Community Church

The journey through the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:1-16 reveals a radical call to live differently from the world. From the very beginning, God's desire has been for His people to be set apart, not conforming to the patterns of those around them. This call to distinctiveness is not about outward appearances or mere religious activity, but about a deep, inner transformation that begins with recognizing our spiritual poverty. When we acknowledge our need for God, we open ourselves to His kingdom and His rule in our lives.This path continues as we mourn our sinfulness, coming to a genuine realization of our brokenness and need for grace. Such mourning leads to meekness—a full yielding of our will to God, much like a well-trained horse that surrenders to its rider. This surrender is not weakness, but strength under control, directed by the Master. As we yield, a hunger and thirst for righteousness grows within us, a longing to please God and live according to His standards rather than our own desires.Mercy then flows from a heart that has received mercy. Instead of judgment, we extend compassion, remembering our own journey and longing for others to experience the same freedom. Purity of heart follows—a single-minded devotion to God, free from hypocrisy and pretense. Even as we strive for this purity, honesty about our struggles keeps us humble and real.Peacemaking becomes a natural outflow of this transformed life, as we live in the peace Christ brings and seek to reconcile others to Him. Yet, living this way often brings persecution. When we no longer fit into the world's mold, our changed lives can provoke resistance, even from those closest to us. But this is a mark of true discipleship.Jesus calls us salt and light. Salt preserves and flavors, but it also stings when it touches a wound—our lives may prick the consciences of those around us. Light exposes and guides, and we are not to hide it out of fear or shame. Instead, we are to let our light shine, openly living out our faith so that others may see and glorify God. The challenge is clear: Is there a visible difference in our lives? Are we salty? Is our light on? May we have the courage to live out this calling, empowered by Christ within us.

The call to “be the church” is not just about attending a service or belonging to a group, but about living out an active, engaged faith as part of Christ's body. Every believer, upon surrendering to Jesus, is not only welcomed into the universal and local church but is also called to participate, to serve, and to use the unique gifts God has given. Too often, church is seen as a spectator event, but Scripture paints a different picture: each member is vital, each gift is necessary, and the health and growth of the church depend on everyone's engagement.God has given a variety of gifts and roles within the church, as seen in Ephesians 4, Romans 12, and 1 Corinthians 12. Some are called to leadership—apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers—whose role is to equip others for service and maturity. But the gifts go far beyond leadership: prophecy, service, teaching, encouragement, giving, administration, mercy, wisdom, knowledge, faith, healing, and more. Each of these is a manifestation of the Spirit, given for the common good, and no gift is more valuable than another. The church is like a body, where every part, no matter how small, is essential.Engagement in the church is often hindered by personal barriers—introversion, selfishness, pride, or fear of failure. Yet, God's call is to step beyond these, trusting that He has a purpose and a place for each one. Sometimes, the very thing we resist is what God wants to use most powerfully in us. The early church grew not through elaborate strategies, but through prayer, surrender, and a willingness to say “yes” to God's leading.To be the church is to move from passive attendance to active participation. It means discovering and using your gifts, serving others, and allowing God to work through you for the good of the whole body and the world. The invitation is simple but profound: don't just go to church—be the church. Say yes to God's call, however small the step may seem, and trust that your obedience will build up the body of Christ and shine His light in the community.

Today's focus is on the truth that we are built to belong—created by God to live life together as a spiritual family. The Christian life is not meant to be lived in isolation, but in deep, authentic community with one another. Just as a single coal quickly grows cold when separated from the fire, so too does our faith lose its vibrancy when we try to walk alone. The early church in Acts 2 gives us a powerful example: they were together, sharing life, resources, meals, and prayer, united by a common purpose and devotion to Jesus. Their togetherness was not just about proximity, but about spiritual unity, vulnerability, and a willingness to meet each other's needs—both material and spiritual.This kind of community requires commitment and vulnerability. It means being willing to be known, to carry one another's burdens, to encourage, and to forgive. The “one anothers” of Scripture—love one another, bear one another's burdens, encourage one another, forgive one another—are not optional extras, but the very heart of what it means to be the church. True fellowship goes beyond surface-level relationships or socializing; it's about doing life together, asking each other how we're really doing spiritually, and being willing to walk alongside one another in both joy and struggle.Barriers like isolation, busyness, and pride often keep us from this kind of belonging. Sometimes past hurts or fear of vulnerability make us hesitant to engage deeply. Yet, the call remains: to intentionally build habits of openness, to step out of our comfort zones, and to invest in authentic relationships. Small groups and shared meals are practical ways to begin, but the real transformation comes when we commit to living out these biblical “one anothers” with sincerity and devotion.When we live this way, the church becomes a place of warmth, growth, and witness—a family that draws others in by its love and unity. The challenge is to ask ourselves: Who will I intentionally connect with this week? Which “one another” will I devote myself to practicing? As we do, we reflect the heart of Christ and become the church God intended—a spiritual family where no one walks alone.

