We worship the one and only God. In fact, He is so incredible that even his name is above all else. When considering this, you must take a long look at what you offer the Lord. 

The practice in the Old Testament was to offer sacrifices to the Lord as a form of worship. This would often be a lamb or goat. However, all too often, people would vow to give God their best but end up giving their leftovers. We are notorious for doing that with our own lives. We no longer sacrifice animals, but in Romans 12:1, are called to offer our very life as a living sacrifice to the Lord. I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. - Romans 12:1

Do you give God the best of your time, energy, and money or do you promise the best and give only what's leftover after you have taken that which you desire?

The thing that causes me to worship the Lord more than anything else is that he didn't hold back the best from us. He stepped down from glory as the God-Man Jesus and poured out his blood for us. He has called us to follow that example by offering our lives as a living sacrifice so that we may know true life. A resurrected life through the power of Jesus Christ.

- Jacob Bassing

“I have loved you,” says the Lord. But you say, “How have you loved us?” “Is not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the Lord. “Yet I have loved Jacob but Esau I have hated. I have laid waste his hill country and left his heritage to jackals of the desert.” If Edom says, “We are shattered but we will rebuild the ruins,” the Lord of hosts says, “They may build, but I will tear down, and they will be called ‘the wicked country,’ and ‘the people with whom the Lord is angry forever.’ ” Your own eyes shall see this, and you shall say, “Great is the Lord beyond the border of Israel!”

How deep the Father's love for us,

How vast beyond all measure

That He should give His only Son

To make a wretch His treasure

How great the pain of searing loss,

The Father turns His face away

As wounds which mar the chosen One,

Bring many sons to glory.

This hymn by Stuart Townend captures eloquently the love of God for his people. There is no question that his chosen ones are His and that He has done all to rescue them. Yet, there are times when everything around us says differently. 

What is your foundation? What is your bedrock belief that makes you immovable in faith? Isreal was asking the same question after returning to sheer devastation after the exile. So they ask God, “How have you loved us?”

God’s response is nothing short of miraculous. “Yet I have loved Jacob but Esau I have hated.” Twins brothers, both swindlers and cheats one, Jacob, by namesake. Yet God called one to be heir to the promises of Abraham. Not because of anything Jacob had done, but so that the plans of the Lord might be established and his promises kept.

It is not so much that God hated Esau to the core, but simply that he favored Jacob, and extended grace by covenant relationship. Rooted in this choice was the faithfulness of God to his people, and continual act of rightful justice to the people of Edom, descendants of Esau.

Israel should not be questioning God’s love based on their circumstances, which change, but instead based upon the character and promises of God which are unfailing. God demonstrated his love to them by patiently blessing them when they were far from deserving. While his punishment was doled to Edom, his grace upon grace was given to Israel.

Follower of Christ, you are one of His. Jesus said  in John 6:37 “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” When circumstances, emotions, friends, family, and life lies to you and asks, “How has the Lord loved you?” Truster of Christ, respond, “He ahs chosen me by His grace and his goodness. He has loved me when I am not worthy to love. Therefore there is nothing I could do to make him love me more, and nothing I can do to make him love me less.”

That anchor will hold!

- Pastor Dave Miller

So far in the book of Hebrews the writer has been making the case that Jesus is better than the angels or Moses and now even a better priest than the order of Aaron. How great is it that the priest who sacrifices on our behalf only had to do so once and atoned for our sin for eternity. Jesus did not have to atone for His own sin before taking care of ours. He does not have to die daily to continue to cover our new sins. Jesus died once and His death was amply sufficient to cover the sins of the whole world completely forever. Praise God!

These words probably meant a lot to the people that read them initially as they were coming out of a system that required frequent sacrifices to atone for sin. Most of us have never had to sacrifice an animal for our sin, but how often do we try to do something to get rid of our sin. We blame others or compare our sis to others to make it not look so bad. The bad news there is that it takes the same sacrifice to atone for both “big” and “small” sins (especially since there is no difference in degrees of sin). 

We also tend to think that we can “earn” our salvation.  We can’t. 

All we can do is trust in our high priest and His sacrifice made on our behalf that allows us to be declared righteous in the sight of a Holy God.

Our girls are now 11 months old and the dreaded 1 year check up is coming very soon! 2 shots in each thigh and one extra for a total of 10 shots between the twins will happen in one day. We will be up all night. Tylenol will be on the nightstand of two bedrooms and a nap will be in store a couple days later.

But all will be worth it to keep our girls healthy and free from preventable viruses that can seriously jeopardize their health. The ironic part, doctors will give them a little of the very virus we are trying to avoid to build antibodies to combat the real thing. In the health world this is a very good thing. In the spiritual world concerning Christ this is actually detrimental.

I have seen bumper stickers for many years that have said, “Try Jesus.” With everything inside of me, by any means possible let me encourage you to NEVER “try Jesus!” You are either in or you are out. Those who truly believe will always, and those who are playing games will only be hardened more. Hebrews even says, in human terms, it is impossible. Jesus is not someone we try. He is both Lord and Savior, requiring trust in His terms, or he is simply a genie in a bottle that some rub to make life better. When you think Christ is that genie you will inoculate yourself from the gospel by believing mirage of the real gospel. 

This passage is not one we can dismiss easily as simply an exaggeration by the author to encourage Christian living. Nor can we take it mean that Christ will not forgive sins that take place after salvation causing a loss of one’s salvation. In reference to the former, the wording is clear and the warning is real, there would be no need to stretch the reality of walking away from Christ, which in itself is a grave act. As for the other extreme, Christ repeats in John the assurance that all the Father gives to him will come to him and Christ will not cast them out. (John 6:37) Yet even Jesus said In Matthew 7

““Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. On that day many will say to me, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and cast out demons in your name, and do many mighty works in your name?’ And then will I declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’

Someone who prophesies, cast out demons, and does mighty works is not known by Christ? If you were to make a list of super Christian feats, I would think these might make the list. Seriously, few of us would question that persons Christianity! Sounds like those in Hebrews 6.

So what are we to make of this passage? How are we to relate to such a stern word of warning? Simply, to know that as Jesus said, you will know them by their fruit. Fruit that demonstrates a true Christianity is love for one another, a cup of cold water to one who needs it, to do justice, love mercy, and to walk humbly. Bear fruits that can only be wrought in the heart through the power of the Holy Spirit, produced from an abiding love in Christ. For a disciple of Jesus Christ will abide in Christ by obeying the gospel and reproducing other disciples for the mission of God.

Let the tension of scripture stay. Don’t try to explain it away. Realize that Christ will save all who the Father gives to him and will in no way cast them out. Run to the cross for salvation, not to your own efforts. Head the warning of Hebrews 6, and if you truly are one of His, you will be stirred to a zealous love and faith in your Lord.

Religion, with its appearance of godliness, inoculates the heart against Christ, leading to destruction. The gospel, with its call to repentance and faith in Christ, unites the heart with Christ, leading to life. If there is a doubt in the distinction, a time of testing and struggle will reveal the difference. This is not to question the perseverance of the saints, but instead insisting those who are true saints persevere. 

- Pastor Dave Miller

As a child, I always wanted to grow up and be an adult. I would try and act older than I was. I would boss people around and try to play the adult whenever offered the opportunity. I am sure that there are many people who can relate to this attitude towards childhood. For some reason we want to grow up faster than necessary.

I find this desire very ironic when compared to the spiritual life of many Christians, including myself. We operate in the exact opposite way. We want to stay spiritual babies, seeking the comfort and care that others may offer.

To flush this analogy out a bit think about the roles of a mother and father and a baby. The baby does very little but sit there and be taken care of. It can't feed itself, so it depends on the mother and father. It can't clean itself, so it depends on the mother and father. It can't clothe itself, so again it depends on the mother and father. These most basic things are nearly impossible for a baby to accomplish. In contrast, the parents have learned to provide for themselves. They cook their meals and are able to feed both themselves and their baby. They can take showers and clothe themselves and take care of the babies needs. They not only take care of their own basic needs but have learned to even take care of the needs of their children.

As spiritual people we must grow up and act in the same ways. It is time to stop relying on others to feed us and take us deeper. We must learn to do many of those things ourselves, so that we can ultimately help others grow so that they can then do the same. This is discipleship. We must believe in Jesus Christ, learn about him, and begin to help others along that journey.

It is time to stop being spiritual welfare recipients and start learning to feed and take care of ourselves. We actually can't do this by ourselves. We need the church body to help us along as well. But it is the responsibility of every believer to continue through the process of discipleship so they can help others along. Never be content with where you are currently at spiritually. Always desire more of the God of your salvation because there is always more to desire. 

- Jacob Bassing

Happy Easter as we celebrate Jesus bringing us to God! The high priest in Old Testament would once a year on the Day of Atonement enter the most holy place and make atonement for the sins of the people (Lev. 16). Consequently, the author of Hebrews uses this exact imagery for Jesus, the Son of God. Significantly, Hebrews reminds us that Jesus as the Son of God was both the perfect mediator and sacrifice for us to a holy God.  Jesus in his humanity was tempted in every way, yet without sin (Heb. 4:15). Additionally, Jesus was also the son of God and is worthy of all worship and praise as God himself.  As a result, we as followers of Christ can boldly approach the throne not of wrath, but of grace because of our great high priest Jesus Christ (Rom. 1:7; Gal. 1:3; Heb. 4:16).

The "He" in this passage is Jesus and He is the radiance and glory of God manifested. Many people want to know what God is like and the simple answer is, to know God we look to Jesus because He is the exact imprint of God's nature. It is almost too simple for some but the more you think about it the more it makes sense. No one shall come to the father except through the son (John 14:6 paraphrase). My favorite part of this whole verse is the small little phrase, "he upholds the universe by the word of his power." This to me is unfathomable. In my own little world I struggle to keep even the simplest of things together with great effort. Many tasks have been bathed in blood sweat and tears only to have them still not work out the way I had intended and yet Jesus, speaks and all is upheld.

This idea is echoed in Colossians 1:15-17. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 

Take some time to dwell on the radiance of the glory of God today (which means think about Jesus). Think about what he has done for the glory of God, consider all that he has created, reflect on the awesome power of his word, and meditate on his absolute greatness.

- Jacob Bassing

As I read this passage I immediately began to ask, "why have a never had a angel from God come stand before me to tell me how things are going to work out?" So I began to wrestle with the idea, when it hit me. God has revealed promise after promise to us in his word, letting us know how things would work out. Like Paul, in his shipwreck situation, we know how things will end.

Revelation 21:1-4
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more,neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

While you may never hear the voice of an angel, remember that the Lord has made so many incredible promises. One day If you have trusted in Christ as your Lord and Savior, you will dwell with him on the new Earth. You will glorify him by bearing his imagine as intended from the beginning. Knowing how all this will work out should be a reason for great confidence and hope. Deepen your trust in God today by reminding yourself that He is in control and that He has already won. Praise him today for the victory we have in Christ Jesus.

- Jacob Bassing

What is the greatest thing that has ever happened to you? Paul shares, in his fifth of sixth defenses in Acts, the most significant moment in his life. Paul shares through the words of Jesus three effects of Christ in salvation: He gives those who were blind spiritually sight (John 1:7-9; Acts 26:23; Eph. 5:8; Col. 1:13), He gives complete forgiveness of our sins (Matt 1:21; Acts 2:38; Gal. 1:4), and His perfect life secures our permanent place in heaven (Acts 20:32; Col. 1:12; Heb. 9:15). Jesus plainly details all of this is only possible by faith in Him when he says at the end of this verse, "among those who are sanctified by faith in me."  

Salvation can only come by faith in Christ our sin-bearer who by the grace of God opens our hearts to receive the gospel (Eph. 2:8-9). It is humbling that something so great could be despised and rejected by so many (Acts 26:24, 30-32). Is there someone you know who needs a new start? Do you need to be reminded the power of the gospel in your heart? Put your full faith in Him who voluntarily took our sufferings and sins upon himself to bring us life!   

- Senior Pastor Matt Brooks

God has blessed me in so many ways that it is often hard for me to even keep them all straight. But in looking back at many of the blessings he has given me I can't help but think I have wasted more than a few of them. It was as if I looked at my blessings as a means to make my own life better never thinking about what God wanted me to do with them.

Paul and Silas were miraculously freed from their confinement (an incredible blessing). However, they did not view their freedom as a means of escape but as an opportunity to share the gospel. As a result the jailer and his household became believers. 

Had I been in this situation I think I would have ran the first chance I got. Paul and Silas, on the other hand were constantly looking for ways to advance the gospel. And because of there imprisonment and an earthquake they get an incredible opportunity.

How do you use the blessings that God has given you? Are they for you and you alone or were they given to you to advance the kingdom of God? How you use even the smallest blessing will show a lot about your heart and how you view God. It many be money, a house, an answered prayer, or any number of things, but remember that everything we are given can be used for the glory of God.

- Jacob Bassing

I don't know about you but I have never been pelted with rocks until I am almost dead. I once threw a rock at my little brother and hit him in the head and that was the end of our argument. After one tiny rock he was done and I felt so terrible that couldn't be mad at him anymore.

I can't imagine the pain that Paul endured for the sake of the gospel. I have never experienced anything even close. Paul gets stoned almost to death by people in the city of Lystra and then they drag him out of the city thinking he was dead. So what does Paul do after this? He does the most logical thing that anyone would do in this same situation, right? Oh wait, NO, he goes back into the city filled with people who just tried to kill him and on the next day he travels to a town called Derbe, preaches the gospel, and makes many disciples. Then he heads right back to Lystra to encourage the disciples that they had made who were living there, telling them to continue in the faith and that, "through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God."

Paul is so sold out for the gospel that he doesn't care what happens to him. He is all about building God's kingdom. We often give up after being told no when we invite someone to church. We must boldly and passionately proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. 

Most parents would not hesitate to take on ridicule, judgment, or even physical abuse to protect their children. Why then are we so terrified to stand in the name of Christ? He is our savior and the conqueror of death. He is the only reason we have life. He is our everything. He is all powerful and sovreign and he can take care of us regardless of what we face and the fact of the matter is, there will be trials and tribulations but we must, like Paul, stand up and continue that which God has called us to do... spread the name of Jesus to every tribe tongue and nation.

Be Bold!

- Jacob Bassing

While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."

What is the role of the church in fulfilling the mission of God? What can I personally do to participate in a movement of God?

In Acts 13 we reach a turning point in the history of the church. The first twelve chapters of Acts have focused on the ministry of the Holy Spirit through Peter and his concentrated work in the Jewish church of Jerusalem and Judea.  Now the gentile ministry of Paul throughout the Roman world will dominate the rest of this book, and it all begins at the church at Antioch.

God uses His churches to proclaim and spread His message of redemption to all nations (Gen. 12:1-2; Jn. 20:21).  The Holy Spirit spoke directly to these men while at this church at Antioch while they were worshipping the Lord (Acts 13:1-2). Notice that in their sole pursuit of God came their sole direction from Him. Worship in Acts is often expressed in devotion to God through spiritual sacrifice through community, prayer, and the preaching and teaching of God's word (Acts 2:42).  Additionally, they corporately fasted for the direction of the Lord as fasting is often connected with vigilant and passionate prayer in the Bible (Ps. 35:13; Neh. 1:4; Matt. 17:21; Lk. 2:37).   

