Ambassador Presbyterian

Passage: Genesis 11:1-9; Ephesians 2:11-22 We live in an increasingly multi-ethnic and multicultural society. Many of us have neighbors, coworkers, classmates, friends and some even family members of different ethnicities. Such diversity brings with it many blessings and opportunities to reflect the image of God and his redemptive purposes. But it also exposes the brokenness of our pride and sin as we face the various racial tensions and division in our hearts as well as in our communities. Racial division and strife has existed since the fall, and all of man's attempts to remedy it have failed. That's because the issue runs deeper than just appreciating and accepting our differences. It comes in understanding and embracing God's purpose in creating from one man, many nations, and through one man, uniting many nations, as one people. Join us Sunday as we continue in our series and consider the issue of race in the image of God.

Passage: Genesis 2:18-25 Last week we saw that God created man in his image both male and female, alike in value and dignity as his image bearers, yet distinct and different as man and woman, a difference reflected in engendered bodies and minds that are essential to who God designed us to be individually and his good purposes for us corporately as humans. This week we will look at how that good purpose is carried forth in God's design for and gift of marriage, and the significance that has not just in our current day where there is much confusion surrounding marriage and sexuality, but for understanding the grander story of God's redemptive, reconciling, renewing work of in this world of which marriage serves as a living parable. Join us this Sunday as we look at marriage and sexuality in the image of God.

Passage: Genesis 2:5-24 One of the most beautiful and significant truths in the Bible is that God “created man in his own image.” (Genesis 1:27) As we saw last week in the introduction to our series Created in the Image of God, mankind was made to reflect, relate and rule with his Creator. And essential to that truth are the next words in that verse which say “in the image of God he created him, male and female he created them.” God created humanity as two distinct sexes and genders made perfectly and purposefully both physically and spiritually to reflect his image. Unfortunately that reality is being suppressed and seeking to be silenced by the confusion and deception of what we might term the modern ‘gender identity crisis.” While such confusion has existed and had negative effects since the fall distorted the image of God in men and women, it has manifested itself in recent years in ways that have challenged the very categories of male and female. The result is a deception that says you can or even should create yourself in whatever image you feel or desire, a view that is causing untold damage to men and women, boys and girls created in God's image. The key to addressing this gender identity crisis is to hold forth the beauty and blessing of God's fearful and wonderful creation of each of us male or female just as he planned and designed, and Jesus' taking on our human flesh in order to redeem, dignify and restore what it means to be a son or daughter of God. Join us Sunday as we consider how we are created male and female in the image of God.

Passage: Genesis 1:1-31 I think it is safe to say that we currently live in a world, and in particular a culture that is suffering from extreme identity crisis. There seems to be a desperate search for the answer to the age old philosophical question, “Who am I?” However, most of the answers that are being given by the world do not give clarity, but actually contribute more to the confusion and controversy we find swirling around us. God's answer to that big question of identity is found in the opening pages of his Word: we are created in the image of God. The implications and the practical outworking of that truth are seen throughout God's unfolding story of creation, fall, redemption and restoration, and it informs and addresses so much of the identity crisis and confusion we see prevalent in our world today. For the next two months we are going to be going through a series of messages we're calling, Created in the Image of God. We will be looking at how that image is reflected in our being created male and female, in our being created with value and dignity, and in our being created for a purpose. We will look at how that image in those areas has been broken and distorted by sin, and how those elements are being restored in Christ's work of redemption. Also, we will consider the practical implications for us in addressing the identity crisis in our own lives and in the culture around us and in seeking to clear up the confusion caused by our chief enemy and the clouded thinking of man apart from God. Join us Sunday as we begin this series in what it means to be created in the image of God.

