Pearlside Church | Main Campus

In life, we will face opposition even while we walk in God’s purpose. As the young disciple Stephen was preaching and performing miracles, he faced opposition from the religious leaders who rejected Jesus. The opposition was so fierce that the angry mob ended up stoning him to death. Yet, amid their anger and hatred, Stephen was able to endure with faith and even prayed for those who were persecuting him.

In life, we will face opposition even while we walk in God’s purpose. As the young disciple Stephen was preaching and performing miracles, he faced opposition from the religious leaders who rejected Jesus. The opposition was so fierce that the angry mob ended up stoning him to death. Yet, amid their anger and hatred, Stephen was able to endure with faith and even prayed for those who were persecuting him.

Every one experiences failure at some point in their lives. How we respond to our failure will determine our future. The apostle Peter is an example of this. He publicly denied Jesus three times after declaring that he would never betray Jesus. We can learn three important lessons from Jesus' response that will help us over come the shame and defeat of failure.

In Matthew 6:25-33, God's brilliance is revealed as He designed us to work, rest, relate, worship with gratitude, think and feel, and choose to follow Him. Just as God placed Adam in the garden to work and keep it, He has created us for good works. We are also called to rest, build relationships with Him and others, and offer worship with gratitude. Additionally, we are encouraged to engage our minds and emotions, discerning God's will and choosing to follow Him for salvation.

In life, all of us will experience doubts as it relates to our faith. Doubt often arises from unmet expectations such as unanswered questions, seemingly unfair circumstances, or unresolved hurts. Thomas, one of the disciples, expressed doubt about a resurrected Jesus. Thomas stated that he wouldn't believe unless he saw and touched Jesus' wounds. Jesus eventually revealed himself to Thomas, causing Him to believe. Jesus later emphasized that those who believe without seeing are even more blessed.

In life, all of us will experience doubts as it relates to our faith. Doubt often arises from unmet expectations such as unanswered questions, seemingly unfair circumstances, or unresolved hurts. Thomas, one of the disciples, expressed doubt about a resurrected Jesus. Thomas stated that he wouldn't believe unless he saw and touched Jesus' wounds. Jesus eventually revealed himself to Thomas, causing Him to believe. Jesus later emphasized that those who believe without seeing are even more blessed.

After Jesus' death and burial, His disciples were terrified and hid in fear for their lives. They were afraid of facing. the same persecution Jesus endured for being His followers. Jesus understood their fear and appeared to them while they were hiding in the upper room. Just like the disciples, fear can trap us and prevent us from experiencing God's best for our lives. However, their encounter with Jesus gave them what they needed to overcome fear. A personal encounter with Him can do the same for us.

After Jesus' death and burial, His disciples were terrified and hid in fear for their lives. They were afraid of facing. the same persecution Jesus endured for being His followers. Jesus understood their fear and appeared to them while they were hiding in the upper room. Just like the disciples, fear can trap us and prevent us from experiencing God's best for our lives. However, their encounter with Jesus gave them what they needed to overcome fear. A personal encounter with Him can do the same for us.

When we encounter Jesus, our lives begin to be filled with true purpose and hope. One of Jesus’ first encounters after He rose was appearing to two disciples. Initially, His followers were disappointed and confused when Jesus was killed on the cross. These two disciples did not recognize Jesus until He opened their eyes, resulting in their hearts being filled with hope. In life, we will all face disappointments when God doesn’t do things exactly how we want. But when we meet the risen Christ, our eyes open, filling us with hope.

When we encounter Jesus, our lives begin to be filled with true purpose and hope. One of Jesus’ first encounters after He rose was appearing to two disciples. Initially, His followers were disappointed and confused when Jesus was killed on the cross. These two disciples did not recognize Jesus until He opened their eyes, resulting in their hearts being filled with hope. In life, we will all face disappointments when God doesn’t do things exactly how we want. But when we meet the risen Christ, our eyes open, filling us with hope.

Easter is the most significant day in the Christian Worldview, because it was the day that Jesus proved that He was who He said He was. When He rose from the dead there was no doubt that He was God and that He had the power to save humanity from the curse of sin and death. One remarkable moment happened just before His death on the cross. He offered eternal life to one of two criminals who were being executed next to Him.

Easter is the most significant day in the Christian Worldview, because it was the day that Jesus proved that He was who He said He was. When He rose from the dead there was no doubt that He was God and that He had the power to save humanity from the curse of sin and death. One remarkable moment happened just before His death on the cross. He offered eternal life to one of two criminals who were being executed next to Him.

