Growing up in Protestant churches (Baptist or non-denominational), the practice of Lent was not something I experienced. I saw the mysterious “Ash Wednesday” marked on all the calendars (it's March 5 this year), but I never gave it a thought s...

Main idea: Sing for joy – the Father has crushed the Son so that we could be His children. Jesus took all our sin – the pain, the sorrow, the sickness, the grief, the death, the sin itself, and the guilt… (...

Main idea: The victorious return of the King-priest commands a daily life reset. Hear the prophecy of His comingOffer your life freely(What) voluntary worship(When) at his return in power(How) in...

Main idea: Look to Christ in faith who is snatching victory out of the jaws of Satan Believe God’s Promise (Genesis 3:15)EnmityVictoryOut of DefeatLook to God’s Sign (Numbers 21:4-9)...

I have a white, three-ring binder that has the words “Christmas Countdown Planner” running down the spine. Its pages include a calendar which starts counting down with all the things to do to get ready for Christmas, beginning the last week of...

When somebody mentions “Christmas” what is the first image that pops into your head? Decorated trees? Presents? Food? Football? As Christians, we know that the incarnation, the miraculous birth of Jesus the second person of the Trinity, is the...

As a teenager growing up in a Lutheran church in Iowa, I enjoyed serving as an acolyte, which is a person who lights the candles at the front of the church as the service begins and extinguishes them at the end. It was a formal proces...

Dear Men of Faith Bible Church— Grandfathers, fathers, brothers, sons—who seek every day to be what God has called you to be as men: Thank you. Thank you for doing what has become so ch...

Main idea: Christ Rose from the dead so that the Father would be our all in all The Promise (1 Corinthians 15:20-22)Romans 8:11Romans 8:29The Plan (1 Corinthians 15:23-24a)The Purpose (1 Co...

For I handed down to you as of first importance what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried, and that He was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures … and if Christ...

Main idea: Trust Christ who endured the most hateful outburst and humble childhood. ...

Daniel 7:13-14 Rejoice with Great Joy (Matthew 2:7-10)Humbly Worship (Matthew 2:11a )Give Generously (Matthew 2:11-12) Main idea: The wise rejoice and humbly worship Christ the eternal king ...

Main idea: Seek Jesus Christ to Worship Him Great responses to the Birth of ChristTerrible responses to the Birth of ChristImmediate Responses to the Birth of ChristMicah 5:2-5Ezekiel 34:23-34...

Every family has their own unique traditions and memories at Christmastime. An Orange for Frankie is a children’s book by Patricia Polacco. It is a poignant story about 10-year-old Frankie, her grandmother’s youngest brother. ...

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 Hymn Story At the time of Christ’s birth, the...

As we approach the Christmas season, we typically reflect on the baby Jesus lying in a manger, surrounded by worshipping angels, marveling shepherds and adoring parents. But let’s back up a step in this Advent process and reflect on...

As you dig into your Christmas stocking this year, dozens of people in crisis in Spokane will also be opening their own goodie bags created to give the same sense of comfort and joy. With God’s provision and a few helpers, one Faith Bible Church...

A Jewish wedding tapestry, an old church, an elderly woman, a plasterer, a young boy, and a pastor are at the heart of this children’s book written and illustrated by Patrica Polacco. Christmas Tapestry spans generations and contin...

Keep trusting Christ because guilt and shame are defeated by the power of the resurrection. Search sorrowfully no more. See the risen Savior. Speak the news of Jesus’ exaltation. Introduction 1. Se...

About this time every year, I descend into the storage room in my basement in search of a box of plastic Easter eggs, many of them in two pieces, so that we can begin to assemble them for the grand Easter egg hunt to take place after worship on Ea...

North Americans tell their children that Santa Claus delivers their Christmas gifts. Latin Americans give credit to “el niño Jesús” (the baby Jesus). Christmas tradition in Spain maintains that “los tres Reyes Magos” (the three wise men)...

Main idea: Thank God for the gifts of Christ’s first coming and hope in God for the gifts of his second coming. Thank God for the gifts of the first coming of ChristHope in God alone for the gifts of the second coming ...

Main Idea: Jesus is the promised King, who has come to deliver those who repent from dwelling in the region and shadow of death into light and life. Take comfort in the coming of the King (Matthew 4:12-16) Respond ...

Author’s note: While we have no quotes from Joseph in the Bible, his experience was remarkable. The following is based on events described in Scripture, but it is only my personal perspective of what he may have been thin...

Redirect your hope to Christ amidst the gloom of a fallen and warring world by getting true perspective from Christ, giving your allegiance to Christ, and redirecting your hope to Christ. Introduction Main id...

The Thanksgiving leftovers are gone, Black “Friday” is entering its second month, and trees are being lit all over town, as the collective attention of the world begins to turn toward Christmas. ’Tis the season for hustle, bustl...

Fill up with Christ so that you will be freed from slavery to food and drink. Take the warnings seriously, call it what it is—sin, and consider what it costs. Uncover the heart of your cravings. Glutton defined: ...

Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name! For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generati...

Introduction What is the resurrection of Jesus Christ? (Acts 2:22-23, 31-33)What does the resurrection of Jesus Christ bring? (Acts 3:17-26)What does the resurrection of Jesus Christ mean? (Acts 4:1-12)...

When I select Christmas cards, I always look for cards that feature Jesus, not Santa Claus, not the Grinch who stole Christmas, but Jesus. And I am often drawn to reproductions of Nativity Scenes painted by the old masters (e.g, Renaissance artist...

The Entrance of Death Genesis 2:7 Romans 5:12 Mark 16:2–7 The Entrance of the Resurrection Romans 5:10–11 The Completion ...