Three Lakes Evangelical Free Church

Jesus submitted to suffering. With the cup of God's wrath before Him, Jesus asked if there was another way to accomplish redemption. Because there was not, He accepted suffering for us. We also can accept suffering for redemptive purposes.

Jesus wept over the lostness of humanity. We celebrate on Palm Sunday because we recognize that Jesus is king. And we will celebrate today! But many are blinded to this wonderful truth. Jesus weeps over them, and so should we. Ends with Luke 23:34.

Take drastic measures to fight lust. Jesus gets at the heart issue behind adultery: lust. He names two members of the body that commit acts of lust and adultery and then encourages their removal. Clearly, this sin is so deadly that it leads people to hell.

Anger leads to destruction. Everyone gets angry. But we need to admit the danger of anger is that is seeks the destruction of someone else in the area of reputation, finances, body, etc. Instead, we are to be people of reconciliation, which is more valuable than worship in the eyes of God.

Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law. Everything Jesus is about to teach hinges on this statement. The Law is not abolished, but Jesus does show us the right way to keep the Law. In fact, it is appropriate to now talk about the “Law of Christ.”

Jesus describes his disciples as peacemakers and persecuted. We should also cultivate and rejoice over these characteristics in our lives. The result of living as Jesus’ disciple is that we become salt and light.

Jesus describes his disciples as merciful and pure in heart. We should also cultivate these characteristics in our lives.

Three Lakes Evangelical Free Church

Three Lakes Evangelical Free Church

Three Lakes Evangelical Free Church

Three Lakes Evangelical Free Church

Three Lakes Evangelical Free Church

Humans are made in the image of God. However, there are ethical dilemmas that Christians face due to sickness and disease. Family members are faced with life and death decisions. How does the Bible help in these circumstances?

Pray like Jesus. Jesus taught His disciples how to pray. These six petitions give the proper priorities in prayer. So Christians ought to prioritize prayer in these six areas. Is there an area that you neglect in your prayer life? Ends with Matthew 6:15.

Three Lakes Evangelical Free Church

Three Lakes Evangelical Free Church

Get yourself ready for Jesus’ arrival. We plan and expect a great many things at Christmas. Advent is about expecting the birth of the Savior. Like the shepherds, we can listen to God’s plan of redemption and seek the Savior. Like the shepherds, we can tell others about the Savior and continue praising God. Doing this will make us ready for Christmas.

Give grace freely. The Gospel of John doesn’t start with the birth of Jesus, but instead the arrival of light. One of the things this light reveals is grace and truth. Moses brought the Law which. But Jesus brings grace and truth. To be grace-filled, we must get rid of legalism. We must give grace to those who lack it (they need it most right). And we can give thanks for all the gracious blessings of God through Jesus. Ends with Ephesians 2:8-9.

Love others as if they were family. (and often they are!) Joseph was a righteous man faced with a difficult situation. In compassion, he was ready to divorce Mary quietly, but God’s plan was for him to adopt the Son of God as his own. We also can adopt others into our lives as we love them. God will often direct us to do as He directed Joseph. Ends with John 1:12-13.

God makes great things out of the small. The wise men follow a star to Jerusalem. They are seeking the ruler mentioned in Micah 5:2. This great king would come out of the unlikeliest of places: Bethlehem. God loves taking what is small and insignificant and making something great and beautiful out of it. And that is what He does with our small efforts to honor Him at Christmas. Some people treat Jesus like one small ingredient out of many at Christmas, but actually, He is the main ingredient. Ends with John 3:16.