20^th November 2015

THE PURPOSE of CHRISTMAS.

This three session DVD study for groups and families by Rick Warren is a great evangelistic tool for reaching non-Christians.

Yes Warren is an American but he is a great communicator with a relaxed presentation that makes sense for Aussies. The series is very basic in content. It is also a good example for long-term Christians on how to talk about Jesus this Christmas. Reconciliation of relationships in session 3 is excellent and will also apply to many Christians. A great tool to use and explore this Christmas. SESSIONS: A Time to Celebrate, A time of Salvation, A time of reconciliation.

TALKING CHRISTMAS.

The Church of England and Evangelical Alliance in the UK commissioned research that asked people about JESUS. A surprizing  66% of practising Christians had had a conversation with a non-Christian about Jesus in the past month. And what did non-Christians think about Jesus after that conversation? 1 in 5 was open to knowing and experiencing more about him.. The research showed that Christianity is diverse, full of life and that many are passionate about sharing faith.. Look at Talking about Jesus research--- www.talkingjesus.org

HISTORY IS GOING SOMEWHERE

The message about Advent reminds us that history is heading somewhere, it’s not locked into an unending stalemate of successive reincarnations. The birth of Jesus inaugurated a new hope (assurance).

The Bible narrative makes it clear that Jesus shall reign for ever and ever and that world history is heading to a conclusion. Advent reminds us of the last of six great saving actions of God in Jesus Christ.. Richard Bewes outlines them for us:

“The birth of Jesus at Bethlehem was to inaugurate our salvation. The death of Jesus at Calvary established it – forever. The resurrection of Jesus at Easter confirmed it. The Ascension of Jesus to heaven celebrated it. The gift of the Spirit at Pentecost drove it worldwide. And sixthly will come the Return of Jesus at the world’s end—to consummate and complete it.”

TRACTS to GIVE AWAY

The Good Book Company, an arm of the Reformed Church provides tracts and booklets you can give away this Christmas. 4 titles in packs of 25 at $4.99 make this practical. They are on-line at www.thegoodbook.com.au  Far from being simple one-liners the content is more like a mini article explaining the gospel message. One tract uses John 3.16, a second is based on Christmas colours, a third on the theme of life as a puzzle and the fourth on the Kingdom of God.

CHRISTMAS PRAYER for the CONGREGATION

Lord Jesus who lives and reigns for ever,

Who has come among us as Emmanuel

so that the crooked ways of our thinking

and our living can be made straight,

Who is present among us and within us

by the Holy Spirit,

With humble hearts we recognise your greatness,

Your right not only to our lives but also to our worship, adoration and praise.

With boldness we lift our hearts in praise and gratitude.

We thank you for Christmas and celebrations.

For familiar Carols,

for the excitement of children,

for families and friends who care.

We thank you  for all of  these things

 but also that Christmas is

more than these things,

We thank you that you stand at the centre of our festivity

as the only Way ,truth and life.

We thank you for the great love seen in

you’re coming, death and resurrection.

With the Angels and Saints through all the ages

today we worship you. We worship you as Lord.

We worship you as our Lord who lives and reigns forever

Amen.