“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us…full of grace and truth.” John 1:14. We have been considering the implications of this verse as we start a new year. Since Jesus was full of grace and truth then it stands to reason that any follower who bears His name or any church that worships Him would be champions of grace and purveyors of truth. In fact, these are two of the vital signs of a healthy church. In spite of declining numbers, people still seek out churches for many reasons – to educate their children, to help with their marriages, to find friends who share their values, to be inspired and find some hope in a scary world. But the two common denominators of healthy churches are grace and truth.
Grow in Grace
January 10, 2016 • Dr. Gary Brandenburg
She was guilty as sin. She knew it, Jesus knew it, everyone knew it. Early one morning as Jesus was teaching near the temple, a group of Pharisees dragged a woman to Jesus and deposited her at His feet. She had been found in the arms of another man. The penalty for adultery was death by stoning. “Teacher, this woman has been caught in the act of adultery. 5 Now in the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women. So what do you say?’ 6 This they said to test him, that they might have some charge to bring against him.”
Grow in Grace
January 3, 2016 • Dr. Gary Brandenburg
Well it’s that time again - NY resolutions time. Even if we have given up on making a list there is still something about a new year that provides a little motivation to change, change habits, change our circumstances, or change our attitude. There will be a lot of changes in 2016. We will change presidents. No applause, if history is any indication, it won’t be long before you don’t like the next one either. Diets will change. My family will change. We look forward to welcoming a new grandson into the world in May. Some of you will change jobs, change neighborhoods, and of course you WILL NOT change churches! 2016 will bring 365 days of change. So this morning I want to focus on one thing that will not change – our calling, our purpose on this planet - to glorify God every day in 2016. Can you be more specific? Yes, I can. Turn to John 1:14-18.
