Church in the Valley - Ontario Ranch Campus

For us to live the new story that a new life with Jesus brings—we have to recognize choices we make that create real obstacles for us, and also to stop certain ways of thinking and patterns that keep derailing our progress in life.

Jesus is the Author of our faith and rewrites our life story as we trust in Him.

We will look at how we can THRIVE in the opportunities God brings this year.

My identity in Christ shapes the way I handle leadership. If I handle leadership from God’s angle, I choose humility that shows up in the way I shepherd the people under me

If we identify with Christ, we may suffer for it, but our response is an opportunity to share our faith and apply it at the same time.

My number one concern in the way I relate to authority is God’s reputation. If I stay under the umbrella of authority by obeying government (unless opposed to God’s law) and at work, I do well and God’s purpose is accomplished.

As we come to Christ, we are being built into a spiritual house. This changes the entire purpose and focus of my life – taking it off of me and aiming to please God by the way I live

The truth of my identity in Christ should prepare my mind for action, to respond to the challenges to my faith that arise in this life.

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

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.

There is blessing in hearing and doing God's word.

Trusting in God is the key to a blessed life.

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.

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.

The mission of God is too great for us to accomplish by ourselves. In order to be a part of something greater than yourself you need to push past the “me first” approach to life.

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.

So much of life day to day is unpredictable for us. Our perspective from where we are standing has limitations that bring emotional responses and these responses threaten to rob us of the joy of life today.