Posted on December 7, 2022 by Elizabeth Welte in Freedom Fighters
“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.” —Hebrews 1:1-4 (NKJV)
For those of us who know what is like to have grown up being the difficult one what was the response of your parental units when you disobeyed their commands? Did you have the kinda parents who gently took you aside, waved their finger into your face as they scolded you and then went, “Now, do you understand me?” Or did you, like me, have the kinda parents that went crazy ape bonkers in front of everybody, grabbed the first available appendage they could get their hands on, then would slap your back side while they repeatedly said, “Don’t you ever do that again. Do you understand me”?
Now, in both cases, I’m not too sure about the understanding them part. I had no problem going back to the very thing that got my tail slapped around so I never understood what the fuss was all about in the first place. And I’m not too sure about that finger waving stuff either, I was never one for empty threats (guess that’s what made me difficult to deal with). Never the less, in both cases, there was a response for disobeying the parental units. However, now-a-days there’s safe spaces and months long seminars for parents to attend when it comes to dealing with the difficult child. Kinda makes ya wonder how the God of the Universe responded with His first two kids when they disobeyed His command and got, got.
Even in the bigger scheme of it all, how does God respond to the disobedience of an entire world where no one seeks after Him or His righteousness? Well to borrow a few words from Paul Tripp, “God’s response to the sin of people against His rightful and holy rule can be captured in a single word. I wonder if you thought, “I know the word: grace.” But the single word that captures God’s response to sin even better than the word grace is not a theological word; it’s a name. that name is Jesus.”
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” — John 1:1-5
I always hammer away at the beginning of mankind’s story but within the mess there was given a redemptive twist. God gave an example on how that was gonna look when He first scolded His children, cursed the adversary then took an animal outta the Garden (that Adam was supposed to in charge of) and knowing how God can be about what can or can not get sacrificed, you know He picked the bestest animal and covered His children. Maybe that animal was an unblemished lamb? We’re told to put on Jesus first thing in the morning, ain’t nothing wrong with some fresh wool to start the day. Who’s to say for or against such a thinganyway, besides, Jesus is at the foundations of the Creation moment that we all agree on so what’s not in the Word isn’t in it.
But isn’t the grace of God Jesus also? Who is willing to surrender their only son to cover for the sin of world? Granted, we can read in John 15:13, “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends” (John 15:13) but those letters are in red so it’s Jesus sayin’em and He isn’t just sayin’em either. Au Contrarie’, He’ll go out into the world with His starting point in a lowly place only to be raised up on a criminal cross 33 years later. God is so all sufficient that El Shaddai says redemption starts in a lowly place. Who’d thunk that?
So, how does the Advent season begin? Well, it starts with Jesus and here’s a spoiler alert, it’ll end with Jesus as well. In His sovereignty and in His power He’ll take grace and wrap it up in a bundle of joy named Jesus Christ. So, to borrow a final thought from Tripp, “This season, in the midst of all the celebrations and gift-giving, be careful to remember that at the center of what we celebrate is one game-changing, life-altering, hope-giving reality: grace is a person, and His name is Jesus.” Amen?
Written by Chris Hughes: Chris is a child of El Elyon, a son, husband, a father, has an education in Biblical doctrine and is a graduate of The Colony of Mercy. He has been a Freedom Fighter contributor since 2008. You can email him at cphughes515@verizon.net.
Think About This: “God sent His Son to provide rescue and forgiveness for those who had ignored His existence and rebelled against His rule. That’s grace!” — Paul David Tripp
This Week’s Verse to Memorize: “It is like the precious oil upon the head, Running down on the beard, The beard of Aaron,
Running down on the edge of his garments.” Psalm 133:2
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
Based on 356 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
debra aufiero
18:09 15 May 23
Beautiful atmosphere/scenery. Inspiring speaker. Accommodating me with a gluten free lunch was great. Spoke with a young man who told us that this place changed his life. This gave us a chance to witness to him by telling him the gospel message.
Samantha Ferrick
12:26 14 May 23
Love being here. It's so beautiful, peaceful and fulfilling.
Kathy Cruz
19:37 28 Apr 23
Amazing place!! Beautiful scenery. Great service!
Evelyn Zayas (Smiley)
21:17 26 Apr 23
It was a wonderful experience. Besides the spiritual side of it, the place is absolutely gorgeous. Delicious food. The only thing I didn't like were the ants in the bedroom.
