828 Church

We’re so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!

---- SUNDAY'S NOTES ----

There is value in moments for remembering!

Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits. Psalm 103:2 ESV

The steadfast love of the LORD never ceases. Lamentations 3:22 NLT

We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28 NLT

His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness oh God. Lamentations 3:23 ESV

Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10 ESV

If you fully obey the LORD your God and carefully keep all his commands that I am giving you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the world. You will experience all these blessings if you obey the LORD your God. Deuteronomy 28:1 NLT

Make this new year about what God wants and wills.

He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. 2 Corinthians 9:10 ESV

Sow what you want to see grow in your heart and life.

Together.

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. Ecclesiastes 4:9 NLT

We’re only better together if we’re together with God.

Get rid of the baggage and carry what counts together!

The key to carrying what you carry well, is to carry what you carry with Christ.

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For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6 NLT

Christmas doesn’t have to be merry from an earthly perspective to be amazing!

(Linus is queue)

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:8-14 KJV

Christmas is Merry because Christ amazing.

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him. Psalms 37:7 ESV

But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience. Romans 5:25 ESV

Coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. Luke 2:38 ESV

There’s no reason to continue waiting for what God has already given.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:11 ESV

Merry, Godly, Graced, Christ centered Christmas.

At that time there was a man in Jerusalem named Simeon. He was righteous and devout and was eagerly waiting for the Messiah to come and rescue Israel. The Holy Spirit was upon him and had revealed to him that he would not die until he had seen the Lord’s Messiah. Luke 2:25 -26 NLT

It’s those who are looking that invariably and inevitably see Jesus. 

That day the Spirit led him to the Temple. So when Mary and Joseph came to present the baby Jesus to the Lord as the law required, Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, saying, Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. Luke 2:27-29 NLT

Faithfulness will set you up to see Jesus 

The proofs that Jesus is real are powerful and yet inadequate without relationship.

I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel! Luke 2:30-32 NLT

The peace that comes from knowing you’re forgiven is priceless!

Jesus’ parents were amazed at what was being said about him. Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, but many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your very soul.” Luke 2:33-35 NLT

Our destiny will be determined by what we believe about and do with the Jesus. 

What sorrow awaits you who are praised by the crowds, for their ancestors also praised false prophets. Luke 6:26 NLT - - He is either a liar and lunatic, or the Way truth and Life… 

You can’t just tip your hat to Jesus, you’ve got to bow a knee and see Jesus as Savior and Lord.

Simeon was there. He took the child in his arms and praised God, “Sovereign Lord, now let your servant die in peace, as you have promised. I have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for all people. He is a light to reveal God to the nations, and he is the glory of your people Israel!” Luke 2:28:32 NLT 

We’re so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!

---- SUNDAY'S NOTES ----

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days. Micah 5:2 ESV

Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” Matthew 2:1-2 ESV

Jesus has always made Himself easy to find for those who are looking for Him!

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. Luke 2:8-11 ESV

Jesus, the baby in the manger, was our Messiah on mission from the very beginning.

The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood. We saw His glory with our own eyes, the one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son… John 1:14 MSG

For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost. Luke 19:10 NLT

If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? Matthew 18:12 NLT

You will always be found by Jesus if you choose to look to Him.

Finding the missing is our mission too!

As for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, That I may tell of all Your works. Psalm 73:28 NASB

That God would choose to be with us in every season and circumstance is Christmas’s greatest gift.

ESV

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I'm glad in God, far happier than you would ever guess, happy that you're again showing such strong concern for me. Not that you ever quit praying and thinking about me. You just had no chance to show it. Actually, I don't have a sense of needing anything personally. I've learned by now to be quite content whatever my circumstances. I'm just as happy with little as with much, with much as with little. I've found the recipe for being happy whether full or hungry, hands full or hands empty. Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am. Philippians 4:10-13 MSG

Gratitude is a choice that improves your perspective in seasons of prosperity or problem. 

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NKJV

Do everything without complaining and arguing. Philippians 2:14 NLT 

X + (-Y) = Z or 10 + (-10) = 0  

X - (-Y) = Z or 10 - (-10) = 20

A complaining life is a discontented life!

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever. Psalm 136:1 ESV

Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? Romans 2:4 ESV

It happened that as he made his way toward Jerusalem, he crossed over the border between Samaria and Galilee. As he entered a village, ten men, all lepers, met him. They kept their distance but raised their voices, calling out, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us!” Luke 17:11-13 MSG

He looked at them and said, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went, they were cleansed of their leprosy. Luke 17:14 NLT

One of them, when he realized that he was healed, turned around and came back, shouting his gratitude, glorifying God. He kneeled at Jesus’ feet, so grateful. He couldn’t thank him enough, and he was a Samaritan. Luke 17:15-16 MSG

Jesus said, “Were not ten healed? Where are the nine? Can none be found to come back and give glory to God except this outsider?” Then he said to him, “Get up. On your way. Your faith has healed and saved you.” Luke 17:17-19 MSG

Blessed people are not always grateful, but grateful people are always blessed. 

