Grace & Truth: The Best is Yet to Come

Pastor Kent Landhuis

THEME - Jesus brings hope through scandal.

TEXT - Mark 14:27-31

1. Embrace the scandal of Jesus.

* Mark 14:27 “All of you will fall away.”

* Mark 6:3 “And they took offense at him.”

* Matthew 15:12 “(They) were offended when they heard this.”

2. Embrace the scandal of our weakness.

* Mark 14:29 “Even if all fall away, I will not.”

* 1 Corinthians 1:23 . “...a stumbling block to the Jews, foolishness to the Gentiles.”

3. Embrace the hope of this scandal.

* 1 Corinthians 1:24 “Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God.” 

* Mark 14:28 “BUT after I have risen, I will go ahead of you into Galilee.”

* Ephesians 3:20 “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…”

NEXT STEPS: Embrace the truth: the best is yet to come!

GO DEEPER: Real people. Need Jesus.

2025 Congregational Bright Spots:

* Real people coming to faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior.

* Revival in our community and around the world.

* Reading the whole Bible. (The Bible Recap.)

* Intergenerational disciples making disciples.

* Real people stepping up to teach and lead small groups.

* Renewed commitment to hospitality that welcomes all.

* Men and women engaging in new Sunday classes.

* Real people engaged in reaching our community. (Thank you for loving and serving real people in need.)

* Growth in the Alliance of Reformed Churches. (ARC)

* Faithful giving that met (and exceeded) our needs.

* Fifty-two weeks of God-centered worship, gospel-centered preaching, and relational discipleship.

* Reaching 100’s of families weekly in need of food.

* Leaders who love the Lord and love the church.

* And more…

2026 Congregational Goals:

* Real people coming to faith in Jesus.

* Real people growing as disciples. (beyond Sunday)

* Reaching the next generation of disciples.

* New small groups and small group new leaders. 

* Launching dinner church as a successful outreach.

* Real people engaged in spiritual disciplines/pathways. (Nine practices coming in January)

* Next generation mentored/discipled by adults. (more intergenerational connections with children and youth.)

* Successful “Building Our Future Fund.” (Parking Lot resurfacing in 2026.)

* Develop a strategic plan for the next season of our congregational impact.

* Strengthen ARC partnerships.

* And more… We know that God has plans for Cedar Hills Community Church. God is NOT done with us. The best days are ahead!