​Ephesians 4:22-24 ~ “...to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.”
 
Let us close out this year with a reminder that there is a whole new life that belongs to every believer in Christ. The Salvation of the LORD has made us new, recreated us and given us a new heart and a new life. We are restored before the LORD, redeemed in Christ, and rescued from the ever-present darkness of this world. You might look back upon the past year with regrets, sorrowful for the sins that have kept you distant from the LORD and living in the grey twilight of darkness. But, beloved, in Christ a light has dawned—the light of hope and a life of renewal. Have you found yourself weak, you can still look upon the Savior and renew your strength.
 
Let us end this year by removing the old self. We read that we are to, “put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires.” Too many remain in the dungeon of their past, thinking that there is no escape from the prison of their fallen nature. Our former manner of life is corrupted with deceitful desires, promising pleasure and delivering sorrow. Those who linger in their former selves are like someone who has escaped the mirey bogs and refuse to remove the garments covered in the grime. Put it off, dear ones. Remove the old life from your heart as you would remove a filthy garment from your back. Cast it aside in repentance and be free. Romans 6:6 tells us, “We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.” The promises of God are clear, if we confess our sins He will forgive and cleanse (see 1 John 1:9). What a way to end the year by removing the old corruptions that linger still.
 
Looking forward to the coming year, let us also be renewed in our thinking. Again, we go to our text for the day and read, “and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds.” To be in repentance is to have a new way of thinking—to have a Christ-centered mind concerning all things. You will think differently about sin, righteousness, life, judgment, hope, faith and all other issues that govern your life. How you comprehend the LORD, His word, and all this world will impact everything about you. You must be renewed in your thinking! Let God’s Word dwell in you and remake your life into that which is pleasing to God and glorious. We learn in Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.”
 
And, finally, as we launch into the coming year, let us do so with our lives renewed in Christ’s righteousness. We are told from our text today, “to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.” What is this “new self” but the new life we have in Christ. We are no longer under the curse and freed from the dominion of sin. We have been born again and have become new creations in Christ Jesus. Now, like clothing in the closet, is the righteousness and holiness that is given to us through His great mercy. Why would we remain in the filthy garments of this world and not put on the clothes of Christ? But what do these new garments look like? We find it in Colossians 3:12, “Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” What a year it will be if this is the shining attire we dress in!
 
Our LORD entreats His people in Revelation 3:18, “I counsel you to buy from me gold refined by fire, so that you may be rich, and white garments so that you may clothe yourself and the shame of your nakedness may not be seen, and salve to anoint your eyes, so that you may see.” Let us take His counsel and receive from Him that which will purify and sanctify. Let us array ourselves with the finest of His righteous garments and walk through this world covered in His holiness.
 
Beloved, as you mark the end of this year and prepare to turn the page into another, take a moment and come before the LORD in prayer, with His word, and let Him clothe you with the garments of righteousness. Then enter the new year with joyful anticipation of walking in newness of life.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael 

​John 15:5 ~ “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
 
As we hang on the edge of the end of the year, let us take a moment and remember the very necessity of our abiding in Christ. As we look back upon the year behind us, we can identify those places where we attempted to work in our own strength. We floundered and fumbled our way through those times, and by God’s grace learned that we are in desperate need of Christ. Now, as we look ahead, considering the time that waits before us, let us even now commit ourselves to remaining in Jesus for the coming year.
 
It may seem like a simple thing, but the first place we must venture is to understand our true position. Our text opens with the statement from our LORD, “I am the vine; you are the branches.” The vine is the rootstock—the strength, support and supply for the branches. Through the vine the nutrients would flow into the branches and provide the sustaining nourishment. The vine and branches are not in a collaborative relationship of equal partners. The branches are completely dependent on the vine—and Jesus is that Vine.
 
The problem with mankind is the overwhelming hubris of our hearts. We believe that Jesus is connected to us, and we are the ones living out our lives. When, in fact, it is we who are connected to Christ and He is living His life through us. We read in Colossians 1:18, “And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.” All manner of donated and artificial organs are provided to sustain a body. But without connection to the head, it dies immediately.
 
Next, as we consider our text today, we must understand our true connection. We read further in our text, “Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit.” Ask yourself this question: what do you “abide” in? For “abiding” is to remain in or be connected to something that is of necessity to the vitality of life. What do you have in your life that you consider is of absolute necessity. Some look at their work or careers as their vine. Others see their families or their friends as the absolute necessity of life. But, for all Christians, Jesus alone is the vine to which we must remain connected. We are told that our fruit is through Him. Philippians 1:11 states that we are, “filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” Fruit is grown through all who abide. It is not an optional but an absolute experience for those who are connected to the rootstock of Christ. Fruit is the evidence of your true connection.
 
As we conclude today, let us also understand our true limitation. The final statement we have in our Scripture verse states, “for apart from me you can do nothing.” The very life-giving vitality flows through the vine and into the branches, and from that the branches will produce their fruit. Remove a branch from the vine and it will shrivel and die. It cannot produce when it is set apart from the vine. Yet, when we look around our world, we see many people navigating through life, living their days with a semblance of success and fulfilled opportunities. Some might wonder how it is that those who do not even know the LORD Jesus are able to accomplish a great many pursuits. It is of great importance to understand that worldly success does not equal fruitfulness to the LORD. And it is fruitfulness that Christ is wanting to produce through you.
 
Are you trying to live your Christian life independent of the LORD Jesus? It sounds foolish when said, but there are many who believe on the LORD Jesus and yet try in their own power to accomplish His will. Paul asked the question of the Galatian Christians, “Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh” (Galatians 3:3). Apart from Him, you and I are without the means of bearing fruit for God’s glory.
 
So, how do we “abide in Christ?” 1 John 2:24 tells us, “Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, then you too will abide in the Son and in the Father.” Does God’s word abide in you? Do you cling to it of necessity and saturate your life with God’s truth? This is the means of abiding in Christ, to hold fast to His word in faithful obedience. In this you will discover a growing measure of fruitfulness to the glory of God.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

​Isaiah 40:30-31 ~ “Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
 
We are near the end of the year and you might be feeling the weariness of the time. The seasons have changed from winter through summer and back to winter again, and the days have grown long and short and all along the way you have walked and, perhaps, groaned under the burden of the things of this life. Do not be dismayed. The LORD knows your strength is limited and understands your way is hard. As we push toward the end of this year, let me encourage you with the hope that is found in God’s word.
 
As we look upon our text today, we find a familiar truth laid before us, “Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted.” The sentiment among most people is to believe that youth have a capacity for unlimited energy. We see them at play, watch them engage in athletic competitions and see them strive to attain feats of strength and endurance. But even they shall faint and be weary. And if youths are prone to the limitations of the human condition, what hope is there for those who have grown beyond those years? We look to young men to be the strong backs of the fellowship of God’s people. There is so much confidence in their endurance that young men are sent to fight the conflicts of the nations. But even those young men shall fall exhausted. Where can we look when youthful vigor cannot endure the rigors of life? We fight against circumstances and we might as well war against the wind. For all our effort, we never gain one moment’s advantage. Until we begin to understand that we are powerless in our own strength we will not look to the power of God. Let us not forget what our LORD told us in John 15:5, “I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.”
 
Let us do as our text entreats, “but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength.” There is a necessary component to the spiritual renewal that God would give to those who trust in Him. That component is: wait. It is a dreadful thing to grow impatient with God Almighty. How much of our anxiety and hand-wringing comes when we have not sought the LORD and trusted in Him? We do not wait for the LORD and we find that we keep growing weary and wanting, lacking strength and vitality to pursue the life of faith that is before us. But if we would prayerfully wait, looking to the LORD, a renewal is promised. We read in Psalm 73:25-26, “Whom have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Has your strength failed in your self-effort to try and accomplish the will of God? Have you made plans and decided the means by which God’s purposes should be fulfilled? To wait on God is to have more than a wishful longing for better days or a sentimental musing over the Scriptures. We are called to wait in hopeful expectation—to wait in obedience to His word until He fulfills all that He has promised.
 
When our strength is renewed in Him, we find that we have the means to pursue His will. Our text describes it thus: “they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.” There is a renewing of strength and endurance for those who seek the LORD. Psalm 84:7 says, “They go from strength to strength; each one appears before God in Zion.” From little strength to great strength, the LORD’s people walk this world with a constant promise of renewal as we wait upon Him. Such strength is needed in the times of trial, when the pressure mounts to give in to the world and the desire to turn back increases. Remember what Paul instructed in 2 Corinthians 4:16, “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” So, my friends, do not lose heart. We are being renewed continually in Christ.
 
Let us then, as we gaze back upon the year behind us, look to see all those times when God had renewed our strength, when He had propped us up one more time and given us the endurance to carry on in His will. Through prayer and faithfulness to His word we discovered a continual support from His Spirit. It shall always be so for those who wait on the LORD.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

​John 10:11-14 ~ “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.”
 
Dear Christian, as you get ready to step across the threshold of a new year, look to your Shepherd and know that He is good. He will never lead you astray, and will guard you through the trials and hold you in the times of sorrow. He will rejoice with you as you enjoy victories and will stand with you against all the ferocious wolves of this world. David prayed in Psalm 23:4, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Wherever you walk, what journeys are before you, make sure that you follow the leading of the Good Shepherd.
 
Yet, there will be some to ask: how can we know that He is good? Look, then, upon the actions of the shepherd. We read in our text, “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” Consider the picture of a flock of sheep, with the shepherd there amongst them. He does not lay down in the middle of the sheep, desperate for their protection against the wolves that prowl around. He lays down His life for the sheep—taking the most dangerous place, standing fast against the most vicious of enemies. The proof of a shepherd being good is his willingness to lay his life down for the sheep.
 
