Life and Faith Together

Our Christmas Carol: Christmases Past

"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14, ESV) This month, we will find insight and wisdom in God's word as we have fun exploring Christmas celebrations. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, we will follow themes from Charles Dickens' classic work, "A Christmas Carol." As the Ghost of Christmases Past visits Scrooge, we are introduced to an entirely new side of the man. Young Ebenezer was, at times, truly lonely. Then, as a young adult, he was fun and filled with gratitude for the kindness shown him. But we also see Scrooge's decline into his love of money and see some of the heartbreaking costs that changed his life. When you look back on Christmas celebrations of years past, you might see similar images from the different phases of your life. But those moments -- good and bad -- are an essential part of who you are today. But what about that time before the birth of the Christchild in Bethlehem? What are the moments that shaped that precious time in history? This lesson looks back to a time when the people of God were fearful and filled with dread. Even their King, Ahaz, panicked and went into hiding. But the Prophet Isaiah was sent to the King with a word of encouragement. King Ahaz would not listen. He could not (or would not) receive a word of grace, even when that word came from God himself. What about you? As you look back across your life, including Christmases past, can you hear the promises of God? Will you receive a gift of kindness, a gift of Grace from God? "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." (Isaiah 7:14, ESV)

Our Christmas Carol: Marley's Ghost

This month, we will find insight and wisdom in God's word as we have fun exploring Christmas celebrations. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, we will follow themes from Charles Dickens' classic work, "A Christmas Carol." We begin with introductions to Ebenezer Scrooge and Marley's Ghost. Marley, Scrooge's long-deceased business partner, is one of four characters with important messages for Scrooge. But Scrooge is unwilling to listen and unable to hear. Jesus, speaking to Pharisees, told a similar story of a wealthy man who, in death, found himself in torment. The man asked that someone be sent from the dead to warn his brothers. Speaking through Father Abraham, Jesus warns the Pharisees (and us), "If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead." (Luke 16:31) Consider this: Who are the messengers that God has sent (or is sending) to you? For whom are you a messenger of God's grace? Are you sending faithful messages?

The (Not So Famous) Book of Amos - Broken Religion

"Come to Bethel, and transgress; to Gilgal, and multiply transgression; bring your sacrifices every morning, your tithes every three days...." (Amos 4:4, ESV) The (Not So Famous) Book of Amos is a relentless call to relationship, repentance, and righteousness. This five-part series will delve deeply into The Book of Amos, a valuable and historically significant text. You will be challenged to examine your life of faith, and to renew your relationship with the Living God.

The (Not So Famous) Book of Amos - Broken Relationships

"Do two walk together, unless they have agreed to meet?" (Amos 3:3, ESV) The (Not So Famous) Book of Amos is a relentless call to relationship, repentance, and righteousness. This five-part series will delve deeply into The Book of Amos, a valuable and historically significant text. You will be challenged to examine your life of faith, and to renew your relationship with the Living God.

Freedom for Life and Faith Together (Galatians 6)

"Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap." (Galatians 6:7)