The Best Gift Ever

Cumberland Community Church

The Best Gift Ever

December 24, 2023 • Courtney Harkness • Matthew 1:22–23

For people who had been waiting a very long time - for a very special gift - the arrival of the Messiah was the most extraordinary occurrence. But not surprisingly, it took *genuine faith* to receive this heavenly gift, despite its earthly wrapping paper.

Unwrapping Gifts: Evangelists, Pastors, and Teachers

December 17, 2023 • Courtney Harkness • Acts 20:25–27

God has something special in mind for the Church. We know this because He gave the most extraordinary gifts to ensure that it becomes a reality! As we become more intentional about unwrapping those gifts, we’ll see our faith community being built up, just as God planned. As such, the church remains under construction. Once the foundation has been laid, the other gifts take their place to continue the work. This week, we’ll unwrap a few more gifts - evangelists, pastors, and teachers - to discover how they contribute to the building of the church.

Unwrapping Gifts: Apostles and Prophets

December 10, 2023 • Courtney Harkness • Ephesians 2:19–22

If Christ gave us gifts, the least we could do is unwrap them. So much of who we are meant to be as believers - and as a church family - is tied to how the Lord enables us through spiritual gifting. The Bible describes two of those gifts as foundational - apostles and prophets. That means they are intended to lay the groundwork for everything else. If we receive them in the way God desires and leverage them accordingly, then we can prepare ourselves for the extraordinary plans God has in mind for His church.

A Gift With Your Name On It

December 3, 2023 • Courtney Harkness • Ephesians 4:11–13

Gift giving begins with God. He has given very special gifts to His church, and it’s particularly important to consider what He has bestowed upon us as a blessing for the entire community of faith.