Their corporate devotion to God led to His corporate mission for them. In closing, the prayers of Antioch would lead to the praise of the nations of the glory of God.

-Senior Pastor Matt Brooks

So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.

Have you ever prayed earnestly for something?  In this passage the church is in what they feel to be an impossible situation and all they know to do is pray.  Turns out that was all they needed to do.  This is an awesome story about God answering the prayers of His people.

 In our world, there are few times when we think all that we can do is pray.  We try so hard to make things work out through our own strength.  Seldom do we being to pray first and then determine our course of action.  Maybe we should try that.  It worked out pretty good for the early church.  Many times they prayed through trials and the end result was more people knowing the Lord. 

How about this week, instead of trying to figure out all of our own problems, we fall to our knees first and then let God decide if He needs to change our circumstances or just change us.

-Brandon

Many themes run through the scriptures, but none as clear as our God who keeps his promises. All the way back in Genesis after the fall God made a promise in 3:15. “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” A faithful God makes a promise and keeps it.

Jesus Christ, the center of the promise, died was buried and rose from the dead, then ascended into heaven. But before he went back to heaven he told the disciples they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them and they would be His witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8) The rest of the book of Acts shows who the gospel went to the ends of the earth in the power of the Holy Spirit.

This is where we find ourselves in Acts 10. Up to this point the Jews were only preaching the gospel to other Jews. But God had a different plan. His was to take the gospel to the ends of the earth. In a dream he shows Peter that all people are to hear the gospel and leads a gentile man named Cornelius, to send for Peter.

When Peter arrives to this gentile’s home, against everything he had been taught, he preached the gospel. Then the unexpected, the Holy Spirit descended on the gentiles! Peter preached another Pentecost, except this time the Spirit came to those who were not Jews. The Holy Spirit had shown that the gospel was to be taken to the gentiles who are the ends of the earth.

Skip ahead 2000 years. The task is not yet accomplished. The ends of the earth have not yet been reached. The reason is not a lack of initiative from the Holy Spirit, but instead a lack of laborers empowered and filled by the Holy Spirit.

We cannot do this task on our own and were never intended to. May we seek afresh the filling of God’s Holy Spirit to accomplish the mission for which he called His church out of the world to accomplish.

God will keep His promise in Christ Jesus!

- Pastor Dave Miller

³⁴ And the eunuch said to Philip, “About whom, I ask you, does the prophet say this, about himself or about someone else?” ³⁵ Then Philip opened his mouth, and beginning with this Scripture he told him the good news about Jesus.

As you read this passage, take notice that the eunuch had gone to Jerusalem to worship and yet he doesn't accept Christ until after Philip shares the gospel with him. There are many people who seek to worship and praise God who don't really have a relationship with him. Churches are filled with these types of people and in fact, if you are reading this, you may be one yourself. They are simply waiting for someone to take the time to explain the good news of Jesus. 

Jesus Christ came to this Earth as a perfect sacrifice for your sins. Like a lamb before its shearer he said nothing to defend himself or to demand justice. He willing laid down his life as the perfect sinless sacrifice so that all who would believe in Him would be saved. The beauty and the power is that while he laid down his life, he did not stay dead he rose from the grave conquering death so that all who have been saved by him will also follow him in his resurrection to live a new life and ultimately spend eternity with him in heaven.

As believers in Christ we must always be ready and looking for opportunities to share about the good news of Jesus. The Bible is the most quoted book in the world and yet many don't understand what they read or the truth about Jesus that is found in the words they quote. We must spend time in the word of God, growing deeper in both our knowledge and trust in the gospel. It's depths are beyond comprehension and the more we dive in the more we will want. This is part of becoming a true disciple. 

1 Peter 3:15
but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.

Are you prepared to give a reason for your hope? Is your hope in Christ alone? Do you truly believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ?

- Jacob Bassing

⁵⁴ Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. ⁵⁵ But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.⁵⁶ And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.”⁵⁷ But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. ⁵⁸ Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. ⁵⁹ And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” ⁶⁰ And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Here we have the story of the first martyr for the Christian faith. Earlier in Acts 7, Stephen starts his discourse with a recap of the history of Israel. It then gets ugly when he sees Jesus standing at the right hand of God and tells the people what he sees. 

The most beautiful thing about this gruesome death is that as they stone Stephen, He dies with two prayers on his lips. The first recalls the dying words of Jesus in Luke 23:46. The second recalls Jesus' earlier prayer of forgiveness of those responsible for his death (Luke 23:34). 

Stephen was so committed to Christ that in the middle of being stoned to death he prays like his savior Jesus did. How committed are you? 

I don't find myself praying for those people who are my "enemies" very often. Definitely not in the middle of and argument or incident. However, part of becoming more like Christ is loving like Christ loved. Stephen understood this and prayed that the Lord would not hold this sin against them. Interestingly enough, later in Acts we have the conversion of Saul who was there at the stoning of Stephen. I can't help but think that this moment was burned into the mind of Paul. He recognized it as a sin that Jesus had delivered him from and therefore honoring the prayer of Stephen.

My hope is that as you seek to become more and more like Jesus that your prayers would shift from focusing on yourself to focusing on others (even your enemies). Honor God with every breath that he has given you.

- Jacob Bassing

And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.

How vital is God's word to your life?

 A better question is how are you currently growing in the Word of God? Throughout Scripture you find godly people consumed with solely with God and His word:  Ezra (Ezra 7:10), David (Ps. 12:6), Isaiah (Isa. 1:10), Jeremiah (Jer. 1:4-5), Hosea (Hos. 4:1), Paul (2 Tim. 2:15),  Peter (2 Pet. 1:19) and many more.  

The church in Jerusalem had gone from twelve men (Acts 1:26) to possibly over 20,000 in a radically short time (Acts 6:1), and were devoted to the Word of God (Acts 2:42).  A devotion to the word of God is a devotion to embracing and trusting God solely for our totality as individuals.  Subsequently,  as God fills his people He will fill His church.  This is evident in the book of Acts for as the church grew so did their devotion to the Word of God.  Notice the progression stated in Acts 6:7, And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. 

It wasn't God just speaking to the apostles or priests alone, but actually His word increased to all, and His revelation multiplied in impact throughout Jerusalem. Then the devotion of the Word of God, multiplied disciples which led to greater obedience of faith. Genuine faith always manifests itself in obedience to Christ and for Christ (Jn. 14:15, 15:5). In closing, we often wonder why God is not speaking in our lives, and the truth is because we are not hearing Him through His word.

A revolution in our souls begins with the revelation of God's word! 

 -Senior Pastor Matt Brooks

Acts 4:8-13
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders, if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man, by what means this man has been healed, let it be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead—by him this man is standing before you well. This Jesus is the stone that was rejected by you, the builders, which has become the cornerstone. And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.

Acts 4:18-20
So they called them and charged them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus. But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”

Growing up in Oklahoma there was only one place to get ice cream, Braum’s. In 2003 my wife and I moved to Sioux City, IA which is only about 30 minutes south of Le Mars, IA, the “Ice Cream Capital of the World,” and home of Well’s Dairy, aka Well’s Blue Bunny. We did our best to like the ice cream there. Ok to be honest it was really good, but we couldn’t help telling those in Iowa to try Braum’s if they ever go to Oklahoma, it was just better. We had experienced the world’s best ice cream regularly and no other will compare. To say the least our ice cream opinion was not popular and so we usually kept it to ourselves.

Yet when we read in Acts 4 something for more important was at stake. The Apostles said they “cannot but speak of what they have seen and heard.” Evangelism, speaking the gospel, is not a matter of action but of response in the power of the Holy Spirit. Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit, changed by Christ, and convinced that there was no other named given among men by which we must be saved, so naturally he told people.

So what was the key, look at verse 13. It was clear they had been with Jesus. The answer to testifying of what you have seen and heard in Christ is not a matter of duty. If so, you will speak of Christ from guilt, fear, or sense of duty to God or even to another person. If you are spending time with Jesus you will speak, in the power of the Holy Spirit. You can’t help speaking of the amazing things you have seen and heard. 

Think of the things you love and influence others to love as well, like ice cream. Evangelism is simply loving Christ more than anything and sharing with others of that love and their desperate need. Spend time with Jesus and His Spirit will fill you and empower you!

But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” And he took him by the right hand and raised him up, and immediately his feet and ankles were made strong. And leaping up he stood and began to walk, and entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God, and recognized him as the one who sat at the Beautiful Gate of the temple, asking for alms. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him.

Immediately after the man was healed we see him leaping up and praising God. This seems to be a pretty natural response for people who experienced similar healings in the Bible. They have a debilitating disease or injury or ailment. Then they are healed in the name of Jesus by faith and they praise  God. It all seems so logical.

Many of us think that it would be so easy to praise God if we were healed in such a miraculous fashion. What we don't often realize is that if we are believers in Christ we have been healed of a far greater ailment than anything physical. We have been delivered from sin which leads to eternal death. I can't think of anything more debilitating. 

So then, we must ask the question, why aren't we jumping for joy and shouting praises to our Lord? It's because we don't see sin as the problem it really is. We miss the reality of our doom. Romans 6:23 says, "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."

If you are a believer of Jesus Christ, you have been saved from peril that you can't even imagine. Take some time to praise the Lord for what he has saved you from. Then take some time to look around and see the danger that people who don't know Jesus are in. It may be your neighbor, your co-worker, or even a family member. They are in desperate need of Jesus and without him they are not ok and need healing. Be like the apostle Peter and share Jesus.

- Jacob Bassing

Repent and be baptized does not imply that someone can be saved without faith in Christ because the need to believe is implied both in the act of repentance and the act of baptism. By repenting in the name of Jesus you are saying that you believe and have faith in who he is and what he called us to do. By following in believers baptism you are identifying with the gospel itself again showing your belief in Christ.

Without belief repentance is pretty pointless. One must acknowledge their failure before a Holy God and recognize their need for Jesus to save them from there sins. By doing so one turns away from their old life and begins to pursue the life of Christ.

Most Christians who have been at it for any extended period of time already know this. What we must never forget is repentance and seeking God is a life long journey. We must be in a constant state of repentance. Always running back to Christ. We don't do this because we now have free license to sin but because the more we seek God the more acutely aware we are of just how short we have fallen. Do not forget what Jesus saved you from. 

Believe more and more everyday in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. We repent because we want nothing to get in the way of our pursuit of Him.

Do you live a life of repentance? By doing so you can show others what it looks like to repent and believe. Tell people about what you have been saved from and let the name of Christ be glorified in your weakness.

- Jacob Bassing 

Do you find your life empty? Have you ever read the demands of the Bible, and felt powerless to even begin following them. These same feelings are exactly what the disciples felt in the beginning of Acts. The gospels tell us Christ choose these men himself (Matt 9:9; John 1:35-51), and is now commissioning them to take the gospel to the ends of the earth. It is important to note that his commission was not based on their abilities alone, but his power through their availability.

Jesus promises, "they will receive power to do exactly what he commanded them to do." Power in Act 1:8, speaks directly to the enablement of the Holy Spirit to be witnesses throughout the earth (Eph. 3:16). In the Bible, a witness is a bearer of a Divine message (Isa. 43:10-12), and this fact is a common theme throughout the book of Acts (1:22, 2:32, 3:15, 5:32). Intrinsically implied in Acts 1:8, is the fact that the bearer is nothing without the message, and the message is solely, because of Jesus. Theologian L. Keck said it well when he said, "The less Jesus is the core of our witness the less power we have."  Jesus in Acts, promises His disciples Divine power through the Holy Spirit, and He is still enabling His disciples today.

In closing, I want to give you four ways to embrace the power of the Holy Spirit and maximize your witness for our King:

1. Immerse yourself in Scripture (Eph. 6:17)
2. Believe the Word of God (Rom. 15:13)
3. Pray and fast earnestly for God's will and glory (Acts 1:13)
4. Obey the Holy Spirit (Acts 5:32).  

May we take this message of redemption to all nations in the power and for the glory of Christ in all nations.

- Senior Pastor Matt Brooks

We started this journey in Proverbs with the statement, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Proverbs 1:7) and now we end it with a similar phrase. 

After quite a list of actions and attitudes that makes us the “excellent wife,” we are left with the idea that “a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.”  Many of the specific items listed do not mean as much to us in today’s culture, but he ideas behind them still apply to us today.  The woman works hard, she takes care of her family, she is wise, respects her husband, takes care of the poor, etc.  However, all of these outward actions do not matter at all if they do not flow out of a heart that fears the LORD.

We have seen the ideas of the fear of the Lord many times in Proverbs, maybe by now we are beginning to understand its importance.  Over the past few weeks, we have heard from pastor Matt about our own unrighteousness caused by our sin.  If we were to encounter God in this state it would be something to be truly terrified of, but God loved us so much that, through Jesus, He declares us to be righteous.  It is ONLY through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus that we have any form of righteousness.  That should lead us to a fear of our great God.  Then we will begin to be wise.

You may be a great wife and fit the description in this chapter, but if your heart is not filled with a fear of God, you are not worth of any praise.

As followers of Christ we must seek to be men and women of integrity. Integrity is often a word that people can use correctly in a sentence but can't give you a suitable definition. Anytime you think of integrity I would encourage you to think of honesty as well. While the two words are very similar, the difference lies in their focus. Honesty is how we deal with others (external), integrity is how we deal with ourselves (internal). A man of integrity has internal consistency and a lack of corruption. His words and deeds line up and he does not lie to himself about who he is, the sin in his life, and his need of God. He is undivided in his thinking.

Christians must have an integrity that is solid. They must be honest and just, both internally and externally so that when people look at the believer's life it does nothing but point to God. It is a life that is unified and unimpaired.

Who are you when no one is looking? Do you posses integrity or are you divided in your devotion to the Lord?

No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other.

Let us be men and women of integrity that far exceeds that of the world.

- Jacob Bassing

If you have found honey, eat only enough for you, lest you have your fill and vomit. 

This proverb seems pretty straightforward and easy to understand, but I think that it is a concept that we also easily dismiss. 

We think, “I wouldn’t be jealous of an evil person,” but in reality there are times that we are.  The easiest place to see this is the celebrity world.  Most of us would love to have either the power or looks or money or fame of people we see on TV.  We tend to dismiss the actions and lifestyle of these people that we follow around through magazines, TV and Internet.  However, this Proverb gives us a bit of perspective to help us deal with this jealousy (AKA idolatry) in our lives.

The past year has brought quite a few celebrity deaths from Michael Jackson to Steve Jobs to Whitney Houston.  One thing all of these people have in common is that they stood in front of the LORD and were seen as either a vile sinner or perfectly righteous.  No matter someone’s influence, money, power or looks, all that matters ultimately is their relationship with God through His Son Jesus.  Guess what?  Even us poor, pitiful normal people will have the same exact situation when we die.

