Author: Brian Burdett

“And I tell you, everyone who acknowledges me before men, the Son of Man also will acknowledge before the angels of God, but the one who denies me before men will be denied before the angels of God.” – Luke 12:8-9

Whatever you do, don’t be shy about your faith in Jesus! No matter the cost… Of course, don’t ever be rude, obnoxious, arrogant, or nasty about your faith. But don’t be shy! Don’t mutter, mumble, or muddle the good news about why you have hope in a seemingly hopeless world! Be more worried about what Jesus says in these verses than what someone you know may say when you tell them about Jesus.

This chapter of Luke’s gospel explores the potentially difficult consequences of following Jesus. Division within your family. Persecution in your society. Jesus never promises comfort or approval here on Earth. However, He’s very clear about the eternal blessings and rewards of faithfulness. As we enter the Christmas season, look forward to sharing the true reason for this season with as many people as you can. Explain how the eternal Word became flesh and dwelt among us to bring salvation to everyone who believes in Him.

And should things become difficult or dangerous for expressing your faith, don’t shrink back. Acknowledge your Lord. Share His invitation to new life through faith in Him. Extol His excellencies! And know that Jesus will extol your excellencies for doing so! Fear not, for the Spirit of Christ lives in you! #FollowJesus

“Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:18

Give thanks! In all circumstances?!? How? Why?

Because if you are in Christ and Christ is in you, then you have much for which to give thanks, no matter your earthly circumstances or situation. In Christ…

• You are a precious, deeply loved child of God!
• You are forgiven for your sins and reconciled to God!
• You are sealed by the Holy Spirit and you are His Temple!
• Jesus is with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you!
• You have an eternal inheritance that cannot be threatened or damaged by anything or anyone here on earth!
• You have good works to do that have been specially prepared for you by God!
• Your life has purpose, a mission, and a mandate!
• You are a citizen of heaven, an ambassador here on earth, and a royal priest!
• You have a standing invitation to enter the throne room of God with any prayer concern any time, day or night!

Today, we pray you will take time to give thanks for these blessings and many more. Give thanks wherever you are and whatever you’re doing today. May God continue to bless you abundantly today, and every day, in Christ Jesus. Happy Thanksgiving from LRBC! #FollowJesus

“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” – 1 Peter 3:8

Peter’s “finally” is a surprisingly difficult thing to pursue and all too rarely achieved (or desired). Even for people who should always remember that they’ve been saved from their sins and God’s wrath purely as a gift of grace they absolutely don’t deserve! And yet, this is exactly the mindset that every believer in Jesus should be trying to develop and live by. This is the mindset with which we should be dealing with the world and each other. Are you?

In Christ, we should all be cultivating minds far more concerned with unity than getting our way. Minds filled with sympathy and compassion rather than condemnation. Practicing brotherly love rather than brotherly rivalry. Tender in heart rather than hardened and cynical at heart. Humble rather than proud. Concerned with others more than self. Seeking to glorify God, first and foremost.

In which of these qualities are you strong and healthy in Christ? In which are you weak and very unlike Jesus? Jesus had all these qualities and His Spirit will gladly develop them in you, if you’re willing to let Him do so. Draw near to Jesus, take up your cross daily, and #FollowJesus

“Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” – 1 Peter 2:10

This is an essential part of what it is to become new creation in Christ! You aren’t merely saved and then left to fend for yourself. You’re born again into God’s new family. The family of faith. You’re raised to life to be an integral part of the body of Christ. You become a citizen of God’s Kingdom and one of His precious people. You’re no longer roaming on your own, lost and alone spiritually, living under God’s righteous wrath for your sins. In Christ, you have been grafted into God’s chosen people. Welcomed in to enjoy God’s favor and the blessings of community as a child of God rather than a child of wrath.

In the same way, you’re now the recipient of divine mercy. God showers you with love and mercy you can’t possibly deserve. Rather than giving you bad things you deserve, God pours out blessing upon blessing because He is profoundly merciful. Jesus Christ, your Lord and Savior, endured all God’s righteous wrath for your sins. Now, there is no condemnation for you. Instead, there is mercy, grace, and favor like you’ve never experienced before. There are so many sweet and beautiful benefits to believing the Gospel. These are two of them: belonging and mercy. #FollowJesus

“He said to them, ‘Where is your faith?’ And they were afraid, and they marveled, saying to one another, ‘Who then is this, that he commands even winds and water, and they obey him?’” – Luke 8:25

Who indeed?!? However, the disciples already suspected the truth in their hearts. That’s why they were afraid. They understood that there is only one Who commands the winds and waves… God! The fact that their friend Jesus did what only God could do was a clear sign that eternal God had taken on a human body and nature to live among them. The eternal God of the universe was in their boat! This is Jesus of Nazareth, Who sustains the universe by His will and commands winds and waves with ease.

It was amazing. It was overwhelming. It was terrifying! After all, God is Holy and we aren’t. Human sin makes it dangerous to be in God’s presence. And yet, in Jesus, it was possible. God had become a man like them. This miracle is called the Incarnation. The eternal and divine Word became flesh and dwelt among us, revealing God’s glory, grace, and truth through His sinless life, sacrificial death, and physical resurrection from the dead. As we enter into the busy holiday season, it will soon be Advent. That’s the annual season of preparation before the celebration of this miracle at Christmas. That’s what all the hustle, bustle, and busyness of the coming weeks should actually remind you of. Be sure to let it remind you!

Who then is this? Your Lord and Savior! #FollowJesus