Real Peace. Real People.

What do we make of sections of Scripture like this one from Matthew? In it Jesus, who has such a forgiving heart for mankind, lays down the law. He places the standard by which we live so high that we can’t help notice that we don’t measure up to it. He takes the general concept of sin seriously, but he also takes our individual sins seriously. This thought is enough to make us want to crawl in a hole and hide. But Jesus doesn’t leave it there. He says, “I take sin seriously FOR YOU.”

What is our motivation for good works? Do we do them because we have to? Do we do them because we are letting someone down if we don’t? Do we do them because those good works have the power to save us? It is a question that faces every denomination of Christianity. In 1 Peter 2:9-12, Peter answers that question. We don’t live out our faith because we are forced to. Rather, we live out our faith because we just can’t help it. “By God’s grace, you are a Christian… so be a Christian.”

When we think of our God, the last thing we think of is weakness. Yet, when unbelievers think of the means by which Christians are saved, worship their God, and speak to their Savior, they see foolishness and weakness. It’s in these things that God delights. God’s standard for strength and wisdom are so different from the world, that God uses the weak to shame the strong and the foolish to shame the wise.

John the Baptist calls Jesus “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world." This title is packed with meaning. In our sermon for this week, we explore how these words bring to mind the picture of death atoning for sins and destruction bringing forth life. These indeed are the ugly, yet beautiful, truths of the cross.

“Who needs what they already have?” This was the question that clearly resonated in John’s mind. When Jesus asked John to baptize him, John was stunned. “You don’t need baptism. I need to be baptized by YOU!” He didn’t understand why perfect Jesus would have to be baptized for the forgiveness of sins. But Jesus answers that question: “to fulfill all righteousness.” We’ll dive in and discover the meaning of these words in our sermon.

Humans create their plans and God laughs. King Herod formulated a plan to dethrone the Christ before he was even 2 years old and God got his way. Not only did he get his way, but he used Herod’s plan to assist in bringing 3 magi to faith. If God could use Herod for that, what else could he use?

When we approach sections of the Bible that appear to be a list of random names that no one cares about, what should we do with them? In our sermon, Pastor Timothy Spaude takes us through this list of names, speaks about their significance, and shows each of us that we find significance in the eyes of God just like those people who have their names written in Scripture.

The shepherds play a shockingly significant role in the story of Christ’s birth. It is clear that God uses these men to show us 2000 years later that the message of a Savior being born for human beings has a profound impact on those who hear it. In our sermon, we’ll see the impact that Jesus’ arrival made on the lives of these men, on our lives, and on the lives of everyone who will ever hear the Gospel message.

The name “Immanuel” is packed with meaning. Simply put, it means God with us. But the concept of God coming to walk with his people is anything but simple. It means not just that he is with you when you’re crushed by sin, it means that he takes the sin on his shoulders and bears it for you. It means not just that he tries to give assurance to you in times of doubt, but instead he crushes that doubt. In our sermon, we’ll explore how “God with us” changed everything in the lives of Mary and Joseph… and it changes everything in our lives as well.

How can we reassure ourselves when we are in times of doubt? We could look inward and try to convince ourselves that we are “okay” by saying it over and over again. Or we can look outward. In Matthew 11, when John is faced with doubt and uncertainty, Jesus doesn’t turn him inward. He turns him outward to his Savior who proved time and time again that he was the promised Messiah.