Advent is a time of anticipation and waiting. The church year keeps us focused on the life of Jesus. Advent, the first season of the church year, brings us to the beginning of Jesus’ life, where He becomes incarnate—where He came into the flesh—to be born of a virgin, set in a manger, and reared in a family.
Read MoreThe Church has fallen on hard times in America. She is in statistical decline, aging and contracting. In the normal course of things aging brings maturity, and with maturity comes wisdom – usually. Maturity, therefore, must be passed along to the next generation. However, that’s just it. The next generation is missing from many congregations.
Read More“That may be true for you, but it is not true for me.” It’s a common phrase heard among people in our culture today. Truth has fallen on hard times. It echoes what Pilate said to Jesus while on trial: “So you are a king then?” He was trying to determine if Jesus was indeed a king. Jesus responds, “For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate said to him, “What is truth?” (John 19:37-38)
Read More“Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life” (Rev. 2:10b). The Apostle John heard these words of Jesus to the Church of Smyrna in His heavenly vision. They are a call to faithfulness amid a culture hostile to faith. They are fitting words for Christians of all times, but certainly for us. At all times we are called to discipleship—to repent of our sins and to live out our faith according to our daily stations of life.
Read MoreThere is nothing new under the sun, says Ecclesiastes (1:9). Challenges come and go, repeating themselves throughout history, including within the Holy Christian Church. Nonetheless, each age encounters challenges new to those living in it. So it is for the church today.
Read More“Record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham…” Matt. 1:1 Genealogies are about as much fun to read as running into a brick wall. Most of us don’t care much for them unless we need some good bedtime reading to put us to sleep. At first glance, trudging through a long list of names can be rather cumbersome and boring. However, if we pause and look at the big picture, genealogies are quite fascinating and informative.
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