People all over the world are looking for glory—in experiences, careers, relationships, knowledge, and in God. But where do we find true glory? The Apostle John points us to the eternal Word made flesh—Jesus Christ who came in glory and with grace.
There were centuries of preparation and prophecy leading up to the first advent of Jesus. On this third Sunday of Advent, we consider how we might prepare for Jesus—not only in light of his first advent, but looking ahead to when he comes again.
This week is the second Sunday of Advent, and advent is all about the coming of Jesus. But who is he? For the rest of the season we'll dive deeply into the identity of our savior from the Gospel of John's prologue. This Sunday, we'll consider him as God and Creator, Life and Light.
In Matthew 24 and 25 so far, we've learned the importance of being ready for Christ's second coming. But as we conclude our Advent series in Jesus' Olivet Discourse this Sunday, we see a picture of the Lord's return and his final judgment. What is the basis for this judgment—the difference between eternal punishment and eternal life? The answer might surprise you.
We continue this week in our Advent sermon series in Jesus' Olivet Discourse. It's all about being prepared for his second advent--Christ's glorious second coming. This week, Jesus teaches us not to wait passively for his return but to be found faithful with the treasure he has given us. How can we be sure that we are found to be "good and faithful servants"--using the treasurer of the gospel and our spiritual gifts wisely as we await his return?
This week is the second Sunday of Advent, a season where we look back a Christ's first coming and look ahead to his second coming. We're continuing in Jesus' sermon on the Mount of Olives and will hear the crucial importance of being prepared for his arrival. How can we be wisely ready so we aren't left out of his coming kingdom?
Have you ever wondered what the end of the world will be like? In our passage this week, the disciples ask Jesus this very question. This Sunday is the beginning of Advent, when we remember the first coming of Jesus and look ahead to his second coming, as well. During this season, we'll continue in the Gospel of Matthew, hearing from Jesus' Olivet Discourse about his future return to earth—something every Christian should look forward to.
As we continue in our study of the book of Ruth, we come now to the moment Naomi and Ruth had been waiting for. Boaz will officially become Ruth's redeemer. In this account, the emphasis is placed on the cost that Boaz must bear in order to save Ruth--which, of course, reminds us of the great cost that Jesus' paid to redeem us. Indeed, Christ's wooden manger will lead to his wooden cross.
As we continue our Advent series in ancient Bethlehem and the book of Ruth, we come to some good news and hope that the two widows' dire circumstances may change. How did this come about? By unmerited grace. This chapter is both a comforting encouragement of God's grace for us, and a powerful call to be God's instrument of grace for others.
This passage shows us the reality of Christmas. Sometimes we think that this time of year is about being joyful and peaceful and ignoring the difficult aspects of our lives. Yet the reality of Christmas is not about ignoring our difficulties, but having joy, peace, and hope in the midst of them. That's what having a "Merry Christmas" is truly about, and that's what we're going to celebrate this Sunday.
Wouldn't you expect the "King of the Jews" to be worshiped by...the Jews? In another unexpected twist to the Christmas story, we see pagan astrologers as the first worshipers of the Jewish Messiah, while the Jewish leaders respond with indifference. What might this say about who Jesus is really coming for -- and also how we should respond to King Jesus? During Advent, as we reflect on Christ's first coming and look forward to his second coming, how are you responding to the King?
Joseph had a very unexpected Christmas. Usually, we focus on Mary's faith and courage during Advent -- and rightfully so -- but Matthew zooms in on Jesus' (legal) father. It is through Joseph's eyes that we see that the salvation that will come to the world will not come cheap. Following in the steps of Jesus is no easy thing, but that's what we're all called to as Christians today.
At Bethlehem God became human. It’s an enormous descent when God the Son leaves the Godhead (Trinity) and is birthed as a baby in Bethlehem. A huge descent! But once his mission is accomplished, he is exalted to the highest place, returning to the Godhead as Jesus Christ our Lord and God. You are invited to come and experience this enormous plunge Jesus endured for us from highest high to the lowest low and back again so that we might live in a relationship with God forever.
In this series we are asking what you are getting for Christmas that would bring joy to your life. If you approach Christmas with the hope of the “joy” of the season without putting your roots down into the core of Christmas, then your “joy” is merely circumstantial. So what could you receive for Christmas that would instill, plant, cause to thrive within you …pure joy?
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people..." Luke 2:11
Christmas is a joyful time for giving and receiving gifts. Yet the joy we are referring to here is based on the foundation on which we live our lives. It is a joy that is not rooted in simply receiving gifts or experiencing positive circumstances. This joy is based on our faith in Jesus Christ. A gift that provides this kind of joy is the gift of God's forgiveness. Today, we'll examine our need for forgiveness, the cost of forgiveness, and God's offer of forgiveness through Jesus Christ.
This week is about the significance of Christ's presence with us. Yes, hopefully you will receive presents this holiday season, but Christmas is truly about God's presence. But what's the big deal about God's presence? Isn't God omnipresent, all around us? Why was the birth of Jesus, Immanuel, "God with Us," so significant and what does it matter to us today? This is what we'll be exploring together today.
