Love – Sermon Summary

Matthew 1:18-25.

God’s gift of love has positive effects on all of His people.  The gift of love is really God giving of Himself.  The Bible teaches us that God is love.  We see this as God cares for His people as a shepherd loving his flock.  The ultimate example of this is in the life, ministry and substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus Christ.  And we also see the gift in the Holy Spirit, sent to believers upon receiving the Lord into our hearts as our Counselor, Teacher, Encourager; the very presence of God with us – Emmanuel!

Merry Christmas

With time quickly approaching one of the most beautiful days of the year, I simply want to wish all a Christ-filled Christmas.  May the joy of the Lord completely envelop your life both now and forevermore.  My prayer for you is that of God’s peace and love.

Joy – Sermon Summary

Luke 2:9-14.

When the angel appeared to the shepherds, the claim was that the news being delivered was that of great joy.  Not just any news, or news that causes a bit of a stir – but news that brings something incredible into the lives of all who hear, understand and believe.  Joy!

Faith – Sermon Summary

Luke 1:26-38.
“Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certainof what we do not see.” Hebrews 11:1, NIV, emphasis mine.

While the Greek word for “faith” makes young people giggle, this complex word can basically be used as a noun or a verb.  Exorcising your faith would be known as “faithing.”  Try getting that past your spell check.

Hope – Sermon Summary

Luke 2:1-20.

“Now faith is being sure of what we hopefor…” Hebrews 11:1a, NIV, emphasis mine.

When I was at Boyce Bible school in the mid 90s, I remember a fellow student proclaiming to our class that he would never preach on the subject of hope because it contains an element of doubt.  While I have to disagree with his line of thinking, I can certainly see the logic behind his conclusion.  However, my choice and preference is to see the glass 3/4 full when it comes to this topic.