Grace Baptist Santa Clarita: Service Podcast

Today - the second weekend of Advent - we light the Bethlehem candle,reminding us that God chose a humble village as the birthplace of Messiah. Aswell, he chose a humble maid to give birth to the very Son of God. Mary’s storyreminds us that God has always chosen to work through those whose greathumility was evidenced in a robust fear of God coupled with a radical trust inHim. This is who God is! He will bring about His plan, and will do so byperforming mighty things through those whom society sees as weak and lowly …who are left with no other option but to trust fully in the strength andpromises of the Almighty. Just think of it: God’s sovereignty working itselfout through our humility. Only God could accomplish such a thing! Consequently,in the end we find that it is always best to respond to God as Mary did: “May it be done to me according to yourWord.”

The story of Joseph is one of hope destroyed, and then declared. All of his dreams to have a wife and family were seemingly destroyed when Mary was found to be pregnant before their wedding. He understood well the responsibility he had to sever his relationship with this woman who had apparently been unfaithful to God and to him. But when the angelic messenger brought news that God was at work, Joseph chose to believe the impossible, accept the implausible, and obey the undeniable command of God. And hope was reborn. Through his obedience, Joseph was there when the Savior was born. And through the Savior’s obedience,

Zacharias is an example of how easily we as “believers” can act in unbelief when something God asks of us seems impossible or inconvenient. Zacharias, the priest, came face to face with the angelic messenger of God, and dared to doubt the truth of his message. He was caught in the trappings of his traditions, and failed to see the magnificence of God’s proclamation. As we head into the celebration of Christmas, let us not be unbelieving believers. Rather, with Zacharias, let us recognize that, at its core, Christmas is about God’s faithfulness to keep His promise. He promised to send the “He” of Genesis 3:15, and neither the opposition of His enemies, nor the disobedience of His people could in any way derail God’s faithfulness. In Jesus - the Babe of Bethlehem - we have found the “Sunrise from on high ... who will guide our feet into the way of peace.” Believe it!

For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4

For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4

For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15:4

For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.Romans 15:4

For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.Romans 15:4

For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.Romans 15:4

For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.Romans 15:4

For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.Romans 15:4

For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.Romans 15:4

Join us as we explore our responsibility to impact the lives around us for God’s glory. This directive is only attainable as we draw energy from the source of an active relationship with the Savior. Whether you’ve been a Christ-follower for 40 years or are just starting out, you’ll find practical help in taking your next step with Jesus.

Join us as we explore our responsibility to impact the lives around us for God’s glory. This directive is only attainable as we draw energy from the source of an active relationship with the Savior. Whether you’ve been a Christ-follower for 40 years or are just starting out, you’ll find practical help in taking your next step with Jesus.

Join us as we explore our responsibility to impact the lives around us for God’s glory. This directive is only attainable as we draw energy from the source of an active relationship with the Savior. Whether you’ve been a Christ-follower for 40 years or are just starting out, you’ll find practical help in taking your next step with Jesus.

Join us as we explore our responsibility to impact the lives around us for God’s glory. This directive is only attainable as we draw energy from the source of an active relationship with the Savior. Whether you’ve been a Christ-follower for 40 years or are just starting out, you’ll find practical help in taking your next step with Jesus.