We all have something that we lean on, something that supports us, holds us up, and gives us strength, joy and purpose in life. Many people lean on the ways of the world and end up truly unhappy. But a good and beautiful life is promised to those who lean on God, faithfully following and obeying his teachings.

We have a guest speaker at The Father’s House today. Bill Brown is an 87 year-old missionary and apostolic leader who has ministered in dozens of nations for over 70 years, leading and facilitating missions projects, church plants, pastors conferences, and ministry education programs. Reflecting on his life and ministry, Bill emphasizes the power of God’s presence in all circumstances, highlighting the need to respond to the Lord’s love and leading continually.

Today marks the beginning of lazy days and the let down season. Christmas is over, half eaten boxes of chocolates are on the counter, pieces of torn wrapping paper are in the living room, and gifts that were once secret are now in the open, waiting to be used. Emotions and questions on the day after Christmas are common throughout the Christian life. God has gifted us with so much—Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, the Holy Spirit as our helper, and spiritual gifts to ensure we’re well furnished for every good work. There’s a high calling and a commitment on the day after Christmas. Will we fully utilize the gifts God has given?

Loneliness is an epidemic in our world. More people than ever before are feeling unwanted, unneeded, uncared for, and maybe even unnecessary. Friendship is what fills the gap between relational desires and experiences. Jesus is the perfect friend; He gives us exactly what we need and shows us how to be a good friend to others.

Our world has deep cultural narratives embedded into it. Whether passive or aggressive, national identities, religious beliefs, social standards, and other cultural influences have a powerful effect upon people. The culture that Jesus introduced is known as the Kingdom of God and his invitation is for every other culture to be transformed by its values

Many stories in the Bible foreshadow the coming of Jesus – signalizing a day when God would travel through time and space to be with his creation. One such story came by way of a dream had by a troubled young man named Jacob, who saw a stairway from heaven touching the earth. Jacob’s dream points to the Christmas story, revealing that God’s love breaks through barriers to reach a world that’s fallen asleep.

Making a pickle is a time-consuming process. You need to make brine—a vinegary, salty solution—and then place cucumbers in the brine and leave them for up to six weeks. Growing as a disciple of Jesus is a lot like making a pickle. You want to mature quickly, but spiritual growth doesn’t happen instantly. Today’s message will encourage you to slow down, to take time, and to patiently commit to doing life with God.

A dominant narrative, even among Christians, is “I am a sinner,” but the New Testament narrative is that Christians are in Christ and are new creations. Therefore “I am a saint” is a the more truthful declaration. Though Christ dwells in Christians, sin remains, but its power has been broken and it must not reign. The secret to living the Christian life is to “abide” in Christ, allowing Him to shine through weaknesses and vulnerabilities

Sin has distorted humanity. Its effects are seen globally, in communities, and in individual lives. The narrative of scripture reveals a holy God pursuing unholy people with a plan to set them apart for His holy purpose. Like the temple described in the Bible, God has purified his people. He’s reconciled them through his son, Jesus, and has commissioned them to manifest his glory in the world.

When it comes to God, self-sacrifice goes much deeper. God so loved the world that he sacrificed his son, even when we had no use for him. In other words, God sacrificed for us when we were his enemies!