Committing to the church is not just about signing your name on a membership list or attending services; it's about surrendering your life to Christ and becoming a living sacrifice, daily choosing to walk in His ways. The journey begins with recognizing our need for Jesus, confessing our sins, and inviting Him to be Lord of our lives. This is the foundation of being part of the universal church, but it doesn't end there. God calls us to be part of a local body, where we grow, serve, and are shaped together. None of us are perfect, and the process of transformation is ongoing—sometimes daily—requiring us to continually renew our minds and surrender our attitudes, habits, and desires to Christ.Being part of a local church means embracing both humility and uniqueness. Every member is needed, and each one brings something irreplaceable to the body. Whether it's serving in unseen ways, teaching, encouraging, giving, organizing, or showing mercy, God has gifted each of us differently. The church is like a jar of marbles—if even one is missing, the whole is changed. Our presence and participation matter deeply, not just for ourselves but for the health and growth of the entire body.True commitment goes beyond formal membership; it's about being engaged, accountable, and willing to step in where there's need, even if it's not glamorous or public. The local church is where real spiritual growth happens, as we rub shoulders, face challenges, and learn to love and serve one another. This can't be replaced by online experiences or distant connections. It's in the messiness and beauty of community that we mature, encourage each other, and reflect Christ to the world.Distractions and busyness will always compete for our attention, but we are called to prioritize gathering, serving, and building up the church. This requires prayerful surrender—asking God to reveal our gifts and where He wants us to serve, and then stepping forward in faith. When we offer what we have, God multiplies it for His glory. Each act of service, no matter how small, is significant in God's eyes and essential for the flourishing of His church.

As we gathered, I invited us to reflect on what it truly means to be the church—not just in a universal sense, but as a local body of believers. While every Christian worldwide is part of Christ's universal church, the practical, tangible expression of that reality is found in our local gatherings, like ours here at 317 County Road 303. In today's culture, it's easy to treat church like a buffet, picking and choosing what suits us, or even opting to stay home and consume spiritual content online. Yet, something vital is lost when we neglect the embodied fellowship of believers: the sharpening, the encouragement, and even the challenges that come from real relationships.Being part of a local church means more than just attending; it means allowing ourselves to be known, to have our rough edges exposed and refined, and to contribute to the growth of others. The early church, as described in Acts 2, devoted themselves to four things: the apostles' teaching, fellowship, the breaking of bread, and prayer. These practices are not just traditions—they are the means by which God shapes us, reminds us of the gospel, and knits us together as a family. Communion, for example, is a regular reminder of Christ's sacrifice and our shared identity in Him.Each person is needed in the church. Just as every part of the body has a unique function, so too does every member of the church. When one is missing or disengaged, the whole body is affected. Sometimes, discovering our place means simply stepping in and serving, even if it takes a few tries to find the right fit. Our presence, our greetings, our prayers, and our service all make a difference, no matter how small they may seem.The world is watching how we live together. The “one another” commands in Scripture—encouraging, loving, bearing burdens, showing hospitality—are not optional extras, but the very heart of what it means to be the church. As we practice these together, we become a living testimony of Christ's love to our community. May we continue to grow into a church where these “one another's” are not just words, but our way of life.

