Introduction Weekend celebration: ~3,000 participants graduating from the 10-week “Rooted” discipleship experience at Lake Pointe. Upcoming evangelistic weekend: “Christmas at the Movies,” Nov 29–30, designed for guests far from God. CS Lewis’s fictional dialogue in hell: the most effective lie is “There is no hurry.” Transition to Acts 24: the Apostle Paul on trial before Governor Felix and his wife Drusilla—powerful, elite, yet spiritually undecided. ...

Main Topics Hebrews 12:1-2 – running our race, Jesus’ present ministry, and “passing the baton” to the young The Great Awakening’s role in America’s birth; historic revivals led by 20-somethings A fresh “rapture theory”: Paul’s “harpazō” experience (2 Cor 12) as template for 1 Th 4 Who wrote Hebrews? – strongest cases for Apollos vs. Paul; why Priscilla is unlikely Jesus now: bodily enthroned, advocating as our defense attorney (1 Jn 2:1-2) Calling the under-30 crowd: kill distraction, capture a God-sized vision, find mentors ...

Introduction The study opened with light conversation on New-Year resolutions, “trying” vs. “doing,” and how mere intention quickly fades. Tonight’s focus: James 2 : 14 - 26, presented as the “apex” of James—everything before it points forward and everything after it looks back. Goal: allow the passage to “penetrate marrow,” producing conviction and action rather than mere agreement. ...

Introduction Pastor opens by honoring students who led worship, remembering his own first preaching opportunity. Announces “Christmas at the Movies” (Nov 29–30) designed for evangelism. Sets tone: Today’s shorter message focuses on what will matter when believers are “hugging Jesus”—handing down the faith. ...

Introduction A free-flowing discussion (Carlos Erazo, Ps. Josh Howerton, Ps. Paul, and team) covering: The church’s prophetic role (“word”) How to read current events in light of biblical prophecy Practical readiness for Christ’s return A biblical critique of socialism vs. gospel generosity ...

Introduction Recap of James 1: external trials require internal, Spirit-formed responses (“listen and do,” “quick to listen, slow to anger”). Transition: James now moves from the general (chapter 1) to specific conduct issues—first up, favoritism in the church. ...

Introduction Pastor begins with lighthearted remarks about arriving “disheveled” after family soccer and cheer events, then quickly shifts: no sleepy listeners—today is about the return of Jesus. Series theme: “Run to Win” (1 Cor 9)—races have a finish line; believers must live in view of the end. Hide-and-seek illustration with his children: escalating count and the shout “Ready or not, here I come!” parallels Christ’s escalating signs and certain return. ...

Introduction The group reviewed Pastor Ernest’s sermon on Naaman (2 Kings 5), discussed pride and humility, addressed whether Christians should take part in Halloween, and considered Islam’s theological and political claims in light of Scripture and current events (New York mayoral race, Nigerian persecution). ...

Introduction Ice-breaker question: “Which is harder to deal with—trials or temptations?” The group used personal experience to compare the two and set the stage for studying James 1:12-15. ...

Introduction Guest preacher: Ernest Smith, Lead Pastor of Front Range Church (Castle Rock, CO), a Lake Pointe church-plant (2013). Ernest recounts Lake Pointe’s partnership, highlighting the Strategic Launch Network and personal support from Pastors Steve & Josh. Sets the stage by confessing a lifelong struggle with comparison and the cultural pressure to “be successful.” Central tension: God’s definition of success vs. our drive for status, wealth, and control. ...