Mount of Olives Church

It has been said, “An optimist stays up until midnight to welcome the New Year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.” Perhaps this New Year’s Eve, all of us will be a little bit of an optimist and little bit of a pessimist. I think we find ourselves in the position that we will not miss the year 2020 and are hopeful (perhaps desperate) for 2021 to be a much better year. And yet, as difficult as 2020 has been, it has also been a year in which we have learned many things. We have learned we are not as strong as we think we are. We have learned there are certain things way out of our control. We have had to face more of our mortality, and this has been humbling. Becoming more honest about these matters has helped us grow. We have had to consider what is most important in life. Hopefully, we have learned what we have needed most in all of this is a relationship with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ. This has been a growth year, and perhaps one of the reasons 2020 had...

A poor German girl announced she was going to give a piano concert. In order to attract people to come, in the advertisements she mentioned she was the student of the famous Hungarian professor, Franz Liszt; but it was a falsehood. To her dismay, she learned the professor was going to visit her town on the day before the concert. What should she do now? She went to meet him, confessed her guilt, and asked him to forgive her. The professor answered, "You made a mistake. All of us make mistakes. The only thing that you can do now is to repent; and I believe that you have already repented. Sit down and play." At the beginning, she played with much fear. The professor corrected a few of her mistakes and said, "Now truly you can say that I taught you. Go ahead and play at your concert tomorrow evening, and the last piece will not be played by you, but by your teacher." Our lives can be like this. We make mistakes and sometimes they are really big mistakes. Then we become...

In his book, “Managing People is Like Herding Cats”, leadership guru Warren Bennis observes that "Almost invariably, great leaders have had a significant setback, crisis or failure in their lives. Many of the leaders I studied faced adversity early in their lives. Four of them had chronic illnesses. Three others were raised as orphans." This is sometimes difficult to understand, but I think there is great truth in what Dr. Bennis is saying. The reason is because life’s challenges have a way of making us stronger and even wiser. If not for the setback or the mistakes we have made, we would be limited in our outlook and understanding. There is a certain level of wisdom which develops in us when life is hard and difficult. So while this might be a very difficult time for you, try to consider that your circumstances can also be something which makes you tougher and more resilient. Without discounting the pain you might be experiencing, look at the other side of the coin and consi...

During this pandemic, there has been an increase in the level of fear. Whether it is the fear of the virus or losing your job, people have been on edge. Even now as we read reports about new vaccines to cause us to be resistant to the virus, there are those who are afraid of the vaccine. One thing I know is we cannot allow fear to be the driving force in our lives. Here is an example from history: “Black Bart was a professional thief whose very name struck fear as he terrorized the Wells Fargo stage line. From San Francisco to New York, his name became synonymous with the danger of the frontier. Between 1875 and 1883, he robbed 29 different stagecoach crews. Amazingly, Black Bart did it all without firing a shot. Because he wore a hood, no victim ever saw his face. He never took a hostage and was never trailed by a sheriff. Instead, Black Bart later said from prison that he didn't need to fire a shot; all he had to do was to use fear to paralyze his victims. ‘Fear, the face of the ...

If our greatest need had been information, God would have sent an educator. If our greatest need had been technology, God would have sent a scientist. If our greatest need had been money, God would have sent an economist. But our greatest need was forgiveness and redemption, and, therefore, God sent a Savior! This is why we give gifts at Christmas; to remember and celebrate the greatest gift ever given – the gift is Jesus. We really don’t need anything more. Ephesians 1:7 NRSV In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace. Pray with me: Heavenly Father, we thank You for knowing exactly what we need for Christmas. Because of our broken condition, we do need a Savior. Out of the “riches of Your grace”, You have given us redemption through Jesus Christ in whose name we pray. Amen. Yours because of Him, Pastor John R. Steward Senior Pastor Mount of Olives Church

Leslie Savage wrote: A baby’s hands in Bethlehem Were small and softly curled. But held within their dimpled grasp The hope of all the world It has always amazed me the impact Jesus’ birth has had on the world. Even unbelievers celebrate His birthday. Wars and ceasefires have come about because of His birthday. From the most powerful to the most humble, it seems everyone is touched in some way by His birth. When the Magi (Wise Men), traveling from the East, saw the Bethlehem star, they made their way to where Jesus was born. In Matthew chapter 2, we see what happened next: Matthew 2:10-11 When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy. And after they came into the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary; and they fell down and worshiped Him. Then they opened their treasures and presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Pray with me: Heavenly Father, as we celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ, we look around to see how His birth has touche...

Luke 2:1-20 NRSV "In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid; for see—I am bri...