Passage: Psalm 103 Pastor Eddie Brown Do you ever make a list? I'm pretty sure we all do and we make all kinds of lists. We make lists because its not a good idea to simply rely on our memories. Otherwise we'll be standing in an aisle at the grocery store asking ourselves the question: What do I need to buy for that recipe? In Psalm 103 David makes a list of all of God's benefits, blessing, he has received. It's not a complete list, how could it be? Who can number the blessings we receive from the God of endless grace? But it's not enough just to have a list no matter how full it is. David isn't satisfied with only a list, but summons himself and all he is to bless, thankfully praise the Giver of all these gifts. Neither is David satisfied with being a choir of one, but calls on every creature and all of creation to join him in offering blessing back to the Lord. So David speaking by the Spirit calls us to join with him that we with our whole being, we on this side of the cross, join him in blessing the Lord.

Passage: Titus 3:1-11 As we come to the final months before the elections in our nation, the pressure increases to enter into the fray of political debate and echo the heated rhetoric of pundits on social media or in our social gatherings. As the days wind down on the calendar towards election day, the temperature cranks up on the campaign trail. There is nothing wrong, indeed it is right as believers, to participate in the privilege and process we have to elect our leaders. However, we must be careful that winning arguments or elections does not supercede or undermine our witness for Christ. Last week we saw that whatever the results in November, we have the kingdom-minded confidence that God ordains and institutes those in authority over us for his glory and good purpose in our lives. Therefore we can trust him and submit to those civil authorities who rule over us. With that in mind, this week we'll consider how can we enter into the election process with gospel-centered attitudes and actions focused on pointing people to King Jesus, rather than just promoting a particular candidate or cause. That begins by remembering God's sovereign goodness and mercy in electing us as his children and citizens of his kingdom. Join us Sunday as we look at Paul's instructions to Titus and find wisdom for the elect in an election year.

Passage: Romans 13:1-7 As we head into another presidential election season, there is no shortage of rhetoric and appeals to Christians as to how we should think and engage (and vote) in political affairs, a privilege and responsibility we share with all our fellow citizens of the USA. Yet much of that rhetoric and appeal tends to foster tensions and divisions among believers, and threatens to undermine the common unity and hope we share under the authority of our true King, Jesus. Over the next two weeks, we'll look at the reality of living for our King Jesus, under the authority of earthly rulers, and how, as believers, we can enter into a contentious election season with confident assurance and hope, as well as grace and goodness in the process that reflects the reality that we have been called by the King of kings, to serve him. Join us this Sunday as we look at our call to submit to God and to governing authorities, and the implications of that for believers who have the privilege of electing our governing authorities.

Passage: Malachi 4:4-6 The final words of the Old Testament given by God through the prophet Malachi are words of preparation. God has been calling his people to return to him in faith and obedience, and he has promised the day of his coming to refine and purify a people for himself and to bring judgment on all the wicked and evil. His final words give instruction in how they are to live in preparation for that day. He calls them to look back on his covenant commands given to Moses, and to look forward to the coming of Elijah the prophet who would prepare the people for the coming of the Lord himself. These words serve to bridge the gap of some four centuries of God's silence before God would break that silence in the coming of his Son. As we close out our series on Malachi, we will look at how God prepared his people then and continues to prepare us now for the coming of his Son. Join us Sunday as we consider Malachi's call to remember Moses, look for Elijah and how that prepares us to meet Jesus.

Passage: Malachi 4:1-3 As the book of Malachi comes to a close, God focuses the attention of his people forward towards the day of the Lord's coming. It is a day that will bring cataclysmic judgement for those who do evil. But for God's people, those who fear and trust him, it will be a like a new day dawning, bringing healing, joy and freedom. God closes the Old Testament with a promised sunrise in the future, that begins to show on the horizon in the coming of the Messiah, God's own Son Jesus. Join us Sunday as we consider the day that has dawned in the rising sun of righteousness.