Let us ask a simple question: did Jesus lay down His life as the Good Shepherd? The answer is a resounding: YES! We read in Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Even in the garden, when the soldiers came to arrest the LORD, He protected those disciples who were with Him. Consider John 18:7-8, “So he asked them again, ‘Whom do you seek?’ And they said, ‘Jesus of Nazareth.’ Jesus answered, ‘I told you that I am he. So, if you seek me, let these men go.’” Jesus fulfilled all the requirements of a Good Shepherd when, as the Lamb of God, He took our punishment for sin—laying His life down to redeem His flock.
 
Yet, I must caution you against those who are considered “hirelings” for they will not do as the Good Shepherd. We continue to read in our text, “He who is a hired hand and not a shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees.” There is a great risk that the hired hand will, ultimately, abandon the flock of God. In truth, the hireling has one interest—what can he gain from his association with the shepherd. If a threat arises, and life is jeopardized, the hireling will abandon the flock to spare his own life. They take on a persona of care for the sheep, will help the flock and feed it, seemingly doing that which is required of a shepherd. But, when the trials come and the wolves attack, they abandon their posts to find safer places of employment. The flock of God is merely a means of gain for the hireling. Jude warns us about them in Jude 1:12, “These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves; waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted.”
 
There are ferocious wolves that prowl about in this world. We read the final statement of our text that says, “and the wolf snatches them and scatters them.” Sheep are defenseless without a shepherd. And the roaming pack of wolves continually stalk their prey, searching out those they can devour while scattering the rest in fear. Dear reader, as you look forward to the year ahead, let me encourage you to stay close to the Good Shepherd. James 4:7 commands, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” It is in our submission to God that we will discover the means by which we can resist the devil. No believer has the strength in themselves to stand their ground—we must always rely on the Savior.
 
Have you wandered and now are caught in the grip of the enemy? Did you listen to the words of a hireling and now find your soul in peril from the roving pack of hunters? Look to the LORD and cry out to Jesus. Remember His word in Matthew 18:12, “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep, and one of them has gone astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine on the mountains and go in search of the one that went astray?” He is the Good Shepherd and will come to rescue you. And from then on, determine to remain as close to Jesus as possible.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael 

Ephesians 2:17-18 ~ “And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.”
 
“And he came.” Those first three words of our text today should set our hearts alight with joy. Promise fulfilled, hope born, salvation presented to mankind through the willing sacrifice of the LORD Jesus Christ. There are many places where we find the reasons that He came. Jesus declared in Luke 4:18, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed.” We find in Hebrews 10:7 the fulfillment of prophecy, “Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come to do your will, O God, as it is written of me in the scroll of the book.’” One last statement, as Jesus testified to Pilate in John 18:37, “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.” Our Savior has come, and He has done all that He promised.
 
We look to our text for today and learn that Jesus came to preach peace. We read, “And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.” The Gentiles were “far off” and the Jews were “near.” And the same message of peace is proclaimed to both. There is no distinction between the two, for all men have a desperate need for salvation and peace with God through Jesus Christ our LORD. In fact, outside of the Gospel, you have never heard of the way of peace. There is no other message that will lead you to peace with God, and so Jesus came and preached the message of the gospel of peace. Paul reminds us in Romans 5:1, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Let us always look only to the LORD Jesus Christ for the hope of salvation and peace with God.
 
As we heed the message of the gospel of peace proclaimed by our LORD and provided through His death and resurrection, let us also understand that He has prepared the way of access for us. We continue in our text as we read, “For through him we both have access.” It was never through the rituals that the Jews gained access to the Father. It was through faith in Him, even as it spoke of Abraham in Romans 4:3, “For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.’” The rituals and sacrifices made in the Old Testament were the evidences of their faith—not the means of arbitration with God. It is only by faith in the LORD Jesus that both Jew and Gentile have gained access to the Father. His atoning death on the cross paid the debt for all who believe. He is the way, truth and life. We read in Romans 5:2, “Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.” There is no ritual today that can gain you access to God. You must trust in the LORD Jesus alone.
 
The access given through the LORD Jesus comes through our participation with God through the Holy Spirit. We read the final statement of our text that states we are, “in one Spirit to the Father.” There is only One God in Three Persons and the Third Person of the Trinity is the Holy Spirit. And, beloved, He—Jesus—has promised that all who belong to Him have been given the Holy Spirit who takes up residence in us. Jews did not receive a different Spirit than the Gentiles. We are all baptized in one Spirit, “For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit” (1 Corinthians 12:13). You have access because God Almighty has made His abode with you. Are you in the Holy Spirit? This is not some secondary experience nor is it evidenced through some outward sign or manifestation. The Holy Spirit is given by Christ. You cannot work for it, buy it or imitate it. And if you do not have the Spirit of Christ, you do not belong to Him. Romans 8:9 declares, “You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him.” But all who believe on the LORD Jesus have been given the Holy Spirit (see Ephesians 1:13) and are sealed by Christ unto the day of redemption.
 
So, my friends, have you heard the message of the gospel? Having believed, you have peace with God and have been given the gift of the Holy Spirit. Dear Christian, you have access to the Father. Let us take these last few days of our year and draw ever closer to Him.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

​Isaiah 9:6 ~ “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
 
As yesterday multitudes celebrated the birth of the LORD Jesus, today let us look upon the One who was born. In the promise of the Messiah found within this great verse we look upon today are four declared titles of the King of kings. This Child born, this Son given, is none other than the LORD Jesus, taking the form of a man and being born into this world to take away the sins of all who will believe on Him. These names of the Messiah give us a rich understanding of the One who will take upon Himself the government of all the earth. And, my dear friends, let us rejoice as we consider these names, for the world has never seen a government ruled by one who is so complete as we shall see in Jesus.
 
The first name we encounter is a moniker that tells us that Jesus is the wonderful counselor. Our text clearly states, “and his name shall be called, Wonderful Counselor.” All of us have friends and family who strive to give us advice, hoping that they can help us navigate life’s varied complications. They will base it off their own wisdom or experience. Yet the wisdom of Jesus is far beyond mere human advice, the LORD is the proclaimer of truth. Jesus declares the absolute and undiluted message that all of humanity needs. He is the wonderful counselor, and as such He does not stand distant but draws alongside us to help us find the right way. Consider how the crowds reacted to the LORD in Matthew 7:28-29, “And when Jesus finished these sayings, the crowds were astonished at his teaching, for he was teaching them as one who had authority, and not as their scribes.” When the Pharisees wanted Jesus arrested, they sent soldiers to capture Him. Yet, the guards returned emptyhanded and said concerning Jesus, “No one ever spoke like this man” (John 7:46).
 
Next, we see that the LORD is known as the Mighty God. It simply declares, “and his name shall be called... Mighty God.” Let the debating end concerning the person of Christ—He is God Almighty! There is One God, revealed in Three Persons—Father, Son and Holy Spirit. And Jesus is the revealed Son of God. Jesus is the Powerful Warrior, the Mighty Son of God who will bring all things under His rule and reign. He came once to conquer sin, and He will come again to reclaim the world. We discover in Revelation 17:14, “They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen and faithful.” The Devil could not defeat Him; sin could not capture Him; the world could not control Him; and death could not conquer Him. He is the Mighty God.
 
We continue and learn that Jesus is also known as the Everlasting Father. Again, we see in our text today, “and his name shall be called... Everlasting Father.” There are some who wonder, “if Jesus is the Son of God, how can He also be the Everlasting Father.” You must understand that Jesus and the Father are united in thought, will and action and are One, as God, in substance. The LORD spoke to Philip in John 14:9, “Have I been with you so long, and you still do not know me, Philip? Whoever has seen me has seen the Father.” Do not try to comprehend this based upon human familial relationships of father and son. This Divine Oneness is exclusive to the Almighty. It is enough for us to know that Jesus is one with the Father, even as He declares in John 10:30, “I and the Father are one.”
 
And, the final name of the Messiah is Prince of Peace. We read in our text, “and his name shall be called... Prince of Peace.” Beloved, let this name bring you great comfort for Jesus has come to bring us into a reconciled peace with God through His sacrifice for our sins. We were at war with the Almighty, at enmity with God on High, and the LORD came to be our peace. We read in Romans 5:1, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” All who are in Christ are covered in His grace and are established forever in Him. Is not the very declaration at the birth of our LORD a promise of peace? We read in Luke 2:14, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
 
As Wonderful Counselor, let us listen to Him. As Mighty God, let us submit to Him. As Everlasting Father let us trust Him. And, as Prince of Peace, let us find our rest in Jesus.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael 

​Luke 2:10-11 ~ “And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.’”
 
Merry Christmas! There is much made of Christmas day, as gatherings of families and friends will fill houses with the warmth of the kindness of this season. Yet, in the days long ago, a different gathering was taking place. A group of shepherds were doing their task and keeping watch over their flocks at night. That dark evening was broken by heavenly light as the angel of the LORD appeared and proclaimed a message that would change all mankind: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the LORD.” A child born is no great announcement unless it is THIS child! The long-awaited Messiah, the promised Redeemer, had been born in Bethlehem.
 
Trembling, the shepherds fell down in fear before the angel of the LORD. But, with two words, their trembling would turn to rejoicing as the angel said to them, “fear not.” Why? Because the message delivered by the angel was not one of wrath and judgment, but one of hope and the fulfillment of God’s purpose to provide redemption to mankind. So, as we consider the message on this Christmas day, we will look upon the three descriptions given by the angel that will alleviate the fears of all who believe.
 
First, we discover that this is a message of good news. Simply stated, the angel said, “I bring you good news.” This is the best news, for it is the gospel come to earth. There is one of two promises that will hold eternally true for all mankind—either we will be forever judged and condemned by the Righteous One who will punish us for our sins, or we will forever be with Him in glory, having our sins forgiven through the sacrifice of another. The coming of Jesus is the good news that God has sent the One who would take away the sins of the world. Consider the words of John the Baptist when he testified concerning Jesus, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29). Yet this is only good news for those who know they need a Savior and will look to the only One who can.
 
