The Gift of Christmas
November - December 2023
Why Should We Celebrate Christmas?
December 25, 2023 • Pastor Dave Koop • John 1:14, Matthew 1:23, 1 John 4:9–10, John 14:2–3, John 14:6
Christmas itself has now far outstripped Easter in popular culture as the real celebratory center of the Christian year–a move that completely reverses the New Testament emphasis. We sometimes try, in hymns, prayers, and sermons, to build a whole theology on Christmas, but it can’t in fact sustain such a thing. Easter, however, should be the center. Take that away and there is, almost literally, nothing left.
Receiving the Gift of Christmas
December 24, 2023 • Pastor Dave Koop • 1 John 1:1–2, 1 John 1:3–4, Ephesians 2:8, John 1:1–2, John 3:16–17
For a gift to be complete it must be received. Christmas is all about God extending His gift to us. As Christians, Christmas is more than a nostalgic feeling, it is a time to reflect deeply on what God truly gave us.
Christmas is about Light
December 24, 2023 • Pastor Dave Koop • Isaiah 9:2–6, John 8:12, John 1:4–5, Matthew 5:14–16, John 1:5
Christmas is about the light coming to earth. In the Gospel of John, we find the beautiful proclamation that encapsulates the essence of Christmas: “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it”. - John 1:5, ESV
Responding with Worship
Pastor Dave Koop • 2 Samuel 24:24, Matthew 10:32, John 4:23–24, Matthew 2:2, Matthew 2:11
Exploring the account of the Wise Men in Matthew chapter two, we discover an enduring lesson that speaks directly to all of us on how we too can respond to the extraordinary gift of God sending His Son.
Home Sweet Home: The Greatest Gift of All
December 10, 2023 • Pastor Dave & Cheryl Koop • John 14:2, John 14:23, Revelation 21:3–4, Revelation 19:5–9
Christmas is a huge celebration in our homes as we gather with loved ones, especially if it includes the sounds of children! God designed home and although not perfect, they are a gift from God.
The Power of an Apostolic Church
December 3, 2023 • Pastor Rune Borgsø • Matthew 28:17, Matthew 16:13–18, Acts 10:38
We are living in a time where there is a thick darkness on the earth and yet a thick powerful glory of the church. We are moving into biblical times and must be ready for it. Though, we do not know how long this time will take, we understand that the world is changing at a high speed and we see signs of what the Bible describes as the end time and restoration of the Church.
The Power of a Gift
November 26, 2023 • Pastor Dave Koop • Luke 2:10–12, John 3:16, Luke 15:21–22, 1 Peter 3:9, Luke 6:38
The power of a gift is simple; it is LOVE. We are wired for love. Because LOVE is the most powerful force in the universe, a gift has the possibility to transport this power into the lives of those around us. God demonstrated the power of a gift when He gave the greatest gift of all times.
Why Should Christians Care?
November 19, 2023 • Roar Sørensen • Deuteronomy 32:7–11, John 4:22, Galatians 4:4–5, Genesis 15:18, Ezekiel 39:27–28
This week we were privileged to have Roar Sorenson share at our School of Missions and our weekend services. His rich experience and expertise having studied and lived in Israel and currently teaching Jewish Studies at the Scandinavian School of Theology comes to us at a timely moment.
The Gift of Freedom
November 12, 2023 • Pastor Dave Koop • Deuteronomy 6:12, Matthew 1:21, Galatians 5:1, John 14:16–17, John 8:31–36
In a world saturated with the clamor of daily life, we need to pause and remember that true freedom, whether national or spiritual, is not a given; it must be remembered, cherished, and anchored in truth.
The Power of Worship
November 5, 2023 • Pastor Brad Bergman • Romans 12:1–2, Mark 12:30–31, Acts 16:25–26, Psalm 22:3
The English word ‘worship’ comes from the Anglo-Saxon ‘weorthscipe’ which literally means to ascribe worth to something. If something captivates our heart’s affection, our mind’s attention and our soul’s ambition, it effectively has our worship. Our ultimate purpose is to worship God. Until we discover our purpose in God, we will never be satisfied.