The Christmas season is upon us, and that’s a good things. One of my favorite things about this season is looking at the familiar story of Christmas and finding out how applicable and meaningful it still is.
In the attached notes is the first sermon in our new “I Saw” series. Today, we look at Jesus through the eyes of the Shepherds in hope that we may see what the Shepherds saw.
What did they see? They saw the “Bringer of Joy”.
What would you think if you saw your pastor eating with the mob? Some people would think the pastor had some illegal deals going on. Others might begin to wonder if this was the pastor’s fundraising plan. Very few would think that the pastor’s purpose was to share the love and hope of Jesus with them.
When we share a meal with someone, we are sharing a part of life with them. For that moment, for that time, our lives are intertwined over the simple act of eating with someone else. We know this and Jesus knew this. When Jesus chose to eat with known tax-collectors and sinners, he was sharing life and hope with the ancient equivalent of the mob.
This week’s sermon looks at the time that Jesus shared life with people that no “respectable” person would eat with. The disapproving looks of the religious leaders did not stop Jesus from sharing the Good News with those who needed it the most.
If you don’t feel worthy of Jesus’ love, of forgiveness, or a fresh start, you are in good company. But remember that Jesus came for all people regardless of where they are from or what they have done.
Life can be incredibly lonely. God new this and that’s why he created us to live in families, communities, and churches. In Mark 2, we find the incredible ministry of some friends. This sermon shows why and how we can be friends to each other and how Jesus is the ultimate friend.
Have you ever thought to yourself, “Jesus can’t love me because I have….” I have heard many people say they can’t go to church because they were afraid the building would fall in or catch on fire. Comments like this illustrate a fundamental thought that many of us have: That I’m too messed up for Jesus to love me.
This sermon shows Jesus’ willingness to “touch” our lives, even in those areas that we deem are untouchable, inaccessible, and unchangeable.
No matter what you have done, where you have been, or no matter how “messed up” you may think your life is, you are never too far gone for Jesus to change you.
Click Below for Pastor Paul’s Sermon Notes to read along with during the sermon or to review during your week.
Congratulations to the 20 people who were baptized on Oct 8th. It was the largest baptism service in the sixty year history of Licking Assembly of God. What an incredible day to witness the move of God upon individuals, families, and a community. For those who were baptized, take the next steps: 1. Attend church regularly. 2. Find a Bible and read it. 3. Pray at home, at work, and whenever you think of it. 4. Join a Wednesday small-group. 5. Ask Jesus to Baptize you with the Holy Spirit. 6 Tell your friends, family, and neighbors about what God has done for you and what He can do for them.
If you aren’t currently part of a church family, and you live in the Licking, MO area, come check out what God is doing during our Sunday morning services and our Wednesday night small-group and worship time.