At the cross, Jesus took on the weight of our sins and shame, providing redemption and freedom for those who trust in Him. He not only carried the burden of sin but also offers to assist us in carrying our life’s burdens. While He doesn’t remove our burdens entirely, He helps us bear them. In Christ, we discover the strength and support needed to face life’s challenges.

At the cross, Jesus took on the weight of our sins and shame, providing redemption and freedom for those who trust in Him. He not only carried the burden of sin but also offers to assist us in carrying our life’s burdens. While He doesn’t remove our burdens entirely, He helps us bear them. In Christ, we discover the strength and support needed to face life’s challenges.

Jesus' arrest and trial were entirely unfair and unjust. Despite his innocence, he endured betrayal from one of his closest followers and persecution by both religious and political leaders. In the face of this unjust treatment, Peter responded with violence, but Jesus exemplified meekness and controlled strength. As followers of Christ, we will inevitably face unfair situations where we feel mistreated or persecuted. How we choose to respond in these moments has the power to either reflect or reject God's kingdom.

Jesus' arrest and trial were entirely unfair and unjust. Despite his innocence, he endured betrayal from one of his closest followers and persecution by both religious and political leaders. In the face of this unjust treatment, Peter responded with violence, but Jesus exemplified meekness and controlled strength. As followers of Christ, we will inevitably face unfair situations where we feel mistreated or persecuted. How we choose to respond in these moments has the power to either reflect or reject God's kingdom.

When we face “crossroad” moments in our life we have a choice to either walk in the Spirit (obey the will of God) or to give into the flesh (our human weakness). Walking in the Spirit involves relying on the Holy Spirit (who resides inside of followers of Jesus) and God’s Word. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus wrestled with the difficult reality of going to the cross to take upon Himself the penalty of our sin and the sins of the world. Jesus navigated this crossroad through prayer and by allowing God’s will to supersede His own fleshly desires.

When we face “crossroad” moments in our life we have a choice to either walk in the Spirit (obey the will of God) or to give into the flesh (our human weakness). Walking in the Spirit involves relying on the Holy Spirit (who resides inside of followers of Jesus) and God’s Word. In the garden of Gethsemane, Jesus wrestled with the difficult reality of going to the cross to take upon Himself the penalty of our sin and the sins of the world. Jesus navigated this crossroad through prayer and by allowing God’s will to supersede His own fleshly desires.

One major crossroad in all of our lives comes when we experience betrayal and being disappointed by others. Someone famously noted, "The worst kind of hurt is betrayal because it means that someone was willing to hurt you just to make themselves better. "Sadly, it's likely that throughout our lives, we will all experience some form of betrayal and disappointment.

One major crossroad in all of our lives comes when we experience betrayal and being disappointed by others. Someone famously noted, "The worst kind of hurt is betrayal because it means that someone was willing to hurt you just to make themselves better. "Sadly, it's likely that throughout our lives, we will all experience some form of betrayal and disappointment.

On the journey to new life in Christ, we will all come to cross roads in our faith. One major crossroad is the choice to serve and do good for others, especially those whom we perceive don’t deserve it. Jesus calls His disciples to love everyone, even their enemies, which is incredibly hard to do. Jesus understands what this is like and demonstrated it Himself at the “Last Supper”by washing the feet of His disciples, all of whom He knew would soon abandon Him, and that one would betray Him unto death.

In our journey of faith, we will all face crossroads. One comes when God doesn't do things the way we want or expect. How we respond to disappointment makes all the difference. Mary and Martha, Jesus’ close friends, faced a crossroads in John 11. Their brother Lazarus was dying, so they called on Jesus to heal him. Only Jesus didn’t come in time, and Lazarus died. Obviously distraught and disappointed, they chose to respond with faith. Instead of turning away from God, they reaffirmed their trust in Him.

In our journey of faith, we will all face crossroads. One comes when God doesn't do things the way we want or expect. How we respond to disappointment makes all the difference. Mary and Martha, Jesus’ close friends, faced a crossroads in John 11. Their brother Lazarus was dying, so they called on Jesus to heal him. Only Jesus didn’t come in time, and Lazarus died. Obviously distraught and disappointed, they chose to respond with faith. Instead of turning away from God, they reaffirmed their trust in Him.

