Luke 1:26-38

Have we lost our sense of wonder? Luke 1:37 tells us that "Nothing is impossible with God." He can do anything. The virgin birth is necessary. God predicted it in Isaiah 7:14. It was also foretold by God in Gensis 3:15. During this season of the celebration of the birth of Jesus, let's not forget that believing something that seems impossible actually IS possible with God. What can we do? First, you must BELIEVE. Then, HUMBLE yourself before the Lord, TRUST His provision, and BELIEVE that Jesus is God's gift to you. Have a peaceful and Merry Christmas knowing that our Savior is with us.

Genesis 3:1-15 What is Christmas about?

The story of our Redeemer, Jesus Christ, actually begins in the book of Genesis. This is ultimately what Christmas is all about. In Genesis 1:25, God says His creation is very good. In Chapter 2, He tells how He made man and placed him in the garden of Eden, telling him to stay away from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. In Genesis 3:1-5, we learn how the serpent (Satan) convinced Eve to eat from that tree. In Genesis 6-13 we learn how she convinced Adam to also eat and how God questioned them about it. This all leads to what is called "The Curse of Adam". In Genesis 14-15, we learn about the verdict for the serpent and in Genesis 16-24 God explains the verdict for mankind. The war between man and Satan begins and the consequences of sin is proclaimed. Be sure that you remember that Christmas is all about our Savior, Jesus Christ, and that this story began long before His birth. Don't let the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations such as gifts, parties, parades, and decorations make you forget the true meaning of this Advent season. Jesus is coming again. And that is what we celebrate!

Matthew 28:18-20

This is one of the most powerful passages in the Bible in which Jesus gives us our mission for His Kingdom. In it, He promises us that 1) He has ALL authority, and that 2) He will be with us always to the end of the age. We must "Trust and Obey" as the hymn says and do the Lord's work here on Earth. While we don't know all the answers, we can rest assured that Jesus is our Lord and Savior and we are to bring others to Him. Our love of Jesus must be greater than our love of this world as we await His Second Coming.

Today's sermon is about blessings and thankfulness. Also, we will conduct a real blessing through marriage vows. With Thanksgiving coming this week, I want to remind us of the blessings for which we need to give thanks every day. Humans are selfish by nature. Psalm 100 tells us to make a joyful shout to the Lord, to serve Him with gladness (not grumbling), to come into His presence singing, to know that the Lord is God, and to enter His gates with thanksgiving. Verse 5 tells us the Lord is good, His mercy is everlasting, and His truth is forever. Marriage can be a blessing when we remember to be thankful for the little things that brought two people together.

Colossians 1:3-5 Pour syrup on waffles and it stays in the little square compartments. Pour syrup on pancakes and it goes all over the pancakes and the plate. Sometimes we live our Christian faith in compartments (kind of like the waffles).

2 Chronicles 7:13-14

We have a problem when we drift away from God (v.13). Just look at the things that are happening in today's world. Abortion, violence, and drugs are everywhere. There is a remedy if we are willing to pay the price (v.14). God's people must respond, remove our pride, and repent. God will hear our prayers, forgive our sins, heal our land, and send revival. When God says "Seek my face" He is offering redemption.

Matthew 5:13-16

Jesus uses the words "salt" and "light" to tell Christ-followers what they need to be for the world. Old sayings like, "Salt of the earth" and "Worth the salt" are words that describe the importance of something. He uses the word "light" to let us know that the world is a dark place and needs the "light of Jesus Christ" to make the world a better place. YOU are the "salt" and JESUS is the light. He is the battery that keeps our light shining! Listen to these words from the Bible and understand how they help you know how to become a better example of the Christian faith.

Matthew 5:10-12 The Persecution and Reward Beatitudes

Why Is Everybody Always Picking On Me? How do we make peace in a world that doesn't accept us? Persecution is a promise for Christians, but it is also a gift. It comes in 3 forms: physical attack, verbal insults, and false accusations. Persecution can bring peace. I will give you several Biblical examples of the peace that we can find through our Christian faith.

Matthew 5:9 Living the Good Life #8

What is Peace? This Beatitude tells us that peacemakers are blessed and are the children of God. Today we discuss what peace is, what types of "peace makers" are in the world, and what steps we can take to be true peace makers. As Christ followers we are called to be peace makers. The Bible is full of references to peace. While it may not be easy, we need to learn how God can help us make peace.

Living the Good Life #7 Matthew 5:8

Continuing with our Beatitudes study, our hearts are purified through faith. We have to cleanse the inside first. Compare yourself to Jesus. In this lesson, we learn five types of purity and nine action steps that we can take to become more pure like Jesus. What is your reward? If you are seeking God with a pure heart, you will see God.