Jan 22nd, 2012 by aldersgatewebsite
Jesus moved into our neighborhood. Leaving his heavenly home, Jesus put on human flesh and came into our world. We call this mystery the incarnation – a fundamental belief of Christians – and as Christ followers, we are called to move into our neighborhood as well! Unfortunately, the church has settled into this mode of “come and see” when really it should be “go and be”. Jesus called us to not only be disciples but to make disciples. He calls us “fishers of men” which means we have to fish…not just expect them to jump in the boat! Move!
Posted in Uncategorized | 0 Comments |
Jan 15th, 2012 by aldersgatewebsite
We are all familiar with the saying “The world’s going to hell in a hand basket.” The expectation is that things are supposed to get worse. We are told things aren’t as good now as they were 20 years ago, and 20 years from now, they will be even worse. The temptation this creates for Christians is to hunker down in the hand basket and just ride it out until we make it to heaven or until Jesus returns to earth. This theology saps our motivation to work toward a better world…to be true disciples. God expects his disciples’ lives to be characterized by signs of transformation…compassion, mercy, justice, and love…and for these signs to be tangible.
Posted in Uncategorized | 0 Comments |
Jan 8th, 2012 by aldersgatewebsite
Our God has always been on the move. From the birth of time and creation, God has been moving. God moved in and through his people over hundreds of years in the Old Testament to prepare for the coming of the Messiah. In the incarnation of Jesus Christ, God moved from his own time and space continuum into ours. And when the Spirit of God comes within his followers, we also begin to move. Our God is always in motion. Movement is God at work. Movement is how Jesus’ mission will be accomplished. Movement is how the Spirit works in us and through us. If you are a lover of God, follower of Jesus, and full of the Holy Spirit, you will be moved!
Posted in Uncategorized | 0 Comments |
Jan 1st, 2012 by aldersgatewebsite
Ready or not, the new year is here! We look forward to this day because it gives us a chance to start over new. Today, we are reminded that our God is constantly making things new, regardless of what day it is on our calendar. In order to see where God is making things new, we have to remember where God has brought us and what he has done for us and then look forward to the new he wants to bring us and do in us.
Posted in Uncategorized | 0 Comments |
Dec 25th, 2011 by aldersgatewebsite
Our first picture of Jesus is as a baby in a manger… a tiny, helpless baby born in a barn! But this baby grew to live a remarkable life. He died for us, ascended into heaven, and will return to earth as King of kings! Although baby Jesus in a manger makes for a beautiful nativity scene, we must not leave him there in our lives. We must make him Lord of our lives! We must let him grow in our lives. In other words, Jesus is a gift we definitely don’t want to return?!
Posted in Uncategorized | 0 Comments |
Dec 24th, 2011 by aldersgatewebsite
Christmas is the dramatic reminder that Christ came into this world not only to redeem us but to bring peace to our troubled souls. Christmas offers us peace with God, peace with ourselves, and peace with others. If we want to have a “peace-full” Christmas, we must receive this gift…a gift that we will not want to return!
Posted in Uncategorized | 0 Comments |
Dec 18th, 2011 by aldersgatewebsite
For many, the Bible remains a lost treasure - a closed, mysterious book. But this doesn't have to be the case. All of us have been given access to this incredible treasure and we must re-discover it's richness. If we do not love, know, and practice the Word of God we simply cannot live the victorious Christian life. So today, we will re-discover this lost treasure.
Posted in Uncategorized | 0 Comments |
Dec 11th, 2011 by aldersgatewebsite
What is Christmas and when does it come? Surely Christmas is more than a date on the calendar. Surely, Christmas is more than the hustle and bustle of commercialism at its grandest? Surely Christmas is more than poinsettias and parades and pageants? What puts the meaning of Christmas deep into our souls and on our hearts…love. The essence of Christmas is love. God’s incredible love is expressed when God sent Christ into the world to save us. When we love God, there is Christmas. When we love our families, there is Christmas. When we love others, there is Christmas. The gift of love is surely a Christmas gift that does not need to be returned!
Posted in Uncategorized | 0 Comments |
Dec 7th, 2011 by aldersgatewebsite
The Angels announcement to Joseph was “…and his name shall be Jesus.” This is the announcement of Christmas. Jesus is on his way and he will be with us! But it is more than just an announcement…it is a powerful message of hope. It means that God has literally come to be with us and he has come to save us - in this world and in the world to come. It is the hope that we have today, tomorrow, and for eternity. And this hope is a gift that we will not want to return!
Posted in Uncategorized | 0 Comments |
Nov 27th, 2011 by aldersgatewebsite
God created us with the willingness to give to God and to others. Yet, there are voices that “war” against our God given impulse toward generosity and tempts us to keep what we have. Today we look at how to overcome two of these voices: fear and self-gratification in order to give generously. And in giving generously of what God has given us, we will both bless others and experience the abundant blessings that come from living for God.
Posted in Uncategorized | 0 Comments |
Standard Podcasts [00:29:36m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download | Embeddable Player | Hits (16)
