It's a simple question, "What does it look like to live a Christian life?" What does it look like to know good, true, and accurate doctrine, to live an obedient life, and love as God calls us to love? Throughout the summer, we will walk through John’s first letter to the church asking the simple question, "God, how now do we live?" I want to invite you to grab your bible and join with me as we study through1 John.
This is a summer series. I will be preaching throughout the summer at Hickory Church. However, I will not be preaching weekly, so check out the tentative series calendar for Back to the Basics home page. 8:30 a.m. ServiceSuggested Resources
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Explain It To Me...
List to the Message...
Lead Me To The Cross, Part 3
Explain It To Me, Jay Higham Recorded on Sunday, April 23rd, 2017 At Hickory United E.P. Church 
Come As You Are...
Listen to the Message...
Lead Me To The Cross, Part 2
Come As You Are, Jay Higham Recorded on Sunday, April 16th, 2017 (Easter Sunday) At Hickory United E.P Church
As you think about the wonderful reality of being able to come to Jesus as you are, take a few minutes to listen and watch, Come As You Are, as performed by David Crowder.
 It's the Best Kept Secret Part One I started a teaching series last week called, It's the Best Kept Secret. This week, I want to share this series as a study, so I am going back through the material and reshaping it as a daily study. My hope is that as you think about your relationship with Jesus Christ, you might also consider how you live for him. So I hope this helps you as you chase after Jesus. What does it look like to live a balanced healthy life, a life that passionately chases after the things of God? What does it look like to live a life of worship? How does one grow as a disciple? And when it comes to ministry, how do you serve those around you? Like many church leaders, I was drawn to the idea that there was some miraculous method or model to inspire and accomplish growth. I wanted to see growth in both my personal spiritual life and growth in my ministry. So I read books, a lot of books. And I went to seminars, a lot of seminars. And I hoped, boy did I hope that I would find the secret that I though some many already knew.  I read books like... - The Purpose Driven Youth Ministry, Doug Fields… - Sustainable Youth Ministry, Mark DeVries… - Thriving Youth Ministry in Smaller Church, Rick Chrome... - The Purpose Driven Church, Rick Warren… - Leading with Love, Alexander Strauch… - Spiritual Leadership, J. Oswald Sanders… - Evangelism Explosion, D James Kennedy… - Radical, David Platt… - Multiply, Francis Chan… - The Church Planter, Darrin Patrick… - The Irresistible Church, Wayne Cordeiro… - Simple Church, Thom S Rainer and Eric Geiger… - 7 Practices of Effective Ministry, Andy Stanley, Reggie Joinier, Lane Jones… - Nine Marks of a Healthy Church, Mark Dever… - The Power of a Whisper, Bill Hybels… - The Circle Maker, Mark Batterson… - Verticle Church, James MacDonald… Now these aren’t books that I’ve just read. These are books that I have studied, dissected and pondered over. I was amazed by the stories that told of tremendous growth and ministry. Stories of how churches jumped from a handful of worshipers to the gathering of thousands celebrating together in weekly worship. With each book, I kept looking for some secret ingredient, a model or structure, a particular strategy or look, a common tread that ran through each church or growth story, something that would spark the growth in what I was doing. And after years of looking and studying, I think it’s safe to say, I found it. But to my surprise, I didn’t find it in any of these books. Despite all the experience, know-how, stories, methods, and models, the answer to my deep quest for understand the church and church growth wasn’t found in any of the books I read. In fact, it all comes down to not a method or a model, not even a strategy or a vision statement. It comes down to what we see happening in the early church as it is shared in Acts 2:42-47. So let's look at Acts 2:42-47.  Acts 2:42-47 English Standard Version (ESV) The Fellowship of the Believers 42 And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. 43 And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common. 45 And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. 46 And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. (ESV) We see something special in the early church. Something that if we look close enough, we too will see. Growth doesn't comes because of a model or a method or a strategy. Growth comes as we pursue three things.  Worship. Discipleship. Ministry To Think About...Worship. Discipleship. Ministry. How would you define these terms based simply on what you understand as you consider the concept of WORSHIP, DISCIPLESHIP and MINISTRY. Print out the .pdf using the link below and answer the simple questions provided and keep them with your bible. See you tomorrow.  
