Luke

The second chapter of Luke tells of the Christmas story. For the people of that day it seemed as if all hope was gone. No doubt everyone was pursuing a sense of security, peace, and hope. Right in the middle of this - a great secret of God was about to be revealed! But it was only a secret because so few were willing to look where God was!

The Christmas Story is one of hope, joy, and peace. If we will allow the Holy Spirit to reveal to us the many wonders of the greatest story ever told - it might just be the best Christmas ever!

Carol Kornacki, visiting from Buffalo, New York, delivered a powerful message by revealing the miraculous testimony of her salvation and healing through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus teaches us that if you want to live a life of abundance, you must be willing to be a giver. It is within the nature of God to give and when we are born into His family, we are expected to be an extension of that giving nature. Give and it shall be given unto you!

Brother David Parish, President of WME, World Missions Evangelism, came to give an update on the past year's activity completed through WME in many other countries. Our church has been partnered with WME for over ten years. We finished up our missions collected for the past year - ahead of the goal! A lifestyle of giving not only blesses the giver but God's blessings reach into other countries farther than we know, when we are just obedient to Him.

All over the globe, the Kingdom of God is advancing and growing. People are being saved, delivered, and empowered for service. However, many are "not in the game" because they have their own agenda, idea, or vision. The harvest is ever before us. Focus on it and you will walk in the Power of Christ!

In Luke 10:38 to 42, we see a picture of two different approaches to dealing with Christ. Martha is consumed with serving while Mary chooses to sit at the Saviour's feet and draw from His strength. The question should be asked, why can't we - as Christians - take both approaches?

Jesus invites us to ask, seek, and knock for the needed strength, power and provision to be the church we're called to be. The Lord promises to be moved by our “shameless” approaching to His throne for help in the time of trouble. We sometimes come to Him in importunity - with a troublesome urgency and continue to ask until we receive or prayer is answered. Read Luke, chapter 18, verses 1 through 8. "Men are always to pray and not to faint (verse 1)." "When the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith on the earth? (verse 8)." In spite of the reality of the times - the hour in which we live - will anyone pray? God moves when His people pray. The Lord is seeking for individuals who will "stand in the gap." Also read, Acts 4:31, Malachi 3:7, Ezekiel 22:30. It’s time to Ask!

Jesus Christ, the Son of God, came to seek and to save that which was lost. The 15th chapter of Luke gives us three powerful illustrations of how God feels about sinners. This chapter provides hope for the lost and lessons for the church as to how we are to view those that are wayward.

As followers of Jesus Christ we are a part of an everlasting Kingdom known as the Kingdom of God or the Kingdom of Heaven. As we close out this sermon series, it is important for us to "see" that as new creations in Christ, we are to be "Kingdom people."