Skip to main content

1st Sunday in Advent: Resting in Christ

As we come to the first Sunday of Lent, we stop and celebrate the Resurrection.  

Just what does it mean for us, as Christians, that Jesus went to the cross, died, was buried, then resurrected, and has ascended to the Father?
The writer of Hebrews reminds us:

Hebrews 4:9-16 9  So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God,
10  for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.

11  Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience.
12  For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
13  And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
14
 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
15  For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
16  Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.  

In Jesus, we Rest.
In Jesus, we Receive God's Word.
In Jesus, we Return to receive grace, knowing that our weaknesses are not a sign of failure, but of the confidence we have in Jesus to supply all the grace that is needed for all our lives.

Enjoy your Sabbath Rest - Jesus does.

Peace

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Hands Full of Parcels

"A Man whose hands are full of parcels can't receive a gift."   - C. S. Lewis Romans 4:13-16 (ESV) 13  For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. 14  For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. 15  For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression. 16  That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all... The last four days have been best described by the word "fatigue".  It's not an uncommon word in our vocabulary.  Listless, tired, sore.  1300 miles of car travel, being sick, not sleeping well, and eating poorly all add up to the word - fatigue.   Someone onc...

The Tabernacle

The readings today are Exodus 36, 37, 38 I wanted to post some pictures of what these various parts of the Tabernacle looked like. It's not the easiest read in the world, but if you persevere through it, you can get a picture of all the different pieces that made up the tabernacle. It is a replica of the various parts of the Tabernacle in the Wilderness: First thing in the chapter listed is the outside of the tabernacle which consisted of curtains tied together and put on cross bars through loops. Next at the beginning of 37 is the table and lampstand: Also, the altar of incense: And, the altar for the burnt offering which was in the courtyard: Finally, the courtyard which made it all come together: Hope that helps with what it might have all looked like. Most importantly, this was their "place" of worship they were building. I hope you have a great day of worship. - Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

The difference between defending and explaining

The news of recent has focused the suffering of Christians in the middle east who have been martyred for their faith in Christ at the hands of Islamic Terrorists. Through the centuries many Christians have lost their lives as a result of their faith. For us, who live in America, there is little chance that we would have this happen here - but it's entirely possibly that terrorism will strike out at Christians sometime.  But, for many Christians in the western world - especially here in the U.S. - being a Christians who believes God's word there is a form of persecution that is defined by words like "ostracized", "passed over", "ridiculed", and more. What do we do in the face of opposition to faith? When the Apostle Peter writes to the early believers who are undergoing great pressure, even persecution for their faith in Jesus, he gives them this charge. 1 Peter 3:8-18 8  Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly lov...