Time of Grace With Pastor Mike Novotny

The cemetery where Jesus was buried became a dormitory when he rose from the dead. And his resurrection guarantees that God’s plan of salvation was successful. Our sins are forgiven and paid for. Because Jesus rose, we too will rise to glory in heaven someday. 

The all-powerful Creator of the universe humbled himself to become like us so that he could die for our sins. We praise him for the wonderful world he created for us to live in, for our bodies, and for our many blessings. But most important we praise him for his unending love—demonstrated by Jesus’ suffering, death, and resurrection.

Jesus suffered unjust torture in order for us to receive salvation. It was all part of God’s plan, for the forgiveness of our sins. In Jesus’ suffering we witness the tremendous love he and the Father have for us.

Are you part of the exclusive club of believers?  Anyone can join and the perks are endless.  There are plenty of people doubting God, but God clearly says, "I am God and there is no other!" St. Patrick dedicated his life to telling people about Jesus and encouraging people to not believe in false gods.  Our world today is full of doubting people, but we know that our God is the only one true God.

In this part of Scripture, God once again displays his love and forgiveness for all people, as well as his desire to bring his Word to everyone. God used Philip to explain God’s Word to an Ethiopian, someone very unlike Philip, yet who in turn furthered God’s kingdom in Africa. We too can join together in Christian unity with people of every race, ethnicity, age, etc. to spread the love of Jesus and further the kingdom.

Jesus came to save all people—even those many would consider outsiders. We are all outsiders when it comes to salvation if we don’t have Christ. Jesus set an example for us when he approached a Samaritan woman and showed her the way to heaven. We too can take this attitude of love and forgiveness and tell others, even those who are different from us, about Jesus as the living water.

Solomon had everything; wives, wealth and popularity.  But he got caught up in earthly things and lost sight of the importance of honoring God above all else.  No matter what time it is in your life God is the overseer.  You are a servant in your life, not a lord.  God reminds us that we are to serve God first, others second and ourselves last.

What a humble birth our Savior Jesus experienced.  Born to a virgin mother in a stable barn in the little town of Bethlehem.  The story of Christ's birth serves as a reminder to us that our Father sent his only son to be born a human.  This was in order for us to be redeemed and forgiven of all of our sins.  Rejoice in the birth of Christ this Christmastime!

Job was given more hardships by God than we can even imagine.  He was a wealthy man with a large family until God chose to test him.  He proved that his faith was stronger than anything else in his life because when he lost everything he still believed that God was in control.  When bad things happen to us our faith and trust in God will get us through.  

There are so many negative people in the world who can distract us from our faith and trust in God.  It is easy to get caught up in these theories of hopelessness, but we are blessed by God's saving Word to know the true meaning of the holiday season and of faith.  God sent his only Son to save us from all of our sins.  Let our lights shine so others can see that faith in God brings peace to all in these scary times.