Sometimes we try to complicate church too much. We try to turn it into an attraction—a commodity that is crafted towards desires and preferences of the current age.

 

Let’s not do that anymore. What if we went back to the beginning and our foundation?

The Book of Acts gives us a clear road map of the expectations and mission for the Church. It contains the passion and zeal of the 12 Apostles, the excitement of crowds of people professing a faith in Christ, and instructions and best practices to maneuver the waves of persecution. We are excited to embark on this journey of discovery and renewal in our new sermon series, “The Book of Acts”, where we will stand on the firm foundation of the early church in rediscovering God’s call for Bethel Presbyterian Church.

 

Sometimes it seems like an eternity for Christmas to arrive.  The anticipation grows with every decoration mounted, song sung, and christmas cookie baked. You can especially see this in the eyes of a child counting down every second until Christmas morning.

 

What can we learn in this period of waiting? What might God have in store for us while we wait for the coming of Jesus?

 

The Prophet Isaiah teaches us to wait on the Lord, and in doing so, we grow and receive His strength to do amazing things – like soar with Eagles wings, or to do the daily things – like walk in anticipation of the Lord’s interaction.  This Christmas, as we enter into a season of Advent, which is a period of time of waiting and preparing, let us grow in our Hope, find comfort in His Peace, be overwhelmed by Joy, and live out His perfect Love as we wait on the Lord to make His glorious entrance into humanity’s race.

 

 

 

As we walk through the Gospel of Matthew, let us be reminded and let us rediscover the good news of Christ–the son of Man, sent by God to redeem the world. In coming and seeing Jesus, people left with a story to tell to others. As we walk through this gospel, let us renew our passion to share the Good News of Jesus wherever we go.