Hello Advent Family,

Have you ever tried to pull up a weed or a bush that had deep roots?  It might not look like much but then next thing you know you can’t budge it.  I remember my buddy once tried to pull out a small tree by wrapping a chain around his number and then around the tree and driving away.  I’ll skip the details but I’ll simply say Tree – 1 Bumper -0.  The Bible talks about how our faith should be rooted and strong in a similar fashion.  Let’s look at an example of that found in Colossians 2 today. 

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, 7 rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. 8 See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces of this world rather than on Christ. 9 For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, 10 and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority.

In Jesus’ parable of the sower He talks about the differences between shallow faith and deep faith.  Life is going to present us all with things that test our faith.  When we are “rooted” in Christ we can stand firm when those hard times come.  What does it look like to be rooted in our faith?  That means it is healthy.  We are feeding ourselves spiritually so we will grow strong and deep.  We are surrounding ourselves with other followers of Jesus who encourage us in our faith and help us to grow.  We are serving to use our spiritual gifts and build our spiritual muscles.  When we are rooted like this, we will stand strong through the storms of life and not be moved.  I pray that we all dig deep roots of faith in our lives.

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave

Hello Advent Family,

Have you ever had someone pray for you and it just felt extra special and powerful. I can think of several times in my life where I have experienced this. Prayer is always powerful but sometimes it feels a little bit extra special.  I can remember a youth Pastor praying for me when I was facing a tough situation. I can remember a worship leaders prayers for me as I was about to step on stage and preach at a large conference for the first time. I can remember a lady form the church just knocking on my office door and asking if she could pray for me. These prayers can be an incredible blessing in our lives. The prayer Paul written in Colossians 1 feels extra special to me as well. I often have prayed this exact prayer for people in my life. Let’s look it together today.

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, 10 so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, 11 being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, 12 and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. 13 For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, 14 in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

There is nothing particularly unique or groundbreaking in this prayer. To me, it simply feels complete. Paul asks for the church to receive knowledge, wisdom and understanding from the Spirit, to bear fruit, to be strengthened with all power, to have endurance and patience, and that they might give thanks to God.  He finally throws in a reminder about what Jesus has done and then goes on in chapter 1 to talk about how awesome Jesus truly is. If we can pray for each other in such a way and remind each other about just how awesome Jesus is I bet God would do some amazing things in and though our lives. May we be a people who pray boldly and mightily for each other. We all need it!

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave

Hello Advent Family,

Do you find that you are a glass have empty of a glass half full kind of person? I am definitely an optimist, in fact, some people get upset at me for being too positive. That’s a thought for another time but I wanted to talk today about our thoughts and how we have encouragement to focus on the positive when it comes to our faith life. Let’s look at Paul’s words in Philippians 4 together today.

Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

We are told to rejoice always and one way to do that well is to remind ourselves of the positive truths that God brings into each and every one of our stories. While our circumstances might bring challenges God is always with us. He loves us and wants the best for us. This truth can help us to rejoice no matter what we are facing in life. In the midst of hard times it is easy to focus on the negative. It is even easy to focus on the negative in the midst of day to day life. Paul’s encouragement to us all is to think about what is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy. I find that God and His works certainly fit all of those criteria. When we focus on those things rejoicing will come and anxiety will wane. Today be a glass half full person and focus on the great works of God in your life. 

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave

Hello Advent Family,

What do you strive for? Maybe you work hard to be a good employee or boss. Perhaps you strive to be a good spouse or parent. The Apostle Paul talks about how he did strive to be worthy of God but his perspective changes from trying to achieve that and instead striving to know Jesus. Let’s look at his words in Philippians 3.

If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: 5 circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee; 6 as for zeal, persecuting the church; as for righteousness based on the law, faultless. 7 But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8 What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith. 10 I want to know Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11 and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection from the dead. 12 Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.

Paul’s perspective changes from trying to do and make himself worthy to resting in what Jesus has done. He finally recognizes that there is nothing we can do in and of ourselves to be found worthy of God’s grace and forgiveness but because of the work of Jesus on the cross we are made worthy through faith. The righteousness of Jesus is given to us. That should make all of us take Paul’s position and strive more and more to know Jesus, to experience His love more fully. May we all press on to take hold of that for which Jesus has taken hold of us.

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave

Hello Advent Family,

Have you ever thought about the impact that a single person can have? The Bible is filled with examples of individuals whom God has used to do amazing things. We tend to remember the big stories like David or Paul or Moses. There are lots of other examples on a smaller scale of how God used individuals to make a significant impact. Lets look at a couple of examples in Philippians 2 together today.