The church is not a human invention or a social club, but a living, spiritual family founded by God Himself. From the very beginning, God's eternal plan has included the church, and Jesus Christ is both its cornerstone and its head. This means that every believer, regardless of background, culture, or tradition, is joined together as one body under Christ's authority. The church is not limited by geography, denomination, or time; it is a universal body made up of all who have surrendered to Jesus, past, present, and future.Being part of this global spiritual family means recognizing that our unity is rooted in Christ, not in our ability to agree on every detail. The headship of Jesus is not just a theological idea—it is the source of our direction, our unity, and our life as a church. Just as the head directs the body, so Christ leads and empowers His people through the Holy Spirit. We are called to submit to His authority, to listen for His guidance, and to live out our faith in practical ways that reflect His love and truth.The mission of the church is clear: to make disciples of all nations. This calling is not reserved for a select few, but is given to every member of Christ's body. Each of us is uniquely gifted and empowered by the Holy Spirit to participate in this mission, whether through teaching, mentoring, serving, or simply loving others well. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work in us, giving us the courage, strength, and wisdom to fulfill our calling.Yet, as we live out this mission, we must remember that our unity does not require uniformity. We will have disagreements and differences, but true unity is found in rallying around Jesus—His death, resurrection, and supremacy. Our love for one another, even in the midst of disagreement, is the mark of genuine discipleship. Let us extend grace and mercy to one another, remembering that we are all part of the same family, called to reflect Christ to the world.

Today's focus is on the reality and significance of the second coming of Christ, and the events that will precede it. The teaching begins by affirming that, as believers, we already share in Christ's victory. However, this victory does not exempt us from the trials and tribulations that will come upon the world before Christ's return. Scripture, especially Matthew 24 and 25, makes it clear that the end times will be marked by increasing turmoil—wars, famines, earthquakes, and, most significantly, a period of great tribulation where faith in Christ will be severely tested.Jesus warns that many will fall away during these times, their love growing cold due to the intensity of persecution and deception. False prophets and false Christs will arise, performing signs and wonders to mislead even the elect if possible. The call is to endurance: only those who remain faithful to the end will be saved. The gospel will be preached to all nations, and then the end will come, but not before believers face significant hardship.A key point addressed is the widespread teaching of a “pre-tribulation rapture”—the idea that Christians will be taken out of the world before the tribulation begins. Careful examination of Scripture, however, reveals no clear support for this view. Instead, the biblical narrative points to believers enduring tribulation, with the rapture occurring after this period, just before God's wrath is poured out on the unrepentant. The distinction is vital: tribulation is Satan's attempt to destroy faith, while God's wrath is His judgment on those who have rejected Him.The teaching challenges the comfort-driven theology prevalent in much of the Western church, which promises escape from suffering. This is contrasted with the experience of persecuted believers worldwide, who understand tribulation as a present reality. The danger of false expectations is highlighted—if believers are not prepared for suffering, their faith may falter when hardship comes.Ultimately, the encouragement is to trust in God's faithfulness. Christ does not promise to spare us from all suffering, but He does promise to be with us, to strengthen us, and to carry us through whatever may come. The call is to steadfastness, courage, and a faith that endures to the end, knowing that our hope is secure in Christ.

Victorious living is not about achieving a life free from struggle or pain, but about living in the reality of Christ's victory, no matter our circumstances. When we surrender our lives to Jesus, we are not simply making a decision to follow a set of rules or to improve ourselves; we are choosing a new Master. This surrender is not partial or conditional—it is an unconditional surrender, much like the conquered generals in a Roman triumphal procession, chained to the chariot of the victorious general. In the same way, we are called to be “chained” to Christ, following Him wherever He leads, trusting that His victory is our victory.The reality is that, as followers of Jesus, we inherit an enemy—Satan—who seeks to discourage, defeat, and even tempt us to reject Christ. Yet, the victory has already been won by Jesus on the cross and through His resurrection. Our role is not to fight for victory, but to walk in the victory that Christ has already secured. This does not mean that life will be easy or that we will not face hardship. Paul's own life was filled with suffering, persecution, and apparent defeat, yet he could say with confidence that he was always being led in Christ's triumph.The key to living in victory is not in our own strength or ability to “figure it all out,” but in our willingness to remain surrendered to Christ, no matter where He leads us. This surrender is not passive resignation, but an active, daily choice to stay “chained to the chariot,” trusting that Jesus is leading us, even through the darkest valleys. Our victory is not measured by outward success or comfort, but by our faithfulness to remain with Christ, knowing that He has already overcome every situation we will ever face.God's victory becomes ours through submission, and it remains ours as long as we choose to stay surrendered, regardless of the circumstances. There is no place, no situation, no hardship where Christ's victory does not reach. Even in the most painful moments, we can have confidence that if we are still following Jesus, He has already overcome, and we are walking in His victory.

