What if the most powerful force for cultural transformation isn't found in political movements or social revolutions, but in something as simple as yeast in bread dough? This exploration of Matthew 13:33 reveals a stunning truth: the kingdom of God operates like yeast—small, seemingly insignificant, yet absolutely unstoppable once it's introduced into the culture around us. We're reminded that ideas have power, that beliefs shape civilizations, and that the gospel we carry within us is more potent than any ideology the world can manufacture. The imagery is both homey and revolutionary: just as a woman mixing yeast into sixty pounds of flour begins an inevitable process that will transform the entire batch, so too does the gospel work its way through families, communities, and nations. We're challenged to recognize that we aren't called to hide from culture or fearfully protect ourselves from contamination, but rather to confidently enter the mix as carriers of Christ's transforming presence. The call is clear: think big but act small—invite a neighbor to dinner, start a co-op, serve on one board, counsel one person. These seemingly small acts, when infused with kingdom prayer and gospel truth, become the starter for generational transformation. We're not just maintaining a religious subculture; we're baking the character of Christ into every sphere of society, trusting that what seems hidden now will one day be fully revealed.

In Week 2 of Legacy, Pastor Jack invites us into a profound understanding of the Kingdom of God through Jesus' parable in Luke 19. We discover that the gospel is far more expansive than personal salvation alone—it encompasses God's redemptive plan for all of creation. The parable reveals three crucial truths: the culture we're called to develop, the expectations we must manage, and the responsibility we bear as kingdom citizens. We learn that from the very beginning, God declared His creation 'very good' and commissioned humanity to cultivate and develop it. Though sin brought a curse that affected families, work, and all of creation, Jesus came as the seed of redemption to reverse that curse. The nobleman in the parable represents Christ, who has been made King but whose return is delayed, leaving us in an 'already but not yet' reality. During this time, we live in a world that actively resists His rule, yet we've been entrusted with the King's resources to expand His influence. The sobering lesson from the servants teaches us that whatever we don't invest for God is wasted—protection of assets isn't the kingdom mission. We're called to take ground, redeem culture, and build a legacy that will outlast us. This isn't about maintaining buildings or preserving comfort; it's about winning souls, blessing cities, and advancing God's will on earth as it is in heaven. The question we face isn't whether we'll fail in our attempts, but whether we'll fail by never attempting at all.

In week 1 of our Fall Giving Campaign series "Legacy", Pastor Jack confronts us with a fundamental truth drawn from Galatians 6:7-9: we reap what we sow, not just in our individual lives but in the culture we create together. In this sermon we explore how every decision we make today—whether we sow to our flesh or to the Spirit—shapes who we'll become five years from now. We're reminded that culture itself is never neutral; it's either oriented toward God or toward idolatry. The apostle Paul's vivid contrast between the acts of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit becomes a mirror for examining not only our personal character but the trajectory of our entire society. Just as farmers in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, don't create a wheat field when they harvest it but when they plant it, we're creating our future—and our children's future—right now through seemingly small choices. If our faith only matters on Sunday mornings, it's become completely irrelevant to the world around us. We're invited to think generationally, to break up unplowed ground in our hearts, and to commit to the long obedience of transforming our communities through the seed of God's Word planted in well-cultivated soil.

In our journey of faith, we often face challenges that test our resolve. In our final week of Elect Exiles, Pastor Mike reminds us of three crucial elements for finishing strong in our faith: release, resistance, and restoration. We're called to cast all our cares upon God, acknowledging His deep love for us. This act of release isn't just about letting go of a few worries, but about entrusting every aspect of our lives to Him. As we navigate this world, we must also be alert and sober-minded, resisting the enemy who seeks to devour us. This spiritual battle requires us to stand firm in our faith, drawing strength from the global community of believers who face similar trials. Finally, we're promised restoration by the God of all grace. Though we may suffer for a while, He Himself will make us strong, firm, and steadfast. This message encourages us to persevere, reminding us that our current struggles are temporary in light of the eternal glory that awaits us in Christ.

In week 5 of Elect Exiles we're called to live with alert and sober minds, ready for Christ's return. This isn't about fear, but about living with purpose and expectancy. We're challenged to pray more fervently, love more deeply, and serve more faithfully in light of eternity. We're tasked with connecting our present actions to our eternal hope, in order to encourage us to see beyond the temporary struggles of this world. It's a call to live intentionally, using our God-given gifts to build up the body of Christ and impact the world around us. As we reflect on this, let's ask ourselves: How are we using our time and talents in light of Christ's imminent return?

