John Mclane is one tough guy. One man verses an entire crew of criminals armed to the teeth. The movie Die Hard is not you typical Christmas movie, but this is not your typical series. This week we look at Simeon a man who's hope created a die hard faith. Hopelessness is the beginning of real hope, hope must deal with our captivity to sin, hope is a person.

The sermon explores the reason that Jesus had to come and save us. The good news of Christmas is really only good in contrast to humanity's need for savior. The Christmas story reminds us who we are, that Christianity is a fight over the throne of one's heart and a reminder that we need a savior.

Series wrap up. We learned gratitude is the foundation for Christian living. Gratitude provides motivation for our walk, helps us walk with others and protects against good things from sticking.

A table prepared in the presence of one's enemy is the presence of gratitude in trying times. Gratitude has some grit to it. Gratitude is an awareness of God in the concrete. Gratitude creates courage to fight resentment. God gifts us with gratitude for the valley of the shadow of death.

Gratitude IS spiritual maturity. Ingratitude is offensive to Jesus, Misplaced gratitude is idolatry, Returning to gratitude is a matter of taking the initiative, focusing on our healing, saturating our lives with thanksgiving, and raising our voices in praise.

Friends share faith. If you don't have lost friends you are doing it wrong. Sharing faith with friends means sharing space, sharing sharing weakness, sharing the actual Gospel and sharing life. The Gospel is too beautiful to keep to ourselves.

This sermon explores forgiveness what it is, what it isn't,why we offer it, and how to go about it.

Even friendly communities need to work on communication.

For friendships to thrive we must speak the truth in love.

Why study friendship. Friendship is hard, God's idea, and empowered by the gospel.