We are following the overall story of the Bible, and we are telling the story by the thresholds we see. Sin brings death and destruction. In the Bible, Adam and Eve’s defiance of God leads to a closed door to Paradise and a sin-corrupted world rampant with death and destruction. The flood washes the earth, but Noah and his family are spared on the ark. When the rains came, God closed them in by shutting the ark’s door. This sign shows God’s saving grace: God provides a door of protection for us! Come this Sunday to hear how God provides a door of protection as you face destruction, death, and the storms of life.

This is the last of our Disciples Make message series, and we end strong...and visible! Being a disciple of Jesus is an inner journey of surrendering your selfishness. Yet it is also an outward journey into the world. Disciples make a difference in concrete, visible ways in their. This Sunday we’ll be commissioned to serve others in visible ways in our everyday lives.

 

People often say, “Jesus I like, but not the Church,” or “I’m spiritual, just not religious.” The reality is that if we are just spiritual, we are not really growing spiritually. It takes the context, structure and accountability of a local church to push us to grow. Without that, we stagnate at where we are now. This Sunday we’ll explore how Disciples Make . . . Routines for Growth.

 

New Years is a time to be honest. As we make resolutions, we admit that we are not the people we want to be. Yet, when Jesus-followers admit our faults and sins, it is not a “downer” on us, but actually a boost in our value. Jesus came because even broken, to Him we are worth saving! This Sunday we come honest before God, admitting–like John the Bapist–that we are not worthy. As we do, we hear how our value comes not from being worthy, but from Jesus’ love for us “while we were yet sinners.”

Christmas lights, decorations, and merrymaking are everywhere! There is so much to dazzle the eyes. But where do your eyes rest this Christmas? What do you look at that penetrates into your heart? What do you see that is more than a passing flash? Perhaps John the Baptist has the answer. He says, “Look!” and points to Jesus. Look hard. Can you see the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world? Of all there is to see this Christmas, rest your eyes on the baby Jesus!

Decorating our homes for Christmas usually includes clearing away what normally sits on our furniture and walls to make room for Christmas decorations. It also includes a deeper cleaning as furniture is moved and corners are tidied. John the Baptist, who calls God’s people to prepare for the coming of the Savior, called us clean up our lives. This Sunday we’ll hear the voice of preparation call out: Repent!

The call to love others means to go the extra mile to show respect to those with whom you disagree. Yet, the Bible also cautions against abusing your own health and welfare, and how love can, at times, call you to stop enabling error. This Sunday we’ll explore the times when “tough love” compels us to correct others, and even sever our relationships. Part of loving means healthy boundaries!