recent posts
By Mike Kelsey, @MBCSilverSpring Campus Pastor
We’re getting ready to turn the corner on a new year! But we have to get through Christmas first! The trees are up, the lights are lit, and the holiday music is in full effect (Buble’ and Jackson 5 reign supreme in the Kelsey household). But those things aren’t the substance of the season for us. As Christians, we work hard to remember the amazing truth of Christmas: The God above us became God with us! God came near to humanity in an unprecedented and breathtaking way in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus brought forgiveness from our sin and a PERSONAL relationship with God….
By Rachel Reed, @MBCArlington Director of Women’s Ministries
Have you ever eagerly anticipated a great event? A wedding, a long awaited reunion, or even a special meal? Sometimes, after all the anticipation, it doesn’t go as you had hoped or expected, and you’re left wanting more. What if there was something or someone who would always fulfill all that you anticipate?
Since the beginning of time, people have lived in anticipation of something greater, knowing deep within that there has to be more to life than what we can see. All those millennia of wondering and anticipating were answered in Jesus. Jesus, who was God born in human flesh, came to fulfill our greatest longing. He came so we can…
By Brian Rice, Access Adult Coordinator at MBC Tysons
A week or so before Lon preached on the book of Colossians, a very nice Jehovah’s Witness couple came to my door. The woman shared the script she had memorized to try and show me that our beliefs were the same—we are sinners in need of Jesus as a savior. After a few minutes of polite conversation and affirming what she had said so far (none of which was yet heresy), I asked what the difference is between her beliefs and what I as an evangelical Christian would affirm. She continued down her script, and with polite curiosity I asked the same question a few more times. There obviously must be…
By Joe Henriques, MBC Tysons Campus Pastor
Has the thought ever crossed your mind that the angels’ song, “Peace on earth and good will towards men,” is a wonderful and wistful sentiment, perfect for a Christmas carol, maybe a goal to work towards, but really not very useful or even true for everyday life? If so, hold on. There’s more to the story.
Angels are smart. There must have been a good reason for them to belt out that promise from heaven to earth with such robust gusto. Look at it this way: For millennia they had witnessed firsthand God promising through the prophets that one day the Messiah would come to bring God’s rule to Israel and to the world….
By Monica Gill, MBC Loudoun Attendee
The music is one of my favorite parts of the Christmas season. Gracie, my daughter, has decided her favorites are Three Ships and Go Tell it on the Mountain. For me it’s Joy to the World! I think we’ve had those three songs on a continuous loop in the car for the last three weeks… and I love it! Do you ever really listen to the words of Christmas carols? One of the things I love to do at Christmas is try to chew on the verses of the classic carols and unpack their meaning. That’s probably why Joy to the World is my favorite!
“Joy to the World! The Lord is come….