Today Pastor Kevin is returning to "The Gospel Project".  As we examine a few of the New Testament epistles before reaching the Book of Revelation, we will learn how we are to live today in light of our future.  First up in this session from 1 Thessalonians, we will see the importance of living with Christian hope--a hope that looks forward to the resurrection, Christ's return, and the final judgement.  When Jesus returns, He will raise His people from the dead and judge the wicked.  This future gives us hope to endure whatever comes our way today and also the grounds to encourage one another for faithful living.

Today we are welcoming Carlos Sales as guest speaker. Valley Bible has an ongoing partnership with Pastor Carlos and his Reaching the Hungry ministry, but this is his first time speaking at Valley.  Pastor Carlos will be teaching from the Book of Philemon.  As we explore the letter of Philemon, don't miss Paul's strategy for establishing Christian unity.  A slave himself, Paul urged Philemon to consider love-not law, duty, or obligation. His instruction to receive Onesimus as a brother, not a slave, challenges us to evaluate our pride and align our perspectives of others with Christ's perspective.  In doing so, Paul will help us reflect on the racial, radical, and redemptive reconciliation Christ offers.

As we explore Philippians, remember that Paul wrote these joyful words form prison. We will see the reason Paul could be joyful was because he could look past his circumstances-past any pain and hardship he was experiencing in that moment-and know the Gospel was advancing. Hearing that Jesus Christ was being glorified and knowing other believers were standing firm in their faith filled the apostle with joy. Paul found deep joy in Christ shining in and through his life. We will also see that knowing Christ would shine through his death gave him joy as well.

Today Pastor Kevin is returning to "The Gospel Project".  In today's message, we will trace Paul's experience in Jerusalem, when he was judged for his resurrection hope, strengthened by Christ's presence in prison, and preserved through a surprising plot twist.  We will see that even in prison, God was faithful to provide for Paul and to lead His servant to be used where and how He desired.  We will be encouraged to imitate the apostle's boldness, courage, and conviction as we ask God to give us the same faith and fortitude to surrender our lives to the Christ who surrendered His life for us.  Like Paul, we will see that resurrection hope gives God's people confidence to share the Gospel no matter the consequences.

Today we begin a 3-week series on HABITS.  In today's message Pastor Kevin talks about how change isn’t easy, but it isn’t impossible, either.  Your future self is a result of the decisions you make each day.  Starting a few small good Habits can change how you see yourself today and transform you into the person you want to be tomorrow.

Today we are welcoming back someone who has spoken before here at Valley, Dave Metzger.  Pastor Dave is our guest speaker today.  He will be teaching in Nehemiah Chapter 3.  The book of Nehemiah is a gift dropped from heaven so that we could gain a glimpse of how God graciously worked among His people in the post-exilic era.  The situation was desperate.  The former nation of Israel was shattered into shambles ready to join a host of other nations in the archives of ancient history.  Since the time of Nehemiah, decades had passed since their capital was captured, burnt down and people deported.  The Promised Land was resettled with the poorest Israelites and a mix of immigrants.  Hope for the nation only remained in the copy of the old ancient scriptures.  The Book of Nehemiah speaks about one solitary spark through which the Lord relit a flame of hope for the future of Israel which otherwise would have been snuffed out.  One has to understand when we talk about Nehemiah’s rebuilding a wall, that the wall was least critical in the rebuilding of a nation dedicated to God’s purposes.

Lighting a candle is a simple yet profound act.  It is a testimony to the power of light over darkness.  As we light this fourth candle of Advent, we continue our journey to Christmas.  The fourth candle of Advent is called the Peace candle; as we anticipate Christmas, let us remember the birth of the Prince of Peace.  Let us remember our need for a Savior to save us from our sins, and give us peace with God.

Last Sunday we lit the candle of Hope, remembering the hope which comes in Christ. Today we light the second candle of Advent, the candle of Love.  Scripture tells us “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God." 1 John 4:7 (ESV)  If you want to know how to love one another, look at the love that sent Jesus to earth to live a life of love and pay the price for all of our sins.  It's all about love. This isn't a love of fancy words and impossible tasks.  This is a love that says, "I am willing to love you no matter what."

In today's message, Pastor Kevin will be teaching from Psalm 111.  He will be reading from the NIV translation.  In this hymn, the psalmist exhorts others and resolves himself to praise the Lord, because of His mighty works.   We have much to be thankful for as Pastor Kevin will point out in today's lesson.