Karen Occhiogrosso
13:28 25 Apr 23
I have been to Keswick many times for the monthly hymn sings, and some retreats. Lots of good Christian music and Bible teaching for those who attend, as well as good meals to share around the table. The testimonies from members of the Colony and... Barbara's place attest to the power of Christ to change lives. Always a rewarding experience!read more
Richard fericy
13:14 21 Apr 23
Love Keswick
LaDonna Hankinson
13:32 10 Mar 23
This place is a beautiful place to have a retreat. You can join one of Keswicks planned events or use the facilities for you own group. The grounds are beautiful and a great place to find some peace and tranquility.The staff are amazing, and... really make a person feel at home. The grace of God is evident throughout the ministry.My favorite part is the music/worship time. Drawing me to connect with God personally.The meals are prepared with love and very accommodating to special needs.If you're not there for a retreat, and just need a bed and breakfast that is an option as well.read more
Edwin Rivera
23:00 07 Mar 23
Loved it! Beautiful campus! I really had a good time at the dinner and a concert. Awesome experience all around. Will definitely be returning and will be bringing friends and family.
Cesar Alvaro
18:35 06 Mar 23
Hermoso lugar bastante tranquilo y acogedor mis hijos se divierten mucho y nos llenamos espiritualmente de la palabra de Dios.
Zoraya Quevedo
22:36 05 Mar 23
Peaceful place to relax, and good for retreat
Hector Gama
21:39 05 Mar 23
Lugar hermoso,para retiros, conferencias y estudios biblicos.Personas amables, generosas y muy respetuosas.
John Mackert
14:37 03 Mar 23
Visited the alcohol rehab facility because a friend was in the program. Christian based, very positive environment, 4 month program. They are doing great work there. Visitors allowed every other weekend. We had a great time at one of their... Christian services. We watched the superbowl together and they even fed us! Very generous.read more
Andrea Conti
01:19 03 Mar 23
Awesome business great people. Very honest
K.B.D Janitorial Supply SUPPLY66COM
01:02 25 Feb 23
Very one very nice and it a buitful place and peaceful
Charlie Amiano
21:35 20 Jan 23
We went to an event for Gold Star Mothers. These are parents of an active duty soldier who was killed. Keswick was a fantastic place to have this event. It was clean food was great people were fantastic.
Google Rating
4.8
Based on 356 reviews
America's Keswick Christian Retreat and Conference Center
4.8
debra aufiero
18:09 15 May 23
Beautiful atmosphere/scenery. Inspiring speaker. Accommodating me with a gluten free lunch was great. Spoke with a young man who told us that this place changed his life. This gave us a chance to witness to him by telling him the gospel message.
Samantha Ferrick
12:26 14 May 23
Love being here. It's so beautiful, peaceful and fulfilling.
Kathy Cruz
19:37 28 Apr 23
Amazing place!! Beautiful scenery. Great service!
Evelyn Zayas (Smiley)
21:17 26 Apr 23
It was a wonderful experience. Besides the spiritual side of it, the place is absolutely gorgeous. Delicious food. The only thing I didn't like were the ants in the bedroom.
Karen Occhiogrosso
13:28 25 Apr 23
I have been to Keswick many times for the monthly hymn sings, and some retreats. Lots of good Christian music and Bible teaching for those who attend, as well as good meals to share around the table. The testimonies from members of the Colony and... Barbara's place attest to the power of Christ to change lives. Always a rewarding experience!read more
Richard fericy
13:14 21 Apr 23
Love Keswick
LaDonna Hankinson
13:32 10 Mar 23
This place is a beautiful place to have a retreat. You can join one of Keswicks planned events or use the facilities for you own group. The grounds are beautiful and a great place to find some peace and tranquility.The staff are amazing, and... really make a person feel at home. The grace of God is evident throughout the ministry.My favorite part is the music/worship time. Drawing me to connect with God personally.The meals are prepared with love and very accommodating to special needs.If you're not there for a retreat, and just need a bed and breakfast that is an option as well.read more
Edwin Rivera
23:00 07 Mar 23
Loved it! Beautiful campus! I really had a good time at the dinner and a concert. Awesome experience all around. Will definitely be returning and will be bringing friends and family.
Cesar Alvaro
18:35 06 Mar 23
Hermoso lugar bastante tranquilo y acogedor mis hijos se divierten mucho y nos llenamos espiritualmente de la palabra de Dios.
Zoraya Quevedo
22:36 05 Mar 23
Peaceful place to relax, and good for retreat
Hector Gama
21:39 05 Mar 23
Lugar hermoso,para retiros, conferencias y estudios biblicos.Personas amables, generosas y muy respetuosas.
John Mackert
14:37 03 Mar 23
Visited the alcohol rehab facility because a friend was in the program. Christian based, very positive environment, 4 month program. They are doing great work there. Visitors allowed every other weekend. We had a great time at one of their... Christian services. We watched the superbowl together and they even fed us! Very generous.read more
Andrea Conti
01:19 03 Mar 23
Awesome business great people. Very honest
K.B.D Janitorial Supply SUPPLY66COM
01:02 25 Feb 23
Very one very nice and it a buitful place and peaceful
Charlie Amiano
21:35 20 Jan 23
We went to an event for Gold Star Mothers. These are parents of an active duty soldier who was killed. Keswick was a fantastic place to have this event. It was clean food was great people were fantastic.