In Exodus 20:1 this one verse in the Old Testament tells it all. "God Spoke." During those days, our God often spoke audibly to Moses and other prophets as recorded in the Bible. Because God spoke we can know His will and His mercy. We must trust and obey the will of God. Jesus Christ was sent by God to help us learn and understand the words of God and to be our Redeemer. While we often want to hear God's voice for ourselves, He sent us a Savior, Jesus Christ, and that is who speaks to us today. In this series we will study the will of God through the words in the Bible and how we are to respond and witness to others.

In Exodus 19:1-25, on their way to the promised land, we find Moses preparing to go up mount Sinai to meet with God. The result of this meeting will be the Ten Commandments. God had already made a covenant with the Israelites, but they were in need of some basic guidance and obedience. God is holy. His people are holy but not holy enough. Moses was the mediator, in this instance, between God and the people. That was in the Old Testament. In the New Testament, we are given a new covenant and a new mediator, Jesus Christ. It is through His holiness that God receives us.

In Psalm 1, we are given some excellent advice for drawing closer to God. Verse 1, retreat from bad influences and counsel. Think about those with whom you associate. Do they pull you away from God? Verse 2, reflect on God's Word. Do you delight and meditate on God's Word? Verse 3, Reproduce for God's glory. Bear fruit for God like a tree beside the water, green and growing, not brown and dying. How do you age spiritually? Verses 4-6, Remember the final future of the ungodly. They will not see the blessings of Heaven. The way of the ungodly shall perish. Even though the broad way is popular, the narrow way is God's way. Ask God to help you follow His Way!

Each year on January 1st, we tell ourselves that we are going to "reset" some things in our life. Usually, these things are physical. We can also "reset" our spiritual self and in Psalm 138 David begins with "I will" do certain things. There are several resolutions in this passage to consider. I will praise and worship God. I will pray and listen to God's answer. I will be penitent and humble. I will be patient for God's plan for me. God is merciful and He has a plan for each of us. Draw near to God and have a blessed New Year 2026!

The story of Ruth is about redemption. In the book of Ruth , we learn the problems that Ruth and her Mother-In-Law, Naomi, had and what was needed for them to survive and succeed. As a result, Ruth became an important person in the lineage of Jesus. There are a lot of details in this story, but the final words in the book lead to our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, through the lineage of David. It is a Christmas story that began long before the birth of Jesus.

It can also be called a "paradox". In Luke 1:26-35, there are contrasts that Christians believe tell of the divine power of God. How could there be a virgin birth? As true believers, we accept the way in which God chooses to work in the story of mankind. Listen to these eight "contrasts" that tell about the miracle of Jesus Christ sinless beginning. If you truly accept the Bible as the Word of God Almighty, then you have no problem believing that He can do ANYTHING. Just BELIEVE!

In Luke 1:39-45 we find the story of Mary and Elisabeth, two women who were visited by the Holy Spirit and who gave birth to two very significant babies. Elisabeth's son, John (the Baptist), was the last prophet of the Old Testament and Mary's son, Jesus Christ, the Son of God. John would call people to repent and Jesus would pay the price of our sins. Jesus would change everything and create a New Covenant for Jews and Gentiles alike. During this season of Advent, let's remember that Jesus Christ came for EVERYONE. Those who accept Him as Lord and Savior will one day be with Him in Heaven. He is the sacrificial Lamb for the repentance of our sins. BELIEVE IT!!

Advent begins today, December 1st, and goes through Christmas Eve. It is a time when we prepare for Jesus coming. In John 3:1-18, Jesus has a conversation with a man of the Pharisees, Nicodemus, and explains who He is and why He has come. Jesus refers to Old Testament passages, such as in Leviticus 16, that explain atonement through sacrificing animals. Jesus came to Earth to provide a permanent atonement for all who accept and believe He is the Son of God. Through His sacrifice of death and resurrection we have a pathway to forgiveness of our sins. Let's remember the true meaning of Christmas as we celebrate His birth.

Ephesians 2:1-10 and 19-22

This lesson in the Bible is one that I would choose to teach if it was the last sermon I could give. By God's grace we are all able to be saved. Made in God's image, we have been given a way to enter eternity with Jesus Christ. This is a gift better than any other that we can find on this earth. All believers are offered this wonderful gift from our gracious God who loves us.

. . . How Brightly is Your Light Shining? In Matthew 5:14-16, Jesus reminds us that we are the light of the world and a light that should lead others to Christ. All believers should avoid any appearances of evil and should live a life that does not bring reproach on the name of Jesus. What we truly believe is shown by how we live with clean hands and pure hearts. God gives us guard rails and the Bible tells us all we need to know. By being aware of when we drift away from God, we can find our way back through the words and examples found there.