Luke 2–Angel announces Jesus's birth to shepherds

12/10/2023 morning worship service Pastor Anthony Fields "Baby Talk" (23:14–Sermon begins) Luke 2 We all know,babies don’t talk, yet Jesus said quite a bit from his crib in that stable. I. HE SAID, “I KEEP MY WORD.” The Genesis Promise (Genesis 3:15) The Isaiah Promise (Isaiah 9:6-7) The Micah Promise (Micah 5:2) II. HE SAID, “I LOVE THIS WORLD” It is an Intense Love (Ephesians 2:4-5) It is an Immense Love It is an Intimate Love III. HE SAID, “I REVEAL MY WILL” (2 Peter 3:9) It is God’s Will for you to be Saved (Revelation 25:17) It is God’s Will for you to be Secure It is His Will that YOU Serve (Phillipians 2:5; Mark 10:45) He has spoken, so now it is time for us to accept His Word as truth. _________________ " "GROWTH Doesn't Happen By Itself" 2 Peter 3:10-18 Peter tells us to "be on your guard" and to "grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord." Growing in a relationship with Jesus doesn't just happen by itself. Whether you're a new Christian or you've been a Christian for a while, growing is easier said than done. What circumstances do you want God to bring you through? What is one way you can grow in your relationship with Jesus? Are you surrounded by Christian friends who encourage you to grow with Jesus?" ____________________ " "Think on This: Christmas, a time to give and receive gifts." The gift of teaching is one of the gifts of the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:6-8; 1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:1-12). It is a gift given by the Holy Spirit, enabling one to efectively communicate the truths of the Bible to others. It is most often, but not always, used in the context of the local church. God gave spitual gifts to edify His church. Paul instructed the church at Corinth to seek to edify and build up Christ's church, telling them that since they were "eager" to have spiritual gifts, they should "try to excel in gifts that build up the church" (1 Corinthians 14:12). The one with the gift can teach either individuals or groups. A person with a natural talent to teach can teach just about anything, but a person with the spiritual gift of teaching teaches the content of the Bible. In Ephesians 4:11–12, Paul lists foundational gifts for the building up of the local church. The gifts are given for the building up of the body of Christ. In verse 11 teachers are linked with pastors. This does not necessarily suggest one gift, but it does seem to imply that the pastor is also a teacher. As such, one who was called to teach will have some pastoral duties. Perhaps you have been given such a gift and others. These gifts are giving gifts. You receive a gift that now provides a means to share the greatest gifts, Christ, and His Gospel. The greatest gift of all, sharing the love of God in spirit and in truth. In all of our giving and getting, let us remember the reason for this season.