Next, we learn that this is not only good news, but it is a message of great joy. Our text continues, “of great joy.” Beloved, if we saw our sins in their full measure of their unparalleled wickedness, we would know the condemnation we deserve. And when we do understand our sins in such light, let us rejoice exceedingly that God has sent for us a Savior. Many in the world, today, will stiffen at the pardons offered by the magistrates of our lands. Yet, if you are a Christian, you have received a more abundant pardon and for eternal crimes against God. Let us be as Peter describes in 1 Peter 1:8-9, “Though you have not seen him, you love him. Though you do not now see him, you believe in him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” Let there be exquisite joy in the heart of those who have come to find their sins forgiven and life pardoned from the judgment of God.
 
Finally, we learn that this message is to have a global reach. Our text continues with these words, “that will be for all the people.” The message of the Savior coming to earth is one that all people can hear. And those who believe and put their trust in the LORD Jesus will have their sins forgiven on account of His saving grace. There is no outlier group or forgotten people. Even as the world draws to a close, the LORD sends another angel over the entire earth. We read in Revelation 14:6, “Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people.” And though this message is for all people, it does not mean that all people will grab hold of this tremendous grace. But for those who do, they will discover the news is good and their joy is great.
 
When you have experienced the joy of pardoned sin, can you contain it? It is a message that reaches beyond the borders of our world and brings the hope of salvation to all who believe. Let us remember on this Christmas day that the message delivered by the angel of the LORD is still the same today. I pray that you have opportunity to tell someone of the Savior who has been born in Bethlehem.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

Matthew 1:21-22 ~ “’She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet.”
 
The angel of the LORD came to Joseph to prepare him for the upcoming child who would be born through Mary. This promised child would be no ordinary son, for He would be conceived of the Holy Spirit. We read in in Matthew 1:20, “But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.’” This Son to be born would be the Son of God and His purpose in coming was foretold long ago in the Scriptures. As we consider this text today, we stand upon the eve of Christmas, the day of celebration for the birth of the promised One. Let us look upon His great purpose for coming and draw ourselves to Him that we should find His mission fulfilled in us.
 
The first thing we must acknowledge is His reason for needing to come. He came because of our sins. We read in our text a simple statement, “he will save his people from their sins.” It is the condition we are in that has set in motion the necessary arrival of the One who saves. Those two words, “their sins” marks the entirety of mankind. We read in Romans 3:9-11, “What then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For we have already charged that all, both Jews and Greeks, are under sin, as it is written: ‘None is righteous, no, not one; no one understands; no one seeks for God.’” Because of our sin, we are in desperate need of Jesus. There is not one person upon the earth who is capable of leaving their sins behind, for our fallen nature is ever with us no matter how hard we try to escape from it. The problem for many is this: they don’t want to acknowledge their guilt before the LORD. Because no one seeks for God, the LORD came seeking us.
 
And as the LORD has sought us, we come to understand that He came to be our Savior. Our text today continues “and you shall call his name Jesus.” The very name given to the LORD is “Jesus” which means “The LORD is Salvation.” Jesus left His throne, His glory and humbled Himself to the greatest degree in becoming a man. The Judge need not leave His chambers to send his judgment upon the criminal in the prison yard. But Jesus left His rightful place to seek and save what was lost. We read in Luke 19:10, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Sin will not be vanquished without Jesus, but in Christ sin will no longer have dominion over you. We read in Galatians 1:3-5, “Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen.” How do you know that Jesus has come to seek you? Have you come to understand your condition before the LORD? Do you know that you are lost? That understanding came from the LORD—He is seeking you. If you have already come to know the LORD as your Savior, having your sins forgiven through His substitutionary sacrifice, you can look back and see the fingerprints of God leading you to that place of faith.
 
Finally, we see that the LORD Jesus came to fulfill Scripture. The conclusion of our text today states, “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet.” There is not one word of Scripture that has or will ever fail. God who has made all His promises is the same God who will fulfill every one of them. The Redeemer was promised long before Jesus arrived. We read in Isaiah 59:20, “’And a Redeemer will come to Zion, to those in Jacob who turn from transgression,’ declares the LORD.” The birth of Jesus is the fulfillment of all that God has declared. Our LORD understood this. Jesus says in Luke 24:44, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.” Let us look to the promises of Christ and hold fast our faith in His Word. When doubts rise up in your heart, return again and again to the Holy Scriptures and renew your understanding of His promises.
 
Has Jesus fulfilled His promise to save you? The mission is complete. He has taken upon Himself the due punishment for our sins and has sent His word to us that we should know His salvation. He has sought you out, have you responded by placing your faith in Him?
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

​Luke 1:32-33 ~ “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the LORD God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”
 
We are two days away from the morning when multitudes around the world will celebrate the birth of the LORD Jesus. Yesterday we considered the mother of the LORD and the words of Gabriel concerning her calling from God. In the midst of that discussion, Gabriel expounds on the One who would be born. When the angel declared the coming of the LORD Jesus, he does not pronounce the sacrificial role of Christ but His majestic person. The Babe born to be the Lamb of God is also the Babe who is the Lion of Judah. And this is the message of the angel. We read the message of the 24 elders enthroned in glory, “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals” (Revelation 5:5). Let us also weep no more, for even as we look back upon the sacrifice of Christ, we also bear witness to His triumph as well.
 
Concerning Gabriel’s pronouncement of the LORD, the first thing we will see is His supremacy. Our text today begins with the simple statement, “He will be great.” Though this term “great” is a common word used to describe many in the Scriptures, its use here concerning the LORD Jesus has attached with it a profound expression—that this great One is the Son of God. We will expound on this momentarily, but let us first consider the idea of “greatness.” There is great admiration in our world is for such limited creatures who may hold influence but only for a breath of time. Great men will fade, the LORD will never fade. Great deeds will diminish, the work of Christ will endure for eternity. James 1:11 tells us, “For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.” Look, instead, to Jesus. There is no one like Him. He is great, supreme above all others.
 
We continue with our text and now we look upon His divinity. Our text states, “and will be called the Son of the Most High.” The greatness of Jesus as seen above is founded upon His person—fully God and fully man. The juxtaposition of these two natures in One eliminates anyone from holding stature equal with Christ. Jesus is more than just a morally superior, wise and powerful teacher. The angel Gabriel pronounced that Jesus is the Divine Son of God. Equal with the Father, the Second Person of the Trinity, Jesus is God Almighty in human flesh. He declares Himself so in John 8:58-59, “Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.’ So they picked up stones to throw at him, but Jesus hid himself and went out of the temple.” The Pharisees were so certain that Jesus was declaring Himself as God that they were going to stone Him to death for blaspheme (see also John 5:18).
 
We press on in our text and, concerning Jesus, we discover His authority. We read, “And the LORD God will give to him the throne of his father David.” As a direct descendant of David, Jesus is the rightful heir to the throne of Israel. As the Son of God, Jesus is the rightful Ruler of all mankind. We read in Revelation 12:5, “She gave birth to a male child, one who is to rule all the nations with a rod of iron, but her child was caught up to God and to his throne.” “She” is, ultimately, the nation of Israel—and through Israel the birth of Jesus has come. This is the One who will sit enthroned above all the earth and rightfully rule all creation.
 
How long will Jesus reign? From our text we discover that He will reign for eternity. We read, “and of his kingdom there will be no end.” Nations have come and gone. Rulers have risen and fallen. The kingdom of Christ will never cease, for the rule of Jesus will never end. No one can thwart Him nor can they overthrow His dominion. No amount of time will leave His kingdom in decay. The longevity of His authority will have no limit. Peter tells us in 1 Peter 5:11, “To him be the dominion forever and ever. Amen.” Kingdoms and empires have risen and fallen down through the ages of man. The LORD Jesus will sit enthroned forever, and there will be no end to His righteous rule.
 
Who is this Jesus? He is King of kings and LORD of lords. He will rule and reign forever. The One who came to be Savior and give His life as a ransom for many, is also the One who will return as Sovereign and receive unto Himself all who belong to Him. Let the coming day of celebration remind you of the angel’s pronouncement of the greatness of Jesus.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

​Luke 1:26-27 ~ “In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary.”
 
Today we again consider the family of our LORD Jesus Christ, as we listen in on a conversation between the angel, Gabriel, and the mother of our LORD—Mary. Much is made of the person of Mary, and some have venerated her into a type of savior herself. Our LORD, Himself, rebuked this notion in Luke 11:27-28, “As he said these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to him, ‘Blessed is the womb that bore you, and the breasts at which you nursed!’ But he said, ‘Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and keep it!’” Let us not distort her life. There is much we can learn if we look upon her life in the light of truth. Take a moment and read Luke 1:26-38.
 
Let us first understand that Mary was chosen by God. As you saw in the opening text of our reading today, the angel Gabriel was not sent randomly to the region to choose among a group of young maidens. God specifically selected Mary to bring forth the LORD Jesus. She was the candidate of God’s choice. She was the instrument of God’s design, chosen to be His vessel to bring forth His Son. And when you ask the question, why, the Apostle Paul may give us a clue to the answer. We read in 1 Corinthians 1:27-28, “But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are.”  Even Mary recognized this when she declared that God had looked upon the humble state of her life (see Luke 1:48). This was and is the sovereign will of God Almighty.
 
Luke 1:28-30 ~ “And he came to her and said, ‘Greetings, O favored one, the LORD is with you!’ But she was greatly troubled at the saying and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.’”
 
