Grace Church of Cochrane

The scars that tell the greatest story

Have you seen those signs that advertise "quick, easy, and cheap divorces"? In our country, no-fault divorce laws have been legalized for years. But Jesus will not permit such low and cheap views of marriage. He's serious about the sanctity of marriage.

1. Listen to Jesus' Definition of Adultery (vs. 27-28) 2. Listen to Jesus' Strategy and Motivations for Mortification (vs. 29-30)

School shootings. Disease. Debauchery. Division. Death. These are days of trouble. We need to learn how to lament in a way that honors God and is healthy for the soul.

The ascended Christ has conscripted his captives to serve in building up his church. In this passage we see that Jesus assigns our roles and defines our goals.

Jesus says his disciples are salt and light in the world. We're saved to have a net-positive influence in a world full of decay and darkness. But the mission of the church isn't doing good works for their own sake. Jesus has a much higher goal in mind: that people would see our good works and give glory to our Father in heaven

As Christians, we're conscripted by the King of Heaven into his peace corps on earth. But it's not a call to pursue peace at all costs. For Jesus reminds us that if we truly live like citizens of heaven, we will be hounded by the world. We're blessed in this and should rejoice and be glad for our reward

What does it mean that Jesus emptied himself? This phrase has created a lot of confusion and false teaching. This Lord's Day we're going to marvel at the humble mind of the Lord Jesus Christ. His self-humiliation serves as a foundational motivation and model for all Christian ethics.

Christmas season is full of mythical tales. But many people scoff at Christians for believing "myths" such as the virgin conception of Jesus. Too many professing Christians turn down the volume and try to make the miracles and message of Christ's birth more acceptable to modern ears. But this advent, we're turning up the volume to celebrate and defend the fact that nothing is impossible with God.

Do you feel the world is broken? Do you wish that you could see it all made new? We do. And we will! This is the triumphant note the angel leaves ringing in Daniel's ear and one we need to hear.

There's a lot of historical predictions and details in Daniel 11. It's another reminder that the kingdoms of this world are in constant conflict, but God is always in control. He ordains fiery trial and tribulations with purpose: to define and refine his people

Chapter 10 is a long introduction to the final vision. We're confronted with the reality of angels and demons and conflicts behind the scenes. But most importantly Daniel was comforted and strengthened by the repreated truth that even in the midst of all-out war, he was greatly loved. Hearing this truth will also serve to strengthen us as we experience great conflicts, seen and unseen.

The vision of the 70 weeks is dizzying in all the details. Faithful Christians have disagreements over how to interpret the particulars, but the main message is clear enough: Jesus' death guarantees the greatest reset and redemption history has ever seen

There's a lot of things we don't know. However, we know we will suffer and groan under the curse. But knowing this, God has also given to us precious promises that we can know. In these verses, God gives us some of the most precious guarantees given to man, aptly called by some "the golden chain of salvation".

One of the distinguishing traits of truly being a Christian is how we relate to each other. Having been loved by God in Christ, we are transformed into a people who reflect the same love to one another.