1 Thing Matters

Jesus said, “No one can enter the kingdom of God.” Since that includes me, I recognize my need to be saved. Long ago, God declared that we would be blessed by a descendant of Abraham, who turned out to be Jesus. The blessing through him is salvation, which we receive only by faith in Jesus as our Savior. An added blessing? Faith itself is also God’s gift, granted to me through the gospel.

Series: Exactly What I Need

I think I know what I need. But when I get it, I see more clearly that it was often merely what I wanted. When I call my wants “needs,” my ability to discern what I actually need becomes clouded.

When death strikes - whether in my own life or in the news - it reminds me that I really do have an essential need - not just a want. I need a solution to death. And yet, try as I might, I cannot address this need on my own. I need help. Complete and total help. I need a Gift.

In Jesus, I have it.

Series: Exactly What I Need

Can you imagine witnessing the full glory of God? No one could stand to - and live. But history does reveal several occasions on which people got to view a muted version of God’s glory. Even that would be spectacular!

Good news! We’re still able to take in God’s glory today, provided we’re looking for it in the right place: wherever his Word is at work.

Series: Identity Revealed

“Why me?” We may ask that question when we’re on the receiving end of significant news - whether it’s positive or negative. Sometimes we’ll get an answer; other times we won’t. Sometimes the answer is satisfactory; other times it isn’t.

If we’ve asked the same question - “Why me?” - regarding our Christian faith, we find the answer not by filtering through our feelings, but in God’s Word. There alone can we be certain that we have been picked for a purpose: to be known by God and to make God known.

Series: Identity Revealed

Many of us wrestle with insecurities of one sort or another. But, since we don’t want those insecurities to become public knowledge, we posture or pretend in order to keep them hidden from others. How draining it is for us to try to deceive others 24/7!

God’s Word to us today both stings and satisfies. He tells us what we really were on our own (ouch!). But, more importantly, he also tells us what he has made us: blessed to be chosen as his special people.

Series: Identity Revealed

The prophet Isaiah vividly described humanity as “people walking in darkness.” Then he foretold that a light would shine on them. Enveloped by sin, suffering, and death, we find our minds and hearts clouded. But Jesus is revealed as the promised light. He shines his light by preaching repentance and the good news of the kingdom. Our Savior is the Light of the world, and we reflect his light onto everyone around us.

Series: Identity Revealed

If you continued pouring water into your full water glass at your restaurant table, you’d get more than just odd looks; you’d get a soaking wet table! When something is full, there isn’t room for any more. So where and why are we looking for more when we already have fullness in Christ? Give up your restless search, for it has been revealed to us that when we have Jesus Christ, our Savior, we have all we need. We need nothing more. We have fullness in Christ.

Series: Identity Revealed

“Christ” is not the family name of Jesus. It is a title. The Greek word “Christ” and the Hebrew word “Messiah” both mean the same thing: “The Anointed One.” Anointing was the practice of pouring liquid over the head of someone to signify selection for some special task. When the Lord had someone anointed, he also poured his Spirit over them. It was the fulfillment of promises made over centuries, and it was for our righteousness.

Series: Identity Revealed

The Twelve Days of Christmas are the days between Christmas Day and January 6. What is special about January 6? It is the day when the Christian Church celebrates the Festival of the Epiphany. Epiphany comes from a Greek word meaning “reveal.” When the Savior was born, he was first revealed as love’s pure light to Israelites: Mary, Joseph, the shepherds. Today, as we observe Epiphany, we see the Lord miraculously guiding foreigners across countless miles so the Savior’s holy face could be revealed to them as well. The Festival of Epiphany is sometimes known as Christmas for the Gentiles. We Gentiles (non-Jews) rejoice in the good news that this Jewish baby is a gift for all people, Christ the Savior of the world.

Christmas holidays mean family time, often with extended family travel and visits. Meals are prepared, gifts are given, memories are made. But the memories might not all be good. Sometimes there are Christmas hurts or even tragedies. We live in a world still affected by sin.

That sin showed itself in the ugliest of ways through a death sentence decreed on all young boys shortly after the Savior’s birth. Nevertheless, God intervened to spare his Son from death, so that he could live to die another day in order to save us. So not even the sinfulness of the world can rob us of the peace God offers through his Son!