Next, we see that not only was Mary chosen, but she was also covered by grace. This is found in the term, “favor” for it means one who is “full of grace” or, otherwise, a recipient of the grace of God. It is Divine grace that sets anyone apart to the service of the LORD. Mary had no greater quality of personal righteousness that God should choose her. What set her apart was her faith in the Almighty, and as a believer, she was covered with His grace. Paul expresses a similar understanding in 1 Corinthians 15:10,
“But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is with me.” Beloved, all who are born-again are that way only by God’s grace. No one ever saved themselves. No one ever makes themselves acceptable to the LORD. We must be saved by grace; we serve by grace and ultimately, we are received by grace.
 
Luke 1:38 ~ “And Mary said, ‘Behold, I am the servant of the LORD; let it be to me according to your word.’ And the angel departed from her.”
 
Finally, we look upon Mary and we understand that she was committed in faith to the will of God. Though there was curiosity concerning the means by which such a purpose through her could be accomplished, there was no doubt to her concerning the ability of the LORD to do what He had spoken (see Luke 1:34-37). Mary responded to the angel with a determined faith. She placed herself in the hand of God and yielded herself to the will of the Father. With a single word: servant, she declared her position and surrendered her life to the full measure of God’s plan. Consider what David said in Psalm 37:5, “Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.” What a tremendous statement all believers ought to make when stepping through life in this world: I am the LORD’s servant. It is an act of worship to the LORD have such a committed faith to the will of God. Consider Romans 12:1, “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.”
 
As the day nears for the celebration of the birth of our LORD, let us consider all things pertaining to His arrival. With Mary, let us not distort her role... but let us also not dismiss it. She was the submissive servant to be used by God to bring Jesus into the world. Let us also be submissive servants, that the LORD God can use us today to uphold the name of Jesus in the world.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

​Luke 1:46-47 ~ “And Mary said, ‘My soul magnifies the LORD, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.’”
 
In a moment of poetic praise, Mary expresses her great love for and worship of the LORD God. This great declaration by the chosen mother of the LORD Jesus is called by many the: Magnificat. There is much to be made of Mary’s magnifying the LORD. She calls Him, “LORD,” for He is the righteous Ruler over all. She knows Him as “God my Savior” for the Almighty is the giver of mercy and grace to all who call upon Him. In these two names alone, God is supremely worthy of all that we can do to magnify Him with our life. Not only does she express her praise, but she draws it up from the depths of her inmost being. She proclaims, “My soul magnifies.” From the very core of life itself, with each breath of her life, she will worship the LORD. The great condemnation of many even in our day is proclaimed by our LORD Jesus, “This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me” (Matthew 15:8).
 
There are many reasons why Mary gives this great expression of worship for the LORD. Take a moment and read Luke 1:46-55. As Mary unfolds her glorious praise, there are two statements that bring to light this grand Magnificat, and both are illuminated with a single word: Mercy.
 
The first declaration of mercy is founded on the promise of God to exalt those who fear Him. We read in Luke 1:50, “And his mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.” Mary looks at her life and underscores this truth: Her exalted blessing is founded squarely upon God’s divine mercy. In Luke 1:48-49 the mother of our LORD looks upon her own life in wonder, not because she saw herself in any state of greatness but because she was chosen by the LORD. Those who fear God, who hold in high majesty the LORD Jesus Christ, will discover the LORD to be merciful and filled with compassion toward them. We read in Malachi 3:16-17, “Then those who feared the LORD spoke with one another. The LORD paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the LORD and esteemed his name. They shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him.” Mary feared the LORD, reverencing Him in her life, and she received mercy. Will you also fear the LORD and humble yourself before Him? His mercy is “from generation to generation.” It is an enduring thing, and will stretch to the final generation of all mankind.
 
The second use of the word mercy is given in order to help those who are humble. We next read in Luke 1:54-55, “He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, as he spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever.” Luke 1:51-53 speak of God scattering the proud and exalting the humble, of filling the hungry and sending the rich away. These verses describe how it is that God has helped—and done so in remembrance of His mercy. This world is filled with the boastful pride of arrogant hearts. But God chooses to lift up the humble, to give the meek and inheritance and provide abundantly to those who hunger and thirst. Those mighty in their own eyes will never know the mercy of God. Hebrews 4:16 declares, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” But how has the LORD helped one might ask. For we see in our world the impoverished still struggle and the arrogant still boastful. Yet let us first examine the greatest dilemma, the most noted desperation of humanity—and that is to have our sins forgiven by God. Jesus is come as Savior and LORD, and He will save His people from their sins. It would be of little hope for anyone if we read these verses only to think that they speak of temporal, and earthly satisfactions. Look to the LORD for your salvation, and He will remember His mercy and deliver your soul from destruction.
 
Consider the state of your life before the LORD. If you are born-again, can you say, as Mary, that your soul magnifies the LORD? Do you exalt the God of your salvation? There will come that day when the LORD God, our Savior, Jesus Christ, will fully and eternally establish His righteous and holy kingdom. On that day, all the arrogant and boastful will be put away and the humble will be exalted.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

​John 1:14 ~ “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
 
As John writes of the advent and incarnation of the LORD Jesus, we find a tremendous expression in his gospel. Jesus is described as “the Word.” We read in John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” This statement is of great importance, for in this declaration Jesus is not only present before the beginning of all things, He is co-existent with the Father, and is God Himself. We shall not dive too deep into this text to try and fathom its riches concerning Christ, but concerning the incarnation of the LORD, this one thing must be known: Jesus is God. If this is not understood, the birth of the LORD Jesus will be misconstrued.
 
And, so, we come to the opening of our text and the advent of the LORD Jesus, “And the Word became flesh.” For just a moment, think on this statement. How profound is it that God Almighty, the Righteous King and Creator of all things, came into this world as all men do—in the helpless form of a baby. In humble circumstances the LORD of Glory was born. He who called the universe into existence and commanded the stars to shine will now cry when hungry and be fed by the very hands He made. Paul writes of it in Philippians 2:6-7, “who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.” He did not need to try and grasp equality with God, for Jesus is God. Yet, in humility and love, the King of kings emptied Himself and was born in the likeness of you and I.
 
Not only did He come in flesh and blood, as all mankind must come, but He also, as our text continues, “dwelt among us.” He did not vanish into obscurity and hide Himself from the life and difficulties of all mankind. He lived with and not separate from humanity. This was of necessity, for the LORD Jesus was going to be tempted as all are tempted. It was necessary for Him to experience all the challenges that we face so that He could become for us the sympathetic High Priest as mentioned in Hebrews 2:17, “Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.” He became like us, yet without sin (see Hebrews 4:15) in order to be for us the compassionate, righteous and holy Sacrifice for our sins.
 
Not only did He come and dwelt among us as one of us, the LORD Jesus, even while on earth, revealed His glory to His disciples. We read, “and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father.” Jesus did not abandon His deity, nor did He forsake His own nature. His is, even in our text today, both fully God and fully man. Jesus is God in flesh, the Divine and Eternal One in the form of weak and mortal man. And, upon a mountain, Jesus revealed His glory. Matthew 17:1-2 declares, “And after six days Jesus took with him Peter and James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them, and his face shone like the sun, and his clothes became white as light.” Let us not forget that Jesus is the Word made flesh—God eternal born as man.
 
As we come to the final statement of our text today, we must take to heart this declaration concerning our LORD. He is “full of grace and truth.” There is no lack with Jesus, beloved! He is “full” of both grace and truth—plentiful with the abundance of all things that we need. He is the Word, and thus He is full of truth. He is the “way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6). There is no truth ever created that did not originate with the LORD Jesus. He is also full of grace, for He has come as man, dwelt with man, and laid His life down to be for us the propitiation—the substitute payment—for our sins. This grace is more abundant than are your sins, and there is not one sin that will remain unwashed when you come to Jesus and have your life redeemed by His grace. We read in Ephesians 2:7, “so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” Come to Jesus and know this immeasurable grace.
 
We see the advent and incarnation of Jesus Christ, the Son of God and Son of Man. He is both, and fully so, that He can be for us our Sovereign Savior and Redeemer King. God in flesh is Jesus Christ the LORD. May His name be forever praised.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

Isaiah 7:14 ~ “Therefore the LORD himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”
 
A war was soon to break out upon the people of Judah as the northern kingdom aligned with Syria set their armies against king Ahaz in Jerusalem. And though Ahaz was no godly king, nor did he walk in the paths of righteousness, the LORD God gave him an opportunity look to the LORD and stand by faith in the Almighty. We read in Isaiah 7:9, “If you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all.” God instructed the king of Judah to ask for a sign, but Ahaz refused the opportunity (see Isaiah 7:10-12). Understand, beloved, that faith in the LORD is to do as He commands, trusting that He will accomplish what He has promised. Ahaz’s refusal was nothing more than an act of false humility. He refused God’s command to ask for a sign, yet the LORD would give a sign nonetheless.
 
The sign that the LORD will provide is a birth with meaning. We read from our text today, “Therefore the LORD himself will give you a sign.” From Ahaz’s rejection of the LORD’s command, the Almighty will provide a sign anyway. And this sign will not be misinterpreted. Dear ones, God does nothing frivolous. Nor is there anything of triviality in the actions of the LORD. Thus, when God offers a sign, it will be one that carries significant meaning for those who have faith. The LORD offers signs all through the Scriptures for those who are willing to see and believe. There is something coming, and God will reveal it to all who are paying attention. This birth that is promised is a sign—not for the moment but for the future, a coming Deliverer who will rescue all those who have faith in Him. When challenged by the Pharisees, Jesus offered another sign to prove His authority, “Jesus answered them, ‘Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up’” (John 2:19). His resurrection is the sign.
 
