The ECC Podcast

The angel announced to the shepherds, "behold I bring you good news of great joy...!" What is the joy that God gives, and how do we choose to embrace it?

The favor of God was brought to us in the birth of Jesus. God's favor is his goodwill, approval, and kindness. God desires to give all men His favor if we will believe it and receive it. Once we receive the favor of God in Jesus, we can increase it in relationship with Him by humbly seeking Him. Isaiah 9, the Christmas prophecy guarantees us a joyful harvest!

One of God's gifts to us is highlighted in the Christmas story. "Peace on earth," said the angels. God provides us lasting peace in spite of our circumstances.

In the church calendar, the Sunday after Christmas is often a time to reflect on Jesus' second coming-- Advent 2.0. First he came as a vulnerable baby-King, and his second coming will display his full sovereignty. But what did Jesus himself say about his second coming? In this message we look at the three things that characterized his teachings on this important topic.

Taken from the story in John 11 of the raising of Lazarus, this message shows how Jesus uses miracles to bring people to faith. But He does not always act as soon as we want. Difficulties and the discouragement of waiting is an opportunity to learn to trust God more. We must be careful not to become offended at God but realize He has His own purpose and timing.