Nathaniel From Timfam

Jesus meets a man paralyzed for 38 years. He doesn't just heal him. He stops sin in its tracks. Will we? If he has stopped sin, will run the other way and keep away from sin? John 5:1-15

I marvel that the woman talked to Jesus about so many problems in her life and still went away saying, Come and see. That's not how we tend to feel. Jesus might not always make us feel good. But he will give us something different than we can get anywhere else. The gospel will fill us up, even if we don't always like the fact that we need it. John 4:1-26

Religious people often have the impression and give the impression that God wants better people. It's true Jesus teaches basic principles and truths to live better lives. That isn't the main thing. Chiefly, Jesus wants us to have a new life. A different life. John 3:1-17

The temple was established by God as a way to get near God. Jesus came in and rejected the conveniences it offered in an attempt to help people get God's gifts. None of it could get people close to the holy, consuming God. What are we relying on to get us close to God? Do we have anything better to keep us in the presence of the holy, good God? Jesus offers a better temple in John 2:13-22.

This new world that Jesus gives us is not only or primarily a world of rules, codes of conduct, regulations, and ways to live a better life. It is first and foremost a world of grace, where God in Jesus pours out his good gifts to us to cover over our embarrassment, shame, and disgrace. We see that wonderfully at Cana in a wedding. John 2:1-11

God gives us a new world in Jesus - a world of connection (love), creation, reconciliation, justice, and forgiveness. Jesus reveals God's light to lead us into this new world. He directs us to hope, peace, a future, and forgiveness. That is where we live, and that is what we reflect.  Isaiah 8:14-9:4

Big businesses want to offer us a very specific world. A world driven by consumption and dopamine hits from trivial pursuits. The devil wants to offer us a world of self-gratification. God offers us a world defined by connection, reconciliation, truth, justification, and forgiveness. John 1:35-42

There is really only one gift of true love for this world - Jesus. If you feel the pressure to love everyone around you well enough that they can finally enjoy life again, let his love be the love of their (and your!) life. Merry Christmas 1 John 4:2-12

It's easy to tell people who are waiting for someone else compared with people who don't. If you're waiting for grandpa and grandma to visit, you might clean the house quickly and excitedly watch from the window. If you're waiting for a new baby, you've bought the car seat and crib and are just a little anxious. If you're waiting to get a new job, you're learning new skills. We do specific things when we wait. Christians cry, "come and help". That is just the beginning of our waiting. Like Joseph and Mary, we return home and wait for God to come to us. Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 1:26-38

Just what are we saying when we say, "Come and help"? Certainly we do a lot of good and there is a lot of good about our lives. There is also a lot of good in the world. When we say, "Come and help", we are saying that nothing else in the whole world can rescue us from both the personal issues we face and the systemic corruption and destruction the world experiences. As good as hospitals, financial counselors, therapists, doctors, coaches, trainers, and everyone else is, there is only one Savior. And repentance on our part reveals who that one Savior is. Matthew 3:1-12

God shows us what a great helper we can expect. That's why we say, "Come and help". Matthew 21:1-11

We normally give thanks for good things we get. But there are lots of things that even God gives us that we don't think are good things - when God doesn't do what we want, or when God doesn't tell us why, or even weakness or pain.  These unexpected things are causes for unexpected thanks. Let's add them to our thanks.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

There are all sorts of rulers and powers that claim control and influence over our lives. Most of them end up destroying our lives as much as helping them. The Son is different because he holds all things together.  Colossians 1:15-23

Everyone recognizes that there is a kind of slavery only truth can get us out of, and that slavery runs deep. Scripture tells us a story that can break the slavery of lies. John 8:31-36

We can either live a live that is lived through faith or through our works and performance. There are good reasons to live through faith. Romans 3:19-28

Most relationships are dictated by laws and our adherence to certain standards - performance standards, relational standards, behavioral standards, etc. How amazing to have a relationship with the king of the universe based on grace. Romans 6:15-23

Somehow or another I'd like to get what I want in life. What will get me what I want? Money? Miracles? Jesus tells a powerful story to help us get what we really want. Luke 16:19-31

If we are just trying to be famous as a congregation, we'll do big stuff. If we're just trying to have a good reputation, we'll be good and nice and never rock the boat. But if we're working for the glory of someone else, we'll do whatever it takes so that God is spoken well of. That is what Jesus has done in our place. Haggai 2:6-9

To build God's congregation and house requires that we do things that seem abnormal to us or are so unusual that it is hard to imagine they will lead to a great place. This challenge rings out to us, and we obey, only to discover that God really is our father and he will do for us what we ask in his name. Haggai 1:12-15

The Holy Spirit teaches us everything so that we can have peace. Not just happiness or comfort or the sense of tranquility, but the awesome awareness that we are with the God who is perfect, holy, and set apart.  This is what Phyllis Curtis discovered. John 14:25-27