Awake Us Now

In Matthew's Nativity account, Joseph's prompt obedience, even in difficult circumstances, demonstrates what solid faith in God looks like!

Seventeen of the New Testament letters open with a phrase containing the words "grace and peace." Grace, or "unearned favor," ALWAYS comes before peace. Do you wonder why that is?

Mary's response to the angle Gabriel's message shows us the strength and godliness found in a truly humble heart.

To everyone who has known sorrow and heartbreak, God offers joy and final victory!

Peter concludes his letter by restating his warnings and exhortations - avoid false teachers who would distort Scripture, lead holy and blameless lives, and hold fast to Christ's promise to return and make all things new!

In this story, Jesus portrays two ways of living - and two destinies after death. What will your destiny be?

The Apostle Peter urges us to look forward to the return of Jesus - the day when God will make all things new. We are neither to ignore the Second Coming, nor to try to "out-think" God by trying to predict when and how it will happen, but to be awake and live in holy readiness for that day.

People have called this parable "The Prodigal Son," but a better title might be "Prodigal Son, Prodigal Father" - wasteful selfishness forgiven by extravagant love.

Peter warns those who mock the promised return of Jesus that there will be a final judgment and destruction of the ungodly... but also reminds us that God is patient, "not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." Peter points us to the trustworthy Word of God for assurance of salvation.

Jesus told of a man who thought he had everything - but was about to lose it all. It's not what you possess that matters, but what possesses you.