Last week, Pastor Matt encouraged us from I Thessalonians 4, where we read that those who have been called have everything to look forward to: whether we have died or are still here when the Lord returns, we can rest assured that our eternity is certain with our Lord Jesus. On Sunday, we will tackle chapter 5, where Paul more specifically addresses Jesus’ second coming. Unlike those in the world, we won’t be caught off guard when Jesus returns because we are living in His light. While we don’t know when the Lord will return, and may even be discouraged at times, we can be encouraged and thereby encourage one another that He will do as He says. We know our Lord is true to His word. He will return! What a great day that will be.
God told a prophet in I Samuel Chapter 2 to prophesy against the priest Eli for the dishonorable conduct of his two sons. Eli’s family lost their place as God’s priests because of their conduct and abuse of their office. The prophet told Eli that those who honor God will receive honor, but those who don’t honor God will be disdained, or, lightly esteemed. Their names and reputations were ruined. Whom do we put first, ourselves or God? Whose reputation are we advancing, our own or God’s? Over the past three weeks we have seen God’s preeminence in the first three commandments. It’s very important that we revere Him as Lord and His name as holy. Our lives depend on it. In return, God promised that those who honor Him will also receive honor. He will give us a good name. Join us this Sunday as we dive into this truth.
The greatest. We hear that title applied to so many people and things. Who's the GOAT (Greatest Of All Time) in sports? In music? In politics? Who doesn't want to be (or be like) the greatest?
Jesus has a far different view of those who should hold the title of GOAT: someone who is innocent like a child. He has a lot to say about them, and about those who cause them to stumble.
This week we'll look at real greatness and what that means for us as we strive to be like Jesus.
Uncertainty. That word can fill us with anxiety. You may be going through a rough time and wonder what's going to happen to you. You've been in waiting mode for what seems like forever. Will this waiting ever come to an end? We're on the cusp of a new year. What's going to happen in 2024? No one knows what's going to happen in the future, but uncertainty gives us another chance to trust in God and renew our commitment to Him. He is our Father who is familiar with us and knows what we need before we even ask it.
This Sunday, New Year's Eve, we will look at the opportunity of uncertainty and see what God tells us about trusting Him when we can't see around the corner.