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J.John explains why we need to take the Great Commission seriously and share Jesus Christ with our friends and neighbors in a ‘natural’ way. He encourages us to invest in others through prayer, small acts of caring, and by reaching across social barriers.

Sin has separated us from the God who made us. Rather than living in friendship with him, we are excluded from the blessings of his presence. But Jesus came to us as Emmanuel—God with us—that we might know God through faith in him, and so live with him forever.

The one gift that will never lose its value is God's gift to humanity—Jesus Christ.

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Is Jesus’ birth predicted in the Old Testament? Lee Strobel points out how the Old Testament functions rather like a navigational system, pointing readers to the Messiah who would be revealed.

Learn more: https://atriresearchresources.org/product/who-is-the-baby-in-the-manger-m4v-video-download/

Sermon Overview

Scripture Passage: 1 Corinthians 15

Christmas is spelled L-O-V-E, as it reflects God's ultimate gift of love through Jesus Christ as described in John 3:16. Love is crucial for using spiritual gifts effectively.

Adrian Rogers says, "The real mark of the spirit-filled life is love."

1 Corinthians 13 unveils three main aspects of love.

The Virtues and Indispensability of Love

Love is absolutely indispensable, with no substitute. Without love, other highly valued attributes or actions are rendered meaningless:

Oratory or speaking with tongues becomes like sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. (v. 1)

Prophecy, understanding mysteries, and knowledge are as nothing. (v. 2)

Faith, even faith that can move mountains, is "nothing" without love. (v. 2)

Feeding the poor (bestowing all goods) or martyrdom (giving one's body to be burned) profit nothing if not motivated by genuine love. (v. 3)

Adrian Rogers says, "What our Lord is looking for more than people who will die for their faith, is people who will live for their faith, and show that living by loving."

The Characteristics of Love

These are described in verses 4-5: love is portrayed as having specific qualities:

Patient ("suffers long"); a lack of patience indicates a lack of love.

Kind, described as "love in the little things" and courtesy.

Not jealous ("envies not"); willing to give credit and praise others.

Humble ("not puffed up"); able to apologize and forgive.

Not rude ("does not behave unseemly").

Unselfish ("seeketh not its own"); focusing on showing love rather than personal gain.

Even-tempered ("not easily provoked"); an "evil temper" is highlighted as significantly damaging to Christian society.

Not suspicious ("thinks no evil"), avoiding paranoia or "mud-slinging".

The Victory and Eternality of Love

1 Corinthians 13:4 states simply, “Love never fails.”

It is eternal and will never pass away, unlike prophecies, tongues, and knowledge, which are temporary. Faith and hope find their fulfillment in Heaven, but love endures and is perfected in Heaven.

Love is the greatest virtue, the greatest commandment, the greatest testimony, the greatest motivation, and the greatest confirmation of salvation. Jesus' disciples will be recognized by their love for one another (John 13:35).

Apply it to your life

Prioritize demonstrating patient, kind, humble, and unselfish love in all aspects of your life. It is the most indispensable and enduring virtue, far better than any other achievement or gift.

Listen to today's Laugh Again with Phil Callaway, "Christmas Traditions." Enjoy!

Some look to government as a panacea for all things. They act as if good government can bring a utopia on earth. That's hype. It is an expectation that not only exceeds the government’s power, but ignores the fallen nature of everyone in authority. But there is hope. Dr. John points to the only Ruler who is worthy to reign forever. He is promised by God and sung by angelic choirs. 

Christmas: Hype or Hope?: In our culture, Christmas has become a celebration disjointed from its original intent. The party of Christmas overshadows the meaning of Christmas. In our society, it has the "too much makeup" appearance and is exploited for commercial profit. There is a lot of hype. Where is the hope? In this 5-message series, Dr. John Neufeld distills the meaning from the mayhem. Listen to recover the reason and joy of Christmas.