Grace Alone Online

Simon and Garfunkel released a tremendously popular song in 1970: “A Bridge over Troubled Water”. The lyrics speak to the experiences of every human being. They are a part of our nature. We all experience troubled water in life. When you’re down and out, feeling small. When tears are in your eyes, when times get rough and friends just can’t be found, it truly would be nice to have someone who will be on your side and dry those tears away. A friend, like a bridge, to help you get over those turbulent waters in life. In some way, I think we like to think of Jesus as this bridge over troubled water; who provides a way of escaping these turbulent and troubled times. But He’s not; Jesus is not a bridge over troubled water.  Find out why?

8 days after his birth, Jesus is circumcised and given the name: Jesus.  A seemingly insignificant event, mentioned only in Luke 2:21.  It is not uncommon that we miss this important link.  This year, however, since New Year's Day falls on a Sunday, we get an "extra" Sunday after Christmas and this is our theme: Jesus' circumcision.  Though mentioned in one verse, this verse holds a treasure of information that links the Old Testament covenant to the New Testament covenant of salvation.  Jesus is the link between Baptism and circumcision: God's salvation promise.  How are you connected?

The Luke 2 story of the historic birth of Christ is the annual, go-to story which most of us know all too well.  Many can most likely recite most of the passage along with the Scripture reader on Christmas Eve.  Less known, or read, is the Christmas story the Apostle John writes about in the beginning of his Gospel (John 1:1-14).  Why?  Because while Luke 2 is historical, with actual people and geographic locations like stars, shepherds, Joseph, Mary, Angels, governors, emperors, etc. John has none of these.  Luke describes a simply earthly story; John offers us a story from God's perspective - a cosmic story.  these are the same story, no one is better than the other, or more complete.  Without John's Gospel, we do not know the significance of the Luke 2 event.  Come listen as we appreciate john and what he offers.

Tonight, we celebrate the historic birth of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.  The fulfillment of millenia-old prophecies is at last fulfilled by the "zeal of the Lord of Hosts."  the King is born, but no ordinary King - at least not the king Israel was expecting.  Some thing are common among all kings, but what is different about Jesus.  Isaiah tells us here....

As Hansel and Gretel walked through the woods, they left breadcrumbs to find their way out.  It didn't go to well for them.  Having journeyed away from home, they got lost in a treacherous forest.  The breadcrumbs were their only way out.  It was their only link back from where they came.  Our life's journey may take us far away from our roots: our family, our friends, our values, our origins.  When we realize we are lost, going back to find those roots is sometimes impossible, and it may be too late.  Unfortunately, for Hansel and Gretel, the breadcrumbs were eaten and they had no way back.  The journey through life for Christians is not any easier.  Sometimes we get off track, wander from God, find ourselves questioning even our identity and purpose.  But, the breadcrumbs in a Chrsitians life are always there which can lead them back to their roots.  Today we discover, or re-discover, how we can get back home.

It's just not my day!  We've all heard it.  We've all said it.  We have good days and we have bad days.  The problem in Israel, which the prophet Zephaniah addresses, is a problem of mixing up values.  People only considered the benefits and feeling when they called days "good" and "bad" days were days that things didn't seem to go right.  Logical, right?  But the prophet warns, "you want to see the day of the Lord?  I don't think so....it is a terrible day of judgment for which nobody is ready."  But, then, Zephaniah promises the Lord will have his day, and it will be a day twisted to your thinking...something you can't expect in your wildest dreams for ALL the Lord's days are good.  Find out why...

"Don't shoot the messenger."  It's a popular phrase that dates back to something no longer in use in the Western hemisphere.....a messenger.  Messengers were sent to announce the arrival of a king or important dignitaries.  Although mostly bringing good news of victory, and the dispersing of booty to the people of the kingdom, sometimes messengers of the King announced bad things, like "And who will withstand the day of his coming!"  That's what Malachi, God's prophet did.  He announced the king was coming, but not in anticipation of reward.  Find out what this message and messenger had to do with the king.

Our Advent Theme for the next four Sundays is: THE KING IS COMING

"Where do you call home?"  In our changing, mobile society, many people move around.  a common question to ask is, "Where do you call home? or "Where do you come from?"  Knowing where your home is not only relates to geographical location or house, but to where you feel at home.  What provides you that needed security and safety in life?  Afterall, to feel "at home" is to feel both safe and secure.  Your home then is an emotionaly, spiritual place as well answering the question, "Where is your center of security?"  Feeling at home is important, for without a home you are unstable and your identity is up for grabs.  JEremiah prophesies to a people about to be lead into exile, leaving their home behind.  What they thought and hoped was their greatest security now was under attack by the Babylonians sent by God to destroy their false security.  Jeremiah's message pointed to a future kingdom that would never be destroyed; a kingdom that would be called: "God is Our Righteousness."  Are you spiritually homeless? Looking for a place to feel safe and secure in this life?  Listen in...

It's time to give thanks, again.  Normal statements are, "What are you thank for?" or simply, "I am thankful."  Society has all but forgotten that to give thanks needs an object.  We don't give ourselves "thanks."  We give it to someone else.  So, the question is, "TO WHOM DO YOU GIVE THANKS."  Luck? Your own hard work?  Also, we normally give thanks for "things" we have - (do you ever give thanks for "bad things you have?).  Our story of the 10 lepers whom Jesus healed and only one returns fits nicely with our theme of "give thanks..." - but in a wrong way.  Why was did this Samaritan leper thank Jesus?  Why should you as well?

Have you ever been transferred in your job, housing, life?  Like with sports teams, transferring, or trading, takes place all the time.  There are ups and downs no matter what the transfer is.  good times /  bad times.  But with Christ, all is good.  All transfer is good!  Would you like to be transferred into the Kingdom of His Son?  He'll take you!