Instead of looking up to those we view as “awesome,” we need to see everyone in light of what God says about them.  All of us are evil men without a future as this Proverb says, but Jesus changes who we are and through him we are declared to be righteous before God.  We are given a future.  We should not be envious of those who walk in their evilness, we should be deeply sorrowful for them and pray for them and tell them about Jesus.  That includes the person on TMZ, as well as, the person sitting next to us at work or in line with us at the store. 

- Brandon Hutchinson

As I read this verse I was immediately reminded of when King Saul lost his favor with the Lord. The full story is found in 1 Samuel 15 but I will give you a short synopsis.

Saul was charged by God to strike down Amalek and to devote to destruction everything that they had. Essentially, everything was to be set apart as an offering to the Lord. The Lord commanded this because when the Israelites were escaping from Egypt the Amalekites laid in wait and attacked them while they were most vulnerable. They were plunders who warred against the people of God. So Saul gathered his army, attacked the Amalekites and defeat them. However, he didn't obey what the Lord had told him to do. "But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep and of the oxen and of the fattened calves and the lambs, and all that was good, and would not utterly destroy them. All that was despised and worthless they devoted to destruction." - 1 Sam. 15:9-10

When Saul is confronted about his lack of obedience He begins to make excuses. He says that the people saved the best of the spoils so that they could sacrifice them to the Lord. Here is how Samuel the prophet of the Lord responded, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams." - 1 Sam. 15:22

After this Saul is rejected by the Lord for his lack of obedience and David is anointed King.

I share this story with you because we often desire to do "things" for the Lord. The problem is, we refuse to do that which he commands us to do. We do not always obey. We do not desire true righteousness but instead seek our own glory and that which will benefit us the most. 

The Lord desires a heart of obedience not sacrifice. We all have areas in which we fail to obey. We often try to cover those areas up by doing more for the Lord. But all he wants is your obedience. To obey him is to love him and to love him is to trust and obey in him.

Grow closer to the Lord today by seeking to be obedient, even in the small things, to what he's commanded you to do.

1 John 2:2-5
He [Jesus] is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. And by this we know that we have come to know him, if we keep his commandments. Whoever says “I know him” but does not keep his commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him, but whoever keeps his word, in him truly the love of God is perfected. By this we may know that we are in him: whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked. 

- Jacob Bassing

The book of Proverbs is all about practical knowledge. As you read the truths found in its pages, it is not hard to see how they may apply to one's life. When we desire something deeply but don't have the knowledge to actually pursue it we tend to miss the mark.

Take happiness for instance. People want to be happy and they are taught that to find happiness they must depend on themselves. If they have a dream and want it bad enough, they will achieve it. They pursue power, pleasure, money and religion to name a few. The problem is they run after this illusive thing called happiness without the knowledge of where true happiness comes from. 

True happiness and fulfillment come from pursuing that which we were created to pursue. We were created to be image bearers of God who magnify His glory. If you don't understand that you will seek "happiness" and never truly be satisfied with what you have.

If you seek to glorify God but don't know how to do that then you will probably miss the mark there as well, even though your desire is for something good. Wrong perceptions create wrong responses. As believers it is important that we understand what we have been called to do and how those things are accomplished. We cannot simply slap "In Jesus Name" at the end of something and call it worship. As you read and study the Bible you will begin to get a glimpse of the person and character of God. This knowledge coupled with desire will help you do and achieve that which you were made for which is to magnify God by being his image bearer.

Don't simply rush through life thinking you have it all figured out. Grow in your knowledge and understanding of the Lord and as you come to see things as they really are you will be able to respond correctly.

Even Jesus grew in wisdom and stature and in favor with God and man. Follow him and do the same.

- Jacob Bassing

God created us for community. Therefore, it is essential as Christians that our lives are immersed and engaged in community.   Biblical community finds it essence within the Triune God himself who created man in his own image, and is intentionally relational within the Godhead (Genesis 1:26).  Additionally, in Genesis 2:18, God himself says, "It is not good for man to be alone", becuase we were created for community.  

Solomon, in Proverbs 18:1 warns those who fail to embrace biblical community will reap the seeds of isolation. Solomon says, whoever isolates himself seeks his own desire; he breaks out against all sound judgment.  While living in community demonstrates the intention and purposes of God.  In contrast, isolation fosters an environment of self-gratification, pride, and love solely in ourselves.  According to Solomon,  an embrace of isolation is in actuality an embrace of our own self worship and righteousness. Isolation is foreign to our intended purpose which is to reflect the glory of God as an image bearer (Ex. 34:6-7; 1 Cor. 10:31; Col. 3:12-17).  Those who choose isolation actually rage or break against this concept (Prov.18:1). 

The death and resurrection of Jesus has provided restoration of our sinful hearts, and gives us eternal peace with God (Rom. 5:1; 1 Peter 3:18). In other words the essence of our salvation necessitates and allows genuine community with the God of heaven and earth (Rom. 8:29-30, 35-39). Are you currently neglecting the blessing of community? Do you find yourself embracing the temptation of habitual isolation?  Are you neglecting biblical community for the sake of community with yourself? I want to challenge you to embrace your identity as a living reflection of the image of God (Matt. 5:13-16; Gal. 2:20), and immerse yourself in community. 

-Senior Pastor Matt Brooks

Romans 5:8
but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Let’s talk about something you already know, but probably do not think about often enough.

The only way we can have our sin (iniquity) forgiven (atoned for) is through the Love of God.  We have done, can do, and will never do anything remotely close to deserving forgiveness.  To me the amazing part of this is that Jesus loves us enough that He came and died for us before we knew that we needed forgiveness.  That is steadfast love and faithfulness.

While we can do nothing to atone for our sin, we can choose to turn from evil, but only after we have learned to Fear the Lord.  Our Love for God is what motivates us to serve Him.  Since we can never pay Him back and can never earn any sort of favor, the only reason to turn from evil is because of our love for our Savior

Like I said, you already know this stuff, the bigger question is: do we live like we know it?

Proverbs 15:17
“Better is a dinner of herbs where love is, than a fattened ox and hatred with it.”

 Recently Whitney Houston, the pop icon whose voice was unlike any other, passed away. If you haven’t heard by now some are mourning and some are scoffing at the media attention surrounding the event. No doubt, passing the night before the Grammy’s spurred on the flurry of attention, but the coldness of some to her death is interesting.

She was famous, wealthy, and talented in ways few are. Because of this some say no sympathy should be given to her for the life she lived and the way it ended. Regardless of your affection for, or opinion of Houston, the fact remains a life has ended, and that is a tragedy. So why the harshness?

Our culture believed Houston had everything she needed to be happy. In our cultural mind there should be no reason why she would be unhappy, why she would endure an abusive relationship, or any other behavior that may be detrimental. Do you see the assumption? She had everything our culture is working so hard to find satisfaction in, so it stands to reason that she should have been completely satisfied.

I don’t know of Houston’s beliefs, and they are not the point. The point is, our culture will judge her and show little sympathy to her because jealousy blinds them. But that is not what Solomon says matters in Proverbs 15.

Solomon says it would be better to have little material things and know true love than to have much material things and know hatred. Material possessions do not and will not satisfy. Fame will not satisfy. Talent will not satisfy. We say it like this, “If I could only have her talent I would be okay.” Or, “if I only had more money this month I would be okay.” Or, “If I could just ____________ . . . “

Love happens in relationships. It is better to know the love of a friend, the love of family, the love of people, and to love, than to have stuff alone, or worse have stuff and still be angry because you are not satisfied. People matter more. Yet, we cannot love rightly until we know True Love, Jesus Christ. “God demonstrated his own love for us in that, while we were still sinner Christ died for us.” Love happens in relationship. Our relationship with Christ will determine how we view love, how we love, and whom we love. You will find satisfaction is Christ. If you want more there will always be more. You, as a person, matter to Christ, so people should matter to you.

So before you get caught up in trying to get all the material things for the one you want to show love to today. Remember, the best chocolates and the biggest bear don’t cancel out hatred, or anger which is the root of hate. Maybe the best Valentine’s gift you could give today is a true apology, or forgiveness. A restored relationship matters more. It will make those herbs at dinner seem a lot better.

- Pastor Dave Miller

One of the most popular sayings of the day is to "follow your heart." We are taught from a very early age to do what we know is right so that in the end we will have no regrets. There is huge problem with this idea, the heart lies... "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?" - Jeremiah 17:9

What often seems right to us will lead only to death because our hearts are not lined up with God's heart. God is all knowing, all powerful, righteous, loving, perfect, and so much more. The only time we can follow our heart and have confidence in our decisions is when our heart's desire is God's heart's desire. This is part of becoming a disciple of Christ. We must begin to change the way we think, deny what the world and our self tells us is true, and believe what God says. 

By doing this you will no longer rely on yourself for strength and guidance but on the Lord. So what steps can you take to align your path with God's path?

- Jacob Bassing 

I am so keen to remember a verse like this when I feel it pertains to other people but it seems like I completely ignore it when it is my words that are like sword thrusts. We often will rationalize and justify our words simply because we believe ourselves to be right. Many times we are in fact right and yet we still act like fools. We accuse, belittle, manipulate, mock, insult, and condemn to make sure we get our point across or to get what we want. But this is not the way a wise man speaks. When a wise man speaks he brings healing.

Pride is often the source for rash and harsh words. However, pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. - Prov. 16:18

Spend some time in prayer today and ask God if your words bring healing or if they cut like swords.

- Jacob Bassing

I always tell children that we can learn something new every time we read scripture. Today’s reading is a great example of that. I have read through the book of Proverbs numerous times, but have never realized the striking comparison depicted in this chapter.

The chapter begins with Wisdom depicted as a woman laying out a banquet and then calling for all who lack sense to enter. Folly is similarly depicted as a woman giving out the same call.  Both women are calling out to the “simple” and those “who lack sense,” but they are calling to different things. Wisdom is calling us to life, while Folly does not state their goal, though we are told that her path leads to death.

Logic would say that we all would desire to hang out with the woman who leads to life, but not everyone makes that choice. Verses 7-9 give us a good test to see if we are choosing wisdom. How do we react when we are corrected? What happens when we get knowledge? Do we tend to “hate” or “love” the person who would dare correct us? Do we move towards wisdom or folly? Do we become more like Jesus or less?

We know that we want wisdom, but we don’t always act like it. Verse 10 reminds us again that wisdom begins when we Fear the Lord. If we fear God, why would we be bothered by the correction of another person?

- Brandon Hutchinson

Laziness, it's something that people struggle with on a daily basis and it has the power to ruin your life. It is a tricky little thing that can creep in and then latch on with no intention of letting go.

From the very beginning we were created to work, although it got much more difficult after the curse. God said, "Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” 

While we often work very hard at things we want to do, we can easily neglect that which we do not want to do. The results of this can be devastating (Like a being robbed by an armed man). Times have changed and most of us no longer grow and raise our own food so it might be easy to overlook verses like this. But the principles still apply both in our working life and our spiritual life. 

Some would never dream of being lazy when it comes to their job but when it comes to their spiritual health they are the sluggard to a "T". We pour very little effort in, we sleep, we make excuses, and we plan to do it later when it may be more convenient for us. Spiritually, this laziness will result in the same thing as the refusal to work... We come to ruin and poverty.

It is easy to see the value of working hard to provide for your family and to be a successful person. Why then do we struggle so much in seeing its value spiritually?

If we want God above all else we would seek him with the same ferver and discipline that many of us seek in our careers. I am by no means saying that it is wrong to work hard at your job, "if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." It all comes back to the heart. Do you work hard to provide for your family because you are pursuing God or do you work hard to provide for your family because you are pursuing the American Dream?

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. - Colossians 3:23-24

- Jacob Bassing

The idea of keeping one's eyes forward suggests resolution about staying on the right path, the path of wisdom. The beginning of Wisdom is the fear of the Lord, so it makes sense that our eyes must focus on the Lord to remain on the path. We are also encouraged to ponder and think about our path. By doing this, we will be able to step with confidence knowing that our eyes are fixed on the Lord and that he is guiding our steps. Fixing our eyes on the Lord is part of abiding in Him. We fear the Lord and recognize how much we need His guidance and wisdom and how hopeless it would be to wander away from what he has called us to be and do. 

In reading this passage I am reminded of one of Peter's encounters with Jesus...

And Peter answered him, “Lord, if it is you, command me to come to you on the water.” He said,“Come.” So Peter got out of the boat and walked on the water and came to Jesus. But when he saw the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink he cried out, “Lord, save me.” Jesus immediately reached out his hand and took hold of him, saying to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” - Matthew 14:28-31

It wasn't until Peter saw the wind and became afraid of it, that he began to sink. For just a moment Peter forgot who he was with. His confidence in his next step had left him because he forgot who was really in control. 

It is so encouraging that while he began to sink he simply cried out to the only one who could truly save him. 

The last verse in our passage encourages us to continue down the path, not swerving left or right, but simply turning from evil to seek wisdom. The interesting thing is that the more wisdom we obtain the more we want and the more we recognize its value. The further from wisdom we wander the more darkness that we encounter. Earlier in the chapter it says, "the path of the righteous is like the light of dawn, which shines brighter and brighter until full day. The way of the wicked is like deep darkness; they do not know over what they stumble."

Abide in Christ, fear the Lord and walk in Wisdom.

- Jacob Bassing

What in your life are you still trying to control, manage, or supervise? Frequently, in our lives we only trust in ourselves and lean far to much on our own abilities. Today my family is solely depending upon the providence and sustenance of our great, mighty, and powerful God. Right now my brother in law is in serious condition in a hospital in Oklahoma. Prior to this week, Daniel, was a healthy mid-20's firefighter, husband, and father of three whose main concern was loving God, his family, and hunting and fishing. Currently, he is surrounded by the best medical doctors in Oklahoma who are desperately trying to stop an overwhelming infection. The medicine is not working, and unbearable pain and fever is running rampant through his body. This situation warrants thousands of questions, and in the recesses of my mind I can only give one answer. Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Not with a part of your heart, but with everything you have the Bible says. 

Solomon reminds us that true biblical wisdom always concludes in trusting God alone (Prov. 1:1-3). When we trust and lean on God, consequently He promises he will make our paths straight (Prov. 3:6). This is a promise from God directly to His people, but do we trust his promise? Daniel committed his life to Jesus Christ as a child and the Bible promises he will one day be glorified in heaven with his Savior (Rom. 8:28-30). 

In conclusion, the same trust demanded by God, for our eternal salvation is the same trust warranted, in our daily situations. With every ounce of our being my family is simply trusting in the Lord. Please pray for my brother-in-law Daniel and his family during this time.

- Senior Pastor Matt Brooks

We are a full month into 2012.  As we begin reading through the book of Proverbs together, I think it is important that we start well. This idea of the “fear of the Lord” is repeated several times in this book. Sometimes it says it is the “beginning of wisdom”, other times the “beginning of knowledge,” either way it begins with a fear of the Lord. 

