 The Christmas story is one of the most familiar tales in history: a baby born in a manger, angels singing to shepherds, and wise men traveling from afar to bring gifts. We know the figurines of the nativity scene, but there’s a deeper truth behind why God orchestrated this story in such an unexpected way. Why shepherds? Why wise men? Why a stable? These questions point us to a God who doesn’t do things by human standards but instead chooses unexpected people and situations to reveal His glory.
This Christmas, as we make our lists and fill our calendars, we are invited to reflect on the lessons of Christ's birth. The angels didn’t announce the birth of the Savior to kings or scholars but to shepherds, some of the most overlooked people of their time. Meanwhile, God also drew wealthy, educated wise men to worship Him. These two groups had little in common except for one key thing: they were willing to be interrupted by God. Their willingness to stop, listen, and follow God's leading serves as a powerful example for us during this busy season. God’s choice of shepherds and wise men to witness Jesus' arrival reminds us of His heart for all people. Shepherds, lowly and unclean, represent those who feel unworthy or overlooked. The wise men, outsiders from a distant land, represent those who seem far from God. Both were called to the manger, showing us that God's love and salvation are for everyone. The Christmas story is a reminder that Jesus came not just for the expected but for the unexpected—the outsiders, the broken, and the forgotten. How often do we let our plans get in the way of hearing God's voice? The shepherds were going about their daily work, and the wise men were studying the stars when God interrupted their lives with a call to worship. This Christmas, God may be trying to speak to you, too. Will you be willing to pause and listen? Will you allow Him to guide your priorities, even if it means changing your plans? Let’s learn from the shepherds and wise men by being open to God’s interruptions. Another lesson from the Christmas story is to show grace to those we least expect. Just as God prioritized shepherds and foreigners in the nativity story, He calls us to extend grace and love to people we might otherwise overlook. Who in your life feels like the least likely candidate for God’s love? This season, we are challenged to reach out, to show kindness, and to share the good news of Jesus with the unexpected people in our lives. Jesus’ birth is just the beginning of the ultimate act of grace. That baby in the manger grew up to die on the cross for our sins, offering salvation to everyone. Reflecting on His sacrifice reminds us of the depth of His love and calls us to embody His grace to others. When we allow ourselves to be interrupted by God and extend grace to others, we become part of His redemptive story. As we celebrate Christmas, let’s keep our hearts open to the unexpected. May we be ready to hear God’s voice, willing to change our plans, and eager to extend His love to others. This season, let’s let God’s agenda become our priority and follow where He leads us, just as the shepherds and wise men did long ago. - Adapted from the sermon preached at our Walloon Lake campus on 12/01/24.
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Life can be filled with storms—moments of doubt, pain, and uncertainty. In such times, we need something firm to hold onto, an anchor for our souls. Hebrews 6:7-20 reminds us that God’s promises are just that: unbreakable anchors rooted in His unchanging character. The faith that saves is not momentary; it endures to the end, reflecting a genuine transformation of the heart.
Through the example of Abraham, we see what it means to trust God’s promises, even when they seem impossible. Abraham waited 25 years for the birth of Isaac, believing against all odds that God would fulfill His word. In the same way, we are called to persevere in faith and service, loving others out of reverence for Christ. This diligence and love are evidence of our salvation, showing that Christ lives in us. God’s promises are sealed with an oath, making them reliable and trustworthy. They are not wishful thinking or optimism—they are firm foundations that keep us steady in the storms of life. Jesus, our eternal High Priest, has guaranteed these promises through His sacrifice. His resurrection is proof that nothing can separate us from God’s love. When the enemy whispers lies that God is unjust or that He has forgotten us, we must cling to the truth of His Word. As Hebrews 6:19 declares, this hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls, leading us directly into God’s presence. Whether we face challenges, delays, or uncertainties, we can trust that Jesus walks with us, never leaving or forsaking us. For those who do not yet know this anchor, the invitation is open. Jesus, who left the glory of heaven, lived a sinless life, and died for our sins, offers a relationship with God. His promises are eternal, and His love is unshakable. In Him, we find not only hope for today but also the assurance of eternity. Let us stand firm in faith, persevering in love, and anchored by God’s unbreakable promises. - Adapted from sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 11/24/24. Persevering in faith is not just about starting strong; it’s about enduring to the end. This is an invitation to reflect on the authenticity of our commitment to Christ. Think about Judas, who appeared to be followers but ultimately revealed a lack of genuine belief. These sobering reminders emphasize that faith isn’t proven by an initial profession alone but by a lifelong journey marked by growth, spiritual fruit, and obedience.
Eternal security, as presented in Scripture, affirms that true believers are kept by God’s power. Verses from John 6:37-39 and John 10:27-29 affirm that no one can snatch us out of God’s hand. However, complacency is dangerous. The sermon urges us to question whether we’re relying solely on a prayer or decision made years ago without recent evidence of faith. The apostle Paul’s reminder in Galatians 5:22-23 about the fruit of the Spirit sets a standard for examining our lives. Repentance, far from being a one-time event, is described as an ongoing practice. When we stumble, the path back to assurance is repentance and running to Jesus. Just as the prodigal son turned back to his father and was met with love, we are encouraged to turn to Christ, who is eager to restore us. This sermon serves as both a warning and an invitation: a warning against superficial faith and an invitation to deepen our walk with Christ daily. - Adapted from sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 11/17/24. Spiritual growth is an invitation to a deeper life with God, where believers are called to move beyond the basics of faith into a vibrant, maturing relationship with Jesus. Hebrews 5:11-6:3 serves as a wake-up call to followers who may have become "spiritually dull" or stagnant in their journey. This passage urges us to examine whether we're still spiritual infants, relying on others to feed us, or if we've taken the next step to feed ourselves and grow stronger in our faith.