Dr. Peter Stoner, Professor Emeritus of Science at Westmont College, wrote a book entitled Science Speaks, (Moody Press, 1969, P.109) in which he wrote about the law of "compound probability", in reference to just 8 of these prophecies about Jesus coming true. He said the odds of one man accidentally fulfilling 8 of these detailed prophecies is 1 in 10 to the 17th power. That’s 1 with 17 zeros after it. In order for us to understand how incredible this number is in regard to fulfilled prophecy, he gave this illustration: “Let’s imagine you had that many silver dollars…1 in 10 to the 17th power. Those silver dollars would cover the entire landmass of Texas to a depth of 2 feet. Now, let’s suppose you took one of those silver dollars and marked with a red dot, and then dropped it from an airplane. Then, you thoroughly stirred up the entire mass. Now, you blind fold your mate or a friend and tell them they can go wherever they want in the state of Texas. But sometime they must s...

This story is about a young shepherd on that first Christmas night. And now he is old, and as his grandson sits on his knee, he recalls that night. "A long, long time ago, when I was a little more than a boy, I was out on the Judean hills one night with some other shepherds, keeping watch over the flock. And an angel of the Lord came upon us and the glory of the Lord shone roundabout us. And we were very afraid. But the angel said, ‘Fear not... for unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord... you shall find the baby in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.’" When he had said this, the old man’s lips quivered and ceased to move and there was silence. Then the grandson turned and looked with wide puzzled eyes into his grandfather’s face and said, "But, grandfather is that all? What did you do when you heard the good news? Was what the angel said really true? Was the Christ child ever really born?" The old shepherd sadly shook hi...

The first announcement of Christmas took place in the Garden of Eden. After the devil tempted Adam and Eve to eat of the forbidden tree, God made this announcement to the devil: Genesis 3:15 (Amplified Bible) “And I will put enmity (open hostility) Between you and the woman, And between your seed (offspring) and her Seed; He shall [fatally] bruise your head, And you shall [only] bruise His heel.” Right then and there, God declared He would rescue His now lost creation. A Savior would be sent. And while this Savior would be bruised on the cross, He would “fatally bruise” the devil. This is what Christmas is all about – God would come to do battle with “sin, death and the devil” and win. Pray with me: Heavenly Father, even when we failed You in the Garden of Eden, You responded in love, and announced Your plan of rescue. Help us, this Christmas, to stay focused on the rescue mission You have performed through Jesus our Savior, in whose name we pray. Amen. Yours because of Him, Pastor Joh...

“Some Christmas tree ornaments do more than glitter and glow, they represent a gift of love given a long time ago.” - Tom Baker For many, there is a disconnect between the traditions of Christmas and the message and true meaning of Christmas. It is like they think about Christmas and the Christ of Christmas as two separate things. However, when we stop to consider our traditions of Christmas, much of it is a subliminal message of the saving grace of God through our Lord Jesus Christ. For example, the Christmas tree itself being triangular in shape, represents the trinity. It points to heaven. It is always green which reminds us of the everlasting nature of God Himself. We put lights on the tree because Jesus is the light of the world. We bring this tree into our homes just as we need Jesus Christ in our homes. So, look around, and you will see the message of God’s redemption in Jesus all around us. 1 John 5:11ESV And this is the testimony, that God gave us eternal life, and this life i...

A pastor was preparing a Christmas message and fell asleep in his study at the church. He dreamed that he was in a world into which Jesus had never come. He walked out on the streets, but no church spires pointed to heaven. He was summoned by a weeping child to visit her dying mother, but on arriving found that his Bible ended with the Old Testament. The New Testament, with all its promises of heaven, had disappeared from his Bible. He bowed his head and wept in bitter despair, for he could offer her no hope beyond the grave. Suddenly the pastor was awakened by the choir down the hall practicing the familiar Christmas carols. Joy filled his soul as he realized as never before why we sing "Joy to the World the Lord Has Come!" (Our Daily Bread, Dec 20, 1992) Have you ever considered what the world would be like if Christ had never come? Or have you ever thought about what your life would be like if God had not come into our world through our Lord Jesus Christ? It really would b...

“Then the Grinch thought of something he hadn't before! What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!”― Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas! And it means a great deal more. It means we are not abandoned or forgotten. It means there is a source greater than ourselves. It means there is hope for the future. This is because the words of the Prophet, given to him long before the angel spoke to Mary, have become reality. Isaiah 7:14 ESV Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. Pray with me: Heavenly Father, we have celebrated Christmas many times. As a result, we could easily take Christmas for granted. However, Christmas is a significant reminder of what You have done and continue to do. It helps to point us to what is essential – the redemption we have in Christ Jesus, in whose name we pray. Amen. Yours because of Him...

A little girl was pushing the limits and on her mother’s very last nerve. Mom was nearing the end of a hectic season of cooking, cleaning, shopping, wrapping and church stuff. She was also nearing the breaking point with her little preschooler.Finally, the little girl was bathed and ready for bed. As she knelt to say her prayers, Mom listened as her sweet three-year-old theologian "customized" her evening prayer, “...And forgive us our Christmases, as we forgive those who Christmas against us!” While this might bring a smile to our face, it is a good reminder that during this Advent and Christmas season, we need to be sure to make “the main thing the main thing”. It is wonderful to have all of the trappings of Christmas, but we must not allow those special activities to distract us from the central message. This is the good news that God became a man in Jesus, died on a cross and was raised from the dead so we might be forgiven and receive eternal life. Isaiah 9:6 ESV For to ...