You may have heard people say that fearing God does not mean to be scared of Him, but when Isaiah encountered God in Isaiah 6, he was scared. I imagine seeing a perfect God in all of His glory would scare me to death and make me very aware of my sin. However, this fear is coupled with the knowledge that God loves us. We can call Him, “Father,” and He loves us like His own child.  This is a healthy fear. A loving fear. A fear that we often disregard when we make God fit into our image of Him.

In the Chronicles of Narnia, One of the characters asks if Aslan is “safe.”  The response given is: of course he isn’t safe, he’s a lion, but you can trust him completely (my paraphrase). In some way this helps me understand what it means to fear the Lord. He is holy and just and must judge our sinfulness, but He is also loving and gracious ready to forgive our sin if we will believe in Jesus as our Savior.

Once we fear the Lord, we can begin to have knowledge. Sure there are plenty of people that do not acknowledge God that know stuff, but they do not know anything completely. I would argue that my daughter at age 9 has a better knowledge of the world because of her relationship with Jesus than Stephen Hawkins (an atheist) with all of his books and degrees.

Genesis 1:1 says, “In the beginning, God...,”  Everything comes from Him, including all knowledge and wisdom. If we want to know God’s creation, we get to know God. If we want to understand the order of things, we get to know the one who put them in order. If we want to see the story of this world, we look at His story. 

If we want to be wise, we must Fear the Lord. Without fear, we are “fools that despise wisdom” and I am pretty sure none of us want to be that guy.

This passage is the beginning of an appeal by Paul for the Colossians to live in a manner pleasing to the Lord. As believers today, this still applies. We must pursue a deeper knowledge of Jesus Christ himself and all that encompasses living with Him and for Him. This includes His Kingdom... "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." - Matthew 6:33... and a life worthy of his name and the gospel... "Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ..." - Philippians 1:27a. 

I often find that my thoughts are consumed by so many different things, most of which have very little real importance, while some do seem important to my life. The problem is, my mind is so full and so set on me and my world that I have no time for Christ. A challenge that I have made for myself is to THINK about Jesus and His kingdom, the things that He has done for me, and His power and glory. Along with this, I am praying that God will renew in me a sense of awe and wonder for Him. So I desire for God to transform me by the renewal of my mind so that I may take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Cor. 10:5, Rom. 12:2). 

Simply put, "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God." 

- Jacob Bassing

As believers in Christ, it is very important that we see the true depth of our lostness before Christ so that we can truly appreciate and be in awe of the work that he does in us through Christ. The truth of the matter is, before Christ you were nothing but sinful and dead, without hope, and an enemy of God headed straight to hell. 

Take a moment to really let that sink in. 

No one wants to believe that fact because no one likes to be told that they aren't good enough. In an attempt to undermine the word of God, Satan has wiggled his way into your life to tell you that you are good or at least not that bad. He used the same tactic in the very beginning when he asked Eve, "Did God really say?" (Genesis 3:1) 

When we don't see how lost we really were we are unable to truly see how much we have been saved from and so we live a life of lukewarm dedication to our Lord and Savior. 

As we come to terms with the hopeless state that we (and the rest of the world) are in without Christ we are then able to view the miracle of the sinless life, death, burial and resurrection of Jesus Christ in all its glory and power. Jesus was dead and God raised him from the dead to conquer sin and death. We as believers have been resurrected from the dead by the same power that raised Jesus and our sins have been forgiven. They were nailed to the cross, put to death and our debt was paid.

Be in awe and wonder of our God, who raised Jesus and all those who believe in him from the dead to walk in the newness of LIFE! 

- Jacob Bassing

Colossians is a rich work that contains several key areas of theology, including the deity of Christ (1:15-20), redemption (1:13,14), election (3:12), and forgiveness (3:13). In Colossians, chapter one Paul writes that a Christian's hope is inseparable from their faith (Rom. 5:2). A Christ follower's hope is not dependent upon our earthly actions, but God's divine gospel (Col. 1:5). The gospel is God's "good news" to man, and communicates clearly his victory over sin and death (Rom. 6:23; Col. 1:5), but it is also our word of truth that daily reminds of this victory. Additionally, God's gospel is not only for our salvation, but penetrates our hearts to bear fruit. In other words, the Gospel not only saves us, but grows and conforms us to the image of Christ (Col. 1:6). Are you embracing the gospel in every area of your life? Is your contentment and identity secure alone in the person of Christ? In conclusion, the acceptance of the biblical gospel allows us as believers no other explanation for our lives, than Christ is all! Let us live and thrive in the grace of God in truth like never before (Col. 1:6).

- Senior Pastor Matt Brooks        

This is now the second time Paul has said “Finally Brothers”. It is the mark of a good preacher to keep letting people think you are done and then to say one more thing.

I am pretty sure that when Paul says to “think about these things,” he doesn’t mean to let them pass through your mind for a second. I am pretty sure he is giving a roadmap as to the type of things we should fill our minds with.

Many of the adjectives used here can be relatively subjective. I would say that the Twilight series is not excellent or lovely or any of these things, but I know thousands of teenage girls and their moms would disagree. So instead of using human opinion, let’s define pure, lovely, excellent, etc… by the only real standard: God. 

Can anything be called worthy of praise as it sits next to God’s glorious nature? What about pure? Or lovely? Or commendable?

There is a difference between exposure and submersion. What takes up the majority of your brain time? Does God and His word have any level of significance in your day to day activities? Why does this even matter?

Jesus said in Matthew 12:34 "For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks."

What we put in our mind comes back out. 

God loves us so much that even though He knew we would act sinfully, he sent Jesus to take away our sin so that we could have a relationship with Him.  Think about that.

This is so simple to understand and yet infinitely difficult to live out. Jesus is everything, so it makes sense that we should be able to give up everything else in our pursuit of Jesus. But that isn't how it always works. We often hold on to things as if our life depended on it but the truth is

“If anyone would come after me (Jesus), let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul? - Matthew 16:24-26

Everything that you once put in the gain column must be moved to the loss column and Jesus must become the only thing worth gaining. Knowing him must take priority over all else because in Him there is life. This is what it cost to be a true disciple. Jesus' words and commands while often simple, held huge implications that demanded a change in the way we live. 

So as you go through the day and the week and the year, ask God to give you ways to live out this passage in your life. 

Nothing that you gain in this life will ever compare to Jesus. Do you believe it? Then live it.

- Jacob Bassing

Over and over I have heard people ask what God wants them to do with their lives. They typically are looking for some specific answer like, do I  take this job or not? For some its do I serve in this ministry or not, while others it may be is this the person I am supposed to be with for the rest of my life or not? They are then frustrated when they don't feel that God has given them a clear cut answer to their question.

The problem with this line of thinking is that those questions are ultimately to build up one's self. It's like asking God, "What will most benefit my kingdom?" It's not that those questions are bad or unimportant, it's that we approach them from the wrong side. All through out scripture God gives us things to do or attitudes to have but we don't like them or choose to disregard those facts. We instead seek the answers to our desires and questions.

Here in this passage God gives a clear picture of how we are to think and conduct our lives. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus. So what is that mind? It's a mind of humility. With his life, Jesus sought to bring all the glory to God. He humbled himself to the point of death to bring glory to God. Because of this, he was raised up and God was glorified. He laid down his desires and wants and comforts to pursue that which would bring the most glory to God the father.

This upside down thinking is expressed in the words of Jesus all throughout the New Testament. A good place to see this is in the beatitudes (Matt. 5:1-12). 

Here are a few of them...

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

These things seem contradictory to what the world says but this was the attitude and mind of Christ. He humbled himself, therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Where is your mind, heart, and attitude?

- Jacob Bassing

The phrase "be worthy of the gospel" can be translated "behave as citizens worthy of the gospel." Philippi prided itself on being a Roman colony which gave them the honor and privileges of Roman citizenship. But here we have Paul stating that the people need to look to Jesus and live a life worthy of Jesus, not Caesar. Their primary allegiance was to God and his Kingdom, not the empire of Rome. 

As believers in Christ today, we get caught up with so many different kingdoms. For some it is the good old USA, for others it is the kingdom of "Self," for some their kingdom is their family or job or any number of other things. The point is our standard of living is not for those kingdoms but for the Kingdom of God. We are not called to be good old boys and girls, we are called for something far greater than ourselves or our country. We are ambassadors of God, called to spread his name to all nations. 

People are watching and they want to see if you really believe what you say you believe. Do you live for God and his kingdom or something else? Would people even know that you are a citizen of the kingdom of God based on the way you live and the words you say?

Let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ so that even when you are not around church or other believers, people will still know where your allegiances lie. Strive with one mind (the mind of Christ), as His church, for the faith of the gospel.

- Jacob Bassing

Don’t skip today’s read because you don’t have kids or because yours are grown.

Children are a blessing from the Lord, but they come with responsibility. As a parent, you have a responsibility to make sure that your children are brought up “in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.” In other words, you are to disciple your children.  Before you “go into all the world,” you need to realize the life that God has placed in your home that needs to know Him. It scares and overwhelms me to think about God placing that burden on me but I have to remember that God equips us for every task He gives us.

Now that you are feeling overwhelmed, let me tell you the secret to success. It is found in Deut 6:5-6, “You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might. And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart.” 

If you are loving the Lord, your kids will see that and copy you. Children mimic the behavior of their parents for many yeas before trying things on their own. Your mirror doesn’t hang on the wall, it runs through the house and calls you Mama or Daddy.

This is where the first part of the verse comes in. If you tell your kids to love God, but you do not, they will see that and they will get angry.  Nagging our kids into faith is not effective in the long term; ask anyone who tried it. 

If your kids are grown and gone or you never had kids, there are lots of kids whose parents won’t accept responsibility and need your help to disciple them and point them in the right direction. You can also serve at church and help us partner with families each week.

If you do not yet have children; know what you are getting into.  Make sure that you love Jesus now, so that you can be the example your future kids will need.

- Brandon Hutchinson

When I was a kid in Jr. High and High school, I remember my mom and dad being very cautious about the people and friends that I hung around with. I thought they were just being silly when they would say things like "I was being led by the nose" by someone. In my pride, I felt that I had a firm grasp on truth, reality, and maturity. No one was going to lead me astray. But the truth of the matter was, I was just a kid who didn't understand the deceitfulness of the world. I was very susceptible to human cunning, craftiness, and deceitful schemes. I was naive because of my limited experience with the world.

As believers it is important that we mature in our faith. Immaturity in the truths of Christian doctrine makes the church like gullible children tossed helplessly by the waves and wind. Until we begin to run towards Christ with reckless abandon we will not experience the growth that comes from living a life in pursuit of Christ. Until we become consumed with the word of God we will struggle wading through what is true and false in this world. We will be in danger of being led astray by anyone with who tickles or ear with something that we like. 

The most dangerous thing about christian immaturity is when we think we are mature Christians. How do you grow and mature someone who feels like they already know it all? The simple answer, you don't. Life will beat them up until they realize that they have a lot to learn. Remember that maturity comes through Christ, our rock and salvation. As you study the scripture, pray and ask God to change your heart and mind, making you more and more like Christ.

- Jacob Bassing

Here we have a prayer that Paul prayed over the church in Ephesus. He wanted them to experience the true power that comes from the Holy Spirit and ultimately, the very fullness of God himself. As a minister of the gospel, this is my prayer (and the rest of our staff's prayer) for our church. Be strengthened in the power of the Holy Spirit. Grow deeper in your faith in Christ. Be rooted and grounded in love so that you can understand the mystery that is the gospel. Rest in, rely on, and cling to the love that comes from Jesus, the love that is beyond anything imaginable and be filled with the fullness of God.

Pray that same prayer for your brothers and sisters in Christ. Pray that God will move in our midst as a church. Seek God and his kingdom above all else.

- Jacob Bassing

In contrast to the hopeless state of the nonbeliever, Christians exult in hope because of God’s incredible grace and free salvation. In the 3 verses before this passage we see the hopelessness that those who are dead in their trespasses and sins experience (this includes all people who have lived, except Jesus). Just when things look the most desolate, Paul utters the greatest short phrase in history... "But God!" This is the beginning of hope for all mankind. God! God being rich in mercy showed us love and offered us salvation through Jesus Christ. You were once dead but God intervened and called you to Himself and saved you. By grace through faith you have been saved. Praise the Lord!!!

- Jacob Bassing

Before God created anything, He knew that He was going to send Jesus to his upcoming creation to die for the sins that they would commit. That is how much He loves us, but love is not why He did it. Sure it played a part, but ultimately the reason God did any of this was to bring Glory to Himself.  We are forgiven our sins so that we can glorify God. 

I have been learning more about what that means in the past several weeks. I used to think I was here to tell others about God (which we are) or to minister to families and children (which I am). I thought being a follower of Jesus meant attending church, memorizing verses, witnessing, reading the Bible and being Holy all the time. All of these things are things we should do but not because we ought to. God made us to glorify Himself, everything else is just parts. Our motivation for anything we do should be God’s glory, not our own. When we do things that we think we ought to do, we are trying to make ourselves look good or feel better. Our motivation needs to be a love for our Creator/Savior/Redeemer/Father who has lavished us with His grace (Eph. 1:8); then we will be glorifying God as He intended, before we ever were.

- Brandon Hutchinson

In this context, Paul's reference to "reaping" is referring to the blessings of eternal life. When a person believes in Christ it is only natural that they would desire to "sow" their life to the Spirit and not the flesh.

Jesus called us to give up everything and to follow him. This would be sowing into the Spirit. Is Jesus worth it? Do you seek to gratify the desires of the flesh or the Spirit? Is your pursuit of Jesus relentless? Is your heart in line with God's heart?

These are all questions that I cannot answer for you. You must take a deep look at your own life and see if you are feeding the spirit or your flesh.

Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test! - 2 Corinthians 13:5

- Jacob Bassing

Do you believe this statement? If asked, I would say "yes" in a heart beat and I am sure there are many of you who would say the same thing. The sad truth is that we have been set free but instead of standing firm in our freedom we rush back to put on our chains. Instead of seeking the righteousness of the Lord, we seek to do things that look righteous. 

Paul was exposing a dangerous sin that we struggle with today. It is a desire to seek righteousness through additional means other than Christ. The people were turning back to the Law for salvation instead of turning to Christ, exposing a lack of faith in the gospel. We must not attempt to produce righteousness in our own lives through our efforts. Our hope is not in ourselves but in the life of Christ. Do you believe???

However, we must not use our freedom as an excuse to do whatever we want. God has set us free from the law because righteousness cannot come from the law. It comes from Jesus. So now pursue Jesus above all else, For He is the Way, He is the Truth, and He is the Life. No one will come to the father except through him.

-Jacob Bassing

I recently read an article about a pastor whose church was very influential in orphan ministry in the former Soviet Union. Orphanages in Russia are overrun with children in need of parents, and God led this pastor's church to a specific orphanage with hundreds of kids. The pastor was awestruck to find that in a room filled to the brim with hundreds of kids: starving, poorly clothed, and left with no hope. Shockingly, there was not one crying child in the entire room. The room was strikingly silent. In his amazement the pastor asked a translator, "given their circumstance why are these kids not crying?" The translator without emotion said, "why would they cry? There is no hope for an answer."

