Journey to The Journey

This topsy-turvy, chaotic mess is the world we live in. It often feels that there is nowhere to turn for encouragement and nothing but shifting sand beneath our feet. We aren't alone in our predicament. It's been this way throughout history. We aren't the first generation to experience this and we surely won't be the last. So, what are we to do?

What's the best news that you have ever received? Maybe that you or your spouse were pregnant? Maybe that you received a promotion you had worked hard for at work? Maybe you got a clean bill of health after a long, hard battle with sickness or disease? Maybe the news wasn't even about you, but rather it concerned a loved one? Regardless of what the "good news" may have been, I'm willing to bet that you could hardly contain yourself from screaming it from the nearest rooftop!

In the biblical narrative, the role of the shepherd is often important. God's chosen king of his people, King David, came from humble roots as a lowly shepherd. Later, he would pen numerous psalms that use shepherd imagery in worship towards God (none more famous than Psalm 23). The New Testament authors would use the term "shepherd" to describe the role of elders in caring for the Church. As we studied this week, the birth of Jesus was first announced to shepherds out in the fields keeping watch over their flocks. And of course, it probably isn't insignificant that of the seven "I am" statements of Jesus, two are related to the work of shepherds.

This week we started a 4 week Advent series where we are focusing on the incarnation of Christ. What is so significant about the incarnation that we would take an entire month to focus on it? Why are so many other churches doing the same? I've heard this word Advent before, but I don't really understand what all the fuss is about! If those questions and thoughts have run through your mind, you aren't alone. For many people, when they think about Christmas, there is a long list of things that come to mind well before they ever even begin to think about the incarnation. In fact, I'd be willing to bet that for the majority of people who will celebrate Christmas in this country and around the world this year, Jesus doesn't even factor into the equation. Yikes! How did we get here???

The word “advent” comes from the Latin advenire, ad (“to”) - venire (“come”), or adventus (“arrival”). It is the celebration of the incarnation of Jesus at his birth (i.e. Christmas). Historically, it has been a traditional part of worship leading up to Christmas among Catholics, Lutherans, Anglicans, and Methodists (among others), but is also regularly observed among many within evangelicalism.

As Michael rightly pointed out in his message, the ascension of Jesus is likely the most often overlooked aspect of Christ's work. We have holidays devoted to celebrating his birth/life (Christmas) and his death and resurrection (Easter), but we rarely think about his ascension and what it means for us as believers. And yet, it is the ascension, that Christ has risen to glory and now sits at the right hand of the Father where he is reigning and ruling, interceding for and overseeing his Church, that is perhaps of the greatest importance in the daily lives of Christians right now.

Every week in the month of November, we are pleased to be hosting a different Acts 29 Midwest Network pastor at The Journey. These are men that we have had the opportunity to partner with in various ministry efforts over the years. While we all share a common passion for seeing healthy churches planted and the gospel of Jesus Christ proclaimed, each of these men bring with them a unique perspective and vision for growing God's kingdom in the context in which they have been called to minister. We hope and pray that, not only will this month allow us to hear from gifted friends in the faith, but that it will also provide our church family with a greater ability to see how God is working in places beyond Marietta, Ohio. So, without further ado, it is our pleasure to introduce this week's guest preacher...Pastor Michael Graham from The Village Church in Hamilton, OH.

Earlier this year, South African televangelist Alph Lukau created an international stir when a video of him reportedly resurrecting a dead man went viral. Controversy ensued when the resurrection was revealed to have been fabricated. Several of the participants were later arrested and charged in connection. For many, this was just another example in a long list of foolish and unbelievable claims made by Christians.

Every week in the month of November, we are pleased to be hosting a different Acts 29 Midwest Network pastor at The Journey. These are men that we have had the opportunity to partner with in various ministry efforts over the years. While we all share a common passion for seeing healthy churches planted and the gospel of Jesus Christ proclaimed, each of these men bring with them a unique perspective and vision for growing God's kingdom in the context in which they have been called to minister. We hope and pray that, not only will this month allow us to hear from gifted friends in the faith, but that it will also provide our church family with a greater ability to see how God is working in places beyond Marietta, Ohio. So, without further ado, it is our pleasure to introduce this week's guest preacher...Pastor Justin Rahmes from Missio Dei North in Mason, OH.

In reality, without a proper appreciation for the true severity of the plight of sinful man, one will never respond to the gospel with a thankful heart. The same God that has set his wrath against sin, has mercifully condescended from glory to take on flesh and bear the weight of that judgement upon himself in Christ for the benefit of his children. It isn't simply that God has loved us, but he has loved us "in Christ." It is within the framework of the relationship of eternal Father and eternal Son where we find our hope. Election, adoption, justification, sanctification, glorification - all of the fancy "-tion" words that we teach our pastors in seminary classes - all find their source in Jesus. It is through both the finished and on-going work of Christ that all of these things are accomplished and accounted to us.