Jesus is not merely prominent—He is preeminent.

In Week 6 of the First Things First series, Pastor Lee teaches from Colossians 1:15–20 about Christ’s rightful place above everything. All things were created by Him, through Him, and for Him. He is the head of the Church, first in rank, and worthy of first place in every area of our lives.

This message challenges us to ask: Does Jesus truly come first in our worship, decisions, priorities, and witness? When our lives are placed in God’s proper order—and our “yes” is already on the table—we can walk in peace, purpose, and obedience wherever He leads.

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What does it truly mean to give God our first and our best?

Beginning with Proverbs 3:9–10, this message explores the biblical principle of first fruits—not only concerning our finances, but also our time, talents, energy, attention, and entire lives. God is not looking merely at what we give; He is looking at the posture of our hearts.

Through passages including Matthew 6, 2 Corinthians 9, Romans 8, and 1 Corinthians 15, we are reminded that everything we possess ultimately comes from God. We are not owners—we are stewards. Because the Father gave His very best by giving His Son for us, our proper response is to honor Him with all that we are.

God does not bless us merely so we can hold on to more. He blesses us so His grace, generosity, and goodness can flow through us into the lives of others.

Key Scriptures: Proverbs 3:9–10; Matthew 6:19–21; 2 Corinthians 9:6–8; 1 Corinthians 15:2–10; Romans 8:32; Galatians 2:20; John 3:16

Are we truly ready to follow Jesus—or have comfort, busyness, and routine made us spiritually complacent?

In this passionate message, special guest Bethany Kilpatrick begins with the truth of Revelation 5: Jesus alone is worthy. She challenges the church to sit at His feet, recognize interruptions as divine appointments, and respond when God says, “Go.”

Drawing from Isaiah 40, Mary and Martha in Luke 10, the calling of the disciples, and the cost of following Jesus in Luke 9, Bethany reminds us that the gospel should shape every career, responsibility, and season of preparation. We may be “always on the go,” yet still miss the harvest God has placed before us.

The call is clear: prepare the way of the Lord, further the gospel wherever God has placed you, and be ready to go.

In Week 4 of the First Things First series, “First Hours,” we explore Mark 1:21–39 and Jesus’ example of rising early to pray—even after one of His busiest days of ministry.

What fills our minds first often shapes everything that follows. This message challenges us to give God the first moments of our day, allowing His presence to renew our strength, clarify our purpose, and prepare us to serve others. Prayer is more than another item on a checklist; it is a posture of devotion that transforms us as we draw near to God.

Make the first hours of your day God’s hours, and let Him shape your day before the day shapes you.

Scriptures include Mark 1:21–39, Psalm 63:1, Isaiah 40:31, and Acts 4:31.

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God is not first among many gods—He is the only God, and He deserves first place in every part of our lives.

In Week 3 of First Things First, we open Exodus 20:3 and confront the idols that compete for our trust, worship, and allegiance. Idols are not limited to carved images; they can be good things we elevate into “God things”—relationships, careers, money, image, politics, security, comfort, or control.

This message asks a searching question: What, if God took it away tomorrow, would make life feel no longer worth living? Learn why loving God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength leaves no room for rivals, how love for others flows from God’s love for us, and why the right response is to invite the Holy Spirit to reveal what needs to be surrendered.

Scripture: Exodus 20:3; 1 John 5:21; Mark 12:28–31; Deuteronomy 6:4–9.

The church at Ephesus had everything on paper — sound doctrine, hard work, patient endurance, discernment against false apostles. And Jesus still said, “I have this against you: you have abandoned the love you had at first.”

In week two of our First Love series, we walk through Revelation 2:1–7 and confront an uncomfortable question: can a church be doctrinally right, morally straight, and busy — and still be drifting? Drawing from Acts 19 and Jeremiah 2:2, we look at the difference between serving God and loving Him, why the Greek word for “abandoned” means a decision rather than an accident, and what it takes to remember, repent, and return to the deeds you did at first.

Because a marriage can function perfectly while two hearts live apart. And so can a church.

Scripture: Revelation 2:1–7 · Acts 19:8–20 · Jeremiah 2:2

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Week 1 of First Things First. From Matthew 6:25–34, a message on seeking God before anything else in a world built to distract us — why worry is prayer aimed at yourself, how good things become God things, and the one command and one promise of Matthew 6:33. Visit us at thecrossandthecreek.com

What does it truly mean to walk in love—especially toward people who have hurt, offended, or rejected us? In this message from 1 Corinthians 13, we are reminded that spiritual gifts, good works, faith, and sacrifice accomplish nothing when they are not rooted in genuine love.

Because Christ loved us first, we are called to extend that same patient, forgiving, and enduring love to others.

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Honest faith conversations, sermons, and teaching from Saugahatchee Church — the cross at the center, the living water still flowing. Come as you are.