In today's gathering, we celebrated the profound journey of faith and action that God has called us to. We began by acknowledging the unique opportunity we have to worship God not only through song but through tangible acts of service, such as supporting efforts to combat human trafficking. This is a reminder that our faith should lead us to action, reflecting God's love in practical ways.
We also shared the exciting news of our ongoing partnership with Impact Church in Northern Virginia, as we prepare to travel to Athens, Greece. This partnership, which began eight years ago, has grown from a simple act of obedience to a significant mission. We met a Syrian refugee who, after encountering Jesus, dedicated his life to sharing the gospel with other refugees. This journey has led to the establishment of a new Arabic-speaking church in Athens, where we will soon ordain him as a pastor. This story is a testament to the power of God's timing and the importance of perseverance in mission work.
As we prepare for this mission, we are reminded of the importance of prayer and support from our community. We invite you to pray for us and consider giving towards this mission, as it represents a collective effort from our church family to spread the gospel.
Reflecting on the Christmas story, we explored the life of Joseph, a man whose journey with Jesus was both joyful and challenging. Joseph's story teaches us that following Jesus requires trust, obedience, and a willingness to be inconvenienced. Despite the difficulties, Joseph's faithfulness to God's plan is a powerful example for us all.
As we navigate the complexities of life and faith, we are reminded that God is a promise maker and a promise keeper. His faithfulness is our strength, and His presence is our comfort. We are called to follow Jesus, not because of the benefits we might receive, but because of who He is—a Savior who is with us, Emmanuel.
Key Takeaways
- 1. term commitment and faithfulness. [29:25]
3. Trust and Obedience: Joseph's story teaches us that following Jesus requires trust and obedience, even when it's difficult. His willingness to follow God's plan, despite the challenges, is a powerful example of faith in action.
4. God's Promises: God is a promise maker and a promise keeper. His faithfulness is our strength, and His presence is our comfort. We can trust Him to fulfill His promises, even when we don't understand His timing.
5. Emmanuel—God with Us: Jesus is both fully human and fully God, embodying the promise that God is with us. This truth is the foundation of our faith and the reason we can face life's challenges with hope and confidence.
** [29:25]
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