Passage: Malachi 3:13-18 How do you view your service to the Lord? How do you respond to the call and commands of God to worship him and walk in his ways? For many in the days of the prophet Malachi, that call and command had become burdensome, resulting in words of grumbling and complaining, and wondering if such service is really worth it. But for some, their service flowed out of a sense of belonging, a recognition of God's sovereignty and covenant love for them, that resulted in a heart that esteems his name and encourages one another. Jesus reminds us that "out of the heart the mouth speaks," and God remembers the words and heart attitude of those who trust him, promising them a hope and a future as his treasured possession, promises that remain true for us through the coming of God's Son, Jesus Christ. Join us Sunday as we continue in our study of Malachi and hear God's gospel promises to those who esteem his name.

Passage: Acts 11:19-26 We welcome Rev. Josh Grimm to the pulpit this Sunday. Josh is Campus Pastor for RUF at Queens University in Charlotte, and one or our supported ministers/missionaries at APC. In our relationships with others it can be tempting to either put ourselves down in withdrawal, or to seek the status of what we think is power or self-importance. Instead, in how God used Barnabas we see a different way of relating to others rooted in the good news of Jesus.

Passage: Psalm 84:5-9 Mr. Chris Ellzey, Director of Ministry at Christ Covenant ARP in Greensboro and student of theology at RTS, under care of Grace Presbytery. The last time we heard God's Word from Psalm 84 we looked at the first beatitude which described the blessedness of dwelling in the presence of God. This week the Psalmist directs our attention to the second beatitude by focusing our attention on the importance of finding our strength in the Lord. What good news it is to be reminded that as we journey towards our heavenly home, we do not operate under our own strength, but in the mighty strength of our God!

Passage: Malachi 3:6-12 Billy Graham once said, "Your checkbook (we might say today, your credit card statement) is a theological document." It is an indicator of who or what you worship. Jesus put it like this, "where your treasure is, there your heart is will be also." (Matt. 6:21). How we view and relate to money and possessions says a great deal about how we view and relate to God. Indeed, as God confronts his people through the prophet Malachi and calls them to return to him in faith and obedience, the indication he gives of their wandering hearts is their failure to give the first fruits of their harvest and labors to the Lord and his work. God sees this not just as a lack of stewardship, but as robbery against him. Such strong words, however, are not just meant to rebuke, but to lead his people to return and be restored in love to him, and to receive the abundant provision and blessings of his promises. And as God says of himself, he does not change, and he calls us to put him to the test. If you wonder if your heart is wandering from devotion to the Lord, a good way to check is your "checkbook." Join us Sunday as we continue in Malachi and see God address a question of generosity.

Passage: Malachi 2:17-3:6 One of the ongoing struggles that those who know and believe God have to deal with is how can there be so much evil, so much injustice in the world; so much prospering of the wicked and suffering of the righteous? And it's a struggle that can quickly turn from genuine concern to guarded cynicism in which we begin to question God's goodness and justice. And as we see in Malachi's day, such a response can be "wearying" to the Lord, trying his patience. But thankfully God does not lose patience, but reminds his people of his covenant and promising to send the messenger of the covenant, the Lord himself, who will exercise justice both in purifying and cleansing his people, and punishing and consuming those who are against him. The question is will we be refined or will we be consumed? The answer lies in the unchanging character and covenant promises of God that are fulfilled in Christ. Join us Sunday as we continue our study in Malachi and consider the question of justice.

Passage: Malachi 2:10-16 This week we return to our study of the book of Malachi. God's people, having returned from decades of exile in Babylon, resettled in Jerusalem and restored worship in the temple, have nevertheless grown cold in their love for God. Despite his covenant love for them, expressed so clearly in chapter 1 verse 2, worship has become a half-hearted ritual, the leaders have turned aside from God's word and ways, and the people have stumbled and begun to conform to the ways of the world around them. And one area where God's people were conforming to the culture around them was in their relationships with one another, and particularly in the relationship of marriage. They were approaching marriage (and relationships with fellow believers) with a consumerist mentality, rather than a covenant loyalty. God confronts their sin of faithlessness and calls them back to covenant faithfulness, particularly in their marriages. Join us Sunday as we return to Malachi as he addresses a question of relationships.

