December 16, 2018

May we never forget what the Christmas season is about: Christ. Luke 2:10 states it perfectly. “And the angel said to them, ‘Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” How is your celebration of Christmas different than that of a lost person celebrating Christmas? Or even the casual cultural Christian? As we give gifts at Christmas, let each gift we give and each gift we receive be a reminder of the greatest gift ever given; our savior. Jesus is the reason we celebrate Christmas, after all. As it is written in 2 Corinthians 9:15, “Thanks be to God for His inexpressible gift!” What a verse to contemplate, this season.

Our children of TeamKid put on a fabulous Christmas production of “the Emoji Christmas” this morning, so today’s message is unusually brief.

December 09, 2018

Last week, we saw the healing of the lame man at the Temple and that Peter and John seized the divinely provided opportunity to share the gospel with the large crowd surrounding them. And for this, Peter and John were arrested. Yet, 5,000 of those who had heard the Word were saved! This week, we find Peter and John in the midst of the Sanhedrin, being interrogated. Filled with the Holy Spirit, Peter speaks boldly in the very spot in which Jesus, himself, was interrogated only a few months earlier. Imagine being put on trial for doing a good deed! But, Jesus warned of the coming persecution…and of how to use the opportunity to share the truths of God’s Word. As recorded in Luke 21:13-15, Jesus says, ”This will be your opportunity to bear witness. Settle it therefore in your minds not to meditate beforehand how to answer, for I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which none of your adversaries will be able to withstand or contradict.” The opposition could bound these apostles, but they could never bound God’s Word and plan!

December 02, 2018

How often do we seize opportunities that God gives us to exalt Christ with those who are far from God? Or to put it negatively, how often do we not seize opportunities to share with those who are far from God? Do you believe God gives you divine opportunities to share the gospel and the truths of God’s Word with others? Most assuredly, He does. Although you may feel ill-prepared or inadequate, God has called you to be His witness. God wants to use you. You need only to be willing and obedient. Your story, your life, your imperfections can be used to bring glory to God. It’s quite possible that you may be the only missionary in the lives of your friends and family. If not you, then who?