Wednesday, November 28, 2018

Advent, Expectation and Hope Fulfilled



The Season of Advent
Advent means “arrival” or “coming.” The season of Advent (the four Sundays leading up to Christmas) offers us an opportunity to spiritually prepare for the Christmas season by focusing on the coming of Christ into the world (past), in our hearts (present), and the “second coming” (future). 

Each Sunday worship service during Advent we will include special Scripture readings as we light the candles of the Advent Wreath. December is a very special time to gather as God's people for worship, to celebrate the One who has brought joy to the world.  

To help make your journey to Christmas more meaningful for you and your family, you can access and read online or print the Advent Devotional, “Hark, The Glad Song.” https://www.luthersem.edu/advent/2018_Advent_Devotional.pdf


Tuesday, November 20, 2018

The Christian's First Aid Kit


The Christians First Aid Kit
Go to Scriptures in times of trouble

More than likely you have some kind of First Aid kit. They are certainly handy and convenient to have around the house or when you go on vacation or some other outing away from home. There are a few basic items in my First Aid kit that I have found helpful: Bandages of various sizes, antiseptic cream, tweezers, gauze, scissors, tape, painkiller, Benadryl, and alcohol wipes. When you have some type of emergency, these are life savers!

As a Christian you need a spiritual first aid kit of sorts, you need some “go to” Scriptures that can readily be prayed in your time of need or trouble. Following are ten (10) Bible passages that every Christian should become very familiar with and to hide in your heart so that you can access them and pray anytime, anywhere, and in any situation. They are life savers!

1 John 1:9
When Your Sin Has Made a Mess of Things
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”

Philippians 4:6-7
When You Are Anxious
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Jeremiah 33:3
When You Need Answers
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.”

Isaiah 40:31
When You Are Weak
“But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Psalm 23:4
When You Are Afraid
“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

Deuteronomy 31:8
When You Feel Alone
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Psalm 55:22
When You Are Overwhelmed
“Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”

Psalm 34:18
When You Are Brokenhearted
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Jeremiah 29:11
When You Need Hope
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Philippians 4:13
When You Feel Like Giving Up
 “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.”


Pastor Joe
"I thank my God every time I remember you." Philippians 1:3

Tuesday, November 13, 2018

Coming Soon, "A Night in Bethlehem"



A Night in Bethlehem
Saturday and Sunday, December 8th and 9th
6:00-9:00 p.m. Each Night
We are just weeks away from our special Christmas event, “A Night in Bethlehem.” This guided "walk through" dramatic retelling of the Christmas story highlights the wonder and majesty of what God did in coming to bring his amazing salvation. You still have time to be involved as there are areas of ministry still available, from cast members to welcome center helpers. Sign up at the Connection Center. We will soon have available “Invite” cards available that you can use to give to others letting them know about this event.  


Pastor Joe
"I thank my God every time I remember you." Philippians 1:3