This past Sunday, I had the opportunity to preach at Hickory United E.P. Church, where I serve as the Youth Director. I always love when I get to bring God's word to the church. But on this particular Sunday, I was a little more excited as usual. They 'Why,' I will share in another blog post. But for now, I just want to share the recorded presentation.
I originally preached a similar message in January at another church. And while I don't like reusing preaching material, I felt the Lord leading me to share from this passage again. It turns out, the Spirit had something to say. These words were timely and appropriate. So please, listen to the podcast. My prayer is that you too would be challenged and encouraged as you live out your faith. 
Last week, I posted the printed version of my Christmas Day message at Hickory Church. This week I was able to get a hold of the audio version and create a podcast. So if you want to list to my Christmas Day message, here it is!
Thanks for listening. I hope the audio version encourages you to grow deeper in your relationship with Jesus, more then just on Christmas Day!
- jay
His Father the Carpenter |
| Then the news. Mary is pregnant. It comes like an out of control ox cart and plows him over. His mind fills with thoughts. His heart explodes with emotion. How? How could she? What will people think? What will people say? The embarrassment. The shame. But then again, Joseph is a good man. Right? So he decides to divorce her, quietly, so not to make Mary out to be something she’s not. Then comes the angel. More news. This time the news is from God. |  |
“Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:20-21 NIV)
How does a guy respond to something like that? This was huge. A baby. A son. Made possible by the Holy Spirit. And he would save his people from their sins… If I am Joseph, I think I would have a lot of question. But like Mary, we’re not told anything accept the choice to be obedient.
Joseph, like Mary, trusted God. He said say to what God was asking. Though it turned his world upside down, Joseph chose to be obedient. Matthew 1:24-25 say, “When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.”
How does a guy respond to something like that? This was huge. A baby. A son. Made possible by the Holy Spirit. And he would save his people from their sins… If I am Joseph, I think I would have a lot of question. But like Mary, we’re not told anything accept the choice to be obedient.
Joseph, like Mary, trusted God. He said say to what God was asking. Though it turned his world upside down, Joseph chose to be obedient. Matthew 1:24-25 say, “When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus.”
Joseph, like Mary, trusted God.
The next time we hear about Joseph, or Mary for that matter is in Luke 2. They arrive in Bethlehem and the city is packed. The only space for Joseph and his young wife is in a stable. It’s not ideal, but Mary is ready to give birth so it’ll have to do.
Then it happens. Mary gives birth and now Joseph must become the father of this little life.
I love the scene the the movie, The Nativity Story, where Mary and Joseph, are in the stable and Jesus arrives. Joseph waits to receive this new life. Then it comes. He lifts it up, with a smile and laughter. For any other father this would be a moment of great pride.
Mary hands him something to wrap the baby with then hands him to her. They share glances and smiles. The camera bounces from Mary to Joseph, then both of them together. They look at each other, then we see Joseph. Emotion floods his face and he begins to cry.
It’s in that moment that the carpenter becomes a father.
Then it happens. Mary gives birth and now Joseph must become the father of this little life.
I love the scene the the movie, The Nativity Story, where Mary and Joseph, are in the stable and Jesus arrives. Joseph waits to receive this new life. Then it comes. He lifts it up, with a smile and laughter. For any other father this would be a moment of great pride.
Mary hands him something to wrap the baby with then hands him to her. They share glances and smiles. The camera bounces from Mary to Joseph, then both of them together. They look at each other, then we see Joseph. Emotion floods his face and he begins to cry.
It’s in that moment that the carpenter becomes a father.
We know nothing beyond that moment except that Joseph takes full responsibility to raise and protect Jesus as he grows. But I often find myself wondering about Joseph; his willingness to say yes, his commitment to raise the Son of God, and to be present as a father but relatively absent in terms of history and storytelling. Maybe it’s because I’m a father, and I too, watched as my children were born. Maybe it’s the emotion of the moment, the surreal realization that I was now responsible for this new life. Maybe it’s because I’m raising my own quiver, thus I’m sensitive to Joseph and his story.
Or maybe it’s because in God’s great plan of redemption, he chose someone as simple and as humble as a carpenter. A good man, who worked hard, who loved and cared for his wife, and was willing to trust God beyond what he could see.
