The Gift of Christmas 2018
Receiving God's Gift
December 24, 2018 • Collin Monger
Diverse cultures have different customs when it comes to receiving a gift. As Christians how should we respond to the gift of Christmas? • Be receptive to the gift: To receive the transformational gift of Christmas we must first be receptive to God changing our lives. • Respond to God’s gift: Christianity is not a religion of convenience. Christ calls us to live radically different lives than the world. To be lights in a time of darkness. (Verses Cited: Acts 20:35; John 1:11; Leviticus 20:10; Galatians 5:25; 1 Thessalonians 5:19; Luke 2:7; James 2:14; 2 Corinthians 5:17, 5:7; Genesis 12:1; Matthew 14:29, 6:11; James 2:17; Matthew 7:20)
The Nature of God's Gift
December 23, 2018 • Collin Monger
Jesus is the Christmas gift that everyone needs. The circumstances surrounding His birth show just how special the gift is. • The gift was sacrificial: When Christ was born he gave up heaven and his divine power to bless the world. • The gift was submissive: People often dislike submitting to others. When we submit to God’s will we become more like Jesus. • The gift demonstrated surrender: Submission can be forced. When we surrender our lives to God we actively peruse service to our king. (Verses Cited: Revelation 22:8-9; John 1:11; Luke 9:58; Acts 7:60; 26:12-14; John 6:38; Luke 22:42; Matthew 6:9-10; John 15:2; Philippians 1:6; Proverbs 23:26)
How God Gives a Gift
December 16, 2018 • Collin Monger
The gift of Christmas was not accidental, it was the fulfillment of a plan instituted by God before the creation of the world. • Perfect Timing: When Christ was born it was the right time politically, socially, and religiously. God’s plans happen exactly when he ordains. • Given God’s way: Our plans sometimes fall through, however, God’s plans can always be trusted because God’s plan do not require contingencies. • For God’s reasons: Christ came to redeem humanity. God knew we would need a savior and provide Christ to redeem us to Himself. (Verses Cited: Acts 21:37; Genesis 11:1; John 6:15; Malachi 3:10; Habakkuk 2:3; Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 7:14; Proverbs 19:21; James 1:17; Joshua 1:8; Jeremiah 17:9; Genesis 3:4-6; Romans 1:17, 10:17; 1 John 4:1; 1 Corinthians 6:20)
When God Gives a Gift
December 9, 2018 • Collin Monger
Finding the perfect gift can be difficult. In Scripture, we see what it looks like when God gives a gift. • There is a prophecy: Knowing the end from the beginning, God understands our needs and prepares a gift accordingly. • There is a purpose: The gift of Jesus fixed a broken relationship; through Christ we have communion with God. • There is a promise: When God makes a promise He always delivers. He brings us beyond what we can do and shows us what He can do. • It’s personal: Christ came into this world as Immanuel, God with us. It is an intimate relationship He seeks with everyone. (Verses Cited: James 4:13-15; Isaiah 46:10; Micah 5:2; Isaiah 53:5; Psalm 22:16; Amos 3:7; Psalm 37:5; Luke 1:34, 1:37; Hebrews 11:1; Romans 1:17; John 10:27)