Do you ever just take a moment and reflect on the impact God has had on your life? I spent some time in prayer and reflection this morning just thinking about many of the ways that God has impacted my life. None bigger than the grace He has freely given us. The Bible reminds us over and again of the grace that God has poured out upon us. I think that is because we need to reflect on that truth regularly. We need to be reminded of God’s amazing grace in our lives each and every day. Perhaps one of the best reminders in scripture is found in Ephesians 2, let’s look at it together today. 

As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, 2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. 3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. 4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. 6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, 7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. 8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

We were dead in our sins and God made us alive. We have been saved by grace that comes exclusively through faith in Jesus. There is nothing that we can do to earn or deserve it. Not only that but God also reminds us of the daily grace He extends to us as He has prepared works for us to do through His grace here on earth. Take some time today and thank God for the amazing grace He has given us. 

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave

Hello Advent Family,

Do you ever think about the fact that you are God’s special possession? He loves us and wants the very best for us. He leaves us with the responsibility to share His love as a blessing not because He needs us to. He longs that we would come to more and more know Him and love Him. He gives us the power and strength of His Holy Spirit within us. Let’s look together at Ephesians 1 today.

When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, 14 who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. 18 I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, 19 and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength 20 he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, 21 far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come. 22 And God placed all things under his feet and appointed him to be head over everything for the church, 23 which is his body, the fullness of him who fills everything in every way.

To think that the all-powerful God of the universe thinks of us in such a way is humbling. It is also encouraging. If I am God’s and He wants so much for me I should boldly attempt great things for Him. There is no reason to fear because God will make sure that I always end up landing on my feet. I am His and He is with me and watches over me. He gives me His power to know and to serve Him. Today and every day pray that God would give you the strength to boldly attempt great things for Him. 

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave

Hello Advent Family,

We just got back from a great Advent Men’s Retreat in Marathon. We looked at the lives of some of the heroes of the faith and saw how God formed character in them in a variety of ways and circumstances. I often get asked from men when they get back how they can keep up the momentum from a weekend like that. I don’t think the answer is as complicated as we may think it is. Let’s look at a few words from Paul in Galatians 6 together today.

7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. 9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.

The reality is that we need to keep doing the same things. You probably won’t listen to quite as many talks in your regular life but the key for me is intentionality. There are talks on a weekend like that but to me the real value is in talking about life and faith with each other. Taking a little time out of the business and chaos of life and intentionally talking with others about faith and life. That is something you can make time for every day. Retreats are great and are a nice boost or jumpstart but the real key is working on our faith lives each and every day. Try it and see what God does in and through your life.

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave

The book of Galatians speaks over and over again about being freed from the law.  Chapter 5 turns a corner though.  Since we are free how are we to live?  Let’s look at the passage together today.  

13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. 14 For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 If you bite and devour each other, watch out or you will be destroyed by each other. 16 So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. 17 For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other.

Here at Advent we are in the middle of a series talking about the fruit of the Spirit.  The point we have been stressing each week is that the more we are connected to Jesus the more fruit naturally flows out of our life.  The more we rely upon ourselves the more we have a tendency to indulge in the flesh.  Our independence from the law should steer us to dependence upon Jesus.  When we depend upon Jesus that is when we are truly free and not a slave to our own passions and desires.  May we all more and more lives lives that are dependent on Him and share from the overflow of His love in our lives. 

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave

One of the great themes of faith is the difference between religion and a relationship.  The Pharisees were all about religion, Jesus was interested in relationship.  Religion is characterized by rules and regulations, relationship is characterized by love.  Despite these clear differentiations, throughout history people have clung to religion over relationship.  The early church was no exception to this and Paul’s letter to the Galatians addresses this over and over.   Let’s look together at chapter 4 today.

8 Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. 9 But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces? Do you wish to be enslaved by them all over again? 10 You are observing special days and months and seasons and years! 11 I fear for you, that somehow I have wasted my efforts on you. 12 I plead with you, brothers and sisters, become like me, for I became like you. You did me no wrong. 13 As you know, it was because of an illness that I first preached the gospel to you, 14 and even though my illness was a trial to you, you did not treat me with contempt or scorn. Instead, you welcomed me as if I were an angel of God, as if I were Christ Jesus himself. 15 Where, then, is your blessing of me now? I can testify that, if you could have done so, you would have torn out your eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I now become your enemy by telling you the truth? Those people are zealous to win you over, but for no good. What they want is to alienate you from us, so that you may have zeal for them. 18 It is fine to be zealous, provided the purpose is good, and to be so always, not just when I am with you. 19 My dear children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you, 20 how I wish I could be with you now and change my tone, because I am perplexed about you!