Have you every felt like that spiritually? Alienated, isolated, and alone. In Galatians, Paul details that all humanity is in bondage in this world (Galatians 4:3), but trapped in our bondage, God brought a Savior to redeem us (Galatians 4:4-5). Therefore, as a follower of Jesus a believers identity is specified in God's son. Our future hope is confirmed, sealed, and guranteed in our hearts through the Holy Spirit (Galatians 4:6; Romans 8:15).

Notice Paul didn't say our circumstances would change as we are not immune from the weight and hardships of this world, but we are promised intimate care from God our Father himself. We are no longer a slave to the disappointment of our flesh, but a son/daughter to the hope of our glorious future in Jesus Christ. Because of Jesus our tears are not in vain, our hurts are not unnoticed, and our sacrifice is always rewarded for God has saved us. Happy New Year!

- Senior Pastor Matt Brooks

As impossible as it is to follow the Law, most of us like living under the law.  It feels safe to know “the rules.” I think it has to do with our sinful nature because when we know the rules, we can push them. When we are free, there is nothing to push and that is uncomfortable. Maybe God wants us uncomfortable, then He can be our comfort.

When we come to faith in Jesus we become a child of God. Just think about that for a second. The God that made everything, who is Holy and perfect, the one that we spit on each time we sin, scoops us up in his arms and adopts us as His child. Not just an acquaintance or a servant or slave. We are His children. You are His child. 

No amount of Law or “good” living can do that, only faith in the one who became a curse for our sake. It may feel uncomfortable to leave the Law, but how comfortable is it to strive to fulfill something that you can never obtain? When you are in Christ there is nothing you can do to make God love you More and nothing that can make Him love you Less.

If you have faith in Christ, rejoice that you are a child of God. Honor your Father not out of obligation but out of love for Him. If you do not have this Faith, let’s talk.

- Brandon Hutchinson

How would you describe the Christian life? Going to church? Do what I am supposed to do (whatever that is)? Sitting through something I actually find boring and irrelevant because I am afraid to actually say that church seems pointless to me?

If any of these, or other answers like these, come to mind it isn’t surprising. Somewhere along the way we have let this notion of compartmental Christianity engrain in our lives. In other words, Christianity is what I do for my religious life, but Clark Howard is who I follow for my financial life, Oprah is who I follow for my emotional life, Jim Collins is who I follow for my business life, and Dr. Phil is who I follow for my family life. The list could go on and on.

Yet this is not what Paul speaks of in Galatians 2. In the process of rebuking the apostle Peter for his hypocrisy towards the Gentile believers, Paul says Galatians 2:20. He was reminding Peter that in Christ, he had been crucified to the old way of life and now his new life is lived for Christ, in Christ.

Simply put, it means that Christianity, specifically Christ, is not a part of our lives. He is our life!

We don’t believe in Jesus so our religious life is in order. We believe in Jesus therefore, our life has been reordered. Everything about you: everything you do, everything you think, everywhere you go, everyone you know and meet, every dollar that your earn or spend, every conversation that you have, every hour, minute and second of every day is to be brought into submission of Christ’s lordship in your life.

In Christ you died, and now through the power of the resurrection you live not for yourself, but for Christ. His purpose. His plans. His mission. By faith you worship Christ, by faith you order your finances according to Christ, by faith you submit emotion to Christ, by faith your business becomes a ministry hub of Christ, by faith you lead your family towards Christ for Christ.

The life you now live in the flesh you live by faith in the Son of God, who loved you and gave himself for you.

Salvation was God's call to live in His kingdom and the story He is writing, believe and leave behind your kingdom and the story you want to have written.

How should we describe the Christian life? Well… just that, life -- all of it, in Christ.

- Pastor Dave Miller

For as long as I can remember I have always wanted to be successful in the eyes of those around me. I think some of it came from the fact that I was such a small little kid. I always felt that I had to prove to everyone that my size did not dictate my skill. This became so important to me that I not only wanted to show people how good I was but also that I could be better than them. This desire to prove myself and to make sure everyone knew how good I was at things continued through the majority of my life.

Not until very recently, in my walk with the Lord, did I come to the realization that I was seeking the approval of men over the approval of God. Many of the things I would do "In the Name of God" were really done in the name of me. I wanted to see God's kingdom grow and his named praised but that wasn't my ultimate purpose.

When anyone who struggles with this realizes what's going on it can be a very demoralizing and humbling experience. But I think that is the point. Jesus said it this way, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." - Matt. 5:3

For me to seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness I have to realize everyday, that his Kingdom is greater than mine. Some very godly men have been reminding me that my identity is in Christ Jesus, not my skills, and not the approval of those around me.

So as I start my new year, it is my resolution that, "He must increase, but I must decrease.” - John 3:30

Will you join me in this journey, not just for 2012 but for the rest of your life?

- Jacob Bassing

Week 1

January 2 - Galatians 1

January 3 - Galatians 2

January 4 - Galatians 3

January 5 - Galatians 4

January 6 - Galatians 5

Week 2

January 9 - Galatians 6

January 10 - Pray for the glory of Christ in all nations

January 11 - Ephesians 1

January 12 - Ephesians 2

January 13 - Ephesians 3

Week 3

January 16 - Ephesians 4

January 17 - Ephesians 5

January 18 - Ephesians 6

January 19 - Pray for the glory of Christ in all nations

January 20 - Philippians 1

Week 4 + January 30 & 31

January 23 - Philippians 2

January 24 - Philippians 3

January 25 - Philippians 4

January 26 - Colossians 1

January 27 - Colossians 2

January 30 - Colossians 3

January 31 - Colossians 4

There are numerous polls in our country that tell us that Christmas brings more stress and conflict upon families than joy. In other words we are often happier apart than we are together. American culture is in desperate need of reconciliation, and the Bible is not silent on this issue. Genesis 43, details several key essential in the process of reconciliation through Joseph and his relationship with his brothers. Reconciliation comes with intentionality as Joseph purposefully invited his brothers into his home (Genesis 43:16-17). Things rarely ever just work out, but must be proactively resolved with godly communication (Matthew 18:15-18).

Secondly, reconciliation comes with clarity (Genesis 43:17-23) Ironically, Joseph brothers thought they were at Joseph house to settle at debt financially, but God would bring them there to settle their debt emotionally. Often conflict is a direct result of miscommunication, thus clear communication is essential between both parties. Allowing one another to speak in full sentences before resounding helps in this area.

Thirdly, reconciliation comes through constructive communication (Genesis 43:26-29). Though tensions were high between Joseph and his brothers the dialogue remained consistent throughout the conversation. This wasn't aimless discussion, but pointed transactions towards a goal. Health comes in a relationship when both parities feel they can share their hearts freely to one another.

Fourthly, reconciliation isn't without emotion (Genesis 43:30). Joseph during his conversation became overwhelmed, and had to leave the room (Genesis 42:24; 45:2, 14-15, 46:29). There is nothing wrong with taking a timeout or break when having a heated discussion. I encourage couples to have prayer breaks when things get heated in the conversation. A five second plea to God is always better than five hours of arguing with one another. Additionally, raising one's voice will not help you communicate your heart more clearly.

Finally, reconciliation takes time (Genesis 46:29). Joseph's quarrel with family would not be resolved immediately, but took time. This is really the main reason most relationships do not biblically deal with conflict. Not because they are incapable of working out their differences, but because they are unwilling to put in the time. Is there a relationship in your life that needs reconciliation? Are there aspects of resolving conflict that you struggle with? May God grant us unconditional love and peace for his glory this Christmas (Romans 5:1)!

Merry Christmas!

Senior Pastor Matt Brooks

Over the next few days as we begin to finish out the account of Joseph, you will likely hear about forgiveness a couple of times and for good reason. The thought that you could forgive someone who had sold you into slavery and faked your death is incomprehensible. Of course, the brothers did not know what all Joseph went through after they sold him, they likely assumed that he had died at some point.

Joseph had the power to withhold food from them. He put them in a prison for a couple of days and could have carried out many of the revengeful thoughts he had had over the previous years of slavery, but he didn’t. 

Here, Joseph is an example of God’s love. No matter what you do to God (all sin is against God, you know) He will always love you and forgive you if you ask. In a couple of days we will remember the day that God sent His Son to carry out the plan of redemption for our sins. I know I would never sacrifice one of my girls to help someone who had wronged me, but I am not God (thank goodness). God loves you. He also loves the most vile person you can think of, Christmas is for that person too.

Do you need to be forgiven?  Just ask. Do you need to forgive? Do it. It might not be easy, but there was a baby born who can help you do it.

Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they quickly brought him out of the pit. And when he had shaved himself and changed his clothes, he came in before Pharaoh. And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I have had a dream, and there is no one who can interpret it. I have heard it said of you that when you hear a dream you can interpret it.” Joseph answered Pharaoh, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favorable answer.”

As a hall of fame bench warmer in high school I remember all to well the work of practice and the watching of games. I understood that I was not that good but I loved the game and the relationships of the team anyway, so I kept playing all four years. There was one role I had on the team on game day. Foul.

Yeap, that was my job. When we need the ball back on a close game, I was sent in to take out (gently of course) the guy with the ball. So I looked forward to close games and the moment that coach would say, “Miller, you know what to do.”

Funny, how the Lord uses Joseph and when. At this point he is thirty years old, and has been tossed in a hole by his brothers, accused of advancing on a master’s wife, thrown into prison, and forgotten by those he helped. Yet God had a plan. Joseph had faith.

When the time was right, and God needed Joseph to make the play, his training and suffering in faith paid off. “Joseph, you know what to do.” What did he do? Nothing but point to the power of God in faith.

Patience in the midst of adversity comes only from an unwavering trust in the sovereignty of God. If you don’t believe God is in control you get out, get anxious, make dumb decisions, get paralyzed in fear, or falter when called. You will be used by God there is no question of that. Jacob was used all throughout his life, even in the prison, but when the turning point came, when the moment of truth and the reality of God calling him to do something way beyond who he was came, Jacob believed with flying colors.

What is paralyzing you in fear, what are you anxious about, what are you trying to control because you think God can’t, who are you manipulating to get your way? All of these scream a wavering in belief of God’s sovereignty. God is in control and will accomplish his purposes in you in his time for his glory. Wait, trust, and when the opportunity comes, don’t hesitate but act in faith.

- Pastor Dave Miller

After interpreting a dream for the cupbearer that foretold of his reinstatement, Joseph asks him to remember him and mention him to the Pharaoh. But the cupbearer forgot him. I would imagine that over all his excitement of not being killed like the chief baker, he simply wasn't thinking of anyone but himself.

This must have been a very trying time for Joseph. However, the Lord had not forgotten him. Things just didn't work out with the timing that Joseph had in mind. Ultimately, God restores Joseph but not until 2 years later.

We must understand that God works in his own timing. But the great thing about that is that He works. He is intimately involved with our lives. We must live a life of faith, faith that is placed in the Almighty God. Think back on your life, on the times when the Lord answered your prayers but maybe not with the timing or immediacy that you had hoped for. It is these moments that we must not forget. They are proof of the faithfulness of God. God did not prevent Joseph from being sold into slavery or being thrown into prison after being falsely accused, but He did take those things and use them for His glory, advancing His story, and ultimately, leading to Jesus.

- Jacob Bassing

Right at the outset, God’s presence with Joseph is unambiguously affirmed. Although God never speaks directly to him (as he did to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob), Joseph’s life in Egypt is governed by God’s providential care. And so,he became a successful man. In spite of having been sold into slavery, Joseph prospers, being promoted to the position of overseer of Potiphar’s house. The repeated references to the Lord in these verses emphasize that Joseph’s success is due to God’s presence with him. By indicating that divine blessing comes through Joseph, the narrator picks up on one of the important elements of the promises made to the patriarchs...
- ESV Study Bible Notes 

"I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” - Genesis 12:3

We often take the presence of the Lord for granted. We forget the power of the Indwelling Spirit and what it came to do.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. - 2 Cor. 3:17-18

God chose to let Joseph be successful and blessed those who blessed him. God does the same for us except he is Glorifying us in a more permanent and meaningful way. He is making us more and more like himself. We are no longer bound by sin, we no longer have to be weak in our own flesh, because, as believers, we have the power of God living inside of us. 

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying in the body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be manifested in our bodies. For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. - 2 Corinthians 7:11

Through Jesus Christ we have power over death itself. Believe!!!

- Jacob Bassing

Does it strike you as odd that after all Jacob went through in life because his father, Isaac, had favorites that he would do the same thing? I am reminded of Proverbs 26:11 “Like a dog that returns to his vomit? is a fool who repeats his folly.” I know that paints a lovely picture in your mind right now, but might it also give us a picture of how gross sin is to God?

God rescued Jacob from his brother and brought peace to his family, only to have Jacob show favorites and repeat the cycle. I know that I am quick to judge these people for being so blind to their actions, but then I realize that I do the same thing at times. God changes my life, and I eventually go back to my old ways.

When we accept Christ, we die and become a new creation.  Going to back to who we were is like going back to eat partially digested food sitting in the grass. It might feel good for the moment, but the aftertaste is awful.

- Brandon Hutchinson

It is striking that in the middle of the story of God working in and through Jacob’s life that a whole chapter is dedicated to the generations of his brother Esau. Jacob was the chosen brother by God, yet the promise of blessing to Abraham and Isaac to be the father of many nations is coming to pass.

Yes, God was covenanting with Jacob. Yes God chose Jacob for his purposes, not because of something in Jacob. In fact it was before either him or his twin Esau were born showing that this is wholly the work of God in his mercy. Yet the promise of blessing was still kept even in the line of Esau whose lineage became the nations of Edom.

Genesis is still screaming out the message that God is faithful and keeps his promises. So what is keeping you from trusting him still?

- Pastor Dave Miller

Jacob and his people were told to purify themselves and to get rid of their foreign gods. They were instructed to do so to prepare for entering into the presence of God. Bethel is the "house of God." As we learn in Genesis 31, Rachael stole her fathers household gods. However, these must now be eradicated. Later in Exodus 20:3 it is made clear... "You shall have no other gods before me."

There are many things that we like to hold onto and place well before God. Very rarely do we say out loud that something is more important than God but our lives reflect a very different belief system.

I want you to picture the thing you love the most that is not God (it only works if you are honest). It may be your children, your husband or wife, or your parents, it could be a passion for music or sports, it may be success, or even yourself.

Now, could you abandon whatever it is, and never look back, to pursue God. If you answer "No" to anything then you love that thing more than God. For me the thought of giving up things like my family or my voice and music is almost too much to even consider. If I was forced to make the choice could I abandon those things? Do I love God that much?

Jesus said it this way, "If anyone comes to me and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple."

To give up one's life means exactly that. Give up everything and then walk in the way of Jesus. God does not always require us to give up things like our families but requires us to lead them into a true understanding of who He is. It would be unbiblical to abandon ones family. However, to place them as the highest priority in your life is to deny the one true God.

