In Great Tragedy, Look To God, Whose Face Shines With Favor. - Psalm 80

We often find security and stability in all sorts of things without realizing it. But what happens when those things fail? In Psalm 80, Asaph laments the fall of the northern tribes to Assyria. As the nation falls apart, Asaph rightly turns to the Lord for salvation. He asks for God's face to shine on them. It's a poetic request for God's grace and favor to fall upon them and save them.

Jared GrahamMaranatha Baptist ChurchPsalms, Lance Augsburger
When Our Sin Brings Destruction, Cry Out To The God Of Salvation For Help. - Psalm 79

While sin causes destruction, it feels so much worse when it's the result of our own sin. We hurt others, ourselves, and Christ’s reputation. Psalm 79 laments Jerusalem’s destruction, the death of God's people, and the reproach of God's name. But the Psalmist is honest that they are at fault. Psalm 79 gives us direction in our own despair and the words to cry out to God for mercy and forgiveness.

Jared GrahamPsalms, Lance Augsburger
Live A Life That Displays The Glory Of God's Word. - Titus 2:1-10

In Acts 11, those who followed Jesus’ teachings were first called Christians. Have you ever thought about why those who follow Jesus are called Christians? The radically transformed lives of those who fully embraced the teachings of Jesus caught the attention of the rest of the world. In Titus 2, we see Titus challenging believers to live in such a way that matches and exalts the word of God.

Jared GrahamMaranatha Baptist ChurchSeth Thompson, Past
Fix Your Heart On The Giver Of All Good Things. - 1 Chronicles 29:1-20

On this "Celebration Sunday," as we celebrate God's provision through the gifts of His people, we need to make sure our hearts are focused on Him and not ourselves. In 1 Chronicles 29, after the willing gifts come in for the Temple, King David leads the people to rejoice, give praise to God, and pray for hearts devoted to God. We, too, must use this opportunity to give praise to God.

Jared GrahamMaranatha Baptist ChurchLance Augsburger, Past
God Provides Abundantly For His Work Through Willing Hearts. - Exodus 35:4-36:7

We've all received instructions that seem impossible. In the Christian life, God's instructions can feel this way at times. But God's grace always supplies what His love compels. In Exodus 35:4-36:7, we encounter Israel. They are preparing to obey God's detailed commands for His dwelling place - the Tabernacle. It's a bit overwhelming. But God asks for willing hearts and then does the rest.

Jared GrahamMaranatha Baptist ChurchLance Augsburger, Commitment, Past