Every thing about the Christmas story is filled with awe and wonder. We just need to look. God does something truly miraculous with ordinary, every day people. From the teenage virgin to a young carpenter, to you and me. And it does it all, because He loves us. He loves us!
Today, consider the awe and wonder of the simple things, the humble things. Reflect on Joseph and his willingness to trust God with something he has absolutely no say in. And ask yourself, would you, could you do the same?
Or maybe it’s because in God’s great plan of redemption, he chose someone as simple and as humble as a carpenter. A good man, who worked hard, who loved and cared for his wife, and was willing to trust God beyond what he could see.
Every thing about the Christmas story is filled with awe and wonder. We just need to look. God does something truly miraculous with ordinary, every day people. From the teenage virgin to a young carpenter, to you and me. And it does it all, because He loves us. He loves us!
Today, consider the awe and wonder of the simple things, the humble things. Reflect on Joseph and his willingness to trust God with something he has absolutely no say in. And ask yourself, would you, could you do the same?
| Consider these questions today. 1. Remember back to the birth of your first child. Wives, do you remember your husbands reaction when your child was born? Husbands, do you remember you reaction when your child was born? Take a moment and be in that memory. Allow yourself to relive that time. It’s okay if you get emotional. 2. Joseph chose to trust God with something that he really had no part in. How has God asked you to trust him in a similar situation? 3. In what ways has God left you in awe and wonder as you chase after him with your life? |  Did you miss the first three days? Don't worry. Just click here and you can start at the beginning and catch up! |
 | Jay Higham is a veteran youth worker of over 25 years; having worked with students in the local church and Christian camping settings. Jay is currently the Student Ministry Director at Hickory Church, located in Western PA. Jay has been married to Amy for 20 years. Together, they are raising 5 kids, (4 boys and 1 girl). Jay is an aspiring author, blogger, speaker, a YouTuber/vlogger, and social media junkie. He is passionate about student ministry, family ministry, and training youth workers to love and serve their students with passion and excellence. |
A Teenage Girl and the Son of God
Awe & Wonder - A Christmas Series
Have you ever stopped to look back to your teenage years? What were those years like for you? Awkward? Difficult? Rebellious?
Were you the popular one, who everybody flocked to be around? Or were you the quiet one, more comfortable on you own? Maybe you felt more like the outsider, never quite feeling like you fit in.
Were you the popular one, who everybody flocked to be around? Or were you the quiet one, more comfortable on you own? Maybe you felt more like the outsider, never quite feeling like you fit in.
For many of us, our teenage years were more like riding a roller coaster of ups, downs and loop d’loops. Looking back, like the roller coast, those years seemed to go by too fast. In many case, we might say that we weren't really ready for those years. But we did our best and struggled through them, celebrating our wins and dealing with our mistakes.
Have you ever thought about how Mary felt about her teenage years? While we don’t know exactly how old Mary was, most traditions put her in her teenage years, those awkward and turbulent years.
We know little of Mary’s life prior to Luke chapter 1. And what we do know is even more limiting. We know that she is living in Nazareth. We know she is a virgin. (That helps with the age thing.) We know she is betrothed (or committed to be married to) a man named Joseph. And we know that she is has found favor with God.
Have you ever thought about how Mary felt about her teenage years? While we don’t know exactly how old Mary was, most traditions put her in her teenage years, those awkward and turbulent years.
We know little of Mary’s life prior to Luke chapter 1. And what we do know is even more limiting. We know that she is living in Nazareth. We know she is a virgin. (That helps with the age thing.) We know she is betrothed (or committed to be married to) a man named Joseph. And we know that she is has found favor with God.
The angel comes and drops this life changing information on Mary, not yet married, and having never been with a man, she was about to be pregnant. Not only will she be pregnant, but the life she will carry will be from God. But this isn’t like, oh, I’ve been blessed with a baby… No, this is the Son of God. Consider what the angels says.
“You will conceive in your womb and bear a son… He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” (Luke 1:31a, 32 & 33 ESV)
Now I don't know about you, but these aren’t the dreams and life goals of normal teenagers. I have worked with teenagers for years. I have a couple teenagers of my own. And I can tell you, none of them have ever said to me, boy, I sure hope I get pregnant and give birth to a son who rules over the world for ever and ever.
