Church in the Valley Alhambra

Peter gives the church members a new way of viewing themselves, as “elect exiles", to understand our identity in Christ is crucial for handling any pressure and persecution we experience and to move forward to fulfill God’s purpose in the different arenas of life.

Rapid numerical growth was a phenomenon of the early church. As more people got involved and committed, the ministry expanded.

For people to stick in our church, they need relationships and responsibilities to feel connected and a part of the mission.

We aren’t content if we are a Christ follower until we connect, because connecting and contributing is part of God's plan.

When we chose God as our portion, it moves us towards completion in Christ and a full life.

God wants us to face the future with faith and promises to guide us.

Jesus is the light of the world that can't be overcome by darkness!

We can be gracious to others because we have been freed from sin and guilt by Jesus’ life and death on the cross and Christmas is a time of gracious generosity because of God’s grace given to us in His Son.

We will see God’s heart for people and trace the roots of joy to His promises to draw on His joy so they can trade their gloom and anguish for joy.

Teaming together helps us push past "me first" to be part of something greater than myself.

Team colors point to a team and an identity. What visible thing identifies us as members of God's team?

Those who have decided to follow Jesus and be on God's team, gives us a glimpse of what God values and of the great parade to come.

There is power in gathering together. When we team together, life get's more real and God is more involved.

We have been created not just to take up space, consume resources and pass time. There is an important role for us to play in what God is doing in this world. The work of God advances not as individuals do good deeds but as they team together to do God’s work.

It can be difficult to keep building your life around God’s priorities. We look all around and it seems like God’s path to success is so different from the world’s path to success. We’re tempted to step outside of God’s boundaries, push ahead so that we don’t miss out on the good stuff.

Illnesses (in us or those close to us) present a situation that raises uncertainty to a whole new level. We can have peace even in sickness if we humble ourselves before the Lord and keep looking to Him to sustain us.

The intimidation of the world and our enemies can create fear and keep us from seeking God. Psalm 3 helps us remember that God is sovereignly ruling even where this is opposition.

Our location and circumstances do not have to be perfect for growth. The distractions are all around us and the growing conditions almost always appear less than perfect.

God shows us how to know Him and find the purpose for which we were made.

God loves His people despite their sins and faults. God is faithful despite our unfaithfulness. We ought to view and treat people the way God does. Obedience to God (great commandment) and love for people (great commission) is fuel for the mission.

We are to build up God's kingdom instead of seeking comfort by chasing and building up our own dream home or life. Instead, prioritize the eternal above the perishable.

The mission requires resources/ God has already provided the resources necessary, but they’re under the stewardship of His people. God “built-in” the necessity for His followers to sacrifice, trust, and obey Him.

Our role in the mission is to be faithful, even if things looks bleak. Faith is the mark of a good soldier.

God’s love is equally spread, and His heart equally broken when people are lost. He cares about the entire world, even people far from Him.

The Necessary Things is our decision to be a disciple of Jesus. It is not something that you drift into.