The power of gratitude is found in it’s ability to connect the graced with both the gift, and the giver.

Complacency, comparison and complaining, will all cause you to miss deep connection with Jesus.

Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe. Hebrews 12:28 ESV 

Jesus then took the loaves, and when he had given thanks, he distributed them. John 6:11 ESV

And Jesus lifted up his eyes and said, “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. John 11:41 ESV

And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks… Luke 22:17 ESV

We’re so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!

---- SUNDAY'S NOTES ----

Special Guest Pastor Craig Johnson - Lakewood Church

“Who Told You That”

Some of us are living with shame that God never put on us.

You have to believe what God says about you.

I DECLARE that God has a great plan for my life. He is directing my steps. And even though I may not always understand how, I know my situation is not a surprise to God. He will work out every detail to my advantage. In His perfect timing, everything will turn out right. This is my declaration.

2 CORINTHIANS 12:9 (AMP)

As you live in close contact with Me, the Light of My Presence filters through you to bless others. Your weakness and woundedness are the openings through which the Light of the knowledge of My Glory shines forth. My strength and power show themselves most effective in your weakness.

Get in agreement with God and start believing what He says about you!

We’re so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!

---- SUNDAY'S NOTES ----

As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:38-42 NLT

The issue wasn’t with what Mary was doing, it was with what she was leaving undone.

So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless. 1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT

But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” Luke 10:40 NLT

When we work outside of the presence of God, our bodies grow weary and our hearts grow bitter.

His presence is a gift. You can’t earn it, but you can choose it, and be changed by it!

Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.” Luke 10:42 NLT

When we choose to sit in God’s presence, our souls can hear and see the Savior redeeming our stories and directing our steps.

Godly rest produces restoration which leads to renewed passion for His work in our world.

When Martha got word that Jesus was coming, she went to meet him. But Mary stayed in the house. John 11:20 NLT

Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if only you had been here, my brother would not have died. But even now I know that God will give you whatever you ask.” John 11:21-22 NLT

When we choose God’s presence in difficulty, we find our Savior who gives us hope, help and healing.

Jesus told her, “Your brother will rise again.” “Yes,” Martha said, “he will rise when everyone else rises, at the last day.” Jesus told her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die. Do you believe this, Martha?” “Yes, Lord,” she told him. “I have always believed you are the Messiah, the Son of God, the one who has come into the world from God.” John 11:23-27 NLT

Choosing God’s presence will always increase our faith and empower our faithfulness.

When Jesus saw her weeping and saw the other people wailing with her, a deep anger welled up within him, and he was deeply troubled. “Where have you put him?” he asked them. They told him, “Lord, come and see.” Then Jesus wept. John 11:33-35 NLT

We aren’t meant to miss on God’s presence in either our stillness or our busyness.

Jesus was still angry as he arrived at the tomb, a cave with a stone rolled across its entrance. “Roll the stone aside,” Jesus told them. But Martha, the dead man’s sister, protested, “Lord, he has been dead for four days. The smell will be terrible.” John 11:38-39 NLT

Choosing God’s presence over personal comfort is a front row seat to His miraculous work and will.

Jesus responded, “Didn’t I tell you that you would see God’s glory if you believe?” So they rolled the stone aside. Then Jesus looked up to heaven and said, “Father, thank you for hearing me. You always hear me, but I said it out loud for the sake of all these people standing here, so that they will believe you sent me.” Then Jesus shouted, “Lazarus, come out!” And the dead man came out, his hands and feet bound in grave-clothes, his face wrapped in a head-cloth. Jesus told them, “Unwrap him and let him go!” John 11:40-44 NLT

It’s through the rhythms of rest and action that we experience the richness of God’s presence.

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Download the 828 Church app!

To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church

We’re so glad you are here! Thanks for checking out Sunday's message!

---- SUNDAY'S NOTES ----

Prioritizing strategic connections is crucial to God’s work and will being accomplished in your life.

Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm. Proverbs 13:20 ESV

Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ. If you think you are too important to help someone, you are only fooling yourself. You are not that important. Galatians 6:2-3 NLT

This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. John 15:12 NLT

Clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. Colossians 3:14 NLT

A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and will sing it back to you when you’ve forgotten the words.

I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. John 15:5 NLT

God’s plan for your life is for you to know Him deeply, and walk with Him daily.

Our relationship with God should be real, reverent, raw and redemptive.

The more time you spend with God, the more accurately and readily you will recognize His voice.

If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. John 15:7 NKJV

If you abide in me and my words abide in you, you’ll want what I want you to want and I’ll give you what you want because I wanted you to want it!

Our connection to God makes us good together, and our being good together is critical to our being connected to God!

He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. Colossians 1:17-18 ESV

May God, who gives this patience and encouragement, help you live in complete harmony with each other, as is fitting for followers of Christ Jesus. Then all of you can join together with one voice, giving praise and glory to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 15:5-6 NLT

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Download the 828 Church app!

To view our latest e-newsletter, the Midweek Momentum, and subscribe to our weekly updates, go here! https://linktr.ee/828church