But a sign from God cannot be something that would naturally occur. This birth will be miraculous. We continue reading our text today, “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son.” It would be no great wonder that a woman might give birth to a child. Unless, of course, that woman is a virgin. The promised birth must be, then, a miraculous act of God. But the virgin birth of our LORD Jesus has a profound implication upon it, for this is the means by which the LORD will enter this world without a trace of the original sin. Lest we forget, we read 1 Corinthians 15:22, “For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.” If Jesus was born of Adam—through the natural process of conception—He would be burdened as all mankind with the same fallen nature. But Jesus has no original sin, and He lives His life with no actual sin as we read in Hebrews 4:15, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” And all of this through the virgin birth. We read its fulfillment in Luke 1:34-35, “And Mary said to the angel, ‘How will this be, since I am a virgin?’ And the angel answered her, ‘The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God.’”
 
The coming of Christ Jesus is also a birth with a message. We read the conclusion of our text today, “and shall call his name, Immanuel.” There is much to be found in a name. And this name addressing the LORD Jesus is one that is rich with meaning, for the name means, “God with us.” The great hope of Israel was to have God with them. And such is the hope of all who believe. Christian, you have not only God with you, you have God IN you! Consider these words of our LORD Jesus, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him” (John 14:23). There is a connection we shall have with the LORD, and He will never depart from His people. Understand this: the Child promised will be the Son of God and forever it will be: “God with us!”
 
Let us do as spoken by the LORD and stand firm in our faith. Our great hope and full salvation are found in Him. This Christmas season, look unto Jesus Christ and know that He is still Immanuel—God with us.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

Luke 1:17 ~ “And he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”
 
There is another member of the family of our LORD who has been given a critical role and that is the forerunner, John the Baptist. Zechariah the priest entered into the temple and was met by the angel, Gabriel, who pronounced the coming of what many have called “the last Old Testament prophet.” He is known by this name for John the Baptist is the prophet set to come just before the arrival of the Messiah. John would perform no miracles nor would he display any sign of his authority. Yet the LORD Jesus said of him, “Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he” (Matthew 11:11). It is of great importance to know who John is, for his work was to point all men to the LORD Jesus.
 
As we look upon our text today, we find that John is the precursor of Christ. We read, “And he will go before him.” This is of great importance, for when the king’s messenger enters the town, all citizens know that the king soon will arrive. Such is John the Baptist. He is the herald of the Lord Jesus and the precursor of the One who will come and deliver His people. John, himself, testifies to the LORD Jesus when He arrives. Consider John 1:29, “The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!’” And now, as we look back upon this pronouncement by Gabriel, we are pressed in our own hearts to heed the words of this prophet as the great herald of the LORD Jesus.
 
We must also consider that the coming of John the Baptist is a promise fulfilled. We continue reading our text, “in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just.” The Lord God had promised that one would come, a prophet who would go before the Lord in the spirit and power of Elijah. And with the arrival of John the Baptist, it signaled that the time had come for this promise was fulfilled. We find this promise recorded in Malachi 4:5-6, “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction.” Our LORD Jesus spoke of John in Matthew 11:13-14, “For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John, and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come.” With this promise fulfilled in John the Baptist, we can, with greater confidence, trust that the LORD Jesus is the Messiah who was to come for the very promises concerning Him are being fulfilled.
 
John had a mission, and that was the mission of the forerunner of a king. He was to be the preparer of people. Our text concludes, “to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.” Before a king would enter a city or town, the envoys of that king would make sure the people were ready for his arrival. In this same way went John the Baptist. He knew Jesus was coming, and his task was to prepare a people in repentance, to make them ready for the King of kings. Let us consider the message of this prophet. We read in Mark 1:7, “And he preached, saying, ‘After me comes he who is mightier than I, the strap of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.’” John speaks of Jesus in this, knowing that the LORD Jesus is God incarnate. And, along with the message that the King is coming, John calls upon the people to repent. We read in Matthew 3:1-2, “In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, ‘Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.’” If we are to heed the cry of the herald who proceeded before the LORD, let us also respond with repentance and find mercy with the LORD.
 
As we draw near to the day when we celebrate the birth of the King, let us take to heart the fulfillment of all things pertaining to the arrival of the Messiah. And, as we look forward to the coming of the LORD Jesus, let us be vigilant to call upon people to repent and trust in Him for the salvation of their souls. Let us do, as John would do, and make ready a people prepared for His return.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

​Isaiah 9:2 ~ “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwell in darkness, on them has light shone.”
 
As we near the day of the LORD’s advent, the coming of the Messiah—the King of kings who will be the Savior of the world, there is a light that shines brightly from the LORD through Isaiah. By some, the book of Isaiah has been dubbed the “Gospel of the Old Testament” for it glows with prophetic illumination the very promise of the birth, life, death, resurrection and return of the LORD Jesus Christ. Let us gaze upon this light today as we prepare our hearts for the day we celebrate the birth of the King. Take a moment and read Isaiah 9:1-7 as we shall, from this text, draw near to the Light of the World.
 
We begin by recognizing that Jesus will come to a people in darkness. We read from our text above, “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” The darkness of unbelief, the lack of truth and righteousness shrouds the world like an impenetrable shadow. The real experience of the people of earth is spiritual blindness, moral corruption—in a word: sin. People meander about in this life, lost in the blindness of unbelief. It is to these people that the Light of the World must shine. Jesus said in John 12:46, “I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in me may not remain in darkness.” Oh that His light would shine all the brighter today for our world is filled with millions who are still walking in darkness.
 
Isaiah 9:3 ~ “You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoils.”
 
There is, from the LORD, a real promise of joy. In the prophetic message of the coming Light of the World, there is in those who believe on the LORD unto salvation a real effect of everlasting joy. They who have opened their eyes to the truth and have come to know their burden of sin lifted through Jesus Christ, will have their joy increased as if they had won the greatest of all victories. The burden of sin will be lifted, the oppressed will discover freedom and the spiritually blind will see. Like laborers reaping a plentiful harvest, there will be an abundance of joy for all who trust in the Lord. Consider the promise of our LORD in John 15:11, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” The fullness of joy comes only through Jesus Christ. Hear the declaration of Psalm 16:11, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
 
Isaiah 9:6-7 ~ “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”
 
Why does all this light and joy come to us who believe? Not because of us. Our text continues, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.” This is the Son of God, the One who was sent by the Father to be the Redeemer and LORD. In Christ, beloved, we have a powerful deliverer. Light is coming into the world and the darkness has no power to prevent it. The promise given is not of a weak and worthless dictator but a powerful and personal Deliverer. The Light of the World, the Lord Jesus Christ, He is the Child born and the King who will reign now and forevermore. It is He who will establish it and uphold it. It is Jesus who will have a government of everlasting peace. Justice and righteousness will be the banner of His kingdom. We find in Revelation 19:16, “On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.”
 
Let us heed the words of Isaiah 50:10, “Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the voice of his servant? Let him who walks in darkness and has no light trust in the name of the LORD and rely on his God.” We are given, in Jesus Christ the LORD, the promised Light in the darkness. If you are still walking in darkness and have not yet come to believe on the LORD Jesus, I implore you to open your eyes to Him. And, dear Christian, let us take this season of Christmas and remember who is the promised Light in the darkness.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

​Matthew 1:19a ~ “And her husband Joseph, being a just man…”
 
Much is made of the characters who are a part of the coming of the Messiah, the LORD Jesus Christ. With the pronouncement of the prophet, John, the visit of the angel to Mary, the pregnancy of Elizabeth and the subsequent rendering mute of her husband, Zechariah, there are whole chapters, and rightly so, dedicated to these individuals. But what of Joseph? There is much we can learn of this man, and much that this man’s character and demeanor can teach us in our faithfulness to the LORD Jesus Christ. Today, let us learn from the man named Joseph. Our entire text will be Matthew 1:19-25, and we will take it in sections. Let me encourage you to read this portion of Scripture even now before we begin.
 
First, we learn that Joseph held a high regard for the law of God. Our opening text declares it clearly, that Joseph was a “just man.” What had happened? What would elevate the sense of needed justice in the heart of this man? Simple—Mary had been found pregnant, and they had not finalized their marriage. Being a just man, it is clear that Joseph understood the ramifications of the situation he observed. As far as the law was concerned, Mary was subject to public ridicule, condemnation and ultimately execution by stoning. We read in John 8:3-5, “The scribes and the Pharisees brought a woman who had been caught in adultery, and placing her in the midst they said to him, ‘Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. Now in the Law, Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?’”
 
Matthew 1:19b ~ “…and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved to divorce her quietly.”
 
Next, we learn that Joseph was also a man who remembered mercy. We read that he was “unwilling to put her to shame.” How much like the heart of God did Joseph conduct himself toward his betrothed. Where he could have had Mary stoned to death, he chose mercy instead. Public shame and ridicule were the expected response but he determined to offer her a quiet out, to extend a gentle hand instead of a heavy blow. We read of God’s mercy in Habakkuk 3:2, “O LORD, I have heard the report of you, and your work, O LORD, do I fear. In the midst of the years revive it; in the midst of the years make it known; in wrath remember mercy.”
 
Matthew 1:20-21 ~ “But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’”
 
We continue and see that Joseph was one who willingly received the word of God. In a supernatural encounter, “an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying...” In the night, God sent an angel who spoke to Joseph. And as he listened, his heart was open to the wonder of God’s providence and purpose. Despite the apparent conflict with his own understanding, he not only heard but received God’s word. This requires a willing trust in God despite our own understanding. Even as Proverbs 3:5-6 declares, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
 
Matthew 1:24-25 ~ “When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.”
 
Now comes the crux of the matter—Joseph responded by faith. What a simple statement, “he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him.” The entirety of the life we see of Joseph, though it is minimal, is one of determined faithfulness to the LORD, and his actions demonstrate it. From his willingness to receive Mary as his bride to his desire to honor the condition of Jesus’ birth, he shows that he believes God’s word and surrenders his life in active obedience to God’s purpose. Consider the word given by the prophet in 1 Samuel 15:22, “And Samuel said, ‘Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to listen than the fat of rams.’”
 