Jacob burried his families idols and they left them to dwell in the presence of the Lord. Do you love God enough to do the same?

- Jacob Bassing

God introduced circumcision as a sign of the eternal covenent that He established with Abraham and yet here, it is used in a treacherous way. 

Our motives in life are often bigger than our actions. We do all kinds of "things" for God or in God's name but the question is, why? Do we do them for His glory and to see His kingdom advanced or do we do them for our own selfish gain and glory? Some people even decide to "follow" God because they think he will give them more stuff or make their lives easier.

This is a false view and needs to be taken seriously during this Christmas season. Jesus came to save us from our sins, which is the root of our problems. He didn't come to meet our every whim and desire. So the question is why do you worship him and serve him and tell people about him? What are your motives?

- Jacob Bassing

By this point in time, Jacob has been through a lot.  For the most part, he has managed to deceive and figure out his way through life.  He has had experiences with God, but has yet to develop a personal relationship with him.  Here we see how Jacob addresses God.  He is still trying to decide if the God of his fathers will be His God.

He has enough faith that he at least asks for this god’s help in his situation of meeting his brother again.  Previously, he had promised God that he would serve him if he returned safely to his homeland (Gen 28:19-22).  How often have we had an experience with God and made some decisions, but then when our circumstances change we treat God differently?

God comes down and makes his relationship with Jacob personal.  He wrestles with him all night and then dislocates his hip.  After this experience, Jacob is left with a new name and a busted hip, but he also now has a personal relationship with the God of his fathers.  A God that he can now call “my God”.

If God is trying to tell you something, go ahead and listen.  If you know about God but do not know God, talk to Him and make him your God.  God loves you enough to pursue you.  He already sent His Son to die for you, why not trust Him completely to take care of everything else?

- Brandon Hutchinson

The swindler, Jacob, had met his match. His father-in-law, Laban, had cheated and changed wages on Jacob. Isn’t it ironic that Jacob who had been known as a cheat his entire life, now has the tables turned?

Jacob is walking upright in his dealings with Laban’s animals and the Lord blessed him. Don’t miss the lesson God is teaching Jacob after he has revealed himself to him at Bethel. God is saying, cheating and dishonesty cannot outmatch my generosity and promise of blessing.

Jacob had to be transformed from who he was to who he is going to be, Israel the father of the 12 tribes of Israel. In order for this to happen God must change Jacob’s heart and motivations. It took 20 years of service to a father-in-law to see this change take place and still a wrestling with God in the chapter 32.

What is a character of trait yours that does not reflect the glory of our Lord? Any tough circumstances in your life? How is God using them to crucify that sin and conform you into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ?

Rather than running from hardship, pray in the midst of it, that you may be molded into the image of Jesus Christ and become who you were created to be, a grand reflection of the glory of God through Jesus Christ.

- Pastor Dave Miller

As I read this passage I can't help but be reminded that the Lord is the author of life. David, a descendant of Jacob, understood this as well when he wrote... 

For you formed my inward parts;
   you knitted me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works;
   my soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from you,when I was being made in secret,
   intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance;in your book were written, every one of them,
   the days that were formed for me,
   when as yet there was none of them.
-Psalm 139:13-16 

When we see God as the creator of all things, we realize that he knows the very depths of who we are. We can not hide anything from him and so, like David, we should say...

Search me, O God, and know my heart!
    Try me and know my thoughts!
And see if there be any grievous way in me,
   and lead me in the way everlasting!
-Psalm 139:23-24

Remember today that God made you, knows you, loves you and sent Jesus to save you. 

-Jacob Bassing

The deceiver has become the deceived. This is a very ironic circumstance for Jacob to find himself in. After deceiving his father by pretending to be the first born, Jacob is now the one being deceived by Laban into marrying his firstborn daughter, Leah. He then marrys Rachel, but only after agreeing to work for another 7 years. Because of this unexpeted marriage situation that Jacob found himself in, his home life is full of tension. (I can't even begin to understand the drama that probably came form this situation.)

All of this deception (Jacob's and Laban's) came from sin and selfishness. People are sinful. The beauty is that God took these sinful situations and used them for his Glory. He made beauty from ashes and accomplished everything that He had promised and purposed. 

We are sinful as well but God has offered a way for us to be forgiven of our sins, to be made righteous. The question is, do you really believe that God can make beauty from the ashes of your life? Do you really believe that He forgives you of all your sin?

It is often easy to answer yes but do you live like you truly believe? The very essence of the gospel is surrounded by our belief and faith that Jesus is who he says he is and will do what he says he'll do. That includes forgiving you of your sin.

God is still working in the same way that he did in the days of Jacob. God loves you and has a plan for your life.

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. -Jer. 29:11-13

- Jacob Bassing

Yet recently, I spoke with an acquaintance that was held back, even only slightly, from the baggage of the past and the feeling of inadequacy.

Both men fear something, one fears God and falling short of God’s potential in his life, the other fears that the future will only be more of the same. One’s fear moves him, the other’s, paralyzes him.

In Genesis 28 God reveals himself to Jacob, the son of Isaac, who was known not only by name, but also in action to be a cheat and a swindler. While sleeping on a rock, God showed him a ladder to heaven and promised him the blessings of his grandfather, Abraham, and his father, Isaac.

In verse 17 it says, “And he was afraid and said, ‘How awesome is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven!” And in response Jacob made a vow, “If God will be with me and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat and clothing to wear, so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, then the Lord shall be my God, and this stone, which I have set up for a pillar, shall be God’s house. And of all that you give me I will give a full tenth to you.”

Jacob went to sleep a cheat and awoke a giver. He went to bed on a stone and awoke to an altar of worship. He slept out in the wilderness and awoke in the House of God. What was the change?

God revealed himself to Jacob. Jacob now feared God and started the journey of who he was to become.

If you, as a believer, are not becoming who you already are in Jesus Christ, then you fear the wrong god. Your best day will be tomorrow, because tomorrow you can know God more, becoming more like Christ, but only if you are today more than you were yesterday.

- Pastor Dave Miller

Often I have heard this chapter used to talk about the deceit of Jacob (which is a big deal), but what about the wrongs of some of the other people?  When Rebekah was pregnant, she heard from God that she would have two sons and that the older would serve the younger.  It is possible that she never mentioned this to her husband (Isaac), but doesn’t seem likely.  If he knew about this Word from God, Isaac was very wrong in trying to bless the older son instead of the younger.

This passage reminds me of a verse that we haven’t gotten to yet.  In Genesis 50, Joseph tells his brothers that what they had intended for evil, God had used it to accomplish His purposes.  Isaac was trying to bless the child that he liked better, Rebekah was trying to deceive her husband, Jacob played the deception very well, and Esau just comes across like a character from Swamp People. 

God uses imperfect people to accomplish His perfect plans.  We are all He has to work with (scary thought), but He uses us to accomplish amazing things.  Every person in this chapter had their own sinful part of the story, but the end result was still Jacob being the chosen son to carry out the covenant God had made with Abraham, though I imagine the consequences of the sin made the results a bit more bumpy than necessary.

We aren’t perfect either, but God still uses us.  God has a plan that will be accomplished.  Along the way, we are free to act as we wish.  The consequences of our actions are directly related to how our actions line up with God’s plans.

- Brandon Hutchinson

While in seminary my wife, Ann, and I taught first graders in Sunday school. We had one goal for the year. Get as many kids there as we could and while they were with is teach them one important truth. When God says it, it will happen. Not maybe, not if, not sort of. It will happen.

God’s faithfulness never ends. Over and over in Genesis we are confronted with God who makes good on his promises. Abraham was promised offspring that could not be counted and a son of promise. Isaac, that son, is now receiving the same promise given to his Father. Why, because the promise depends upon God not the man, but Abraham’s faith moved the promise forward.

Ultimately the promise that “in your offspring all the nations of the earth shall be blessed cam true in Jesus Christ.” Yet the faith of the church, you and I will move that promise forward as we bless those with the truth of Jesus Christ because we have been blessed.

-Pastor Dave Miller

"This episode centers on Esau’s dismissive attitude toward his birthright. While Jacob may be criticized for exploiting his brother in a moment of weakness, Esau is indifferent toward his firstborn status. He does not grasp the significance of all that God has promised to fulfill through the unique line descended from Abraham, of which he is the natural heir." - ESV Study Bible Notes

As believers in Christ we have become heirs of God (Gal. 4:7). But Just like Esau, we often have a dismissive attitude towards the significance of what we have and what we will have through Christ. We often get caught up in the moment and forget that we were created for greater things. Let us not be so short sighted that we forget, that through Christ, we have been blessed with the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and that we will have eternal life with our Loving maker and creator. We have been forgiven of our sins and are no longer slaves but heirs. 

Rest in the knowledge and comfort of the gospel. We were once dead in our trespasses and sins. We lived in disobedience and followed after Satan and the passions of our flesh...

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ— by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus. For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them. - Ephesians 2:4-10

- Jacob Bassing

How often do we stop in the middle of a task to acknowledge God and praise him for answered prayer? I feel that sometimes I am desiring the gift more than the giver. God blesses me and I am too wrapped up in the blessing to remember where it came from. 

I love the faithfulness of the servant to the Lord. He truly fears and loves the Lord and truly understands that God is in control and his worship is for him only. 

Take some time to worship the Lord and remember the blessings he's given you and the prayers he has answered. If you feel he has not answered your prayers, ask yourself, "Do I want the gift or the giver more?" 

- Jacob Bassing

How long is enough to be with the one you love? According to Genesis 23, there will never be enough time to spend with the one’s we love. Sarah lived an incredible life, and she saw God do amazing things through her. However, the working of God, though exhilarating spiritually, could not sustain her physically. Paul concurs when he says, “so we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.(2 Corinthians 4:16)” 

Genesis 23:1, tells Sarah lived to be 127 years old! She is the only woman in Scripture to have her age mentioned at the time of her death. Don’t you know, she let the Holy Spirit hear about that in heaven! Interestingly, the mention of her age in the Hebrew Scriptures details her importance to the plan of God, because it reminds us of the birth of her son, Isaac at age 90 (Genesis 17:17). 

Genesis 23:2b, reveals the reaction of Abraham when it says, “Abraham came to mourn for Sarah and to weep for her.” I have been by the side of many spouses after losing their loved ones, and can assure you that Abraham was more than likely reflecting in his heart all the moments God gave him with Sarah. Their courtship and wedding day (Genesis 11:29), their frustration of not being able to have children (Genesis 11:30), their dealing with the significance of the covenant of God (Genesis 12, 15-17), and finally the miraculous birth of their son  (Genesis 21:1-3). No wonder Abraham is weeping for his beautiful bride, because she was also a wonderful partner for the glory of God in his life.

Thanksgiving is here! Have you taken time lately to tell God the people your thankful for? More pointedly, have you taken time one to one to share with these people why you are thankful for them. The Bible is clear this life will end some day, so what are you doing today? 

I want to challenge you to share with at least three people today why you are thankful for them. I would never ask you to do something I am not already doing, so here is a reader’s digest version of one of mine. 

Bren, I am thankful for your integrity and your love for our church, Major, and especially Jesus. Thank you for marrying me, taking care of our home, and blessing us with your culinary awesomeness. Your faith, devotion, and unconditional love remind me daily of our Lord and Savior. I love serving Christ with you, and promise there has never been a day with you that I have taken for granted. You are the second greatest passion in my life! Happy Thanksgiving sweetheart!  I love you… 

Who are you thankful for? Drop the pie and go tell them right now! 

Happy Thanksgiving…

- Senior Pastor Matt Brooks

This story is not a pleasing thing to read, but from it we can see some powerful truths.  One of which is our ability to fully trust God no matter how ridiculous we think our situation is.  God can always see the bigger picture; we can only see what is happening in the moment.  In John 14:21 Jesus said, “Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me.”  If we say we love God, we must obey Him.

Another awesome part of this story is the foreshadowing it offers about the death of Jesus.  I like the wording of the Jesus Storybook Bible:

God truly did provide the Lamb for sacrifice, both in this instance and hundreds of years later when He provided the final lamb.  The Lamb that would take away the sin of the whole world, Jesus.

- Brandon Hutchinson

God keeps his promises. You may wonder when, where, how, or even why but never if. If doesn’t factor into the grace of God. There was no, I will give you a son if… There was only I will give you a son. Even in Sarah and Abrahams unbelief God kept his promise. If God denies his word he denies himself. When God says it, it will happen as sure as God lives.

“For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the think for which I sent it.” – Isaiah 55:10-11

We often times like Sarah and Abraham treat God’s word as a defendant who is guilty until proven innocent. No that is not backwards I meant guilty until proven innocent. Since the fall we have doubted God’s word, yet time and again he has proven in miraculous ways that he is faithful and trustworthy.

Sarah had a child at almost 100 years old, why? Because God said it would happen. Is there an area of fear in your life that controls and paralyzes you? If so you doubt God’s perfect truth. Is there something that you would sacrifice anything for more than God? If so, you doubt God’s perfect truth? Is there anything you want more than God himself, If so, you doubt God’s perfect truth.

Stop doubting and believe.

- Pastor Dave Miller

Abraham has again tried to protect himself by saying that his wife is his sister. His words in this passage are odd because when you read what comes before this in verses 1-10, it shows a very different picture, that Abimelech and his people did in fact fear God. 

The beauty of this whole chapter is that we get to see the sovereignty of God along with his faithfulness, justice, and mercy. Abraham's deceit and Abimelech’s actions place in jeopardy the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham that Sarah will bear him a son. But God intervenes to ensure that Abimelech does not touch Sarah. It is made very clear that Abimelech does not sleep with her so that he is not thought to be the father of the son born to Sarah in Genesis 21. God both afflicts Abimelech and then shows him mercy by coming to him in a dream. He does this because of the innocence of Abimelech and because he is protecting his plan of Salvation. Ultimately, Jesus will come from the lineage of Abraham (Matt. 1:1-16) so there must be no dispute about who the father of Abraham's son Isaac was. Once Sarah is restored to him along with other gifts, Abraham prays on behalf of Abimelech and his household and God heals them.

Remember that God is intimately involved in this world. He controls all things and nothing can thwart his plans. Rest in the knowledge that God is in control. Don't try to take things into your own hands like Abraham did. Simply trust in God. Trust that he will accomplish all that He has said.

- Jacob Bassing  

Lot had been granted freedom from the destruction that was about to befall Sodom and yet he still had difficulty leaving. The scriptures say he lingered. Th e definition of linger is "to stay in a place longer than necessary, typically because of a reluctance to leave." In my head I tell myself, had it been me, I would have left that place as quickly as possible but in my heart I know that it would have been so difficult.

Even when we have been given our freedom from sin and destruction we like to linger in it. We try to keep it close. But by the grace of God we have been set free. We are free from the bondage and the condemnation that is found in sin. We must move on from those things and look to our Savior. 

Live in the embrace of the gospel, understanding that you have been forgiven and set free to enjoy eternal life with Jesus Christ. His blood has set you free. Now go live as you were intended.

