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Every year the world celebrates Christmas lights, gifts, decorations, food, and family gatherings. But in all the excitement, the true meaning often gets lost. Tonight, I want us to return to the truth: Jesus Christ is the real reason for the season.

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Reflection is the spiritual practice of examining our hearts, attitudes, motives, and actions in light of God's Word. It is how believers grow, avoid self-deception, and stay aligned with the Holy Spirit. Many Christians read the Bible but never stop long enough to reflect on what it means for them personally.

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1 Thessalonians 5:18 • Ephesians 5:1–4

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God is calling us not just to desire righteousness or obedience, but to do His will. Good intentions without action lead to spiritual stagnation.

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Biblical Truth: “The sacrifices of pagans are offered to demons, not to God, and I do not want you to be participants with demons.” (1 Corinthians 10:20)

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(Ephesians 4:11–13)

“So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”

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The United States and the world seem filled with confusion, division, moral decline, and uncertainty. Many believers ask, “What should we do?”

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Theme: Becoming Instruments Fit for the Master’s Use
Key Text: (2 Timothy 2:20–21)

“In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for special purposes and some for common use. Those who cleanse themselves from the latter will be instruments for special purposes, made holy, useful to the Master, and prepared to do any good work.”

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(1 Chronicles 12:32) – “From Issachar, men who understood the times and knew what Israel should do—200 chiefs, with all their relatives under their command.”

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God desires more than lip service or outward religion. He looks for hearts that are surrendered to His will. Obedience without willingness is force compliance, and willingness without obedience is empty intention. The Lord wants both a willing heart and an obedient life.

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Is it a worthy goal to be "religious"? Most Christians avoid that word. In the modern world, the word "religion" tends to be associated with keeping rituals or rules in hopes of earning some divine favor. Those who are saved by faith in Christ understand that they have already received God's favor. We seek to use His power in us to live as Jesus would, to make good choices in response to the grace He has already given to us.

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Being a "good Christian" is not about performing certain actions. It is about growing in love for Christ and allowing His Holy Spirit to transform our hearts and lives. Jesus is the author and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). As we seek to know God and glorify Him, we also get to enjoy Him (Psalm 73:25—26). The good Christian knows God, enjoys God, and grows in grace.

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Living with God’s Guidance in Everyday Life

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1 Peter 2:9 – “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

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(Matthew 6:33) “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”

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Part of growing up is taking responsibility for oneself. We start as infants with no personal responsibility whatsoever—everything that we need done is done for us. As we progress through the various stages of childhood, we take on more and more responsibility. We learn to tie our own shoes, clean our own rooms, and turn in our own homework. We learn that responsibility has its rewards—and irresponsibility has other, less-than-desirable effects. In many ways, the difference between a child and a man is his willingness to take personal responsibility for his actions.

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One of the unfortunate byproducts of living in a sinful, fallen world is that every person, Christian or not, experiences pain and suffering and disappointment in this life. From failed relationships to unfulfilled dreams, life can be filled with sorrow and disappointment. In fact, Jesus assured us of it: “In this world you will have trouble” (John 16:33). No one is immune.

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Obedience is the foundation of a fruitful relationship with God. Through obedience, we show our love for Him, experience His blessings, and grow spiritually.

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1. What is Marketplace Ministry?

• Marketplace ministry is recognizing that ministry is not confined to the church building God’s work is meant to extend into every area of life, especially the workplace.

• It's about seeing your job, career, or business as your mission field living out your faith in the real world where people work, live, and struggle.

• It is the act of taking the word into secular workplaces and industries.

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Theme: Discovering the true meaning of rest—physically, emotionally, and spiritually—in the presence and promises of God.

Main Scripture:

(Matthew 11:28–30)

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”