Much of the life of Joseph is a mystery. We know not much of his life as a carpenter, nor do we see how he led his family when they escaped to Egypt. But what we do see is illuminating to us in regard to our own walk with the LORD. For we must also have a high regard for God’s law, and yet we must remember mercy—even as the LORD has been merciful toward us. We must receive God’s word and respond by faith in obedience to His commands. Beloved, in our walk with Christ, we would do well to follow the LORD as Joseph did.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

​Micah 5:2 ~ “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.”
 
As we draw near to the time of the celebration of Christ’s birth, let us step along the streets of that small village where He, the LORD of glory, was to be born. Kings, in truth, should be born in palaces, with great fanfare and celebrations. Will Jesus not rule and reign in the capital city, Jerusalem? Will He not sit enthroned on Mount Zion—the holy mountain of God? Why then, do we find this prophetic message from Micah pronouncing the birth of the King of kings in a small village of no reputation? Even the wise men from the east, as they traveled to find the LORD, first went to Herod’s palace to inquire. We read this in Matthew 2:1-2, “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, ‘Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’”
 
In considering our text today we first encounter the location, “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah.” Do not lightly miss the importance of the name of this village. First, let us look upon the name, “Bethlehem.” The town’s name means “house of bread” and this is no small thing, for the very one who will be the Bread of Life is to be born in this place. In John 6:35 Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” Not only is it in the house of bread that brings forth the Bread of Life, but the region named “Ephrathah” means “fruitful.” It is through the Vine—the LORD Jesus Christ—that we will have the means to bear fruit unto God. Isaiah 11:1 proclaims, “There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse, and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.” Jesse was the father of David and in the ancestry of the LORD Jesus. And though it seemed in the days of Herod the line of Jesse had become a mere stump (for Herod was no descendant of David) yet the LORD Jesus is the Branch, and from Him shall there come forth fruit. Dear Christian, you and I are that fruit—as are all who believe on the LORD Jesus unto salvation.
 
But this village is not just the house of bread in a fruitful land, it is also the place of David’s birth—the hometown of the most regarded king of Israel. We continue reading our text, “from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel.” Kings may be naturally born in the palaces of the world. But the King of kings will be born in the city of His ancestors, the city of His heritage. We find this happening when Joseph took to the road to travel to his birthplace in Luke 2:4, “And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David.” Let us not miss this as well: both Joseph and Mary, the adopted father and birth mother of our LORD are descendants of David the king. Jesus is of the house of David, holding the right to sit on David’s throne through His earthly parents.
 
Yet the importance of Bethlehem goes back even farther. We read the final statement of our text today, “whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.” Even in the days of the sojourn of Jacob, the village of Bethlehem was valued, for it was there that he buried his beloved wife, Rachel (see Genesis 35:19). This city of ancient days is also the village where the kinsman redeemer, Boaz, lived. We read in Ruth 4:11, “Then all the people who were at the gate and the elders said, ‘We are witnesses. May the Lord make the woman, who is coming into your house, like Rachel and Leah, who together built up the house of Israel. May you act worthily in Ephrathah and be renowned in Bethlehem.’” And is not our Kinsman Redeemer the LORD Jesus Christ? Yes!
 
How precious is this prophecy of the town of Bethlehem. Though it was “too little” yet from this seemingly insignificant village was the one who would be King, Redeemer and the life-giving Bread from heaven. Beloved, consider the prophetic promises concerning Christ and you will come to know Him even more. Let us worship Him who was born in Bethlehem, He who is Christ the LORD.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

Genesis 3:15 ~ “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.”
 
The greatest cataclysmic event that occurred for all of humanity had just taken place. Adam and Eve, in the Garden of Eden, turned their backs on the command of God and obeyed the voice of the enemy. They ate of the forbidden fruit and sent all of mankind into the depths of despair. Now, separated from God, ashamed of their exposure, they hid from the LORD until He called them out. Reluctance to forthright confession of their sins, they took to blaming each other. All they had reason to expect was the dread wrath of the Almighty, for He had declared, “You may surely eat of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die” (Genesis 2:16-17). What humanity received, even in the midst of God’s curse, was a promised mercy and grace—and, ultimately, a Savior.
 
What we discover as we look upon our text today is that there is a genuine hatred now instilled between mankind and the serpent. We read, “I will put enmity between you and the woman.” From this moment, the war has begun. The genuine hatred between the enemy of God and the Almighty is brought into the condition of humanity. From this moment, the battle lines have been drawn. The enemy of God furiously hates mankind and desires to deceive as many as possible to drag them away from God. Do you want to know how truly deceptive the enemy is? Consider this: the devil has convinced billions of people that his ways are good. False religions, worldliness, atheism, and a multitude of deceptive ideologies fill up the minds of men. Those who follow the enemy find themselves in the dangerous position expressed in James 4:4, “You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.”
 
This war that begun in the garden is carried on down through the ages in a continued generational hostility. We see in our text today, “and between your offspring and her offspring.” Let us understand this portion, for the word “offspring” is the word “seed” and it is a singular word. What does that mean? It is an indication that this great war begun in paradise will flow down through the ages of humanity. To see the “seed” or the offspring of the enemy, Jesus confronts them in John 8:44, “You are of your father the devil, and your will is to do your father's desires. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks out of his own character, for he is a liar and the father of lies.” Hatred, lies, murder, deceptions, and all other manner of wickedness is the seed of the enemy. Jesus, beloved, is the seed of the woman. We read in 1 Corinthians 15:22a, “For as in Adam all die.” Yet the Savior, the Hero of Salvation, is promised, and He is not born of Adam—He is born of God. Matthew 1:23 declares, “’Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel’ (which means, God with us).”
 
 It is hard to imagine the Christmas story begins with a declared enmity—a war—between God and the devil that would be fought in the lives of humanity. But our text concludes with a glorious hope. We read, “he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” Some might look upon the “bruising” as a similar wound, but you must look upon the location of that bruise, for the serpent will receive eternal destruction. And, dear ones, here is where the war ends. The death of our Savior in His crucifixion is the bruising of His heel. But the LORD rose from the dead and He is coming with the promised salvation for all who believe. He will ultimately and eternally crush the head of the serpent. This is the glorious hope of all who believe. We read in Romans 16:20, “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.” Though the enemy still prowls around like a roaring lion looking to devour (see 1 Peter 5:8), we who belong to Christ will stand in His victory.
 
Christmas for the Christian is a time of fulfilled promises—the very first promise that was given even in the midst of the curse. God Almighty is gracious and compassionate. He has every right to execute judgment upon the earth, but He delights to show mercy. Let us, this Christmas, surrender to the One who was born to be the Savior of the World—our LORD Jesus Christ.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

​Galatians 4:4-5 ~ “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.”
 
The Christmas season, celebrated across the world by nations and peoples, is understood first and foremost by those who have been redeemed. In truth, only the redeemed of Christ can comprehend the wonder and joy of what this season is meant to illuminate. Many who do not know the LORD, during this season, will decorate their homes, distribute gifts, join in various festivities and even attend worship services. For this brief time of year, people seem to capitalize on a spirit of grace that permeates throughout the communities of our world. Dear reader, we are given this wonderful moment to remind people that the greatest gift, the most blessed grace, and the deepest love was given not by someone on earth, but delivered to the earth from the Father in Heaven.
 
As we begin to consider our text for today, let us first understand that God is perfect in His timing. We read, “But when the fullness of time had come.” There is specificity to the management of time by the hand of the Almighty. Nothing random has ever occurred from His perspective. And though we see things as haphazard and coincidental, it is only because our perspective is greatly limited. The LORD has no such limitation. Isaiah 46:10 speaks of God, “declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times things not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will accomplish all my purpose.’” The LORD Jesus came at the precise time, entering into this world at the very moment that was predetermined by the Father. A time earlier and it would be too soon, later and it would be too late.
 
Next, we discover that this was the most precious gift ever given to mankind, and it was completely wrapped in humility. Our text continues, “God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law.” Gifts this Christmas will be exchanged, packages will be boldly wrapped, looking delightful to the eye and bringing hopeful anticipation to the recipient. But the Savior, Christ the LORD, did not get “wrapped” with the finery of this world. He did not come into this world with princely adornment. He was not born to worldly royalty. He did not come down from heaven in all His righteous glory but was born of a woman and born under the law. He came humbly, and was first presented to all of mankind as a baby. Isaiah 53:2 declares, “For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him.” Let us be ever thankful that the LORD Jesus came as He did, for then we know that we have a faithful and compassionate Savior who understands the conditions of mankind, for He has experienced it as well (see Hebrews 2:17).
 
God did not send this gift to those who we might deem worthy of such a treasure. We read further, “to redeem those under the law.” All of humanity are, in truth, under the law of God. Everyone will be judged by the righteous and just law of God Almighty. And, as all have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory (see Romans 3:23), we must understand that all of mankind are lawbreakers. Not one person is worthy to receive one moment of redemption, let alone a full pardon for all transgressions. But Jesus came to redeem sinners, and so He identified with them, being born under the law and living sinless before God. Because He submitted Himself to the law, He did what we could not—He obeyed perfectly. And, like a gift given, He did this not for Himself, but for those who would believe on Him. He did this that He could redeem those “under the law.” We read in Titus 2:14 concerning Christ, “who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.”
 
And this most timely gift was given for a greater purpose than the mere pleasure of the recipients. Our text today closes with these words, “so that we might receive adoption as sons.” We are not merely pardoned criminals set free to our own devices, we are forgiven and moved from the prison to the palace! Jesus came that we might be the adopted children of the Almighty Father. It would be more than we deserve if we had our sentence of eternal judgment commuted. But the LORD Jesus has gone to the full measure of His gracious love and redeemed us that we should be His family. Hebrews 2:12 declares, “For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers.”
 
