Hosanna in the Highest
Through Christ’s sacrifice and suffering, we are awed by the abundant gifts the Father grants us through Jesus’ physical resurrection—a lavish, abundant, beyond-all-expectations life that never ends. That’s the life-giving, hopeful, joy-bringing message of the Gospel. He who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things? ( Romans 8:32) This above passage cuts right to the heart of the New Testament. It puts us in
From the Pastor: Discouraged, Disheartened, Emotionally Drained? Hope in God!
Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God. -Psalm 43:5 Beginning with Palm Sunday, lies, false witness, denial, slander, scheming, injustice, rejection of truth, hypocrisy—human sin and daily life are played out vividly in the events of Holy Week For many, it has been that and even more. It has been a year since we embarked on a journey that
Uncle Bob’s Favorite Parable
Uncle Bob, the church’s most-liked Sunday School teacher, flicked through the pages of his Bible until he arrived at his favorite parable. With great flourish, he introduced it and then proceeded to read the following from the Gospel of Luke 18:9-14: There were some people who thought that they were very good and looked down on everyone else. Jesus used this story to teach them: “One day there was a Pharisee and a tax collector. Both went to the Temple to
Can Jesus Help You?
Jesus Holds A Unique Place in the Universe Jesus taught his disciples that he could perform miracles that no one else could. The early Christians and those who follow Jesus also believe and live these truths. If you read through the Gospels and letters with this in mind, it’s easy to grasp these truths, what we could call “the testimonies of Chapter One.” The Testimonies of Chapters One In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was
Ash Wednesday
With Ash Wednesday, we begin the season of Lent. Generally, it is considered a time of confession and contrition—acknowledging that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. We pledge ourselves anew to live unto God’s Word in Jesus Christ, the eternal Word that remains forever. But Lent is more than that. It is also a time of joy looking forward to celebrating the astounding and guaranteed promise of earthly rescues and everlasting life—resurrection. So this Lent, if you
From the Pastor: The Privilege of Repentance
Many of us think that Jesus came for the sole purpose of bringing us into lives of mind-numbing boredom and monastery-like religiosity—with endless Bible lessons focusing on rules, warnings, and condemnation. I’ve been in churches where the Holy Spirit doesn’t show up unless you’ve sung choruses for over 45 minutes or the sermon has to be at least an hour long. Often, non-believers and believers alike think Jesus spends most of his time in deep fear that somebody somewhere is
Hope for the New Year
Charles Dickens said in A Tale of Two Cities: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times….” I think I can speak for our family in saying that 2021 was both the worst year of our lives, and the best. It was a year of challenges, but it was crowned with the love and care of God's family all around the world and with a Christmas miracle. We turn our eyes to the only One who
Staying Positive in a Negative, Despair-ridden World
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. -Romans 8:28 The astonishing truth of the apostle Paul’s life-changing words powerfully helps us navigate through our most significant problems and trials without fear or complaint. Think about it: Everything in life that happens to us (everything!) is the raw material God uses for our good. God doesn’t smile benignly upon the evil that is happening around
From the Pastor: Real Love
This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. -1 John 4:10-12 We love because God loved us first. It’s not that we loved God, searched him out, and
The World Is Falling Apart?
Are you worried that the world as we know it is falling apart? Can you recall a time in history—even in your long or short lifespan—when things appeared so out of control? If you really are a worrier and concerned about what is going on around you, then know this: whatever happens to our world, the Kingdom of God remains the same—forever. The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God endures forever." -Isaiah 40:8 So consider the following
