Blog: December 2022

Friends, as we step into 2023, let's encourage each other to draw near to the Lord day by day. God speaks through his inspired Scriptures, and we respond in prayers of thanks, confession, lament, praise, and trust:  God's Word & Prayer.  It's the most vital, life-sustaining conversation that exists.  You need this--all believers need to be in daily communication with the Lord.  Every meaningful relationship requires consistent communication--including your relationship with the Lord God. If you don't have a plan in place yet, consider ...

Seth traveled with two men and one well-loaded donkey as he set out, once again, to sell the fabrics he had woven.  They followed the old road down from Jerusalem through Bethany, and then northeast toward Jericho and the Jordan River where they planned to meet a caravan headed for Damascus.  The trail was rugged as it wound downward through jagged rock formations along steep slopes—often jutting out by a cliff.  Seth had an adventurous spirit, and so for the most part he enjoyed the frequent trek through these isolated mountain corridors.  ...

We typically speak of Christmas as a time to recall the coming of the Son of God into this world.  And that it is:  Emmanuel, “God with us” (Matt. 1:23); he became flesh and dwelt among us (John 1:14).  “Advent” means appearing, coming:  Christ has come. But think with me how Christmas is also a time to consider the going of the Son of God—his departure from glory, setting aside all splendor and majesty, humbling himself as he left his throne. I often imagine what the incarnation of God “looked like” to the angels—what they witnessed on ...

Trevin Wax is the author of The Thrill of Orthodoxy:  Rediscovering the Adventure of Christian Faith (2022).  The book is about what we believe and how to live it out.  I recommend it highly. Pause and stand in awe at the glories of the gospel! (p. 21).  If the thrill of God’s epic good news fades for you, beware of drifting in your beliefs due to powerful currents in our culture.  And remem­ber:  the gospel is the most thrilling when you share it (p. 177). The Apostles were unafraid to draw lines between those in the faith and others ...

I’m sure you’ve been there: That moment of decision when you weigh the risk versus the reward or the cost versus the benefit to determine what you will do. These moments may come in regard to something simple like whether to eat one more helping of mashed potatoes, if it is worth it to take a detour to try and avoid traffic on your way to the grocery store, or if it is the right time to buy that new pair of shoes. We may also face moments of discernment on much more significant questions: Do you take the new job opportunity that would ...

The great Christmas passion of the angels that night outside of Bethlehem was this:  Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased! (Luke 2:14).  They rejoiced over two wonders:  the glory of God, and peace on earth. But as soon as we hear their song, questions arise:  1) Are we actually moved to applaud God’s glory?  2) Can we even imagine “peace” in our war-torn, terror-ridden, greed-driven, divided world, and do we really believe God for the peace he announces? One way to prime the pump of your ...

God’s Word is living, active, sharp, powerful, and profitable. (Heb. 4:12; 2 Tim. 3:16-17) The Bible indicates that by the power of the Holy Spirit, God’s words teach, rebuke, correct, and train us so that we are fully put together for the work that God has created us for. The Bible is full of stories, illustrations, commands, warnings, and heart-provoking questions that provide for us everything we need. Yet, throughout our lives, we intentionally disregard God’s words for us. We are guilty of the same thing that Jeremiah 29:19 ...

Join Us for Christmas! Christmas Eve Candlelight Services:  Saturday, December 24, at 3:30 and 5:00 p.m.  “We have come to worship Him!” These gatherings will feature Christmas carols, Scripture readings, and a brief message of hope centered on Jesus Christ, “God with us.”  Childcare for ages 3 and under will be available at the 3:30 service. Christmas Morning Worship:  Sunday, December 25—one service at 11:00 a.m., a family-oriented, 50-minute gathering of praise and celebration.  (Note:  no childcare; no Sunday School).   Other ...