From the Pastor's Desk
Philippians 2:5–11 " Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
This is one of the great Christological passages in scripture. This is the reason for Christmas. The incarnation is all about Christ, the King upon his throne, becoming a man and humbling himself to be the sacrifice for our sin. “He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death upon a cross.” He humbled himself to become the sufficient sacrifice for our wretched sinfulness against the Father.
If you have not done so, do you know what I suggest you do this Christmas season? I suggest, even implore, that you bow your knee to King Jesus and confess that? sus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Apart from the sacrifice that Christ has made for our sin, there is no hope that you can be forgiven of your sin. All our works, all your works, are useless to pay the extraordinary price of our extraordinary sin. But the good news is that Christ has paid the price. Bow your knee to King Jesus today and place the keys to your life in his hand (he is Lord). The greatest purpose you will ever know in life is to be used for the glory of the Father. Confess Christ as Lord today! I would love to hear from you. Get in touch.
I pray that this be the most blessed season of incarnation that you have ever known. Amen.
Pastor Jef
Mission Team:
The Mission Team will meet on December 17th following the morning worship service to plan for calendar year 2024 mission activities. Please plan to attend.
Small Groups:
Thursday Morning Small Group continues meeting each Thursday morning at 10:00 a.m. and is currently studying the role of prayer in the life of a believer. We are looking at the prayers of the early church in the Book of Acts and delving into just how critical communication with the Heavenly Father is to a daily faith walk. If you want to improve your own prayer life, come join us on Thursday mornings.
The West Salem Small Group meets on Thursday evening at the Todd & Tarri Vandeleest home at 6:00 p.m. This group is studying Thessalonians and welcomes any who wish to join them.
Coming Events:
December 3 – Senior Adults Christmas Party GBC following Morning Worship Service
December 10 – New Member Class following Morning Worship Service, lunch will be provided.
December 16 – Annual Christmas Open House @ The Skinner’s 1-4:00 pm
December 17 - Mission Team meeting following morning worship service.
December 24 – Christmas Eve Service @ GBC
