Mount Hamilton Baptist Church

Every follower of Jesus is called. In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul pushes back against the idea that only certain gifts, roles, or people are “spiritual.” Instead, he shows that the Spirit is at work in every believer, giving different gifts to different people for the common good. The church is not a stage where a few gifted people perform while everyone else watches; it is a family that work together, a body where every part matters, every gift contributes, and every person is needed. Calling is not something reserved for pastors, missionaries, or especially impressive disciples, but is the shared vocation of the whole church. We are all called because we all belong to Christ, and we are especially equipped with the gifts to serve in our own lives.

What is at the center of your life?Simplicity in different areas of our lives is great, but we need to understand the why and to simplify around something (or someone, in this case). It’s knowing what the center of your life is and allowing that to form you. As we start this new series, we will explore why we are called to live a simple life.

Jesus is less concerned with drawing boundaries to keep people out of the kingdom, and more inviting people to move towards the kingdom. That doesn’t mean there are no standards, but they are about movement towards a center, not a static boundary that we cannot cross. Jesus kept company with sinners, was on the side of the downtrodden and outcasts, the “lesser” of society. He routinely was harsh with the Pharisees who were constantly obsessed with following the rules and keeping everyone in line, so much so they missed the point and the Kingdom.

Jesus had lots of teachings to large groups, public miracles and works, and interactions with the people of Israel, but He spent most of his time investing in twelve close relationships - His disciples. This was more than just the cultural practice for Rabbis and students, but an understanding that transformation requires proximity and relationship. Jesus was present in all the in-between moments for the disciples, meeting them where they are, working with them, and being patient with them when they don’t get it. He was inviting them to be involved and represent their Rabbi in the world.

After the rush of Christmas fades, Rev. Dale Rose invites us into a quieter, deeper moment of the story.Drawing from Luke 2, this post-Christmas message reflects on Simeon and Anna: two elders who spent a lifetime waiting, watching, and trusting, only to be surprised by joy when they finally held hope in their arms. Through stories of unexpected visitors, masked mummers, bucket lists, and patient faith, Rev. Rose explores how God often shows up in disguise, and why waiting can sharpen our eyes to see Him.A thoughtful sermon for the Sunday after Christmas, reminding us that faith, joy, and purpose don’t expire with age, and that God is still at work as one year turns into the next.