Dec 31, 2023
Luke 2:21-40 – Embracing Jesus
Luke 2:21-40 - Embracing Jesus. In Luke 2:21-40 a faithful man named Simeon has been waiting a long time to see God's Messiah! Have you ever prayed and waited on the Lord wondering if He will answer? No one likes waiting, but God uses those seasons of waiting to build our faith! Simeon experiences the nearness and peace of God as he holds Jesus in his arms; that same nearness and peace is available to you! As you prepare to begin 2024 tune in to Pastor JC's message and learn how to faithfully wait on the Lord. Listen right now to God in a Manger Luke 2:21-40 - Embracing Jesus. 
 
JESUS went to Great Lengths to IDENTIFY with You in Every Way
The LAMB of GOD comes into His Temple SIMEON: God Hears the Man who Waits WAITING Builds Faith in our Relationship with Jesus "The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord." – Lamentations 3:25-26 (NKJV)    https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/lam/3/25-26/s_800025 How do You Faithfully Wait on the LORD? (Fly-in) - Abide in God’s Word - Build Your Character on Christ; not culture - Set your heart’s Desires on God’s Promises EMBRACING JESUS is a Daily Act of Worship, Not merely a One Time Decision Who or What Holds the Keys to Your PEACE? EMBRACING JESUS Demands a Repentant Response to the Thoughts and Intent of Your Heart
"For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account."
– Hebrews 4:12-13 (NKJV)    https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/heb/4/12-13/s_1137012 EMBRACING JESUS means You’re Old Life is Dying, and Your New Life is Under His Lordship
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."
 
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  • Dec 31, 2023Luke 2:21-40 – Embracing Jesus
    Dec 31, 2023
    Luke 2:21-40 – Embracing Jesus
    Luke 2:21-40 - Embracing Jesus. In Luke 2:21-40 a faithful man named Simeon has been waiting a long time to see God's Messiah! Have you ever prayed and waited on the Lord wondering if He will answer? No one likes waiting, but God uses those seasons of waiting to build our faith! Simeon experiences the nearness and peace of God as he holds Jesus in his arms; that same nearness and peace is available to you! As you prepare to begin 2024 tune in to Pastor JC's message and learn how to faithfully wait on the Lord. Listen right now to God in a Manger Luke 2:21-40 - Embracing Jesus. 
     
    JESUS went to Great Lengths to IDENTIFY with You in Every Way
    The LAMB of GOD comes into His Temple SIMEON: God Hears the Man who Waits WAITING Builds Faith in our Relationship with Jesus "The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord." – Lamentations 3:25-26 (NKJV)    https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/lam/3/25-26/s_800025 How do You Faithfully Wait on the LORD? (Fly-in) - Abide in God’s Word - Build Your Character on Christ; not culture - Set your heart’s Desires on God’s Promises EMBRACING JESUS is a Daily Act of Worship, Not merely a One Time Decision Who or What Holds the Keys to Your PEACE? EMBRACING JESUS Demands a Repentant Response to the Thoughts and Intent of Your Heart
    "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account."
    – Hebrews 4:12-13 (NKJV)    https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/heb/4/12-13/s_1137012 EMBRACING JESUS means You’re Old Life is Dying, and Your New Life is Under His Lordship
    "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new."
     
  • Dec 24, 2023Luke 1: Behold Your King – Part 1
    Dec 24, 2023
    Luke 1: Behold Your King - Part 1
    Luke 1: Behold Your King – Part 1
    Luke 1: Behold Your King - Part 1. Have you ever asked God for something and in His silence you have since stopped praying?  Life is hard and we often don't receive what we ask for in our timing or our ways. Nevertheless, God hears your prayers just as He heard Zacharias and Elizabeth's prayer for a child in Luke 1. Despite the physical impossibility of having a child in their old age, God reveals His faithfulness and might in doing more than just giving them a child, but also making their son John the Forerunner to the Messiah!  Like in Joseph and Mary's lives, God is at work in more powerful ways than you can imagine! Don't miss a message of hope this Christmas from Pastor David Menard as you reflect on Behold Your King Part 1: God in a Manger. 
     
    Jesus wants you to know the certainty of His plan of salvation
     
    John the Baptist: The Forerunner of the Messiah
     
    '“Behold, I send My messenger, And he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, Will suddenly come to His temple, Even the Messenger of the covenant, In whom you delight. Behold, He is coming,” Says the LORD of hosts.'
    - Malachi 3:1 NKJV    https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/mal/3/1/s_928001
     
    Jehovah remembers the oath of God
     
    Zacharias and Elizabeth were not righteous by performance; they were righteous by faith in God
     
    "But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus"
    - Romans 3:21-24 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/rom/3/21-24/s_1049021
     
    Christianity is not a life free of problems, it is a life victorious over problems
     
    We have a small vision for our life. God has a Big Vision for our life.
     
    You exist to bring glory to God.
     
    But as it is written:“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”
    1 Corinthians 2:9     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/1co/2/9/s_1064009
     
    Put your faith in King Jesus and He will give your life more meaning and purpose than you could imagine.
     
