FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
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2020 Advent Devotional

Saturday, December 5, 2020

The Authority of Jesus Challenged

Read Mark 11:27-33
Devotional by Grady Kennington

It is amazing that this scripture was the assigned text for my devotion. I think that most of us constantly struggle with questioning Jesus’ authority even if we don’t recognize it. We want our lives to be run “our way.” Trusting in his path for us is difficult. If we could ever learn to sit and listen and then proceed accordingly, peace would be easier to find. For me, I often hear Jesus whispering in my ear and ask, “what are my other options?” Sit still, listen carefully, and proceed.

As I read the lesson of Mark 11 – The priests are perfectly willing to question Jesus’ authority until he asked them if John’s baptism was a heavenly act or a human act. To which they were afraid to stand behind their own thoughts and speak out. As 2021 approaches, all of us could benefit by believing Jesus’ message of hope. It is not up to me to figure out how to FIX the world. It is up to me to TRUST and BELIEVE. So, my hope is that we all can quit trying to decide what is right or wrong about the world, rather, trust and love.

Prayer Dear God, give us the strength to accept the path that you have chosen for us and to trust in your amazing powers of healing and comfort.  In your holy name we pray, AMEN.

Read Daily Devotionals by clicking on the links below.
November 29, 2020: Great Expectations by Beth Silver
November 30, 2020: A New Beginning by Roger Rizk
​December 1, 2020: Walk in his Paths by Helen Rogers
​December 2, 2020: Exhortation to Watch by Davidson Hobson
​December 3, 2020: He will Revive Us by Sarah Sumner
December 4, 2020: Still Small Voice by Coleman Efird
December 5, 2020: The Authority of Jesus Challenged by Grady Kennington
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Download a PDF copy of The Audacity of Advent
​by clicking here.

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First Presbyterian Church

Contact Us

Address
​1621 E. Garrison Blvd.
​Gastonia, N.C. 28054
Phone
(704) 864-2651
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Affiliated with: Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and Presbytery of Western North Carolina
Copyright © 2020 First Presbyterian Church, Gastonia, N.C.
  • Home
  • About
    • Visitors
    • What We Believe
    • Our Staff
    • Pastoral Search
  • Worship
    • Services
    • Livestream
    • Music
  • Faith Formation
    • Adults
    • Presbyterian Women
    • Youth
    • Children
  • Outreach
    • Local Missions
    • Global Missions
    • Pastoral Care
    • Parish Nurse Ministry
  • Giving
    • Giving
    • Planned Giving
    • Stewardship
  • Connect
    • Calendar
    • Videos
    • Weekly Announcements
    • Resources
  • More
    • COVID-19 Updates
    • Presbyterian Weekday School
    • Mother's Morning Out