Home+

because a home centered on Jesus becomes the epicenter of an active life of faith 

Focus: Watch the Holy Family.  Learn the patterns of the Holy Family.  And your home will become an epicenter of the hope, peace and joy you seek this Christmas! Text: Deuteronomy 6:1-9 & Luke 2:21-40

Generosity+  because generosity empowered by Jesus fuels a contagious, others-centered culture

Focus: “You’ll always have the poor.  You won’t always have me.”  Such brashness.  In this season of self-satisfaction will we allow Jesus to redefine generosity?  Texts: Matthew 2:9-11; John 12:1-8 

Friendship+   

because friendships infused with Jesus expand the reach of true community

How do you actually do that today?  If you had a day to spend with Jesus, how would spend it?  What would you do? Friendship with Jesus changes every other friendship. Text: John 1:35-39; 1 Thessalonians 2:8

Step+

because simple steps guided by Jesus accelerate the impact of new life

“You feed them…”   How do you respond to an overwhelming challenge?  Jesus gives us a pretty compelling answer:  “Bring them here.”  Today we are invited to bring what we have to Him.  That’s the very next step.  The results will be staggering. Text: Matthew 14:13-21

Ordinary+  because ordinary people connected to Jesus share in Christ’s extraordinary mission.

“Peter fell to his knees…”  “The woman was surprised…”   

It’s amazing what we can do when we covenant with each other.  We can do great things when we work together.  We can accomplish much when we’re intentional. 

As a church we have been intentionally focused for the past 3 years on pursuing our vision “One Church. Regional Impact.”  Many of us have participated during these three years in a Vision Campaign called 1impact.

We press on…until Madison is transformed.  Until no one is thirsty for Good News.

Jesus is looking for individuals to make an impact- 1 person, 1neighborhood, 1region at a time. Will you make an impact?    Text: Philippians 3:10-21; John 6:39

Some of us have been sent to Fitchburg, some to Verona, some to East Madison.  All of us to “connect people to life in Jesus.”  As each of us responds to the questions we’ve been asked over the past three weeks (Will you choose to be a friend?  Will you choose to be a leader?  Will you choose to be a giver?) new communities will emerge as mission fields that we labor in with the Lord.  Jesus is looking for 1more community to impact.  Will you choose to join Him?  Texts: Luke 10:1, Jeremiah 29:5-7; 11-13; John 10:16; Luke 4:43; Acts 2:42-47

We are saved by God’s generosity alone.  The command to give, to be generous in no way saves us or makes us right with God.  We are already made right with God through Jesus.  Yet, by learning generosity, we claim the benefits of life in Jesus in greater fullness.  When I clutch, I strain.  When I give, I am set free.  When 1more person chooses to be a giver, people get to experience the generosity of God.  Jesus is looking for 1more giver.  Will you choose to be a giver?   Text: 1 Timothy 6:17-19

A vast majority of us actively choose to not lead.  We self-exclude.  “Leadership is not for everyone,” they say defiantly.  Today we hear a different word.  Today we learn that leadership is influence.  When 1more person chooses to be a leader, more and more people learn how to follow Jesus.  Jesus is looking for 1more leader.  Will you choose to be a leader? Text: Luke 10:1-9:  John 20:21 

Perhaps the most memorable tagline ever was “Just DO it.”  With that bold exhortation, NIKE encouraged many people to get physically active.  Jesus teaches us today that His friends are the ones who DO.  There is a stark contrast between those who choose to be friends and those who do not.  When 1more person chooses to be a friend, there is a rippling effect of love that transforms our neighborhoods, our communities, and our world.  Jesus is looking for 1more friend.  Will you choose to be a friend?  Text: Luke 10:25-37 

Jesus builds a community of believers, equips them, and then sends them out to carry his mission forward. Many are persecuted and even killed for their faith in Jesus.  In the midst of their struggles and circumstances, God gives a message of hope and victory to believers to help them persevere.  Is the cost of being a Jesus-follower worth it?  Where does your allegiance lie? Text: Acts 1:8

Just who is Jesus?  He is our “all in all”.  Who do you say that he is?   Text: Philippians 2:5-11

The Israelites think the grass is greener on the other side.  Forget having God lead them.  They want an earthly king like all the other nations have.  God meets them where they are at, and grants their desires.  We hear about kings like Saul, David, and Solomon.  Their power and pride often cause them to stray from God.  Yet God never abandons his people.  He patiently shepherds his fickle sheep.  Will you stay faithful to God?  Text: 1 Samuel 8:5-22     

God continues to focus on his community of people as he shapes their identity and mission.  Identity as God’s people is formed by faithfulness in obeying the mission God lays before them.  His people are to be priests representing a holy God in the midst of a broken and corrupt humanity, mediators of God’s covenant.  God also teaches his people that he is faithful to his promises as he leads them into the Promised Land.  From where does your identity and mission come?   Text: Psalm 119:41-48

