There’s a reason we call Good Friday “good.” The blood of Jesus wasn’t shed just to cover our sins, but to completely take them away. Not hidden or managed. Totally removed! Paid in full! Never let the weight of the cross become something common to you, because it cost God everything. And thank You God, that’s not the end of the story. What looked like death is about to reveal life. Resurrection Sunday is coming!

Prayer is not meant to be powerless, it’s meant to be effective. When we truly walk with God, pray in faith, and align with His Word and His will, our prayers carry authority. We’re called to live like Jesus did, walking in power, making an impact, and advancing His Kingdom. It starts with knowing Him as Father, approaching Him with reverence, and surrendering our will for His. When our hearts, faith, and prayers line up with Him, we will begin to see mountains move. Scriptures: James 5:16 Luke 10:19 Luke 10:17 John 14:12–14 Mark 11:22–24 John 15:7 1 John 5:14–15 Matthew 6:9–13 Matthew 6:33 Ephesians 3:14–16 Hebrews 5:7 James 4:6 James 4:3 Romans 14:17 Isaiah 48:22 Luke 17:21 1 Corinthians 4:20 Luke 22:42

Pastor Alex taught us how to judge God’s way. As the rise of accusations occur, how and when do we judge? We don’t judge the world. We are called to walk rightly within the body of Christ, carefully, humbly, and in order. God has established authority in the home and the church, and we are only called to judge where we are accountable. Judgement in the Church is meant to lead to repentance and life. Step outside of that, and it leads to confusion. Stay within it, and it brings life. Scriptures: James 4:11-12 Matthew 7:1-5 1 Corinthians 5:9-13 1 Peter 1:17 John 5:22-23 Matthew 25:31-32 John 12:48 1 Timothy 3:4-5 Acts 14:20-23 Matthew 18:15-20 1 Timothy 5:19-21 Deuteronomy 5:20 Deuteronomy 19:15-20 1 Corinthians 11:28-31 Philippians 1:9-10 Romans 12:3-4 James 2:13

Pastor Davidson encouraged us to keep our eyes on Jesus. Every day, there are things that pull and fight for our attention. When Martha had Jesus in her own house, the Word tells us she was distracted and worried about many things. How many times has Jesus tried to encounter us, yet we are caught up in the hustle and bustle of every day life? We can’t let distractions steal our focus. God often uses small trials to prepare us for bigger moments. Like Peter stepping out of the boat, faith requires us to keep our eyes on Jesus even when the winds and waves rise. When we stay focused, prayerful, and filled with the Spirit, God equips us to stand in every storm and walk in the purpose He’s prepared for us. Keep your faith, don’t be distracted, and know that He desires to spend time with you. Scriptures: 1 Samuel 17:34–35 Matthew 14:22–33 Ephesians 6:10–11 Matthew 25:3–4 Hebrews 11:6 Hebrews 12:2 Luke 10:38–42 Matthew 6:7 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18 James 1:2–6

Pastor Alex asked us a question to wrap up our series - how can an unrighteous person stand before a righteous God? The Gospel reveals that righteousness is not something we earn, it’s something we receive through faith in Jesus Christ. Because of the cross, a divine exchange took place: our sin for His righteousness. We are justified, declared not guilty, not because of our works, but because of what Christ’s finished work on the cross. Through saving grace, receiving this grace also transforms us. We are saved by grace through faith, and that same faith begins to produce fruit in our lives. Be set free from the yoke of working for your salvation, the burden of comparison, and enter into His grace and mercy. From there, our works begin to be acts of worship. Scriptures: Romans 3:21–28 Romans 5:1 2 Corinthians 5:21 Galatians 2:16 Ephesians 2:8–10 James 2:17 Titus 2:11–12 Matthew 5:14–16 Micah 6:8 Romans 6:1–2 John 14:15

This Sunday, Pastor Alex reminded us as we continued on our series of righteousness that it’s easy to compare ourselves to others, to justify ourselves, and think that we're good enough. Self-righteousness says, “I’m not that bad.” The Gospel says, “I’m spiritually bankrupt without Him.” Humility opens the door to righteousness. Grace meets us when we stop comparing and start confessing. The cross still matters and it must move us to a place of humility and repentance. The truth is, none of our works are close to God's holiness and righteousness. He is the only One who is good. Scriptures: Romans 3:10, 23 Psalm 51:5 Jeremiah 17:9 Isaiah 64:6 Luke 18:9–14 Proverbs 12:1 1 John 1:8 James 4:6

Pastor Alex showed us when we define righteousness ourselves, we drift into pride or despair. What we really need to do is allow God to define righteousness, and look to Him for the standard. In a culture that constantly redefines truth, even in the church, righteousness is not measured by people, but by God’s unchanging character. Righteousness doesn’t change because God doesn’t change. He doesn’t pursue righteousness, He is righteous. His holiness is the standard, and His ways are always just. When we compare ourselves to others, we miss it. When we look to God as the standard for righteousness, we realize our need for God. Our righteousness will never be enough, but Jesus offers an exchange: His for ours. Let’s not compare ourselves to others. Let’s look to Him. Scriptures: Deuteronomy 32:4 Psalm 11:7 Isaiah 6:1–3 Numbers 23:19 Titus 1:2 Matthew 5:6