This week we talked about baptism—what it is, why it matters, and why it’s such an important step for followers of Jesus. In Acts 2, we see that when people believed the Gospel, they didn’t wait years to respond—they believed and were baptized as a public and obedient step of devotion to God. Baptism doesn’t save us, but it shows something has already happened inside of us. It is an outward expression of an inward transformation—a way of saying, “My life belongs to Jesus now.”

A new beginning can be so exciting. The thrill and adventure that come along with them. But the adventure of something new also needs an understanding and a plan for what comes next. When we trust in Jesus, we begin a new life— but a new life requires new priorities. In Acts 2, the first believers didn’t just believe differently; they lived differently. They chose devotions that helped them stay deeply connected to God. When we begin a new life with Jesus, EVERYTHING changes. So how do we embrace new devotions to deepen our connection with a personal God?

As we step into a new year, it’s natural to think about change—new habits, new goals, new desires. But Scripture reminds us that lasting change requires more that new years resolutions.

In Acts 2, we see people who encountered the truth about Jesus and were confronted with a powerful question: “What should we do?” Their lives were changed not just because God is able, but because they were willing. This passage shows us that while we don’t control every outcome, we do choose our beliefs, our actions, and our devotions.

Over the next month, we will discover what it means to live fully devoted to Jesus and how a different tomorrow requires different devotions today.

One of the hardest things we ever learn as Christ followers is waiting on God. Yet it is one of the Lord’s favorite tools to purify our desires and to mature in our faith. Today we will look at a rarely talked about part of the Christmas story, but one that has so much to draw from to help us in our times of waiting.

When people met Jesus and realized that he was the Messiah, their lives were forever changed. The title “Messiah” literally means the “anointed one” or the “chosen one” sent by God to bring liberation. The title “Christ” also means the same.

The good news is that it is still the same today as it was 2000 years ago. When people today come to realize that Jesus is indeed the Messiah who sets them free from the penalty of sin, death and evil, their faith in him enables them to begin a new life with Christ - having received his forgiveness and the power of a new birth.

God’s mission is still in effect and followers of Jesus are still the ones to bring hope to our world. This week we will take a very hands-on and practical approach to applying the message. In Acts 1:8, Jesus said, “You will be my witnesses….” While we’re not all called to be evangelists, every Christian is called to share the Good News of Jesus.

How many hours have you spent searching for that perfect Christmas present for the ones you love? Constantly seeing options, and constantly questioning which one is the right option. Hoping and waiting for that perfect gift to make itself known to you. Much like that, we are constantly searching in our lives. Throughout every season of life, people are searching—searching for purpose, peace, direction, hope, or the “one thing” they feel is missing. In the same way, throughout generations the people of God were waiting and searching for one thing above all else: the Messiah — the anointed one sent by God to save the world. They waited through seasons of struggle, despair, sin, and joy looking for the One who would bring salvation and restoration. The Christmas story reveals to the world that Jesus is what the world has been waiting for. He is that Messiah, the Christ, the One sent to bring light, new life, and the presence of God into the world. The Gospels show us not only what Jesus did, but what He still does in the lives of those who encounter Him.

Hello and welcome to Episode 2 of the Dwelling Place with Pastor Kristine Ashley.

On today's episode, we welcome a very special guest, Laura Littleton, as we discuss her journey and the heart of worship.

We hope this episode is a blessing to you, and we are so excited to continue this journey with you all!