Join Lauren Atkinson and guest Dave Bruskas, a director of a Christ-centered recovery ministry, as they navigate the emotional complexities of the holiday season. They discuss the importance of finding hope amid loneliness, drawing inspiration from Luke 2:1-7. Dave shares his personal journey of faith and the impact of mentorship, while also inviting listeners to engage with Regeneration, a recovery program that fosters spiritual growth. Together, they remind us that God remains present and sovereign through every season.
Engaging with the Bible as a family fosters deeper conversations and strengthens collective faith amidst life's challenges, particularly during the holidays.
The account of Jesus' humble birth in Luke 2 serves as a profound reminder of God's sovereignty and desire for humanity's redemption.
Deep dives
The Importance of Bible Engagement
Regular engagement with the Bible can be challenging yet essential for spiritual growth. The initiative called the Year of the Word aims to encourage families and small groups to read the Bible together in a structured manner, starting with a six-day reading plan. To facilitate discussions around these readings, Family Discussion Cards will be available for purchase, creating opportunities for deeper conversations about the scriptures. This program seeks to foster a collective journey of faith, reinforcing that it is never too late to begin or deepen one’s relationship with the Bible.
Personal Transformation through Discipleship
The concept of discipleship, particularly through the Christ-centered recovery ministry called Regeneration, emphasizes that everyone has areas of growth and healing in their lives. This initiative is open to all, regardless of the severity of their struggles or whether they currently face addiction. Participants learn that at the core, their challenges are worship issues, highlighting the importance of aligning one’s heart with God through the gospel. This ministry serves as a welcoming space for anyone wanting to deepen their relationship with God, particularly during challenging times such as the holiday season.
Understanding the Incarnation
The account of Jesus' birth in Luke 2 highlights the divine sovereignty and unexpected humility of God. The meticulous details provided by the author, including historical references, illustrate God's overarching plan throughout history leading to the incarnation. Jesus, the promised Messiah, enters the world not in grand fashion, but as a vulnerable baby laid in a manger, which reflects the profound humility of God. This juxtaposition serves as a reminder of the lengths God goes to for humanity’s redemption, encouraging believers to meditate on the significance of the incarnation and its implications for worship.
The holidays can be a time that is lonely and hard. Today, Lauren Atkinson discusses with Dave Bruskas discuss Luke 2:1-7 and how God is present with us all seasons and sovereign over all things.
Scriptures Referenced: Philippians 2
Link to Church Equipping Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/watermarks-church-leadership-podcast/id1228898530
Order our NEW Join The Journey Jr. Discussion cards to help you and your family study the Bible together: https://my.watermark.org/registration?RegistrationInstanceId=4093