     
    Luke 1: Behold Your King - Part 1
     
  • Dec 24, 2023Matthew 2 – Behold Your King Part 2
    Dec 24, 2023
    Matthew 2 – Behold Your King Part 2
    "Matthew 2 - Behold Your King Part 2" by Pastor David Menard. Christmas Series 2023.
  • Dec 17, 2023Why God Had To Become A Baby – Matthew 1
    Dec 17, 2023
    Why God Had to Become a Baby - Matthew 1
    Why God Had To Become A Baby – Matthew 1
    Why God Had to Become a Baby - Matthew 1. Baby Jesus in the manger is a staple at Christmas, but have you ever wondered: Why did God have to become a baby?  Couldn't the all powerful God just show up as a conquering King and reveal Himself as Lord of the Universe?  It may surprise you, but there are some things God can't do!  God can't be unjust. God can't be corrupted. God can't lie. God can rescue mankind from their sins, and it requires the Savior of the world coming as a baby! Listen to Pastor David's message that will build your love, understanding and gratitude this Christmas for a God who bridged the uncrossable chasm with atonement for you to be called His son and daughter.  We pray for you to have a Merry Christmas as you reflect on God in the Manger Part 2: Why God had to become a Baby - Matthew 1. 
     
    Isaiah 9:2 NKJV.    https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/isa/9/2/s_688002 "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined." Isaiah 9:6 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/isa/9/6/s_688006 "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Revelation 19:11–16 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/rev/19/11-16/s_1186011
    "Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse, and He who sat on him was called Faithful and True. In righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS."
     
    Why God Had to Become a Baby - Matthew 1
    Why did God come to us AS A BABY? God cannot be UNJUST 2 Timothy 2:11–13 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/2ti/2/11-13/s_1127011 "This is a faithful saying: If we died with Him, we shall also live with Him. If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. If we are faithless, He remains faithful (in judgment); He cannot deny Himself." God cannot be UNJUST Without the shedding of blood THERE IS NO REMISSION OF SINS Hebrews 9:22 Hebrews 10:4 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/heb/10/4/s_1143004 "For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins." Hebrews 10:4, 12, 14 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/heb/10/12-14/s_1143012 "For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins. But this Man (Jesus), after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God. For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified." God would not be just if He pardoned sin. So, God became a man TO TAKE THE PUNISHMENT OF MAN’S SIN UPON HIMSELF Isaiah 53:5–6 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/isa/53/5-6/s_732005 "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned, every one, to his own way; and the LORD has laid on Him the iniquity of us all." If Jesus really is God WE CANNOT JUST LIKE HIM. We must serve Him as Lord. If Jesus is God WHO CAN APPROACH HIM? Matthew 1  Why is Jesus’ genealogy important? • 2091 BC: God promised Abraham the Messiah would come through his lineage. (Gen 12) • Around 977 BC: God promised David the Messiah would come through his lineage. (2 Sam 7:5-17) • Why is Jesus’ genealogy important? Because God keeps His promises. Jesus’ genealogy is chocked full of SINNERS, MISFITS, and WEIRDOS Matthew 1 ALL REPENTANT SINNERS, OUTCASTS, MURDERERS, AND PROSTITUTES MAY FREELY COME TO WORSHIP HIM AS LORD  WE HAVE A GOD WHO TRULY UNDERSTANDS US FROM THE INSIDE OF OUR EXPERIENCE Hebrews 4:14–16 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/heb/4/14-16/s_1137014
    "Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
     
  • Dec 10, 2023The Light of Christmas – Isaiah 8-9
    Dec 10, 2023
    The Light of Christmas - Isaiah 8
    The Light of Christmas – Isaiah 8-9
    The Light of Christmas - Isaiah 8-9. Often we think that the Christmas message is people ushering in love, peace, and goodwill by entertaining and gift giving. The true meaning of Christmas is terrifying: we cannot overcome our incredibly sinful nature and we are not able to govern ourselves. Isaiah 8 shows that we all live in darkness and gloom but King Jesus lays down His life in love to bring light. This fills this Christmas message with hope and joy for those who revere Him. Don’t miss this Christmas message from Pastor David Menard which reveals Jesus as the Light of Christmas.
    Isaiah 9:2 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/isa/9/2/s_688002 "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who dwelt in the land of the shadow of death, upon them a light has shined."
    Isaiah 9:6 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/isa/9/6-7/s_688006 "For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."
     
    “Years ago, I read an ad in the New York Times that said, “The meaning of Christmas is that love will triumph and that we will be able to put together a world of unity and peace.” In other words, we have the light within us, and so we are the ones who can dispel the darkness of the world. We can overcome poverty, injustice, violence, and evil. If we work together, we can create a “world of unity and peace.””
    - Tim Keller: Hidden Christmas    https://www.bible.com/events/520711
     
    The Light of Christmas - Isaiah 8
    THE CHRISTMAS MESSAGE IS TERRIFYING:
    1) We are incurably sinful and vile. 2) We cannot govern ourselves. 3) God Himself must come to save us from our vile sin.
    4) God Himself must reign over us as King.
    THE CHRISTMAS MESSAGE IS ALSO FULL OF HOPE & JOY!
    1. King Jesus lays down His life in love to save us.
    2. Forgives us, cleanses us of all our sins.
    3. Make us sons / daughters of His Kingdom
    4. Clothes us in His Righteousness
     
    GOD IS THE SANCTUARY FOR THOSE WHO FEAR HIM.GOD IS A ROCK OF OFFENSE & STUMBLING TO THOSE WHO DO NOT FEAR HIM
     
    Matthew 21:44 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/mat/21/44/s_950044
    "Whoever falls on this Stone will be broken; but on whomever it falls, it will grind him to powder.
    UNDERSTANDING GOD’S WORD is a Progressive Revelation given to all who revere Jesus Matthew 13:10–13 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/mat/13/10-13/s_942010 'The disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand.'" Revelation 2:17 NKJV     https://www.blueletterbible.org/nkjv/rev/2/17/s_1169017 "He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give some of the hidden manna to eat."
    Isaiah 9:1–2 NIV    https://www.blueletterbible.org/niv/isa/9/1-2/s_688001
    "Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan. The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned."
    No more battles to fight The war is over!
    OUR VICTORY IS IN JESUS