CityReach Marion

The next generation is shaped by the voices they hear most. Henry Engelbrecht, Principal of Sunrise Christian School - Marion, points to Psalm 145 and the responsibility to declare God's works from one generation to another. Whether a testimony feels dramatic or ordinary, it still speaks of what God has done. What are you declaring to the next generation?

In this message, Peter Budimir opens Paul’s difficult but beautiful words, "When I am weak, then I am strong." As Paul responds to false and self-promoting teachers, he does not point to outward impressiveness, but to suffering, weakness, and the sustaining grace of God. This sermon reminds us that true Christian strength is not found in self-confidence, status, or appearance, but in humble dependence on Christ. Even when the thorn remains, God’s word to His people is still, "My grace is sufficient for you." What if the very weakness you would remove is the place where Christ means to show His power?

What does 2 Corinthians 8 and 9 say about biblical generosity? In this Conversation Sunday, we slow down and open these chapters together, reflecting on the grace of God, the example of Christ, cheerful giving, readiness, integrity, and thanksgiving to God. Please keep your Bible open, search the Scriptures carefully, and pray for wisdom as you listen. Will you humbly ask God to examine your heart by His Word and help you follow through in faith?

From "open wide your hearts," to "do not be yoked," to "godly sorrow brings repentance," Luke Watts shows a single path: love that stays open, holiness that stays loyal, and repentance that stays honest. This is not isolation from the world, but refusing anything that reshapes your worship while embracing community that reshapes you into Christ. What is shaping you more right now: the influences you’re joined to, or the Jesus you claim to follow?

Darren Western teaches us from 2 Corinthians 5 on how to live a hopeful, faithful, and focussed life. The ressurrection life of Jesus works for us here and now and whatever we build in life from reliance on him will last.

Luke Watts shows that resilient faith submits our plans to God’s faithful "Yes" in Christ, refuses Satan’s schemes of deception, division, and destruction, and stays close enough to Jesus to carry the aroma of Christ into the world as we follow Him in His victory procession. Do your plans show you’re close to Jesus and are shaped by his "Yes," or do they show you’re being driven by comfort and control?

In Matthew 2:13-23, Darren Western walks through Joseph's journey from Bethlehem to Egypt and then to Nazareth, showing how God is at work in moments of sudden change and in long, ordinary seasons, keeping His promises in His Son, Jesus. As this final message in the "Promised and Expected King" series closes out 2025, what will you pack into 2026 as you trust and follow the King?