Elf

Beltway Park Church

December 17, 2023 • David McQueen

God wants to give us a supernatural power to have joy (Luke 2:8-11). At the birth of Jesus, an angel of the Lord appeared to nearby shepherds and proclaimed to them good news of great joy concerning the Savior of the world. Christmas – the coming of Jesus – is meant to bring us immense joy. His birth reveals God’s heart for us, that the King of Kings, the Creator of the universe, and the One who is above all rule and authority wants us and is for us. He takes great delight in His followers and rejoices over us with singing (Zephaniah 3:17). With the help of the Holy Spirit, that reality enables us to live with a contagious joy regardless of our circumstances.

Faith in the Polar Express

December 10, 2023 • Geoffrey Turner • Hebrews 11:1–3, Matthew 1:18–21

Faith is believing that God is who He says He is, and that He will do what He says He will do (Hebrews 11:1-3). Like in the movie The Polar Express, the presence of doubt is real and affects everyone, especially when it comes to the birth of Jesus and who He is. We struggle to believe fully in Jesus because of skepticism, pain, and disappointment. But when we do believe, it pleases God and positions us for blessing and reward. When we embrace genuine faith in Jesus, our lives are transformed, our faith begins to produce action, and God shows up and moves in powerful ways.

It's a Wonderful Life

December 3, 2023 • David McQueen

Christians live not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45). Like Paul quoting the storytellers of his day (Acts 17:28) to share the gospel of Jesus and His kingdom, movies and television today often echo elements of the story. It is these elements that stir God-given desires within us, like the desire for love and acceptance, the desire to see good triumph over evil, and the desire for adventure. In particular, the Christmas movie It’s a Wonderful Life points to the truth that Jesus came not to be served but to serve, to give His life as a ransom for many. And even though Jesus alone is the ransom for sin, we as His followers should emulate Him and seek to give our lives for others. We are God’s workmanship, created and designed to do good works – things that matter and have an eternal impact (Ephesians 2:10).