52 – Cradle and the Cross: What Does Jesus Expect Us To Do Now?

Everything you need to know for Christmas at OCC:
https://www.okolonacc.org/christmas/ 

Luke 2:10-11 (NIV); Luke 2:13-14 (NIV)
10-11 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
13-14 Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV)
18-20 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

The Message of Shepherds and Disciples is our Message Today

Are we willing to join Jesus on his rescue mission?

Identify our Trench(es)

John 10:10 (NLT)
10 The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.

What trench do you often find yourself digging or falling in to? (Answer the following with a YES or NO)
     Are you stuck in the Trench of Politics?
     Are you stuck in the Trench of Culture? 
     Are you stuck in the Trench of Religion? 
     Are you stuck in the Trench of Sin? 
     Are you stuck in the Trench of Busyness? 

Understand the Mission and Message

Ephesians 2:1-10 (NIV)
1-10 As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath. But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved. And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

He [Jesus] is with us!

Hebrews 12:1-3 (NIV)
1-3 Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

Get out of your trench and join with the angels, shepherds and disciples in sharing the good news of Jesus Christ!

Extra Notes:

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