Did you know the story of Noah's Ark is actually a powerful foreshadowing of Jesus and God's plan for salvation?

The flood story isn't just about destruction, but God's remembrance and renewal. The rainbow isn't just a pretty sight, but a war bow pointed towards heaven - God taking on our punishment. Every detail, from numbers to literary structure, points to Jesus and the Gospel

Most importantly, we learned that just as God remembered Noah, He remembers YOU. No matter how chaotic life gets, our Heavenly Father never forgets His children.

In Deuteronomy 6:4-15, the Shema, we are called to love God with all our heart, soul, and might. Jesus later adds 'mind' to this list, emphasizing the importance of our thought life in our relationship with God. We're reminded that worry is not just an emotion, but involves both feeling and thinking components. The talk offers practical suggestions for overcoming worry, including redirecting our thoughts to God's greatness and developing a discipline of gratitude.

Today, we delve into the story of Moses' parents, Amram and Jochebed, and the profound lessons their faith offers us. Their tale, found in Exodus 2, reminds us that even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, our faith is our anchor and our legacy. These unsung heroes of the Bible teach us about the importance of cultivating a heritage of faith in our children and trusting God with both our story and our children's stories. As we navigate the complexities of parenthood and discipleship, we're called to be both faithful in our duties and full of faith in God's plan. How can we, like Amram and Jochebed, build a foundation of faith that withstands the tests of time and circumstance?

This week's sermon reminded us of a profound truth: we are all affected by the disease of depravity, passed down since Adam and Eve. But there's hope! Just as God clothed Adam and Eve after their fall, He has provided the perfect covering for our sin through Jesus Christ. No matter how depraved we've been, God's amazing grace offers forgiveness and restoration.

The Book of Revelation isn’t about timelines or dragons. It’s about glimpses of hope in the darkness. Like driving through a long, dark tunnel and suddenly catching breathtaking views through small windows – Revelation gives us awe-inspiring glimpses of Jesus and the glory that awaits. In a world full of suffering, we need these reminders that God reigns. Revelation isn’t meant to confuse us, but to bless us with renewed hope and a longing to see Christ face-to-face.
‘Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it.’ – Revelation 1:3

The Christmas story isn't just about a baby in a manger; it's about the eternal Word becoming flesh, the Creator of life taking on human form. This incredible act invites us to see our own lives through an eternal lens, moving beyond our earthly perspectives to grasp the abundant life Jesus offers. As we celebrate this season, let's ask ourselves: Are we merely playing a role, or are we truly alive in Christ?

By examining the Greek concept of 'logos' and Hebrew understanding of God's creative power, we see how John brilliantly weaves these ideas together to present Jesus as both divine and the source of all creation. This insight challenges us to reconsider our perception of Jesus, not just as a historical figure, but as the eternal God who became flesh.

There’s something about Christmas lights that brings almost everyone a little bit of joy. Why is it that something so simple- twinkling lights on a roof line- makes so many people smile? That little light set against the backdrop of the darkest and longest nights of the year reminds us that the darkness may last for a long time, and it may feel overwhelming, but when the light shines, the darkness cannot overcome it.

Emmanuel- God with us. That simple truth is the essence of the Christmas story- but not just the Christmas story. Truly it is the message of the Bible- from Genesis to Revelation. The Bible is a story about God in relationship to his people. A relationship that was present in the Garden and restored in the New Jerusalem- and Christmas is at the center of that story.