and Gehazi seeing angelic protection)

Pastor Shawn Alexander preaches the Sunday evening service with his sermon titled "Avoid Lust at All Costs."

This sermon explores the significance of the Lord's Supper as a sacred ordinance given to the church. It emphasizes the importance of observing communion as a unified body of believers, highlighting its role as a remembrance of Christ's sacrifice and a symbol of the church's unity. Pastor Joe Fant explains the biblical basis for the practice, differentiates it from other interpretations, and stresses the importance of participating in a worthy manner within the context of the local church gathering. Key Points: The Lord's Supper is a replacement for the Old Testament Passover It is a visual representation of the gospel, along with baptism The elements (bread and wine) are symbolic, not literal transformations Participation should be limited to believers who have examined themselves The Lord's Supper is meant to be observed collectively as a church, not individually It represents both Christ's sacrifice and the unity of the church body Scripture Reference: 1 Corinthians 11:17-34 John 17:9 (referenced but not the main focus)

Pastor Ben Jacquot preaches the Sunday evening service with his sermon titled "Christ's Priesthood For Us."

This sermon explores John 17:6-19, focusing on Jesus' prayer for His disciples just before His crucifixion. It emphasizes the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant, highlighting Jesus' role in revealing the Father, the disciples' special relationship with God, and Christ's ongoing intercessory ministry. The sermon underscores the importance of faith in Christ, the power of His keeping and sanctifying work, and the comfort believers can find in Jesus' continual intercession. Key Points: Jesus manifested the Father's name (character) to His disciples The disciples were given to Christ by the Father Saving faith involves receiving, knowing, and believing the truth about Jesus Believers have a special relationship with God through Christ Jesus prays for the Father to keep and sanctify His disciples Christ's intercessory ministry preserves believers through suffering Sanctification occurs through God's Word and the apostles' ministry Scripture Reference: John 17:6-19 (primary focus) Exodus 34:5-7 Hebrews 7:25 Romans 8:34

Pastor Shawn and Pastor Ben give a report on their recent trip to Uganda.

This sermon explores the concept of glorifying God through the lens of Jesus' words in John 17:4. It delves into the nature of God's glory, Christ's mission on earth, and how believers can participate in glorifying God. Pastor Ben Jacquot emphasizes that true glorification comes through rightly ordering our loves, with love for God being supreme. The sermon also discusses Christ's accomplishment of His mission and its implications for believers' salvation and purpose. Key Points: God's glory is both intrinsic to His nature and reflected in creation Glorifying God means rightly ordering our loves, with love for God being primary Christ's mission involved revealing the Father, representing humanity, and redeeming sinners Believers can have confidence in their salvation based on Christ's completed work Christians are called to participate in Christ's mission through gospel proclamation Scripture Reference: John 17:4 (primary) Additional references: Philippians 2, John 1:18, John 3:16, John 12

This sermon explores the nature of eternal life as defined in John 17:3, emphasizing that salvation comes through a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Pastor Joe Fant contrasts true faith with idolatry and false gospels, highlighting the importance of genuine knowledge of God that goes beyond mere intellectual understanding or moral reform. He stresses that this saving knowledge is a supernatural gift, initiated by God, and grows throughout a believer's life. Key Points: Eternal life is defined as knowing the one true God and Jesus Christ Salvation comes through a relationship with God, not just knowledge about Him Idolatry in modern life can take many forms beyond physical idols True knowledge of God is relational, not just intellectual Salvation is initiated by God's grace, not human effort The Christian life is a process of growing in relationship with God Scripture Reference: John 17:3 (primary focus) Romans 3:10-12 Romans 8:7-8 2 Peter 3:18 Psalm 17:15

This sermon delves into John 17, often referred to as Jesus' High Priestly Prayer. Pastor Joe Fant emphasizes the profound significance of this chapter, describing it as the "holy of holies" of Scripture. The sermon explores the nature of Christ's glory, his authority over all flesh, and the purpose of the cross. It highlights the intimate relationship between the Father and the Son, and how Jesus' impending suffering is viewed through the lens of glory rather than defeat. Pastor Joe Fant also touches on the doctrine of election, emphasizing that believers are a gift from the Father to the Son.