Advent
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My last post had the text from 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. The last sentence is one that intrigues me. When we talk about Christ coming again, and then use this passage, it’s not usually in a comforting way. It’s usually to SCARE one another. “You better watch what you’re doing… JESUS IS COMING BACK!” “AAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!” How do… Read more
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We say at communion: Christ has died. Christ is risen. Christ is coming again. And then we live like we don’t think that very often. He is coming back… someday. But Advent calls out to us. He IS coming back! 13 Brothers and sisters, we want you to know about people who have died[d] so that you… Read more
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25 In the beginning, Lord, you laid the earth’s foundation and created the heavens. 26 They will all disappear and wear out like clothes. You change them, as you would a coat, but you last forever. 27 You are always the same. Years cannot change you. 28 Every generation of those who serve you will live in your presence. (Psalm… Read more
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Life in Christ isn’t about being burden free. Life hits us hard. Life in Christ is about knowing he is God with us. We don’t bear those burdens alone. We need to know the One who is with us. We need to know the One who is for us. There are times we sow in tears. There… Read more
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The beauty of Advent is the realization of God who comes to us. He has always been the One to hear the cry of his people. He has always been the One to take up the cause of those who call out to him. He is the God who hears. He will come to us.… Read more
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Yesterday’s Advent readings included some very “not nice” language in Isaiah. Today, even Psalms isn’t safe! 3 Our God is coming; he won’t keep quiet. A devouring fire is before him; a storm rages all around him. (Psa. 50:3, CEB) Devouring fire? Where is this nice little baby in the manger? What is happening? In this… Read more
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You can read the New Testament passage, the Gospel, maybe even the Psalms. But do NOT… I repeat… do NOT read that Isaiah 1:21-31 passage! Something is really wrong with whoever put THIS in an Advent reading! I find is SOOOO rude to have Advent and thinking about Christmas and the nice and neat stuff… Read more
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The reading in Advent will usually get around to Isaiah and this year it dives right into Isaiah 1. To put it succinctly, God is not happy. As I work on the Sermon on the Mount and a “pro-life ethic,” I am drawn to the parallels here in Isaiah 1. A quote I posted from Craig… Read more
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14 The days are surely coming, says the LORD, when I will fulfill the promise I made to the house of Israel and the house of Judah. 15 In those days and at that time I will cause a righteous Branch to spring up for David; and he shall execute justice and righteousness in the… Read more
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Our hearts are being prepared for Advent. December 2 is the first Sunday. You can follow along in daily Advent readings HERE. I also have a separate Advent 2012 tab on this blog where I will post my Advent thoughts. This is a season of longing. Our focus this year is the longing for Christ’s… Read more
Apprentice 2 Jesus 