OK, I’m just going to say it—Grace Resurrection is the best in town. I know, I know, that’s not taking into consideration all of the other great churches in Marietta. But I’m partial. Seriously, if you’re paying attention to this place at all, you know that faith, support, community, and Christ are bubbling over on the corner of Indian Hills Parkway. There is something special about Grace Resurrection Church. It was standing room only on Sunday, and Suzanne, along with our choir and musicians, ushered us right into the throne room. I could feel the Holy Spirit in a powerful way.

This place is unique. The worship is authentic, the friendships run deep, and discipleship is growing. Those are just a few areas. I love these people. We’re not perfect, and sometimes we have chinks in our armor, but we are striving to be more like Christ. That’s not based on what we do but who we are.

I’ve been thinking and journaling about what I call “religious spirits.” Over the past few years, it became obvious that this was a problem in our former denomination. It’s an old problem and a human one. The Pharisees were the epitome of a religious spirit. They looked good, smelled good, had money in the bank, and made sure all the moral boxes were checked—but no one was welcome unless they were like them. Jesus said, “That’s a problem.” They were all about tenure, inner circles, and, well, themselves. Forgive us if our circles are so tight that Jesus remains a guest.

As I strolled through this building on Sunday, I saw crowds and crowds of people—long-time church members getting to know one another. Think about what’s happened here in just two years. That’s what happens when a congregation is a river, not a reservoir. Oh, the Pharisees meant well; they were protecting their much-beloved turf. Then the Lamb of God came along and proved He was also the Lion of Judah (Rev. 5:5). He said they were like “whitewashed tombs.” I sense none of that among us. That’s why something like this past Sunday can happen. Love is taking center stage for us. And God is love.

So thank you. I still think we’re the best, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.
~Rev. James Williams

John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.”

It took me years to fully understand that, as Christ-followers, we sense the light of peace we have in Christ, even in the midst of adversity and anxiety. The world looks for secular peace—a peace that is momentary. But Christmas reminds us that sometimes great hope comes in the midst of waiting. That’s the peace that surpasses human understanding. It lasts—even in the storms.

In the promise of Christ’s coming, both as a baby in Bethlehem and as King in glory, we find the peace that is beyond comprehension. The silence of Advent invites us to lay down our fears and worries and to seek the Prince of Peace, who is the Lord of Lords.

This week, identify the areas in your life that require peace. Are you stressed by uncertainty, fear, or a long-standing burden? Maybe it’s a financial issue, a lost child, or a marital problem. Write it down, pray that God will give you His peace no matter the outcome, then burn it or flush it down the toilet. And wait. The Christ child keeps His promises, but often it is a waiting experience.

Here’s my prayer this week:

“Lord, teach us how to accept Your peace into our own lives, then the lives of those we are surrounded by, and into a world that is in deep darkness. Amen.”

~Rev. James Williams

“Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!” 2 Corinthians 9:15

I remember, as a young child, walking to so many places. Living in a small town, it was just the norm. But I didn’t like it. Admittedly, I was a little lazy and envious of every passing, air-conditioned car. That’s how kids think, I guess.

One particular July day, I remember walking with my aunt to the grocery store in our hometown. Once again, I didn’t want to go, but she coaxed me by promising to buy me a candy bar. Well, that was enough for me. I remember the anticipation that built as we trudged along the hot pavement, knowing that in just a short while, my dreams would be realized, and the satisfaction of the sweet candy would make it all worthwhile.

That was my temporary idol. The adoration and anticipation of that moment was all that mattered in the world. All of my work, aggravation, and sweat felt worthwhile. And do you know what? It was.

I think about that story often, and it becomes particularly interesting when I consider it in light of the journey to Bethlehem. That was a tough walk. There were many more unknowns for Mary and Joseph, but I’m sure the trek itself was the least of their concerns. It had to be hard, hot, and tiring. But they were from a small town, and that was just the norm.

Little did they know what a marvelous gift awaited them. Just up the road, a few steps more, and the anticipated moment of thousands of years would make that tired journey worthwhile.

The wise men, the shepherds, and the various people traveling to be part of the census were all met with the sweetest gift in the history of the universe. The birth of the Savior of the world made it all worthwhile.

It’s more than the old adage, “No pain, no gain.” It’s a small effort in exchange for a tremendous and undeserved gift. Despite our complaining, bad attitudes, and unwillingness to go the “extra mile,” Jesus is still given to us.

So, with anticipation, we journey and wait.
~Rev. James Williams

I’m glad I don’t have to think exactly like another person to love them. The most important thing is that all believers follow the same Jesus. That’s enough to unite us. John Wesley addressed this in his sermons often. I resonate with one of his most well-known quotes:

“Is your heart as true to mine as mine is to yours?…If it is, give me your hand.”

Heart connections supersede agreement. I’ve come to realize that winning can feel like a drug. Over the years, I’ve been blessed with some amazing things. Yes, there have been challenges, but each obstacle has only slowed me temporarily before God helped me overcome it, often leading me to an even better place. This election has felt different, though—not about issues like the economy, social matters, or foreign relations, but about winning and losing. It saddens me that politics have come to this, especially among Christians.

As a follower of Jesus, I know God has been incredibly good to me, even through tough times. If you could see a snapshot of my life, you’d probably wonder how I’ve been so blessed. Some of the hardships I’ve faced—even from churches—have been difficult, but overall, my life has been filled with major victories, for which I give all glory to God. These successes don’t make me prideful; rather, they remind me to stay humble. That humility is what Christians should carry into something like a presidential election.

Now, this may be hard for some to hear, but it’s clear to me: politics are a game, often a form of entertainment in today’s world. The fact that we let winning and losing define us—even to the point of ending friendships—is concerning. I understand why secular-minded people might do this; the win/lose mentality is common in human nature. But for Christians to fall into this trap is disappointing. No matter how well things go for us in this life, we’re all in need of Jesus. None of us has grounds to boast, whether in personal achievements or political outcomes. We’re all sinners in need of a Savior.

Now that this election is over, I hope the church and Christian community can refocus. Let’s reach out to those with whom we disagree and walk this path together, aiming for that ultimate victory—standing before our Father in heaven.

Just my thoughts.
-Rev. James Williams