“You will conceive in your womb and bear a son… He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” (Luke 1:31a, 32 & 33 ESV)
Now I don't know about you, but these aren’t the dreams and life goals of normal teenagers. I have worked with teenagers for years. I have a couple teenagers of my own. And I can tell you, none of them have ever said to me, boy, I sure hope I get pregnant and give birth to a son who rules over the world for ever and ever.
And yet, here we are. Mary, perhaps just an ordinary teenager girl, is suddenly thrust into a life altering event that will not only impact her, but will change everything for everyone!
Mary asks one question. “How? How will this be, since I am a virgin?”
It's an odd question. We’d expect something a little more objecting. Maybe we would expect Mary to slam on the brakes, looking around for the hidden, you’ve just be pranked, cameras. But no, she simply asks, How?
Now I know that we can’t read the emotions that she might have been feeling in that moment. We really have no way of knowing how she may have looked, responded, or what she did. But as I read her ultimate response in verse 38, I have to wonder, what was going on in her heart? Because in the black and white of print and page she seems so calm.
Mary asks one question. “How? How will this be, since I am a virgin?”
It's an odd question. We’d expect something a little more objecting. Maybe we would expect Mary to slam on the brakes, looking around for the hidden, you’ve just be pranked, cameras. But no, she simply asks, How?
Now I know that we can’t read the emotions that she might have been feeling in that moment. We really have no way of knowing how she may have looked, responded, or what she did. But as I read her ultimate response in verse 38, I have to wonder, what was going on in her heart? Because in the black and white of print and page she seems so calm.
She has just been told that she will carry and give birth to the Son of God, the King of kings, the Holy of holies, and here response is, I am the servant of the Lord, let it be to me according to your word.” Wow! Really? I mean, even Moses, didn’t give in this easily. And yet, here is this teenage girl, and on the surface she seems to be saying, “Okay, God. I trust you. I will do as you say.”
But then I think, “and why not?”
Why not trust?
Why not believe?
Why not say yes?
Why not obey?
Maybe this is why God chose Mary in the first place. Maybe the reason he so highly favors her is because he knows that she will say YES!
And maybe that’s the point?
But then I think, “and why not?”
Why not trust?
Why not believe?
Why not say yes?
Why not obey?
Maybe this is why God chose Mary in the first place. Maybe the reason he so highly favors her is because he knows that she will say YES!
And maybe that’s the point?
Maybe the reason he so highly favors her is because
he knows that she will say YES!
When was the last time God asked you to do something and you said, yes?
No hesitation. No thinking. No weighing out the options. No considering how it will impact your retirement plans? Just a simply answer, Yes?
Awe and wonder is more than just being speechless in the midst of God doing something in your life. Awe and wonder is also found in the ask. At 16, I know without doubt, that God spoke a purpose into my life. 25 years later I am still doing what he called me to do. There have been times when I wanted to say no, and times when I wish I did say no. But I am always in awe and wonder as I think about just how faithful and amazing God is.
So as Christmas approaches, I think with awe at how Mary was so quick to say yes. And while I can’t even begin to know or understand what the following nine months may have been like for her, I wonder, what did her relationship with look like during that time?
Take a few minutes to consider these questions.
No hesitation. No thinking. No weighing out the options. No considering how it will impact your retirement plans? Just a simply answer, Yes?
Awe and wonder is more than just being speechless in the midst of God doing something in your life. Awe and wonder is also found in the ask. At 16, I know without doubt, that God spoke a purpose into my life. 25 years later I am still doing what he called me to do. There have been times when I wanted to say no, and times when I wish I did say no. But I am always in awe and wonder as I think about just how faithful and amazing God is.
So as Christmas approaches, I think with awe at how Mary was so quick to say yes. And while I can’t even begin to know or understand what the following nine months may have been like for her, I wonder, what did her relationship with look like during that time?
