The Sweet Baby’s Hands Became Scarred: the real story of Christmas
What happened to your hands, Jesus? God gave the Law; He shook mountains and sent prophets; but to bring us back to Himself he had to send his Son to die in order to save us.
Joseph wasn’t just a quiet figure: he was a holy man of the Word who was open to God speaking to him
Joseph was a man of the Word of God and also open to God speaking directly to him and then obeying, led by the Word and the Spirit, faithful in all manner. As modern Christians we often tune God out. Are we willing for God to speak to us through his Word and Spirit–and obey?
Does God Care About Evil in the World and in Our Lives? We wonder just like John the Baptist
Hearing what Jesus was doing, John, in prison and in chains, was wondering if Jesus was really the promised Messiah. God manifested himself as Jesus so we would know that he is with us. He tells us not to fear or be dismayed for “I am with you and will uphold you with my victorious right hand.”
Isaiah tells us of a coming world ushered in by the Prince of Peace. But how do we live today?
How do we manage in a less-than-ideal world? Our battle is with sin. Jesus Christ overcame sin at the cross. Until His return we need to daily confess our sin and repent as our part in living the Kingdom until Christ returns.
Jesus says “Get ready, do not ignore the signs; I am coming again!”
The Bible teaches that our life here on Earth is all about preparing for the coming back of Jesus and being with him. We want to hear Jesus say, “Well done good and faithful servant.” Everyone wants to go to heaven, but no one wants to go today. We need to be ready!
Things are not always what they seem: Christ’s death on the Cross
In the crucifixion of Christ, we have a King on a cross by his enemies in order that he brings us into His Kingdom, changing us from enemies of God to friends of God, holy, pure, and faultless. We need to hear that and to proclaim it.
Life gets busy and we forget what our real task is: Paul’s message to the Thessalonians and us
Life gets busy and we lose perspective. Our real task is to be the church in this time and this place, according to Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians and to us: 1) pray, 2) witness the Good News of Jesus that we have found to those around us, 3) be involved in some form of Christian service.
As Christians in the face of tragedy we are helpless, but not without hope
Job: “For I know that my Redeemer lives, …” As Christians we know Christ as Redeemer, but what are we doing with this knowledge? Like Job we need to tell others of the hope available in Christ.
What does it mean to be great in the Kingdom of God? Step out with God!
What makes a great church? Reach out to those around us that are alone and desperate to find what we have found in Jesus. We may not have all the answers, but we do have some of the cure. We rely on the gifts and graces of Christ available to us through the Spirit.
