Sermons

Main Idea: The birth of Jesus demands a response—either we protect our control like Herod, or we joyfully surrender our best like the Wise Men. Introduction: 1. Herod’s Response 2. The Wise Men’s Response a. The Gift of Seeking b. The Gift of Worship c. The Gift of Treasures d. The Gift of Obedience 3. Our Response Reflection: – Which response do I see more in myself today—protecting control like Herod, or joyfully surrendering like the Wise Men? – What is one “gift” I sense God inviting me to offer Him this Christmas—my time, my trust, my obedience, or my heart?

Introduction The missing birthday boy Luke : The reliability of the first Christmas day Shepherds : The transformed lives of ordinary men Jesus : The reason he came on Christmas Reflection - What is your response to Jesus this Christmas? - With 5 days till Christmas, would you consider sharing with someone the true reason for Christmas, perhaps you can begin with sharing your personal experience with Jesus.

Main Idea: Believe, receive and share this greatest gift – God with us. 1. Believe and receive this gift despite doubts 2. Experience this gift through obedience 3. Share this gift so others can know God is with us Application: 1. What is one area of your life where you need to believe and obey again? 2. Who is one person you want to share this greatest gift with in this Christmas Season?

Main Point: We discipline children to impart wisdom, remove foolish behaviour, and because we love. 1. The Purpose of Discipline a. Impart Wisdom (12:1, 29:15) b. Remove Foolishness (22:15) c. Because We Love (3:11-12; 13:24, Hebrews 12:5-6) 2. The Method of Discipline: Should We Use the “Rod” (13:24, 23:13-14)? 3. The Best Way to Discipline is to Train (22:6) a. Watch Out for that Screen b. Invest in their Spiritual Growth Reflection: - Why do we need God’s discipline in our lives? What are its benefits? - How can discipline benefit children and parents?

Introduction “Have you ever noticed how easy it is to overindulge – whether in food, entertainment, or comfort – and how hard it is to stop?” 1. Warnings Against Indulgence Proverbs 23:20–21 Proverbs 28:7 2. Unending Pleasure Cannot Truly Satisfy Proverbs 25:16 – 17 Proverbs 21:17 3. Self-Control Is the Godly Way Proverbs 16:32 Proverbs 25:28 Galatians 5:16 Romans 8:13 Application: Ask the Holy Spirit – To help you exercise self-control over areas that you know are overindulgence in your life. – To help you examine what are some lifestyles that you can let go and live simply.

Main Idea: True worship is giving God our best, from a right heart, in obedience to His Word. 1. Worship is Giving God our Best (Proverbs 3:9-10) 2. Worship Requires a Right Heart (Proverbs 15:8) 3. Worship Demands Obedience (Proverbs 28:9) Reflection: - In what areas of your life can you do better in worship of God?

Main Point: Wisdom for life is to prepare for tomorrow, depend on God, find strength in community and choose God’s grace. Introduction 1. The Ant: Seize the moment to prepare for the future 2. The Rock Badger: Find security in the Rock 3. The Locust: Strength is found in a community 4. The Lizard: Choose to be in the King’s presence Reflection: - How are you preparing for tomorrow today in your earthly life and eternal life with God?

1. The wise speak less (10:19, 17:27, 21:23) 2. Truthfully speaking (12:17,19,22) 3. The impact of our words (12:18, 15:4, 16:24) Reflection - Has the Lord revealed to you the nature of your speech? Consider asking a family member if they would consider your speech wholesome? - Take some time to pray and to ask God to transform your heart as you repent from careless speaking

- Where is Hope? - Possibility of Human Faithfulness Engenders Hope - Promises of God in His Word Fosters Hope - Proper Worship Generates Hope