To save us from ourselves and to mend the broken cosmos, God continues the work of new creation by choosing to bless all people through one family.  God calls Abraham to leave his three sources of security: his country, his relatives, and his father’s house.  With that sending, God also gives Abraham a promise – a covenant that impacts all generations, including us!  God shapes his community to understand who he is and what he is doing.  How is God working in your life to help you understand who he is? Text: Genesis 12:1-3   

Creation is about gift-giving.  It is amazing how many gifts God gives to mankind in and through his creation.  Catastrophe comes when man rejects God’s gifts in favor of man-made substitutes.  What are those gifts, and what are the consequences of rejecting God’s gifts?  Will you receive all that God has for you?  Text: Genesis 1:26-2:4; 2:15-23 

God is the Ultimate Victor!  Satan is defeated; sin is banished; and death is no more.  We are heading towards a time when all that is left is the Upper Story.  We will be in heaven experiencing the presence of God and the majesty of Christ in all their fullness and glory.  Come Lord, Jesus quickly.  Many of us are waiting and not one of us will be disappointed! Text: Revelation 19:1-10

Focus: Jesus died for US!  He was “all-in” for doing his Father’s will.  Paul shows us what it looks like for us to be “all-in” for God.  Are you “all-in” – no matter what?   Text: Acts 20:16-24

Jesus is GOOD NEWS!  He is life-giving.  He is the author and perfecter of our faith.  Let’s spread the news! Text: Acts 13:32-49 

Jesus leaves his followers with a promise, which is fulfilled just ten days later.  The Holy Spirit shows up in a big way.  There are tongues of fire, speaking in tongues, and a boldness to proclaim the Good News of Jesus.  Thousands come to believe in Jesus as the Messiah and Savior.  That same Spirit lives in us today!  Text: Acts 1:6-8; 2:1-4

JESUS LIVES!  Text: Luke 24:1-12

The taunting and mockery; the whippings and beatings; carrying the cross and our sins with it.  What could be worse?  How about being abandoned and forsaken by his Father! Text: Matthew 27:35-54

He heals the sick, casts out demons, and calms storms.  Now he does something even more amazing – raises Lazarus from the dead.  Who is this Jesus?  He is Rabbi, “living water”, the Bread of Life, the God Shepherd, the Son of Man, Messiah.  He is the Son of God! Text: John 11:17-27; 39-44

Jesus teaches about many things.  His teachings are profound, challenging, and relevant to life.  He had much to say about prayer.  What can we learn and apply to our lives?   Text: Matthew 6:5-13

 We hear very about Jesus’ years growing up.  The Jesus, the carpenter from Nazareth, lays down his tools and begins his ministry.  He picks some men to help him.  He uses a tough interview process, checks their references, and only picks the cream of the crop, right?  How he picks them and who ends up on his team may surprise you.  The fact that he picks us too is just as surprising! Text: John 1:35-51 

Thousands of years have passed since God promised Abraham that all people would be blessed through him and numerous prophecies have been made regarding a Messiah.  Now at this moment in time, God sets his plan in motion.  The Messiah, King of kings and Lord of lords, enters the world.  God uses people and circumstances that may surprise us! Text: Luke 2:1-20

God speaks bluntly and directly to His people.  They have cheated him!  They have said terrible things about him!  They have been disobedient!  God calls them to repent – to turn back to him.  We are guilty of those same sins plus more.  Repent, and receive his mercy!  Text: Malachi 3:6-18

An imminent threat looms for God’s chosen people.  For such a time as this, God uses a young, newly-crowned queen to save the Jewish people.  She risks everything to carry out God’s will.  God has you on this earth for a purpose – for such a time as this! Text: Esther 3:5-6; 4:7-16

God allowed the Israelites, with their hearts of stone, to be defeated and taken into captivity by the Babylonians.  Through the prophet Zechariah, God now gives the people a message of hope.  He will restore a remnant.  But wait, there is even more good news! Text: Zechariah 1:1-4, 14-16; 8:1-8

Stop praying to God or be thrown to the lions.  Tough choice for Daniel?  Not really!  Daniel had seen God rescue his friends from the fiery furnace.  Daniel spent time with God.  Daniel knew God.  He trusted God.  How do we respond in the face of struggles and tough choices?  Text: Daniel 6:1-12; 16-23

The consequences of sin can be awful.  The worst consequence is when God removes His hand of blessing and protection, and allows us to have our sinful way.  Yet even as the Israelites are defeated, God spares a remnant.  Why does God spare us even though we continue to sin?   Text: 2 Kings 25:1-12

Rebellious and sinful.  It seems impossible for the Israelites to keep their covenant with God.  They are seemingly crushed and defeated.  What is God going to do with these stiff-necked people?  Abandon them?  Hammer them with His law?  His response may surprise you!   Text: Isaiah 53

Focus: God vs. Baal.  Only one of them is true God.  Only one of them has power.  Only one of them can do the impossible.  Only one will win.  What God do you believe in?  Is that reflected in your life?   Text: 1 Kings 18:16-40