Take a few minutes to consider these questions.
| 1. What do you remember during those teenager years? How have they shaped who you are today? 2. What can you learn from Mary’s obedience to God’s plan? 3. When was the last time God asked you to do something that required you to step out in faith? What was it, and what did you do? 4. The Nativity story is filled with moments of Awe & Wonder. How are you in awe of God right now? |  |
 | Jay Higham is a veteran youth worker of over 25 years; having worked with students in the local church and Christian camping settings. Jay is currently the Student Ministry Director at Hickory Church, located in Western PA. Jay has been married to Amy for 20 years. Together, they are raising 5 kids, (4 boys and 1 girl). Jay is an aspiring author, blogger, speaker, a YouTuber/vlogger, and social media junkie. He is passionate about student ministry, family ministry, and training youth workers to love and serve their students with passion and excellence. |
Learning to Follow the Instructions
Awe & Wonder - A Christmas Series
Were you ever so excited to receive a gift that you just could wait to get it opened and begin using? You tear into it as fast as you can. You pull and shred, rip and strip. Then you hold it in your hands. But without taking any time to understand how to use the gift, you start using it, only to find out that had you taken the time to read the instruction you get more out of your gift...
I remember the Christmas I opened the Star Wars, Ewok Village. It was one of those gifts that I just had to have. Being a big Star Wars fan, the Ewok Village was the perfect playset.
I remember tearing into the box, ripping it open and yanking everything out. The problem was, some assembly required. Parts of the village had to be put together. Knots needed to be tied, stickers needed to be applied, elevators needed to be built, and instructions to be read.
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The problem was, I didn't have time for the instructions. I wanted to play. So I assembled the playset as quickly as I could. A couple stickers here, a little knot there, and well, it's looks the picture on the box, so it must be right. Well, that what I thought.
Turns out, I wasn't so right. While most of the Ewok village "looked" like the picture on the box, it wasn't right. I had put some of the stickers in the wrongs spots. I couldn't get the net to work properly. And I actually broke one of the pieces trying to assemble it incorrectly. For as much as I was excited to have the Ewok playset, every time I played with it I was reminded of how I didn't take the time to follow the instructions. |
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Sadly, I didn't learn. Over the years there have been plenty of opportunities to slow down and follow the instructions. But my impatience, and more often stubbornness, led me to the familiar territory of regret and disappointment. If only I had followed the instructions, I would think, maybe some of this could have been avoided.
Have you ever felt that way?
Have you ever felt that way?
If only I had followed the instruction,
maybe some of this could have been avoided.
I wonder if Adam ever thought that way. While plowing the rocky fields, pulling weeds, or digging up thorns, did Adam ever say to himself, If I had only followed God's instructions, maybe...
You see, in Genesis 2, God gives the man, Adam, the instructions. Having placed Adam inthe Garden, God says, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die." ( Genesis 2:16&17 NIV) Adam was given the opportunity to eat freely from all that the Garden had to offer. Every plant, bush and tree, if it was edible or grew something edible, he could eat it. All of it was his. All of it, except for this one unique tree; the tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. This tree was off limits.
Unfortunately it was simply a matter of time. The evil one came along and tricked the man and he ate the fruit from the tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. And from that moment on, we have been living in regret because we have chosen to not follow the instructions.
You see, in Genesis 2, God gives the man, Adam, the instructions. Having placed Adam inthe Garden, God says, "You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat from it you will certainly die." ( Genesis 2:16&17 NIV) Adam was given the opportunity to eat freely from all that the Garden had to offer. Every plant, bush and tree, if it was edible or grew something edible, he could eat it. All of it was his. All of it, except for this one unique tree; the tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. This tree was off limits.
Unfortunately it was simply a matter of time. The evil one came along and tricked the man and he ate the fruit from the tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. And from that moment on, we have been living in regret because we have chosen to not follow the instructions.
Our hope is found in Jesus!
But it doesn't have to be that way.
We celebrate Christmas because of what Christmas means for us; HOPE! Our hope is found in Jesus! Why? Because he does for us what we can't do for ourselves! He follows the instructions, that we can't follow on our own. Jesus was perfectly obedient to his Father, right up to the end. And because he did, our mistakes that come because we have failed to follow the instruction are set right.
The Apostle Paul said it this way, "For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous." Romans 5:19 NIV)
We celebrate Christmas because of what Christmas means for us; HOPE! Our hope is found in Jesus! Why? Because he does for us what we can't do for ourselves! He follows the instructions, that we can't follow on our own. Jesus was perfectly obedient to his Father, right up to the end. And because he did, our mistakes that come because we have failed to follow the instruction are set right.
