Frontier Church

The Scandal of Christmas, Part 1 (Mk 6:1-13)

The Scandal of Christmas | Mark 6 — God Came CloseNOTE: This recording had issues and got cut off at 12:38, please click here for the rest of the message: https://www.youtube.com/live/AE2r11BIt54We love scandal when leaders fall. But Mark 6 shows a different kind of scandal: a Leader who rises. In Jesus’ hometown of Nazareth, people aren’t offended because He breaks laws—but because He violates their categories. He’s more than they expected, and less than they wanted.In this message, we explore the original scandal of Christmas: God coming near in flesh and blood. And that nearness confronts us, frees us, and sends us.You’ll hear:-Why we feel offense before we can explain it, and why Jesus still confronts our “systems of worth”-Why God chooses the ordinary, the mundane, and the uncomfortable as the place His Kingdom breaks in-Why rejection is normal in following Jesus—but resentment is optional-What it means to “shake the dust off”—not as anger, but as spiritual hygiene and freedom from carrying false responsibility-How repentance isn’t guilt management, but re-centering your life around the true KingIf you’re tired, overwhelmed, afraid of being “found out,” or carrying weight you were never meant to carry, this is a word of confrontation and comfort—and an invitation to step into freedom.Scripture: Mark 6:1–13Series: Advent / Christmas at Frontier Church

God is Always on Time, Phil Chan

In this message from John 11, Pastor Phil connects our church’s year—fires, wandering, waiting, and unexpected provision—with the story of Lazarus and the God who seems “late” but is always working. He shows how waiting is often God’s classroom: the place where faith matures, community deepens, and unseen formation prepares us for what’s ahead. If you’re reflecting on the past year or navigating your own season of uncertainty, this teaching offers perspective, hope, and a renewed sense of God’s presence in the in-between.Highlights:– How our church’s journey mirrors the emotional tension of John 11– Why Jesus’ “delay” with Lazarus is an act of intentional love– What God forms in us during seasons of wandering and waiting– The power of small, everyday faithfulness in our neighborhoodsPractices for the Week:– Reflect on where you feel God is “late” and invite Him into that place– Re-read John 11 and notice how Jesus meets disappointment and doubt– Share your waiting story with someone in community– Do one intentional act of neighborly kindness as a sign of hopeLet this message help you look back with clarity, live the present with trust, and move into the future with expectant faith.

Sent Again: When Jesus Opens Your Eyes and Reignites Your Mission (Luke 24:13-35)

-When Jesus brings your heart back to life, He brings your purpose back to life.In this Advent message, “Sent Again: When Jesus Opens Your Eyes and Reignites Your Mission,” Pastor Christian walks through Luke 24 (the road to Emmaus) and Genesis 12 to show how Jesus meets us in disappointment, opens the Scriptures, reveals His presence, and then sends us back into the world with renewed courage and mission.We explore:-Why we all want clarity before obedience—and why Abraham, Cleopas, and we don’t get it-How disappointment and unmet expectations (“we had hoped…”) can blind us to Jesus right beside us-Why spiritual blindness is less about information and more about interpretation-How Jesus uses Scripture and the table (hospitality, breaking bread) to reawaken our hearts-Why true encounters with Jesus always lead to turning around and being sent againThis message is part of our fall missional series and the beginning of Advent, inviting us to resist consumerism, hurry, and distraction, and instead slow down to recognize Jesus’ presence and say yes again to His call.Reflection / Practice prompts from the sermon:-Where are you carrying disappointment right now—places you quietly say, “I had hoped…”?-What would it look like this Advent to return to your “Jerusalem”—your place of calling, vocation, or relationships—with fresh intention?-How can you make simple space at the table (meals, coffee, conversation) for Jesus to reveal Himself and for others to encounter Him through you?-What step of obedience or mission have you been avoiding that Jesus is inviting you to step into again?Scripture: Luke 24:13–35; Genesis 12:1–3If this message encouraged you, consider sharing it with a friend, subscribing, or joining us in person at Frontier Church Pasadena as we walk through Advent and learn to live sent again in the way of Jesus.