I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. 20 I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for your welfare. 21 For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. 22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel. 23 I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me. 24 And I am confident in the Lord that I myself will come soon. 25 But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs. 26 For he longs for all of you and is distressed because you heard he was ill. 27 Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. 28 Therefore I am all the more eager to send him, so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. 29 So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him, 30 because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.

Timothy and Epaphroditus both had tremendous impact both in the life of Paul and in many churches that they ministered to as well. These examples are reminders for us that God wants to use us to have tremendous impact for His kingdom as well. One person who its willing can be used by God to do amazing things. Imagine what God can do through an entire church filled with activated and willing followers of Jesus!

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave

Hello Advent Family,

Do you ever think about who you represent with your life?  We represent our family, our employer, maybe we represent a team whose jersey we wear.  The Bible speaks a lot about how we represent Jesus.  The opinion others have about Jesus will often come from how they view us.  Let’s look at Philippians 1 together today.

Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then, whether I come and see you or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in the one Spirit, striving together as one for the faith of the gospel 28 without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a sign to them that they will be destroyed, but that you will be saved—and that by God. 29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him, 30 since you are going through the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

We are reminded to conduct ourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel, but what does that really mean?  We should be people of grace and forgiveness because that is at the heart of the gospel.  We should be people of love because Love is central to the gospel.  We should be people of obedience because Jesus modeled that for us in His journey to the cross.  We should be people of gratitude because of the gift of the gospel.  Most of all we should remember who it is we represent.  We are the only “Jesus” that the world will see.  May we represent Him well through the grace and strength of God.

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave

Hello Advent Family,

Do you know that according to the Bible we are at war? We have an enemy who is on the prowl looking to devour us – I Peter 5:8. Our enemy is a Thief who is looking to steal kill and destroy us. – John 10:10. We don’t often think this way but there are lots of reminders in the Bible about this. Let’s look at one of them found in Ephesians 6 together today. 

Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. 12 For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 13 Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. 14 Stand firm then, with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, 15 and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. 16 In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17 Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18 And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.

We are reminded to prepare ourselves for battle and to put on our armor so that we are ready for the schemes of the devil. Too often we simply journey through life without paying any attention to the battle that is going on over our hearts and passions and desires. Slowly over time we wander from our first love, Jesus and embrace other things. The battle can be subtle which is why it is often easy to ignore but we must stay ready. Put on your armor the battle belongs to the Lord!

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave

Hello Advent Family,

Have you ever noticed a child imitating their parent?  Maybe they try to look act or dress like their parent.  I can remember doing this as a child.  My dad was a builder so I wanted to get toy tools and “build” things myself.  My parents played tennis and bowled so I wanted to do those things as well.  Did you know that the Bible actually tells us to imitate our Father, God?  Let’s look at a brief passage in Ephesians 5.

 Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children 2 and walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

God is a God of love it is His very nature.  We are called as His beloved children to imitate Him in that way.  We have the opportunity and the responsibility to share His love with the world.  We need to copy His love and paste it on to people that we encounter as we walk through life.  When we do that well others learn that our God is a God of love.  When people experience that irresistible love they want to be a part of it as well.  Today make it a special point to imitate you Father.  Look for a special way to share His love with someone else. 

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave

Hello Advent Family,

The other day one of the younger kids from the school was talking to me.  He asked, “Pastor Dave there is a lot of work to do in the church do you get tired of doing it all yourself?”  I explained to him that I don’t do it all in fact my job is to try and do none of it.  He looked at me with wide eyes and then I showed him the following passage from Ephesians 4.  Let’s look at it together today

11 So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, 12 to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up 13 until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. 14 Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming. 15 Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ. 16 From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

I explained to this young boy that my job is to equip or help prepare God’s people to do the work of the church.  The church really only functions well when everyone is fulfilling a role.  Serving, loving, giving, teaching others, and above all sharing their faith with the world.  According to Paul, churches will grow when every supporting ligament does its part.  My prayer is that we will all be activated and watch and see what God does in and through our lives.

In His Grip,
Pastor Dave

Hello Advent Family,

Have you ever witnessed or experienced something that was so incredible that you almost couldn’t believe it? God’s love for us fits in that category. It is so incredible that Paul actually prays for the church in Ephesus to receive power so that they might be able to comprehend God’s unbelievable love for them. Let’s look at his words in Ephesians 3.

14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen

Paul prays for three things for the church. First that they would be strengthened in the Holy Spirit so that they might come to faith. He then prays that they would be rooted through faith in God’s love. Then he finally prays that the Ephesian church as well as all of God’s people would be strengthened in power so that they could grasp the depth of God’s love for them. I pray this same prayer for all of us today. May we grasp God’s unbelievable love and be overwhelmed by it so much that we cannot help but to share it with the world!

In His Grip,

Pastor Dave