The Well Church of the Nazarene

The Vine

Jesus speaks of covenant in Luke 22 at the Last Supper, proclaiming the “new covenant” is found in him. In our final message in this series Jesus invites us to remain…to abide in him as a way of living our covenant with him.

The Suit

We are Mephibosheth--despised, struggling with the gods of this word, and tempted to step out of covenant with God. But David does for Mephibosheth was Jesus does for us, making room for us to join him in covenant at a table where we are embraced, given a new home, and a never-ending feast! Healing and the King's palace is waiting for you... who are you in covenant with today?

...And Stones

As we grow to understand what covenant means, losing ourselves and becoming one with another, we should begin to see scripture differently. Perhaps the giants are not to be viewed as obstacles to a "better" life, but rather opportunities to show others the difference walking in the covenant can make in our lives. Just as David beat Goliath because he realized and then lived out his covenant relationship with God, we too can have the confidence to face whatever is before us. The battle is the Lord's!

Sticks...

At its most basic level, a covenant is a binding agreement with defined boundaries, promises, consequences, blessings, and expectations. It "cuts" out what separates and then reconnects/restores us to our covenant partner. This describes our relationship with God! Covenants were a matter of survival in the Old Testament, and they still are today. 

Renewal Cuts Deep

We were created for one reason--that we would know God. The word "covenant" was a unique, culturally relevant, and understandable term that describes God's relationship with you and me and defines his interaction with us. Without that relationship, there would be a void in our lives, for to know Him is to love him, and to love Him is to give ourselves TO him. The covenant is about oneness with God. It's in our blood! 

Spread the Word

As the cry of a newborn baby breaks through the silence, light also breaks through the darkness. The glory of God has returned announcing the child’s birth to shepherds. This unlikely audience rushes to find this gift for all and then responds in the only way that was, and still is, appropriate. This Christmas Eve we will be reminded of the significance of how Jesus came, why he was needed, and compelled to do as the shepherds did and spread the word of all we have been told about this child!

The Peace for You and Me

Our fears, battles, struggles, and failures take away the peace that Jesus brings. But WE are the reason for the season--Jesus came for you and me! We are no longer Ichabod (departed glory). Tonight we celebrate the glory of the Lord that shines around us. As children of the King, we do not have to fear, for God is WITH us.

The Joy of the Shepherds

It's possible that our familiarity with the Christmas story hinders our ability to see the absurdity of it--and it's within that absurdity that we find a nugget of Good News! An angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds and said, "Fear not! I bring you good news that will cause great joy for ALL people." And who did the angel deliver this message to? Those that would easily qualify as the least likely to have God's favor on them. The insignificant. And yet, the absurdity of the Christmas story--that the lowest of the low were the first to know about the Christ child--reveals the character of God. He steps into our insignificance...and redeems it.

 

Video/Song Clip Credit: Tyler Childers
https://youtu.be/Lt4Vl4pKDsQ?si=YybQaKI8-AJgwL8l

The Love of Joseph

Obsessing about what people think about us is the quickest way to forget what God thinks about us. But obsessing about what God thinks about us is the quickest way to forget what people think about us.

If we're not ready to be criticized for our obedience to God, then we're not ready to be used by Him. There's no telling what God might do through just one simple act of obedience!

The Hope of Mary

God's purpose for us is often different from our plans, and what we might call a confusing or disturbing interruption could be God's divine invitation! Thankfully, we don't have to understand God's plan to trust that he has a purpose. Obedience is our responsibility--the outcome is God's.