Sermon Notes, December 11, 2011
Pastor C.M. Pruitt
Years
ago someone asked a raggedy boy why he walked clear across town (Chicago) to go
to Dwight W. Moody’s church instead of going to one of the many churches he
passed. He said, “That’s easy! At Mr. Moody’s church they love a
fella.” John 3:16 says that, “God loved
to world so much that He gave his only Son. . .” How can a baby make so much difference? He was no ordinary baby: he was God in the
flesh. God came to this planet because
He knew we had a great need we could not fill.
He entered the world the same way we do so we would not be afraid of
Him. He taught us about God. He didn’t stay in the manger; he grew up, and
died on the cross in our place.
Because Jesus
came at Christmas, My past can be forgiven. We all have guilt. “All have sinned. . . yet now God declares us
‘not guilty’ of offending him IF we trust in Jesus Christ who freely takes away
our sins.” Romans 3:23-24 (LB) People
will do all kinds of things to alleviate the pain: drugs, alcohol, food, work,
etc. Only God’s forgiveness can remedy
guilt. His forgiveness comes all at
once. His mercy and forgiveness are a free
gift. His forgiveness is complete (He
forgets). Our guilt and sin are “buried
in the sea of God’s forgetfulness” and he puts up a sign that says “No
Fishing!” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (Ph) says
“If anyone is in Christ, he becomes a new person altogether; the past is
finished and gone, everything becomes fresh and new.” He lets us start over.
Because Jesus
came at Christmas, My present problems can be managed. People are stressed out today. The pace of life is wearing us out, and
wearing us down. We’re looking for power
and energy to face our problems. Paul
says “I have the strength to face all conditions by the power Christ gives
me.” Philippians 4:13 (GN) However, we need to ask ourselves, “Am I
involved in things I shouldn’t be involved in?”
Do we over-commit? “…God gave us
His own son—can we not trust such a God to give us …everything else we
need?” We live in His grace—live in it
now. We allow Satan to treat us like
burros—loaded up with a heavy load.
Whatever 2012 holds, you can face it in God’s strength.
Because Jesus
came at Christmas, My future can be guaranteed. “…Jesus became like us…(to) set free those
who were laves all their lives because of their fear of death.” Hebrews 2:15-15
(GN) The fear of death is a universal
problem. Our mortality is guaranteed.
But there is no need to fear something you can plan for, something you can
prepare for. We will all come face to
face with God. We should walk with God,
like Enoch did. It’s as if after one of
their walks God said to Enoch, “We’re closer to my house; come with me.”
Here are three
Christmas Gifts to you from God. His
gifts are personal, practical, priceless, and permanent. He gives the Gift of Forgiveness. “Let us
praise God for the FREE GIFT He gave us in His Son…we are set free, our sins
are forgiven.” Ephesisans 1:4-7 (GN)
That takes care of my past. He
gives the Gift of Strength; that takes care of the present. Jesus said, “I am
leaving you with a GIFT; peace of mind and heart…so don’t be troubled or
afraid.” John 14:27 (LB) And He gives
the Gift of Eternal Life. “…the GIFT of
God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23.
That takes care of my future. We
receive these gifts by believing; a belief that puts your whole self into
it. Have you accepted these gifts?
Holiday
Schedule
December 24—Christmas Eve Service at 10 a.m.
December 25—NO SERVICE on Christmas Day. Enjoy time with your family.
January 1—NO SERVICE on New Year’s
Day. Church volunteers deserve a break, and to recover from 2011.
January 8, 2012—will be our first
service of 2012. Invite a friend and
come join us!
Prayer Requests
- Pray for our church board, the Pruitts and District Superintendent Phil Fuller as they lead us through this time.
- Pray for all to draw closer to Jesus and that hearts will be touched and healed.
- Continue to pray for Bruce Shumway as he recovers from his stroke.
- Continue to pray for Gay’s brother, Gary Bolling, who is still weak and undergoing more risky surgery.
- Pray for the sick and hurting in the congregation.
- Gay Hopkins (fibromyalgia)
- Frank Graham (back problems)
- Ross Shackelford (diabetes)
- Pray for those suffering financial problems or hunting for jobs
- Pray for the salvation of our children, youth, and loved ones
- Pray for the local homeless shelters and food closets that are struggling financially.
- Pray for missionaries serving around the globe.
- Pray
for our military (especially Richard Mc Pherson in
- Pray for our nation and its leaders
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