God’s Present to the World!

This time of the year, My wife and I have the same problem we do every year. And that’s what to get for our children, and grandchildren for Christmas. We don’t have a problem buying for are selves, because we pick out something to gather and call it our Christmas, but our family is another thing.

It’s like the story, what do you get a person who has everything. It’s hard to find the perfect gift, something they need, something they can use, the right color, the right size, the right brand name, something that will be appreciated, and want end up on swap shop, or in a yard sale a month later.

Buying gifts for Christmas has really become a chore over the past years. In most stores today, they skip the months of October and November, and start Christmas sales. Department stores this year kept open during Thanksgiving and started Black Friday Sales at 6:00 pm Thanksgiving Night.

Now I’m not a fan of Black Friday Sale, I’ve only been three times in my life. The first time in Sheridan was are children were still living at home. The second time in New Orleans, where I learned about Black Friday stalker, and how my younger daughter was a stalker. (A Black Friday stalker is a person who follows another Black Friday shopper around the the store, in hopes that person will leave there basket unattended in order to steal there merchandise out of there basket because it’s to only one left in the store.) I learned that Shelbi was a Black Friday Stalker. The third was this year in Branson and Julie almost got me killed over $15.00 crock pot.

I did learn something this year shopping. People have no concept of time black Friday shopping. People don’t mind spending 4 -5 hours standing in line to save $5.00. If a Christian could spend that much time studying God’s Word, Praying, attending Church, and Witnessing. What would this world would be like.

lker. The third was this year in Branson and Julie almost got me killed over $15.00 crock pot.

$15.00 crock pot, that was originally priced at $20.00, waiting 3 hours in line. only to get threaten with bodily harm if you didn’t put it down.

I remember when stores were closed all day on Hollidays, If you forgot something, you did without. Because the Hollidays where for the families, not the almighty dollar. Remember the Blue Law. Things have changed in this world. but God has never changed, neither has His Love for us, and neither has His Word.

John 3:16 KJV 1900

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

I. God’s Gift

What greater gift could God give the world.

God so loved the world.

He gave His only begotten Son.

That’s true love.

I love this church,

I love everybody that attends Friendship Baptist Church

I would do anything and everything that is Biblical, or legal to help anyone here today

I personally would die for you , if need be.

But I would not give up my son to you.

.

Saying that I would not give any of my family, my wife, daughers, son-in-laws, or grandchildren for you.

God did.

That’s how much He cares about us.

II. Let’s Just Look at Us

Who are we?

The Bible describes us pretty good.

Romans 5:12 KJV 1900

12 Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

Romans 3:23 KJV 1900

23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;

Romans

How does the Bible describes us?

Dirty

Rotten

Good for nothing

Sinners

All of us.

None of us are without sin

If you say you haven’t sinned

You are a lier,

And you are deceiving yourself

1 John 1:8 KJV 1900

8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.

None of us are holier than thou

lier

We are all guilty

We all deserve Hell

But, God loves us.

III. God Loves Us So, Much

John 3:16 KJV 1900

16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

This is the Gift that keeps on Giving.

This gift you will never have to exchange.

It’s on size fits all.

It’s for everyone willing to accept it.

This gift needs no batteries.

It’s eternal

Never ending

This gift is Free to anyone who accepts it

No stings attached

This gift is to be shared to everyone.

This gift is not for a selected few

Luke 2:1–20 KJV 1900

1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Beth-lehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) 5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. 6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace, Good will toward men. 15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Beth-lehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us. 16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child. 18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

Over 3,000 years ago,

John 15

John 15:13–14 KJV 1900

13 Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14 Ye are my friends, if ye do whatsoever I command you.

God sent His Gift,

He was wrapped in swaddling clothes

Placed in a manager.

33 1/2 years later, this gift,

He nailed to a Cross

He Died for our sin’s,

He was buried

He Arose on the third day,

He Ascended back to Heaven,

Where He sits at the right hand of the Father,

He going to return one day for His Church.

Invitation

Today as a church family are celebrating Christmas.

In a little bit we will be starting the churches Christmas party

Eating snacks

Singing

playing games

and yes opening gifts

I preached today on the greatest gift ever to be given.

The gift of Eternal Life,

Through God’s Son,

The Lord Jesus Christ.

I wander how many of you here today, truly accepted this gift?

I didn’t say believed that Jesus is real,

That you believed that Jesus is the true Son of God.

Hell is full of people believing those things about Jesus.

I’m asking how many of you actually believed on His name and accepted Him as your personal savior.

If you don’t know,

Don’t remember,

just aren’t sure.

Would you like to make sure today?