Passage: Malachi 2:1-9 The failure of leaders almost always has negative impact on those whom they lead, and nowhere is that more true than in the church. We live in a day where the failure of Christian leaders often on a large and public scale, has caused damage to the life and faith of large numbers of followers of Christ. So when God confronts the decline in honor and devotion and the rise in careless worship among his people through the prophet Malachi, it is no wonder he calls to account the priests whose calling was to lead the people to worship and walk according to God's word. And what he has to say about that calling and the failure to carry it out well, is a serious and sober warning to those who are called to spiritual leadership and pastoral ministry in the church. Join us this Sunday as we continue in our series in Malachi where God addresses the question of leadership among his people, highlighting the curse of failed leaders and the call to faithful leaders.

Passage: Psalm 23 Pastor Eddie Brown Psalm 23 might be called The Gospel According to David or The Gospel in Four Words. If Yahweh, the ever-existent, self-sufficient God is our Shepherd, we truly have all we need. He makes and will make all the dark valleys, even that of death, light and life for us. This and all He has for us is indeed gospel, good news.

Passage: Malachi 1:1-5 Have you ever questioned God's love? Have you ever given God half-hearted worship or found yourself apathetic towards his word and will? Has your heart waned in its passion for God such that you've settled into a lazy, lethargic, lukewarm attitude in your faith? Those feelings describe the people of God following their return from exile in Babylon and the reestablishment of the temple and rebuilding of Jerusalem, where they settled down and settled into a life that quickly became spiritually disillusioned and apathetic, and it describes many in the church today who find themselves questioning God's love or just going through the motions in their walk with God. It was to such a people that God sent the prophet Malachi with one last message before there would be a lull in divine revelation for the next four centuries, and his message is still applicable and relevant for his church today. It is a message reminding us of God's covenant love and the committed life to which it leads, and calling us to return to him in adoration, devotion and anticipation of his promised deliverance through Jesus. This summer we will embark on messages through the book of Malachi, the last of the recorded prophets in the Old Testament, and look together at what God has to say about his covenant love and our committed life.

Passage: 1 Thessalonians 5:23-28; 2 Thessalonians 3:16-18 The letters of Paul and the other apostles in the New Testament often open and close with a blessing of grace and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus. As he closes his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul's benediction broadens that appeal to include God's work of sanctification in the life of the church. Indeed, our sanctification is a work of God's grace that results in God's peace. As we conclude our series in Thessalonians, it is fitting that Paul gives one last prayer of assurance and gospel-hope in the midst of hostility: that the God of peace will complete the work of he has begun in us through the sanctifying grace of his Spirit in us. Join us Sunday as we consider the sanctifying work of the God of peace and grace.

Passage: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-15; 2 Thessalonians 3:6-15 In the military code of justice, a soldier can be disciplined for disorderly conduct for actions that disturb the peace and brings disrepute on the armed service. In Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians, he makes a similar charge on those believers who are unwilling to work for a living, but rather are burdening and disrupting the peace of the rest of the Christian community. Paul notes that this disorderly conduct is unbecoming of a Christian, not in line with the commands of Scripture and subject to discipline. Rather, the call to work is a blessing of our King and a benefit to our community. Join us Sunday as we look at the disciplined life as it relates to our calling to work.

Passage: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-16 When it comes to big changes or significant life events, most of us don't like surprises. We like to have a heads up, some kind of sign or indication that something is on the horizon. The Bible tells us the most significant event still to come in history, in fact the final culmination of all of history, the second coming of Jesus, could come at any moment. And while in that sense it will be surprising, it need not catch us by surprise as God has given us a heads up as to how to be prepared. In addressing some questions about Christ's return, Paul reminds the believers at Thessalonica, and us today, that certain things must happen before that day that give us a heads up that the day is near. These signs are not meant to confuse us, but to confirm to us the truth of God's promises in the gospel and the confidence we have in that truth. Join us Sunday as we look at what must happen before Christ appears.

