Luke 2:8, Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And [c]behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 

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The message closes with a prayer of thanksgiving, celebrating the work of God

throughout the year and looking forward to continued blessings and opportunities for

service

"Love & Serve"  -  Firm Foundation inspiration Minute #148 for December 11, 2024

Isaiah 61:1 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me  to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,

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Sermon Summary: 

“Giving Thanks—Not Only a Day, A Foundation”

Dr. Bryan Hudson emphasizes that Thanksgiving should be more than a holiday—it’s a foundational lifestyle of gratitude. Drawing from scripture, he explores how giving thanks transcends circumstances, reflecting a heart rooted in peace and faith.

Key Scriptures: Colossians 1:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:18, Leviticus 7:11-15

1. Thanksgiving as a Foundation:

•  Thanksgiving is not tied to obligation but arises spontaneously from a grateful heart.

•  True praise and offerings—whether financial, time, or acts of kindness—should be willing and joyful, not out of duty or legalism.

2. Peace Offerings and Sacrificial Praise:

•  Peace offerings, as distinct from many other types of offerings, express worship unconnected to sin or obligation.

•  In the New Testament, Jesus becomes our peace offering, bridging divisions and enabling us to live in grace and freedom.

3. Practical Application:

•  Cultivate gratitude: Acknowledge blessings—both asked for and unexpected—and express thanks through words, actions, and offerings.

•  Develop a lifestyle of praise and worship, independent of external circumstances.

•  Avoid callousness and indifference by maintaining a spirit of thankfulness toward God and others.

4. Key Takeaways:

•  Thanksgiving fosters peace, and peace inspires thanksgiving, creating a positive spiritual cycle.

•  Gratitude keeps believers in God’s presence (Coram Deo), fostering perpetual joy and strength beyond circumstances.

Dr. Hudson concludes with encouragement to embrace thanksgiving as a daily, spontaneous expression of worship and gratitude, rooted in God’s peace and goodness.

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Summary: "The Ministry of Presence" (Summary by OpenAI)

Key takeaways include:

The sermon concludes with an exhortation to embrace the ministry of presence, trust God's guidance, and develop the capacity to support others, reflecting Christ's love in action.

Isaiah 9:2  The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;

Philippians 4:7, And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

1. Peace is a state where one is in right relationship with God.

2. Peace is a mental/emotional state where there is an absence of conflict and freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts. We call this “peace of mind.”

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts,to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful

“Let peace RULE…”

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Colossians 3:15, And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

“Let peace rule…”

To be an umpire; To decide, determine, arbitrate

Place peace in a position to determine how to handle every situation 

Don’t decide based on the problem. Decide based on creating or sustaining peace

John 14:25-28, These things I have spoken to you while being present with you. 26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. 27 Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Psalm 37:1, Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. 7 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. 8 Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret—it only causes harm.

Two Kinds of Peace

1. Peace is a state where one is in right relationship with God.

Philippians 4:7, And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

1. Peace is beyond your comprehension