As we hear in the Scriptures, it is foolish to put new wine in old wineskins. What does this tell us about how we are to be the Church? 
How does this shape the future Church?
Today we look at those places we have become unflexible in our ways and how the call to faithfulness is a call to flexibility     

At the Baptism of Christ, we hear God proclaim... That is MY Son, MY Beloved in whom I am well pleased. As we look at our Baptism and understanding of Baptism, what would it mean to hear and live into that proclamation on us as the family of God 

In Matthew 2, we hear the story of the Magi and Herrod. This story raises two approaches we can have when we encounter the truth of Christ. As Herod did, we can live in fear of giving up control and losing our kingdom. However, the Magi went home a DIFFERENT WAY, as they were changed by their encounter and went forth heralding Jesus and LORD  

In John 1, we hear that the Word became flesh. Today the question should be, what if we put a little more skin in the game?

In Matthew 1, we hear the greatest reminder for this season... God is With Us. This is echoed in John Wesley's last words, The Best of All is...God is With Us

In Isaiah 35, we hear that amidst our brokenness, burnout, hurt, and guilt God provides a way for Revival, and as we are revived, we may REJOICE IN OUR REVIVAL 

In Romans 15 we hear the call to be united in Christ above anything else. In a day and a time where our world, and we as the body, are more divided than ever let us head this call. Let us seek to live at peace within our lives knowing God is in control and seek UNITY IN PEACE

In Isaiah 2:1-5 We hear of the promise that what has been and is do not have to be. As we enter into this season of Advent, we put our hope in God's call, desire, and will for us as a world, country, state, city, church and individuals 

As we hear, "Give to Ceasar what is Ceasar's and give to God what is God's" it is a reminder that we are to be image bearers of God  

In Matthew 5, we hear the beginning of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount as Jesus calls us to live in this world but not to live the ways of this world. In Matthew 5:23-24 we hear the call to release the tether of the past, forgive, and move forward. Let us not allow our past to define us but look to the future that God has in store for us