Peace On Earth – Sharing Peace
Pastor Phil Derstine 12-24-23
The Story of Christmas – Jesus Christ is Born!
- Isaiah 9:6 9 (Baby Jesus) “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government shall be upon His shoulder: and His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
- Luke 2:7 (Mary & Joseph)“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.”
- Luke 2:8 (Shepherds & Angels) “And there were in the same country shepherds in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. (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.”
- Matthew 2:2 (Wise Men) “Where is he that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the east and are come to worship him.”
The REAL Story of Christmas (The Rest of the Story) – YOU must be Born Again!
- John 3:16 “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. (17) For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through Him might be saved.”
- John 3:3 (NIV) “Jesus declared, I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again… born of the water and the Spirit. (6) Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.”
- II Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creation: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
- John 14:27 “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”
- Fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) – Love, Joy, Peace, Longsuffering (patience), Gentleness (kindness), Goodness (benevolence), Faith (faithfulness), Meekness (humility), Temperance (self-control).
- Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world… (16) Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
- Matthew 10:8 “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.”
Our Great Commission – Share the Spirit of Christmas!
- Mark 16:15 “And He said unto them, Go ye into all the world and share the Good News to everybody. (17) And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they (you) shall cast out devils… (18) They (you) shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.”
- Give the gift of… Prayer, Forgiveness, Humility, Encouragement, Eternal Life (gifts that don’t fit under the tree).
- Tell others the story of Jesus’ birth… but the story is not over until THEY are born again.
- II Corinthians 5:20 “We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”
- Matthew 1:22 “All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: (23) The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel – which means, God with us.”
