UBC Wed For Life

                                       Hearing complaints about the woes of today’s world has become commonplace. It’s easy to look at everything we see happening around us and come to the conclusion that we are living in unprecedented times of badness. That’s not really true, of course. A quick perusal of any history book will show you that people have been doing despicable things for ages. In fact, some of the uncomfortable developments we’re experiencing now (e.g., an abandoning of child labor laws and fair employment policies) are actually things that were commonplace in the past. The Bible is another place we can look to understand how bad things were in the past. When it comes to the Book of Genesis, many people can recall the stories of Adam and Eve or Noah, but do people really understand what the world was like back then? We Christians know that, today, believers in Jesus have a...

                           Last month, Donald Trump was inaugurated as president of the United States again. Since then, the country has been in turmoil. He’s implemented many new policies and orders that have impacted a lot of people in the nation and abroad. Of course, those who voted against him are unhappy with what he’s doing. On the other hand, many of those who voted for him continue to support him and his efforts. Some of his supporters and people who did not vote might now regret their actions. They see the direction the country is going and are feeling like they made the wrong choice, be it voting for Trump or choosing not to vote at all. Whether you like Trump or not, we all knew what we were getting with him as president. He’s been in that position before. When he campaigned this time around, he was clear with his messaging and intentions. He’s now doing exactly what he said he would. The majority of Ame...

In today's society, the need for salvation through Jesus Christ is often downplayed, with many believing that good works, deeds, and worldly gains are sufficient for a fulfilling life. The prevalent mindset suggests that personal achievements and acts of kindness alone can secure one's place in eternity. However, the truth is that salvation is a gift from God, freely given through His grace. This newsletter aims to debunk the myth that works can save us, highlighting the biblical truth that salvation cannot be earned but is received through faith in Jesus Christ. Join us as we explore the scriptures and understand why faith, not works, is the key to eternal life. WHAT IS THE TRUTH? According to Ephesians 2:8-9  For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.  Our faith is what saves us; no amount of good works can grant us eternal life. Romans 3:23 states that all have sinned and fall...

  Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, because I am lowly and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light . - Matthew 11:28-30 (CSB) When faced with problems, our instinct often drives us to take control and tightly manage every aspect, believing that doing so will help resolve the issue. However, this approach can lead to increased anxiety and foster an environment where fear grows. Clinging tightly to control, can worsen the situation, making it more exhausting and complex, ultimately causing us to stall rather than progress. It's important to recognize that our efforts to control everything might be counterproductive. Instead, relinquishing our grip and placing our trust in God's plan can bring peace and clarity. By surrendering control and leaning into our faith, we allow space for God to work in our lives and address our ...

                               Every day, we find ourselves questioning what's real and what's not in the way we talk to each other, make choices, and take in information. It's like truth is always being tested in everything we do. The truth is not just a concept reserved for formal settings like courtrooms or classrooms; it's a constant presence in the ebb and flow of our daily lives. Take, for instance, the conversations we have with others. Whenever we talk to someone, it's like we're dancing through a world of different ideas and views. We have to dig deep through all the chatter to find what's truly real and honest. Whether we're chatting about the news with a friend or trying to find middle ground with a coworker, figuring out what's true takes a mix of critical thinking, active listening, and discernment. When we're truly engaged and curious, these moments of interacting with others become opportuniti...

                                    It’s Christmas time again, and every good Christian should know the reason for the season. Beyond all the gift giving, time off from work, and other things that have become associated with the holiday, Christmas is first and foremost a celebration of Jesus’ birth. For believers this day commemorates when God gave the world the best gift it could ever receive. Nowadays, nearly the world celebrates Christmas. It’s a practice that has spread across the globe, but in general, only a small amount of the fervor associated with the holiday is directed where it belongs - remembrance of Jesus. To be honest, that shouldn’t be surprising. The significance of Jesus’ birth doesn’t hold the weight it should. It would be easy to blame that on the commercialization of our society and all the distractions that it brings, but in all honesty, Jesus has probably never been appr...