God is holy, righteous, good, and just. His holiness is powerfully revealed in His heart of forgiveness as he offers forgiveness to sinful humanity through the sacrifice of Jesus. In response, we must practice forgiveness when others sin against us. While extremely difficult and counter intuitive, forgiveness is one of the most powerful acts of faith and worship to God. As we demonstrate forgiveness to others, we embody God’s love and holiness on the earth for others to experience.

God is holy, righteous, good, and just. His holiness is powerfully revealed in His heart of forgiveness as he offers forgiveness to sinful humanity through the sacrifice of Jesus. In response, we must practice forgiveness when others sin against us. While extremely difficult and counter intuitive, forgiveness is one of the most powerful acts of faith and worship to God. As we demonstrate forgiveness to others, we embody God’s love and holiness on the earth for others to experience.

We are made for relationships with God and with others. However, due to sin and selfishness, we experience challenges and division in our relationships. The heart of God is for us to experience healthy relationships starting with our relationship with Him which allows us to grow in holiness. In God’s word (Philippians2) we see how humility becomes the source for us to experience unity in our relationships. We grow in humility through valuing people around us and by serving others with a heart of love. As we commit to a spirit of humility we reflect the example of Jesus who demonstrated the ultimate act of humility and service by sacrificing himself on the cross for our sake. Just as God lifted up Jesus after the cross, we can be assured that God will lift us up as we humble ourselves. The fruit of humility and obedience lays the foundation for healthy relationships to emerge.

We are made for relationships with God and with others. However, due to sin and selfishness, we experience challenges and division in our relationships. The heart of God is for us to experience healthy relationships starting with our relationship with Him which allows us to grow in holiness. In God’s word (Philippians2) we see how humility becomes the source for us to experience unity in our relationships. We grow in humility through valuing people around us and by serving others with a heart of love. As we commit to a spirit of humility we reflect the example of Jesus who demonstrated the ultimate act of humility and service by sacrificing himself on the cross for our sake. Just as God lifted up Jesus after the cross, we can be assured that God will lift us up as we humble ourselves. The fruit of humility and obedience lays the foundation for healthy relationships to emerge.

God’s holiness is further revealed in how He will redeem all of creation in the new heavens and new earth. In Revelations 21:1-7, the Apostle John saw a vision of God restoring all of creation once and for all to a world without sin and death where we could live in a perfect relationship with God and one another. This reality should give us hope for the future despite what we may face in life. Additionally, it should fuel our faith and obedience to God today because we know that this promise is available to all who trust and follow Jesus Christ.

God’s holiness is further revealed in how He will redeem all of creation in the new heavens andnew earth. In Revelations 21:1-7, the Apostle John saw a vision of God restoring all of creation onceand for all to a world without sin and death where we could live in a perfect relationship with Godand one another. This reality should give us hope for the future despite what we may face in life. Additionally, it should fuel our faith and obedience to God today because we know that this promise is available to all who trust and follow Jesus Christ.

Being set apart for God begins when we receive Jesus as Lord. We are justified and made righteous through His sinless life and sacrifice on the cross. Justification is not a work we do but is done for us by Christ, which we freely receive. This is just the beginning. Scripture also instructs us to be sanctified and set apart for God in this life. This means we must partner with the Holy Spirit in His work of transforming us to become more like Christ in how we think, act, and relate to others. This is the only way to bring God’s goodness and blessing to the earth through our lives.

Being set apart for God begins when we receive Jesus as Lord. We are justified and made righteous through His sinless life and sacrifice on the cross. Justification is not a work we do but is done for us by Christ, which we freely receive. This is just the beginning. Scripture also instructs us to be sanctified and set apart for God in this life. This means we must partner with the Holy Spirit in His work of transforming us to become more like Christ in how we think, act, and relate to others. This is the only way to bring God’s goodness and blessing to the earth through our lives.

God is holy and created everything to reflect and flow out of His holiness. The story of creation in the book of Genesis reveals the goodness and blessing that God intended for humanity to live in and the tragic consequences that resulted when man rejected God and His holiness. The good news is that the Bible also shows us away to restore our walk of holiness and God’s blessings in our lives.

God is holy and created everything to reflect and flow out of His holiness. The story of creation in the book of Genesis reveals the goodness and blessing that God intended for humanity to live in and the tragic consequences that resulted when man rejected God and His holiness. The good news is that the Bible also shows us away to restore our walk of holiness and God’s blessings in our lives.