Pride mixed with power results in sin.  Sin ruins God's design for the Israelites and the Promised Land.  The nation David and Solomon had spent their lives building up and unifying is divided.  What can we as individuals and as a church learn from this? Text: 1 Kings 12:1-20

God gives Solomon a wish, and then grants it. Solomon becomes the wisest man to ever live. But something goes wrong. Why? God richly blesses us. What can we do to avoid making the same mistakes as Solomon? Text: 1 Kings 3:3-14; 11:1-4

Warrior, Psalm-writer, God-fearing. Liar, adulterer, murderer. Would the real King David please stand up? David was far from perfect. Most of us can relate to David's failures more than his greatness. We might be curious to find out why God would refer to David as "a man after my own heart." Text: 2 Samuel 11:1-12:14

Boy vs. giant. Pebble vs. sword. Confidence vs. arrogance. The stage is set. All bets are on the giant. Final score: Boy-1, Giant-0. A huge upset! How is it possible? Boy + God = Victory. What "giants" are you facing in life? How will you slay them? Text: 1 Samuel 17:1-11; 32-50

The Resurrected Jesus! God raises His Son from death to life, and defeats sin, death, and the devil. Justification, redemption, reconciliation - what do these fancy words mean? Through Jesus we win! Are we living from victory rather than for victory? Text: John 20:1-18

Large crowds, excitement, and shouts of "long live the King". Surely this is the Messiah - the leader that God has sent to free the Jews from the Romans. The camera closes in on the King. He is weeping. Tears of joy, right? No, the people just don't get it - His Kingdom is not of this world. Which kingdom are we living for? Is Jesus shedding a tear for some of us? Text: Luke 19:28-44

The Lord speaks to Samuel, but Samuel doesn't recognize His voice. The Lord doesn't stop speaking. He continues to speak until Samuel listens. Samuel becomes a spokesperson for the Lord. Does God speak to us today? If so, how? Do we recognize His voice? How do we respond to what he "tells" us? Text: 1 Samuel 3:1-21

Ruth, a Moabite, gives up everything to follow and take care of Naomi, her Jewish widowed mother-in-law. God blesses Ruth with a husband and a son. However, that is just the tip of the iceberg! What else is God up to? How will God use our faithfulness and obedience? The impact might extend far beyond what we'll ever know or imagine. Text: Ruth 1:1-9; 16-18; 4:13-22

Gideon's circumstances cause him to not trust God. Gideon tests God - THREE TIMES! How does God respond? Do you trust God no matter what your circumstances? Is God waiting to use you, and you are holding back - testing Him? What will it take for you to fully trust Him? Text: Judges 6:11-23; 6:36-39; 7:19-22

Forty long years in the desert - filled with numerous teachable moments. The wandering is over, and God leads a new generation of Israelites into the Promised Land. Can you imagine the hope and anticipation of the Israelites? What about us? Do we live with hope and anticipation? What are we supposed to be learning and doing as we await our promised land? Text: Joshua 1:1-10; 3:9-17

God delivers the Israelites from the Egyptians. He leads his people, and provides manna and water for them? Are the Israelites satisfied? Thankful? How does God respond to them? How about us? Has much changed today? Text: Numbers 11:1-2; 4-6; 16-23; 31-33

The Israelites had been exposed to and influenced by Egyptian religion, values, and culture for more than four centuries. How will God teach them who He is, and how He wants them to live? Two tablets - Ten Commandments. Why all the rules? Do they still apply to us today? What's the big deal if we break a couple of them? Text: Exodus 20:1-20 

Sometimes God seems to be silent or distant. But he never forgets His people. After 430 years of being in slavery, God frees His people. How does he overcome a powerful, hard-hearted Pharaoh? What is enslaving you? Do you want to be free? Text: Exodus 3:1-10; 6:6-8; 12:31-42

Sometimes people hurt us. Sometimes bad things happen in our lives. Where is God during those times? The story of Joseph gives us some clues about how God works, and how we should respond to our circumstances. Text: Genesis 37:3-8; 18-28, 45:1-8

God calls Abram to leave everything, and follow Him. God promises to make Abram into a great nation, and that all families will be blessed through him. Abraham is already 75 years old. How will God pull it off? Will He keep his promise? What promises does God make to us? Is he faithful? Text: Genesis 12:1-3; 15:1-6; 21:1-5)

In the opening chapter of Genesis, the Upper and Lower Stories are virtually one. God, who is love, creates the universe, and places humanity at the crown of all he brings into existence. Man and woman, as individuals and also in their collective, reflect God's image. People are both the object of God's love and lovers in return. But that all changes with a serpent, piece of fruit, and bad decision. Sin enters the world. How does God respond? Text: Genesis 1:1, 26-28, 31; 3:1-15

The Word of God is a Love Story written to you. It's written by God himself as he inspires approximately 40 different writers over a 1,500 year period. God's Word is written to us - for us. The hero of the story is Jesus. What is his story, and how does He impact our lives - our stories? Text: Ephesians 1:9-11; John 3:16-17; 2 Timothy 3:14-17