There are many reasons why we might be afraid. Fear is a common emotion in our world. In the Christmas story, there are many who are afraid. So, it is comforting that the angels' first words to the shepherds are "Be not afraid..." Then, they sing a beautiful chorus, 'Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace..." Our world needs peace. We need peace. Jesus came to bring us peace with God and to overcome our fears. (Luke 2:8-14)

An angel shows up and tells a teenaged Mary that she is going to have a divinely conceived baby, who will save the world? What would you do? What would you say? Mary chooses to praise the Lord and to trust His plan. Mary's song begins with the powerful words "My soul magnifies the Lord..." No matter what you are facing in your life, because of who God is, you too can trust He is working for good. (Luke 1:46-55)

In the Christmas there are four songs that are sung. Each of them has profound meaning for us still today. We are introduced to Zechariah at the beginning of Luke 1. He is a priest in the temple, a very important man. He is married to Elizabeth, and they are not able to have a child. When they miraculously have a son, Zechariah breaks out into a song reminding us of the promises and plans of God. Even when God is silent, He is still working! (Luke 1:68-79)

God has generously given us time, talents, energy, and finances. How we invest those gifts says a lot about our priorities and what we are for. We have the opportunity to make an investment in eternity by how we manage our resources. What do you want your lasting legacy to be? (Matthew 6:19-21, 24)

God so loved the world that He gave His only son. God loved our world enough not to let it stay in darkness. Instead He found a creative and powerful way to demonstrate His love. As a church we are called to share God's love with the world. Come and see how you can be a part of what God is doing all over the world to demonstrate His love! (John 3:16-17)

God Is FOR Our Community! | Pastor Zach Thompson, Pastor Jason Roton | 11.10.19 by Calvary Church

Sometimes we think of God as an angry judge or an undercover agent, just waiting for us to mess up. What the Bible teaches us, and Jesus demonstrates for us, is that God isn't out to get us. In fact He is fully and completely FOR us! (Romans 8:31-39)

In a world full of pain and suffering, questions and doubts, sometimes it is easy to feel hopeless. Real, lasting hope ultimately comes from God. Our hope is in the sure certainty that God is who He says He is, and that He can do what He says He can do. (Romans 5:1-8)

Calvary Lutheran Church Golden Valley

We often have the tendency to create a faith like a house of cards. The problem is, when a hard question or critique is presented, our house of cards can easily fall. What we need to focus on first is what our foundation is. Following Jesus is the central part of our faith and foundation. When we keep Jesus at the center, then we are freed to ask the hard questions without losing faith. (Matthew 16:13-20)