We are two-thirds toward our goal of $9,500 for our Lottie Moon Offering. You gift can make a world of difference. Did you know your gift of $128 keeps a missionary on the field for one day? $900 takes care of their needs for a week. Of course in addition to paying for personnel your gift goes to supply Bibles in the language of the people; provides hunger relief; hospitals; schools; radio; the list is exhaustive. Your gift is a sound investment in Kingdom work. But don’t just take my word for it. Go to www.imb.org and see what we are doing together through the International Mission Board. Together let’s meet our goal. Together let’s take the Gospel to the world. Together let’s make a difference.

I look forward to seeing you and your family Christmas morning as we worship our Savior.

Rod

The eternal Word, who built the earth and skies,
Takes on him flesh, and in a manger lies;
In that dear Babe of Bethlehem I see
My God, contracted to a span for me.

Mary’s first-born was God and man in one;
David’s own God, and David’s blessed Son.
Well might the angels wing their way to earth,
To celebrate so glorious a birth.

They sang, with new surprise and fresh delights,
Glory to God, in all the angelic heights;
Surrounded with God’s glory, in a blaze
To heaven they fly, the incarnate God to praise.

Shall angels sing the honours of his name,
And sinners, saved by grace, silent remain?
Good God, forbid! Inflame us with they love,
And set our groveling minds on things above.

This God-like mystery we will gladly sing,
And own the virgin’s Babe our God and King;
Jehovah Jesus, we will thee adore,
And crown thee Lord of all for evermore.

Christmas is a time for us to joyfully proclaim the glory and wonder of the incarnation. God made flesh to redeem sinful, fallen humanity. It is not our responsibility to win an argument, wage a culture war or make sure our traditions remain unchanged. It is our responsibility to declare the wonder of the Gospel. Let’s not lose sight of our objective. I’ll see you Sunday.

Rod

• 12/04: That the World May Know, from Psalm 67.
• 12/11: The Name Says It All, from Matthew 1:21.
• 12/18: Christmas Hope, from 1 Peter 1:3-12.
• 12/25: The Heart of Christmas, from Luke 2:10-12, 30-38, 49.

For the first time in our history we have more personnel trained and ready to go then we have money to send. The need is great. How important is the Lottie Moon Offering? 57% of the IMB’s budget is provided by this offering. The need is great.

What can you do? You can pray, you can give and you can go. We are engaged in a spiritual battle for the souls of men. Such a battle demands that we pray. Pray that God will continue to open doors of opportunity. Pray that missionaries will have the courage and boldness to speak. Pray that God will protect those who serve. Pray for the freedom of the Gospel around the world.

You can give. Your gift to the Lottie Moon Offering goes directly to mission efforts around the world. Your gift helps to keep a missionary on the field. Your gift provides much needed supplies. Your gift helps to feed a village. Your gift puts the Bible in the language of the people. Your gift brings light into the darkness.

You can go. God is still calling for laborers to enter the harvest. Perhaps He is calling you. At a time when money is scarce it may be that you can go as a volunteer for a week, 2 weeks, 6 months a year? The need is great.

As you plan your Christmas giving why not make an eternal investment? Give generously to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering. I’ll see you Sunday.

Rod

• 11/16/2011: Being Other-Centered, from Philippians 1:1-11.
• 11/30/2011: It’s a Matter of Perspective, from Philippians 1:12-26
• 12/07/2011: The Demands of Christ-likeness, from Philippians 2:1-11.
• 12/14/ 2011: Joy: the Fruit of God’s Work in You, from Philippians 2:12-16.
• 12/21/2011: The Joy of Knowing Christ, from Philippians 3:1-16.
• 12/28/2011: What Is Your Life Saying, from Philippians 3:17-21. (We’re sorry, but this message was not recorded.)
• 01/04/2012: A Biblical Model for Dealing with Conflict, from Philippians 4:1-5.
• 01/18/2012: A Prescription for Peace, from Philippians 4:6-7.
• 01/25/2012: Peace in the Midst, from Philippians 4:8-9.
• 02/01/2012: Resting in God’s Gracious Provision, from Philippians 4:10-19.

I suppose it is this struggle with trying to do what is so unnatural that keeps interfering with my spiritual life. I’m not naturally forgiving. Or understanding. Or patient. Or prayerful. Or compassionate. Or…well you get the idea. Here is the good news – I don’t have to be any of those things naturally. In fact God knows I’m not. Jesus has even said left to myself I never would be any of those things. He said, “Apart from me you can’t do anything.” He went on to say if I learn to “be at home” in him, I would bear much fruit. In other words I’d learn to be all those things and more by his power and through his enabling. G. Campbell Morgan said, “Living the Christian life is not difficult, it is impossible! There is only one who has ever done it successfully and he does it again and again in you and me.” I find great comfort in that. Now, if only he played Words with Friends.

I’ll see you Sunday.

Rod