Beloved, as we enter this Christmas season, let us reflect upon this “fullness of time” that brought to the earth the Redeemer. Humbly presented was the King of kings that He should be the Savior of both the mighty and the meek—all who will humble themselves and call upon the LORD for salvation.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

​Jeremiah 9:23-24 ~ “Thus says the LORD: ‘Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.’”
 
There is much boasting in the hearts of men. But what do we actually have to boast about? In truth, there is nothing that has come into our lives that did not originate with the LORD. Our very life and breath are a gift from God, a blessing of His gracious kindness to us. Does not Proverbs 16:18 warn us, “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” And though we acknowledge that this is true, there are those who, though giving some credit to God, will in their arrogance rise up in prideful self-affirmation and receive all the glory for themselves. Even Christians struggle to overcome the egotism that plagues the heart of all mankind. Let us, then, strive to bring to an end the arrogance and boastful pride that is contrary to the humble and faithful life of those who belong to Christ.
 
As we look upon our text for today, we read from the LORD, “Let not the wise man boast in his wisdom, let not the mighty man boast in his might, let not the rich man boast in his riches.” It is rather obvious in our world (and throughout history) that these three qualities of mankind are where people find their greatest desire for personal boasting. We want to lord it over those who have a “lesser” wisdom than us, or prove that we possess a “greater” strength than another, or display our affluence to showcase our “superior” wealth. An example of one who believed his own hubris is Uzziah, the king of Israel. We read in 2 Chronicles 26:16, “But when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction. For he was unfaithful to the LORD his God and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense.” How the Proverb proved true for the king—pride goes before destruction. Dear ones, if you possess these conditions, and have worked hard to gain wisdom, strength or resources, remind yourself that even your ability to gain these things came to you by the gracious hand of God.
 
Then what are we to do? Our text continues, “but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows me.” If you are to “boast” in anything concerning your life, then let it be that which lifts your eyes to the LORD. How quickly people will “name-drop” a person they know who holds some celebrity status in this world. Beloved, I would tell you this: if you know Jesus Christ as Savior and LORD, you have the greatest name to drop in the midst of the people with whom you associate. There are two things to boast in. first, that you “understand” Him. This is to comprehend or have gained information about the LORD. Second, that you “know” Him. This is to have become familiar with the LORD in a relational sense. The Apostle Paul spoke of his former things wherein he boasted (see Philippians 3:3-6). Yet, he declares in Philippians 3:8, “Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord.” The Apostle to the Gentiles did not look to his own pedigree but to the knowledge of the LORD as of greatest worth.
 
So, then, how are we to know the LORD? We read the final statement of our text today, “that I am the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice, and righteousness in the earth. For in these things I delight, declares the LORD.” If we claim to know the LORD, it must be according to His own revelation of Himself. Many will boast that they know the LORD Jesus, and their understanding of Him is built only on human intuition or wisdom. He will not be known in that manner. You must hearken to His word where He has revealed Himself to all who desire to know Him. And you will discover that He is the LORD who practices steadfast love, justice and righteousness—and He delights in these things. If you are to know Him, you will discover these to be true of our Savior. It is important to note that the LORD does not merely proclaim, but practice these things. He is not One who will speak only, but He is the God who acts according to His word.
 
Dear Christian, if you are to overcome the pride that inflicts all of us, you must take your eyes off yourself and put them on the LORD. Look upon the Savior, consider the Almighty God, and you will discover that there will be no room again for boasting in yourself.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

​Romans 15:1-3 ~ “We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves. Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, ‘The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.’”
 
Are you strong, dear Christian? You have contended with much during your journey with Christ and have discovered time and again that the LORD has given you strength and grace. Now, with confidence in Christ Jesus, you look forward to the days ahead, not knowing what might come but knowing that no matter the condition, the LORD will be with you. Yet there are those around you who do not possess the confidence you hold. Shall you leave them to their circumstance or condemn them when they falter? Or, will you love them with the same patience with which the LORD loved you? They may not be able to reciprocate your kindness, but when you are willing to offer love without the expectation of love in return, you just freed yourself to love anyone in the world.
 
As we consider our text today, we first learn that we must abandon selfish priorities. We read, “We who are strong have an obligation to bear with the failings of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” There is the belief that those who are strong in some capacity (physically, intellectually, emotionally, etc.) have the right to dominate those who are weak. The ancient adage of “survival of the fittest” is taken as an axiom for some. The opposite is true for the Christian. We see in our text that real love does not prioritize self. In fact, it cannot. We have an “obligation” which means that there is a debt upon us to do for them what Christ did for us—to bear patiently. Romans 13:8 states, “Owe no one anything, except to love each other, for the one who loves another has fulfilled the law.” When we look out to those who have a weak faith, an immature stature, and see them falter, it is upon those who are strong in Christ to stand beside them without any ulterior motives of self-promotion.
 
We continue looking at our text today and discover that we must adapt our lives to prioritize others. Our text continues, “Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.” Much is made in this modern era of building up self rather than dying to self. Yet Jesus commanded that those who follow Him must do that very thing—die to self and live for Him (see Luke 9:23). In the very basic elements of the Christian life, dying to self often is reflected in the way in which you concern yourself with others. The best objective for your life is to connect with those around you for the purpose of building them up in Christ. This does not mean that you cater to the whims and fancies of those who are stubbornly refusing to submit themselves to Christ, but that you look to the weak among those who belong to Jesus and strive to bring them into a better fellowship with the LORD. For real love has, at its heart, a strong desire to see those around you encouraged and equipped for the rigors of a life that follows Christ. Paul spoke of Timothy in Philippians 2:19-20, “I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you. For I have no one like him, who will be genuinely concerned for your welfare.”
 
We conclude with the One who lived more sacrificially than any, and we must acknowledge the example of Christ. Our text for today says, “For Christ did not please himself, but as it is written, ‘The reproaches of those who reproached you fell on me.’” The Lord Jesus stands as the supreme example of the life of love that we must express toward our fellow man. Even when that love is rejected and reproached, it does not alter our responsibility to share His love. He sets this command before His disciples in John 15:12, “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.” He illustrated this in the washing of the disciples’ feet—commanding that we do the same for each other (see John 13:14). Peter expresses this in 1 Peter 4:8, “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” Even as our LORD faced the reproaches of this world, He continued to pour out His life. We may be reviled and despised for following Christ, but let us continue to do as the LORD commands, knowing that we are serving Him in following His example.
 
Dear reader, if you are a strong Christian and have overcome much in the way of sins and found the strength of Christ sustaining you through trials, then be that selfless servant to those who are weak in their faith, building them up until they are strong and stable in their walk with the LORD.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

​John 3:16 ~ “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”
 
Humanity is in a doleful state. We stand apart from God Almighty, our Creator and Sustainer, the One who gave us breath and who established the parameters for life. There are many that will navigate this earth, going through life without even the slightest notion that they have a real obligation to their Creator. The LORD is ignored, forgotten or insulted by the very creatures who bear His image. He is denied by atheists, ignored by agnostics, rebuffed by humanists, and mocked by spiritualists. In the opening of the Gospel of John we read, “He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him” (John 1:11). At any one point on this list of rejections would a person in this world deem it unnecessary to continue trying to express compassion and tenderness to such a hateful people.
 
And yet we read the opening of this most famous passage of Scripture, “For God so loved the world.” The condition of the heart of God is one of love. How quickly our love would fail when faced with the unrelenting disrespect that God has received from the heart of His highest creation. But this is not a love that is so easily broken by such contempt. This Divine love is the full nature of the heart of God, for we read in 1 John 4:8, “Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” And this love of God stretches across the entire world, for all who live upon this earth are benefited by His love. His common grace, as it is known, offers to both the righteous and the wicked the needed rains and the necessary sunshine as it says in Matthew 5:45, “For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.” But in this magnanimous love of the Almighty we must not forget that the LORD is angry at sin every day. Psalm 7:11 states, “God is a righteous judge, and a God who feels indignation every day.” Put this in your heart, dear Christian, that the LORD who feels this indignation daily is also the God who loves the world. For most people, this is a paradoxical situation, for we often cannot love when anger wells up in us. But the LORD is not subject to such whims and changes—even upon the creatures who have violated every one of His righteous requirements, He will love them.
 
And how does God love this world? We continue reading, “that he gave his only Son.” The measure of the love of God is seen in the willing sacrifice of the LORD Jesus Christ. He who is God in the flesh came to bear upon Himself the very judgment we deserve. He was subjected to every temptation of mankind as it says in Hebrews 4:15, “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” No greater expression of love could ever be bestowed from one to another than the willingness to sacrifice His own life. We honor those sacrificial heroes of old who gave themselves for the defense and protection of their country. We exalt those who willingly gave their lives to rescue others from harm. Shall we not do the same—and even more—with the One who gave His life as the ransom to pay for our crimes against the Almighty? Let us, with the chorus of the book of Revelation 5:12, proclaim, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!”
 
His gracious love is offered to all the world and received by those who will believe. We read in the final portion of our text today, “that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” The love of God is an empty thing to those who will not believe on the LORD Jesus for salvation. We stand in a very dire predicament: we are already set to perish. Nothing will get in the way of the justice of the LORD upon the rebellious people of this earth. The road that all mankind walks is set for destruction, except that the LORD Jesus Christ has intersected that road and paid the penalty for all who will believe. Many complain that God is unfair to send anyone to hell. Beloved, ALL mankind was headed there—it is the love of God in Christ that provides the way of rescue. Our LORD clearly states it in John 3:18, “Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.”
 
