He Saves: Us From Wasting Our Lives
River of Life River of Life

He Saves: Us From Wasting Our Lives

Many remark that we are living in dark days. By this, they mean that the present —and the future—are marked by sadness, hardship, afflictions, and breakdowns at every level.

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He Saves: By Bringing Light
River of Life River of Life

He Saves: By Bringing Light

Look the Lamb of God! John the Baptist’s exclamation is well-known by many of us. But have you ever thought about how strange a thing this is to say?

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He Saves: Through Baptism
River of Life River of Life

He Saves: Through Baptism

Today’s focus is on God’s great love for the great gatherings of sinful people. God makes a habit of calling the unfit and the unworthy through his powerful Word and also Christ’s Baptism.

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He Saves: The Nations
River of Life River of Life

He Saves: The Nations

The star is a prominent symbol of the Christmas season. We make star-shaped cookies. We hang lighted stars outside our homes. We often adorn the tops of our Christmas trees with stars. The star is a distinctly Christmas symbol.

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Christmas Day
River of Life River of Life

Christmas Day

Today we take a deeper look at the birth of Jesus. It is not just the details of his birth that are remarkable. Rather, the reason he was born—what he came to do and be—is most marvelous to the hearts and minds of sinners like us.

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Hearts Longing: The Long Awaited One
River of Life River of Life

Hearts Longing: The Long Awaited One

Tonight is a special night. Any birth is an exciting event. This birth is out-of-this world wonderful. The candles are lit. Our hearts are warmed and joyful.

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Hearts Longing: For God’s Love
River of Life River of Life

Hearts Longing: For God’s Love

Ahaz has a plan to rescue his people and save himself. The Lord comes to him with a different plan, an offer he shouldn’t refuse. I will rescue you. Ask me for any sign. Ahaz rejects this offer. God judges Ahaz, but provides the sign anyhow.

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Hearts Longing: For Joy
River of Life River of Life

Hearts Longing: For Joy

Today, we meet a man who was disappointed with Jesus—John the Baptist. He had hoped that Jesus would usher in a righteousness revival. Instead, he found himself languishing alone in prison for preaching the truth.

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Hearts Longing: For Peace
River of Life River of Life

Hearts Longing: For Peace

Are you ready? In exciting moments and nerve-racking ones, we are asked about our readiness. In the best of times, we respond with enthusiasm. But sometimes, we’re not really as ready as we’d hoped we’d be.

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Hearts Longing: For Hope
River of Life River of Life

Hearts Longing: For Hope

Are you ready? In exciting moments and nerve-racking ones, we are asked about our readiness. In the best of times, we respond with enthusiasm. But sometimes, we’re not really as ready as we’d hoped we’d be.

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Navigating Life Well: Gratitude
River of Life River of Life

Navigating Life Well: Gratitude

Gratitude is having its moment. Culturally speaking, gratitude has never been more popular. People from wildly different worldviews sing the praises of beginning each day with gratitude.

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Navigating Life Well: Frightening Events
River of Life River of Life

Navigating Life Well: Frightening Events

Not many people enjoy waiting—even when it’s for something really great. Waiting while in pain is even harder to stomach. So why does God make his people wait for the return of his Son?

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Navigating Life Well: Desires
River of Life River of Life

Navigating Life Well: Desires

We all play a game of hide and seek. We do our very best to hide all our offenses and failures, our guilt and our shame. But God sees through the charade.

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Navigating Life Well: Freedom
River of Life River of Life

Navigating Life Well: Freedom

Each year, we celebrate the Reformation, a watershed moment in the Church’s history. It began in 1517, with Martin Luther nailing 95 theses to the door of his church in Wittenberg, Germany.

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Navigating Life Well: Conflict
River of Life River of Life

Navigating Life Well: Conflict

What do you need in this life? Living in the comfort of modern society, we don’t immediately recognize the difference between needs and niceties.

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Navigating Life Well: Fresh Starts
River of Life River of Life

Navigating Life Well: Fresh Starts

Don’t put all your eggs in one basket! We’ve all been taught that the best way to reduce risk is to not be too reliant on any one thing and have a lot of options.

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All In: Serving With Your All
River of Life River of Life

All In: Serving With Your All

Have you ever felt like the task was too much? Do you ever fear that you can’t meet expectations? Someone may tap us on the shoulder for a task we wish we could tap out of.

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All In: When Comforts Fail
River of Life River of Life

All In: When Comforts Fail

Unique financial advice typically draws interest. But Jesus’ counsel is unlike any other. He warns us that material possessions quickly ascend from instrument to master.

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All In: One Master Only
River of Life River of Life

All In: One Master Only

Our Good Shepherd has demonstrated his love and faithfulness to us in coming into this world for us. God has purchased and won us and made his Church a healthy body.

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