The Fellowship Podcast

The Apostle Paul reminds us in Romans 8, that we have not received the spirit of bondage to fear, but we’ve received the Spirit of adoption. There’s a spirit of fear that tells us we are orphans and outsiders who need to fend for ourselves, but God says, “I’ve adopted you. My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest.” Let’s ask Holy Spirit this week to show us when we live as orphans.

There are different seasons of time in our lives. As we walk with Jesus, we are called to discern the Holy Spirit’s timing in our lives and ministries, to walk in wisdom as it relates to the times of our lives, and to redeem time.

If we are certain about what is going to happen next, there’s no need for faith. Instead, our faith grows and matures when we believe in God even when we cannot see and cannot know. “So, take a new grip with your tired hands and strengthen your weak knees.” God is at work. Just as God led generations before you, you are being led, and you have brothers and sisters along the journey with you.

We explored Psalm 119:105 “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” The Lord gives us the light we need to navigate life. Sometimes we experience night seasons where the words of the Lord show us where to step next and how to navigate challenging times. At other times the Lord gives us daylight for understanding the larger picture and long-term vision. In all times, the Lord provides light for our journey.

When we are on mission, we encounter new information as well as changes to plans and to trajectories. Looking at examples from NASA mission control, Sarah reminds us of the one thing we must do in life—if we don’t, we can do nothing.

On Sunday we were blessed to have Ben, Rachel and Noah with us. They serve overseas with World Outreach but were able to be home for the holidays. Ben spoke from Ephesians 5:1-2 about living lives filled with love and shared stories from around the world of extravagant love that compels people to live sacrificially. He encouraged us to walk, talk, pray and invite people to our tables because of God’s great love for us. When we live like this, rejoicing follows.

We encourage you to support Ben and Rachel in prayer, encouragement and finances. If you’d like to sign up for their newsletter and/or support them, email us at [email protected]

Matthew 2 records the story of what happens in the lives of Joseph, Mary and Jesus after Jesus’ birth. We see three main events: The wisemen’s visit, Herod’s response to the wisemen, and the journey of Jesus’ family. Through this story we discover how God was providing for them, protecting them and directing them. This is who God wants to be for us, a provider, protector and leader.

During the Christmas season, we continue to open our hearts to Immanuel—God with us. God has always been with us and present—seeking to dwell with us, but we sometimes are unaware or inattentive. In this message, Sarah invites us to be present to God’s presence, where there’s freedom, rest and good news.

On Sunday, Steve and Brenda shared the miraculous story of how God redeemed their marriage from addiction and abuse. Their experience was messy, ugly and dark, but Jesus came in and changed everything. As you listen, please remember that no one should stay in places of abuse, so if you are there, do seek help and safety right away. If you’d like to reach out to us, we can help you find resources and support. We share these faith stories because we want to talk about the hard things in life and encourage you to open your heart to the hope, courage and freedom that Christ brings to your own unique redemption story.

During Advent we remember God’s promises about the Messiah, and we prepare for his coming again in our lives today. God’s promises are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through him, we speak the ‘Amen’ (2 Cor. 1:20). In this talk Sarah speaks about God’s promises towards us (i.e. God is doing a new thing!), and like Mary and Elizabeth we say, “Amen!”