Let us rejoice in the love of God, proved in the sacrifice of Christ, and received by all who believe. May we step into this day with a renewed love for Him.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

​Judges 6:11-12 ~ “Now the angel of the LORD came and sat under the terebinth at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, while his son Gideon was beating out wheat in the winepress to hide it from the Midianites. And the angel of the LORD appeared to him and said to him, ‘The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.’”
 
Fear is not a compelling reason to reject the call of God.
 
In the days of the judges of Israel, the people would fall into rebellion and idolatry, practicing the sinful behaviors of the nations around them. God, then, would discipline His people and often used other nations as the means by which Israel would be punished. This was the condition of the nation at the time of Gideon. We read in Judges 6:1, “The people of Israel did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord gave them into the hand of Midian seven years.” Seven years of oppression and hardship under the cruelty of the Midianites (see Judges 6:4-5) and then the people cried out to the LORD their God for deliverance. Their rescue was not immediate, nor did it come without a rebuke from the LORD and a reminder as to the reasons why they were in their current predicament, “And I said to you, ‘I am the LORD your God; you shall not fear the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell.’ But you have not obeyed my voice” (Judges 6:10).
 
Great despair had arisen in the nation of Israel and the hardships of persecution and oppression from the Midianites had fractured the hopes of many. As we come to the opening of our text today, the angel of the LORD finds Gideon, “Now the angel of the LORD came and sat under the terebinth at Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite, while his son Gideon was beating out wheat in the winepress to hide it from the Midianites.” There are two things concerning Gideon that we discover in this encounter. First, Gideon was faithful to the work he had been given. When the angel found him, the young man was dutifully beating out the wheat. This task of threshing wheat was often given to the least or the youngest as it was a task that did not require great strength or fortitude. Second, Gideon was fearful of the Midianites. He was hiding from the Midianites, threshing wheat in a place that was singularly designed for another task and would not be a location where wheat could be easily threshed. He was willing to do the chore with great difficulty in order to keep out of sight.
 
But enter the angel of the LORD and we hear a different perspective, “And the angel of the LORD appeared to him and said to him, ‘The LORD is with you, O mighty man of valor.’” Two things we discover in this statement as well. First, the LORD knew Gideon differently than Gideon knew himself. God Almighty proclaimed Gideon to be a “mighty man of valor.” God was not offering some motivational talk to the young man, nor was this merely a statement of encouragement, trying to bolster Gideon’s self-image and improve his outlook on life. This, dear ones, was a declared statement of fact. Second, the LORD established His direct involvement with Gideon as He declared, “the LORD is with you.” There is no greater confidence that can be given from the LORD than the knowledge that He has promised to be involved in the work He has commanded. Moses understood this when he prayed, “If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here” (Exodus 33:15).
 
There are Christians today that tremble at the idea of God calling them out from their sheltered condition. The world is filled with those who would oppress and persecute, and our LORD Jesus promised that we would face trials concerning our faith. We read in John 15:20, “Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours.” And so we find our “winepress” and try and do the work laid before us, hidden away from the watching eyes of the world. But that, dear Christian, just won’t do. Not all are called to great and bold tasks like Gideon, or the work of great proclamations like the Apostle Paul, but all are called to be faithful as a light and a witness for the LORD (see Matthew 5:14-16). Let us also find our courage in the place where Gideon found his—in the promise of God to be with us always. Jesus declared in Matthew 28:20, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” There is not one step of faithful obedience to the LORD that was absent the presence of Jesus.
 
All Christians are called out by God. It does not matter what it is, it will take courage to step away from where we might hide and let our light shine. Hold fast to the promise of Christ and know that Jesus walks with you as you step out by faith.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

​2 Corinthians 12:9-10 ~ “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
 
Let us give glory to God for the grace that we have received in Christ. Much is said of God’s grace, and many today take His grace for granted, as if they can easily presume upon His gracious love toward them. Let us do no such thing lest we minimize the true nature of God’s grace and think little of the price that was paid to procure it for us. For God’s grace was purchased at the cost of the Son of God. Through His suffering and death, He won the ultimate victory for all who believe on Him. Let us never think with such insolent minds, but humble ourselves before His Majesty, the LORD Jesus Christ, and receive with trembling hands the gift for which He paid so dearly. I encourage you to read 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 for the full context today.
 
And as we look upon His grace today, we read in our text the words of the LORD Jesus, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Tested and tormented, the Apostle Paul pleaded with the LORD to remove the troublesome condition that plagued his life. We read in 2 Corinthians 12:7, “So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited.” The LORD used Paul with great effectiveness and revealed many wonders to the apostle. Yet, that came at the price of a reoccurring difficulty that he described as a “thorn.” This was no small thorn, as if he were pricked by the briars of a rosebush. This was no mere pesky trial, but a severe test upon the life and heart of the apostle. It was a “messenger of Satan” a constant harassing envoy of the enemy of God. As the “accuser of the brothers” (see Revelation 12:10), this messenger might have been the constant reminder of past failures that troubled Paul’s present efforts. The great apostle was as yet imperfect, and weak in his flesh.
 
Which brings us to the desperate need for God’s grace. The LORD did not tell Paul that it was His wisdom that was sufficient, though it is absolute. Jesus did not remind Paul that it was His authority that was sufficient, though He reigns supreme. It was, and is, God’s grace that is the sufficiency for Paul—for the unmerited favor of Christ is what saves us and keeps us. Paul, reminded of past sins and present trials, was told to look not upon any other merit that he might possess, but to look to the grace of Christ. We are reminded in Ephesians 2:5, “even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.” Where will you look, beloved, when you are troubled by your past forgiven sins? Shall you look to yourself and hope you see a sufficient righteousness? Where will you look when the accuser stands at your ear and reminds you of your incomplete righteousness? Dear ones—look to the LORD and His all-sufficient grace, for it is there that you are reminded that He has done away with all your past sins and He has covered you in His righteousness.
 
And so now your weaknesses become the means of magnifying God’s grace. Paul continues, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” Are we not all the chief of sinners as Paul would describe Himself (see 1 Timothy 1:15)? And we have only weakness to offer the LORD of Glory. But in our weakness, He becomes our strength and is glorified for it shows that it is done by Christ and not ourselves. Paul would say in 2 Corinthians 4:7, “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.” We are the “jars of clay” my friends, and we are only held together by the power of the LORD Jesus. Let us, then, boast as the apostle Paul of our weaknesses, declaring that only by the grace of God and the power of His might do we even have the means of standing in the assembly of the redeemed.
 
Let us close this day content in our LORD, as Paul reminds us, “For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Let us always look to Jesus, holding onto Him by faith and trusting in His all-sufficient grace. Whether we are weak, persecuted or under some hardship, we can find our strength in Him.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael

​Hebrews 12:10-11 ~ “For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good, that we may share his holiness. For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.”
 
Will you submit to the work of the Father to bring your life to holiness?
 
Years ago, I was with a group of men in a situation unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. There were forty of us in a room, from all across the country and all bunked together. The man in charge clearly didn’t care if we disagreed with his efforts to disrupt our sleep early in the morning. He didn’t seem to listen if we ever complained that we were pressed beyond our limits in the activities he directed. He was our drill instructor and this was military basic training.  It took a while for me to realize that his task was to take the raw potential of undisciplined young men and break them away from their former selves in order to reshape them into someone who could endure the rigors and challenges of being a member of the armed forces of the United States. Those who submitted to his discipline were equipped to face the tasks that were waiting for them. Those who didn’t... they washed out.
 
Which brings us to our text today, and the opening question laid before us. God the Father takes all who are in Christ and moves us through times of testing and difficulty in order to transform us into the shining display of His righteousness. Just as our earthly fathers are supposed to train us up through our adolescent years, so God Almighty will do so—and do it in perfection. We read this in the opening statement of our text today, “For they disciplined us for a short time as it seemed best to them, but he disciplines us for our good.” Our earthly fathers only had what “seemed best” to them, and like all of mankind, the effort would always fall short of perfection. No father in this world could ever look back and say with certainty that they did it perfect—only that they tried their best. But our Father in heaven has no limitations of infirmity or lack of wisdom in His effort to discipline His children. And He does it “for our good.” We read in Psalm 119:71, “It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.” We have been freed from God’s wrath through Jesus Christ our LORD, but God’s heavy hand of discipline still acts upon us as a faithful Father upon His children.
 
And in the next portion of our text today we see what is the end-goal of the LORD, “that we may share his holiness.” To share in the holiness of God is to live a life of sanctified separation from all that is wicked and sinful in this world. It is to be set apart unto Christ that we might become like Him. The LORD Jesus gave His life that He might have a people unto Himself. We read in Titus 2:14 that Jesus, “gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” Holiness, beloved, is not a sanctified smugness that looks down upon all those who walk in this world. To be holy is to be so deeply in the care of and under the authority of the LORD that your life becomes like His. This process is not always pleasant, for our text reminds us, “For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant.” Even as the rigorous discipline received in basic training shaped the men who endured, so the work of God in our lives by His Spirit is not a pleasant experience but painful. Yet, that pain provides the means by which the LORD will transform our lives—for those who will submit to His discipline.
 
And that brings us to the final issue: we must submit ourselves to Christ and be transformed in the way that He sees best. Our text today concludes, “but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.” In the military I could step into the tasks that were set before me because I was initially given the needed discipline to endure. Let us also embrace God’s work in our lives to discipline us that we might have the necessary endurance to face the work that is before us. Psalm 94:12 declares, “Blessed is the man whom you discipline, O Lord, and whom you teach out of your law.”
 
Let us submit to the work of God to bring us to holiness. God the Father will discipline us in order to shape us and make us like His Son. It will bear forth the fruit of peace, but only for those who are trained by it.
 
In His Grace,
Pastor Michael