GCC Newton sermon audio

What’s True in the Bible?

We strive and pray against...

1. The confusion of the message. (Matthew 13:18-19 / Colossians 4:2-6 / 2 Timothy 2:25-26)

2. The hardships of life. (Matthew 13:20-21 / Acts 17:1-9 / 1 Thessalonians 1:4-10)

3. The temptations of the world. (Matthew 13:22 / Philemon 1:24, Colossians 4:14, 2 Timothy 4:10)

We strive and pray for...

4. The fruit of faith. (Matthew 13:23 / Acts 16:14 / Romans 10:1)

What’s Real in my life?

• What makes the Gospel hard to understand?

• What’s one of the hurdles I had to overcome before receiving the Gospel?

• What’s the closest I came to turning away from my faith? Why was it a struggle?

• Who’s my “one” person I am going to pray for and share my faith with?

What’s Next? Write a prayer and practical step in light of truth.

What’s True in the Bible?

What are Habits of Grace? (2 Thessalonians 1:11 / Philippians 2:13 / 1 Corinthians 15:10)

How Faith is Really Shared

1. Share with clarity. (1 Thessalonians 1:4-5 / Colossians 4:3-4 / 1 Peter 3:15)

2. Rely on the Spirit’s power. (1 Thessalonians 1:5 / Colossians 1:28-29)

3. Live according to your convictions. (1 Thessalonians 1:5 / James 2:26)

What’s Real in my life?

• Can I share my faith story in just a few minutes using common non-churchy words?

• How often do I share my testimony?

• What one or two Bible verses could I use to share the Gospel?

• How does my lifestyle reflect the Good News of Jesus?

• What would I need to change in order to make sharing my faith a regular habit in my life?

What’s Next? Write a prayer and practical step in light of truth.

What’s True in the Bible?

Freedom to Obey
1. Jesus atoned for our failure to obey God’s Law. (Isaiah 53:6 / Colossians 2:13-14 / Romans 5:9)

2. Jesus obeyed God’s Law for us. (Romans 5:19 / Philippians 3:9)

3. Jesus empowers us to obey His commands. (Romans 6:6-7 / Galatians 5:1, 6, 13-14 / 1 John 5:2-3 / John 14:15-16, 23-24 / Philippians 2:12-13)

What’s Real in my life?

• How can obedience feel like slavery or misery?

• When have I chosen to obey out of love despite my initial desires?

• How do I rely on God to follow His direction? When is that confusing or difficult?

• Based on my love for God, what is one discipline or commitment I can establish for the new year?

What’s Next? Write a prayer and practical step in light of truth.

Glory to God…

1. for His sovereignty. (12/22/2019 service) Luke 2:1-6 / Micah 5:2 / Psalm 115:3 / Jeremiah 32:17 / Romans 11:36 / 1 Corinthians 8:6

2. for His humility. (12/22/2019 service) Luke 2:7 / Matthew 20:26-28 / Philippians 2:5-8

3. for His grace. Luke 2:8-13

4. for our peace. Luke 2:14 / Isaiah 9:6 / Philippians 4:6-7 / Colossians 1:13-20

What’s True in the Bible?

Glory to God…

1. for His sovereignty. (Luke 2:1-6 / Micah 5:2 / Psalm 115:3 / Jeremiah 32:17 / Romans 11:36 / 1 Corinthians 8:6)

2. for His humility. (Luke 2:7 / Matthew 20:26-28 / Philippians 2:5-8)

What’s Real in my life?

• How many preparations were needed for the birth of Jesus to fulfill all the prophecies of God’s Anointed One?

• Since God fulfilled His promises in the Old Testament concerning Jesus, how does that influence my faith about His promises concerning me?

• How would I describe God’s “peace” in my life? (Luke 2:14)

• How am I or my family celebrating Jesus’ birth this Christmas?

What’s Next? Write a prayer and practical step in light of truth.

1. The meaning of the Incarnation

a. The baby born in Bethlehem was God.
“The Word…”

b. The baby born in Bethlehem was God made man.
“…became flesh and dwelt among us…”

2. The meaning of the Incarnation to Jesus

a. Jesus was not just born but sent.
“…as the only Son from the Father…”

b. Jesus came to feel our pain and bear our sins.
“…full of grace”

c. Jesus came to reveal the Father’s true identity and life’s true meaning.
“…and truth”

3. The meaning of the Incarnation to us

a. Jesus came to be experienced and received.
“…and we have seen his glory.”

b. We are the body of Jesus sent into the world.

I. The Story of the NAMES, v. 1-17

II. The story of JOSEPH, v. 18-25

A. What we KNOW…

B. What we THINK we know…

III. Joseph’s DISCOVERY, v. 18-23

IV. Joseph’s GIFT, v. 24-25

A. Obedience

B. Courage

What’s True in the Bible?

Am I Surrendered to God?

1. I’m willing to let go of my plans. (Luke 1:38)

2. I’m willing to let go of my reputation. (Luke 1:38)

3. I’m willing to let go of my understanding. (Luke 1:38)

What’s Real in my life?

• When have I witnessed somebody else completely surrender to God?

• When have I regretted not surrendering to God? How did that play out?

• What’s one part of my life that is difficult to surrender? Why?

• What steps can I take toward surrendering to God this week?

What’s Next? Write a prayer and practical step in light of truth.

What’s True in the Bible?

The Greatness of God’s Love

1. Love can withstand anything. (1 Corinthians 13:7)

2. Love keeps choosing to believe. (1 Corinthians 13:7 / Proverbs 14:15)

3. Love never loses hope. (1 Corinthians 13:7)

4. Love never gives up (1 Corinthians 13:7)

What’s Real in my life?

• When have I experienced God’s love?

• How has God’s love protected me from lies or harm?

• What habits does God use to continually bring me to the truth?

• When has God’s love given me hope or kept me from giving up?

• When is it hard to love the way God does?

What’s Next? Write a prayer and practical step in light of truth.

What’s True in the Bible?

Love is patient and kind.

Love does not envy or boast.

Love is not arrogant or rude.

Love does not insist on its own way.

Love is not irritable or resentful.

Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing.

Love rejoices with the truth.

What’s Real in my life?

• How has God’s love affected my patience or kindness?

• When am I most likely to be jealous of others? Why?

• When I am irritated by others, how can God’s love for me move me to love them?

• When do I “rejoice” with the truth? How can I find more opportunities to rejoice?

• How can my life be marked by sacrificial love?

What’s Next? Write a prayer and practical step in light of truth.