Celebrate and Share Christ

Often times during the Christmas season, we spend a lot of time with loved ones and family, opening presents.  Sometimes we forget to experience the pure joy of the Christmas message: Emmanuel – God is with us.  This is the only message that teaches dead people how to live again.

“God wrote Himself into our story by sending Jesus…and He changed our lives.” – Elder Melinda Dula

We must not be distracted by the enemy because we will become

• Ineffective
• Impotent
• Unable to share hope to the world

The world’s thoughts on Christmas are moving in a secular direction: not focused on Christ.  However, Christmas should be a spiritual time for the believer.

Why Did Jesus Come?

1 Timothy 1:15-16

The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.

Luke 5:32

I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance.

2 Timothy 1:9-10

who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began, and which now has been manifested through the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

How Do We Celebrate Christ?

1. We must make sure Christ is the center

We have to carefully choose 

• the traditions we will participate in
• the gatherings we will attend

2. Share the Christ of Christmas with others

We must speak the Word of God, sharing with others the Good News!  We can’t allow ourselves to become too busy, or too fearful to share with others Christ.  

“We’ve received the perfect gift, why not share it?” – Minister Terrence Cyprian

Oftentimes we are extremely passive when we think about sharing our faith.  Yet, people are yearning to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ.  People still need the gospel of Jesus Christ.  It is the believer’s job to put the gospel out on the table.

A Practical Approach To Sharing The Gospel

How To Share Your Faith

• Ask – Ask questions that move towards faith.
• Admire – Admire something about the person.
• Admit – Admit that the reason you are a Christian is because you are messed up, and then you share your testimony.

Share The Gospel

God created us to be with Him.
Our sins separate us from God.
Sins cannot be forgiven by good works.
Paying the price for sins.  Jesus died in our place for our sins.
Everyone who trusts in Him alone has eternal life.
Life with Jesus starts now and lasts forever.

Two Closing Questions

Does that make sense?
Is there anything holding you back right now from putting your trust in Jesus?