Passage: 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12 When we think of judgment, the first image that often comes to mind is negative. We think of being judged wrongly or with the idea of penalty often connected with judgment. Even as believers we'd sometimes would rather not think about God's judgement. But judgment actually has a very positive element as well when it involves clearing the innocent and exercising rightousness and justice. On the Day of judgment at Christ's second coming, both will be true. It will a righteous judgment that vindicates and releases believers from all suffering to glory, and that also unleashes the vengeance of God upon all who do not know him or believe in his Son Jesus. This week, we will move into Paul's second letter to the Thessalonians where he continues to instruct the church on the details of Christ's return, and in particular to help them see that trials and suffering they are facing are actually an indication of God's righteous judgment both in affirming their worthiness as his children and in anticipating his wrath upon those who oppose him and his church. Join us Sunday as we resume our study in 1 & 2 Thessalonians and consider the righteous judgment of God in Christ's return.

Passage: Matthew 5:1-12 Paul's message to the Thessalonians tells us that these new, mostly non-Jewish believers, had experienced transformed lives. Paul is also clear that his instructions in how to live were grounded in what Jesus himself had revealed about kingdom living. This is why this week's excursion into the Sermon on the Mount, specifically the Beatitudes, provides a window into the characteristics Paul and the other apostles taught in terms of living lives that were to be pleasing to God. Join us this Sunday as we consider Kingdom Living in the Fallen World.

Passage: 1 Thessalonians 4:16-5:11 There have been countless books, articles and pamphlets written and predictions made on when Jesus will return. To this day, they all have missed the mark. Paul reminds the Thessalonians that they don't need anything written on this, because all we know regarding that time for sure is that Jesus is coming and it will be sudden. For believers, this is not a matter of speculation or, even in some ways, surprise, but one of certainty and assurance. We've been given the light of day to see this grand event clearly and to meet if confidently in Christ. So of all people, Christians should be ready when Jesus comes again. Join us Sunday as we continue in Thessalonians encouraging one another with the truth that Jesus is coming!

Passage: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 We often associate advent with the season of Christmas and the anticipated, awaited hope of the birth of the Jesus. But because of Easter, we live in an ongoing season of advent hope, awaiting the coming of Christ again, at which time all those in Christ will be raised with him in glory to eternal life in his presence. And yet this second advent period is not without its grief, as we still face the trials of sin, the loss of loved one and the specter of death ourselves. Paul reminds us that when it comes to death, Christians do not grieve as those without hope, because we know Christ died and was raised from the dead. Therefore our hope is sure, and we will see him again. Join us this Easter Sunday as we celebrate our risen Savior and the resurrection hope that he will coming again so that we will always be with the Lord.

Passage: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 As Jesus entered Jerusalem on what has become known as Palm Sunday, he did so knowing that the week ahead held forth incredible suffering and ultimately a painful death by crucifixion. The power by which he was able to enter into and endure such trials was that of love. Love for his Father and love for those whom his death would redeem. He taught and demonstrated this love to his disciples on the night before his death, and he commanded them, "as I have loved you, you also are to love one another." (John 13:34-35) This love would be the defining mark of his followers. In Paul's letter to the Thessalonians, he commends them for having learned this love from God, and having lived it out among one another, and then he exhorts them to do so more and more. And the way he encourages them to demonstrate that love is by living a quiet life and working hard so as to be a good witness to outsiders. Join us Sunday as we consider what it means to live a quiet life of love that labors well.

Passage: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8

Passage: 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13 We've all had the experience on the phone when the voice on the other end begins to sound garbled and fades in and out, and we have to ask, “Are you still there?” A connection problem on the phone can easily hamper communication, cause misunderstandings, or literally leave us feeling cut off from the person on the other side. One of the more common concerns I hear from people about the church and about their own lives is that there is a connection problem. They just don't feel connected to others in the body of Christ. When asked what they mean by this, the answers can vary all over the place, and what one person describes as being connected may be totally different than another person's description. In 1 Thessalonians, Paul is writing to a group of believers from which he had been literally disconnected by distance and time. At the end of the second chapter, Paul opens up his heart and shares his deep longing and affection for the believers there, and in doing so, he demonstrates for us in his own life the nature and qualities of connection in the body of Christ that can help us to see what we should both seek to experience and strive to express in our own relationships. Join us Sunday as we hear what God has to say to us about true gospel connection.

