December 23, 2018

Faith in God’s promise is the cause of Mary’s song of praise, the Magnificat, where she magnifies the Lord. Like Mary we are to rejoice in the gift of God’s Son to us. If you don’t need Jesus because you have everything, then you will go home empty. But if you come to him in need of a Savior, you will go home spiritually filled.

Scripture: Luke 1:39-56

December 16, 2018

John the Baptism preached about the coming wrath of God, a theme that runs throughout the New Testament.  We need to prepare for his coming by repenting of our sin and turning to Christ as our Savior.  This passage and others tell us what repentance looks like.

Scripture: Luke 3:7-18

December 9, 2018

John the Baptist was Christ’s herald who called people to repentance. We also need to heed to the message of the herald in the Advent season so we will be ready for the Lord’s Coming.

Scripture: Luke 3:1-6

December 2, 2018

The New Testament teaches that Jesus Christ will return on the clouds of heaven. He calls his followers to live as those who are prepared and long for his return. This future event is to affect our prayer life and our commitment.

Scripture: Luke 21:25-38; 1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

November 25, 2018

During his trial by Pontius Pilate, our Lord stated that he was born a King and that people who on the side of truth would follow him as their King. It is a rebellious attitude that takes the position that we cannot know the truth. It is a rebellious act against God to reject the rule of his Son Jesus.

Scripture: John 18:33-37

November 18, 2018

The disciples must have been shocked when they heard the prophecy of Jesus that the temple in Jerusalem would be destroyed. Of course, they wanted to know when this would happen and when would Jesus return? Jesus teaches that our focus must not be on “when” but on faithful service, trusting God, and following his Word.

Scripture: Mark 13:1-8

November 11, 2018

Our Lord warned of those who live their life for human applause, greed, and show. In contrast, two widows in Scripture exemplify believers who trusted God in their giving. Christians are to develop the grace of giving as a response to the Lord Jesus’ incarnation and sacrificial death on the cross.

Scripture: Mark 12:38-44

November 4, 2018

God does not want you to be ignorant about the next life. He has prepared a holy city for all his people. Like Abraham and other people of faith, we should look forward to that existence.

Scripture: Revelation 21:1-8

October 28, 2018

The question of the Philippian jailer is our question as well, “What must I do to be saved?” There can only be one answer. If the church does not give the same answer as the Apostles then we are offering a false gospel.

Scripture: Acts 16:22-34

October 21, 2018

We must not view the church to advance our own agenda and desires. The disciples were off track when they requested positions of greatness. Jesus is the ultimate servant who died on the cross as a ransom for many. Our calling is to follow his example.

Scripture: Mark 10:35-45