Out of jealousy...King Herod tried to kill the baby Jesus and effectively "steal" Christmas from the world

-thank God that He intervened and Herod (Satan) was ineffective/not successful

-there is a principle in this account that we can apply to our lives today

a look at seven biblical principles God has given to help His people find and know His will for us

: celebrating communion with the Lord and each other

The will of God for His people is that His people live life in a spirit of thanksgiving...being thankful...giving thanks

The will of God for His people is that we should give generously...

-there are tremendous biblical promises from God for compliance to His will in this area

rejoice always...at all times...for this is God's will for you

-God's will relates to more than our vocation and location...it touches who we are...how we think...our attitudes and our mindset towards life and the circumstances of life

CCF Baptism Service

The will of God and prayer

-we will explain the reason believers are to pray in accordance with God's will

: the will of God and troubles in life

-can we experience troubles (hardship, difficulties, trails, persecution, sorrow, etc. in life...even if we are in the will of God?

-we explain the answer to that Sinday

: Romans 12:1-2 is the starting place for experiencing God's will in our lives...offer yourselves to the Lord...then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is...that good pleasing perfect will of God

Application: opportunity to “offer/present” yourself to the Lord today...