Pastor Fari Maghami

Today, the church is called to proclaim the Gospel through our being, doing, and telling. The good news is that the only way we find our way back home is by God’s grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, according to Scripture alone, and for God’s glory alone. This message is for all people, regardless of nation or socioeconomic status.

As Christians, we are called to think and meditate on God’s Word so that our thoughts align with His revealed will and way of thinking. The Bible and the Holy Spirit serve as our mental and spiritual guides and safeguards, helping us take every thought captive and expel damaging, sinful, and God-demeaning thoughts and behaviors (2 Corinthians 10:5). However, this is something we must pursue intentionally and actively. The Spirit enables us, but we must willingly obey God in the process of renewing our minds.

Hospitality is more than just a kind gesture—it’s a command and a reflection of God’s love for us. As God in Christ opened His arms and heart wide on the cross, giving us access to Himself and His home in heaven, we too should open our hearts and homes to others. By doing so, we not only fulfill a biblical command but also create spaces where God’s grace can flow freely through us. Let’s be intentional in our hospitality, knowing that through it, we might just be entertaining angels (Hebrews 13:2).

Repentance relieves the burden of our sin, guilt, and shame. When we repent and believe in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, we receive peace with God and the peace of God. Our relationship with God is reconciled. We have been justified by faith in the person and saving work of Jesus Christ on the cross and His resurrection.

Without the love and grace of God, there would be no incarnation. Without the cradle, there would be no saving cross; without the cross, there would be no payment for our sins. Without this sufficient payment, there would be no resurrection from the dead and no promise of eternal life. But praise God that He so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.

How is the story of Abraham and Isaac connected to Jesus Christ of Nazareth? Let us first briefly examine God’s promise of a son to Abram and Sarai (later called Abraham and Sarah) when he was 75 years old and she was 65. Even though a son is not directly mentioned in this text by God, a hint is given. This promise is written about by Moses in Genesis 12:1-4

Regardless of what comes our way, God is greater. Nothing can push God into a corner or surprise Him. He is the sovereign and supreme King of kings and Lord of lords and, “according to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:3b-5). The life of every believer is now and for all eternity in the safe hands of God. Our blood-bought future includes a new heaven and earth for all who trust the Gospel, where all believers truly will live happily ever after with their God. Do not lose heart – our future in Christ is beyond all comparison.

In our time of need and suffering the best move is to draw near to God. In Christ, we can be sure that God is with us and close to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18). We shouldn’t doubt God’s goodness, justice and love when we witness or experience suffering. Instead, it should underscore God’s mercy and love for a broken humanity. God sent His only begotten Son to enter and be involved in our mess, sorrow and pain.