Many of us have wondered or asked: “Who is God?” or “What is God like?” A one-word description that perfectly describes God is holy. From its original Hebrew translation, holiness is “apartness” or “sacredness”—something set apart, different from anything else. In Scripture, we can see two aspects of God’s holiness: His goodness and His greatness. The holiness of God means that there is no one or nothing that can compare to Him. God is perfect in every way. A misunderstanding of God’s holiness can make us run from God like so many in the world do.However, a proper view of God’s holiness should cause us to run to God. We do this through praise and worship. Only our holy God is worthy of the attention of our hearts and our adoration.

Many of us have wondered or asked: “Who is God?” or “What is God like?” A one-word description that perfectly describes God is holy. From its original Hebrew translation, holiness is “apartness” or “sacredness”—something set apart, different from anything else. In Scripture, we can see two aspects of God’s holiness: His goodness and His greatness. The holiness of God means that there is no one or nothing that can compare to Him. God is perfect in every way. A misunderstanding of God’s holiness can make us run from God like so many in the world do.However, a proper view of God’s holiness should cause us to run to God. We do this through praise and worship. Only our holy God is worthy of the attention of our hearts and our adoration.

As we enter into the new year, it is important to take a moment to pause and reflect on this past year and also to prepare and plan for the upcoming year. Although God loves us the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow, His desire is for us to progress and mature in our walk with Him. We can recognize and align ourselves with His plan for our lives as we enter into 2024 together. This often includes reprioritizing the focus of our hearts.

The story of Christmas reveals God's heart to bring hope, peace, and joy to the world. The Magi, or “wise men” from the East, were astrologers who studied the stars looking for signs of a coming savior. They saw a sign in the stars that got their attention and went to the king’s palace in Jerusalem in search. God then sent a star to guide them to the exact place where Jesus was–not to a palace but to a humble home where Jesus was born in a stable and placed in a manger.

The story of Christmas reveals God's heart to bring hope, peace, and joy to the world. The Magi, or “wise men” from the East, were astrologers who studied the stars looking for signs of a coming savior. They saw a sign in the stars that got their attention and went to the king’s palace in Jerusalem in search. God then sent a star to guide them to the exact place where Jesus was–not to a palace but to a humble home where Jesus was born in a stable and placed in a manger.

The story of Christmas reveals God's heart to bring hope, peace, and joy to the world. The Magi, or “wise men” from the East, were astrologers who studied the stars looking for signs of a coming savior. They saw a sign in the stars that got their attention and went to the king’s palace in Jerusalem in search. God then sent a star to guide them to the exact place where Jesus was–not to a palace but to a humble home where Jesus was born in a stable and placed in a manger.

God’s promise of hope is for the whole world–not just for a select group of people. This promise was fulfilled when Jesus came to save the entire world from the curse of sin and death. Through him, we can find joy amid this broken world. The joy we as Christians find in Christ is meant to be shared with the entire world. Although our schedules may be full of events during the holiday season, it’s still our responsibility to make room and be intentional in sharing the joy of Christ with those around us. Many family members, friends, loved ones, and coworkers face hard times this time of the year, but we also know Christmas is a time when people are open to the Gospel.

God’s promise of hope is for the whole world–not just for a select group of people. This promise was fulfilled when Jesus came to save the entire world from the curse of sin and death. Through him, we can find joy amid this broken world. The joy we as Christians find in Christ is meant to be shared with the entire world. Although our schedules may be full of events during the holiday season, it’s still our responsibility to make room and be intentional in sharing the joy of Christ with those around us. Many family members, friends, loved ones, and coworkers face hard times this time of the year, but we also know Christmas is a time when people are open to the Gospel.

Jesus came to bring us peace. We experience this peace when we choose to follow and trust Him. Christmas can conjure up images of a peaceful nativity scene with Mary, Joseph, and Jesus in a manger. However, Mary and Joseph had to endure a tremendous ordeal to get to this moment to fulfill God’s plan to bring peace to Earth. They had to travel almost 10 days and 100 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem to register in a census enduring difficulty and dangers since Mary was about to give birth. Mary then had to give birth to Jesus in a less-than-sanitary condition in an animal stable. However, we see that this was all a part of God’s plan because Jesus’ place of birth was prophesied to be the town of Bethlehem over 700 years before His arrival. From this, we can have peace amid the journeys of our lives when we know that God is in control and has a plan that He will fulfill as we trust in Him.

