Pastor Simon emphasizes that the ultimate goal of community is to glorify God and draw the world to the knowledge of Yeshua as the Messiah and Savior.

Just as the early church faced a conflict between Jewish and Gentile believers over the issue of legalism that threatened to divide the church… we too must remember that salvation is by grace through faith in Yeshua alone, not by works or adherence to the Mosaic law.

God desires unity among believers, not division caused by legalistic attitudes.  Believers should not judge or burden one another over matters of personal conviction or preference in worship.

Pastor Michael provides several practical ways to increase our faith and then concludes by encouraging the us to pray for God to increase our faith, as this unlocks His power in our lives.

Pastor Michael provides a biblical solution to overcome worry, using an acrostic (STOP IT):

Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness
Turn immediately to God in prayer
Own those worries no more by casting them upon God
Ponder the things that are true and good
Initiate positive actions
Take it one day at a time

As believers we must put on the full armor of God, as described in Ephesians 6; including the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, the readiness of the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit (the Word of God). These spiritual weapons and tools are not to be played with, but to be used effectively in the battle, empowered by the fruit of the Spirit.

Jesus is more interested in how we live our lives than the words we say about our commitment to Him.  Truly following Jesus requires denying ourselves, taking up our crosses daily, and surrendering ALL of ourselves to Him.

Israel had hardened their hearts against God, leading him to allow their exile and destruction as a form of correction. Despite their exile and judgment, though… through Ezekiel God promises to one day restore them to their land, and breathe new life into them through His Spirit.

Pastor Simon encourages us to have a soft, responsive heart towards God, to receive His discipline as an act of love, and to hold onto the hope of God's restoration and revival... even in the midst of difficult circumstances.

Restoration is a gradual process through which we must unlearn old habits and develop new ones.  We need to remember what God has forgiven... and forget what He has told us to forget... rather than dwelling on past failures.

Nobody is beyond God's redemptive power, and failure can be a stepping stone to growth and greater usefulness in God's kingdom if it is properly dealt with through repentance, forgiveness, and dependence on God.

Pastor Simon reminds us that we are but humble jars of clay.  We must allow God to use us to reach others with the transformative power of the gospel and seize opportunities to share the gospel within our own sphere of influence.

The Bible frequently mentions people "walking with God," such as Adam and Eve, Enoch, and Noah. God, the Creator of the universe, desires to walk with each of us and have a personal relationship with us. As we walk in obedience and relationship with God, we will be transformed to become more like Christ. 

Pastor Michael encourages us to choose the narrow path, the true teaching, the authentic faith, and the firm foundation of Christ,,, rather than the wide road, the false teaching, the lip service, and the faulty foundations of the world.

Pastor Simon encourages us to embrace the call to community, to repent where we have fallen short, and to actively participate in building the kind of Christ-centered, others-focused relationships that reflect the heart of God. While this requires humility, wisdom, and a willingness to die to self for the sake of the greater good; it is so that we can be the community that God desires us to be - a community that glorifies the Son as Messiah and Savior of the world.

By cultivating faithfulness in our lives and communities, we can experience the true joy and fulfillment that comes from pleasing God and walking in His ways. This requires a shift in perspective, from focusing on our own wants and needs to seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness.

The key to gaining God's perspective and living in the right-side-up
Kingdom is to submit to God in humility, acknowledge our need for His help, allowing God's Word to shape our worldview, and relying on the power of the Holy Spirit to empower us to live out the fruits of the Spirit.

As we embrace this transformation, we can become ambassadors of Christ, representing His kingdom and perspective to a world that is upside down.

Pastor Michael calls us to rededicate ourselves as "temples of the Holy Spirit" and to let the light of Yeshua shine through us... just as the Hanukkah candles are lit to commemorate the rededication of the temple.

Remembering God's faithfulness and promises to never leave or forsake us should encourage us to trust Him fully, even in the midst of life's challenges. Our call is to live as a joyful, thankful, and rooted people… standing in contrast to the world's despair and offering the hope found in Christ.

Pastor Michael challenges us to wholeheartedly embrace this new beginning and the better story that God wants to write for our lives… and by doing so, we can experience the transformation, fulfillment, and purpose that God has in store.

Pastor Simon reminds us that God desires for us to passionately pursue and know Him, not just do things for Him. When we put God first and seek His kingdom, He promises to provide for our needs and add the other things we require.

Pastor Michael teaches that we must be willing to take holy risks and live out that purpose, even when it may be difficult or unpopular. Being persuaded of God's purpose, we must prepare ourselves, be proactive in living it out, trust in His timing and providence, and boldly proclaim our identity as His children. By doing so, we can fulfill the unique role God has for us "for such a time as this."

Pastor Simon reminds us that we must decrease so that Christ may increase, putting Him at the center of our lives and ministries. While we wait for His return, this is a time of purification and sanctification where we allow the Holy Spirit to uproot anything in us that is not pleasing to God. The ultimate goal is to be ready to meet the returning King, living lives that glorify and exalt the name of Jesus.

Pastor Simon encourages us to recognize this is a season of preparation where we must allow God to refine us, revealing and removing anything that hinders our relationship with Him.

Yeshua’s triumphal entry on a donkey symbolizes the fusion of the old and new covenants, His dominion over the material world, and the reconnection of heaven and earth. The palms and cloaks represent Israel's recognition of Yeshua as their promised King, and their submission to him.

Yeshua's kingdom is not of this world, but it is for this world, advancing through truth, love, and the power of the Holy Spirit.

Pastor Gavenski encourages us that as a community of believers, we should be actively inviting our friends, neighbors, and family members to come and experience the love and power of Jesus, especially during this season of celebration and reflection.

The resurrection is presented as the fulfillment of God's appointed times and feasts, the guarantee of the future resurrection of all believers, and the beginning of a new creation. We should respond with covenant faithfulness, living as resurrected people with transformed hearts and lives… fully embracing the power and significance of the resurrection, and living accordingly as part of God's harvest.

Believers must be vigilant against the spirit of pride and the deception that is driving anti-Semitism, and they must be willing to confront and expose these lies with the truth of God's word.

As God finishes what He has started, we should roll up our sleeves, serve our neighbors, and live the gospel — all to His glory.