The analogy of moving from milk to solid food serves as a powerful reminder that the life of faith requires responsibility. Just as physical growth demands a shift from baby food to real sustenance, spiritual maturity requires us to dig into Scripture ourselves, not merely depending on a weekly sermon or a favorite worship song. Spiritual maturity grows when we put into practice what we learn, allowing God's teachings to shape our daily lives. Hebrews makes it clear: knowing about God isn’t enough. We must put that knowledge into action. This takes us from simply hearing about forgiveness, love, and patience to actually practicing them in challenging situations. Just as children mature through practice and repetition, so do we mature in faith through consistent action and trust in God's leading. Spiritual growth also requires relying on God rather than solely on our own efforts. Growth happens in a partnership with God, as we cultivate time in His Word, lean on the Holy Spirit, and engage in community. Our role is to create the right conditions for growth, but it’s ultimately God who does the transformative work. Are we ready to let God lead us deeper, even when it’s uncomfortable or challenges us to change? It’s not easy to move out of our comfort zones, but God’s promises encourage us to trust Him as we step into a more mature, impactful faith. By trusting in God’s strength and letting His Spirit guide us, we find a life full of purpose, growth, and spiritual fruit that impacts the world around us. Are you willing to step forward in your faith journey? Spiritual growth isn’t an end goal but a lifelong journey with Christ. Let’s choose to be open, available, and ready to grow as He leads us into a richer, more fulfilling walk with Him. - Adapted from sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 11/10/24. Life often confronts us with situations that leave us feeling unsure and overwhelmed. Moments when we face the loss of a loved one, betrayal by a friend, or health challenges that persist, no matter how much we pray. These trials test our faith and push us to our emotional and spiritual limits. So, what do we do when we don’t know what to do? Hebrews 4:14-16 gives us hope by pointing us to Jesus, our Great High Priest. This passage reminds us that in our confusion, pain, and anxiety, we have a Savior who fully understands our struggles and offers us grace and mercy.
The Jewish people had an intricate system for approaching God, one that required sacrifices, rituals, and a high priest who could enter the Holy of Holies only once a year. But Jesus transformed this entire system. As the writer of Hebrews explains, Jesus is a High Priest far greater than any who came before. Unlike the priests who served on earth, Jesus has entered heaven and sits at the right hand of God, having completed the work of salvation. His unique qualifications—being both God and sinless man—make Him a compassionate, understanding, and effective mediator for us. One of the most reassuring truths from this text is that Jesus understands. He experienced every kind of temptation and suffering but remained without sin. This means He can empathize with our weaknesses. Jesus knows the weight of sorrow, the sting of betrayal, and the exhaustion of relentless trials. Yet, in His perfection, He invites us to approach Him with confidence. The veil that once separated people from God’s presence has been torn, giving us direct access to our loving Father. We no longer need to be afraid or hesitant. Jesus doesn’t just give us access; He offers us help. We can come boldly to God’s throne, not because we have earned it, but because Jesus paved the way. When we approach Him, He promises two precious gifts: mercy and grace. Mercy is His compassion, understanding, and care for our needs, while grace is the strength to endure and the energy to keep going. Even when our circumstances don’t change, His grace empowers us to face each challenge with renewed courage and hope. The idea of running up to Jesus without fear reminds us of a beautiful image: children running to their father. When President Kennedy’s children played in the Oval Office, they didn’t need an appointment or approval—they belonged there because he was their dad. Similarly, Jesus has adopted us into His family, giving us the right to approach Him freely, any time we’re in need. This relationship transforms our prayers from hesitant requests to bold declarations of our need for His presence and help. This assurance doesn’t mean we’re spared from suffering. Jesus warned us that in this world, we would face many trials and sorrows. Yet, He promised to be with us, offering His presence, mercy, and grace. He may not always deliver us from the storms we face, but He promises to walk with us through them. Our High Priest isn’t distant or disconnected; He is right there with us, feeling our pain and extending His loving arms. We’re called to remember that when life’s struggles seem insurmountable, our first action should be to run to Jesus. He’s not too busy, and we don’t need to follow a protocol to gain His attention. Instead, we can make a beeline straight to His throne, knowing that He understands and has the power to help. So, when you don’t know what to do, take your confusion and pain to Jesus. Trust in His promise to provide exactly what you need. Let’s lean into this truth and be a church that approaches our High Priest with confidence. Whether you’re battling grief, pain, or uncertainty, Jesus is ready and willing to offer you His presence, mercy, and grace. May we find our strength in Him and hold firmly to our faith, even when it’s tested. Our God is faithful, and His throne is always open to us. - Adapted from the sermons preached across our 3 campuses on 11/3/24. |
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These are powerful posts adapted from our pastors' weekly sermons.
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