Grace & Truth: The Best is Yet to ComePastor Kent LandhuisTHEME - Jesus brings hope through scandal.TEXT - Mark 14:27-311. 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!