1 John 3:16-17

The Chapel Fort Wayne

1 John 3:16-17

The True Meaning of Christmas

December 22, 2023 • Pastor Josh Lewis • 1 John 3:16–17

The world sees the meaning of Christmas time as an opportunity to give and receive gifts. I would actually agree, but with a major point of clarification—the true meaning of Christmas is celebrating the gift given by God for us to receive. Jesus’ perfect, self-sacrificial love for us was displayed by His willingness to temporarily give up the riches of Heaven to live as a human. Let this Christmas season remind us to give sacrificially as He gave Himself for us.

PASSAGE: 1 John 3:16-17 - "By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?"

PAUSE: The Gospel is not just mere words. The Gospel is love in action. God sent Jesus into the world to meet our need for salvation. This Christmas, we must pause and look at the world around us. Who is in need? Ask God to show you ways to love others practically by meeting the needs of those near you. Christmas is not about us; Christmas is about loving those around us.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I confess that sometimes I focus on myself more than others. Open my eyes to see all the needs around me and how I can practically love my friends, family, and neighbors. Let your light shine in me!

Luke 2:14

December 29, 2023 • Pastor Josh Lewis • Luke 2:14

Have you ever had some news that was so good that you couldn’t help but tell everyone you saw? You were so overjoyed you were basically singing the news to everyone! I remember this feeling when we were expecting our first child. I couldn’t help from sharing with friends, neighbors, even the cashier at the grocery. When Jesus was born, a multitude of angels appeared to the shepherds announcing Jesus’ birth and singing praises to God! May we remember all year long just how special that news is, and every day continue to sing His praises and give glory to God! PASSAGE: Luke 2:14 - "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" PAUSE: Celebrating Jesus as the Savior of the world is not just for Christmas, God desires that we worship Him 24/7. As you prepare your hearts for the new year and our weekend services, set aside a few moments and glorify God! PRAYER: Heavenly Father, be glorified in my life and my church. Create in me a clean heart that is hungry and thirsty to worship and to glorify You!

Luke 1:32-33

December 28, 2023 • Pastor Josh Lewis • Luke 1:32–33

When I think of a king, I typically think of power and prestige—royalty of a higher class than the people. But Jesus came in the most unlikely way. He humbled himself leaving the glory of Heaven to become a weak and fragile baby. He was not born in a royal castle. Not even in a house. This king was born in a stable. What an incredible show of love for the king of kings to enter this world in such a way to relate to us and to save us! PASSAGE: Luke 1:32-33 - "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” PAUSE: When Mary received news about baby Jesus, she was told that He would not only be a king but that He would be the king of kings. Jesus is more than a Savior; Jesus is also a king and is coming back soon to establish His kingdom that will reign forever and ever. Let us seek first His kingdom today. PRAYER: Heavenly Father, Your kingdom come, and Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Today, I come seeking Your will be done in my life!

Matthew 2:10

December 27, 2023 • Pastor Mike Fanning • Matthew 2:10

Life in this fallen world is brutally hard. And trying to navigate it without the God of love so often feels hopeless and joyless. The best we can shoot for without God are a few moments of circumstantial happiness in between the chaos of various trials. Without God the old bumper sticker is true: “Life stinks and then you die!” But life with God in this fallen world changes everything! It does not mean that life gets easier or that trials still don’t come. But the God of love is there with you overseeing the events of your life, transforming you to be more like Jesus in the way you live and love others. And in that reality we can experience the joy of the Lord no matter what circumstances or trials we are going through. PASSAGE: Matthew 2:10 - "When they saw the star, they were overjoyed." PAUSE: The wise men rejoiced exceedingly with great joy! Is there a greater joy than knowing Jesus? As you pause in the middle of another week, meditate on what brings you great joy! Hopefully, it is Jesus, if not, let us consider finding our hope and joy in Christ Jesus and not in this world. PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I want the joy of the wise men. I confess that too many times I look to other places for joy, today, I seek You and You only.