“REASON FOR THE SEASON”
Fellow Christians: How often do you find yourself stressing at this time of year? You want to make sure you get everyone a present? Do you sometimes neglect your tithes and bill payment(s) to make sure you have enough money to get something for everyone you know? Do you feel guilt if you didn’t get someone a gift that got you one? Do you ever find that when you describe Christmas you say, “It’s about family. It’s about the kids being happy.” If you answered yes to any of these questions, it is time to get back into the Word. As we approach this Christmas holiday, let us remember…although Christmas is often a time when you buy presents, family comes together and children are happy because they get things on their wish lists, these are not things in which the holiday symbolizes. Christmas is about Christ; celebrating His birth and life…period!
On Sunday, Pastor preached from Luke 12:35-48 about Preparing For Christmas. Some key points: 1) How are we communicating the true message of Christmas to others this season? We must be aware that we (true believers) set the standard of it’s true meaning. We are the examples that must proclaim the truth in a world filled with non-believers and so-called Christians who celebrate Christmas because of the gifts they receive. We have already received the ultimate gift from Jesus…he died on the cross to give us the opportunity to have eternal life. 2) Many are so focused on the things of this world that we’re backing out of God’s will for us. Serving God is a method of celebrating the Christmas season and every season. 3) Faith=Obedience. What you believe is what you do! When you are controlled by the spirit, God runs your life. 4) Live for Christ. 5) Get out of your own way to be the best He wants us to be. 6) Why do we often put God to the test, as if He has something to prove to us? We are the ones who need to do the proving. Jesus was born to be a sacrifice for us all. Celebrate that fact in all you do and don’t conveniently forget it during Christmas in order to have material gain. Give Christ the respect He is due on Christmas.
Bible Study continues to be a blessing. What are you waiting for? Come out on Wednesday evening at 7:30 sharp to get an awesome lesson in AMFB’s Gospel Transformation series. Last week (Dec.13), the lesson was Idolatry; becoming aware of the nature, power, and extensiveness of it, to see that it’s the cause of surface sin in our lives, and to realize that sin is more than just what we do outwardly. Whom or what do we serve, fear, trust, or desire? Fellow believers, these studies are insightful and truthful. They force you to put up a proverbial mirror and examine the Christian you are in retrospect to the Christian you’d like to become. Thanks to the dedication and preparation of his lessons, Pastor Joyce gives us a blueprint through God’s word to make that transformation a reality. Thank God for that! The time to acknowledge your weaknesses is now. The time to start changing those weaknesses into strengths for our salvation is now. Don’t hesitate, come get your piece of peace.
It’s almost that time again…The Women’s Homeless Shelter Ministry is in full effect for this coming Saturday, December 23rd. It’s not too late to volunteer to be a part of this wonderful effort. If you have a financial, compassionate, food/cooking, God-given talent, or organizational gift that you’d love to contribute to the cause, PLEASE let us know. We can never have too many hands.
Choir rehearsal has been cancelled for this week. Rehearsals will resume regularly starting on Tuesday, December 26th.
Also, we praise God for sending visitors to our Sunday service. ** Click on the AMFB Visitors and Family album (top right)
Thank you Father God for all your many blessings.
About My Father’s Business Outreach Ministries // 411 New York Avenue, N.E. // Washington, D.C. 20002 // (202)548-7555 // amfbgrace@yahoo.com
