The placement of presents under the tree adds a distinct layer. As each gift is wrapped and placed, Christmas draws closer, building anticipation, and creating a visual countdown for Christmas morning. Although the Christmas tree has no origins in the original Christmas story; a tradition that was taken over by Christianity years ago, it can still serve as a pointer. How so? Bear with me.
Read MoreWhat’s your faith position on the origins of the universe? What’s your reaction to hearing that you’re God’s image-bearer?
Read MoreOur First Advent: This week, as we enter our first Advent, we’ll discover how much names really do matter. Before we focus on Mary and Joseph, and the Christ-Child. We must first, focus on Elizabeth and Zechariah, and their child, John.
John, who would become a Prophet, and the forerunner of Our Coming Saviour, Jesus.
Read MoreGod calls Peter to write a letter of hope to a group of Christians who have been abandoned, and exiled for following Jesus. He calls them to “Be subject” (to submit) to government authorities that reject them. (1 Pt. 2:13-17) He calls servants to “be subject” (to submit) to earthly masters that persecute them. (1 Pt. 2:18-21) How can this kind of submission ever lead to hope? Can hope be found in submission?
Read MoreWhat happens when following Jesus gets difficult? According to Peter, we’ve been called to an active hope! What does an active hope look like? Peter explains 3 specifics.
Read MoreThroughout Peter’s letters he will describe numerous specifics on how to find hope during times of struggle. However, in his greeting, God leads him to focus on the foundation for all hope, found in the Triune God, moving from the big picture (the grand Gospel story) to our individual lives.
Read More8 Questions On Hope. The season of Advent is upon us. Like many churches, your church may be taking a pause from regular book or
Read More“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jer. 29:11)
Read MoreThe new covenant offers leaders hope, promising redemption and guidance through Christ.
Read MoreJust about everyone has some general dreams and aspirations. For some people, it might be as simple as learning the family business or as lofty as becoming the President of the United States. For others, their dreams include riches or popularity. Still, others have no desire for either of those things but instead, dream of serving God or fellow man in some capacity.
Read MorePursuing faith, hope, and love shouldn’t stem from good intentions or a desire to be kind to people because it’s the right thing to do. It should be an outpouring of the Gospel transformation in our hearts, and the renewed mind that can only come from genuinely experiencing a spiritual rebirth. That kind of faith, hope, and love does not depend on life circumstances or temporal emotional responses; it is rooted in the person and power of Jesus Christ.
Read More