Unexpected Initiative

North Parkersburg Baptist

Unexpected Initiative

December 1, 2024 • Pastor Mike Towner • Luke 2:1–7, Matthew 1:23, 1 Peter 5:7, Luke 12:6–7, John 3:16–17

Jesus' arrival to earth a baby was, by all accounts, "unexpected". The God of the universe, who spoke the seas and mountains into existence could have chosen to erase our sins by his very authority. But God knew the ONLY way we could be truly blameless, washed clean, and worthy of His love was to send the very one He loved more than anything else; His only Son, Jesus.

Unexpected Inclusion

December 8, 2024 • Pastor Mike Towner • Luke 2:8–12, Luke 5:31–32

Luke 2:10-11 - "And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." The key word God gave us in Luke 2:10-11 is "ALL". God didn't send his Son so that a few people might be saved, God sent his Son to save us ALL from our sins, paying a debt that not one of us could ever pay.

Unexpected Intention

December 15, 2024 • Pastor Tim Cinnamon

When our expectations are misaligned, we run the risk of missing the intention. If we miss the intention, we miss everything. It's all too easy put lofty expectations around Christmas, how it should feel, what it should look like. When we focus too much on the celebration of Christmas, we miss the meaning of Christmas. The expectation of a savior IS our present reality. Therefor, "Christmas" can never be a let down, lead to disappointment, or become a hassle; Christmas is Christ's coming to save us from God's wrath we so deserve.