We Believe: Jesus Christ

Throughout his sermon, Pastor Dave used imagery from Joshua 5:13-14 to emphasize that true belief affects what we do. Near Jericho, Joshua encounters a man standing with a drawn sword who claims to be the commander of the army of the LORD. Joshua believes him, and we can know that because he takes the risk of bowing low before the man, baring the back of his neck to possible attack.

To most of us, the content of the fourth article of our statement of faith is familiar and uncontroversial: Jesus is fully God and fully man. He lived a sinless life, was crucified, rose from the dead, and ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of God the Father. Before the Lord, ponder the difference between mental assent to these statements and believing them to the extent of “baring your neck.” What does that look like? How can, how should, these truths affect how I live day by day? Lord, show me where I am slow of heart to believe (Luke 24:25); help me believe fully.

Pastor Dave conceded that it is hard to understand how Jesus can be 100% God and 100% man. That feeling of confusion is uncomfortable, and we humans are tempted to fill in the blanks about Jesus so he makes sense to us. Dave gave examples from history of men who leaned on their own understanding to solve the mystery of Jesus, the incarnate God. Confess that we human creatures are incapable of understanding how two natures – divine and human – are united in one Person. Pray for the humility to bow before this and other mysteries in the Bible.

Lift up unbelievers in our midst who heard Dave’s message on Sunday – perhaps a seeker, perhaps a person dragged to church by a family member or friend, perhaps a long-time attender who everyone assumes is a Christian but who knows in his heart he is not. Ask Jesus to reveal himself to them. Pray that they will have the courage to reach out and talk to someone about Jesus.

Calvary Family

How appropriate that we came to the statement of what we believe about Jesus on the first day of Advent! Have you thought about how you might keep your focus on him in these coming weeks? It is a sad irony that we can become so busy preparing for Christmas festivities that we lose sight of Christ himself. Before the Lord, consider how you might observe Advent with intentionality and sacrifice. (I am using an Advent devotional from Christianity Today. E-mail me if you would like a copy in PDF format.)

Lift up the Women’s Ministry Christmas event this Friday evening. Pray that it will be a time of encouragement and fellowship and that many women will bring a friend to sample the joys of Christ-centered community.

Plan to attend the baptism service next Sunday between services. Pray for the individuals who will publicly profess their faith in Christ, thanking God for them and asking Him to reinforce and grow their faith.

Continue to pray for Janet Deckert, who is scheduled to undergo surgery for melanoma on her arm next Monday, December 5.

Next Tuesday, December 6, is celebrated in much of Europe as Saint Nicholas Day, a day children receive sweets and gifts. It is a time of active outreach for Pastor Tomasz Chylka’s church in Pszczyna, Poland. Pray for them as they prepare for evangelism to families next week.

In Christ,
Carol Gilbert