OUR NEW SERIES:
"Learning to Live Like Jesus"

I love watching people welcome in the New Year. The sentiment this New Year’s Eve was consistent whether you lived in Tokyo, Berlin, Sydney, London, New York, or Seattle: "Good riddance 2011; 2012 has got to bring better news, good news!"

But what if it doesn’t? What if news in 2012 ends up being more of the same, or worse, then what? Do we quit, get ticked off, kick the dog, become pessimistic, or turn from our faith? No way! This is the life setting the Gospel writer, Mark, spoke into during the middle of the first century. Jesus had been gone for over 30 years, and His followers were facing increased persecution, the loss of spiritual leaders, growing isolation, and the threat of more bad news. It’s no surprise that Mark introduces his letter to these believers as "good news.” His concern was that Jesus’ followers not lose hope, perspective, or their faith, in light of the pressure they were facing.

It's no different for you and me today. External realities, whether good or bad, are not meant to overpower us from living lives that reflect Jesus as Messiah. Our faith is often most visible in the midst of difficult times. Mark's gospel reminds us of Jesus’ life, His preaching, His humanity, His servant-hood, His challenges, His mission, and ultimately His own martyrdom, so we will not give up, but instead be built up by this Gospel, this Good News!

Join us weekly as we journey through Mark’s good news together, “Learning To Live Like Jesus,” on Sundays and in small groups beginning Sunday, January 15.

I am so full of hope and faith in the Spirit's leadership in and through our congregation during this new year!

Serving Him together,
Pastor Mike