This sermon explores what authentic Christian spiritual growth looks like, emphasizing that spiritual formation is primarily an inside-out transformation rather than external religious performance. Using Jesus' teaching from John 15 about the vine and branches, Pastor Mike explains that bearing fruit comes from remaining connected to Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit. The message challenges the tendency to reduce discipleship to a formula or checklist, instead presenting it as a dynamic relationship where believers grow in dependence on Christ. True spiritual maturity is not about achieving independence from God but about increasing reliance on Him, allowing the Holy Spirit to transform hearts from within so that Christ-like fruit naturally emerges in believers' lives.  Read More

Mike emphasizes the importance of staying connected to Jesus to produce fruit in one’s life, likening this connection to allowing Jesus to be the King rather than trying to be rulers of our own lives. The sermon stresses the simplicity of the message—remaining in Jesus by letting Him be the provider and protector, rather than overcomplicating faith with religious striving. The call is for believers to surrender their crowns, or self-rule, and follow Jesus wholeheartedly, trusting Him to transform their lives. The message is ultimately about embracing the peace and freedom that come from staying connected to Jesus and allowing His life to come alive within us. The sermon concludes with a prayer and a call to go forth in grace and peace.  Read More

Pastor Josh concludes the “I Believe” series by exploring the final line of the Apostle’s Creed: “I believe in the resurrection of the body and the life everlasting.” He reminds us that Christianity isn’t about escaping this world—it’s about God restoring it. Through the story of creation, fall, redemption, resurrection, and restoration, Josh highlights that our ultimate hope is not in temporary things like jobs, relationships, or abilities, but in the living hope of Jesus Christ. This hope is grounded in His resurrection, alive in us through His Spirit, and points forward to the restoration of all things.  Read More

Pastor Mike reminds the church that followers of Jesus are united across all cultures, languages, and histories as one body under Christ. Drawing from Ephesians 4 and his experience worshiping in Kenya, he illustrates the beauty and power of a global, diverse church that reflects God’s kingdom. The Apostle Paul’s message to the early church still applies today: our differences are not threats but testimonies of the gospel’s unifying power. Jesus’s design for His church was always global, diverse, and redemptive—His plan A for revealing His kingdom on earth.  Read More

SummaryIn this message, Pastor Erica explores the meaning and power of Jesus’ ascension—an often-overlooked but essential part of the gospel story. Using The Lion King as an illustration of remembering one’s true identity, she connects Mufasa’s “remember who you are” to our call to remember who we are in Christ. Through Scripture, particularly Ephesians 2, she explains that when Jesus ascended, we...  Read More

This message reminds us of the central claim of Christianity: that Jesus rose from the dead, conquering sin and death. Death is the unavoidable equalizer for every human being, and without hope beyond it, life becomes anxious, empty, and meaningless. While the world offers explanations that fall short, the resurrection of Jesus provides a framework of real hope, freedom from fear, and assurance of eternal life. The evidence—an empty tomb, eyewitness accounts, the bold transformation of the disciples, and the rapid growth of the church—points us toward the truth that Jesus truly is alive, and this truth changes everything.  Read More

The cross is one of the most recognizable symbols in the world, yet its meaning has been misunderstood, misused, and rebranded throughout history. Scripture teaches us that the true story of the cross is central to Christianity: Jesus took our place, paid the price for our sin, reconciled us to God and one another, and triumphed over the enemy. Without the cross, there is no Christianity—because it is at the cross that guilt is removed, shame is lifted, hostility is broken, and victory is secured.  Read More

In this powerful exploration of the incarnation, we delve into the profound truth that God became flesh in Jesus Christ. The message centers on three key aspects: God's rescue, His desire for relationship, and His plan for renewal. We're reminded that Jesus is both fully God and fully human, making Him uniquely qualified to save us and represent us. The incarnation isn't just an abstract concept - it's the answer to our deepest longings. Through Jesus, we see that God doesn't ignore evil but confronts it on our behalf. This truth allows us to acknowledge our anger at injustice without being consumed by it. Moreover, we're invited into an intimate relationship with the Creator of the universe, who knows us fully and loves us completely. As we embrace this love, we're empowered to extend it to others, creating a community bound by Christ's love. The message culminates with the hope of renewal, assuring us that our story doesn't end in chaos, but in restoration. How might this understanding of God's incarnate love transform our daily lives and interactions?  Read More

In this powerful exploration of faith, we delve into the Apostles' Creed, focusing on its opening line: 'I believe in God, the Father Almighty, creator of heaven and earth.' We're challenged to examine what we truly believe about God and how those beliefs shape every aspect of our lives. The sermon takes us through Acts 17, where Paul addresses the Athenians about the true nature of God. We're reminded that our God is both almighty and intimately near, knowing the very hairs on our heads. This message encourages us to confront our distorted views of God – whether we see Him as a distant CEO, a cosmic cop, or a vending machine – and embrace the truth of His character. The story of the father in Mark 9 who cries, 'I believe; help my unbelief!' resonates deeply, reminding us that God responds to even our imperfect faith. We're invited to take a step towards trusting God, no matter how small, knowing that faith isn't about perfection but about relationship with a God who is bigger and nearer than we can fathom.  Read More

The message emphasizes that our belief isn't blind, but grounded in historical evidence and personal transformation. As we contemplate the reality of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection, we're called to recognize the profound impact this has on our lives today. The creed reminds us that we're part of a global, universal church - a community of believers spanning time and space. This perspective can reinvigorate our faith and inspire us to live out our beliefs with renewed purpose and conviction.  Read More

Are we running on life's treadmill, constantly busy but never truly progressing? This powerful message invites us to step off and find real rest in Jesus and His community. Drawing from Matthew 11:28-29, we're reminded that Jesus offers us soul-deep rest, not as a drain on our schedules, but as a gift to our weary souls. The imagery of carrying heavy rocks—responsibilities, finances, fears—resonates deeply. But we're not meant to bear these burdens alone. In Christian community, we find a place to share our loads, to be reminded of God's promises, and to experience healing. It's where we trade isolation for belonging, self-reliance for interdependence. As we consider joining a group or reaching out to others, let's remember: we are designed for community, adopted into God's family. By stepping in, showing up, and opening up, we might just find the rest and redemption our souls crave.  Read More

CP YTH Leader Meeting Materials Hi Small Group Leaders! Here are the materials below.  Your screenshot of your commitment to our Lifestyle Expectations Agreement is due before August 27th (found in the CP YTH Small Group Leader Guide on page 12).Find everything else you'll need for our Leader Meeting and the semester below. Thanks for serving with us this year!...  Read More