We often think we can outrun God when His plans don't align with our own comfort or preferences. In this first message, we look at Jonah—a man who didn’t just reject a job, but tried to distance himself from the very Source of his life. Jonah’s journey reminds us that while we might try to sail away from God’s presence, He is too loving to let us go. Sometimes, God allows a "storm" in our lives not to punish us, but to rescue us from ourselves and bring us back to His mercy.

This week centers on the crisis of sin, embracing the power of Jesus’ resurrection, and living in fellowship with God. We must openly confront the reality of human darkness and separation from God, and allow God’s light to expose our sin. There is a solution to this crisis: Jesus’ sacrificial death and resurrection, which cleanse us from sin and restore our relationship with God. The resurrection is not only historical truth but a transformative power that grants forgiveness, eternal life, and a new identity rooted in Christ. We can “come alive” to this resurrection power and live in confident fellowship with God and others.

This week we explore how being united with Christ through His resurrection gives believers eternal confidence and the power to live a fruitful life of authentic morality. Jesus’ victory over sin and the devil is not just historical—it’s personal and transformative. Believers are not merely labeled as children of God; they are truly adopted into His family. This identity shapes both our future hope and our present conduct. Authentic Christianity, according to John, is marked by doing what is right—not to earn God’s favor, but as a response to already being His children. As his children, we are called to live out this identity with moral clarity in a culture of confusion, continually renewed through repentance and grace.

Agape love—the selfless, sacrificial love modeled by Jesus and made possible through His resurrection carries unbelievable power. While friendship in the church is a blessing, God calls believers to something deeper: love that acts, gives, and sacrifices for fellow Christians. This love is not merely based on feelings or mutual benefit but is rooted in Christ’s example of laying down His life. We can challenge our people to express this love tangibly—through generosity, presence, and empathy. We can also reassure them that even when their hearts condemn them, God is greater and His love secures their identity and confidence before Him. We are and remain God’s children by his grace.

At times, we might raise doubts about or throw accusations against God’s love. Suffering, injustice, and personal pain can cause confusion regarding God’s great love. John affirms that God is love. This is not sentiment. It is action—demonstrated supremely through the sending of his Son, Jesus Christ, to be the Savior of the world. This perfect love of God drives out fear. Our fear of judgment can be replaced with confidence and assurance. When we have received God’s love, we also reflect his love. As God’s children, we are empowered to love others with the same selfless, sacrificial love, becoming living testimonies of His grace. Encourage your people to allow God’s love to overflow into their relationships, leading others out of fear and into faith.

Maybe you have thought of “religion” as trying hard to live up to the Bible’s teachings, and it has left you stuck and frustrated. You wish you were a better person. But you still lose control and make mistakes you're ashamed of. The good news of Jesus brings us joy, because Jesus, our King, lived the life we should have lived, died the death we should have died, and took our penalty for us so we can be part of God’s everlasting, unshakeable kingdom. With Jesus as our King! So let’s worship Him! Not to get on his good side. But to thank Him for giving us the perfect life!

Life is a race. We have to run it. And like any race, it has its difficulties and agonizing moments. How do we get through them? In a race, you keep your eyes on the finish line. In the race of life, we keep our eyes on Jesus. The sufferings God allows along the way will make us stronger. Our Heavenly Father wants what is best for us, and wants us to finish the race even more than we do! Jesus is the way! Jesus is our finish line! He finished everything for us by running his race to the cross for us. He made it possible for us to experience that joy with Him! Let’s fix our eyes on Jesus!

As the saying goes, there are only two things you can count on in life: death and taxes. No matter how well your life goes or how awful it goes, death is something we all face as human beings. Escape from pain in this life is only temporary. We need something better to look forward to. God is better than anything life gives us or death can take away from us. We have the one thing that can give us what we need: the resurrection of Jesus! Because He lives, we will live! Christianity gives us something more than a story! It gives us an actual person raised from the dead. And He, Jesus, gives us the certainty of resurrection! He is our resurrection!