The Joy of Receiving God’s Gift
The Joy of Receiving God’s Gift (Gal. 1:6-10, 4:4-8)
Although Christmas is stressful, it can also be joyful. You just need to know where to look.
I believe in Saint Nick! And you should too.
The Back Story of Saint Nicolas (Bishop of Myra)
- Born in A.D. 280
- His wealthy parents died at an early age
- In his teen years he helped a destitute family
- In A.D. 303 he faced the persecution of Emperor Diocletian
- In 313 he was freed from prison under the Edict of Milan
The Real St. Nick
He believed in radical generosity, biblical authority, and Jesus’ divinity.
We believe the Gospel (Christ who is fully God, died for our sins) is worth fighting for.
It took a God-sized payment to cancel out the sin debt of the world.
Key Quote:
“Because the Gospel is endlessly rich, it can handle the burden of being the one ‘main thing’ of a church.” (Timothy Keller, Center Church)
- Paul was furious about the diminishing of the Gospel among the churches (Gal 1:6-10, 1 Cor. 15:1-4)
If I believe that:
- Christ’s death burial and resurrection alone provide eternal life
- Everyone has a soul that will live on in eternity
- The acceptance of this message is the only sure path into eternal life,
- Then, the Gospel teaching is the most valuable teaching of the church.
What happens to your soul when you die? The Gospel fully answers that question.
- Christ’s arrival to this planet grants us adoption / sonship (Gal 4:4-7)
-full legal standing as child
-full possession of the Spirit of God
-full heirs, known by God.
Here is the Joy
God died for you then so you can have eternal life now.