Idaho Grace Sermon Podcast

See, God is not merely a God who feels emotion; He acts.  Specifically, God is a God who saves.  He does so, not only for our rescuing, but for the glory of His name.  I like how Tim Keller put it:  "Jesus is the only God who, if you find Him, will satisfy you; and if you fail Him, will forgive you; and if you run from Him, will pursue you." But you have a choice to make.  Will it be the God who saves or a false god who enslaves?

Christianity never starts with, “Do.”  It says, first, you have to receive something before you can do. A lot of people think Christianity starts with doing: “Clean up your life. Get self-control. Be perseverant. Become loving.”  No. Peter does not say, “First, you do.”  He says, “First, you must receive something. If you are not growing in these ways, you have forgotten the gospel.”

Spiritual disciplines do not merit justification. However, spiritual disciplines do facilitate sanctification and discipleship.  You have to do something to become like Christ and experience the abundant life He so willingly offers. It starts with turning away from your sin and asking Christ to become not just your forgiver, but your decision maker.

If there is a lack in intimacy, you have given opportunity to the devil.  Seek the relationship.  Christ pursues you; pursue Him.

We have everything we need to grow spiritually.  We have to know what Christ has promised, what we are called to, and what He can and will do. 

Join us for this special message on New years Day! 

"Our fears are quieted in Jesus.  Our longings are satisfied in Jesus.  Our questions are answered in Jesus.  No wonder the wise men rejoiced exceedingly with great joy: they had found the answer to their quest."

Joseph’s life tells us, “It’s worth it.  God keeps His promises.  Jesus is worth the pain and the shame and the shattered dreams and even death if it comes.” Don’t miss out on Jesus. 

He offers rest to you. Which is what some of you most need at Christmas 2022. Rest for a weary soul.  It’s in Christ.  John 1:12:  But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God. 

Admitting your sins and failures isn’t fun. Repentance and turning away from your old life isn’t easy.  But the reward on the other side is greater than anything else this world can offer.  The hope, the freedom, the purpose, the closeness with Jesus – you won’t find anything out there that even comes close.