Isaiah brings hope to exiles in a hostile country

Why do humans turn from a God who loves them and offers them everything in order to worship an idol, who promises much and delivers nothing?

Sometimes a text can become so familiar, you don't see that maybe you are seeing it wrong.

The story of angels, shepherds, and mangers isn't about hospitality, or innkeepers. It is about Jesus, the Christ, the Son of the Living God - and how he is calling the world to Himself.

The Christian life is not a life of shame and guilt, but redemption - Jesus seeks us because he considers us to be of great value. He redeems us that we might shine his light in our communities.

This is why the preaching of the law can never redeem; it can only increase shame and guilt.

Last two weeks we looked at human kind as image-bearers of God and what that means. In this episode, I talk about the figures that the Bible uses of what reflecting God's image actually looks like.

Moses says "Love the God and your neighbor."

Micah said, "Do justly, love faithfulness to covenants, and walk humbly with God.

Solomon said "Get wisdom"

And Paul said, "The fruits of the Spirit are manifested, which are these: love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, self-control."

All different ways of looking at how we are transformed to the image of God in Jesus Christ.

We reflect the light of God through wisdom; given to us in Christ by the power of the Spirit; free for all who ask.

How does the light shine from God's glory to humankind?

What is meant by the image of God? These are the topics we are struggling through today.

Why do we still struggle with the same sins?

Does God hear our prayer for wisdom?

We talk about the behaviorism of the modern church and the false definitions of sin that still plague us.

We long together for the day when all tears will be wiped away.

What are you looking for? The mistake most pastors make is to assume that the goal is to fix a marriage, or make our children behave, or change someone's behavior.

These are good things, but they must serve the goal - the goal is knowing God.

Seek first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness

My thoughts on Luke 14 - where kingdoms collide. The powerful elite sit for the feast while the riffraff watch. Jesus is invited.

What will he do? Whose side is he on?

Will he side with the powerful, righteous, godly church leaders?

Or the poor beggars outside?