December 3,2016

Breaking Open the Scripture Scriptures for December 11th: Isaiah 35:1-10; Luke 1:46b-55; James 5:7-10; Matthew 11:2-11; Theme: What do you see?; Song: 196 Come Thou Long Expected Jesus Isaiah: Isaiah gives us an idea of what the world will look like when God is present. We are all hoping for things to change. For life to be better. But we are reminded that the only way for God to be present is for us to live as if he is already here. For us to make sure that the scripture is written in our hearts and we are actually living according to the principles set out in the bible. When that happens, not only will our community change, but everyone around the world will flock to the city to see how it is done. God’s plan can happen in Englewood, just as well as in Jerusalem. We can vow to live in peace. But we have to convince others the live in our dream. That is what Christmas is all about – spreading God’s vision to the rest of the world who does not go to church. It all starts with Imagine if….. Matthew: How many times in your life have you asked Jesus if he is the one, or should I expect another? The truth is we test Jesus each and every day. We try to make sense of our lives and circumstances everyday. Who is Jesus to you? Do you even recognize your savior when you see him? Do you see Jesus as that baby crying while you are trying to concentrate, or the little child running around needing discipline, or the friend in the hospital needing a visit, or the homeless man asking for food right now. Jesus comes to us in all shapes and sizes. We have to be prepared and ready. People started to see salvation in a man in the wilderness, crying out to repent. He got so popular that he was put in jail. People knew that a change was necessary. And they pursued it. When you look at other people what do you see? You should see Jesus giving you a message, to love, to understand to help, to participate. Questions: What would Englewood look like if God were present in the way we treated one another? How can you give God’s vision to others this Christmas? What has to change before God can get through to the world? How can you recognize Jesus in this modern age? When you see the people in front of you, what do you see? What do you need to repent of?