These four verses are full of application, but I’m emphasizing the word “truth” in this week’s readings. “Truth” appears 224 times in the Bible (183 times in the New Testament). It’s a major word. Pontius Pilate asked the famous question, “What is truth?” It seemed like he was more interested in preserving the status quo than in letting the truth shine upon his heart. Jesus said, “I tell you the truth” 78 times in the Gospels. As such, our daily readings will be in The Gospel of John this week. You might want to use your Bible’s concordance or your Bible apps search function to do your own word search. Again, this is a very important word in the Bible. - Pastor Tom Harrison

Ephesians 4:14-16 Babies used to terrify me. Though they were utterly helpless, I felt overwhelmed by them. I didn’t know what to do. But having become a dad, I learned to respond to them with great affection. They provide such incredible joy. However, there is something wrong when the infant doesn’t progress. Children are supposed to grow up, and there comes a point when immaturity isn’t attractive. Likewise, baby Christians bring great joy to the family of God. However, we are supposed to move beyond spiritual infancy to mature in our relationship with Christ. While we have individual responses, we also are part of a larger, corporate body—the church. I particularly like the passage about “speaking the truth in love” (verse 15). - Pastor Tom Harrison

Ephesians is one of my favorite books in the Bible. We’ll set the tone for the New Year by studying the Apostle Paul’s instructions for how the church should understand (chapters 1-3) and apply (chapters 4-6) the teachings of Jesus. Paul, like Jesus, insisted that the church live in unity and harmony. There are numerous ways division and conflict burst onto the scene. Christians can revert to pride, impatience and unloving practices. Through this series we’ll aspire to greater unity as we learn the responsibilities of the individual and the corporate body in making “every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace” (verse 3). “One Lord” insists upon unity. Jesus prays for this in His followers (John 17). - Pastor Tom Harrison

I’m convinced that nobody wants to live under a curse. The world seeks happiness. The Bible prefers another term: Blessed. The word shows up 42 times in Genesis, beginning in the very first chapter. God takes the initiative in blessing us, but we also have to receive it. There are ways we can contribute to the blessing and ways we can complicate it. Furthermore, as is seen in Abram’s life (Genesis 12), we aren’t intended to hog the blessings – we are to be instruments of God to “bless” the entire world. I love how Luke’s Gospel ends, too (24:50-53).

Many people will never set foot in a church because deep down they feel they are simply not good enough to fit in with all the good people. Others won’t come because they are appalled by the hypocrisy of those who profess the faith but do not practice it. The reality is that we are all sinners who stand in need of grace. The reality is that God loves us just as we are. If that seems too good to be true, remember Jesus’ interaction with the wicked little tax collector, Zacchaeus. A tax collector in that day was a traitor to his nation and to his faith. He was the chief tax collector, too. He made a lot of money but paid a very high cost for it – he was absolutely hated by his own people. Yet, Jesus showed up, called his name and brought salvation into his life.

This text is a wonderful invitation to those who are weary. Life can certainly beat us up. We mess up, and have to deal with limitations and disappointments. Many young people feel weary, too. With all the bad news surrounding us, it is easy to be worn out, discouraged and depressed. I love it that Jesus invites us to come to Him and He will give us rest. I love the portrayal of Jesus – great strength combined with humility. All people are invited. It’s a great promise! And it’s not only for US, but we exist as a church to help others follow Jesus

- Pastor Tom Harrison

Advent comes from the Latin meaning “to come toward” – it is the time set aside for us to anticipate the gift of Christ at Christmas. This Advent we want to emphasize our opportunity to invite others to come toward Jesus. Andrew heard John the Baptist preaching and was the first disciple to follow Jesus. He is obviously a leader and an influential man, but he’s greatly overshadowed by his brother, Simon Peter. Yet, Andrew brought Peter to Jesus. Andrew was also the one who found the little boy who had the loaves and fishes which Jesus multiplied and used to feed the 5,000. When Philip found some Greeks who were interested in Jesus, he told Andrew, who knew exactly what to do. Andrew was not the center of attention, but he played a huge role. He seems to have been one of those thoughtful individuals who made introductions and connections with many people. Andrew practiced Proverbs 11:30: The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. - Pastor Tom Harrison

Everyone should read Ecclesiastes 12 at least once a year. It reminds young people to be grateful for life before “the evil days (of aging) come.” It also recognizes that we will all go to our eternal home. What happens then? The Resurrection of Jesus changes everything! That confidence in eternal life is what led to these final seven words of his life. Indeed, no matter what our triumphs or failures are, the very best we can say is that God is with us in life, in death and in life beyond death. As Paul said, we can comfort one another with these words.

As John noted, “we know that we have eternal life.” Going to heaven isn’t the only reason to help others follow Jesus, but it does answer an enormous question. We have this great confidence, too.

- Pastor Tom Harrison

Wesley wanted every Methodist to work hard. Sometimes options are limited, but there is always a way to be active, whether in a paid position or not. Wesley wanted us to gain money by honest work, not by dishonesty. He stressed frugality, too. Let’s not waste our time or our money. Wesley taught the greatest purpose of money was to give it away. He made a small fortune in book publishing, but he practiced what he preached and gave most all of it away. Unlike the successful farmer in Luke’s parable, Wesley was an excellent steward. Paul said we were “created to do good works” (Ephesians 2:10). I think generosity is close to the top of the list of “good works.” We simply cannot progress in our faith until we learn to give, not only our time and attention but our money, for the purposes of God.

- Pastor Tom Harrison