Time of Grace With Pastor Mike Novotny

Our world is constantly changing, but it was no different in David's time.  The world for David was shifting and evil was replacing much of the good.  As sinners, we are on a downward spiral, but we are living in the age of the Messiah.  Jesus paid for our sins and turns on black hearts pure.  What comfort it is to know that even as things get bad around us we can surround ourselves with good through our Savior.

Our lives can so often feel like they are on a downward spiral.  Getting caught up in the bad things that happen can drag us down and take us farther from God's message of hope.  David had a hard life, but despite all of the trials he endured God used David and his family for the lineage of Christ.  No matter how rough things get for us, we have the blessing of knowing that God is with us, he smiles down upon us and is our strength in our time of need.

God often uses people to serve as leaders. He has also chosen us to be his people and to bring the message of hope to all of God's people.

Jesus is the Son of God, not lesser than the father, but equal. He was sent to earth to carry out God's plan of salvation. Jesus is all-powerful and keeps us safe from sin and the devil.

Jesus was born a man, but still the son of God.  What a confusing idea? Jesus walked the earth with the rest of the sinners, but was perfect.  He was not a sinner like us.  It truly is a mystery to think about, but what a blessing that Jesus humbled himself to be born such a lowly birth and to walk the earth with lowly people.  Because of his sacrifice and God's love we are saved by grace.

Our sinful human minds can't understand how Jesus was born to a virgin.  This was all part of God's plan and was not an unplanned pregnancy.  This plan was well thought out and was done out of love.  God has a plan for our life and we can be assured that he is in control of our lives.

We can get rid of the bad and live for God because we are redeemed children through Christ.  God loves us and has forgiven us even though we are sinful human beings.  We can serve others and find joy in our lives because God has changed us from sinful humans to forgiven children of God.

The Holy Spirit gives us the gift of faith and eternal life in Christ. We are to spread the Word and give hope to others as God has given hope to us.

Our society often promotes living like there is no tomorrow, grabbing all the gusto you can because life is too short to worry about consequences, if there are any, that is.  But applying this same philosophy to our spiritual lives is extremely dangerous.  We are accountable to God for our sins.  Jesus will return to judge the world, and we need to be prepared.  For those who are not connected to Jesus on the day of judgment, it will be terrifying.  But for those with faith in their hearts, Jesus will lift us up to live with him in the mansions of heaven.

God sent John to prepare the way for Jesus. We prepare each Advent season for the celebration of the birth of Christ. Jesus life was a blessing and gift for all believers.