Making Decisions for the Glory of God

Last Sunday I spoke about making decisions for God's glory. Why? We must make decisions daily about the food we eat, the drinks we consume, the films we watch, the events we attend, the hobbies we pursue, the jobs we work, and the friends we have. 1 Corinthians 10 leads us to some helpful missional questions to inform our decision-making so that God is glorified, we are joyful, and non-Christians meet Jesus.

You can watch the sermon here:
You can download the notes here:
You can read a position on alcohol here:

Enjoy and God bless,
Ben

What if this Christmas was different?

The story of Christ's birth is a story of promise, hope, and a revolutionary love.

So, what happened? What was once a time to celebrate the birth of a savior has somehow turned into a season of stress, traffic jams, and shopping lists.

And when it's all over, many of us are left with presents to return, looming debt that will take months to pay off, and this empty feeling of missed purpose. Is this what we really want out of Christmas?

What if Christmas became a world-changing event again?

Welcome to The Bridge Community Church's Advent Conspiracy.

This Christmas we are seeking to worship CHRIST fully, spend less, give more, and love all!

How?

Worship CHRIST fully -

Begin your Christmas season by visiting the tiny village of Bethlehem. Explore the busy marketplace in Bethlehem where you might create something, join in an activity, or taste an authentic Holy Land treat! Visit the stable and talk to Mary & Joseph…and don’t forget to visit the camels, donkeys and sheep!

Start off this Christmas season with A Night in Bethlehem on December 5th, from 4 - 8pm!

Then, join in our celebrations for a new sermon series entitled, A Global Christmas!

Dec. 5th – One life with a global gospel
Dec. 12th – A mission only the church could stop
Dec. 19th – What if this Christmas was different? (Christmas Sunday)

Next, sing loud at our "A Night of Worship" Christmas Celebration Concert on Dec. 12th @ 6:00 PM.

Finally, join us for a Christmas Eve Candlelight service Dec. 24th at 11:00 PM. We will sing, pray, take communion and learn from God’s word together. We’ll see you there.

Spend Less

America spends an average of $450 billion a year every Christmas. How often have you spent money on Christmas presents for no other reason than obligation? How many times have you received a gift out of that same obligation? Thanks, but no thanks, right? We’re asking people to consider buying ONE LESS GIFT this Christmas. Just one. Sounds insignificant, yet many who have taken this small sacrifice have experienced something nothing less than a miracle: They have been more available to celebrate Christ during the advent season.

Give More

Give the gift of time.
God’s gift to us was a relationship built on love. So it’s no wonder why we’re drawn to the idea that Christmas should be a time to love our friends and family in the most memorable ways possible. This year we are choosing to give time to our friends and family. Time to make a gift that turns into the next family heirloom. Time to write mom a letter. Time to take the kids sledding. Time to bake really good cookies and sing really bad Christmas carols. Time to make love visible through relational giving.

Give gifts that have eternal impact.
Most gifts that you normally give at Christmas time have a lifespan of a few months or maybe a year. The video games get old, the clothes go out of style or no longer fit, and the seasons change. Why not give a gift with rewards that will last into eternity?

This year we are partnering with Growing Hope For Haiti for our Advent Conspiracy offering. With the money that we save by spending less and giving gifts of relationship, this year we will use our savings to build permanent housing in Leogane, Haiti and to pay teacher's salaries at a Christian orphanage!

Advent Conspiracy Offering
For Growing Hope for Haiti
December 19th
9:00 AM & 10:45 AM

Looking to change lives around the globe by your Christmas purchasing?

Check out the Samaritan's Purse Gift Catalog!
Or take a peak at Trade as One!

Looking for ways to give gifts that don't cost a lot of money this year? Visit Re-Thinking-Christmas!

Do you drink a lot of coffee? What if you could transform a village with your morning cup? How about plant churches? Check out Land of a Thousand Hills to help those in Rwanda, or 29 Coffee that helps plant churches!

Love All

What does it really look like for us to follow Christ's commands this year? How can we slow down and focus in on loving God more passionately. What would it look like for us to love our neighbors as ourselves? How can our love grow for our brothers and sisters in Christ?

This year let's love all. Let us love God more fully [gospel]. Let us love our neighbors, even our enemies [culture]. And let us show radical love for our brothers and sisters in Christ [church].

Will you join us this Christmas as we seek to worship CHRIST fully, spend less, give more, and love all! Welcome to The Bridge Community Church's Advent Conspiracy!

The Bridge Community Church
301 Lore
Leadington, MO 63601

Check out http://www.aglobalchristmas.com

Current Reading List

It has been a while since I updated my reading list. Here is what is on the shelf these days.

1. The Radical Reformission by Driscoll
   
2. Leaders that Last by Dave Kraft
3. Vintage Church by Driscoll and Breshears
4. ESV Study Bible and notes. I picked up a new study bible.

Becky and I are continuing to read "What did you expect?" by Paul Tripp and the Love Dare Devotional Guide for couples for a structured devotional time. Our children have completed The Jesus Story book Bible and are now reading from another children's bible. We are also considering taking the oldest through the "The Story of God" for kids. Becky is currently reading a Beth Moore devotional as well as "Death by Love."