May we treasure the miracle and the reality of the Christ child in the days to come when our circumstances will still be unexpected.

First Church Williamsport

Joy to the World

Like the shepherds in the Christmas story, choose joy by changing perspective.

Let Earth Receive Her King

To experience anticipatory joy, be like Joseph, choose to take action.

Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room

Blessing and joy in God’s kingdom look different than in earthly kingdoms. We discover this when we choose humility and offer ourselves as servants to God.

No More Let Sins and Sorrows Grow

The Weary World Rejoices. Christmas is often described as the most joyful time of the year. But in a time when so many circumstances are weighing heavy upon our heart, can we really find joy? How do we have joy when darkness looms, when life is uncertain, and when we are unsure what tomorrow will bring? Join us as we explore how we can find joy in troubled times. This Sunday we're in Psalm 30:5 and Habakkuk 3:17-19. Life Application: Be intentional to choose joy. How can you choose joy?  Give thanks. Look past circumstances. Avoid complaining. What do you find most easily steals your joy? What most helps you to experience joy?  How can the birth of Christ help you experience joy?

The Light of His Righteousness

When your identity and security is in God, it dethrones possessions as the god of your life and it replaces the twin threats of worry and desire with the blessing of satisfaction.

What Are We Consuming?

When our identity is shaped in the image of Christ, we become salt of the earth people who point the way to life and salvation in life’s most difficult places.

Living in Christ's Image

We must recognize and repent of worshipping the false gods that compromise our identity in Jesus so that we can wholeheartedly follow Him.

Whose Image?

God is in control even when it seems like God is not in control. Worship is the most powerful way to shape our identity and remember that God is in control.

Who Directs Me?

Christians live out their identity with a higher devotion to Jesus rather than the world's politics. They reflect the beauty and unity of the Gospel rather than the ugliness and division of this world.

Whose Politics?

When we embrace our identity in Christ rather than the shallow categories of this world, we are equipped to build our lives on a solid foundation that allows us to bring peace and prosperity to the world.

Whose Kingdom?

God calls us as God’s people to share in the alleviating of suffering in our world by actively working against injustice. Part of being close to God is to not simply worship God with our lips but to make decisions that help the least and most vulnerable among us.  International Justice Mission seeks to rescue and restore victims, bring criminals to justice, and strengthen justice systems worldwide. If you seek to support these efforts, you can give financially or become an IJM Freedom Partner at IJM.org/FP

Freedom Sunday (2020)

The Lord’s Prayer teaches us to be people of hope and action. Praying together builds hope even more powerfully.

People of Hope and Action

When Jesus emptied Himself by living a holy life on earth as a human, He was ultimately exalted. By living in the tension of apparent opposites, emptying and exaltation, we get a deeper understanding of living in the Holy Overlap.

People of Gathered and Sent

Christians are those who embrace living as resident aliens in this world. We seek to live as people of heaven and earth who avoid evil, do good, and seek the flourishing of our communities.

hubhopper

First Church Williamsport

hubhopper