Father Alfred Delp was a prisoner of the Nazis during World War II. He was charged with treason for true Christian preaching. From his jail cell, he wrote about the meaning of Advent, the coming of Christ: "Advent is a time for rousing. Human beings are shaken to the very depths, so that they may wake up to the truth of themselves. The primary condition for a fruitful and rewarding Advent is renunciation, surrender ... a shattering awakening; that is the necessary preliminary. Life begins only when the whole framework is shaken." (From Russell Brownworth's Sermon "When You Walk in a Dream") Too often, the only things that shake us to the core are the bad news of a health condition, a death of a loved one or some other tremendous setback. Wouldn’t it be better to be shaken to the foundation of our beings by the tools of God? Then we would be better equipped to face the challenges of this life. Too often, we only have a casual relationship with God. When the tough...

“Advent: the time to listen for footsteps – you can’t hear footsteps when you’re running yourself.” Bill McKibben We live such busy lives. Normally, we have very little time except to carry out all of our responsibilities. During this COVID pandemic, many have reported they have had more quality time with family. This is one good thing which has come out of all of this. But during this Advent season, we are being asked to stop and listen for God’s footsteps coming into our lives and our world through our Lord Jesus Christ. When we fail to stop and listen to His voice, we become shallow believers with no real depth. As a result, we miss out on so many things. We could miss out on experiencing the greatness and goodness of God. During Advent, make up your mind to take new steps to grow in Christ. There are a number of things you can do. Start to read your Bible; start with the Gospels. Have a dedicated time for prayer. Make up your mind and commit yourself to going on a Cursillo weekend ...

One day, Martin Luther, the great 16th century reformer, heard a knock at the door and answered. “Does Dr. Martin Luther live here?” he was asked. “No,” Luther answered, “he died, Christ lives here now.” This is one of the great lessons of Advent, along with its cousin, Lent. It is meant to be a time of self-reflection and transformation. So, during this period, we need to ask about the death of our pride and self-will. Who is still in charge of my life? Whose agenda am I living out? Whose plan am I fulfilling? Am I wanting to be served by others, or am I striving to serve them? This is our great struggle; wanting to live according to my plan and desires. And yet God is calling me to “die to self and for Christ to live within me”. Galatians 2:19-20 NRSV For through the law I died to the law, so that I might live to God. I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but it is Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of ...

One of the most difficult things for people to understand is the Incarnation of Christ. This is the doctrine which teaches us Jesus is God in human flesh. The Christian Church has always taught Jesus is fully God and fully man – 100% God and 100% man. Winston Churchill, in his day, described Russia as “a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma". This is a good definition of the Incarnation. It is that difficult to understand. In John 10:30 , Jesus says, “I and the Father are one.” When He said this, He was declaring Himself to be God in human flesh. Some might argue that He and the Father are one in purpose. But the word used for “one” here in the original Koine Greek means one in substance. To truly make the point when you read the rest of the chapter, you learn the religious leaders of the day who were listening, understood what He was saying very well because it says they picked up stones to kill Him. They considered what He had just said to be blasphemy (tremendous disres...

The great Lutheran pastor, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, imprisoned by Hitler during World War II, writes to his fiancé about one of the many lessons he learned from life in prison: “A prison cell, in which one waits, hopes, does various unessential things, and is completely dependent on the fact that the door of freedom has to be opened from the outside is not a bad picture of Advent.” (Dietrich Bonhoeffer, in Letters and Papers from Prison; in a letter to his fiancée, Maria von Wedemeyer from Tegel Prison in Germany, November 21, 1943) Our salvation is never something we accomplish. Even faith is not something we do. The door is opened from the outside and this is what Jesus came to do. During this Advent season, we are reminded that because of our sinful condition, we are in bondage to sin and must be rescued. This is why Christmas is so wonderful. We celebrate that He has opened the door to our freedom from “sin, death and the power of the devil”. Galatians 1:3-5 ESV Grace to you and peace ...

“Every time we open our mouths and speak, we are either saying let there be light or let there be darkness.” Author Glennon Doyle Melton Advent is a season of light. This is because the light of the world, Jesus, has come into the world bringing illumination. As His disciples, we are meant to share this light with everyone. Advent is a good time to turn up the light. During this season, let’s be on special watch of our words. Let’s think about what we say before we say it, asking ourselves, “Are these words of light or not?” It is a time when we need to tell others about the light Jesus can bring into their lives as well. Let us be people of Christ’s light. Ephesians 5:8 NRSV For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light. Live as children of light. Pray with me: Heavenly Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, You have brought Your light into the world. Without this light, we would be walking in the darkness of the soul. But because of this light, there is hope for all...