- Jacob Bassing

God often works within the realm of the impossible. The beginning of Genesis 18, gives us another example of a theophany (visible manifestation of deity to humanity), and also an assurance of a divine promise by God to Abraham (Genesis 18:9-13). God promised Abraham a son that would initiate an everlasting covenant (Genesis 17:7), and Abraham’s initial reaction was to fall on his face and laugh (Genesis 17:17-18). Ironically, Sarah his wife would have a similar reaction (Genesis 18:13). The truth of Scripture is that God’s promises are dependant solely on His providence, and not always are faithfulness. Both Abraham and Sarah were well beyond childbearing ages as they were 100 and 90 years old respectively (Genesis 17:17). According to them the probability that God would bring them a son was beyond minimal (Genesis 17:18, 18:13-15), but despite Abraham’s reaction God told him to name his son Isaac (Genesis 17:19). 

Naming in Scripture often represented a person’s identity and potential relationship with God (Genesis 17:5). In Genesis 18:10, the Bible says, ““I will certainly return to you according to the time of life, and behold, Sarah your wife will have a son.” Though near impossible to fathom, God promises that Sarah will have a son. Despite Abrahams and Sarah’s speculative response the promise is still given, and will be fulfilled. 

I can’t help but wonder if we see the promises of God in exact same way? It’s not if God could do something amazing in our lives, but why would he? We often compartmentalize our lives, talents, abilities. We then evaluate and decide how God can use us. Contrastingly, in Genesis 15-18, God at an appointed time chose to use Abraham and Sarah in a way that in their flesh seemed impossible (Genesis 18:10, 14). At a time appointed by God himself, God fulfilled his divine appointment with Abraham and Sarah. What seemed silly to Abraham and Sarah was used for eternal glory by God himself. God is able to work in and through us, but do we have enough faith to believe? Let us all be hysterically open to whatever God would call us to do, and to be ready to do it when He calls. 

- Senior Pastor Matt Brooks

God keeps His promises.  I know you have likely heard that statement few times before, but take a moment to realize what that means.  God promised Abram ( a really old man) that he was going to have a son and from that son produce an entire nation of people that numbered like the sand and stars.  And it happened.  The final King to be born from Abraham came without fanfare and was laid in a manger. 

God promises that if we put our trust in that king, we will be forgiven of our sin and will live with Him forever one day.  He promises that by trusting Him with our anxieties we can receive a peace that is greater than even our understanding will allow. 

God keeps His promises.  I know you know that, but do you live like you know it?

- Brandon Hutchinson

Do you doubt the word of the Lord? The answer to that question can be many different ways.

For some the answer is a resounding yes. Because they do not believe in a god or at best believe that there may be a god but if so he doesn’t speak.

For others the answer is no, but should be yes. Outwardly they talk of obeying the word of the Lord, the Bible, but then question which parts are true and decide themselves what they will take as true and what they take as false. The irony is that is complete doubt in God’s word because, in this case, my decision is final on what is true not God’s.

Still others the answer is no, yet no tone of conviction can be heard. They trust the Bible but aren’t sure if God is going to do as He promised, so they wait as long as they feel necessary and then take back control to make it happen as they see fit. In the end God is still questionable though they desire desperately to hold on to something worth trusting.

This is Sarai and Abram in this story. God has promised a son. God will always do what He has promised He will do; in His time, in His way, and to His glory, yet this couple grew impatient because of old age.  Sarai instigates the illegitimate relationship of her servant Hagar, with her husband Abram to provide an heir, a son.  Abram listened to his wife. Both doubted the word of the Lord.

This scene is eerily similar to the day in the garden when Eve handed the fruit to Adam and he ate. “Did God really say,” the doubt that took root in Eve’s heart, was demonstrated by her disobedience and then passed along to her husband Adam who went along. Then all creation was wrecked by sin.

The Word of the Lord is effective and will accomplish all that God has sent it to accomplish. God’s promises are true. Every word of scripture is God-breathed and useful.  Do not doubt the Word of the Lord but instead be transformed by the renewing of your mind.

Don’t doubt, believe. The Word of the Lord is true.

- Pastor Dave Miller

This key verse in Genesis is quoted four times in the NT (Rom. 4:3, 22; Gal. 3:6; James 2:23). Faith in God is something that everyone in the Bible was expected to exercise. It entails trust in or confident reliance on God, based on the truthfulness of his words, and it will lead to obeying his commands. A person’s faith or lack of it is most apparent in crises such as Abram was facing. He believed God would give him a son despite many years of childlessness. (Taken from the ESV study Bible)

When I was a little boy I remember my dad teaching me to swim. One of the greatest things we did while swimming was for me to stand on the edge of the pool and jump in, where my dad would catch me. He would stand in the water and then say "jump." I was a little scared at first, but I trusted my dad and knew that he would catch me. The more and more we would play this game, the more and more I would trust my dad. I began to trust him so much that I would leap in whether he was ready for me or not. Lucky for me, my dad never failed me. (I am sure I scared him to death a few times, but he was always there for me.) Had I not trusted in my dad's ability to catch me I never would have experienced the joy of leaping into the pool, to my dad's open arms. 

The basis for salvation is the same thing, it is belief based on the words and work of Jesus Christ. Do you believe in Him and trust that he will save you? Have you placed your life in his hands? If so, then leap in and experience the joy of a life with Christ.

-Jacob Bassing

Reading this story about Abram coming to Lot's rescue reminds me of what Jesus did for us. Humanity has been taken captive by sin and is headed for immanent destruction and who comes to our rescue, Jesus. He leaves his home to come to earth and live a perfect life, is crucified for our sins and then rose again. He exchanges his life for ours. He takes the place we deserve and offers us his life. He offered us redemtion if we would only believe.

Romans 10:9-13
because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, "Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame." For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For "everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."

- Jacob Bassing

What does a man who lived thousands of years ago have to do with me? Why should it matter that God called Abram, who was renamed Abraham, to go to a land in a location not yet known to Abram? Or that Abram demonstrated he believed God by leaving his country and kindred he had always known to go?

First of all, after the peak of sinfulness at the Tower of Babel where the people refused to fill the earth for God’s glory (as commanded in Genesis 1:28) and instead gathered and began constructing a tower to their own glory, God set in motion the greatest plan ever conceived, the plan of redemption and restoration of all nations to God through Jesus Christ.  And it all started with this man, Abram. 

So why Abram? Nothing was special about him compared to other men in God’s eyes. It was God’s gracious choice, for God’s glory. Why make Abram’s name great and bless him? So that Abram could be a conduit of God’s blessing to all the families (nations) of the earth.

Did you catch that, Abram believed God, and God blessed him so that he could be a blessing. What was the blessing? God himself. God began a relationship with Abram that Abram neither deserved nor was looking for, but in order that God’s purpose of redemption for His glory, in other words, that God’s mission might be accomplished God sent a man of his choosing and blessed him in order that others may come to know the one true God!

According to Paul in Romans 4 we, who have by faith trusted in Christ, are blessed in Christ with the same blessing of Abraham.

Romans 4:9-12
“Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? For we say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness. ¹⁰ How then was it counted to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised. ¹¹ He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well, ¹² and to make him the father of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.” (ESV)

Simply put you, like Abraham, are blessed in Christ to be a blessing. God has blessed you with himself in order that you may make him known. God has saved you with someone else in mind. Are you hoarding your blessings thinking they are for yourself and allowing them to puff you up with pride? Do you think that God gave them to you because of you? Or are you realizing that you are a steward of God’s blessings for the purpose of His kingdom and humbled by the reality that God will resource you to accomplish his mission, his purposes.

As a believer in Jesus Christ, He has sent you to be a blessing today. Fulfill God’s mission, make Christ known!

- Pastor Dave Miller

 Even though this instance is referring to a sinful act by the people of the world, it still is a great illustration of the importance of unity. The unity of the people allowed them to work at a level that made God say “nothing that they propose to do will now be impossible for them.” Think about that for a second. That is powerful. If the unity of these people allowed them to accomplish anything, imagine what we can accomplish in unity with the backing of the power of God. If we are working together to build God’s Kingdom; He will be there to help us, not scatter us.

 In John 17, Jesus says, “that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”

 Our unity lets the world see Christ through us.  We can be unified in our sin or unified in our faithfulness. Babel didn’t turn out so well, so I recommend that we unify our hearts for the purpose of the Gospel. What do you think?

- Brandon Hutchinson

A chapter of begats and more begats. That describes Genesis 10. But before you dismiss it as just another one of those chapters with a bunch of names that are hard to pronounce, don’t forget what has happened to Noah.

God demonstrated amazing grace in saving Noah, not because he was worth saving, but because of God’s purpose of redemption. Because of the wickedness of man, God flooded the earth, yet spared Noah and his family. Genesis 10 represents God’s blessings to a people who deserve none.

The nations, from Noah, spread abroad on the earth after the flood. These descendants of Noah were once again given the opportunity to “be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth” (Gen 1:28). Did you catch that?

God gave humanity another opportunity to fill the earth with descendants who bear his image for His glory! Why would God be so gracious? Why would God be so patient?  Because this is His story and he has a plan.

Revelation 7:9-10 “After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, ¹⁰ and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!”

God’s heart is for the nations, He created them, including you and I for His glory. As His followers who have been called to His kingdom, our story should be focused on nothing less. Are you demonstrating the grace of God by living for what you were made for and reproducing yourself, making disciples, in your life? Recognize God’s grace in the lives of those around you who are not just names, but those created in God’s image to accomplish God’s purposes.

- Pastor Dave Miller

God destroyed the Earth with the flood because of the violence and corruption that was present amoung all people. After the flood was over, the "curse" and the sinful nature of people did not change. So, God estabilishes the importance of Human life. 

"Life is to be valued so highly that it is protected by this system of punishment because God made man in his own image, and so to murder another human being is to murder what is most like God, and is thus implicityly an attack on God himself." (ESV Study Bible notes)

This is why the greatest commandment is... 

Matthew 22:37-39
"You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And the second is like it: you shall love your neighbor as yourself." 

Earlier in Matthew, Jesus explained to what extent this commandment should be taken.

Matthew 5:21-24
"You have heard that it was said to those of old, 'You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.'But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, 'You fool!' will be liable to the hell of fire. So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 

It all caomes back to the fact that we were created in the Image of God and how we view and treat people will say a lot about how we view God.

1 John 2:9-11
Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness. Whoever loves his brother abides in the light, and in him there is no cause for stumbling. But whoever hates his brother is in the darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he is going, because the darkness has blinded his eyes.

How have you been treating your fellow man?

- Jacob Bassing

When sin entered the world, it came accompanied by shame... A loss of innocence. Shame is a powerful tool of the serpent to keep us living under the weight of our sin. We should feel remorse because of our sin, but with the knowledge that our sin is covered and forgiven, just like God covered Adam and Eve's nakedness with skins. In Christ, you are forgiven. Do not live in shame. Wear your righteousness. Don't be naked.

(This idea was taken from here: http://www.jonacuff.com/stuffchristianslike/2009/04/512-thinking-youre-naked/) 

- Brandon Hutchinson

This is the last chapter and the last verse of the book of John. We have just read about the Savior of the World, Jesus Christ. The entire book paints an incredible picture of who Jesus is and what he came to accomplish. He is God in the flesh, who left his heavenly throne, came down to earth and lived a perfect life only so that he could die on the cross for our sins and raise from the dead, conquering death and offering eternal life to all those who believe. As if that wasn't enough he performed miracles and changed the lives of many in the book of John. And yet, there is still more. The world itself cannot contain the books that could be written about Jesus. We worship a God that is so much greater than we can even conceive and yet he still wants a relationship with you. After reading the book of John we are left with a simple question that is the most important question you will ever answer and has eternal significance. Who is Jesus to you?

- Jacob Bassing

Thomas’s confession of Jesus as his Lord and God provides a literary link with the references to Jesus as God in John 1:1 and 1:18. These are the strongest texts in the NT on the deity of Christ. Thomas’s statement here is  a clear confession of his newly found faith in Jesus as his Lord and God. John’s entire purpose in writing this book is that all readers come to confess Jesus as their Lord and God in the same way that Thomas did.

Today is my little brother, Caleb's, birthday. He is 26 years old. I still remember very vividly, after accepting Christ for myself, longing for my little brother to do the same. I would beg and plead with this little 4 year old kid, to recognize Jesus as his Lord and God. I had nothing to show him, no tangible evidence of who Jesus is, I just kept bugging him. Just to get me to stop bugging him, he would nonchalantly say "sure" or "OK." All I could do was tell him that Jesus loved him and so did I. But it wasn't until several years later, that he understood for himself who Jesus was and is. He made his own confession and believed in Jesus as his Lord and Savior. I am so thankful that God gave us a way to believe even though we can not see the physical, resurrected Jesus. I thank the Lord so much for saving my little brother Caleb. I love my little brother so much and that gives me comfort, knowing that our Lord and savior loves him even more.

- Jacob Bassing

I remember the day that Major was born, and the exact moment when the doctor handed him over to me. In that moment, I distinctly told myself, “Matt, don’t forget this moment whatever you do. For there will be few moments like this one in your life.” In reflection, I was amazed at how instantly I was filled with such love and passion for someone that I just met. Instantly, I resolved in my life to do whatever it takes for this child to bring glory to God in his life (John 3:30). The yoke of my responsibility as a parent was nothing in light of the reality of my unconditional love for my son. In John 19, there are many characters involved in the Crucifixion of Christ, and we find that even in his death Jesus was providing care for those that he loved.  In verse twenty six, Jesus said to his mother “woman, behold your son!” I can’t help but think in that moment that Mary in looking up to her son remembered that night in Bethlehem when in a dusty stable someone said, “woman, behold your son who will take away the sins of the world! (Matthew 1:21-23; Luke 2:7, 11-14). ” The balance of the sovereignty of God and human responsibility is seen again through Mary as God specifically chose her to bear the Savior of the World (Luke 1:26-38). Additionally, it was Joseph’s and Mary’s responsibility to care, nurture, and raise God’s son. There is no question that the reality of her son’s death overwhelmed Mary (John 19:25), but I am personally overwhelmed by Christ’s provision of his earthly mom.  Jesus made sure that His mother was taken care of physically all the while knowing what his death and sacrifice would provide for her spiritually. Those who question the Christ of Christianity is not loving simply have not read the Gospel of John. Even in the wake of Christ’s excruciating death he show’s His unwavering love for his mother. In like manner, God’s unconditional love to the world is not just a love that is seen only in saving humanity (John 3:16; Ephesians 2:8, 1 John 2:2), but sustaining all who call upon his name(Philippians 4:5-7). He loves you, He loves you, He loves you!

- Senior Pastor, Matt Brooks

 It is amazing to me that Pilate was standing in front of Truth and did not see it.  Many people today are still asking the same question Pilate asked Jesus, “what is truth?”  Would you know truth if you heard it?  Or in other words, can you recognize a lie?  Our enemy is the father of lies.  He has been twisting God’s words from the beginning of time.  We must examine the Truth so that we can see the lie.  You are doing that right now.  Read the Truth.  It’s the best way to get rid of lies.

