Scripture describes Jesus's second arrival as an event you cannot miss. He is coming to restore His people and make everything new.

Before the fall, Adam and Eve used to walk in the garden with God, but this relationship was broken after Adam and Eve sinned. God weaves a plan to restore this relationship by sending His only Son to die in our place, extending an olive branch of peace.

In week one of Advent, we will focus on the need for a sacrifice and the sending of Jesus as this sacrifice.

In advent week one, we learn about Jesus as the sacrificial lamb sent to die for our sins. From Jesus's birth to His death we read that this was God's plan from the start.

God uses our willingness to give (time, talent, and treasures) to grow our faith and his kingdom.

Paul tells us that in every situation, we should give thanks. He says this, knowing what it's like to give thanks after being beaten and jailed for sharing the gospel. We give thanks, knowing that it is because of God we can find peace in difficult times.

In scripture, we see many of the ups and downs of Abraham's faith. If we focus on just Abraham's failure to have faith, we can easily miss the growth of his faith as God fulfills His promises.

Let's learn more about how to give with joy as we learn to live, love, and go like Jesus.

Romans 4:11-12

Paul refers to Genesis 15 and God's promise to Abram when addressing the gentiles in Romans 4. His reference to this Old Testament text shows us that the same promise of blessings is not just for Abram but for all of his sons.

It is common to hear people speak of salvation as a gift we earn, but we don't see this concept in scripture. Romans shows us that if it's up to us to earn our salvation, we would all be deserving of death. So what can we do to be saved?