The Advent Season brings Hope

One of the many promises that Christians enjoy, is the hope of Christ's return. Although our efforts to encourage justice and mercy often fail, we cling to the strong hope that Christ will ultimately win these battles and bring us to a place of agreement and peace (Eph 2). Can you think of people of great vision who began a work that only succeeded after their deaths? 

Use the Right Tool

As Christians, we often feel helpless when faced with the injustices and fears around us. While we are morally obligated to take action, we often feel the inadequacy of our work. The Apostle Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 10 that we are facing spiritual problems that require spiritual tools to solve. Perhaps we should consider spending great effort asking God to intervene. 

The poor public speaker

There are many great speakers who influence us with strong presentation skills. The Apostle Paul declared himself a poor public speaker who relied on the Holy Spirit of God to make his case (2 Co 10:4-6). Although education, abilities, and preparation are good, they will never have the same power that God's Spirit has in influencing others.

Sitting on the Money

In 2 Corinthians 8, we learn of poor believers who insisted on giving to another group that had experienced a great hardship. Paul commends these poor believers for understanding that it's God who provides for our needs. Like the bread provided to God's people in Exodus 16:20 , wealth is fleeting. What causes us to not give? Do we truly believe that all we have is by God's grace?

What Does Repentance NOT Look like?

Judas Iscariot's repentance fails to ease his conscience and bring the forgiveness of God. Shortly after returning the silver he had gained by betraying Jesus and confessing his wrong-doing to his co-conspirators, Judas hanged himself. What was wrong with Judas' repentance? He sought only to improve how he was perceived by those around him. To that end, he did not seek forgiveness from God, but from those whom he considered important. 

Enjoy your circle status

Many of us are tempted to find meaning in the way others feel about us. We long to be a part of the "in" group. The great irony is that as Christians, we are already part of Christ's inner circle. When you consider your place next to the perfect Son of God, you no longer need to impress others and can be free to humbly serve them, while knowing that you are loved by the most important person in history.

What Jesus swapped

How much did Jesus love you? It's hard to imagine, but he loved us so much that he took our sin and gave us his righteousness - his perfect right-standing before God. In taking our sin, he also took the shame and the punishment that came with it. So, where does that leave you now? Have you realized the great sacrifice Christ Jesus made on your behalf? Have you accepted the guilt-free nature he offers you?