In the first message of the "3C Disciple" series, Matt began with the foundational truth that "you don't have to stay the way you are," emphasizing that real transformation is possible through Jesus Christ. He defined discipleship as more than just belief - it's about following Jesus, being changed by Jesus, and being committed to His mission. The first "C" focuses on being committed to Jesus, recognizing Him as both Savior and Lord, not treating these as separate categories.

Matt spent considerable time addressing cultural barriers to commitment, explaining how our society trains us against making lasting commitments through endless options, comfort-maximizing technology, and viewing discomfort as a problem rather than a teacher. He noted how previous generations saw commitment as virtuous and character-building, while today's culture often views it as limiting freedom. The sermon emphasized that obedience doesn't earn salvation but reveals genuine faith, and that loving God requires total life devotion - heart, soul, mind, and strength. Using the "know, be, do" triangle, Matt explained that disciples must know Jesus personally, be transformed by His lordship, and do what He commands. The church is emphasizing Bible reading this year with Joshua 1:8 as their theme verse, encouraging members to read Scripture at least four days a week for spiritual transformation.

Pastor Matt kicked off 2026 with the first message in a new series called "Becoming a 3C Disciple," focusing on what it means to be committed to Jesus. Using our theme verse for the year, Joshua 1:8, Pastor Matt emphasized the importance of regular Bible reading as God transforms our thinking and lives. He explained that being committed to Jesus involves four key aspects: it begins with personal, daily, wholehearted commitment (referencing Luke 9:23); understanding Jesus as both Savior and Lord as two inseparable sides of the same coin; loving the Lord with total life devotion involving our heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:28-31); and recognizing that everything flows from our allegiance to Jesus.

Pastor Matt connected this commitment to the familiar "Know, Be, Do" triangle, explaining that committed disciples must know Jesus personally through relationship rather than mere religion, be transformed by His lordship in every area of life, and do what He commands through daily obedience that flows from love rather than fear. He shared a personal illustration from his 24th wedding anniversary, demonstrating how commitment shapes us over time, and concluded by offering practical next steps for new and growing disciples while inviting anyone who hadn't yet surrendered to Christ to make that personal commitment.

In this reflective sermon, Josh Hofford looks back at 2025 and shares key lessons God taught him through devotional time, trusted friends, and times of difficulty. He begins by asking the congregation to consider major news stories and family events from the past year, emphasizing that we should "look back to learn, but not to stare." Josh shares that God has been training him to walk through normal daily assignments while trusting Him completely.

The first major lesson is that God is working even when we don't see it at the time, referencing Hebrews 12:9-13 about discipline yielding peaceful fruit later. Josh emphasizes the importance of daily devotional time, noting that Sunday church attendance alone cannot sustain us through life's challenges. He shares personal examples about his three children and how God has been faithful to them as they've grown and faced their own difficulties. The second lesson involves choosing counselors carefully, drawing from Jeremiah 23:16-18 and the story of King Rehoboam in First Kings 12. Josh warns against taking counsel from those who don't stand in God's council, emphasizing the importance of seeking wisdom from those who know and obey God's Word rather than simply following popular trends or peer advice.