Passage: 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16 As Christians and members of the body of Christ, we pray that God would be at work in our lives and in the life of his church. We pray for God to do his saving, sanctifying and strengthening work in us and through us. And yet, we can easily neglect or even forget the primary way he does that work: through the hearing and receiving of his Word. We are right to place a high priority in the church on the preaching and teaching of God's Word, but do we place as much emphasis on how we hear and receive it? Are we praying not just for the Word preached, but the Word received such that it bears much fruit in our own hearts and lives. One of primary reasons Paul was thankful for the Thessalonian church was their growth in faith, love and hope, the cause of which he reminds them is that they received the gospel for what it truly was, the Word of God at work in them. Join us this Sunday as we come to hear what God has to say about the work of his Word, and pray for him to open our ears and hearts to hear and receive what he has for us.

Passage: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 We are all quick to defend ourselves from criticism and attack, especially when it is rooted in falsehoods and malice. But often our goal is to defend our reputation, our rightness, our record. Paul finding himself and his ministry under attack after leaving Thessalonica, writes back to defend himself. But he doesn't do so to prove his greatness as an apostle, but to show them Jesus and the power of the gospel at work in and through his ministry in the lives of the Thessalonians. In doing so, he helps us to see the true marks of a faithful gospel ministry. Join us Sunday as we continue our series in 1 Thessalonians and celebrate our union with Christ and one another in the Lord's Supper.

Passage: 1 Thessalonians 1:5b-10 In today's world, those with enough followers on social media are often labeled as "influencers" and paid to steer their followers towards a certain product or point of view by virtue of their endorsement. Jesus is the greatest influencer in all of history, and those who follow him become gospel influencers themselves by virtue of the powerful change and testimony of their lives. But that influence is not towards products or perspectives that promise a better life, but towards a person, indeed the Person, who promises life itself: the true and living God. In his letter, Paul gives thanks for the gospel influence of the Thessalonian church. Join us Sunday as we continue in our study of 1st Thessalonians and seek as individuals and as a church to better understand and live as gospel influencers in our community and culture today.

Passage: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 In marriage, a husband and wife mark the promises they make to one another with visible symbols. The ring signifies their union to one another and identifies that union to others. Each year, they may remember, celebrate and reaffirm that union with an anniversary date or meal. God gave his church two important outward symbols of his covenant of grace to redeem his people through the death and resurrection of his Son, Jesus. The sacraments of Baptism and the Lord's Supper signify Christ and the benefits of his grace, mark our interest in and union with him, and set us apart from the world as belonging to him. But they are more than just symbols, they are means by which God continues to minister his grace and strengthen his body, the church. Join us this Sunday we continue in our series on the church and consider the question "Why the Sacraments?"

Passage: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31 We live in a low commitment culture where people are generally hesitant to officially join or commit to anything. Sometimes this is out of a growing distrust of institutions or authority, but often it is out of a fear that we might miss out on something better. We like to keep our options open. The same can be true in the church. Why should we be members of a particular church? Isn't the church bigger and more diverse than just one particular group? Isn't "membership" in the universal body of Christ what counts? Does the Bible even have anything to say about becoming a committed member of a local church? These are valid questions and are particularly relevant in a society increasingly committed to low-commitment. Join us Sunday as we continue in our series of message on the church and see what God's word says about "why join the church."