The Apostle Paul said it this way, "For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous." Romans 5:19 NIV)
These verses aren't the easiest to read. Frankly, they can be a bit confusing. But when we slow down and read them carefully, we find the incredible gift of God's forgiveness and grace! Basicly Paul's saying, Adam, when he chose to be disobedient, messed things up for everyone. Sin became a reality. That sin, which we all carry, leads to death. But Jesus, chose to be obedient. That obedience led him to willingly lie down his life, covering over the disobedience, bringing righteousness back to men.
So now when we say, I believe that Jesus died for our my sins, and I accept him into my life as my Lord and Savior, his perfect obedience makes us right in the sight of God and brings us into eternal life.
On that first Christmas morn, God gave us a gift. That gift grew up to died to give us life. Not just life for the here and now, but life that goes on for ever and ever and ever. And now, when we find ourselves rushing into circumstances without slowing down to follow the instructions, it's not death, but forgiveness and grace we meet on the other side.
As you prepare your heart this Christmas, slow down and remember. Look for times when following the instructions seemed like a waste of time and you ventured out on your own only to find that you put the stickers in the wrong spot. Remind yourself, God's grace is big enough for even that! Because that kind of grace leaves me in awe and wonder. How about you?
So now when we say, I believe that Jesus died for our my sins, and I accept him into my life as my Lord and Savior, his perfect obedience makes us right in the sight of God and brings us into eternal life.
On that first Christmas morn, God gave us a gift. That gift grew up to died to give us life. Not just life for the here and now, but life that goes on for ever and ever and ever. And now, when we find ourselves rushing into circumstances without slowing down to follow the instructions, it's not death, but forgiveness and grace we meet on the other side.
As you prepare your heart this Christmas, slow down and remember. Look for times when following the instructions seemed like a waste of time and you ventured out on your own only to find that you put the stickers in the wrong spot. Remind yourself, God's grace is big enough for even that! Because that kind of grace leaves me in awe and wonder. How about you?
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Questions:
1. When was a time when you didn't follow the instructions? 2. What lesson(s) did you learn? And how have those lessons changed you? 3. Jesus lived and died for you, to give you hope and life. What does that mean for you? 4. How does it leave you in AWE & WONDER? |
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Jay Higham is a veteran youth worker of over 25 years; having worked with students in the local church and Christian camping settings. Jay is currently the Student Ministry Director at Hickory Church, located in Western PA. Jay has been married to Amy for 20 years. Together, they are raising 5 kids, (4 boys and 1 girl). Jay is an aspiring author, blogger, speaker, a YouTuber/vlogger, and social media junkie. He is passionate about student ministry, family ministry, and training youth workers to love and serve their students with passion and excellence.
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The Beginning of a Love Story
Awe & Wonder - A Christmas Series
Do you remember falling in love for the first time? Do you remember how all you wanted was to be with that person? To be close to them? To spend time with them? To get to know as much about them as possible?
I remember my first love. All I wanted was to see her all the time. And so I tried to spend as much time as possible with her. The problem was, I was young and immature. I didn't fully understand what love was. Looking back, there was less love and more infatuation. But now I am older. I am married. I have a family. And while I'm still learning, I have a better understanding of what real love is, what true love is all about. Love is unconditional. Love is commitment. Love is relentless. Love is sacrifice. Love is...LOVE.
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I have always been enemored by the Creation story found in Genesis 1, even when I was younger. But when I was younger, I often wondered why we see two "different" Creation accounts? Genesis paints a picture of order and power; God spoke and it happened. There was day one, day two, day three, and on. And it all made sense.
But then you come to Genesis chapter 2 and a slightly different Creation story. This one doesn't go day by day. The order seems wrong, very wrong. How can there be TWO Creation stories? |
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So a number of years ago, I started a personal study through the book of Genesis. I spent a significant amount of time working my way through the first couple chapters, reading commentaries, talking with other pastors, listening to what others had to say. And what I found was not a conflict in the story, but a change in the perspective. Genesis 2 isn't a story of what was created, but who was created. Genesis chapter 2 is the beginning of an incredible love story. A love story between the Creator and His creation.
