Posts with the tag “advent”

This exploration of Revelation 21 invites us into a beautiful tension that defines the Christian life: living between already and not yet. We're called to hold two seemingly opposite realities at once—deep thankfulness for what God has already given us through Christ's first coming, and deep longing for what's still to come when our King returns. The message walks us through four transformative areas where this tension plays out: as God's people, we're already saved but not yet glorified; we experience God's kingdom in our hearts but long for it to be everywhere; we have the Holy Spirit dwelling within us but await the fullness of the triune God living among us; and we trust in Christ's current reign while anticipating His glorious return. What makes this so profound is recognizing that leaning into both thankfulness and longing isn't a sign of weak faith—it's actually what healthy Christian living looks like. When we're only thankful without longing, we settle for less than God promises. When we're only longing without thankfulness, we become bitter about our present circumstances. But when we embrace both, we find ourselves living with gratitude for the incredible gift of salvation while simultaneously yearning for the day when every tear will be wiped away, death will be no more, and we'll dwell with God in a new heaven and new earth. This tension keeps us grounded in present grace while propelling us toward future glory.  Read More

Colossians 1:15-20 invites us into one of the most magnificent hymns of praise in all of Scripture, revealing Jesus Christ as the cosmic King who reigns over all creation. We discover that Jesus is not merely a good teacher or moral example, but the very image of the invisible God—the exact representation of the Father's nature and character. What was once invisible has become visible in Christ. The passage takes us on a journey from the beginning of creation to its ultimate redemption, showing us that Jesus is both the architect who designed everything and the sustainer who holds every atom together. Every throne, every authority, every power in heaven and on earth exists because He created it and for His glory. This isn't just theological theory—it's the foundation of our daily lives. When we face overwhelming circumstances, when the world seems to be spinning out of control, we can rest in the reality that the One who holds galaxies in place is the same One who holds our lives together. He created us with intention, redeemed us with His blood, and sustains us by His power. This message challenges us to live with wonder at God's creative genius, with gratitude for His redemptive work, and with confidence in His sustaining presence through every trial we face.  Read More

What emotions rise within us when we hear that Jesus is King? In Matthew 2:1-3, we encounter this question that cuts to the heart of our faith. The wise men from the East provide us with a masterclass in spiritual wisdom through their threefold response—certainty about Christ, seeking after Him, and submission before Him. These travelers left everything familiar, following a mysterious star across vast distances, driven by their belief in God's promises. Their journey reminds us that true wisdom isn't about intellectual knowledge alone, but about responding with our whole lives to what God has revealed. We're challenged to examine our own hearts: Do we have the same certainty in God's promises that they did? Are we actively seeking Christ, or are we distracted by the broken cisterns of this world that can never truly satisfy? Most importantly, are we willing to bow before Him—not just acknowledging Him as King in theory, but surrendering the throne of our own lives? The wise men didn't worship the star, the journey, or even their own accomplishment—they worshiped the King in the cradle. This Christmas, we're invited to move beyond knowing about Jesus to throwing ourselves upon Him, trusting His promises, coming to Him for satisfaction, and bowing in worship before the One who is both our King and our gracious High Priest.  Read More

Isaiah 9:6-7 reminds us that humanity has consistently failed to create lasting peace and justice on our own. From the Garden of Eden to the present day, our attempts at self-governance and righteousness have fallen short. Yet into this darkness, God speaks a promise that changes everything: a child is born, a son is given. This isn't just any ruler or political solution—this is God Himself entering our brokenness in human form. The titles given to this promised child reveal the depth of what we've been given: Wonderful Counselor who speaks perfect truth into our confusion, Mighty God who holds all power, Everlasting Father who provides and protects, and Prince of Peace who offers not merely the absence of conflict but complete wholeness—shalom. We live in the 'already but not yet' reality where Christ's kingdom has begun but isn't fully realized. But the Lord guarantees completion of every promise. In the midst of our darkest moments, when life feels overwhelmed by uncertainty and the weight of our own failures, we find ourselves standing where ancient Israel once stood, surrounded by darkness, waiting for His light.  Read More