The Christmas story is rooted in God’s nature and character. “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” Luke 2:20 (NIV) God’s story is the story of redemption. In His grace and mercy, God has come to us in […]
Category: On Mission
“‘For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.’” John 3:16 (NIV) According to the Registry of Peoples and Languages, there are 6,809 distinct languages. There are more than twelve thousand ethnic identities or people groups. With over […]
God speaks your love language. “When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest […]
God honors unity. “They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” Acts 1:14 (NIV) Anticipating Christmas generates major excitement and energy. You can feel it in the air as people saturate their flower beds, yards, and homes with decorative lights. The traffic […]
God is a promise keeper. “He told them, ‘This is what is written: The Christ will suffer and rise from the dead on the third day, and repentance and forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. I am going to send […]
God’s agenda is global. “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests.’” Luke 2:13-14 (NIV) You are here to bring glory to God. You have been created by God to […]
“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:6-7 (NIV) Make room for Jesus. He is the hope of […]
“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” Heb 13:16 (NIV) Be intentional. What moves the heart of God? What brings God pleasure? What makes God smile? Doing good and sharing with others! We have the freedom to choose to do good or to […]
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Expressing God’s Love (2)
“Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” Heb 13:3 (NIV) Be sensitive to God’s activity. God wants us to express His love to His creation. People matter to God. Our value was clearly demonstrated by the ultimate love bridge ever […]
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Christmas Mission (7)
You are commanded. “‘But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.’” Acts 1:8 (NIV) Have you ever witnessed a wedding ceremony? As a pastor, I usually conduct the wedding ceremony, but […]
You are commissioned. “‘Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” Matt 28:19-20 (NIV) […]
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Christmas Mission (5)
You are called. “‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’” Mark 1:17 (NIV) There’s no place like being in the center of God’s will. Living outside of God’s will is like trying to sprint with ankle weights on. When you live each day in the center of God’s will, there is tremendous […]
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Christmas Mission (4)
God is for us. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16 (NIV) Travel down memory lane with me for a moment. Think about your Christmas experiences as a child. What do you remember as […]
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Christmas Mission (3)
God is like us. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.” John 1:1-2 (NIV) Do you see it? God became like us so that we could become like Him. The miracle of Christmas is that God became like […]
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Christmas Mission (2)
God is with us. “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ –which means, ‘God with us.’” Matt 1:22-23 (NIV) Whenever you go through a difficult experience, having someone with you […]
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Christmas Mission (1)
There is one reason for this season. “But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give […]
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On Mission
“The LORD had said to Abram, ‘Leave your country, your people and your father’s household and go to the land I will show you. I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and […]