After coming to faith in Christ, the question naturally arises: what now? Scripture gives us clear direction for life after salvation. We are called to present our bodies as living sacrifices, wholly devoted to God. This means our lives are no longer our own; we belong to Christ, bought with His blood. Our daily choices, actions, and even our physical bodies are to be used for His glory. This is not a one-time act, but an ongoing surrender, echoing Jesus' own words: “Not my will, but yours.”We are also called to resist being shaped by the world's values and instead be transformed by the renewing of our minds. The world's thinking is often at odds with God's truth, so we must intentionally allow God's Word to reshape our thoughts, convictions, and desires. This renewal is the foundation for discerning God's will and living a life that is good, acceptable, and perfect in His sight.Humility is essential in this journey. We are warned not to think more highly of ourselves than we ought, but to recognize that every ability and opportunity we have is a gift of God's grace. Each believer is uniquely gifted and placed within the body of Christ. Just as a physical body has many parts, each with its own function, so too the church is made up of many members, each necessary and valuable. No one is insignificant; even the unseen or “weaker” members are vital for the health and mission of the whole.Serving is not reserved for a select few. Every believer has been given a spiritual gift to be used for the building up of the church and the advancement of God's kingdom. Whether it's teaching, serving, giving, leading, or showing mercy, all are needed. The call is to discover, develop, and deploy these gifts in love, for without love, our service is empty.Barriers to serving—feelings of inadequacy, guilt from the past, comparison, or lack of love—are addressed by the gospel. Christ redeems, equips, and calls each of us. The church is not a spectator sport; all are called to get out of the stands and onto the field. In Christ, we find our purpose, our place, and our calling to serve as part of His body.

When a person receives Jesus Christ by faith, a profound transformation takes place: the old life passes away, and a new life begins. This is not simply about adding Jesus to an already existing lifestyle, but about surrendering one's entire life to Him. The difference is crucial—rather than fitting Jesus into our plans, we are called to step into His life, allowing Him to shape our goals, desires, and actions. This new life is marked by freedom, joy, and a radically different perspective on what truly matters.The evidence of this transformation is not found in a mere profession of faith or a prayer prayed long ago, but in a changed life. Scripture is clear: those who are in Christ are new creations, and the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—should increasingly characterize our lives. This does not mean perfection, but it does mean progress. If nothing has changed, if the old patterns of sin and self-rule remain unchallenged, then we must ask whether we have truly surrendered to Christ.Living as a Christian is not about following a list of rules, but about cultivating a relationship with God through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit guides, convicts, and empowers us to live in a way that honors God, often leading us beyond what any rulebook could cover. Our aim should be to bring joy to God's heart, not just by avoiding sin, but by actively pursuing what is good, true, and praiseworthy. This means daily surrender, ongoing repentance, and a willingness to let God transform every area of our lives.Following Jesus is more than believing certain truths; it is a call to discipleship, to pick up our cross and follow Him wherever He leads. This journey will require sacrifice, courage, and continual growth, but it is the only path to true life. The challenge is clear: will we merely believe, or will we follow? The invitation is to step fully into Christ, allowing Him to live His life through us, so that the world may see the reality of Jesus in us.

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” -Philippians 1:6

“But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light…”– 1 Peter 2:9

Today is a day to honor fathers, but also to acknowledge the reality that none of us are perfect. Every dad carries regrets, failures, and moments of brokenness, yet God is not limited by our imperfections. In fact, God specializes in using broken people—imperfect fathers, flawed men, and those who feel disqualified by their past. Throughout history, God has fulfilled His purposes through men who made serious mistakes, from Abraham and Moses to Gideon and David. Their stories remind us that God does not require perfection, but rather a willing and humble heart.God knows our weaknesses and remembers that we are but dust. Just as a compassionate father forgives his children, God extends grace and forgiveness to us. Our failures do not disqualify us from being used by God; instead, they become opportunities for His grace to shine through. The key is to stop believing the lie that we must be flawless to be good fathers. Instead, we are called to invite God into our weaknesses, to reflect on the ways He has already worked through us, and to trust that He is not finished with our story.God redeems our failures for His purposes. Even when others intend harm, God can turn it for good, as seen in the life of Joseph. Our past mistakes, when owned with humility and confessed openly, can become testimonies that bring hope and healing to others. Walking in repentance is not a sign of weakness, but of strength and authenticity. When we model repentance and forgiveness in our homes, we teach our children how to fail forward and experience God's grace.God blesses the faithful, not the flawless. Integrity is not about never failing, but about being genuine, confessing our shortcomings, and moving forward in faith. Every father has a calling to lead his family, not by being perfect, but by being real—pointing their children to a perfect God through their own redeemed lives. God delights in using broken vessels, and our brokenness, when surrendered to Him, becomes a channel for His blessing. As long as we are here, God is not done with us. Let us walk in humility, trust in His mercy, and remain faithful, knowing that His blessing rests on us.