Paul doesn’t understand how the Galatians, who had embraced his message, are running so quickly back to the idea of the law.  Sometimes we are more comfortable with rules and regulations, systems and structure than we are with Jesus.  Jesus was a radical, He calls us to a radical lifestyle.  A lifestyle that is uncomfortable.  We are called to love our enemies, to pray for those who persecute us, to serve others selflessly and share God’s love with the world.  In many ways following a set of rules and regulations is easier, the problem is that it gets us nowhere.  Jesus calls us to a life changing relationship with Him and relationships with each other that are characterized by love.  May we boldly follow wherever He leads us!

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave

Hello Advent Family,

Grace doesn’t make sense.  Everything in life is based on performing.  You study hard and do well in school, you get an A.  You work hard at your job, you get a promotion or raise.  You do well at a sport or hobby, you get recognition and praise from others.  Grace is different.  God does for us what we could never accomplish.  Perhaps that is why it is so easy to slip back into “law” thinking.  Thinking that somehow we can or need to earn God’s favor.  The Galatian church struggled with this and often we can too today.  Let’s look together at Paul’s words in Galatians 3.  

For all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse, as it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law.” 11 Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because “the righteous will live by faith.  12 The law is not based on faith; on the contrary, it says, “The person who does these things will live by them.” 13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.” 14 He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit. 15 Brothers and sisters, let me take an example from everyday life. Just as no one can set aside or add to a human covenant that has been duly established, so it is in this case. 16 The promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. Scripture does not say “and to seeds,” meaning many people, but “and to your seed,” meaning one person, who is Christ. 17 What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise. 18 For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on the promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise. 19 Why, then, was the law given at all? It was added because of transgressions until the Seed to whom the promise referred had come. The law was given through angels and entrusted to a mediator. 20 A mediator, however, implies more than one party; but God is one. 21 Is the law, therefore, opposed to the promises of God? Absolutely not! For if a law had been given that could impart life, then righteousness would certainly have come by the law. 22 But Scripture has locked up everything under the control of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.

Paul is telling us that the law isn’t bad but it’s purpose was ultimately to expose our need for Jesus, our need for a Savior.  The problem is that subtly when we slip into thinking that we can earn favor with God by our behavior, our need for Him actually lessens.  Trying to earn His favor subtly moves us away from Him instead of where we belong depending upon Him fully.  We strive to live lives that honor God out of our love for Him and others not to please Him or somehow earn His favor.  We need to simply rest in God’s amazing and crazy grace that doesn’t make sense.  The more we do the more we rely upon Him and cling to Him and are activated in our faith.  

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave

Have you ever had someone confront you about an area of your life where you were in the wrong?  I remember early in my ministry I would hide away from people before I would preach.  The morning of and even the days before I would avoid people.  There wasn’t a real reason for this it had just become a habit.  I told myself that I was focusing but I’m not really sure what my purpose was.  I think it was just more comfortable for me.  I’ll never forget when an elder of the church approached me about it.  He was gentle yet bold in his approach.  He told me that I was hurting my ministry by avoiding folks.  He said, “you aren’t that great of a preacher but you are great with people, so do what you’re good at and they will appreciate your sermon more.”  It stung a little but it was a valuable and important lesson to learn.  It truly showed me that this man cared for me enough to give me a hard message.  The Bible encourages us as followers of Jesus to do that for one another.  A great example is found in Galatians 2.  Let’s look at it together today.

When Cephas came to Antioch, I opposed him to his face, because he stood condemned. 12 For before certain men came from James, he used to eat with the Gentiles. But when they arrived, he began to draw back and separate himself from the Gentiles because he was afraid of those who belonged to the circumcision group. 13 The other Jews joined him in his hypocrisy, so that by their hypocrisy even Barnabas was led astray. 14 When I saw that they were not acting in line with the truth of the gospel, I said to Cephas in front of them all, “You are a Jew, yet you live like a Gentile and not like a Jew. How is it, then, that you force Gentiles to follow Jewish customs? 15 “We who are Jews by birth and not sinful Gentiles 16 know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.

