Mt. Lassen Community Church

This coming Sunday we are starting the book of John. This will be a 2–part message—

1 • A short introduction to the book of John

2 • A study on vs 35–51, the invitation to “come and see” Jesus

The book of John is all about how Jesus is God-in-the-flesh and how we are saved by faith in Him. John focuses on particular signs and sayings of Jesus to lead us to belief in Him.

But, for God to become flesh, He had to humble Himself—and He didn’t stop halfway—he took the lowest place among us.

Consider Nathanael’s words—Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?

To this we’d say, Absolutely! 100% yes.

Jesus, God-with-us, chose to be born to a poor Galilean couple, laid in a manger at His birth, escape to Egypt in his childhood (living in exile), and then grow up as a young man in a small, rejected, despised burg called “Nazareth”—which would never appear in a first–century “Places to Visit While You Visit Israel” guidebook. 

And yet, of all the cities in Israel, Nazareth is probably the third most recognizable, after Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Why? Because Jesus came forth from there at the age of 30, after living His life in near obscurity, to reveal God to the world.

I want to be a “Nazareth”—no matter how much I am despised by the world, the only thing that matters is that Jesus is in my life, and people can see Him in me.

Matthew 1 • Gracious Love

This Sunday we are going to look at the greatest love story in all of history: God’s Gracious Love toward in sending His Son Jesus for us.

But we are going to consider this cosmic love story through the lens of Joseph and Mary’s betrothal and marriage.

Which is the greatest love story in all of literature or media?

Romeo & Juliet?

Rose & Jack?

Scarlett O’Hara & Rhett Butler?

Ross & Rachel?

Han & Leia?

Kermit & Ms. Piggy?

None of these! The Christmas story hinges on one incredible act of love—Joseph’s grace and mercy toward his betrothed fiancée Mary.

And because of Joseph’s gracious love in the Christmas Story, God can tell the magnificent story of His gracious love: the Gospel Story!

Blessings and Merry Christmas to all,

Sometimes God seems distant and silent in our lives.

David certainly felt this way at times—

Psalm 13

1   How long, O LORD? Will You forget me forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? 

2   How long shall I take counsel in my soul, Having sorrow in my heart all the day? How long will my enemy be exalted over me? 

3   Consider and answer me, O LORD my God; Enlighten my eyes, or I will sleep the sleep of death, 

4   And my enemy will say, “I have overcome him,” And my adversaries will rejoice when I am shaken. 

But as David always does in his most desperate and darkest hours, he turns his mind back to God’s goodness and his joy returns—

5   But I have trusted in Your lovingkindness; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. 

6   I will sing to the LORD, Because He has dealt bountifully with me.

The Christmas story is about God shining His light and glory into a DARK world. It is also about God SPEAKING, or even “shouting!” into a time of spiritual silence.

As the Angel declares to the shepherds: "BEHOLD! I bring you good news of great joy!”

May God's joy be upon you richly this Christmas season.

We are starting our Christmas series this Sunday with the big picture of Christ’s work described in John chapter 1. Jesus came to pierce the darkness with the light of His glory—expressed in the fullness of His grace and truth.

We also continue our Advent focus, as we prepare our hearts for Christ. In Advent we put ourselves in the sandals of those faithful believers in the Old Testament, looking forward in anticipation of God’s promised Messiah. This Sunday we’ll be lighting the “Peace” candle, as God promised to send the Prince of Peace, that the “government” of our lives would rest on His shoulders.

My challenge to you in this season of Christmas—don’t miss Jesus! If we go through the motions of the Christmas traditions and busy holiday events, but miss Jesus—did we actually celebrate Christmas?

Let’s never neglect the Reason for this season. Instead, let’s take time to come on bended knee and lay our gifts before Him.

The saga of Joseph’s journey from pit to palace in Genesis is one of the most exquisite accounts in all of scripture. The plot is fascinating and the account is perfectly woven together.

But the story is long, and after Joseph ascends to the Pharaoh’s right hand to take over management of Egypt and save the world from starvation from the famine, I suspect many readers tune out, thinking the “good stuff” is over. One might look at chapters 42 to 50 as the “after thought”—just a long account of Joseph settling his family in Egypt.

The term we use now is “TLDR”—“too long, didn’t read.” We prefer the short memes and sound bites, and a long read just doesn’t hold our attention. Blame social media and Twitter. 

May I urge you—don’t tune out quite yet! How Joseph deals with his brothers from chapter 42 and on might just be the whole point God was driving at since they threw him in the pit in chapter 37!

Because here we learn that God is the God of second chances. Because who doesn’t need a do–over from time to time? This is a lesson of God’s grace we all need to hear.

And we learn that you can forgive someone who has totally messed your life up—because God’s plan is greater. Once again, a lesson we all need to hear.

So, don’t tune out yet. Joseph still has a lot more still to teach us!

Joseph’s life might seem familiar, personally or in someone you know—

Treated unfairly.

In a dead–end job.

Doors slammed in the face.

Forgotten by family.

Making no progress.

Going from bad to worse.

Life in the pits.

No end in sight.

But in hindsight, looking back over his journey, Joseph wouldn’t have changed a thing!

This Sunday’s lesson: God’s presence in our circumstances changes everything!