Teaching

God wants to use you, because of your strength and in spite of your flaws. But you’re never alone, because God promises to be with you. Life your life as a Christian in such a way that you are confident in God’s promise. Have faith in His plan, and go where He sends you— God’s way is the best for your life even though the world’s expectations constantly distract us.

Although the wise men are a classic part of nativity scenes, they wouldn’t have actually been present at the birth of Jesus, but we include them to remind ourselves of their role in the Christmas story. The Magi symbolize Jesus’s journey and ministry, and the wonderful gift He gives each of us.

There’s a difference between listening and hearing and the key lies in the response. As God calls to you in your own personal situation, what are you going to do about it? Are you prepared to do as the shepherds did, and answer God’s call? Take action and make it known to others what God has revealed.

When we experience hard times or moments of discomfort, it is our tendency to try to avoid them. This was the case for Joseph as well, but when an angel came as a messenger from God to tell Joseph how to respond to Mary’s pregnancy and Jesus, Joseph answered faithfully. We can challenge ourselves to be obedient during difficult times.

When we consider Elizabeth and Mary and their part in the Christmas story, we can see their uncertainty, hesitancy, concern, and bewilderment, but also their willingness to carry the weight of responsibility of what God is asking. It is not unusual to no know how you fit in God’s story, but we can be assured of God’s understanding of our situation.

As we begin the Christmas season, know that the glory of God arrives with it. Christmas is more than just a holiday, it is a celebration of the arrival of Jesus, so we should treat the arrival of Christmas with excitement and anticipation evident in the way we live our lives. Look for the moments this month to shine God’s glory, as God shows you who He is and the gift He has given you.

How do we grow strong as the family of God? As we grow, differences in our foundations become evident and cause us to be unsteady, but that is not how God made us. If we pursue God together with our foundation built only upon Jesus, we can stand firmly and withstand any hurdles that come our way.

Before accepting Christ, we start from a place outside God’s family, even if we are a part of the church. We are excluded when we are outside a relationship with God. But God brings us in to bring us near to Him and be a part of His family and nothing can take it away.

When we consider our place in the family of God, we need to understand that our position has responsibilities, but also privileges, and opportunities. To be a a family member, you should be involved and invested in the ministry of the church and have a heart for the things of God.

Student Minister Matthew Dunkelberger preaches a message on what it takes to be a fruitful, Godly, follower of Christ. We must endure and stay strong in our faith because we cannot conquer sin with our own power.

Guest speaker Larry Forrester preaches a message on pilgrimage. Christian life is a journey in pursuit of God. Although we may be in the valley of despair, loneliness, or desperation during difficult times in our lives, God leads us through the wilderness, while also giving us a valuable lesson.

We are called by God to be obedient, even in difficult settings, for the purpose of spreading the gospel. Are you prepared to answer His call? There are three questions to ask yourself to determine your readiness.