The story of Oskar Schindler, a man who risked everything to save Jewish lives during World War II, serves as a powerful illustration of transformation and sacrificial love. Initially motivated by self-interest, Schindler's heart changed as he witnessed the suffering around him, leading him to spend all he had to protect those in danger. This story echoes the greater reality of what Christ has done for us. While Schindler's actions were remarkable, Jesus' sacrifice is even more profound—He gave Himself for us not out of obligation or after a change of heart, but from the very beginning, knowing fully who we are and what we would do.Ephesians reminds us that we were dead in our sins, following the ways of a broken world. The evidence of this brokenness is all around us: division, hatred, and judgment, even within our own communities. Scripture is clear that all have sinned and fall short of God's glory. Yet, God's response is not wrath, but mercy. Because of His great love, He made us alive with Christ, offering us grace as a free gift. This grace is not something we can earn or repay; it is given freely, even though we are undeserving.The temptation is to believe that we must do something to earn God's favor, or that our past disqualifies us from His love. But the truth is that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works. Whether we have a dramatic story of transformation or have known Christ from a young age, the gift is the same. God's love is not measured by our past, but by His purpose and design for us. He calls each of us His masterpiece, created to do good works that He has prepared in advance.The invitation is simple: accept the gift. God is not waiting for us to become perfect or to reach a certain level of brokenness before we come to Him. He has been waiting for us from the very beginning, longing to guide us and fulfill His mission through our lives. The only thing left is to receive what He so freely offers.Key Takeaways- Transformation Begins with Awareness of Brokenness Recognizing our own spiritual deadness and the brokenness of the world is the first step toward transformation. Just as Schindler's eyes were opened to the suffering around him, we must allow God to reveal the reality of our need for mercy and grace. This awareness humbles us and prepares our hearts to receive what only God can give.- God's Mercy Is Greater Than Our Sin No matter how far we have fallen or how undeserving we feel, God's mercy reaches further still. His love is not conditional on our performance or our past; it is rooted in His character. Even while we were still sinners, Christ died for us, demonstrating a love that is both sacrificial and unconditional.- Grace Is a Gift, Not a Transaction In a world where nothing seems free and every favor comes with strings attached, God's grace stands apart. He offers salvation without expectation of repayment, knowing we could never earn or deserve it. This challenges our natural suspicion and invites us to trust in the generosity of God's heart.- Our Testimonies Are Unique, but the Gift Is the Same Whether we come to faith after a dramatic conversion or have known Christ since childhood, the value of God's gift does not change. Each story is precious to Him, and He is not waiting for us to reach a certain level of brokenness before offering His love. Embracing our own journey allows us to celebrate the diversity of God's work in every life.- God's Invitation Is for Now, Not When We're “Ready” God is not waiting for us to clean ourselves up or conquer every struggle before we come to Him. He calls us as we are, inviting us to accept His gift today. The only requirement is a willing heart—He will lead, transform, and fulfill His purpose in us as we trust Him.