Passage: Acts 2:42-47 If you've ever been to a large athletic event, a rally for some cause, or just seen a large crowd gathering and wondered "what's up," you know that gathering in person with others is much different than just watching something on a screen or reading about something in an article. The effect of being physically present changes all kinds of things. Covid only magnified that. God created his church to be a gathered people, and the nature and function of the church as his body necessitates that we come together as members of one body, as brothers and sisters in one family. Yet, many today would question the need or priority of the church coming together at a particular time and place. This Sunday we'll continue in our series "Why the Church?" to see what God's word says about why we should gather as the church. Come gather with us!!!

Passage: Ephesians 2:11-22 According to recent research, we are currently experiencing in America a huge shift away from church involvement, a “great dechurching” across the spectrum of Christianity. Most of us know or have family or friends who for some reason or other have left the church. We live in an age and a culture that increasingly questions the significance and relevance of the church, and the events of recent years, along with advances in technology, have even led some believers to question basic assumptions about the church. Over the next several weeks we will seek to address a few of those questions from God's word in hopes of encouraging our confidence in and commitment to the body of Christ into which God has called us, as well as help us better reach out in grace and love to those who may wonder, “Why the Church?”

In some ways it is fitting that we transition into the season of Advent with our final message from the book of Job. Chapter 42 of Job not only gives us a happy ending where Job's suffering is reversed and his fortune restored, but it gives us a glorious picture of the gospel and the reconciliation and restoration that Jesus came to earth to bring through his own suffering, death and resurrection. The conclusion of Job gives us a living parable of the hope that is to be found in Jesus, who perfectly satisfies God's justice and secures God's mercy for sinners like you and me.  Join us Sunday as we conclude our study of Job in anticipation of the advent of One greater than Job, our Lord Jesus.

Passage: Luke 2:1-21 Luke's account of Jesus' birth contrasts the extraordinary power and providence of God to bring about the rather ordinary and humble arrival of his own Son. God moves in the heart and reign of the most powerful earthly king to properly prepare the time and place for the birth of the King of kings. And he appears to a most distrusted and despised group of shepherds, to be the first to greet the arrival of the Good Shepherd and to proclaim the good news of great joy. Join us this Sunday as we continue our advent series in Luke's gospel and rejoice with the shepherds that unto us a Savior is born, who is Christ the Lord.

Passage: Luke 1:26-45 It makes sense that when God breaks his silence of 400 years, he would do so to a priest in the temple at Jerusalem. But the angel Gabriel's next visit is a bit surprising. He appears to a young, engaged virgin, in a small town called Nazareth, and announces that she will give birth to the Son of God. This news which from a human perspective would be distressing, from a divine perspective is truly a blessing, not only for Mary who believes God's promise and submits to his will, but for all who do the same and rejoice in God their Savior. Join us Sunday as we continue in Luke's account of Jesus' birth and see that a servant is blessed.

Passage: Luke 1:5-25; 57-66 After over 400 years of waiting without any word from the Lord through his prophets to his people, the silence is broken in an angel's appearance to an elderly priest named Zechariah. The news the angel brings is a shocking surprise that is first received with unbelief, but is later revealed with great joy and blessing as God prepares the way for an even greater revelation and Word to his people.

Passage: Job 32-37 Having given the closing arguments in his claim of unjust suffering, we now wait to see how God will respond to Job. But first, seemingly out of nowhere a young man named Elihu appears to give his opinion on the matter. Biblical scholars are widely split on Elihu's contribution to this story, but one thing is certain, he has a lot to say, and if we listen carefully, we will find that there is wisdom in his words, wisdom that paves the way to hearing from the One who is true Wisdom and Righteousness. Join us Sunday as we hear surprising wisdom from a young man.

Passage: Job 29-31 In a trial, the closing arguments are the final summation of all that's been presented in the case, and is given to persuade the jury and the judge of the guilt or innocence of the defendant. Job having received and refuted the accusations of his friends, now takes up his final defense and gives his closing arguments against his unjust suffering and pain. His summation ends with a plea that God would hear and answer his claim to righteousness and justice. In his closing arguments, we see a foreshadowing of the case that is made on our behalf, by our advocate and redeemer, Jesus Christ Join us Sunday as we look at Job's closing arguments before he finds himself standing before Almighty God.