In Week 4 of Elect Exiles we're challenged to examine how we serve the Lord wherever He sends us. We're reminded that as believers, we're called to submit to authorities, both in the land that we live in and in our homes, not out of weakness, but as a demonstration of our faith. This submission, however, doesn't guarantee an easy path; We may face suffering, but we're encouraged to endure it with grace, following Christ's example. This journey of submission, suffering, and surrender isn't just about personal growth—it's about reflecting Christ's love to a watching world, potentially silencing critics through our good deeds and steadfast faith.

In Week 3 of Elect Exiles, we're reminded of our incredible identity as God's chosen people. Drawing from 1 Peter 2:9-10, we explore what it means to be 'a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's special possession.' This isn't just flowery language – it's a profound truth that should shape how we see ourselves and our purpose in this world. Just as a common pair of glasses becomes priceless when owned by someone significant like Abraham Lincoln, we too gain immeasurable value through our relationship with God. We're called to embrace this identity, understanding that we've been set apart for a sacred purpose. This message challenges us to live out our faith not just in church, but in every aspect of our lives – at work, in our relationships, and in our daily decisions. It's a call to recognize that everything we do can be an act of worship, a 'spiritual sacrifice' offered to God. As we grasp this truth, we're encouraged to live with a new sense of purpose and dignity, knowing that we belong to God and are part of His grand plan for the world.

In this weeks sermon, we're challenged to embrace our identity as God's chosen people. The central message revolves around 1 Peter 1:15-16, urging us to 'be holy, because I am holy.' This isn't just a lofty ideal; it's a call to action for every believer. We're reminded that holiness isn't about isolation from the world, but about living distinctly within it. As we navigate our lives as 'elect exiles,' we're encouraged to stay alert, love sincerely and crave God's Word. This message compels us to reflect on our daily choices and how they align with our calling to be holy; It's a journey of transformation, urging us to live out our faith in ways that make the world curious about the hope we possess.

Welcome to our first week of our new series: Elect Exiles. In Week 1, we're reminded that as Christians, we are both 'elect' and 'exiles' in this world. Drawing from 1 Peter, we explore how this paradox shapes our identity and purpose. The key lesson is that while we may face trials and persecution, we can find joy in God's eternal plan for us. As elect exiles, we're called to live holy lives, even when it means standing apart from the world. The resurrection of Jesus is presented as the foundation of our genuine faith, giving us an unshakeable hope. This message challenges us to examine whether we've truly been 'born again' and to respond to God's call with courage. It's a stirring reminder that our faith shields us through God's power, not our own strength, encouraging us to stand firm in our beliefs despite life's ups and downs.

In this week's sermon, we delve into the profound truth that our earthly bodies are temporary 'tents,' while our eternal souls are destined for glorified 'buildings' in heaven. Drawing from 2 Corinthians 5, we're reminded that life in these bodies can be tough and temporary, often causing us to groan. Yet, as believers, we're called to live with unshakable confidence, knowing that God is fashioning us for eternity. This message challenges us to shift our perspective from the visible to the invisible, living by faith rather than sight. It's a call to embrace our dual nature - body and spirit - and to understand that while our outer selves may be wasting away, our inner selves are being renewed daily. How might this understanding transform the way we view our struggles and shape our priorities? Let's consider how we can live purposefully, making it our goal to please God in everything we do, knowing that one day we'll stand before Christ's judgment seat.

In this powerful message, we're challenged to confront the reality of sin and embrace the transformative power of forgiveness. The central theme revolves around the Apostles' Creed's declaration of 'the forgiveness of sins,' reminding us that forgiveness is where our faith becomes lived freedom. Through the story of the Prodigal Son, we're shown a vivid picture of God's relentless love and readiness to forgive. This parable illustrates how God eagerly awaits our return, no matter how far we've strayed. The message emphasizes that true forgiveness isn't just about feeling forgiven, but about an inner transformation that empowers us to forgive others. We're encouraged to release the burdens of unforgiveness, recognizing that holding onto past hurts often hurts us more than those who wronged us. This teaching invites us to experience the liberating power of both receiving God's forgiveness and extending it to others, ultimately leading to a more authentic and joyful faith journey.

In this exploration of the church's identity and mission, we delve into Matthew 16:15-19, where Jesus declares He will build His church. This passage reveals the supernatural nature of the church as God's called-out people. We're reminded that we're not just individuals seeking personal salvation, but living stones being built together into a spiritual house. The church isn't just a building or denomination, but a universal body of believers spanning heaven and earth. As members of this holy community, we're called out of the world to pursue holiness, called to belong to one another in genuine fellowship, and called for a divine mission. This mission involves bringing the kingdom of God to earth, using the keys of authority Christ has given us. We're challenged to see every aspect of our lives - from family to business to government - as an opportunity to represent our King and unlock the gates of hell, setting captives free with the gospel's power.