“God said to Moses, ‘I AM WHO I AM', and He said, ‘Thus you shall say to the sons of Israel, ‘I AM has sent me to you.'”- Exodus 3:14

“The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work of His hands. Day to day pours forth speech, And night to night reveals knowledge.”- Psalms 19:1-2

"Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: 'Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.'"- Proverbs 31:28-29

“Therefore be patient, brethren until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain.- James 5:7

“Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries that are coming upon you! Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten.”- James 5: 1-2

Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. - Romans 6:4

Good Friday

“And there is salvation in no one else; for there is no other name under heaven that has been given among men by which we must be saved.”- Acts 4:12

Baptism Candidates: 1. Banman, Benny 2. Banman, Nathan 3. Bergen, Emily 4. Boschman, David 5. Dyck, Cloe 6. Fehr, Bennie 7. Fehr, Matthew 8. Fehr, Michael 9. Friesen, Lacee 10. Friesen, Ruthie 11. Froese, Michelle 12. Giesbrecht, Glenda 13. Hamm, Kathryn 14. Hamm, Michael 15. Harms, Alyssa 16. Klassen, Angie17. Klassen, Christopher 18. Koethler, Martha 19. Krahn, Joey 20. Letkeman, Cloe 21. Neufeld, Kristina 22. Sawatzky, Ramon 23. Thiessen, Aganetha 24. Thiessen, Daniel 25. Thiessen, Henry 26. Wall, Dave 27. Wiebe, Alondra 28. Wiebe, Katy 29. Wiens, Maryann 30. Wiens, Zahna 31. Woelke, David 32. Woelke, Peter

“Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it to him it is sin.” - James 4:17

“And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.”- John 14:13

“But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God...”- James 3:8-9 (NIV)

“But someone may well say, “You have faith, and I have works; show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”- James 2:18

“If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself' you do well.”- James 2:8

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”- James 1:2-4

“Shepherd the flock of God that is among you, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you.”- 1 Peter 5:2a

“And the Lord God said, ‘It is not good that man should be alone; I will make him a helper comparable to him.'”- Genesis 2:18

“In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”- John 1:4-5

“And He answered them and said, ‘Have you not read that He who created them from the beginning made them Male and Female, and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh?'”- Matthew 19:4-5:

“But I say to the unmarried and to widows that it is good for them if they remain even as I. But if they do not have self- control, let them marry; for it is better to marry than to burn with passion.”- 1 Corinthians 7:8-9

“By the same word the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.”– 2 Peter 3:7

“But Ruth said: ‘Entreat me not to leave you, or to turn back from following after you; For wherever you go, I will go; And wherever you lodge, I will lodge; Your people shall be my people, and your God my God.'”- Ruth 1:16

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”- Matthew 28:19-20

Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, - Matthew 28:19

"But when the set time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, that we might receive adoption as suns."

“He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David.”- Luke 1:32

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men!”- Luke 2:13-14 (NKJV)

“So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or out of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”- 2 Corinthians 9:7

“Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child.”- Luke 2:4-5

“But this is the covenant which I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” declares the Lord, “I will put My law within them and on their heart I will write it; and I will be their God, and they shall be My people.- Jeremiah 31:33

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."– John 3:16

“Now these are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the remainder of the elders who were carried away captive-to the priests, the prophets, and all the people whom Nebuchadnezzar had carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon.”– Jeremiah 29:1

“'Am I a God near at hand,' says the LORD, ‘and not a God afar off? Can anyone hide himself in secret places, So I shall not see him?' says the LORD; ‘Do I not fill heaven and earth?' says the LORD.”– Jeremiah 23:23-24.

“This is what the Lord of Heaven's Armies, the God of Israel, says: ‘I will bring disaster upon this city and its surrounding towns as I promised, because you have stubbornly refused to listen to me.'”- Jeremiah 19:15

“But this is what I commanded them, saying, ‘Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people. And walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well with you.'” - Jeremiah 7:23

“If you, Israel, will return, then return to me,” declares the Lord. “If you put your detestable idols out of my sight and no longer go astray, and if in a truthful, just and righteous way you swear, ‘As surely as the Lord lives,' then the nations will invoke blessings by him and in him they will boast.” This is what the Lord says to the people of Judah and to Jerusalem: “Break up your unplowed ground and do not sow among thorns. Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, circumcise your hearts, you people of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, or my wrath will flare up and burn like fire because of the evil you have done— burn with no one to quench it. Disaster From the North “Announce in Judah and proclaim in Jerusalem and say: ‘Sound the trumpet throughout the land!' Cry aloud and say: ‘Gather together! Let us flee to the fortified cities!' Raise the signal to go to Zion! Flee for safety without delay! For I am bringing disaster from the north, even terrible destruction.”- Jeremiah 4:1-6

“For My people have committed two evils: They have forsaken Me, the fountain of living waters, And hewn themselves cisterns – broken cisterns that can hold no water.”- Jeremiah 2:13