Jesus came to bring us peace. We experience this peace when we choose to follow and trust Him. Christmas can conjure up images of a peaceful nativity scene with Mary, Joseph, and Jesus in a manger. However, Mary and Joseph had to endure a tremendous ordeal to get to this moment to fulfill God’s plan to bring peace to Earth. They had to travel almost 10 days and 100 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem to register in a census enduring difficulty and dangers since Mary was about to give birth. Mary then had to give birth to Jesus in a less-than-sanitary condition in an animal stable. However, we see that this was all a part of God’s plan because Jesus’ place of birth was prophesied to be the town of Bethlehem over 700 years before His arrival. From this, we can have peace amid the journeys of our lives when we know that God is in control and has a plan that He will fulfill as we trust in Him.

God is a promise keeper. Over 700 years before the birth of Christ. God spoke to the numerous prophets like Moses, Jeremiah, Micah, and Isaiah that He was going to deliver humanity from the oppression of sin by sending Jesus the Messiah or Savior to the earth. Christ's arrival, which we celebrate at Christmas, fulfilled this promise and proved that God is a promise keeper.

God is a promise keeper. Over 700 years before the birth of Christ. God spoke to the numerous prophets like Moses, Jeremiah, Micah, and Isaiah that He was going to deliver humanity from the oppression of sin by sending Jesus the Messiah or Savior to the earth. Christ's arrival, which we celebrate at Christmas, fulfilled this promise and proved that God is a promise keeper.

Every person and every church has a God-given assignment to fulfill. A life of faith in building towards this assignment becomes a part of our eternal legacy that God will reward. Pearlside Church’s God-given call is to impact not only our city and state but also our nation and beyond. We are a local church with a global impact. In Acts 1:6-8, Jesus directs His disciples to this type of legacy: "So when they had come together, they asked him, 'Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?' He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the HolySpirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.'”(Acts 1:6-8 ESV) Jerusalem– Where we live Judea– The region near us Samaria– Regions around those regions Ends of the Earth– Nations beyond The building blocks to accomplish such a legacy is through training new leaders by equipping, empowering, and deploying them into diverse fields of harvest. This will require those of us who call Pearlside home to have a personal stake in seeing the results God has planned for us. Some of us are called to SOW while some of us are called to GO. Together as a spiritual family, we can leave behind a lasting legacy.

Every person and every church has a God-given assignment to fulfill. A life of faith in building towards this assignment becomes a part of our eternal legacy that God will reward. Pearlside Church’s God-given call is to impact not only our city and state but also our nation and beyond. We are a local church with a global impact. In Acts 1:6-8, Jesus directs His disciples to this type of legacy:

"So when they had come together, they asked him, 'Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?' He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority. But you will receive power when the HolySpirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.'”(Acts 1:6-8 ESV)

Jerusalem– Where we live

Judea– The region near us

Samaria– Regions around those regions

Ends of the Earth– Nations beyond

The building blocks to accomplish such a legacy is through training new leaders by equipping, empowering, and deploying them into diverse fields of harvest. This will require those of us who call Pearlside home to have a personal stake in seeing the results God has planned for us. Some of us are called to SOW while some of us are called to GO. Together as a spiritual family, we can leave behind a lasting legacy.

Jesus instructed His followers to be like "salt and light" in their communities by doing good deeds. While these deeds don't save us, they show non-believers that we follow Christ. It's crucial for non-Christians to witness our good actions, leading them to praise our Heavenly Father. Unfortunately, some Christians distance themselves instead of actively serving and engaging the community. This has allowed non-Christians and their beliefs to heavily influence our communities. It's time for us to change this trend and actively live out our faith.

Jesus instructed His followers to be like "salt and light" in their communities by doing good deeds. While these deeds don't save us, they show non believers that we follow Christ. It's crucial for non-Christians to witness our good actions, leading them to praise our Heavenly Father. Unfortunately, some Christians distance themselves instead of actively serving and engaging the community. This has allowed non-Christians and their beliefs to heavily influence our communities. It's time for us to change this trend and actively live out our faith.

God calls us to consider what we are building with our lives and calls us to build for eternal things, not temporary things. One of the most important ways we build to last is by investing in the spiritual life and faith of the next generation. All of us have next-generation people in our lives whom God calls us to invest in: our children, grandchildren, neighbors, co-workers, or in the community.