MESSAGES

Scripture: Romans 4:1-8   

Scripture Memory:  Romans 4:4-5

Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness. 

Journey: Last week we thought a bit about how critical “hope” is to our lives and what it means to hope in Christ as we walk into 2012. We’ll return to that theme for a few minutes today and then move on to think about our New Year’s resolutions against the backdrop of the Gospel.  

Resolutions are almost always about human effort and personal work and, of course, that is not wrong. The Bible consistently commends hard work. But when it comes to the ultimate source of hope and joy in life (understanding the Gospel) we are not told to work hard. Instead we are told to simply trust in One who has done hard work for us. So, today is not a “go and do this” type of sermon, it’s a “relax and take it easy” kind of sermon. Read the memory verse and you’ll begin to get the picture. Thank God – He is so good! 

That you may be able to rest even when you’re running hard,

Will (for the pastors)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20   

Scripture Memory:  Mark 1:4-8 

 John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.  John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And this was his message: “After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Journey: I just noticed that we have three “mini” manger scenes in our living room – all from three very different cultures. You would expect them to be different and they are in terms of architecture and dress. But in the “mood” they communicate they are surprisingly the same. All of the scenes portray a setting for the birth of Jesus that is: colorful, clean, rustic, serene – totally predictable. 

Do we know better than that? Have you thought this December about how utterly scandalous it is that the “Christmas story” is about God coming into this world not only in human flesh but in a dirty, smelly, totally ‘low class’ sort of way? Have you thought about the implications of that for life? Why would God come into the world in such a disturbing, unexpected, messy manner? Born in a stable? First hours in a feeding trough?

That’s what we’ll be thinking about this morning as we look into Luke 2 and try to re-imagine the nativity and some of what it means for us.   

Hoping your Christmas is filled with joy AND spiritual gravity,       

Will (for the pastors)

With all the hustle and bustle of this week and with Christmas tomorrow, we are glad you chose to spend the time pausing, reflecting, and celebrating with us.

Have you ever wondered what makes Christmas ” the most wonderful time of the year” and the “happiest season of all”? Why is it that 2000+ years after the birth of Jesus, Christmas causes such hustle and bustle? Why is that the malls close, churches get filled up, gifts get exchanged, and parties abound?  What is the big deal about Christmas that causes all of this?  Well, tonight, we will spend a few moments looking at that and sharing with you why Christmas and Jesus’ birth is such a big deal.

On behalf of all the Pastors, we would like to wish you all the happiest and most blessed Christmas ever!

God Bless,

Gary

Scripture: Luke 2:1-20   

Scripture Memory:  Mark 1:4-8 

 John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River.  John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And this was his message: “After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Journey: I just noticed that we have three “mini” manger scenes in our living room – all from three very different cultures. You would expect them to be different and they are in terms of architecture and dress. But in the “mood” they communicate they are surprisingly the same. All of the scenes portray a setting for the birth of Jesus that is: colorful, clean, rustic, serene – totally predictable. 

Do we know better than that? Have you thought this December about how utterly scandalous it is that the “Christmas story” is about God coming into this world not only in human flesh but in a dirty, smelly, totally ‘low class’ sort of way? Have you thought about the implications of that for life? Why would God come into the world in such a disturbing, unexpected, messy manner? Born in a stable? First hours in a feeding trough?

That’s what we’ll be thinking about this morning as we look into Luke 2 and try to re-imagine the nativity and some of what it means for us.   

Hoping your Christmas is filled with joy AND spiritual gravity,       

Will (for the pastors)