“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” — Hebrews 13:16 (NIV). In this third and final part of the series on Gift Giving, Pastor Nate shares with us the good news of the most valuable gift ever given to man. Christmas is most notably a time of joy, happiness, and peace. It is when many tend to be more pleasant and agreeable, which are tenants of the Biblical definition of good. The main reason for this day is to acknowledge and accept the greatest and most sacrificial gift, the birth of Jesus, our Lord and Savior. Through this gift, we gain immeasurable hope, peace, comfort, joy, favor, and most of all, salvation which is our admittance to entering heaven and spending eternity in glory with God. Let us take heed of the teachings in this Christmas message on what it means to be a recipient and follower of the greatest gift ever, Jesus Christ.

"Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms." — 1 Peter 4:10 (NIV). Continuing this series on gift giving, Pastor Nate shares with us truths about how each of us has been given spiritual gifts from God. Part 2 points out that these gifts we have been given that we did not earn are to be used to serve others, trusting in God as we exercise and manage our gifts with humility and grace. What we know for this as gifts are as unique as humans. We need not envy the gifts of another, as we were all created for a purpose. We gain insight and wisdom on fulfilling that purpose through our close and abiding relationship with God.

“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16 (NIV). In this holiday season, where much time is spent focused on and obsessing over giving and receiving gifts, the one true, eternal gift is often overlooked. In this multi-part message series, Pastor Nate shares insights and revelations about the type of gifts we should be giving. The light within us that leaves an indelible impact long after the lights have been packed away, and the holiday cheer fades back into the mundane routine of our daily bustle. Listen in as this simple yet profound message inspires us to look beyond the outer wrapper to the true meaning and gift that resides within.

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, ” — Colossians 3:23 (NIV). We spend so much of our short lives laboring. Working to pay bills, pay for housing, education, medical expenses, and hopefully vacations. Sometimes, it is all we can do just to meet the bare minimum in necessities which, for some, that mean picking and choosing. Enter the glaring and sometimes painful reality that we are ignored, taken for granted, and even mistreated in our striving. Why, then, should we work for those who do not appreciate our talents and efforts. The answer is that we are not doing it for man. As believers and members of the Body of Christ, all we do is for God, or at least should be. This is how we reconcile the good and bad to have peace. To honor and praise Him and His goodness with our efforts, minds, bodies, and souls. In our walk, He has us venture into some scary places. But trust and know, you are there for a Rivne purpose and reason. In all you do, carry out what you have been assigned and purposed to do, but for God!

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” — Joshua 1:9  (NIV). In a world having nearly eight billion humans, you would think it would be impossible to be alone. Physically perhaps, but what about those times we face overwhelming adversity? You find out who your true friends are when losing a job, experiencing financial challenges, or worse, losing a loved one. Sadly, during those times when having support means the most, the phone grows silent, leaving us to treat text messages and junk mail as if they really care. The loneliness and isolation during tough times can be void of hope. Thankfully, we can rest assured that God has not and will not abandon us. We can rely on Him to be there right in the mix of our problems, providing all of the love, support, and strength to endure that we will ever need. Regardless of eternal turmoil, we can enjoy peace and comfort at all times because He loves us and will never forsake us, even when we might ignore Him. We are assured we are never alone with God and the Holy Trinity

“So that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other. ” — 1 Corinthians 12:25  (NIV). As humankind, we were not meant to be divided or to work against each other. This is especially true for those who profess to be members of the Body of Christ. Sadly, this very act is something that runs rampant in our world today. Countless reasons and causes are used and hidden behind to justify division, meanness, disrespect, ill-treatment, divisiveness, and even hatred. Further, these behaviors act like cancer in the human body, destroying and even killing the host. Division is a rouge social disease that is spreading at an alarming rate. However, as a Christian and believer in God, there is no justification to rationalize or support such vile treatment of our fellow man. The Bible teaches the exact opposite. We are charged with loving one another, even if we despise their behavior. We are better served to show love and kindness while extending forgiveness to extinguish the destructive flames of division. We all have a choice and a voice in the matter. We will all be held accountable for how we respond or remain silent and allow the reign of terror to continue its path of destruction.

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ” — Philippians 4:6  (NIV). We’ve all been there. Some are deep in the throws of dealing with life’s challenges at this very moment. Somehow, we mistakenly got the idea that worrying about a challenge, adversity, or situation is what we are supposed to do. In this message, Pastor Nate shares God’s instructions with us when we face challenges of any kind. Regardless of whatever adversity we find ourselves dealing with, we can have peace, even when it doesn’t make sense. When difficulty strikes, we are best served to keep our minds elevated and focused on the things of God. In doing so, we will find divine protection, assurance, comfort, and peace, despite any circumstance.

“Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” — Isaiah 43:19 (AMP). How often have we held ourselves back by dwelling on the past? It could be past hurts, experiences, trauma, or even mistakes we have made. When we get hung up on things in our past, it can cause us to procrastinate, become filled with self-doubt, and even smother our goals and dreams. Pastor Nate reminds us of God’s goodness and mercy in today’s message. Of how when we live a life that is in line with God’s purpose for us, not only does he overlook our past mistakes, God will make a way where there seems to be no way. If God can create rivers in the desert, He can most assuredly make a path for you to fulfill your God-given purpose for a fulfilling life.

“The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.” — Romans 8:6 (NIV). As humans, we are led by the spirit. It can be good or evil. The flesh (human nature) is ripe with wicked desires. Perhaps you have heard of “lust of the flesh.” In this message, Pastor Nate teaches the principle and value of rejecting the influence of the carnal spirit and instead allowing our hearts and minds to be led by the Holy Spirit. As the key verse states, there is a one-way road leading to a dead-end when we give into fleshly desires. A road filled with turmoil, unrest, upset, and eventual death. Choosing to be led by Holy Spirit provides us with comfort in painful times, peace amid adversity, joy in place of tears, and most of all, a promise of eternal life with our Lord and Savior. We get to choose.

“A good person leaves an inheritance for their children’s children, but a sinner’s wealth is stored up for the righteous.” — Proverbs 13:22 (NIV). It would be wise to consider the sunset of our lives long before getting there. Ask ourselves what difference did I make during my time on this earth. In this message, Pastor Nate expands upon this important verse about the type of inheritance we should leave - our legacy. More important than leaving stuff to our loved ones is the character we instill in them, imparting knowledge that will enable them to live a life that produces good fruit and is pleasing in God’s sight. This is primarily done by emulating the behaviors sought, not just speaking to them. “Good” is not simply about who we are but about who lives in our hearts, guiding our actions, words, and behaviors toward others and ourselves.