Genesis 2 isn't a story of what was created,
but who was created.
God created man. He reached down with his hands, sculpted his form out of the dirt, and breathed life deep into his lungs. The man filled with life and became the greatest of God's creation. And God loved him.
He loved him so much that he made a place just for him. It was a place of great delight. All of the man's needs were met. Shelter, food, companionship, even regular visits with the Creator. Man wanted for nothing. That is, until he believed a lie.
The creation got selfish, wanted to do things it’s own way. That broke the relationship between the Creator and the creation. Destroyed it. Sin was born and a chasm created. The Holy Creator on one side, and the rebellious created on the other.
But the Creator, because of His love for His creation, chose to redeem what He loved. And in Genesis 3:15, God declares war. It’s a promise. A promise to restore what the creation broke, to bridge the chasm, to renew love.
For the rest of the Old Testament, God’s love for His creation is demonstrated over and over again. And all along the way, we are reminded of this promise of restoration!
He loved him so much that he made a place just for him. It was a place of great delight. All of the man's needs were met. Shelter, food, companionship, even regular visits with the Creator. Man wanted for nothing. That is, until he believed a lie.
The creation got selfish, wanted to do things it’s own way. That broke the relationship between the Creator and the creation. Destroyed it. Sin was born and a chasm created. The Holy Creator on one side, and the rebellious created on the other.
But the Creator, because of His love for His creation, chose to redeem what He loved. And in Genesis 3:15, God declares war. It’s a promise. A promise to restore what the creation broke, to bridge the chasm, to renew love.
For the rest of the Old Testament, God’s love for His creation is demonstrated over and over again. And all along the way, we are reminded of this promise of restoration!
When we read Genesis 2 & 3, what we find is the beginning of God's love story. It's a love story that encompasses God's people throughout the scriptures. But more than a love story found in a book, this is your love story, a living breathing love story. This is the story of God, demonstrating His immeasurable love for you! Just drop your name into the story. God created you, breathed life into you. He cared and provided for you. But you messed it up. You chose your way over His way. But because He loves you, He made a way to be with you.
In Genesis 3:15, God says to the serpent, "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” This was God's holy war cry! That when the time was right, One would come to stand in the gap and do what we cannot do. His life was to be the bridge over the chasm. Jesus is the promise.
As of today, we are 24 days away from Christmas, when we celebrate Jesus' first coming. 1 Timothy 1:15, tells us exactly why Jesus came; "...Jesus Christ came into the world to save siners..." For me, that revelation is life changing.
Today, meditate on that truth, Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. That's you and me! And He did it because He loved us.
In Genesis 3:15, God says to the serpent, "I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” This was God's holy war cry! That when the time was right, One would come to stand in the gap and do what we cannot do. His life was to be the bridge over the chasm. Jesus is the promise.
As of today, we are 24 days away from Christmas, when we celebrate Jesus' first coming. 1 Timothy 1:15, tells us exactly why Jesus came; "...Jesus Christ came into the world to save siners..." For me, that revelation is life changing.
Today, meditate on that truth, Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. That's you and me! And He did it because He loved us.
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Questions:
1. How do those word effect you? 2. Do they change how you look at the Nativity? 3. How do you WANT to respond to that truth? 4. How does it leave you in AWE & WONDER? |
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Jay Higham is a veteran youth worker of over 25 years; having worked with students in the local church and Christian camping settings. Jay is currently the Student Ministry Director at Hickory Church, located in Western PA. Jay has been married to Amy for 20 years. Together, they are raising 5 kids, (4 boys and 1 girl). Jay is an aspiring author, blogger, speaker, a YouTuber/vlogger, and social media junkie. He is passionate about student ministry, family ministry, and training youth workers to love and serve their students with passion and excellence.
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Jay Higham is a veteran youth worker of over 28 years; having worked with students in the local church and Christian camping settings. Jay is currently serving as the director of family ministry at a church, located in West Virginia. Jay has been married to Amy for over 23 years. Together, they are raising 5 kids, (4 boys and 1 girl). Jay is an aspiring author, blogger, speaker, vlogger, and social media junkie. He is passionate about student ministry, family ministry, and training youth workers to love and serve their students with passion and excellence.
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