Celebrating Christmas

Jonathan Santiago

As Christians, we celebrate Christmas by celebrating Jesus Christ and the gift of salvation. We can understand that December 25th probably isn't the date when Jesus was born, and the nativity scene is probably not accurate. Jesus may not be the reason for December 25th, but is Jesus the reason for your season? Are you using the season as a way to minister to people?

In your handout, what would you use to fill in the first two blanks? We chose the words "freedom" and "liberty".

Jesus was the "only-begotten" of the father.

Attitude of Ministry, Part 3: Focus

God gives us plans, but he doesn't always give the whole plan to everybody. ... We need to be focused on something. ... God calls us to specific aspects of ministry.

Last week, we learned that attitude allows us to:

1. Influence The three Hebrew children influenced the king.
2. Endure
   David endured in Ziglag; he encouraged himself.
3. Make the right choices
   Caleb and the scouts

Perspective is a sub-topic of attitude. We can have a worldly perspective or a Godly perspective.

perspective

A particular attitude or way or regarding something; a point of view.

I need a volunteer. Jay, would you come up here?

Attitude of Ministry, part 1 of 3

What God gives us to deal with, his ways and how he works things through his pastor and his truth is not always what we see as most beneficial to us. Attitude is a way in which we choose to interpret what God has for us.

Getting this right will affect every aspect of our personal ministries.

Main Points:

1. God doesn't always do things the way we expect
2. God's word judges, saves, sanctifies, and edifies
3. Shepherd vs. Hireling