Passage: Job 22-28 As the debate between Job and his friends continues, we see the friends fall silent in their growing frustration, while Job speaks more boldly out of his growing faith. Though he still cannot understand God's seeming absence and silence in his suffering, and he knows that God is sovereign and just in all things, Job remains steadfast in his faithfulness to God's word and refuses to give in to his accusers that say he deserves this punishment. Indeed, to do so would be to confirm Satan's charge that Job only loves God for his blessings. No, Job will cling to the only hope he has and that is that he knows God considers him righteous or blameless in his eyes. In other words, Job clings to the gospel as he knows it. Join us Sunday as we learn from Job what not to let go of in the midst of trials and suffering.

Passage: Job 4-14 You know how frustrating it can be when you are utterly convinced you are right, but everyone else around you is convinced that you're wrong. As the comfort of Job's friends turns more and more into condemnation, and as Job is more convinced than ever that he has not done anything to deserve the suffering he's facing, he more and more realizes there is only one who can come to his defense, and it is the same one who he feels is bringing this suffering upon him. He doesn't understand it, but he becomes convinced that his only vindication can come from God who he sees as both his judge and his only hope for justification. This glimmer of hope we saw last week, begins to brighten in Job's mind and heart, even as he continues to battle the increasing darkness of his situation. Join us Sunday as we continue in our study of Job and see his hope in a Redeemer who lives.

Passage: Job 4-14 As Job's suffering and pain continue unabated and unexplained, his friends show up to offer comfort and counsel. As Job begins to voice the "why" questions that suffering bring, his three friends offer answers that while meant to shine light on his pain, actually contribute to the deepening darkness of his plight. However, as Job responds to their darkening counsel, he begins to express glimmers of a dawning hope. Join us Sunday as we continue in our study of the book of Job and when the righteous suffer.

Passage: Job 2:11-3:26 It is not unusual in the hour of tragedy or suffering for God to give us grace to stand up under this pain, and in faith to proclaim his sovereignty even in suffering. But what happens when the hour of our trials turns into days, months or even years? How do we respond when the pain lingers long? After sitting in silence for some time, Job finally bursts forth with cries of anguish, and his words are both shocking and comforting. Join us Sunday as take a look at what we can learn from Job when the pain lingers long in suffering.

Passage: Job 1:6-2:10 The book of Job opens with a series of tragic events that leave Job materially destitute, physically disabled, and emotionally isolated. It is suffering and pain almost unimaginable in its proportions, yet all to familiar in its effect of leaving us wondering what in the world is going on? We are given a glimpse of what Job could not see, but what in his heart he knew and believed. Behind these earthly trials there was a heavenly purpose which God was ultimately working, and though he could not fully understand, he still believed and trusted. His initial response proves that and sets the table for dealing with the many questions that will follow. Job's story is given to us not to answer all the questions that suffering brings, but to prepare us to respond in faith when it comes. Join us Sunday as we consider what in heaven is going on in times of suffering.

Passage: Job 1:1-12 In our series in Proverbs this summer, we saw that those who pursue and live according to God's wisdom generally experience blessings such as prosperity, peace, health, protection, guidance and long life. The overall message of Proverbs is the way of the wise or righteous leads to life and joy and the way of the foolish or wicked leads to suffering and death. But what about when the righteous suffer? What are we to make of deep pain, loss, tragedy and suffering in the lives of those who trust God and whose way is blameless and upright? That question is at the heart of the story of Job, a great man who suffered greatly. And while Job does not get all his questions answered (and neither do we), his life and his response to suffering, have a great deal to teach us about facing suffering of our own or of others, trusting God's sovereignty in suffering, and hoping in the redemption that comes through suffering, even when we don't have all the answers. Join us this Sunday as we kick off our fall series in the book of Job: When the Righteous Suffer.

Passage: Proverbs 8:22-36