Have you ever felt like you’re at your lowest point, and then suddenly an unexpected interaction with someone changes everything? When the stone was rolled to seal the tomb, all seemed lost. Jesus’ group of followers struggled to hold onto hope. And then. The tomb was empty! Their personal encounters with the risen Jesus filled them with joy that was greater than anything they could have expected. But without the suffering, the presence of this unexpected joy would not have had the same impact. This Easter season, joy can invade our stories of struggle and suffering as we experience His presence too.

One thing we’ve learned to expect in this life is hardship. And yet it still takes us by surprise because we know it’s not how things should be. When Jesus entered the world as a baby in a manger, his light broke through the darkness. But the Gospel of Luke reminds us that even He would endure difficulties, and as we walk through the season of Lent, we can take heart in knowing He has gone before us through it too.

As we begin this new season, we continue to walk forward on a road of awakening, a path that isn’t marked by reaching a final destination, but one that looks like becoming more in tune to God’s presence along the way. Let’s continue our journey through Luke by looking at the characteristics that mark the life of a devoted disciple of Jesus - the one Who best knew what it was like to live in the fullness of God.

As we enter the new year together, we are expectant about what God is calling us towards in this season ahead. A called life is one where we say yes to Jesus' invitation to follow, obey his commands, and live lives of impact. Let's see how readjusting our priorities for the year ahead could make it our best year yet.

The songs of Zechariah, Mary, Simeon, and the angels and shepherds burst forth with the good news of the One who fulfills each and every expectation of our hearts. This Advent, let’s join the chorus and sing the songs of Christmas as we journey through the book of Luke together.

This series will focus on deepening discipleship including living generously. The final four sermons are based on Curtis Sergeant’s “The Only One.” The series begins with a baptism Sunday for Asbury Kids confirmation candidates and includes All Saints Sunday and Christ the King Sunday. This also takes place during our Gifts of Hope season of giving starting Oct 30 and includes a highlight of Orphan Sunday on November 13.