Spared: Through, Not From, Suffering
Jesus could not have accomplished his mission if he avoided suffering. Jesus could not redeem sinners without a shameful death on the cross.
Spared: Because God Is for Us
In the season of Lent, we see Jesus taking our place in his passion - the Valiant One fighting for us on the battlefield. Today’s struggle is against temptation.
Enduring Joy: The Joy of Clarity
As Jesus speaks with Old Testament giants, they discussed what was about to happen—his suffering, death, resurrection, and ascension.
Enduring Joy: The Joy of Renewed Strength
God is not only powerful, he is compassionate. He rejoices in redeeming and strengthening his people.
Enduring Joy: The Joy of Refuge
Do you ever have doubts? Do you grieve? Are you ever envious of those who chose the path of evil and seem to get away with it? Honest Christians admit having moments of each.
Enduring Joy: The Joy of Real Reconciliation
As we marvel at the power of this Gospel, we’re shown that salvation can only be a gift of God, never a work of man.
Enduring Joy: The Joy of New Life
Jesus did not need to be baptized to cleanse himself of sins. He was baptized to connect himself with sinners and also connect sinners with his righteousness.
Good News: For the World
The star is really an Epiphany symbol. The star is important because it led wise men to see the Savior of nations. On Epiphany, we rejoice in God’s grace to all his people.
Good News: Means Peace
More often than not, big New Year’s promises are broken. Big plans become big flops. In our Gospel reading, we meet two individuals who had big hopes—but not in themselves.
Full of Grace & Truth
It is not just the details of Jesus’ birth that are remarkable. Rather, the reason he was born—what he came to do and be—is most marvelous to the hearts and minds of sinners like us.
Good News: Arrives
Tonight we celebrate a light shining in the darkness—the love of God’s heart taking on human flesh and being revealed to us for the very first time.
Good News: Is Faithful
With the pressure to be perfectly obedient taken away from us, we rejoice, pray, and give thanks because God has given us everlasting and adaptable joy. Rejoice in the Lord!
Good News: Brings Comfort
God wants us to examine our hearts and minds. This week we see the Lord’s investment in this preparation in the person and work of John the Baptist.
Good News: Is Worth the Wait
In the Old Testament, God’s people watched and waited for the Messiah’s first coming. So we, too, wait for our Savior’s birth—Christmas’ joy & peace—and our Savior’s triumphant return.
Living in Tense Times: Confident in Christ’s Domain
Whenever you come to the end of a major period of time, it’s appropriate to look back and reflect. On this last Sunday of the Church year, we rejoice in the fulfillment of God’s plan for our salvation through Christ our King.
Living in Tense Times: As a Living Sacrifice
God has given us his great treasure so that we will put it to use. How do we do that?
Living in Tense Times: Ready for Anything
Are Christians strong people or weak people? Yes. This is not to say that there are believers that fit in both categories—though that is true. Christians are strong people and they are weak people—sometimes at the very same moment.
Living in Tense Times: With a Clear Identity
In the past, many have seen a saint as someone whose exceptional holiness is something you should venerate and even call upon in times of trouble. Today’s readings puts the saints in their proper place.
Living in Tense Times: Faithful Even Under Attack
People believed they were saved based on their good deeds and generous gifts.
The Lord Almighty Reigns Here & Now
God’s Word anticipates the messy realities of life more than we might imagine. Today, we tackle one of those messy realities.