Take a minute to consider this. On several occasions, God sent to earth mighty angels from His presence in heaven. They came to announce Jesus was coming into the world! Consider Mary's reaction to the news. She could not hold back. Her heart erupted in praise and thanksgiving. Oh, how this gift of grace deserves a heart of praise! This is especially true from those of us who know Him as our Lord. Let's not treat Christmas as though it is our birthdays. Plan now how you will make it not only about us, but make it primarily about Jesus. After all, the celebration is about His birthday, isn't it?

The bible records for us God's communication with mankind from Adam through the last Old Testament prophet, Malachi. Then silence. For 400 years, there is no recorded communication from God to Israel. After 400 years of God's silence, the God of Israel was about to reveal His gift promised throughout all of history. Listen, as Pastor Bryan tells the story of God beginning to unwrap the gift that will lead to the first Noel.

There are two ordinances which Jesus Christ has instituted and established for His Church. An ordinance is a "prescribed practice." It is something that has been prescribed and ordered by Jesus Christ and practiced by the Church. An ordinance is something that the Church practices because Jesus Christ has told her to do so. Listen to Pastor Bryan explain the biblical practices of Baptism and Communion.

By the worlds standards, we are among the most blessed people who have ever lived. By God's eternal standards, we are blessed above all of God's creation. He is so gracious to us! We are the object of His greatest affections and blessings. His love and care has come to us totally and completely undeserved. Yet, sometimes we miss the best part of it all. We see the blessings and don't see the One who is blessing us! We see the stuff, and forget about the One who deverves our eternal thanksgiving! He will receive that glory and thanksgiving, for eternity. But wouldn't you want to share in that joy now? Isn't seeing Him love you, so much better than whatever good things you are focused on?  Where are your eyes? Don't miss out! See, and be full of gratitude. Loving the Giver is so much better than the things we receive.

During His ministry, Jesus taught the day was coming when those who worship God would worship Him in spirit and in truth. Those days have arrived. When we become believers in Jesus, we are given the Holy Spirit. We are given the wonders of His truth in scripture. Yet, there are times and seasons in our lives when there seems to be a disconnect. Times when we feel there is a fog, and we do not sense HIs Spirit, and His truth seems to not make it past our head. These are times we need to obediently and intentionally walk in faith and be real with God and ourselves. Listen to Pastor Matt as he explains some things we should stop and do in times like these. 

Did you know that pride is sin in God's eyes? In fact, being arrogant and boastful is listed in the bible as so, right up there with being wicked, depraved, a murder, slanderer, and even a God-hater! Maybe, that is because the kind of pride the bible speaks of actually blocks your way to God. If God's mercy is your desired destination, humility is the road that will get you there. Listen to Pastor Bryan explain one of the biggest hindrances to your ability to approach God. 

These days, marriage is on the decline in our culture. Many marriages fail, even within the lives of those who are trying to follow Jesus. Jesus calls us to be counter-cultural when it comes to marriage. His design for marriage can easily by missed in our society, unless we are intentional in our understanding of it. Listen to Pastor Matt as he shares 5 things we can practically commit to, that will help us be successful in the "til death do us part" commitments we have made to God and our spouses.

Do you ever get concerned or confused at election time? Are you ever afraid when you look at government or the culture, and it seems as though things are getting out of control? Well, maybe we are making God too small. Maybe we are losing our focus. Jesus is the King of Kings, and God is in perfect control of everything for His purposes. He sees the big picture, the whole picture, from eternity's perspective.

If you are a believer and follower of Jesus, you have nothing to fear. Your citizenship is in heaven, and you are safe in Him. There are specific things God wants you know and do while you are here - no matter where you live, and no matter what government power you find youself under. Listen to Pastor Bryan explain what those things are, and keep your focus on your King and where your future lies. You are God's ambassador to a broken world.

America is among the wealthiest nations on earth. Yet most Americans are in debt, and often times deeply in debt. That is our culture. Following Jesus is oftentimes counter-cultural. Following Jesus is many times counter-intuitive. Listen to Pastor Bryan with an open heart, as he takes us into God's word to see God's perspective on personal finance. God wants your heart. If you are willing to go against the culture and follow, you will eventually find yourself free. Take hold of the life that is truly life. Follow.

Pastor Bryan takes this time to encourage the people of CHURCH180. CHURCH180 is a community of Jesus followers who are living out their faith in love and service towards one another and the community around them. Listen, and be encouraged! Come visit us if you have yet to experience CHURCH180 in Montrose.