God's Holy War (Luke 3:1-18)

Luke reports Christ's growth in wisdom, stature, and favor of his father. 20 years later, John, son of Zechariah, begins his holy call for people to repent and believe in Christ, which is the radical call of the Gospel. This is God’s holy war going forth in this age: the call of the gospel to repent and believe in Christ Jesus.

Learning from Job’s Confession (Job 40:2)

We believe that God is all-powerful. God communicates this truth through his name El-Shaddai which means God-All-mighty. In Psalm 139, David asks the Lord to examine his heart. Job struggles with God searching his heart because Job believes there is no appeal. Job wants to appeal his case to God, but he claims that God is so mighty that one cannot draw near to God. Job eventually finds comfort in knowing that God is almighty because Job realizes the problem is with Job and not God.

How Can Jesus Increase (Luke 2:39-52)

We believe that Jesus is both fully God and fully human at the same time. These two natures are united in one person, without blending together. When we hear that Jesus "increases," we might ask how it's possible for God to become more? We learn a great deal about Jesus' purpose and his role as both God and man, who is our Savior.

God's Peering Eye (BC 1; Psalm 139)

In Job 13:27, Job accuses God of tracking his every move and restricting him. Elihu criticizes Job for portraying God as a sinister figure, while David welcomes God's presence in his life. Job eventually realizes that God is not malevolent. This is why David invites God to search his heart.

God's Promise Stands (Hosea 14:1-9)

Hosea tells us that the people have turned away from the Lord, looked to other nations, and sinned openly. He warns that Israel will be exiled for their sins, but offers hope by calling them to return to the Lord. We're reminded not to test God's grace, but also assured that it can reach even the darkest places. We are ultimately assured that the Lord will heal our apostasy and brokenness.

Anchored in God's Consistency (Jonah 4; James 1:17)

The Lord is merciful and doesn't punish Nineveh when they repent, but Jonah is unhappy about it. Some might think God is inconsistent, but Jonah knows God is merciful and will relent if people repent. Some believe God can change, but God is unchanging. God is passionate and fulfills his plans, so we should be encouraged that we are rooted in the unchanging true God, as James assures us.

Did God Annul His Promise? (Hosea 13:12-16)

The Lord's people have lost their fight for the Lord. In fact, Hosea rebukes Israel for turning away from the Lord. They do not want to turn back to the Lord, but continue to plunge headfirst into their sin. They have failed to build the model and replica of heaven on earth. Now, the Lord comes against his people. Does this mean that the Lord is too weak to save? We find out that God really is gracious. He does not go back on his promise even as National Israel will be exiled from the land.

Seeing the Invisible God (BC 1; 1 Timothy 6:16)

It would be really nice for us to show people God. It would be a very easy way to silence the skeptic and the critic who doubts that God exists. In fact, if we are honest, it would be nice to knock on God's door before entering his glorious throne room. However, this is not how God works in this time, but we are reminded that God dwells in unapproachable light. Paul reminds us that no one can see God nor has anyone seen God. We consider Paul's encouragement to be confident in an invisible God.

God Reviews Israel’s Case (Hosea 13:1-11)

Hosea rehearses the Lord's case against Israel. They have failed him, they have pursued Baal, and they have failed to have an exclusive relationship with the Lord. This prophet is warning us that we might think that we are fine because we can trust in everything other than the Lord. This is why John the Baptist calls Israel to turn away from their confidence and to turn unto Christ. Hosea is fundamentally exhorting God's people to find their contentment and fulfillment in the Lord and His kingdom.

Knowing the Incomprehensible God (BC 1; Acts 17:24-31)

We say that God is incomprehensible. This sounds as if we are never going to know God. We might be able to know a few things about God, but it sounds as if we will never really know God. This is strange considering that we are called to know the Lord. How can we know the Lord if the Lord is incomprehensible? We discover that while we cannot fully know everything about God we can certainly know our God.

God's Deliberate Discipline (Hosea 11:12-12:14)

We can wonder as God's people if God is for us or against us. We should see that Israel is certainly a unique place in covenant history. They model heaven on earth, but demonstrate that we need a savior. Israel shows that despite the Lord's redemptive mercy their hearts can still wander from the true God. Israel is the model of heaven on earth, but communicates we will never bring heaven on earth. Israel also reminds us that the Lord can discipline his people. We might feel as if God is distant, but Hosea reminds us that the Lord is shaping his people even when he feels distant.

Comforted by God's Majesty (Psalm 90; BC 1)

The Lord's majesty is certainly intimidating. We are people who will never be greater than God, and we will never usurp the Lord. Our temptation is to think that We just pull away from God or try to run. However, this is not a solution. In fact, Psalm 90 gives us the assurance that God's majesty is more assuring than threatening. God's majesty should invite us to draw closer to God rather than to run from him.

Unlikely Witnesses (Luke 2:28-38)

Moses received revelation from God that Israel is redeem the firstborn male. Payment had to be made for certain animals and for sons. Mary and Joseph do the ordinary task of paying this redemption because Jesus is their firstborn son. As they go to the temple to pay the redemption they receive revelation from two prophets about Christ's revelation. Mary and Joseph continue to marvel at the Lord's plan rather than understanding the necessity of Christ's advent.

Our Simple God (John 4:1-24;BC 1)

When we consider God we do not think that God is simple. In fact when we try to comprehend who God is we realize that he is rather majestic. In fact, he is beyond our comprehension. So, why would we say that God is simple and why does it matter so much for God to be God?

The Humble Shepherd (Luke 2:1-21)

The shepherds gather round the messiah to see this thing that has happened. It is magnificent that such a thing has happened. However, we can grow so familiar with the Christmas story that we lose the humanness behind this story. Please join us as we look at this familiar story once again on Christmas Eve.

A Deviant Name with Divine Purpose (Luke 1:57-80)

John's name is a source of controversy for Zechariah and Elizabeth. Their relatives think that this couple needs a family name. However, we see in a subtle way that the Lord is overturning Adam's fall. The Lord is raising up a new humanity. Truly the Lord remembers his oath as he demonstrates his grace and mercy once again.

Singing the Magnificent Humble Song (Luke 1:39-56)

When Scripture opens we are told that the Lord created this world good. We read of the adversary, Satan, who enters the garden of Eden. He wants to challenge whether or not God created this world good. Satan is arrogant, Satan thinks that he can humble the great God of heaven, and he tempts Adam and Eve to sin. Adam and Eve sin joining this Satanic community. They soon discover that God will not be humbled, man will not be worshipped, and man's exaltation is only found as man submits to God. This is the very theme that Mary celebrates.

God’s Almighty Word (BC 5, 10; John 1:1-18)

We wrap up our series on the means of Grace. We hear now that Christ is the action of God. He is not merely the word, but the one who confirms the Lord's word. He is the one who brought in the first creation, and he establishes us as a new creation. This means that word is more basic and prior to the sacraments. The preached word is not divorced from the true word. The sacraments are no divorced from the word. They all call our attention to the one true Christ.