Matt Carder - December 21, 2014
The End of Religion
For centuries before Christmas, the way individuals sought to connect with God and remained in "good standing" was through religion. Regularly performing spiritual acts and rituals in accordance to specific laws was the measuring stick of one's spiritual standing. With the birth of Jesus however, the very fabric and means of our relationship with God changed. Even the specific circumstances that surrounded the birth of Jesus signaled this, the ending of religion and the beginning of true divine relationship.
From Series: "Expectant"
No other holiday throughout the year comes with as much excitement and anticipation as Christmas. But here's the real question: do we anticipate what Christmas implies for believers, the literal ushering in of the Kingdom of God, with the same fervor and intensity? In this Advent sermon series, we explore what it means to eagerly anticipate, and even actively participate, in the coming of the Kingdom of God where all is redeemed and made new.