- Brandon Hutchinson

In this passage, Jesus is in the middle of what is known as "The High Priestly Prayer." In it, Jesus prays for himself and his disciples, but not just his current disciples. In verse 20 he begins to pray for all future disciples that would come to a knowledge of Him through the work of the original disciples. That means that before Jesus was crucified he was thinking and praying for you, 2,000+ years before you ever came into exostence. This is the love of our Lord Jesus. Believer's unity results from being united in God. Once unified, we are able to bear whitness to the true identity of Jesus as the Messiah, Savior, Lord, and Sent One of God.

It is amazing what a group of unified people can accomplish, especially when they are unified by God and for God. We must act with one single purpose and that is to Glorify God so that others may come to know Him. We must not let our pleasures, preferences and comforts divide and seperate us from our purpose. We were called to greater things than simply breathing for ourselves. We were called to breathe every breath for the Glory of God. We were called to live every moment for Him. We are called to show others the love of Christ Jesus so that they can be reconciled to Him and Glorify His name. 

Never forget that the creator of the world took time to pray for you, asking that you be unified with other believers in His name. 

- Jacob Bassing

To experience peace is a rare but beautiful thing. I love it when I have a calm, quiet confidence in how things are going to turn out. Jesus is speaking in this passage and he chooses not to sugar coat anything. He just lays out the facts... 

1. We will have tribulation and trouble in this world.
2. He has over come the world.

If that doesn't instill confidence in you, you are missing the message of who Jesus is.

When I think of this it reminds me a little of my Mother. She is a wonderful and kind lady who will take care of business when needed. She had this ability to swoop in and deal with any problem that might arise. She was so good at it that I was always confident that things would be just fine when she got involed. She was both diplomatic and firm and refused to let people walk all over her or her family. 

Jesus takes this way beyond anything my mother could ever do. While he is telling his disciples that he is about to leave them and reminds them that they will experience trouble, He throws in this little reminder that He has things taken care of. He has overcome the world and therefore, we have peace knowing that everything is in his hands.

-Jacob Bassing

Growing up, we had a big willow tree in our back yard. It was always an awesome tree to climb and jump out of. Much of my play time revolved around this tree. However, it was also a source of much work because willow trees are self pruning. My mom would send my brothers and I out into the yard to pick up all of the dead branches that had fallen from the tree. God had created a tree that kept itself healthy; it got rid of all branches that weren't needed. Never once, in my 15 years of living at that house, did I ever see a branch that had been pruned flourish and produce leaves and grow into a new willow tree. They all withered and died. They had been seperated from their source, disconected from that which allowed them to truly live. Jesus Christ is the true source of life. I John 14:6 he says "I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the father except through me." Here in John 15 is is reiterating the idea that to truly live, to truly be in a right relationship with God the father, a person must be connected to Him. We must abide... act in accordance with,  continue without fading or being lost, and dwell in Jesus because without him there is no life and no fruit. This means we must continue in a daily, personal relationship with Jesus, characterized by trust, prayer, obedience, and joy. When that is our life and our life's goal we will produce much fruit. We will live.

- Jacob Bassing

I was talking to my dad on the phone the other night, and during our conversation I noticed an unusual voice in the background. Thinking initially it was the radio I became alarmed when I noticed the voice had a very distinct British accent.  Knowing all of my family is from Oklahoma, I asked dad, “Is someone in your car, and why is he talking in a British accent?” Without hesitation my dad said, “oh that’s Lee, and he is actually Australian English. He is our GPS voice for our Nuvi. He always tells us how to get home.”In John 14, Jesus comforts his disciples by answering a question from Thomas, one of his disciples (John 14:4-5). In verse six, Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This is the sixth “I am” statement of Jesus in John (6:35, 8:12, 10:7,9; 11:25; 15:1-5) which testify that Jesus is God. In the Old Testament “I am” was the personal name of Yahweh (Exodus 3:14). In response to Thomas bewilderment , Jesus clearly declares that He alone is the way, truth, and the life. The way to the Father is exclusively through His son, Jesus Christ(Matthew 7:13-14; Acts 4:12). We follow and trust instructions in the world all the time: GPS, Stop lights, and civil laws, but often question the demands of Jesus for our lives spiritually. Do we trust ourselves or technology more than God? Jesus said, “ Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in me.” Faith in Christ not only provides salvation, but direction! 

- Pastor Matt Brooks

These verses are so simple to understand and yet so difficult to truly grasp and obey. I often find myself not loving anyone but myself. It is difficult to look beyond "self." We have been trained to "take care of self," to "look after number one" and that "the world revolves around me." Love for others must be a distinguishing mark for those who are folowers of Jesus. If our love for one another is not different from everyone else in the world, then what about our life is pointing to Christ? Earlier, Jesus sums up the Old Testament Law by saying love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and also love your neighbor as yourself (Matt. 22:37-40). He now takes it even further by saying that we are to love one another as He loved us. The Bible teaches that while we were still sinners Christ died for us. It tells us that we were enemies of God and yet Christ still gave up his life for us. While the new command is simple, it has deepened and transformed the original law. We love because he first loved us and we will be known as followers of Jesus by our love for others.

The simple question that this passage brings up is, do you love God and trust in his promises enough to give up living your life for you? To put it another way, Do you think so little of your life, and so much of God, that you are willing to sacrifice it all for God? As odd as this sounds, it is the only way to truly live. God has created us for something so much greater than the selfish lives we often live. Jesus again makes a statement that is telling us how things ARE not how they might be. 

The only times in my life I have ever been able to give up my own wants, desires, and way is when I cared more about someone or something than I did about getting my way. It is not a completely foreign concept it just takes something very special. Dads and Moms will give up parts of their lives for their children. Teenagers will give up friends and family for a boyfriend or girlfriend. It all revolves around how special we see the object of our affection. We give up time, money, and often our own comfort and put it towards the things and people we love. But do we do that for God? Do we love God enough to give up everything for Him?

The Bible is full of real people going through real situations in their lives. In John 11, Jesus has just lost a close friend in Lazarus who was the brother of Mary and Martha (John 11:1-3; 12:1-8). Our relationship with Christ does not immune us from trials, frustrations, and eventually death (Romans 6:23), but it does allow us to fulfill our ultimate purpose in all facets of our lives. Jesus says, “this illness does not lead to death. It is for the glory of God, so that the Son of God may be glorified through it.” In light of the current situation this response of Jesus appears incredibly shallow and insensitive. In fact Mary and Martha send for Christ (John 11:3), but he actually delays two whole days (John 11:6) guaranteeing Lazarus death. Who could do such a thing? When the Bible says you were created for the glory of God it means it. Jesus takes this overwhelming situation, and in turn overwhelms us with the most powerful miracle in the book of John. Jesus is the resurrection and the life (John 11:25), and in order for someone to be resurrected they must first die. Jesus uses the life of Lazarus physically to prove to us the reality of our lives spiritually. Lazarus was dead for four days before Christ raised him from the dead (John 11:39). In like manner we are all dead in our sins spiritually (Romans 5:12-21), but Christ died in our place so we can now have life (Romans 5:1-2, 8). Lazarus would have his physical life restored for a season, but spiritually he received life that lasts forever. May all blessing and glory go the Savior who can bring life from any death. “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing (Revelation 5:12)!   

As a young boy, I used to visit my Grammie in Denver every summer and we would go shopping, or to the zoo, or the museum of natural history, or a Rockies game. We would eat out at all the restraunts that we didn't have in Farmington. We just had a blast. There has always been a very distinguishing "thing" about my Grammie and that was her sneeze. It didn't matter where we were or how many people were around I could hear my Grammie sneeze and know it was her from miles away (at least it seemed like that). It was intense to say the least and came from a small, little lady. No one else recognized her because of her sneeze except those who knew her. We spent so much time with her that we could identify her by even the smallest characteristic (Also known as the loudest sneezes in the world). While that sounds silly, most of us understand because we have experienced something similar. Maybe its your baby's unique cry or the laughter of your spouse. But the question arises, do you know the voice of God when you hear it? Are you that close to him? Are you truly one of His sheep? If you struggle hearing his voice I would challenge you to spend more time with him. You will begin to recognize Him and how he speaks to you. Sheep spent all their time with their shepherd and recognized his voice. Do you recognize your shepherd's voice?

Do you see people as God sees them? I recently read an article that over 80 percent of the Millennial generation in our country (age 18-29) feels today’s church is too judgmental. I am not overly  surprised by that alarming statistic, but I wonder what the church will do about it? In John 8, there is a civil incident that was brought before Jesus by the Scribes and Pharisees (John 8:3-4). These men rightly interpreted the Mosaic law which demands death for this offense (Leviticus 20:10; Deuteronomy 22:22). The Scribes and Pharisees, as interpreters of the Old Testament law, already knew that adultery, if confirmed, is punishable by death. However, their intention was not to reveal this woman’s transgression, but to genuinely test the integrity of Jesus (John 8:6). Would Christ be true to the law, or compromise and show mercy? Notice it was not what Christ said, but how he said it in dealing with this issue. Jesus says in John 8:7b “Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her.” Jesus interprets, Deuteronomy 13:9; 17:7, correctly which states that the actual witness of the crime is the party that is to start the execution of the accused. Already knowing this the Scribes and Pharisees one by one leave the scene, and at the end of this narrative only Jesus and the woman remained (John 8:8-11). His words to her never condoned her actions as she knew she was guilty. Instead, Jesus pointed to a solution knowing the action of this woman necessitated a need for a Savior (John 8:12). Do you see people as God sees them, or do you see them like a Scribe or Pharisee? One saw this incident as a violation and pointed to the law. The other saw this incident as a violation and pointed to Christ. May we see that all people are in need of a Savior and His name is Jesus!

Are you thirsty? A tradition arose among the people, several centuries before the life of Christ, where the high priest would bring a golden container full of water during the Feast of Tabernacles. The use of this water symbolized a blessing for adequate rainfall for crops (Psalms 113-118; Isaiah 55:1). (I may need to consider doing this if the Lord does not bring us rain soon.) What was seen as a tradition, Christ used as an object lesson and opportunity to point people to Him. Jesus says, “if anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.” What is it you need, because Christ himself is the only one who can truly provide what you’re looking for in the depths of your heart (Matthew 11:28). When our souls thirst, it is God’s way of drawing us to himself through Christ for he alone is the living water (John 14:6).

Fear can be one of the greatest motivators or inhibiters in our life. Believers are instructed in Scripture to fear God more than any situation. As Solomon says, in Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. 

Faith in Christ doesn’t immune believers from fearing things in their lives and in light of one of the Gospels greatest miracles the disciples had fear even though they had Christ with them. In like manner, you will fear something in this world: success, failure, death, relationships, broccoli, or something even worse. May I offer to you the same words that Jesus offered his disciples. “It is I; do not be afraid.” Don’t worry Jesus said, for I am God. I am in control of all situations (Isaiah 41:10). Theologian John Piper states,  Christians can have fearlessness in any situation because: God is with you, God is our God, God will strengthen you, God will help you, and God will uphold you. Do you fear God more than any situation?

The words of Jesus are always so powerful. He spoke with authority and people marveled at what he had to say. The greatest thing about Jesus' words is that he is not giving you an opinion or position or interpretation of what he thinks on certain subjects... He is telling you how things ARE. When we read the statement "has eternal life" we often think of something in the future. It is a distant goal that we will obtain some day. But that is not what this is saying at all. Jesus says that those who believe will pass from death to life. That life begins immediately after believing. While the full glory of eternal life has not been revealed yet, we have been set free from death and sin. We have been forgiven and have been made right with God. All of that came from hearing the awesome words of Jesus Christ and believing. The message is simple. Hear, believe, live. Go out today and share the message of Jesus with people so that they might believe and pass from death to life.

Water. Where it's plentiful, we tend to take it for granted, like air. We take long showers, water our lawn for hours, and wash our cars to keep them clean.

But this is not true in the dessert, where even plants hoard water with brisly defenses (Cactus). Up until recently, we have had almost nothing in the rain department. During that time it was as if water and rain had taken on a whole new meaning. We began to long for it and pray that God would send the rain. When stranded in the desert the need for water can crowd out all other thoughts. Just one drop, on a parched tongue, is worth gold. 

To a woman in a dry land who spent part of each day hauling water in large clay jugs to and from a well, water was a very powerful symbol. So when Jesus offered her living water in John 4:10 and 14 it makes complete sense that she began to pay attention.

Jesus offers us the same thing today, the only problem is that we often forget just how much we need it. Maybe you have experienced a dry spell when it comes to your relationship with Jesus. Maybe this is a reminder of just how much you need him. 

Psalm 42:1 As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God.

What are your priorities in life? Do you find these priorities in alignment or conflict with your responsibilities? In the last words of John the Baptist in the book of John, he crystallizes the priority of his life to his disciples who were consumed with their responsibility of ministry. Increase here is auxano (cause to grow, increase, or become greater) in the original language. John the Baptist would contend that growth with God comes when we intentionally decrease our desires in exchange for God’s, and as a result God increases (Galatians 5:16-18). When we focus solely on pursuing Christ, He in turn fills us with purpose, joy, and everlasting contentment. Circumstances in life reveal your true heart and motivation for life. The Bible promises that if we are intentional in our pursuit of Christ-likeness that God will exceed our wildest expectations. He must increase, but I must decrease!  

The temple was a massive, magnificent structure and was the center for Jewish religious life (Matthew 24:1).  Its history stretches back to the time of Solomon, who built the first temple around 1000 B.C (1 Chronicles 22:8-20; 2 Chronicles 6:20). Though beautiful, the temple was also extremely restrictive as the high priest was the only office allowed in the most holy place of the temple(Leviticus 14:13). What took man thousands of years, Christ accomplished in three days! Communion with God is available, as Christ has destroyed all barriers through His resurrection. As a result of Christ’s work on the cross, God's presence is fully manifested no longer in a building annually but in our hearts daily (Colossians 2:9). This reality absolutely shocked the religious leaders of the day, and may it humble us as God’s children.

I recently read a quote from A.W. Tozer in which he said, “ A person knows as much about God as he wants to know.” Our God is not hidden, and His identity is not invisible. The book of John tells us that God is seen in Christ (John 1:14). In Greek Hellenistic philosophy, which was before the time of Christ, the Word was designated as a principle of reason or order in the universe. This classification was extremely impersonal, but that is not how the New Testament writers explain our God.  In John 1:14, God is real, intentional, and proactively wanting a relationship with you that is saturated with unconditional grace and truth in His son Jesus Christ. So how much of those things about God do you want to know? 

FBC Roswell Bible Reading Plan
October (John)

Week 1
October 3- John 1
October 4- John 2
October 5- John 3
October 6- John 4
October 7- John 5

Week 2
October 10- John 6
October 11- John 7
October 12- John 8
October 13- John 9
October 14- John 10

Week 3
October 17- John 11
October 18- John 12
October 19- John 13
October 20- John 14
October 21- John 15

Week 4 + Oct. 31
October 24- John 16
October 25- John 17
October 26- John 18
October 27- John 19
October 28- John 20
October 31- John 21