2025-01-05 BUILDING A HEALTHY HABIT OF EVANGELISM

Title: Building Habits That Last: Evangelism Begins at Home

Have you ever wondered why so many New Year's resolutions fizzle out before February? You're not alone. Most of us have experienced the frustration of setting goals only to watch them slip away. But what if I told you that the key to lasting change, especially in our spiritual lives, lies in small, consistent habits? This year, we're focusing on a powerful theme: "Evangelism is a Team Sport." And it all starts at home.

In our recent sermon, we explored how evangelism isn't just about grand gestures or public speaking. It's about the everyday moments and relationships that shape our lives. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Colossians, reminds us that our homes are the first mission field. He calls us to live out our faith in the most intimate of settings—our families. This is where the gospel takes root and grows.

Why Home Matters

You might be thinking, "Why start at home?" The answer is simple: it's where we have the most influence. Our families see us at our best and our worst. They witness our daily habits and routines. By intentionally bringing Jesus into these spaces, we create an environment where faith can flourish.

Paul's words in Colossians 3:23-24 guide us: "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving." This isn't just about chores or work; it's about how we live and love in our homes.

Small Steps, Big Impact

So, how do we start? Begin with small, intentional actions. Here are a few ideas:

• Pray Together: Set aside time each day to pray as a family. It doesn't have to be long or elaborate. Just a few minutes to thank God and ask for His guidance.

• Share Your Story: Talk about your faith journey with your family. Share how Jesus has impacted your life and why He matters to you.

• Read Scripture: Choose a Bible verse or story to read together. Discuss what it means and how it applies to your lives.

These small steps can lead to significant changes. They help us build a habit of evangelism that feels natural and genuine.

Your Next Step

As we embark on this journey, I challenge you to identify one person in your life who needs to hear the gospel. Start by praying for them daily. Look for opportunities to share your faith story. Remember, evangelism isn't about having all the answers; it's about sharing the hope and love you've found in Jesus.

What will you do this week to bring Jesus into your home? How can you make evangelism a natural part of your daily life? Without taking these steps, you might miss out on the joy and fulfillment that comes from living out your faith authentically.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of family and the opportunity to share Your love with those closest to us. Help us to build habits that reflect Your grace and truth. Give us courage to share our faith and wisdom to know how to do it well. May our homes be places where Your name is honored and Your love is evident. In Jesus' name, Amen.

2024-12-29 THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE MAGI

Title: Why We Worship Jesus: Understanding the Gifts of the Magi

Have you ever received a gift that meant more than just the item itself? Maybe it was an engagement ring, symbolizing a lifelong commitment, or a family heirloom, carrying generations of love and history. Gifts can speak volumes beyond their material value. This is especially true when we consider the gifts given to Jesus by the Magi. These gifts—gold, frankincense, and myrrh—were not just valuable items; they were profound symbols of who Jesus is and why He is worthy of our worship.

The Significance of the Gifts

The Magi, often referred to as wise men, traveled from the East to honor Jesus. They brought gifts that were rich in meaning, each revealing a different aspect of Jesus' identity and mission.

1. Gold: Recognizing Jesus as King

   Gold has always been a symbol of royalty and wealth. By presenting gold, the Magi acknowledged Jesus as King. This wasn't just a nod to His future reign but a recognition of His divine authority even as a child. Jesus is the King of Kings, deserving of our allegiance and worship. He has all authority in heaven and on earth, and His kingdom is eternal.

2. Frankincense: Honoring Jesus as God

   Frankincense, a costly and fragrant resin, was used in worship and religious ceremonies. By offering frankincense, the Magi were declaring Jesus' divinity. They recognized that this child was not just a future leader but God in the flesh. Jesus is the exact representation of God's nature, sustaining all things by His powerful word. He is worthy of our worship because He is God.

3. Myrrh: Acknowledging Jesus as Savior

   Myrrh, often used in anointing and embalming, foreshadowed Jesus' sacrificial death. It pointed to His role as the Savior of the world. Jesus was born to die for our sins, offering us salvation and eternal life. The gift of myrrh reminds us of the purpose of His coming—to save us and reconcile us to God.

Why This Matters to You

Understanding these gifts helps us see why Jesus is worthy of our worship. He is our King, our God, and our Savior. But what does this mean for you personally? It means that Jesus is someone you can trust with your life. He has the authority to guide you, the power to sustain you, and the love to save you. Worshiping Jesus is not just a religious act; it's a response to who He is and what He has done for you.

Taking the Next Step

So, what will you do with this understanding? How will you respond to Jesus as your King, God, and Savior? This week, consider what it means to truly worship Him. Is there an area of your life where you need to acknowledge His authority? Is there a part of your heart that needs to recognize His divinity? Or perhaps you need to embrace His role as your Savior more fully.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus. Help us to see Him as our King, our God, and our Savior. May we respond to His love and authority with genuine worship and devotion. Guide us to live in a way that honors Him in every aspect of our lives. Amen.