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Jesus Moved into the Neighborhood

JMN 8: He Fulfills God's Plan

January 10, 2021

We don’t get a choice about whether to suffer losses or not in this life. But how can we make something positive happen from our life when much has been taken away from us? God the Son saw that humanity’s need for salvation was so great that he wrapped Himself in human flesh and suffered in order to save us. With the new life Jesus gives us, we can look for human needs around us and give to others a portion of what Jesus has given us. (Based on Isa. 53:1-12 & Luke 2:40-52.)

JMN 7: He Delights Over People

January 3, 2021

Humans usually think of themselves as being right, good and true, and we like to think that God would agree. But how do we know what God thinks of us? The Bible tells us that God delights over us and Jesus is the One who makes that happen. (Based on Isa. 61:10 - 62:5 & Luke 2:22-40.)

JMN 6: He Rescues

December 27, 2020

We don't like to admit that we might need to be rescued because that would be admitting that we are helpless. We are afraid of the hopelessness that would result if our needed rescue didn't come. But God is a faithful rescuer, and with the rescue He has given us through Jesus, we can live our lives with confident faith. (Based on Isa. 43:1-13 & Luke 1:26-38.)

JMN 5: He Sets People Free

December 25, 2020

The Good News from heaven first told to shepherds resonates down through the ages: "Do not be afraid… Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord." Jesus moved into the neighborhood to be with you because He loves you! (Based on Isaiah 9:1-7 & Luke 2:1-20.)

JMN 4: He Makes Things Right

December 20, 2020

A judgment that things need to change is often the first step toward making things right. God’s judgment is that we are lost and broken without Him. But God has also paid the cost to make us right. Jesus moved into our neighborhood and paid the cost for us to have healing and hope forever! (Based on Ps. 98:4-9, Isa. 61:1-4, 8-11 & Luke 1:39-56.)

JMN 3: He Comforts

December 13, 2020

Receiving comfort when we grieve has become much more difficult because of Covid. But when we consider the various kinds of grief and God’s comfort for each kind, then we are better able to receive the comfort He gives us through Jesus. With the comfort we have from Jesus, we can share that comfort with others. (Based on Ps. 100:1-5, Isa. 40:1-11 & Mark 1:1-15.)

JMN 2: He Restores

December 6, 2020

If we have ever wondered if this world is broken, the Covid-19 pandemic should remove all doubt. But how do we live a life of significance as a broken person in a broken world? We fix our eyes on Jesus, for He has not only started the process of restoring us and all creation, He will give us strength to endure until that process is complete. (Based on Psalm 23:1-6, Isaiah 40:21-31 & John 3:1-17.)

JMN 1: He Gathers

November 29, 2020

This pandemic is an opportunity for us to pause and reflect on what is really important. While this world values power, Jesus has shown us that choosing to be powerless before God is the way of faith, hope and love. Through His own powerlessness, Jesus began the process of gathering people into life with God now and forever life with Him in the new heaven and earth to come. (Based on Ps. 46:1-7, Isa. 11:1-12 & John 1:1-18.)