Paul comes in being nervous about whether this group will affirm and accept his work with the Gentiles.  He then immediately confronts Cephas, who we know better as Peter about his fault.  It truly is a bold move but one that was important and necessary.  Paul cares enough about Peter and the church to correct him in his behavior.  Often when we see a brother or sister struggling we think that it isn’t our business.  The Bible directly contradicts this thought and tells us that it is our business.  We are called to help each other in this journey of faith and love each other enough to give a hard message when we need to.  That is truly loving each other well.

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave

Have you ever noticed that sometimes even when you want to do the right things you slip up?  No one means to break a diet two days in to it.  People don’t pay for gym memberships that they don’t use on purpose.  I recently read that 48% of the Peloton bicycles sold never get used after 1 month.  Fitness is not the only area where we fall short.  Often we fall short in our spiritual goals as well.  David failed many times but the one thing he did well was to keep proclaiming the goodness of God.  Let’s look at his words together in Psalm 40. 

Blessed is the one
    who trusts in the Lord,
who does not look to the proud,
    to those who turn aside to false gods.

Many, Lord my God,
    are the wonders you have done,
    the things you planned for us.
None can compare with you;
    were I to speak and tell of your deeds,
    they would be too many to declare.

Sacrifice and offering you did not desire—
    but my ears you have opened—
    burnt offerings and sin offerings you did not require. 

Then I said, “Here I am, I have come—
    it is written about me in the scroll.

I desire to do your will, my God;
    your law is within my heart.”

I proclaim your saving acts in the great assembly;
    I do not seal my lips, Lord,
    as you know.

I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;
    I speak of your faithfulness and your saving help.
I do not conceal your love and your faithfulness
    from the great assembly.

Do not withhold your mercy from me, Lord;
    may your love and faithfulness always protect me.

We will all fall short at times, but when we do how do we respond?  Will we just stop or will we press on?  David’s example reminds us that our failures don’t define us God does.  God calls us beloved, His children.  He longs for us to follow Him well yet even when we fall short His love never changes.  So next time you fail, pick yourself up and get back on that bike!  Following God with our lives is not a sprint it’s a journey through life. 

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave

6 I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting the one who called you to live in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel— 7 which is really no gospel at all. Evidently some people are throwing you into confusion and are trying to pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But even if we or an angel from heaven should preach a gospel other than the one we preached to you, let them be under God’s curse! 9 As we have already said, so now I say again: If anybody is preaching to you a gospel other than what you accepted, let them be under God’s curse! 10 Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.

Paul wants to remind the Galatian church of the true message of the gospel.  Nothing should be added to or taken away from that message.  It’s why the gospel is so important and why we are told by Jesus to remember it regularly.  God did for us what we couldn’t do for ourselves.  We don’t need to add anything to the gospel.  Our tendency is to try and do things to earn God’s favor, but the gospel tells us that while we were yet sinners Christ died for us.  May we hold on to this truth of God’s amazing grace.

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave

Have you ever had a bad night’s sleep?  Maybe you were tossing and turning or you just couldn’t fall asleep.  Perhaps your mind was racing with some burdens going on in your life and you just couldn’t find rest.  You often even can “oversleep” and wake up feeling unrested.  The Bible actually talks a lot about the importance of rest.  Let’s look at Jesus’ words in Matthew 11 together today.

28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Last night I couldn’t fall asleep.  I was in a little bit of pain and just struggled to rest.  Finally I looked at my clock and it was almost 3 and I contemplated just getting up.  I decided to pray and fell asleep almost immediately, put it this way I don’t remember much of the prayer.  I woke up finally after sleeping through my alarm (actually Sarah woke me up would be more honest).  In situations like that you just don’t feel rested.  Jesus speaks about rest in Matthew 11 but He isn’t talking about sleep.  He is talking to us about a better way of life, a better way of striving.  He is teaching us that we can’t make it on our own strength into a relationship with God but He has already made a way for us when we rely upon Him.  We are burdened with a heavy load of our sin but Jesus has already unburdened us if we simply rest in Him.  Today take a moment and unburden yourselves.  Find rest in Jesus.  Bring Him your struggles, your sins, your pain and hurt.  He will give you rest.

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave